Guyana Times, Wednesday 06, November,2019.

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

FITUG slams decision to exclude persons from voters' list …says pronouncement is not healthy for democracy guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4099

wednesday, november 6, 2019

See story on page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Convicted rapist at Mazaruni Prison dies P2

P11 Top Cop promises probe into missing forestry worker

…as GECOM presses ahead to disenfranchise voters

Pedal cyclist killed in Essequibo Coast accident Page 2

Businesses in

oil & gas supply chain urged not to overlook insurance Road safety advocates See story on page 7

call for point

Commuters were stranded for hours on Tuesday after lamp poles being transported by a truck fell from the trailer as the vehicle was crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The incident led to major traffic congestion on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge

system in Guyana

Page 11

Teen’s body P10 fished out of Atlantic Ocean …left home to work on boat

'Tantalising' among friends P9 ends in chopping … Corentyne man’s hands almost severed

Sign language for community initiative launched P12 Guyanese P10 busted with 2lbs cocaine at JFK

2 NEWS

wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pedal cyclist killed in Convicted rapist at Mazaruni Prison dies Essequibo Coast accident

The burnt-out car

M

Dead: Vidur Anauge

onths after losing his eldest son in a similar manner, 43-year-old Vidur Anauge lost his life after being

struck down by a speeding car on Monday night.

According to information received, the accident occurred at about 20:30h on the Onderneeming Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). It was reported that the now dead man was returning home from a relative’s wedding in Adventure Sands when he was struck by motorcar PXX 7706. This newspaper was told that he appeared to have been struck from

behind. The driver of the car, after realising that he struck Anauge, escaped from the scene without rendering any assistance.

This newspaper was told that the car burst into flames and was totally destroyed. The driver is yet to be apprehended. Police investigations are still ongoing.

Anauge lost his eldest son, Rajendra, to a similar accident on January 18, 2019.

The Mazaruni Prison where the convicted rapist had been serving time behind bars

A

convicted rapist, who was serving a 15year sentence at the Mazaruni Prison is now dead after complaining about chest and abdominal pains while executing duties at the prison on Tuesday.

Reports are that 40-yearold Stanford Dick, who hailed from Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), had been behind bars since 2011

for rape and would usually perform garden duties at the Mazaruni Prison.

This newspaper was told that at about 04:05h on Tuesday, while attending to the grass and shrubs in the area, the man complained to prison officers that he was unwell and suffering from pains about his stomach and chest.

He was subsequently taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was admitted and later died.

According to the police, there were no visible marks of violence on the man’s body when they escorted him to obtain medical attention.

However, it is unclear as to how the man met his demise.

The body is presently at that hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME).

Investigations into the prisoner’s death continue.

In August 2011, Dick was

sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for rape committed on a 53-year-old woman.

Dick had appeared at the criminal assizes and pleaded guilty to the two criminal charges.

The offences were said to have been committed on October 28, 2008.

During the court proceedings, the court heard that the man had first planned to rape the woman’s 14-year-old daughter, but after the mother pleaded with the accused not to subject her daughter to such an act, he decided to commit the offence on her instead.

The same night, the woman and her daughter reported the matter to the police and Dick was arrested and charged.

The Judge had requested a probation report, but that report was unfavourable to the accused.

Taxi driver to face Judge, jury over attempted murder M orris Carter of D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, was on Tuesday committed to stand trial at the Demerara High Court for attempting to kill a man during a row over $2000.

Carter, a taxi driver, was on trial before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

When the matter was called, the Magistrate ruled that sufficient evidence has been presented before the court to establish a prima facie case against the 33-yearold man.

The prosecution’s case contended that on August 27, 2019, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, with the intent to commit murder, he wounded Matthew Gilbert.

Reports are Gilbert was at a wash bay when he was approached by the taxi driver, who demanded $2000 owed to him for a ring, which had initially cost $7000.

Gilbert claimed he did

Morris Carter

not have any money, but asked for more time to pay the debt. According to the prosecution, this angered Gilbert, who in response pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed the Virtual Complainant several times about his body.

The injured man was rushed to the Kitty Health Centre, but later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Cater’s bail stands until the conclusion of the case in the High Court.

news

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, November 6 – 11:30h – 13:00h and Thursday, November 7 – 13:00h – 14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, November 6 – 12:45h – 14:15h and Thursday, November 7 – 13:25h – 14:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Cloudy conditions with intervals of thundery showers will occur during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:19h reaching a maximum height of 2.09 metres.

Low Tide: 05:38h and 18:15h reaching minimum heights of 1.09 metres and 1.15 metres.

saturday, november 2, 2019

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FITUG slams decision to exclude persons from voters’ list …says pronouncement is not healthy for democracy …as GECOM presses ahead to disenfranchise voters

D

espite unequivocal objections from the Opposition, business community and civil society, the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) will press ahead with its new policy of giving persons 21 days to pick up their national identification (ID) cards or be expelled from the voters’ list – in fact, their names will be published from this weekend.

This was explained by both Opposition and Government Commissioners at the conclusion of this week's statutory meeting. Speaking with Guyana Times after Tuesday’s meeting, Opposition-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj mentioned that they are exploring a number of options should GECOM go ahead with it.

"Much to the disagreement of myself and colleagues, the Chairman is insisting on publishing the names of those who have not collected their ID cards and what is now made very clear, is that persons who may have registered as late as last year or during the previous Claims and Objections period and did not collect their ID cards, also stand at risk of being removed from the list,” Gunraj said following the meeting.

He added that the situation is “very disconcerting because persons will be disenfranchised by this move… apparently, it is slated for this weekend. As we speak, I am determining what routes can be taken. And there are several options available to us”.

Gunraj and Governmentnominated Vincent Alexander related that the Commission met with newly-formed political party A New and United Guyana (ANUG). It was explained that at that meeting, ANUG also expressed reservations about GECOM's plan.

According to Alexander, however, GECOM will be writing to over 20,000 persons to collect their ID cards.

Not healthy for democracy

Meanwhile, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions in Guyana (FITUG) on Tuesday said that the decision has very serious implications for Guyana’s democracy.

“While the Chairperson has committed to ensuring that those in question will be contacted through several means, there is really no guarantee that the information will reach them in time or even reach them at all”.

The decision to strike out these eligible, regis-

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

tered, voters, thus, denying them the opportunity to cast their vote in the upcoming elections, the Trade Union added, appears, is contrary to the legislation covering the conduct of elections and registration of voters.

The Union referenced the decision of acting Chief Justice Roxane George, who only recently ruled that persons could not be barred from voting unless they failed to meet specific criteria. No mention was made of voters without ID cards being unable to vote.

“In recent days, the comments of former GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally surfaced.

In that article, which goes back to 2011, Dr Surujbally lamented that many persons did not uplift their ID cards but he pointed out that this did not prevent them from casting their votes if they

so wished”.

According to the Union, this latest manoeuvre of sorts comes just as the electoral body recently disclosed that the ongoing Claims and Objections exercise has seen a handful of objections being lodged.

This reality, we should not forget, followed boisterous claims that the voters’ list had some 200,000 ineligi-

ble voters.

FITUG further noted that there are claims that the decision could be the gateway to launch another court case. FITUG observed that this could end up affecting the already-delayed electoral timeline and expressed hope that this would not be the case. turn to page 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 6, 2019

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Cause for worry

T

o say there are reasons to be concerned about here in Guyana would be a gross understatement. Topping the list are the crime rate and the uncertain political situation that prevails. With respect to the former, the media, on a daily basis, is inundated with horrific stories of people being brutally beaten and robbed, with some raped or even killed in the process.

From people walking in the streets to homes and businesses being invaded, crime continues unabated. The fear, which has been instilled into Guyanese, and even visitors, can be traumatising. It is not only debilitating to mindsets but hinders investments and commerce, which negatively impacts an already sluggish economy.

As it is, no one seems to be safe from armed criminals. Even some members of the security forces have been robbed and there seems to be an inconsistent approach by the Police. One may question, or even allege, if this may have found its way into the policy framework.

What is very worrisome is the Head of State saying in a recent interview that the crime situation is not worrying. His position is similar to that of the Commissioner of Police, who is reported as not being bothered, despite accepting there has been a spike in crime.

Those two positions totally conflict with that of Guyanese, especially the victims. It is common knowledge that innocent people are robbed every day and many of those incidents go unreported. It should be noted that shame very often prevents reports of sexual assaults. It is also common knowledge that there have been many incidents of the Police not responding in a timely manner or at all.

Just two days ago, bandits invaded the home of a Number 69 Village businessman. He claims calls to the Springlands Police Station were answered. Station phones going unanswered is nothing new and it remains a serious cause for concern. It begs the question: how can victims get help? With confidence in the Police low, residents are therefore left to the mercy, or lack thereof, of the bandits.

It appears that the Minister of Public Security is incapable of handling his portfolio. Many have ridiculed his performance and alleged absence of commitment on his part. Over time, he seems completely occupied in trying to secure his nomination as the Prime Ministerial candidate for APNU/AFC coalition.

While there is nothing wrong with being ambitious, even overly, pundits have stated that had he dedicated his energy to effectively manage public security in the same manner as he’s trying to become the Prime Ministerial candidate, the results might have been different. The difference seems to be in his apparent obsession with the latter and an alleged disinterest in the former.

Common sense would dictate genuine dedication to the primary function in an effort to try and dispel accusations of disinterest to boost chances of elevation. Despite his capacity to deliver his portfolio being questioned, he seems unbothered in his quest for the number two slot.

That sense of not being bothered by crime at such high levels will further drive fear into the hearts of the citizenry. It stands to suggest that the confidence lost in the Police will not be found in the Government or the Head of State. That’s a grave concern, for there is a natural expectation for the Government of the day to do its best in sustaining efforts to combat crime; not for it to be denied.

Any effort to skew the reality of crime will only embolden the criminals. That brings into context a comment the President reportedly made some time ago urging the Police not to shoot, but capture the bandits.

While there may be some merits in that thinking, crime continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Guyanese. They would expect appropriate action from the Police. Such utterances could also impact Police actions when confronting armed bandits. In the end, innocent people pay the price for the Government’s inadequate action.

That’s a major cause for worry as there appear to be attempts to misrepresent the crime situation for political purposes at the expense of the citizens.

Equally worrying is the APNU/AFC Government’s refusal to respect the Constitution in the wake of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM). From the way the Government operates at present, it seems that the NCM never happened. Despite an election date being announced, many Guyanese remain appalled that the Constitution could have been so glaringly disrespected.

Also cause for concern is the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) signalling its intention to remove some 25,000 names from the voters’ list, despite the possession of an ID card not being a prerequisite to vote.

What then, could be the real reason to remove the names?

Maybe in the context noted, the welfare of Guyanese, with regard to ongoing crime, eroding democracy and lack of adherence to the rule of law, seems to be nothing for the Government and its subordinates to be worried about. That makes for more reasons for all to be scared.

The first lion to emerge from the tall grass as we idled was the one to climb the tree, with the other two males hoping to piggy back on his creativity. Tree-climbing is a rarity in males, a fact attested to by residents of the Rift Valley in Kenya (Photograph by Jay Rush, National Geographic)

Multipronged approach needed to combat crime Dear Editor, Crime and the police have come into vogue. Recently, I perused several editorials, letters to the editors and listened to numerous confabulations in the electronic media and elsewhere about crime in Guyana. Many apposite views have been posited as to how to reduce crime and the fear of crime. This has titillated me to again put my fingers on the keyboard and join in the conversation after a self-imposed absence from writing letters on security nature to the editor. In doing so, I will repeat a few views I had previously shared and introduce some new concepts.

There is something called The Fire Triangle - without sufficient heat, a fire cannot continue; without fuel, a fire will stop; without sufficient oxygen, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue. Correspondingly, there is The Crime Triangle - the location, the victim and the suspect. Ralph B Taylor theorised that all three elements - motivated suspect, suitable victim and adequate location - are required for a crime to occur. Crime is presumed amenable to suppression if any of the three legs is removed or neutralised.

Generally, the crime-fighting tactics are focused on the victims and suspects, while very little is done at the locations where the crimes occur. It is the tendency of the police to use crime rates, the number of arrest and case clearance rates over a period of time to measure how well the law enforcement agency is doing. President David Granger in his maiden address to the Police Officers’ Annual Conference urged, “But we must go beyond and find causes of crime. Why is

there piracy, why is there suicide, why is there murder, why is there trafficking in my division, what are the causes, so stop boasting about how many cases you made, find out how many causes you are able to discover, and let us stomp out the causes, you stomp out the cause, then you stomp out the crime. If you don’t know the cause then the crimes will continue to be repeated over and over again.” This method of evaluation used by the police is just a tabulation of events with no analytical input. Such measures have several problems. In a subsequent letter I will elaborate. What must be done is that the police should analyse the figures and ask these and other questions; Is it a trend? Is it a pattern? Is it a spree? Is it a series? Is it a hot spot? The data obtained can be very instructive to design, develop and implement some amount of intelligence-led policing at the various locations, particularly hot spots.

Hot spots are specific locations with high crime rates. A hot spot can be a single address, a cluster of addresses, part of a block, an entire block or two or an entire intersection.

Braiden (1998) suggests another way to view the significance of location – “the hunt and the habitat – I can’t think of two special interest groups more philosophically opposed to each other than hunters and animal rights activists, yet there are two things they totally agree upon. The species will survive the hunt; it will not survive the loss of its habitat.

What can police learn from this basic principle of nature? Well if the ultimate goal is to eliminate the crim-

inal species, well the best way to do that is to eliminate the habitat that spawns and sustains that species.

Structured as it is, the criminal justice system puts 95 per cent of its resources into this hunt while the habitat is left almost untouched.

We can never win working this way because the habitat never stops supplying new customers for the hunt.”

Braiden was writing for the American public. This could be applicable to Guyana.

On the other hand, at the various communities several issues may be operating simultaneously which may impinge on the police’s ability to fight crime. These may be political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental – (PESTLE).

Unless the PESTLE is adequately addressed, crime will flourish. Over the years there has been numerous strategies and tactics used by the Government (past and present), the police and members of the various communities (another triangle the Government, the police and members of the community), working together in an effort to reduce crime and to make the communities safer places to live.

These include but are not limited to: community policing; police in active association with the community; impact; station management committee, community-oriented policing and problem solving; interactions with numerous overseas law enforcement agencies; youth groups; scouts; traffic advisory, training board; divisional advisories; neighbourhood police; citizen security programme; citizen security strengthening programme; establishment of the Ministries of Communities, citizenship, social cohesion

and social protection; security sector reform; cops and faith; integrated crime information system; one-year comprehensive training programme; commission of inquiry; hinterland intelligence committee; strategic management unit; executive leadership team and recently making the police boundaries coterminous with that of the regions.

All of these programmes had/have well-intended objectives but they have not yet delivered the optimum desired results. Many milestones were missed. These strategies and tactics have worked in a limited way, delivering excellent results to the police but in patches.

However, in many instances they lacked effective coordination, cooperation, consistency and the implementation of key recommendations and policies. Therefore, the watchword must be sustainability.

The interventions have not fired constantly on all cylinders, unlike some criminal elements who are firing regularly and hitting the targets with deadly consequences. All is not lost. It is pellucid that there is no one-shot solution to reduce crime and the fear of crime. Behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining.

The clouds will soon roll by.

Arising from the police efforts, green shoots have been recently emerging. They will be fruitful. The paradigm will be shifted in favour of the police.

As a former senior member of the police force, I am confident that I am not hoping against hope.

Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 6, 2019

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

We will not cower in the face of intimidation and threats Dear Editor, Mr Earl Hamilton has once again decided to set his sights on GAWU and on this occasion the NAACIE as well, as he seeks to criticise the sugar unions for their principled expressions during a recent meeting with the GuySuCo. Mr Hamilton’s views, we saw, were expressed in a facsimile letter appearing in the November 3 and 4 editions of the Guyana Chronicle.

The publication of the same letter twice befuddles us.

The letter writer begins his missive charging that the GAWU and the NAACIE are not unaware of what he deems the “…proper protocols that guide engagements…” between the Unions and the GuySuCo. It was with that knowledge in mind and at heart, that both Unions jointly considered

their actions and recognised that their actions were just and fair. The GAWU and NAACIE were not disrespectful, boisterous or disruptive. At no time did the Unions lend to a situation that saw the heightening of tensions, though same cannot be said for the behaviour of GuySuCo. Both the GAWU and the NAACIE’s long association with the industry have seen over the years the establishment and the evolution of principles, practices and norms that would guide a respectful working relationship. Those facets, we have recognised, have, over the last few days, been pushed aside and an attitude of ‘might is right’ has taken over the GuySuCo. Certainly, while Mr Hamilton seeks to be critical of the Unions’ actions, he

has not uttered even a word regarding the treatment of the workers and their organisations. Given his concern on this occasion, we expect, naturally, to see him speaking up when injustice is meted out to workers and their organisations.

Mr Hamilton contends that the expressions of our Unions would apparently undermine the “…understanding of goodwill and mutual respect…” between the parties. We are waiting to see how this is the case. Certainly, there hardly hasn’t been any goodwill towards the nation’s sugar workers who, we must remind again, have been without any rise in pay since the APNU/AFC took office, or have had other long-standing conditions of work ignored, or have been treated in the worse of ways in

the now 43 years of Stateownership of the industry. Even former President Forbes Burnham had never treated the sugar workers in the manner his heirs are treating them now.

The letter writer, asininely said, our Union behaves as “…spoilt brat…”. Is the juvenile label applied because we have continued to vocally and loudly champion the calls, cries and plight of the sugar workers? Is it because we have not failed to turn over every stone as we stand on the side of workers who have and are being treated most discriminatorily by the current powers that be? Or, is it because we have gotten under some persons’ thin skin? Whatever the case, infantile remarks and monikers will not daunt or dissuade us.

We are told that

Data gathered during truncated H2H exercise is poisonous Dear Editor, Data gathered during the truncated House-toHouse exercise is poisonous. It is derived from a sequence of poisoned events beginning with the illegal unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson (Retired) by President David Granger; then Patterson authorised the H2H exercise with the full understanding that a constitutionally mandated election was overdue by 82 days when he reputedly signed the order on June 11, 2019, and that he (Patterson) was facing a decision on the legality of his appointment on June 18, 2019. The H2H data is itself improperly gathered, done without the requisite party scrutineer component; by poorly trained enumera-

tors; and on a non-statutory form. An examination of the H2H data reveals poor spelling, handwriting and comprehension skills, much of it is illegible; names and addresses jumbled beyond salvage. Any Information Technology person can tell you that ‘garbage in’ always equals ‘garbage out’, which in computing other data fields, means incorrect or poor-quality input will produce faulty output.

In legal arguments about the doctrine of ‘the fruit of the poisoned tree’, evidence is deemed useable or valid if, despite the tainted source, the evidence would inevitably have been discovered anyway. The ‘evidence’ in this case would be the data of first-time registrants, and indeed, that ‘evidence’ would have been

discovered during a period of Continuous Registration or Claims and Objections.

However, the H2H data was so poorly collected and without the requisite safeguards of multiple party scrutineers; it could stand on its own as a poisonous fruit, the H2H data is toxic waste.

Once the period for Claims and Objections to the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) is concluded, it becomes the Revised Voters’ List (RVL) and then the Official List of Electors (OLE) and there is no known legal or statutory process to add names to the OLE save and except a Claims and Objections exercise. The Claims period is now over and there can be no legal merger of this toxic H2H data with the Preliminary

List of Electors (PLE). Any action that allows a merger would result in taint and bloat of the PLE with unverified data; untested by a Claims and Objections exercise; which (unverified and untested data) would afflict the Revised Voters’ List and spread the malaise to the OLE. Editor, the entire imbroglio that began with the illegal unilateral appointment of James Patterson is the poisonous seed from whence comes the tree, on which the H2H fruit hangs.

It is our fervent civic duty to take an axe to its roots before the children eat the poisoned fruit and also to stop the serpent who would entreat us to ‘take a bite’.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Another large-scale transfer of State assets to persons with APNU/AFC connections Dear Editor, Issuance of leases or sales of large tracts of land attracts plenty of attention in Guyana. Government is in “caretaker’ status and is extremely limited in legal function, which has been further exacerbated since September 19. To read that a lease of 700 acres of land located at Wales has been granted for a coconut plantation caused pause. To learn that the company was only registered six weeks ago raised eyebrows and a host of questions.

Firstly, was there a feasibility study done for future usage of the Wales Estate?

If this was done, were former GuySuCo estate workers or their union representatives made aware of the

opportunities deemed viable? Coconut estates are not labour-intensive, and it would be interesting to see if the study shows this to be the best use of the former sugar lands. If, however, there was no study, how could a project move from application to grant of lease in such a short time? This would be highly abnormal, especially given the “caretaker” status of the Granger Administration.

Editor, I do not believe this or any other major land transaction will be able to withstand scrutiny in the very near future.

Investors must do due diligence before making commitments, a simple Google search would show that the Granger Administration

was deemed a caretaker for the affairs of the country and that in light of its caretaker role, it should be restrained in the use of its legal authority. To add to this, any Government is restricted during an election period in matters of policy, expenditure and appointments to activity that is: A) Routine B) Non-controversial C) Urgent and in the public interest D) Reversible by a new Government without undue cost ordisruption or, E) Agreed to by Opposition parties (in those cases where consultation is appropriate).

The rushed approval of a lease to a six-weekold company is in clear vi-

olation of all of the above, A to E inclusive. The lease cannot stand. I look forward to the publication of any feasibility study done for the Wales (or any other) Estate and the extension of ‘first refusal’ rights to former GuySuCo employees and residents of the area.

In the absence of a feasibility study, and give the indecent haste with which it was conducted, this would appear to be another largescale transfer of State assets to persons with APNU/ AFC connections.

Yours truly, Vickram Bharrat Member of Parliament People’s Progressive Party

our Union, during the Administrations of the PPP/C, made “…unreasonable demands… even when unjustified”. This is surprising when coming from someone who appears to be a close embracer of the APNU/AFC. It seems he has forgotten, conveniently or not, that this incumbent Administration, when in Opposition, told sugar workers that they were underpaid and they deserved better. Some personalities now in Government told sugar workers, prior to being ensconced in office, that they would give them a 20 per cent increase in pay.

So how is it that the Union’s demands then were as Mr Hamilton puts it ‘unjustified’ but, at the same time, workers, at the very same time, were being underpaid.

It’s sad for us to recognise that the letter writer has become trapped in his deceptive web.

Mr Hamilton also blames the Unions as partially responsible for the industry’s current state of affairs. Of course, as we have pointed out on several occasions, the state of the industry was not unknown to the nation. Parliamentary records would very much attest to this contention. But, the letter writer should not try to throw his hogwash on us.

The current situation in the industry cannot be divorced in any way from the actions and/or inaction of the coalition regime. It is the coalition, which ignored its own CoI report and recommendations. It is the coalition, which approved the borrowing of $30 billion without any plan. And, it is the coalition which stood idly by and allowed infighting between NICIL and GuySuCo. So, to now come and try to pass off

a despicable and ignominious record on our Union, is just a pointless effort to distort the reality and the truth.

We are also told that the actions of the sugar unions are intent at driving a wedge between the workers, on one hand, and the Government and GuySuCo, on the other hand. Poor, poor Mr Hamilton is obviously misguided and completely out of place. The Government, by its very actions, has served to drive a wedge, if not create a valley, between itself and the sugar workers.

Just bear in mind, that a petition supported by thousands of sugar workers to the President was snubbed by the Granger regime. Or just consider that to date, the President has not even once stepped foot in the villages of the closed estates to see how those Guyanese are making out. Certainly, the list in this direction is very lengthy and can take up several pages.

We also want to assure Mr Hamilton and those of his ilk that we will continue to act responsibly and sensibly. We will not cower in the face of intimidation and threats. Our Union has a proud history of struggle and the sugar workers are known for the courage in standing up to bullies and those who seek to intimidate them. History is replete of examples of people’s united struggles winning over Goliaths. History is said to often repeat itself, and we have, no doubt, it will do so again in this case.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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wednesday, november 6, 2019

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P

laying sports is a lot of fun. Getting hurt is not. Take these five steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game: Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, and other gear.

Warm up and cool down.

Know the rules of the game.

Watch out for others.

Don’t play when you’re injured.

Let’s find out more about each of these.

Wear protective gear

Protective gear is anything you wear that helps keep you from getting hurt.

The gear you wear depends on the sport you play.

Helmets are the most common protective gear.

They protect your all-important head while you’re playing football, hockey, baseball, softball, biking, skateboarding, and inline skating, just to name a few!

Make sure you’re wearing the right helmet for your sport. For instance, don’t w e a r

your baseb a l l b a t ting helmet when you’re playing football! Your helmet should fit snugly but comfort-

Foundation

ably, and if it has a strap — like a bike helmet does – you need to fasten it. Otherwise, it will fall off when you need it most.

Other sports require eye protection, mouthguards, pads, wrist, elbow, and knee guards, and a protective cup (for boys only). And don’t forget your feet. Cleats are worn in football, baseball, softball, and soccer. These shoes have special rubber or plastic points on the soles to help your feet grip the ground when you run around.

Talk with your parents or your coach to know what gear you need. Then wear that gear whenever you’re practicing or playing.

Warm up

It’s not a good idea to just bolt on to the field and start playing. You shouldn’t even start stretching until you’re a little warmed up. So take a light jog to get loosened up and ready to play.

Know the rules of the game

back in the game, even after an injury. But playing when you’re hurt – or before an injury has had a chance to fully heal – is a bad idea. It can lead to an even worse injury, one that might sideline you for a long time.

Be honest with parents and coaches if you’ve been hurt. See a doctor for your

Traffic lights at intersections help prevent crashes between the many cars and trucks that drive on the roads together. This works because drivers know the rules and follow them –at least most of the time. It’s the same way with sports.

When players know the rules of the game – what’s legal and what’s not – fewer injuries happen. You and the other players know what to expect from each other.

For instance, you know that in soccer you can’t come from behind, crash into a player’s legs, and steal the ball. It’s legal — and safer — to go after the ball rather than the player.

W i t h s p o r t s that use plays, it helps to understand t h e plays a n d w h a t your role is in each one.

Being where you’re supposed to be can help

injuries, when necessary, and follow his or her advice about how and when to return to practice and play.

Now you know what kids need to know about staying safe. Hopefully, if you follow rules 1, 2, 3, and 4, you won’t need number 5. Or at least not quite as often! (kidshealth.org)

you stay out of harm’s way, too.

Watch out for others

Some rules don’t have anything to do with scoring points or penalties. Some rules are just about protecting other people and being courteous. For instance, in baseball or softball, the batter can’t fling the bat after hitting the ball and heading for first base. He or she must drop it so that it doesn’t hit anyone. Likewise, a diver would make sure that the pool was clear before diving in. Otherwise, he or she might land on someone else.

One way you can watch out for others is to communicate on the field. For instance, a baseball player in the outfield might yell “I got it” to avoid a collision with another outfielder.

Listening to your coach during a game also can help keep you safe. It’s also good to just be courteous, like telling someone his or her shoe is untied. Check your shoes, too!

Don’t play when you’re injured

This is a really important one. If you love sports, it’s tempting to get right

Y

ou’re biking up a hill, pedalling as hard as you can.

You’re almost there and — what’s this? Your back is all wet and so is your face. Don’t sweat it — it’s only

sweat!

Your body works best when its temperature is about 98.6ºF (37ºC). When your body gets hotter than that, your brain doesn’t like it – it wants your body to stay cool and comfortable. So the part of your brain that controls temperature, called the hypothalamus (say: hi-po-THAL-uh-mus), sends a message to your body, telling it to sweat.

Then special glands in your skin called – what else? --\\ eat glands start making sweat. Sweat is also known as perspiration (say: pur-spuh-RAY-shun), and it is made almost completely of water, with tiny amounts of other chemicals like ammonia (say: uh-MOWN-yuh), urea (say: yoo-REEuh), salts, and sugar. (Ammonia and urea are left over when your body breaks down protein.)

The sweat leaves your skin through tiny holes called pores. When the sweat hits the air, the air makes it evaporate (this means it turns from a liquid to a vapor). As the sweat evaporates off your skin, you cool down.

Sweat is a great cooling system, but if you’re sweating a lot on a hot day or after playing hard you could be losing too much water through your skin. Then you need to put liquid back in your body by drinking plenty of water so you won’t get dehydrated (say: dee-HI-drayt-ed).

Why does sweat smell?

Sweat isn’t just wet – it can be kind of stinky, too. But the next time you get a whiff of yourself after running around outside and want to blame your sweat glands, hold on!

Sweat by itself doesn’t smell at all. It’s the bacteria that live on your skin that mix with the sweat and give it a stinky smell. And when you reach puberty, special hormones affect the glands in your armpits — these glands make sweat that can really smell.

Luckily, regular washing with soap and water can usually keep stinky sweat under control. Many teens and adults also find that wearing deodorant (say: dee-OH-der-ent) or antiperspirant (say: an-tee-PUR-sper-ent) helps.

So don’t worry about a little sweat – it’s totally normal and everybody sweats. Sometimes too much sweating can be a sign that there is something wrong in the body, but this is rare in kids. If you notice more sweat, it’s usually just a sign that it’s time to start using a deodorant or antiperspirant.

But if you think you have a sweat problem, talk to your parent or your doctor about it. (kidshealth.org)

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Businesses in oil & gas supply chain urged not to overlook insurance

W

hile large oil and gas companies are expected to take steps to insure themselves, the businesses participating in the supply chain for these companies must not overlook their own responsibility to secure themselves from risk.

This message was emphasised during an oil and gas insurance conference organised by local insurance provider Assuria. In his remarks to the audience, Assuria Chairman Armand Achaibersingh said that the local suppliers of oil and gas operators must not be overlooked when it comes to insurance.

“Think about the contractors. The providers of food and beverages to the oil companies. The transportation sector. All these companies have their insurance needs too. They’re not always aware of their own issues, they concentrate on their (clients)”.

According to Achaibersingh, in many cases, these suppliers are not even aware of their own

Assuria Chairman Achaibersingh

Armand

vulnerability.

“But they’re not always aware of the risks and how they can mitigate those risks. So the local companies have to also be taken into consideration and educated on how they can manage their risks. And it’s our obligation to have these contractors educated”.

The seminar saw input from top officials from Willis Watson Towers— a global multinational risk management insurance brokerage agency. It’s Assuria’s

first-ever oil and gas seminar, conducted primarily to guide and assist local stakeholders on how to acquire the necessary insurance policies required by the oil and gas sector With the coming of the oil and gas sector, there has been an influx of foreign companies investing in Guyana; some of whom have been partnering with local service providers. In fact, specialists in the oil and gas field have opined that Guyana needs to place emphasis on having active and direct participation of local companies in the budding industry.

This is the belief of Executive Director of the Ghana Oil and Gas Services Association, Nuertey Adzeman, who told reporters earlier in the year that the best approach to achieve this is to make it mandatory for foreign companies to enter into a joint venture with a local company in order to operate in the country.

“In our part of the world, local participation requires that every foreign contrac-

FITUG slams decision...

“At this time, we of the FITUG cannot understand the rational basis for the decision. Indeed, as we have been hearing over the last few days, this is a new issue.

While we urge those who are yet to uplift their ID cards to do so at this time, we, at the same time, cannot sit idly and recognise that eligible Guyanese may well be prevented from voting because

of this new issue”.

“Again, we remind that the right of all Guyanese to vote emanated from the Trade Union Movement and was later embraced by the political movement,” FITUG further noted in its statement.

Last week Tuesday, it was announced at the conclusion of the Commission’s weekly statutory meeting

from page 3

that GECOM Chair Retired Justice Singh decided to give persons 21 days to collect their ID cards.

If they do not collect their ID cards, they will not be put on the Official List of Electors. These persons will, however, remain in the registration database. It is estimated that this decision affects as many as 25,000 voters.

tor coming to do business in the oil and gas field should have an Indigenous partner, who should have a minimum of 10 per cent stake of equity in the business and have his role cut out well and, therefore, a JV [joint venture] needs come out of that…and the contract will

be awarded to the JV company, and not the individual companies. That is the best way to go because the country spend would be maintained and you will see your numbers go up and that is where you need to put your priority at,” the oil consultant stated.

Moreover, Adzeman had pointed out that Guyana should also focus on building capacity at the middle level of the oil value chain where technical and vocational skills are needed so that the country can have its own pool of petroleum technicians and experts.

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Investigating… …Charrandas There’s the old saying “give a dog a bad name and then hang him”. It acknowledges that when you stain someone’s character, it then becomes easier to take him down for the bigger fall. We were just informed by the Top Cop that the Government of Guyana’s hiring an “international investigator” to in dig into the PNC and AFC’s insistence that Charrandas was bribed to vote with the Opposition PPP on their No-Confidence Motion (NCM).

A week following the PNC’s slap-down of Moses Nagamootoo’s acceptance in Parliament that the Government had lost the NCM and would have to resign forthwith, Aubrey Norton put on his (thug) game face and announced with absolute certainty that Charrandas was bribed. Jagdeo, Norton insisted, “colluded with forces in Trinidad and mobilised resources to bribe a sitting Member of Parliament in pursuance of his hunger for wealth and power”!! He even claimed that they had evidence of Jagdeo meeting the briber in a “hotel room”.

Nagamootoo also did a volte face on his earlier acceptance and announced unctuously: “If a vote in the National Assembly was procured by unlawful means to overthrow a constitutionally-elected government that will have serious implications and the speaker will have to address that issue”. In a blaring headline that dubbed Charrandas “Judas”, the Chronic quoted Ramjattan as insisting there was “absolutely a connection with bribery”.

He ‘asserted’ the Police – who fell under his jurisdiction – were ‘closing in’ on Charrandas!!

He said a “big sum of money” was involved and it was being “spirited” out of the country. This money was supposed to be in gold, for which Ramjattan produced some screenshots of Charrandas inquiring about purchasing same. Five months later, the Police have been unable to produce a shred of evidence of the “bribery” which all the political big-wigs in the PNC and AFC maintained they possessed. But not one of them withdrew their accusation and now comes the “international investigation”.

The dog had been given a bad name and the PNC and AFC are looking to hang Charrandas. Why? As Nagamootoo had said early, the investigation should’ve been launched by the speaker but he’s never even raised the issue. The real reason for resurrecting the issue is that with the elections looming, folks will begin to ask why didn’t other MPs in the Government – especially Nagamootoo and Ramjattan – protest the unilateral action of the Granger government to shut down 4 sugar estates and throwing 7000 workers into the streets.

This question will certainly loom large in the minds of the constituency which the AFC hopes will rescue them from oblivion!! Charrandas’ credibility is a standing inditement of Ramjattan and Nagamootoo It’s they and the AFC who’ll hang!! …the PNC/AFC’s tango Looks like Guyana’s having its own version of “Last tango in Paris”. The director Bernardo Bertolucci has passed on, so it looks like this one’s being produced by the PNC with the working title, “Last Tango in GT”. It stars David Granger as the protagonist, having that anonymous but steamy relationship with Nagamootoo for years. Remember that steamy courtship scene in Whim, when they held hands and swayed (awkwardly) in unison on that stage??

Nagamootoo, however, walks because he wants to move on and enjoy his pension. In the Guyanese version, it’s not Nagamootoo Granger encounters and wants to restart the relationship, but Nagamootoo’s bete noir, Ramjattan. But by now, as in Bertolucci’s version, Ramjattan now knows all about Granger and the emasculatory tricks he played on Nagamootoo.

Like those new “choose your own adventures” innovation pioneered in “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch”, there are two endings with “Last Tango in GT”. The first has Ramjattan rejecting Granger’s offer and figuratively “shooting” him. No coalition.

The other has him bending over!! You choose!! …the GuySuCo fire sales We’re being informed piecemeal about NICIL – the SPU? – hiving off parts of the shuttered sugar estates and doling them out.

Whatever happened to the folks who were beating down the doors to acquire them in toto??

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Illegal firearm charge ‘Tantalising’ among friends ends in chopping against cop dismissed …Corentyne man’s hands almost severed J A 21-year-old man is now nursing several wounds after being chopped about the body by a neighbour.

The incident which occurred on November 1, 2019, has left Andre Graves of Number 51 Village Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), unable to use his hands.

According to Graves, on the evening of Thursday last, the suspect and other friends were at the same location and were tantalising each other. This led to a dispute which eventually escalated the following day.

Speaking with this publication, Graves said that he was on his neighbour’s bridge with family and friends when his attacker pounced on him from behind.

“I hear him rubbing the cutlass on the road and when I turn around, he tell me that I gon know who is ‘Suga’ tonight and he come up to me and start firing chops and I start barring with my hands because is me head he did aiming for,” the injured man told this publi-

erome Liddell, 24, of Lot B 2 Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, who was on trial before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts walked a free man after the illegal firearm possession charge against him was dismissed.

When the matter was called on Tuesday, the Chief Magistrate ruled that after going through the evidence, she is of the opinion that the prosecution failed to prove their case.

As such, she dismissed the case.

Liddell, a Police Constable, had denied the charge which stated that on May 26, 2019, at Thomas Land, Georgetown, he had in his possession one 9 mm pistol when he was not the holder of a firearm license. He was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Dexter

Injured: Andre Graves

cation.

The unemployed man said after receiving several chops to both hands he was unable to continue to use his hands to bar the onslaught coming from the blade of the cutlass.

“I turn and run in the yard and run up the step.”

Standing at the bottom of the step, his at-

tacker began to taunt him and beckoned him to come down the stairway.

When Graves made it down the stairs, he dashed across the road into his own yard but not before being chopped two more times behind his neck.

The suspect escaped but was caught by Police two days later.

Todd.

Reports are Liddell and three others were in a car when ranks intercepted the vehicle and asked to

conduct a search. During the search, the gun was allegedly found in the vehicle.

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese busted with Teen’s body fished out of Atlantic Ocean 2lbs cocaine at JFK

A

51-year-old man who admitted to United States Drug Enforcement Agents that he carried cocaine-laden suitcases as debt repayment has been slapped with drug trafficking charges and remanded to a US prison.

Orwin Harry was busted at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport on October 27, 2019, with drugs just after he arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Guyana.

Reports are the 51-year-old man was carrying two pieces of luggage upon arrival in New York.

A search was conducted and the cocaine was found concealed in false walls of the suitcases. When questioned about the 0.91 kilograms (2 lbs), Harry claimed that he was given the suitcases by someone in Guyana, whom he owed money. He told DEA officers that he had to deliver the luggage to someone in NYC, who was scheduled to pick him up at the airport.

Earlier in October, two other Guyanese were also

…left home to work on boat

A

busted at JFK with cocaine.

Kester Anfrany Johnson was caught on October 22 on arrival in the US. Reports are after providing officials at the JFK with inconsistent travel plans, the 23-year-old was busted with over 25 pellets of cocaine in his stomach.

According to information, the drug mule arrived at the JFK International Airport on a Caribbean Airlines flight out of Guyana and was observed acting in a suspicious manner. His baggage was subjected to inspection and

he became increasingly nervous, causing officials there to suspect something was amiss. Based on his responses and general demeanour, he was subjected to an X-ray which revealed foreign objects in his stomach.

He was taken into custody and subsequently excreted 25 pellets.

On October 19, another Guyanese, Deskean Reid, was busted with 2.28 kilograms of cocaine in his luggage at JFK. Reid arrived at the JFK International Airport aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight.

West Coast Demerara family has plunged into mourning after a teen relative who left home to assist his brother-in-law on their boat drowned.

Dead is 19-year-old Manuel Alexandro of Lot 35 Wine Bush, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

This newspaper was told that the teen, on Monday, at about 10:15h, left home in the company of his sister’s husband with the intention of helping his brother-in-law bail water out of his boat. The boat was some 10 feet away from the shoreline and in the Atlantic Ocean so the duo had no choice but to swim towards the vessel.

However, according to the young man’s brother-inlaw, when he arrived at the boat and turned around to see where Alexandro was, he did not notice him in the water.

The older man stated that the last time he saw the lad was when they were swimming in close proximity of each other. He said that

since he arrived at the boat first, he assumed Alexandro was behind him. According to him, he immediately shouted the young man’s name numerous times, hoping that he would receive an answer but there was no response. The man told Police that he swam back to shore while looking in every direction for his brother-in-law.

By the time he got to the shoreline, he rushed to their home to notify relatives about the situation.

The teen’s family immediately formed a search party and began combing the

area.

However, the teen’s relatives were inconsolable when they eventually located his body in the water and realised that he was not breathing. After fishing the teen’s body out of the Atlantic Ocean, they made several attempts to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful.

They then contacted the police and ranks went to the scene. Alexandro was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing.

NEws

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Road safety advocates call for point system in Guyana

I

n observance of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and Road Safety Month, several organisations, which have partnered to promote road safety are calling on the Guyana Police Force to implement the penalty point system, one which is used globally for drivers.

The penalty point or demerit point system is one in which a driver’s licensing authority, Police Force, or other organization, issues increasing offences or points to drivers on conviction for road traffic offences. Points may either be added or subtracted, depending on the particular system in use.

If the total point exceeds a limit, the offender may be

disqualified from driving or have their driver’s license revoked or suspended.

The implementation of this system is being supported by organisations including the National Road Safety Council, The Guyana Motor Racing Sports Club (GMRSC), and Mothers in Black among others in a bid to have drivers use the road safely and prevent the loss of more lives.

This recommendation was tabled by a representative of GMRSC, Cheryl Gonsalves, who viewed this to be effective in promoting road safety as it is widely used in other parts of the world.

“The Guyana Police Force should implement

the point system, whereas when an accident is happened, the drivers should have points deducted out of their driver’s license…The police force should induct something like that in order to have less road accidents with everybody knowing well I have to be careful in order for me to not lose, my license…they have a lot to do in making the roads a little bit more safer other than the National Road Safety Council,” Gonsalves stated.

In supporting the motion, Retired Senior Superintendent of the GPF and Member of the Road Safety Council, Owen Trots added that the Law Enforcement Committee under the Council is working

Top Cop promises probe into missing forestry worker

A

fter meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, on Tuesday some amount of hope was restored to the family of 26-year-old Michael Banfus, after they were promised an in-depth probe to determine what exactly happened to the young man, after he disappeared over a

Missing: Michael Banfus

month ago.

This is according to the cousin of the missing young man, Vianne Banfus who told Guyana Times on Tuesday that they visited the Top Cop’s office and provided all the necessary information relating to Banfus.

“We spoke with the Commissioner, we left some photographs there and other information like his date of birth and so on, and [he] referred us to Brickdam Police Station to see the next Commander…he [Commissioner] asked us where the missing report was made of this missing person.

So Ronald Parris, was the guy who made the report at Sparendaam Police Station, and he told them it was made on the 25th [September] and that he was handed over to Turkeyen Police Station then to Cove and John, but so far haven’t gotten back any word from them,” she explained.

However, after being referred to the Brickdam Police Station and speaking with Regional SubDivision Commander, Marlon Chapman, the family along with a representative of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), was promised that an investiga-

tion will be launched. It is expected to commence tomorrow since they will be examining all the incidents which led up to his disappearance, especially the alleged suicide of the male company he was last seen with.

“So we spoke to the Commander at Brickdam this afternoon, and they said they will do the investigation, and we told them about Michael’s roommate also the best friend who would know his whereabouts. So they will be doing the investigation, I think it will commence tomorrow they have to find him….they said they will get back to us as soon as possible because they will have to find out the relationship between Michael and the person who commit suicide,” Banfus noted.

This publication previously reported that the younger Banfus (Michael) was last seen by relatives at the Amerindian Hostel then at Everest Cricket Club, where the Amerindian Heritage Game was hosted.

The young man’s cousin recently related that after being told by a family friend that Michael sometimes spend the weekend in Berbice, she along with co-workers of the young man visited the person’s home only to be told by the friend’s family that he (the friend) had allegedly committed suicide, and Michael was unknown to them.

“I went to Berbice two times with the forestry, because his best friend said Michael spends the weekend in Berbice with a friend but we went to the person house, and the family of the person that committed suicide said they never saw this person [Michael], I don’t know how truth it is because he never introduced none of us to his friends.”

The 26-year-old is originally from Kurukabaru Village, Region Eight (PataroSipiruni) and has been residing in the capital city, as he is currently employed as a forestry technician. Banfus, as previously reported, was said to be a student at the Cacique Accounting College, however, the school has since said that they do not have a student by

that name on their records.

Anyone with information regarding the young man is asked contact the nearest police station.

Representatives of the National Road Safety Council, the Guyana Motor Racing Sports Club (GMRSC), Mothers in Black, Kronoko Safety Solutions and Clarke’s at the road safety partnership and activities launch

towards increasing the fine specifically for intoxicated and speeding drivers, however, according to him, the effectiveness of this all depends on the attitude of the drivers.

“We are also working on increasing the fine of speeding drivers, and driving under the influence of drinks or drugs, but what I’m saying

is the attitude. You can increase the fine, get jail term but it’s the attitude of the persons out there.” He said.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2019 is being observed on November 17, under the theme “Life is not a car part”.

Meanwhile, the week of activities for Road Safety

Month organised by the partnering organisations will commence on November 24, with symposiums, visits to the Georgetown Public Hospital and outreaches in the city.

These activities are being held under the theme “Accident can be deadly, drive defensive and stay alive”.

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GWI engineers being trained to use modern technology for groundwater drilling

S

everal engineers attached to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) have gathered at the company’s Head office in Georgetown to undergo a two-day training in the use of geo-electrical imaging technology to guide groundwater exploration and well drilling.

The training, which will conclude on Wednesday, sees the participation of engineers from the Operations, Hinterland Services and Design of Infrastructure departments, as well as one person attached to the Information, Community and Technology department.

Additionally, two members of the Guyana Defence Force are participating.

Introducing the participants to the newly-acquired technology of geo-electrical earth imaging and interpretation of subsurface lithology are the objectives of the training. The equipment acquired is the Supersting R8/ IP/SP Wi-Fi version, which will be utilised to perform resistivity logging.

Resistivity logging is a measure of the electrical resistance of a material, indicative of the material’s capacity

termine from the onset, the required depth for a well in addition to the ideal drilling location. This allows for drilling with certainty and GWI will be able to map water resources.

The Managing Director stressed the importance of water for all aspects of development, even as he noted that the use of technology comes at an opportune time, given the imminent exploration of oil.

He told the participants

The exercise being conducted by the participants in Spain earlier this year

to transmit conductive fluids. The technique aids in the characterisation and translation of the material’s water-bearing properties thus enabling the determination of the presence of groundwater in the formation.

Therefore, the use of geophysical investigative techniques guides the company in making scientifically-based decisions with respect to the best sites for the drilling of wells.

The logging technology was first introduced to

GWI by the Brazilian Army during the successful design and completion of eight water wells in deep southern Rupununi during the 2018 prolonged dry spell in the region.

Addressing the participants of the training on Tuesday, GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles declared that the technology brings more efficiency to GWI’s drilling experience.

He explained that the company will be able to de-

of the training that there will be a need for further capacity building to ensure that they are proficient in the use of the technology and application of the knowledge gained.

The intention is to equip the specially-selected group of participants with the knowledge of the important concepts, principles and practical application of the use of the technology both in terms of the use of the software and hardware components. It is envisaged that af-

ter the training, participants will be able to use the technology effectively to perform geo-electrical surveys across all regions of Guyana.

The training is being conducted by GWI’s Water Wells Management Unit Manager Orin Browne, GWI Hydrologist Angela Franklin and Office of Climate Change Project Coordinator Rafael Gravesande. These persons were trained in the use of the technology earlier this year in Madrid, Spain.

Sign language for

community initiative launched

L

inden Supporting the Efforts for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (LINSEED) on Monday launched its “Sign language for the community” initiative, aimed at equipping public servants with sign language skills to effectively cater to deaf people. The initiative, which was a collaborative effort with the Wismar Baptist Church was launched at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) with mainly teachers and nurses in attendance.

Lead facilitator of the pro-

gramme, June Julien said the need exists for point persons at public locations who can relate to deaf persons who utilise public services, hence the need for the initiative.

The initiative includes a basic course which will run for four weeks with an advanced course expected to be conducted next April and a further advanced course next September.

“By the time they get there they should be interpreting for the deaf. Or they should be on their way to,” Julien explained.

The programme commenced with the teaching of the sign language alphabet and greetings.

“In the four weeks we are going to have signs that the deaf persons can use in a hospital setting”, Julien said.

She explained that the participants will receive practical sign language demonstrations in other areas. Julien noted that she is looking forward to having deaf persons attend the sessions so as to assist participants with practice sessions.

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hubu teen’s death

Police awaiting PME result to determine course of probe – Commander

T

he circumstance surrounding the death of teenager Marissa Persaud at her Lot 8 Hubu, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home is yet to be determined and until enough evidence is garnered, the investigation remains open.

This is according to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Police Commander Senior

Dead: Marissa Persaud

Superintendent Simon McBean, who, when contacted, told Guyana Times that it is too early to pronounce on whether the young girl had taken her own life or was murdered.

He explained that investigators are awaiting the Post-Mortem Examination (PME) on teen’s body and until then, Police ranks are pursuing various angles to

New security measure in place at Bamia checkpoint

A

new security measure is currently in place at Bamia Police Checkpoint located along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The checkpoint, which allows law enforcement to scrutinise drivers and passengers entering and leaving the region will now see passengers’ names and addresses being recorded.

Regional Commander Hugh Winter on Tuesday noted that the customary stop and check of vehicles will continue as he urged members of the public to cooperate with the new security system that is in place. According to the Commander, the Bamia checkpoint, since being in existence, has been quite effective in crime prevention not only for Linden but also interior locations.

“Since the outpost was established there we have ranks on a 24-hour basis working and it's very much effective because it eases the crime situation in

Bamia Police Checkpoint along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)

Linden per se because all the people that are coming and drivers going all the vehicles have been searched...

We have a system where the ranks are recording all the passengers' names and addresses and drivers so it's very much effective,” Commander Winter explained as he posited that the checkpoint has been serving the community well.

The Bamia Police Checkpoint was established

under the command of former E Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander Linden Lord prior to the Linden Town Week activities earlier this year.

Commander Winter is asking the public to cooperate with the police as they aim to create a crime-free region. He also urged drivers to be cautious on the roadways, noting that the most recent fatal accident was caused due to speeding.

ensure that “all bases are covered” in this probe.

Meanwhile, relatives of the now-dead 17-year-old are alleging that the girl was murdered.

On Monday morning, the close-knit community in the Hubu village, EBE, was plunged into a state of shock after the discovery of Persaud’s body.

Reports are that at about 07:30h on Monday morning, the girl’s grandmother made the discovery, after she (the grandmother) went into Persaud’s bedroom to enquire why the teen was not responding to calls from her.

She raised an alarm and neighbours responded.

Relatives called the Police, who removed the teen’s body.

Guyana Times understands that Persaud’s parents had separated and she lived with her maternal grandmother.

Earlier this year, Persaud had written five subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level.

She was scheduled to attend her school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday.

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wednesday, november 6, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

STEMGuyana, MMG ink partnership A s a way of continuing its steadfast support to the STEM Guyana team, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) payment app – Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) – has collaborated with STEMGuyana to further advance its robotics teams and other programmes offered by the private non-profit organisation.

GTT’S Vice President of Customer Experience, Orson Ferguson explained that the collaboration will allow MMG subscribers the option to donate monies to STEMGuyana through the app for the

purpose of paying for STEM training courses for students, paying STEM trainers especially those across the country as well as providing sponsorship for the team in various competitions.

A simple online interface allows STEMGuyana to send payments to trainers who can immediately pick up payments at any GTT agent or outlet.

Ferguson noted, “this collaboration allows for anyone to give to STEMGuyana for the further development of robotics training in Guyana and facilitates funding for when the team needs to

Guyana Robotics team

represent Guyana on an International level”.

Meanwhile, Chief

Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Justin Nedd has since deemed the collaboration between MMG and STEMGuyana as timely. “Guyana is moving to greater heights, especially with the development of technology and innovation. A few days ago, we witnessed the STEMGuyana team bringing home the Albert

Einstein Gold Medal of Excellence at the FIRST Global Robotics Competition. This speaks volume to that development,” Nedd stated.

The CEO added, “From day one GTT has invested in STEMGuyana and we will continue to do so as we move forward. I want to extend congratulations to the team and the organisers. You have made Guyana proud and I know you will continue to make us proud,” S T E M G u y a n a , through its co-founder, Karen Abrams lauded the telecommunications company for its continued support to the body and its robotics team. “GTT has always shown the team nothing but support; they have believed in us from the start, not only by thoughts and words but through financing…It is clear that GTT understands the long term val-

ue of our programme and they have been supportive from day one. We are grateful for this continued support.”

Persons interested in contributing funds to STEMGuyana can send the monies to merchant code 06078 through the MMG platform.

Meanwhile, for persons whose children participate in STEM training classes, payment for these classes can be made through MMG to merchant code 06077.

STEMGuyana participated in the 2019 Global Robotics Tournament in Dubai and earned the coveted Albert Einstein gold medal for all-round achievement excellence. The team of eight young participants who are budding Guyanese Technology Engineers ended the tournament in the top 25 per cent in the world rankings.

Body found at Leonora Market

T

he body of a 61-year-old man was found at the Leonora Market, West Coast Demerara (WCD), early on Tuesday morning by persons who were on their way to work.

Dead is Lakeram Doodnauth of Lot 36 Leonora Pasture village, WCD. Reports are Doodnauth left home at about 17:45h on Monday but never returned.

According to reports, Doodnauth was a known alcoholic and when in the

state of drunkenness, he would usually be found sitting or lying on the street or roadway close to his home.

Residents in that area would often pick him up from the road and take him home.

However, on Tuesday morning, persons who were passing the Leonora Market area noticed Doodnauth’s body and observed that the man was not breathing.

As such, they raised an alarm and Police ranks

were notified about the discovery. The man’s body was picked up and taken to a nearby medical facility and was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is presently at a mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME).

Police Commander of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Senior Superintendent Simon McBean when contacted said that investigations into the man’s death are ongoing.

news

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wednesday, november 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Granger barefaced: hiding from people while claiming they are happy

M

r David Granger stated on the radio that he could see in people’s face how happy they are, how pleased they are to see him, how much they appreciate the work he has done to transform Guyana. Mr Granger is both delusional and barefaced. If Granger truly believes people are so happy for the development under his APNU/AFC, why is he so morbidly afraid of an election and doing everything to rig them?

He is “unbothered”.

Unbothered about people’s plight? The farmers of Mahaicony are still flooded.

There are massive blackouts, the latest reason being a fuel shortage, as GPL and GWI have become national disgraces.

There are still worrisome Dr Leslie Ramsammy medicine shortages and the health sector is collapsing.

Corruption is metastasizing, including the giving away of Guyana’s land assets. Crime has reached unimaginable heights. Sugar and agriculture are in a tailspin. People are overwhelmed with burdensome taxes.

The economy is reeling as unemployment skyrockets. Debt is growing to unsustainable levels again. People are fed up of the broken promises and betrayal, the incompetence, intemperance, inanity, ignorance, the grotesque abuse of power— such as the assault on free media— and a long list of dictatorial measures. He is delusional if he cannot see these things make people unhappy, angry and why his party resoundingly lost the Local Government Elections in November 2018 and why he lost the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018.

People are happy to see him? Why then does he need extensive buffer zones between himself and the people?

Everywhere he goes, there are hundreds of security personnel preventing citizens from coming anywhere near him. Recently, at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, more than 150 Police Officers removed black flags and physically kept people from protesting near Mr Granger. Citizens do not come out in their hundreds to put up black flags and peacefully protest because they are happy. Mr Granger is delusional but worse, claiming people are happy is a barefaced lie.

Cornelia Ida is not the only time these hundreds of Police, including Riot Squad Police, showed up. They showed up at Pegasus, the Convention Centre, Linden and in New Amsterdam. They show up everywhere. Not just Police, but soldiers also show up. In fact, everywhere Granger goes, the GDF now transports hand-picked supporters for a bussed-in crowd. In addition, his extensive convoy includes massivelyarmed security details, the likes of which even Burnham did not have. Does this look like a man that people are happy to see?

“Unbothered” Granger cannot be unaware of the spiralling crime that is suffocating the country. In the last two weeks alone, there have been seventeen murders, dozens of armed robberies and shoot-outs. People are no longer secure in their homes and businesses. It is impossible to walk the city streets without fear of being robbed, in high daylight. But “Unbothered” Granger insists people are happy with him, their faces light up with joy because they love and admire him and are appreciative of the job he is doing. If he truly believes this, why does he not go and visit the sugar workers, those who still valiantly work to reach targets without getting a wage increase since the end of 2014 or the 7000 fired sugar workers, or the Mahaicony farmers who have suffered multiple floods, or the families of fishermen who were killed by pirates, or the families who lost their homes because of fires? Why does he not face the media? Why does he only give interviews to handpicked media people?

Mr Granger cannot think fishermen and their families are happy. After several fishermen died at sea because of piracy some months ago, Granger and his people never visited. Ramjattan went in shame to Paramaribo only because Bharrat Jagdeo and a team visited the families and went to talk to officials in Suriname. Just two weeks ago, three more fishermen lost their lives at sea. Irfaan Ali visited the families and urged Government to help. Not a single APNU/AFC official has done so. Are these families and the other fisher folk happy?

Incidentally, the fishing industry has been reeling, not only because the sea has become increasingly dangerous because of piracy, but they are also unhappy because the export of certain fish to the lucrative American market has been restricted. The Government has done little to ensure the trade is restarted.

Even as Granger barefacedly misrepresents the facts, the Bank of Guyana was reporting the illegal overdraft of about $70B. From a $22B balance, the BoG now has negative $70B. The Government has illegally and corruptly spent some $90B from the BoG. But even as we fear the bloating debt, the auditor general cannot complete audits of D’urban Park and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport because Granger’s people refuse to give the auditor general the documents.

Then, there are the thousands who are being deprived of their rights to vote. Granger is truly delusional to think people are happy. Ultimately, for a man who reached the highest office in the land, to misrepresent the facts so blatantly, is barefaced.

Action plan to eliminate mercury use in mining being formulated

A

National Action Plan for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Guyana is expected to be developed soon to help combat the negative effects of the use of mercury while zeroing on its eventual elimination in the gold mining sector.

Think-tankers in the sector are currently participating in a two-day workshop which commenced on Tuesday at the Hermandston Lodge, Georgetown, where the focus would be on the way forward for small and medium scale miners in Guyana without the use of the hazardous mercury; something which they have been relying on for years in their operations.

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, at the opening ceremony, stated that six years ago, in October, under the PPP/C Administration Guyana joined with the rest of the world by signing on to the Minimata Convention.

This was done to address and control the use of mercury and we committed to protect the environment and human health for both current and future generations internationally.

He also underscored the importance of the gold mining sector towards the development of Guyana, stating that it provides direct employment for over 18,000 persons and indirectly over 30,000 persons.

According to Trotman, the ASGM sector accounted for 6.1 per cent of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018 as well as during last year whereby 33 per cent of foreign exchange was earned from gold production.

“Which for the ASGM sector was closer to 400,000 ounces of gold and we also provided the main source of employment and revenue for hinterland communities.

However, the reality is that this sector uses the most mercury and, therefore, it cannot be ignored. Mercury, its use and effects has become a buzz topic and is high on

Acting Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre (BCRC) for the Caribbean, Jewel Batchasingh

the national agenda of the Government of Guyana and we can, therefore, neither postpone nor avoid this discussion and the action that must be taken” Meanwhile, acting Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre (BCRC) for the Caribbean, Jewel Batchasingh also reminded that as it relates to the gold mining sector, and Guyana being a party to the Minimata Convention on Mercury, the country now has international obligations that require that there is a reduction and eventual elimination of the use of mercury and mining.

“Guyana is pursuing its green model of development which emphasises the sustainable management of its natural resources through its Green State Development Strategy…Through the Minimata Convention, the global trade in mercury will also be restricted and the demand for mercury-free and responsibly mined gold will also increase. Given the state of play, it is clear that biotrition, the artisanal small scale gold mining sector will be affected. Certainly, if practices continue as is, where is, with unsustainable mining practices,” she added.

Brooklyn shelter residents want to sue city after served rotten chicken salad

F

our people who claim they were sickened by rancid chicken salad at a Brooklyn homeless shelter are suing the city and the companies that delivered the rotten food with a bogus expiration date.

Kenneth Gilmore, 64, Pierre Landro, 32, Rose Rodriguez, 31, and Mauricio Caballero, 43, signed their $2 million notices of claim Tuesday. The paperwork will be filed with the city Comptroller’s office on Wednesday.

The quartet was among at least six shelter residents who say they got violently ill after eating chicken salad at the Fort Greene Shelter on Auburn Place on Oct. 24.

“It smelled so bad,” said Caballero. “I ate a little, but (then) my stomach went bad and it poisoned me.”

When they checked the package, they noticed that a sticker showing the food was

still good had been placed over another sticker with an expiration date of Sept.

20 — nearly a month before they ate the salad. Mayor de Blasio called for an investigation following a Daily News report on the incident.

City officials said it was an isolated occurrence and no other shelters were affected.

“Protecting the health and well-being of those we serve is our top priority — and this incident was completely unacceptable,” a city spokesman said in a statement. “We sincerely apologize for the occurrence and will hold the vendor that provides food at this location fully accountable.”

The city also stopped accepting products for the time being from Sally Sherman Foods, which made the salad. “What happened is unacceptable,” said the residents’ lawyer Sanford Rubenstein, adding the law-

suits will name the city, Sally Sherman Foods, and Whitsons, which delivered the salad.

Gilmore and Landro said they were sickened by shelter food on other occasions.

“I threw up two times previously but I didn’t know it was associated with the food. I never throw up,” Gilmore said.

Landro said he’d been sick two previous times: once after eating pasta Alfredo, another after a Teriyaki chicken meal. Several of the complainants claim they’ve had lingering health issues since the day they ate the chicken salad.

“I’m diabetic, so I have to eat,” said Gilmore. “But I’m terrified now to eat the food. We’re having panic attacks now to go eat the food.

I try to go out of the facility to purchase food and it’s a strain on me,” he said. (NY Daily News)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 6, 2019

Regional

Mexico Mormons: 9 US slaps sanctions on 5 Venezuelan officials US citizens, including children, killed in ambush T

A

t least nine US citizens, three women and six children, have been killed in an attack by suspected drug cartel gunmen in northern Mexico.

The victims are members of the LeBaron family, linked to a breakaway Mormon community that settled in Mexico several decades ago.

The victims were travelling in a convoy of vehicles.

The Security Minister said the group could have been targeted accidentally as a result of mistaken identity.

Sonora State in northern Mexico is being fought over by two rival gangs, La Línea, which has links to the larger Juárez cartel, and “Los Chapos”, which is part of the Sinaloa cartel.

Family members who have spoken to the New York Times newspaper say two of the children killed were less than a year old.

In a tweet President Donald Trump described the victims as a group of “wonder-

The LeBaron family

ful family and friends” who “got caught between two vicious drug cartels, who were shooting at each other”.

The US “stands ready”, he said, to offer support to combat the problem of cartel violence and “do the job quickly and effectively”. The FBI has offered to assist Mexican authorities in the investigation, CNN reports.

Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said Mexico would act with “independence and sovereignty” in pursuing the criminals

behind the attack.

The US “stands ready”, he said, to offer support to combat the problem of cartel violence and “do the job quickly and effectively”. The FBI has offered to assist Mexican authorities in the investigation, CNN reports.

Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said Mexico would act with “independence and sovereignty” in pursuing the criminals behind the attack. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Rio Police arrest 7 people, including cop, in Brazil fuel theft gang

B

razilian Police in Rio de Janeiro state on Tuesday arrested seven people, including a Police Officer, and carried out 12 search warrants relating to an investigation into fuel theft, the public prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

The fuel was stolen in the towns of Carapebus, Quissamã and Macaé, the statement said. One of those arrested was a Police Officer in Macaé, while

two others were pipeline watchmen hired by Staterun Petrobras’ subsidiary Transpetro.

The investigation found that some of the fuel headed to the town of Rolândia, in Paraná state.

Theft from Petrobras pipelines soared to a record high 261 incidents in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo last year, up from just one case in 2014, according to an August securities fil-

ing and statements made to Reuters by representatives of Petroleo Brasileiro SA as the company is formally known.

Crime costs Petrobras’ distribution subsidiary, Petrobras Transporte SA, or Transpetro, over 150 million reais ($37 million) per year, Petrobras Chief Executive Roberto Castello Branco said at an event in June.

(Reuters)

Bolivian protest leader vows to return to capital to push for Morales’ resignation

A

Bolivian protest leader has vowed to return to the capital and continue pushing for President Evo Morales’ resignation after he left La Paz earlier on Tuesday as Government supporters staked out an airport chanting for his removal from the airport.

Luis Fernando Camacho said he will travel to La Paz again on Wednesday after Government officials blocked him from exiting the international airport outside the capital, where he planned to march with a pre-written resignation letter for Morales in an attempt to raise the heat on Bolivia’s long-standing leftist leader.

Camacho, a civic leader who has become a major figure in the opposition, spent several hours holed up in the airport as pro-government demonstrators gathered, some carrying sticks, before an air force plane flew him back to Santa Cruz, the government said.

he Trump administration on Tuesday imposed sanctions on five Venezuelan security officials and political figures, the latest round of measures taken against Caracas in an effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The officials, who have all previously been targeted for sanctions by the European Union or Canada, have been linked to violence against opposition protesters and to corruption under Maduro’s socialist government, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

Venezuela’s information

ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The United States, together with other Western countries, recognises Opposition Leader Juan Guaido as the country’s legitimate president and has used economic penalties on Venezuela’s government and its state oil firm to press Maduro to step down.

Guaido, who leads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, arguing Maduro’s 2018 re-election was a sham.

Maduro retains the loyalty

of the country’s military and is backed by Russia, China and Cuba.

“Treasury is identifying high-level officials acting on behalf of the oppressive regime of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which continues to engage in egregious levels of corruption and human rights abuses,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

The five blacklisted individuals include Remigio Ceballos Ichaso, the top operational official in Venezuela’s armed forces. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Regional leaders not meeting enough, says Barbados PM

B

arbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley Monday called on her Caribbean Community (Caricom) counterparts to have more regular meetings to discuss issues critical to regional integration.

Addressing a regional stakeholders’ consultation on the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), under the theme “What is in it for Me?” Mottley suggested that Caribbean Heads of Government follow the lead of those in Europe who meet regularly.

“Maybe because of Brexit we’ve seen it, but almost every two or three weeks the Heads of Government of the European Union are meeting. But we believe a smaller group of people [Caricom] needs to meet only twice a year, and what happens in between the two meetings then depends on what happens at the sub-committee level or potentially if there is a crisis.

“That, in my view, has to change if we are going to bring our movement into fully the third decade of the 21st century, which in fact

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

starts in less than 60 days.

Unless we quicken the pace of discussion and implementation we are going to marginalize the region without even realising it,” Mottley said.

The Barbadian leader was adamant that the CSME is vital to the success of the region.

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, added that the CSME remained the best platform for achieving sustainable economic growth and development for member states, as well as for in-

ternational competitiveness and economic resilience for the region.

However, he admitted that although a lot of technical work was taking place, implementation was still a problem.

“We must address the operations of the CSME and what needs to be done in order to make them more effective.

These consultations are expected to improve the decision-making process in the various organs of the community. The organs must meet more regularly,” he stated. (Excerpt from CMC)

Peru Judge orders 14 lawyers jailed amid Odebrecht probe Supporters of Bolivia’s President Evo Morales protest against Luis Fernando Camacho, President of Civic Committee of Santa Cruz, at the El Alto airport, on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia

“Tomorrow at half past two in the afternoon, I will return to La Paz, and will do so every day until I can enter the government palace,” Camacho told reporters after returning to Santa Cruz.

Morales’ contentious election win last month has pushed the poor landlocked South American country into a democratic crisis with increasing pressure for him to step down or allow a new vote.

Morales won last month’s vote with a lead of just over 10 points over his nearest rival,

giving him an outright win.

The victory was marred by a near 24-hour halt in the count, which, when resumed, showed a sharp and unexplained shift in his favour.

Formal election monitor, the Organization of American States (OAS), is doing a count audit, expected to be completed before the middle of the month. It had raised concerns after the count was halted and has recommended a second round vote. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

Judge in Peru has ordered 14 top lawyers to be jailed while they are being investigated for allegedly favouring construction giant Odebrecht in public-works contracts.

Judge Jorge Chavez said on Monday each lawyer will spend 18 months in preventive detention for participating in 42 arbitration processes that allowed the Brazilian conglomerate to earn at least $250M. The lawyers rejected the accusations, and their defence teams appealed the ruling.

The order is the latest blow in the scandal involving Odebrecht which has admitted paying nearly $788M

in bribes in 12 countries to win infrastructure projects in Latin America, including some $30M in Peru.

The scandal has also ensnared the past four Peruvian presidents who have either been jailed on corruption charges or are currently under investigation for fraud. In April, former President Alan Garcia died after shooting himself as police arrived at his house to arrest him.

Incumbent President Martin Vizcarra took power last year, promising to step up the fight against high-level corruption.

In October, Vizcarra dissolved the Congress, accus-

ing the opposition-controlled legislature of blocking corruption investigations.

Odebrecht, the largest construction company in Latin America, was founded in 1944 in northeast Brazil.

Former Chief Executive Officer Marcelo Odebrecht was arrested in 2015 and later sentenced to 19 years in jail for corruption. He has been under house arrest since 2017.

In 2016, Odebrecht agreed to the world’s largest-ever corruption leniency fine with prosecutors in Brazil, the United States and Switzerland, paying at least $3.5B. (Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 6, 2019

17

Around the World

US envoy ties Ukrainian aid to investigation unequivocal” emergency – say scientists request in new impeachment testimony

Climate change: “Clear and

A

global group of around 11,000 scientists have endorsed research that says the world is facing a climate emergency.

The study, based on 40 years of data on a range of measures, says governments are failing to address the crisis.

Without deep and lasting changes, the world is facing "untold human suffering" the study says. The researchers say they have a moral obligation to warn of the scale of the threat.

Released on the day that satellite data shows that last month was the warmest October on record, the new study says that that simply measuring global surface temperatures is an inadequate way of capturing the real dangers of an overheating world.

So the authors include a range of data which they believe represents a "suite of graphical vital signs of climate change over the past 40 years".

These indicators include the growth of human and animal populations, per capita meat production, global tree cover loss, as well as fossil fuel consumption.

Some progress has been seen in some areas. For example, renewable energy has grown significantly, with consumption of wind and solar increasing 373% per decade - but it was still 28 times smaller than fossil fuel use in 2018.

Taken together, the researchers say most of their vital signs indicators are going in the wrong direction and add up to a climate emergency.

"An emergency means

that if we do not act or respond to the impacts of climate change by reducing our carbon emissions, reducing our livestock production, reducing our land clearing and fossil fuel consumption, the impacts will likely be more severe than we've experienced to date," said lead author Dr Thomas Newsome, from the University of Sydney. "That could mean there are areas on Earth that are not inhabitable by people."

The study echoes many of the warnings that have been reported by scientists including the IPCC. The authors set out to present a clear and simple graphical picture of a broader ranger of indicators that can drive home to the public and to governments that the threat is serious while the response has been poor. (BBC)

Deadly violence continues as Iraq protests escalate

I

raqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters over the past 24 hours, dispensing with weeks of relative restraint in favour of trying to stamp out demonstrations against political parties that control the Government.

After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire towards a funeral procession held for another who died hours earlier, security and medical sources told Reuters news agency.

A protester was killed and dozens were wounded when security forces opened fire on demonstrators who for days blocked the entrance of the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr, south of the oil city of Basra.

The officials, who spoke to news agencies on condition of anonymity because

Y

US Ambassador European Union Scotland

to the Gordon

phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open an investigation into former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.

Joe Biden is a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in the November 2020 election. Hunter Biden was on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma that had been investigated for corruption.

The White House said the Sondland transcript undermined the impeachment in-

quiry. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham pointed to Sondland’s inability to say who ordered the aid to Ukraine be withheld and that he admitted he “presumed” there was a link between the demand for a statement from the Ukrainians and releasing the aid.

“No amount of salacious media-biased headlines, which are clearly designed to influence the narrative, change the fact that the president has done nothing wrong,” Grisham said in a statement.

Sondland sent a text message in September in which he said Trump insisted there was “no quid pro quos.”

In his new statement, Sondland said that by the beginning of September “in the absence of any credible explanation,” he concluded that the withheld aid was linked to Trump’s demand that Ukraine publicly acknowledge an investigation.

Sondland has said he did not realize early on that the investigation was meant to target the Bidens. (Reuters)

Johnson to launch election bid with promise to “get Brexit done”

B The protests are calling for an overhaul of the political system [Essam al-Sudani/Reuters]

they were not authorised to brief reporters, said security forces in Umm Qasr were firing live ammunition and tear gas, and protesters had seized an armoured vehicle.

Basra security officials imposed a curfew at about 10 pm local time (07:00 GMT) on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the sit-in, saying they would use force to disperse the crowd if necessary.

Separately, two people were killed and 23 wound-

ed in clashes in Shatra, 45km (28 miles) north of the southern city of Nasiriya, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, a semi-official agency.

Hospital sources said both protesters from Shatra died from bullet wounds to the head.

The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior Government official, security sources said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Yemen war: Government and separatists agree deal to end infighting emen's Government has signed a power-sharing deal with separatists in the south of the country that is intended to end months of infighting.

The two are meant to be part of an alliance with a Saudi-led multinational coalition that has been battling the rebel Houthi movement since 2015.

The UN said the deal was an important step towards ending Yemen's civil war.

The conflict has devastated the country and claimed the lives of at least 7000 civilians, according to the UN. Separatists seeking independence for south

U

S diplomat Gordon Sondland told a Ukrainian official his country would likely not get nearly $400 million in security aid unless they pursued investigations demanded by President Donald Trump, revising earlier testimony to the Trump impeachment inquiry.

Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, who initially testified in October to the Democraticled congressional inquiry, offered new details to lawmakers on Monday after his memory was “refreshed.”

The details appeared to bolster the initial whistleblower complaint that led to the investigation by three U.S. House of Representatives committees.

The testimony also corroborated other witnesses who said Trump sought to pressure the Ukrainians into conducting investigations that appeared to be aimed at helping his re-election campaign.

The impeachment inquiry is focused on a July 25

Yemen, which was a separate country before unification with the north in 1990, formed an uneasy alliance with President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi four years ago to stop the Houthis capturing Aden.

But in August, the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) turned on the President, accusing his Government of mismanagement and criticising his ties to Islamists. Following several days of deadly clashes, militia fighters aligned to the STC seized control of Aden from troops loyal to the Government.

When the Government tried to retake the city, the UAE intervened with air-

strikes.

Saudi Arabia brokered a truce before hosting talks that led to Tuesday's deal.

A copy of the agreement seen by Reuters news agency calls for the formation of a new Cabinet within 30 days with equal numbers of northerners and southerners.

Fighters from both sides will be placed under the command of the Defence and Interior Ministries, and the Saudi forces will oversee security inside Aden, according to Reuters. The UAE, which has been withdrawing troops from Yemen since July, handed over control of Aden to them last month.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson will formally announce a Dec 12 election today, urging voters to back him and promising to “get Brexit done in the next few weeks”.

The early election was agreed by Parliament last week, ending two years of deep disagreement over Brexit that has sapped investors’ faith in the stability of the world’s fifth-largest economy and damaged Britain’s international standing.

After dissolving Parliament and paying a formal visit to Queen Elizabeth today, Johnson will return

to his Downing Street residence to announce the election. He will launch his party’s campaign at a rally later in the day.

Johnson, 55, is hoping to win a big enough majority in Parliament to get the Brexit deal he agreed with Brussels last month ratified and lead Britain out of the EU at the end of December or in January.

Britain had been due to leave in March, but has had to extend that deadline three times after Parliament rejected a deal negotiated by Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May, and then

forced Johnson himself to ask for more time.

His campaign launch will paint Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn as someone who wants to stall the Brexit process by holding another referendum, holding the country back from focusing on domestic issues.

Corbyn said on Tuesday he wanted to negotiate a new Brexit deal and then let the public decide between leaving on his terms, or not leaving at all. He has accused Johnson of negotiating a bad deal that would hurt the economy and erode workers’ rights.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Nigerian Police free 259 people from Islamic institution

N

igerian Police have freed 259 people from an Islamic rehabilitation centre in the southwestern city of Ibadan, Police said on Tuesday, taking the number rescued from abusive institutions since September to nearly 1500.

Images from local TV station TVC taken after the captives were released showed a group of mostly young men and teenage boys. Many were emaciated. An infant was also among the group.

"We eat one meal a day," freed captive Olalekan Ayoola, told TVC, saying the food was not fit for a dog to eat.

Nigeria launched a crackdown on informal Islamic schools and rehabilitation centres in late September after a man was refused permission to see his nephews at one institution and complained to Police.

Many captives have said

Nigeria launched a crackdown on informal Islamic schools and rehabilitation centres in late September after a man was refused permission to see his nephews [Nigeria Police via Reuters]

they were physically and sexually abused and chained up to prevent them from escaping.

Oyo state police spokesman Fadeyi Olugbenga said the facility was raided on Monday at about 2 pm (13:00 GMT).

Olugbenga said nine people, including the owner of the centre, had been arrested and were under investigation.

Oyo's Commissioner of Police, Shina Olukolu, told re-

porters on Monday that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted to "serve as a warning to others who may want to operate such houses that serve as illegal detention centres".

Islamic schools, known as Almajiris, are common across the north of the West African country. Such schools have been dogged by allegations of abuse and accusations that some children have been forced to beg on the streets.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 6, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Calvin and Hobbes

Choose the easiest route.

Dealing with matters that will improve relationships with people you care about will put your mind at ease.

Romance is encouraged.

CANCER

If you share your thoughts, the feedback you receive will help you finetune whatever it is you want to do. Network and reach out to people who can help you get ahead.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A challenge will wake you up and push you to make a notable change.

Play to win, embrace what life has to offer and use your skills to come out ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Join a group if it will help bring about a necessary change. Structure data, and living up to your promises will help you gain support.

Walk away from bad behavior.

LIBRA

Make plans with people who share your beliefs.

Sticking to familiar territory will help you avoid emotional interference that could upset your plans. Physical fitness and updating your appearance are encouraged.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Go after your dreams.

Size up situations, formulate ideas and do what has to be done. You can influence the outcome of a case if you take responsibility for your actions.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Go with the flow and don’t stop until you reach your destination. It’s up to you to protect your name, ideas and critical relationships from unfair accusations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOr last published puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A change at home will improve your life and bring you closer to a loved one.

Working as a team player will encourage positive options and smart choices.

Confusion will set in if you believe everything you hear. Verify information before you pass it along, or you’ll be the one to look bad.

Do your due diligence and avoid regret.

Invest in a plan that has potential. Before you make a commitment, ensure that you can live up to what’s expected of you. Abide by the rules and avoid setbacks.

Make good on your promises, regardless of what others do or say. It’s essential to maintain transparency and integrity if you want to protect your reputation and position.

Meetings should be handled with care. Don’t send signals that are confusing or that imply one thing when you mean another. Take better care of your health and important relationships.

wednesday, november 6, 2019

round-up: Suns

to first loss D

evin Booker scored a season-high 40 points on Monday, and Ricky Rubio added 21 points and 10 assists as the host Phoenix Suns handed the Philadelphia 76ers their first loss of the season, 114109.

Aron Baynes had 15 points and made three 3-pointers, Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 14 points, and the Suns shot 53.2 percent from the field.

Phoenix won for the fifth time in seven games, its best start since beginning the 2013-14 season with the same record.

Al Horford had a season-high 32 points and tied a career high with five 3-pointers, Tobias Harris had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Furkan Korkmaz contributed a career-high 20 points for the Sixers. Philadelphia had been the last undefeated team in the league after winning its first five.

The 76ers played without leading scorer and rebound-

er Joel Embiid, who served the final game of a two-game suspension after an altercation with Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns last Wednesday. Kurkmaz started in his place.

Rockets 107, Grizzlies 100

James Harden scored 44 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Houston to a victory at Memphis.

Harden was the foundation of a bounce-back effort for the Rockets, whose defense was torched for an average of 126 points in backto-back losses at Brooklyn and Miami over the weekend. Houston, playing without Russell Westbrook (rest) for the first time this season, got 16 points from Eric Gorgon and 15 points and nine rebounds from Danuel House Jr. Rookie Ja Morant paced the Grizzlies with 23 points.

Dillon Brooks chipped in 17 points and nine boards, and Jonas Valanciunas had 10

points and 10 rebounds.

Bucks 134, Timberwolves 106

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 34 points and 15 rebounds as Milwaukee rode a third-quarter surge and overcame a bizarre delay to the game and roll past Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Antetokounmpo, who was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week earlier on Monday, shot 14 of 19 from the field in a game that began after a delay of nearly an hour caused by a basket malfunction as one of the rims was found to be uneven during warmups.

Khris Middleton scored 26 points following a 9-of-

send Sixers

ed 25 points for Minnesota, which played without KarlAnthony Towns as the twotime All-Star center served the second contest of his suspension for the altercation with Embiid.

Warriors 127, Trail Blazers 118

Rookie Eric Paschall scored a season-best 36 points as Golden State surprised Portland and won for the first time at its new home arena, Chase Center in San Francisco.

The win capped a sixday, four-game homestand during which the Warriors had lost to Phoenix, San Antonio and Charlotte to fall to 0-4 at home before finally getting the win Monday.

39 points, including five 3-pointers. The Warriors shot 33-for-36 from the foul line while the visitors were 11-for-14 on free throws.

Nets 135, Pelicans 125

Kyrie Irving totaled 39 points and nine assists while leading six players in double figures as host Brooklyn nearly blew all of a 20-point lead but recovered to knock off New Orleans.

Irving scored at least 20 points for the seventh straight game, matching Brook Lopez for the most in Nets history since the franchise moved from New Jersey in 2012. He posted his third 30-point game and scored 24 of his points after

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (right) handles the ball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (USA Today)

15 effort from the field for the Bucks, who have won three in a row overall and nine of their last 11 encounters with the Timberwolves.

Andrew Wiggins record-

19

Portland took just its second loss in five road games.

Damian Lillard, an Oakland native playing his first game in San Francisco, paced the Trail Blazers with

halftime while shooting 13 of 21 from the floor overall and hitting all 11 of his freethrow attempts.

The Nets rebounded from blowing a 14-point lead at

Detroit on Saturday and headed into a five-game road trip at 3-4. They withstood a career-high 40 points from New Orleans forward Brandon Ingram and survived allowing 48 points in the third quarter.

Caris LeVert added 23 for the Nets.

Wizards 115, Pistons 99

Bradley Beal scored 22 points to lead six players in double figures for host Washington, which pulled away in the second half to defeat Detroit and snap a three-game losing streak.

Troy Brown Jr. scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Thomas Bryant had 14 points, and Washington’s defense clamped down after allowing 131 points to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night and 159 to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Three Wizards chipped in 12 points apiece, including CJ Miles, who was making his season debut after recovering from a foot injury.

Luke Kennard led Detroit with 24 points, and Andre Drummond had 15 points and 24 rebounds. (Reuters)

Jamaica secures expanded insurance Tottenham forward coverage for 2020 Olympic athletes red card for tackle on

J

amaica’s athletes competing at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan will be provided with insurance coverage from Marathon Insurance Brokers who are partnering with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) to provide coverage before, during and after the Games.

The partnership, the JOA says, is further evidence of its commitment to building solid corporate partnerships in the interest of the country’s athletes and administrators, the primary assets of sports development.

“This specific partnership is borne out of the JOA’s and Marathon’s recognition of the need to further minimise the personal and financial risk to which our athletes and administrators are exposed,” said JOA CEO Ryan Foster, who revealed that the coverage will be for twice the amount agreed upon for Rio 2016.

“One way of doing this is through increased insurance coverage. As such, we agitated for an increase over previous agreements. Insurance coverage for each was a very expensive cause for the JOA, so we are extremely grateful that Marathon has come on board to provide this very needy service within the partnership outlined”.

Keisha Burgher, Executive Director at Marathon Insurance said the partnership is in keeping with her company’s commitment to the development of sports in Jamaica

Gomes overturned T

ottenham forward Son Heung-min’s red card for his tackle on Andre Gomes has been overturned by the Football Association.

The tackle led to the Everton midfielder’s horrific ankle in-

Marathon Insurance Brokers Executive Director Keisha Burgher shakes hands with Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda (centre) during the press announcement of the JOA’s Tokyo 2020 insurance partnership

and their continuous contribution to various sporting events over the years.

The 202) Olympic Games is the third Olympics for which Marathon has provided 100 per cent insurance coverage for the Jamaican contingent, she noted.

The deal, worth $J1.5 million, was announced on Monday, November 4, 2019, at Olympic Manor, the JOA’s headquarters.

“The coverage has been specially designed to begin at the pre-Games training camp, during the Games and up to two weeks after the close of the Games, until everyone has returned to Jamaica,” Burgher said.

“Some of the benefits under the insurance cover include medical expenses associated with illness, or

accident; loss of baggage, as well as coverage for the medical equipment carried by the team doctors and medical staff to and from Tokyo.”

JOA President, Christopher Samuda, said their continued alliance is not surprising “for both the JOA and Marathon have an insurable interest in the development and welfare of our sportsmen and sportswomen beyond their lives in sport, which interest offers material coverage of the aspirations of successive generations.”

Samuda continued: “It is not surprising for we both are heavily investing in sporting lives in providing full and effective indemnities against risks, which may adversely affect human life and performance.”

(Sportsmax)

jury, Referee Martin Atkinson initially showed Son a yellow card before he changed it to red.

The South Korea forward was sent off for serious foul play but an independent regulatory commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal.

Television replays suggested that Gomes suffered the injury after Son’s tackle and before he collided with full-back Serge Aurier.

Explaining Atkinson’s decision, the Premier League said: “The red card for Son was for endangering the safety of a player, which happened as a consequence of his initial challenge.”

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino said the forward had no intention of injuring Gomes and believed the video assistant referee system should have been used to overturn the sending off.

“It was clear it was never the intention of Son to create the problem that happened afterwards. It is unbelievable to see a red card,” he said.

Gomes has been released from hospital after surgery to repair a fracture dislocation to Son Heung-min his right ankle. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesday, november 6, 2019

Girls’ Pee Wee kicks off this weekend …sponsors, organisers highlight need for equal opportunities for girls

P

rimary school girls will now have the opportunity to compete on the football pitch as the 6th annual Smalta Girls’ Pee Wee tournament kicks off on Saturday, November 9.

Over the six years of existence, the Girls’ Pee Wee tournament has presented an opportunity for girls to be introduced to the sport, who, in some cases, may not have had that opportunity elsewhere.

One such person was Angel Denny, who is now a staple part of Guyana’s National under-17 female team. Denny, who was present at Tuesday’s proceedings, shared that she is grateful for the break she was given.

“I was very happy to begin playing football at a very early age and I’d like to thank Petra and Ansa McAL for bringing the Under-11 Pee Wee tournament to existence. I learned most of my skills at the tournament and I’m now developing them,” Denny stated.

The sixth launch of the Ansa McAL tournament was hosted at the Ministry of Education Ground facility on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking on the spon-

Ansa McAL’s Treiston Joseph and Gabriella Lopes, Petra’s Jackie Boodie, Angel Denny, GFF’s Linden France and Ministry of Education’s Langhorn, flanked by students who are gearing up to compete this weekend

sors’ behalf, acting Smalta brand manager Gabriella Lopes noted that while the company is always pleased to support the sport, this tournament is even more important because it creates a balance in male and female opportunities to play the sport.

“I must say Ansa McAL is very happy to see this

event unfold once again, as a brand we believe in the continued development of our youths in Guyana and while we strive for youths to achieve their goals academically, we believe it’s important for them to do so with sports as well,” Lopes stated.

She went on to note, “Girls don’t really have op-

portunities as much as boys when it comes to sport, that’s the reality. This is an event that I hold close to my heart because it focuses on young girls in the sport.

Our girls deserve equal opportunities as well to showcase their skills and talents and this event allows them to do so”.

This year’s first-place

prize will be $100,000, while second, third, and fourth place pocket $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.

While revealing this information, Petra’s Jackie Boodie also took the opportunity to extend her gratitude to Ansa McAL. “We have a product here, Angel Denny that has played

from the very first tournament six years ago. This has shown that the sport and the collaboration are going places and we’re grateful for that support that you’ve given us Ansa McAL,” Boodie expressed.

Also speaking at the launching, was Linden France of the Guyana Football Federation, who urged the coaches and managers of the various teams to incorporate life skills into their training programmes for the betterment of the upcoming athletes.

“Just last week, I was with a programme by CONCACAF and they are asking that we develop the ability to win the football skills with social skills and life skills, especially at this early age. We have a lot of kids who’ve played a lot of football at age 20 or 25 having families and can’t cope because we have not helped them to develop those life skills,” France explained.

Twelve teams are currently on-board for the tournament but that number may increase in the days leading up to the kick-off on November 9. The 5-week tournament is expected to conclude on December 7.

(Jemima Holmes)

Djokovic, Federer drawn in same

Windies Women, India brace for series decider group for ATP finals ‘C

omebacks’ is the theme in West Indies’ ODI series decider against the visiting Indian team today (Wednesday, November 6) from 9:30h. The home team’s Vice-Captain, Hayley Matthews, is back after serving her eight-match across-formats suspension for an undisclosed breach of CWI Player Code of Conduct.

On the other hand, India welcomed back ace opener Smriti Mandhana, who spent the last five ODIs on the sidelines owing to a toe fracture she picked up last month in training.

With points and the series, on the line, both mainstays would likely walk straight into their respective playing XIs for the third and final ODI in Antigua.

Spinners have had their fun in both the day-night games thus far. India faltered in the chase of 225 in the series opener with an out-of-form Anisa Mohammed returning a five-for on her way to becoming the first spinner to 150 wickets in women’s ODIs. India’s spinners returned the favour in the following game, turning the game on its head as the hosts slipped from 78/1 to 138 all out in their chase of 192 to level the series. Not a lot should change from that narrative but the series decider is a day game unlike the first two. The welcome relief for the home team is that the batting no longer seems to be solely depen-

dent on Stafanie Taylor, with notable contributions coming from Natasha McLean, Chedean Nation and wicketkeeper-bat Shemaine Campbelle as well across the two games. Matthews’ return at the top should also add to the batting depth.

For India, Harmanpreet Kaur’s consistency is a welcomed change but a major concern is also at the top with runs not coming at an ideal pace.

Mandhana’s return, therefore, seems definite. The extra motivation for India, if needed at all, would be the fact that this could likely be their last championship game given the uncertainty over their series against Pakistan for a second successive cycle. If, as the last time, India are to concede those six points again, the game in Antigua is their last shot at collecting points and securing a top-half finish (or in the top-five if New Zealand move into the top-four).

N

Hayley Matthews is set to return today after an eight-match suspension

Roger Federer (left) and Novak Djokovic

ovak Djokovic and Roger Federer were drawn in the same group for this month’s year-ending ATP Finals in London while new world number one Rafa Nadal was drawn with defending champion Alexander Zverev in the tournament’s draw on Tuesday.

Djokovic and Federer were joined by Austrian Dominic Thiem and Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in Group Bjorn Borg while Nadal and Zverev were drawn alongside Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and Russian Daniil Medvedev in Group Andre Agassi.

Federer has won the ATP Finals a record six times in his career — last winning

the title in 2011 — while Djokovic has won it five times. Nadal has never won the tournament, losing in the final to Federer in 2010 and Djokovic in 2013.

Nadal, who dethroned Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, pulled out of the semi-finals of the Paris Masters last week due to an abdominal injury but the Spaniard confirmed he is set to travel to London after undergoing a scan.

The ATP finals take place between Nov. 10-17 and it is played in a round robin format, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semi-finals. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 6, 2019

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21

GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – West Demerara FA

Eagles remain flawless

E

agles Football Club of Stewartville continued to put away their opposing counterparts as rivalry in the GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League, West Demerara Football Association leg continued during the weekend.

Led by the joint leading goal scorers in this second round of the two-round league, Eagles sailed to a comfortable 6-1 triumph over Hurry-ATE FC at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, bettering their first-round result, which was 3-1.

Telbert Baptiste, now with five goals, blasted a hat-trick in Saturday’s win; he was on target in the 25th, 36th and 55th minute. Troy Skeete, whose tally in this round is also five goals to date, scored in the 45th minute. The other goals were scored by Kareem Harris (20th) and Francis Persaud (42nd).

Hurry-ATE, which had taken the lead in the 12th minute, when Joshua Jack found the back of the nets, couldn’t find the target again for the remainder of the match.

Uitvlugt Warriors were gifted

Troy Skeete, Francis Persaud, Telbert Baptiste, Kareem Harris – Eagles FC of Stewartville

their first win of the round, thanks to the no-show of Wales United.

The lone match on Sunday at the Goed Fortuin Ground produced a stalemate between Pouderoyen and Den Amstel, who battled to a 2-2 draw. The result brought Den Amstel’s first point of the round.

Pouderoyen had jumped into the lead in the 7th minute when Ezekiel Guppy scored but Jamal Robinson netted the first of his double for Den Amstel in the 26th minute to level things up.

Robinson found the back of the nets once again in the 52nd minute to hand Den Amstel the lead but that advantage was cancelled out in the 75th minute when Jarrel Phoenix converted for Pouderoyen to ensure an equal share of the spoils.

The Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground will host a triple-header on Saturday from 10:00h when the home team Uitvlugt Warriors will match skills with Pouderoyen, followed two hours later by a clash between Eagles and Wales United.

The final match brings together Den Amstel and Hurry-ATE from 14:00h.

2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 Tournament…

Reigning junior chess Guyana’s Akshay Homraj champion wins makes the cut in USA squad Topco 1-day tourney F

ormer Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) player Akshay Homraj has earned selection in the United States of America squad that will play the 2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 Tournament.

This is another tournament and another chance for USA selectors to embark on their incessant shopping spree of hiring non-resident, USA-eligible, first-class cricketers. The Ricardo Powellled selection panel has inducted the pair of Australian first-class cricketers Ian Holland and Cameron Stevenson for the upcoming Regional Super 50— an annual WICB list-A domestic competition.

Holland, 29, shot to fame by winning the reality TV show Cricket Superstar in 2012, which landed him a rookie contract with Victoria. The bowling all-rounder has since been plying his trade in the English circuit at Hampshire.

Stevenson, believed to be a tear-away quick, on the other hand, starred for the Melbourne Renegades in the 2017 edition of the Big Bash apart from turning out for Tasmania a handful of times in the Sheffield Shield.

Akshay Homraj, a promising young top-order batsman, also gets the nod to find his feet in USA colours for the first time. Homraj, 23, has had his share of competitive cricket as he has represented Guyana under-19s back home.

This announcement also means that the USA have finally lost patience with opener and first-choice keeper Jaskaran Malhotra, who has been axed for the tour of Trinidad.

Malhotra, who was the ViceCaptain for the same tournament last year, has experienced a sensational dip in form ever since averaging a paltry 14.3 in his last 8

games. The opening stand has been USA's nemesis this year after the management decided to push Monank Patel down the order.

However, USA have plenty of opening options up their sleeve, with Sagar Patel waiting in the wings and Homraj showing a lot of promise at the Los Angeles preparatory camp. It will be interesting to see who pairs up with Xavier Marshall, who will have a point or two to prove himself.

USA start their campaign against the West Indies Emerging team but will have their task cut out against the like of Windward Islands, Guyana and the hosts, Trinidad and Tobago.

The team management has named a 16-man strong touring party to tour Trinidad.

It is a conscious decision on their part to work out some permutations and combinations before USA depart for the Dubai leg of the World Cup League 2 in December.

Historically, USA have been lacklustre in this annual WICB tournament as they have lost 12 of their last 16 games over the course of two editions. However, one can sense winds of change as USA embark into this competition on the back of some robust 50-over performances in the ICC World Cup League 2 – Akshay with three wins out of four Homraj matches against the likes of some quality line-ups like PNG and Namibia.

USA squad: Saurabh Netravalkar (c), Monank Patel, Nisarg Patel, Steven Taylor, Rusty Theron, Karima Gore, Aaron Jones, Elmore Hutchinson, Ian Holland, Cameron Stevenson, Nosthush Kenjige, Xavier Marshall, Sagar Patel, Akshay Homraj, Jessy Singh, Timil Patel.

Andre Jagnandan (left) received his award from GCF President Frankie Farley

U

niversity of Guyana student and reigning junior chess champion Andre Jagnandan copped first place with a perfect nine points from nine matches played in the first DDL Topco Juices one-day blitz tournament at the National Aquatic Centre on Saturday.

Former junior champion Joshua Gopaul won second place with seven points, while Aravinda Singh came in third on six points.

Marian Academy student Luca Dotto was adjudged the “Best Under-16 Player” and Micaiah Enoe, also of the Marian Academy, was the “Best Under-12 Player”.

The young chess players displayed grit while opposing each other in nine rounds of fast-paced chess, which lasted for under 20 minutes per game.

Five more Topco junior chess tournaments are being planned by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) and the body is urging all junior chess players to intensify their practice regimen for the upcoming competitions.

22

wednesday, november 6, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

CPL's best brace for Afghanistan spin barrage

T

this year. Shai Hope will Big picture he two teams that finished at the take the wicket-keepbottom of the points table at the ing gloves, having 2019 World Cup will rebuild for p r o v e d the 2020 T20 World Cup under new team h i s managements in Lucknow with a series of ODIs, first, and then T20Is. Phil Simmons will take charge of the side he coached to the 2016 T20 World Cup title, while Kieron Pollard, the new limfitness ited-overs captain, gears towards the up for his first ODI in more close of Barbados than three years. At the Tridents' run to the other end, Afghanistan CPL title.

There have a new(ish) captain could be a possible in Rashid Khan and a new debut for Guyana coach in Lance Klusener, A m a z o n who recently tasted T20I Warriors success in India as part seam-bowlof the South Africa coachi n g all-rounder ing staff. Not too long ago, Romario Shepherd, Simmons was Afghanistan's who had impressed in coach, but he's now in the opthe tour game too on Monday. position camp. The similarWest Indies' batting lineities don't quite end there: up, though, came a cropper both West Indies (CPL) and in the tour game and is set to Afghanistan (Shpageeza) are face a more serious challenge coming off a steady diet of against Rashid Khan, Mujeeb T20 cricket.

Ur Rahman and Mohammad West Indies' new-look Nabi. When Afghanistan squad features the who's had toured the Caribbean who of the CPL, inin 2017, Rashid ran rings cluding the touraround West Indies, claimnament's top scoring ten wickets in two iner Brandon King and Naveennings, including a record 7 leading wicket-taker ul-Haq for 18. Nabi gave away just Hayden Walsh Jr, who 67 runs in 20 overs on that had made his internatour. With Mujeeb in the tional debut for USA earlier

mix, that spin attack wears a very potent look.

In the spotlight

In a world that's mean to finger-spinners, Mohammad Nabi still thrives with old-school flight, drift, and deceptive changes in pace. His big-hitting has been central to the middle order, as he demonstrated recently against Zimbabwe's Tendai Chatara in Bangladesh.

Hayden Walsh Jr. is a purveyor of the more glamorous variety of spin - wristspin - and had lit up the CPL with 22 wickets, despite playing just nine games. Watch out for his skiddy wrong'uns and electric athletic interventions in the field.

Afghanistan are set to unleash their three spinners on West Indies, which could leave former captain Gulbadin Naib, Naveenul-Haq, Karim Janat and Yamin Ahmadzai tussling for three seam-bowling spots.

Afghanistan could potentially have six right-handed batsmen in their top nine, so West Indies could consider picking Walsh Jr. and Kharry Pierre, both of whom take the ball away from them. It remains to be seen if King and Shepherd make their international debuts on Wednesday. With Chris Gayle, Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen and Kemar Roach not part of the squad for the Afghanistan ODIs, West Indies will make

at least four changes to the team that played against India in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the Ekana Cricket Stadium has hosted only international games so far, and West Indies were part of that last year against India.

The track in Lucknow is likely to assist spin as the game wears on.

West Indies (possible): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Shai Hope (wk), 3 Shimron Hetmyer, 4 Nicholas Pooran 5 Roston Chase/ Brandon King, 6 Kieron Pollard (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Keemo Paul, 9 Romario Shepherd/ Sheldon Cottrell, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Hayden Walsh Jr. Afghanistan (possible): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Javed Ahmadi, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 5 Najibullah Zadran, 6 Asghar Afghan, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Gulbadin Naib, 9 Hayden Rashid Khan (capt), Walsh Jr 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Karim Janat/Yamin Ahmadzai

BK International injects over $2M into “Nationals” A side from beverage giants Banks DIH, the 59th edition of the National Schools Swimming, Cycling, Track and Field Championships, which is scheduled to begin on November 17, has received some much-needed support from one of Guyana’s larger corporate entities.

BK International, along

BK International’s Brian Tewari

with BK Supermix, on Tuesday afternoon made a sizeable donation to the annual event, which exceeds GY$2M. According to the breakdown given, $1M was donated by BK International, while $500,000 was contributed by BK Supermix, along with a donation of 500 original Tommy Hilfiger polo shirts for use by the stu-

BK International representatives, along with Education Ministry representatives, take a photo opportunity

dents during the National Championships.

On the receiving end of the benevolence was the Education Ministry Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Ingrid Trotman, who was elated to receive the company’s donations.

“Today, I would like to express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Education to BK International for coming aboard with us as sponsors of the 59th edition of the National Championships. We know the good book says it’s a blessed thing to give than to receive. We’ve seen how you’ve given back to education and we’d like you to

continue,” Trotman stated.

Meanwhile, proprietor Brian Tewari, while noting that he is happy to be of assistance to the Education Ministry, urged them to contact him whenever the need arises.

“I am more than happy that education is going somewhere now and we will always be happy to be supportive to you in terms of education. Just give us a call, let us know what the programme looks like, and we will be a part of it,” Tewari shared.

Giving an update on the championships, which are a mere three weeks away, Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) Representative

Julian Cambridge explained that they are currently ticking the final boxes so that the championships can run off smoothly.

“I’d want to say that presently, we’re clearing districts, preparing ID cards and the necessary documentation for the championships. The only areas we’re waiting on presently are the outlying areas,” Cambridge disclosed.

The 59th edition of the national championships— which give school athletes an opportunity to display their skills— was launched last Thursday and will see President David Granger acting as the patron of the event.

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wednesday, november 6, 2019

23

Archery pierces mark at Queen’s College A

t the beginning of September 2019, the Queen’s College CXC graduating class of 1990-95 rekindled friendships and formed a diverse and dynamic group to plan their reunion in 2020.

This proactive g r o u p of alumni from Queen's College (QC) has since met with the Principal of Queen's C o llege and started discussions with the overall objective of assisting their alma mater.

Since then, they have collaborated with the Board of Directors of Archery Guyana to plan the launch of a "Queen's College Archery Club" with the hope that future Olympians will emanate from their school out of this fast-growing and appealing sport.

In the release from the class

of 1990-95, it was noted that an early challenge saw the representatives from the year express great disap-

to benefit the students of QC and endured several impromptu additions to the agenda.

The release further stated that their disappointment was not assuaged by the casual “I forgot” shrug of the shoulder by Granger.

This sort of disinterest rt o y the sp students tr to what C Q e th f o Some really matters to the future pointment of Queen’s College and the indifhaving finalised plans with ference shown from a Chair of a Chairman of the Board, Alfred Board of Governors raise seriGranger, to launch the auspi- ous uneasiness as to the earnestcious General Assembly to com- ness of those now at the helm. memorate the 175th anniversary However, the alumni wish to commend Principal Jackie Benn for of the school.

To their dismay, the her enthusiasm, knowledge and Chairmanship baton was passed research of the sport and support on to Dawn Holder-Alert, who of the students of QC. Owing to the Head Teacher’s also by-passed their contribution and closed the assembly prema- intervention, as part of the turely. This was after alumni took school's recent 175th anniversatime off from work for the event ry celebrations, Archery Guyana

QC Principal Jackie Ralph-Benn trying the sport under the guidance of Head Coach Nicholas Hing

collaborated with the graduating class of 1990-95 and hosted an Archery Booth for students, teachers and alumni to be initiated to the sport on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the school's sports day on the field. The venture was a success.

This new sport attracted a large crowd of very eager potential archers who tried their skills at shooting the bow, many of whom immediately wanted more information on when they might start practising the sport regu-

larly.

Most of the students got a chance to use the bows provided, and some even hit a few 10 rings (bull’s-eyes). This natural talent was noted by the Archery Guyana representatives on the field.

The students were also treated to a demonstration of Olympic archery by Archery Guyana Coach Anand Mangra, using his equipment and explaining parts of the process of how it’s done, which further awed the students.

2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 Tournament…

Let the games begin!

– Jaguars open campaign on Thursday

By Brandon Corlette

T

en teams and 43 matches— this will be the battle for the 2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 championship, which will commence today (Wednesday, November 6) when defending champions, Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners, will take on Leeward Islands Hurricanes from 13:30h. Last year’s runner up team, Guyana Jaguars, will play their first match against West Indies Emerging Players team from 13:30h in a day-night encounter.

The Regional Super50 will be played in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis between November 6 and December 1. The ten teams in the tournament will play across Group A and Group B. Barbados Pride, Canada, CCC Marooners, Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions are in Group A. Guyana Jaguars, West Indies Emerging Players, Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands and the United States of America are the teams in Group B.

Jags in focus

Guyana Jaguars have been a consistent team over the years but have not won a title in the Super50 format since 2005. Once again, Jaguars will be led by

Leon Johnson under the watchful and impressive Coach Esuan Crandon along with Shivnarine Chanderpaul offering services of Assistance Coach. Jaguars are equipped with experience in the

The middle-order will feature Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble and the returning Jonathan Foo. The bowling will include veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy

Defending champions CCC Marooners

The Leon Johnson-led Guyana Jaguars

14-man squad but the promising talents are excited.

Jaguars batting will see the level-head Tagenarine Chanderpaul at the top with the flamboyant Chandrapaul Hemraj with the classy Johnson set to follow at three. Newcomer Kemol Savory will perform the role of the opener or perhaps a number three if Johnson decides to bat at four.

Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, off-spinner Ramaal Lewis, while Clinton Pestano and newbie Nial Smith will conclude a pace battery which features all-rounders Refifer and Barnwell.

Players watch

Defending Champions CCC Marooners will be led by the axed Carlos Brathwaite, who will be

aiming to prove a point in pressing for a return to the West Indies team. Wearing the tag of Mr Regional Cricket of late, Barbados Pride skipper Jonathan Carter is another player to watch out for in this Super50.

Carter finished the last Super50 tournament with 351 runs, the most by any batsman and he had also paced in the top three in the Regional 4-Day tournament with 689 runs. Wearing the Tridents colours in CPL, Carter has also shown his skill with the bat as he continues to seek a spot in the West Indies team. His teammate Ashley Nurse will also be using this tournament as a yardstick to earn a recall in the West Indies white-ball teams.

Scorpions skipper Rovman Powell has been in and out of the West Indies set-up and with responsibility on his shoulders, the

once West Indies ODI skipper will also want to put his name forward for his recall.

Another axed West Indian player, Oshane Thomas, will be seeking redemption when he turns out for the Scorpions. Thomas was expensive during CPL 2019 and has been omitted from the West Indies team that will play Afghanistan.

Having made his Test debut against India, Leeward Island’s Rahkeem Cornwall will continue to push his way for a white-ball selection. Cornwall has dominated the regional arena and in another fruitful season, he will fancy his chances in the West Indies whiteball team. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batsman Darren Bravo will want to make the most of his return to regional cricket after he was omitted from the West Indies team and asked to play regional cricket.

wednesday, november 6, 2019

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

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Archery pierces mark

at Queen’s College

Page 23

CPL’s best brace for Reigning junior chess champion wins Topco Afghanistan spin barrage 1-day tourney

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