Guyana Times, Wednesday December 4, 2019.

ExxonMobil Guyana supports 7th STEM Conference P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4127

WEDNESday, december 4 , 2019

GECOM has more than enough funds for elections – Commissioners ...GECOM Chair reviewing ToRs from UNDP; Carter Center on board Page 3

Caretaker Govt cannot recall Ambassadors – Nandlall Page 7

...reminds of Govt's illegal status, says all decisions after Sept 19 subject to review

Sugar workers picket President’s office for increase in wages

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Reckless P10 drivers get off too easily” – mother of young accident victim …as driver only gets 6 months in jail

Diamond resident charged for having over 88lbs of ganja in home P8 PSC to establish working group to address local P13 content

Page 11

– PSC, civil society, labour unions and political parties to participate

GTT signs MoU with UG to install ‘top up’ machine on campus P12 Some sugar workers who lined the road in front of the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday morning to peacefully protest for a hike in their pay

CANU intercepts vehicle with over 100lbs of ganja on Mandela Avenue

Bertram Collins College student crushed by truck

Page 7

Page 9

Body of pensioner who went to P9 perform ritual pulled from Atlantic Ocean

2

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

3

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday, December 4 – 11:00h -12:30h and Thursday, December 5 – 12:30h – 14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, December 4 – 10:10h – 11:40h and Thursday, December 5 – 11:30h – 13:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Partly sunny skies are expected throughout the day. There will be clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 10:10h and 22:34h reaching maximum heights of 2.10 metres and 2.12 metres.

Low Tide: 03:32h and 16:04 reaching minimum heights of 1.03 metres and 1.15 metres.

GECOM has more than enough funds for elections – Commissioners ...GECOM Chair reviewing ToRs from UNDP; Carter Center on board

I

t seems the Government really has little excuse for not dissolving Parliament as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) itself has confirmed that it has enough funds for the holding of General and Regional Elections next year.

This was related by Commissioners from both the Government and the Opposition side on Tuesday and comes following claims by the Government that it has not dissolved Parliament yet, just in case GECOM needs additional funds.

Following the conclusion of the weekly statutory meeting, Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj was asked whether the Secretariat had enough funds for the holding of elections scheduled for March 2, 2020.

Despite the Constitution stipulating that Parliament must be dissolved three months before elections, President David Granger has failed to act

saturday, november 30, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

10 11 14

17 27 28

FREE TICKET

18 Bonus Ball

TUESday, DECEMber 3, 2019 DAILY MILLIONS

01 07 11 19 22 LUCKY 3

7

7

7

4

Afternoon Draw

2

9

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

2

8

9

10

14 15

18

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, november 29, 2019

3

10 14 16 17

1

5

15 18 20

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

“As far as I am aware, yes. GECOM has $8 billion at its disposal,” Gunraj said, though he could not say whether all the money has been released to them.

Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander also echoed his colleague, noting that the monies allocated for GECOM are enough to ensure it conducts elections.

“We do not have a problem with funding, as far as I know… If perchance we don’t have enough funds, I think we still have some time to approach Parliament,” Alexander informed the media. Meanwhile, Alexander also noted that GECOM has decided to grant an indefinite extension for the thousands of persons who have not picked up their identification cards, to do so.

According to Alexander, only approximately 800 persons have collected their cards.

In September, President David Granger announced March 2, 2020, as the date for the hosting of the constitutionally-mandated General and Regional Elections; however, with time creeping up, he is yet to issue a proclamation to dissolve Parliament.

If elections are to be held on March 2, 2020, as announced, then President Granger would have had to dissolve Parliament by December 3, 2019. This is in keeping with Article 61 of the

Opposition-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj

Constitution, which states that election of members of the National Assembly should be done within three months after every dissolution of Parliament.

It has been almost one year after the successful passage of a motion of no-confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition government and the constitutionally-mandated General and Regional Elections are yet to be held.

This is despite the Constitution clearly outlining that elections were supposed to be held no later than 90 days after the motion was passed.

On Thursday last, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, when asked about the dissolution of Parliament, said that would solely depend on the

needs of GECOM. “In fact, we have said it is important that GECOM gets all of the resources it needs to ensure that we have credible elections in March of 2020.

So what I am saying is those issues will have to be dealt with before the Parliament is dissolved. I can’t say that Parliament is going to meet today, the next day or whatever but these are the matters that are under active consideration in the Cabinet and so that the dissolution of the National Assembly will be determined in principle measure by the need for GECOM to get the additional resources which it says it wants,” Harmon told the media, adding that there have been attempts to carry on committee business at Parliament.

Last month, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will resume protest action if President David Granger does not dissolve Parliament come this month.

“When the time comes, he will have to dissolve. I’m just making sure that he understands one thing that December 2 is the day… He has to dissolve Parliament; he has to issue a proclamation. Let him delay that and we’ll resume protest because that’s part of the holding of elections – the dissolution of Parliament,” Jagdeo had noted.

Meanwhile, Gunraj also revealed that they

Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander

met with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Carter Center, the latter of whom he said is looking to provide assistance with electoral monitoring.

It had previously been said that GECOM had turned away offers of assistance from the UNDP. According to Gunraj, however, Chairperson of GECOM, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, is now reviewing the Terms of Reference (ToR) submitted by the programme.

And while this help was reportedly in the field of Information Technology (IT), Gunraj noted that as far as he is aware, GECOM’s IT systems are operating at full capacity. He was hopeful that GECOM will indeed accept the help it is being offered, wherever necessary.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 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

Address road carnage holistically

A

s Guyanese continue to express concern and shock at the numerous horrific accidents over the past two weeks, ironically, those occurred during Road Safety Month when caution and care on the roadways are expected to be exemplary.

While there are various reasons for those accidents, a common theme appears to be the unnecessary taking of risk and speed— factors often lamented as causes.

Historically, the shock, concern and caution that follow a fatal accident seem to be fleeting and the major contributory factors are seemingly swiftly resumed despite public outcry. However, given what occurred over the past two weeks, and judging from sentiments expressed on social media, it seems that a large number of Guyanese are outraged and are calling for drivers to slow down.

While that is encouraging, only time will tell if public pressure will indeed make a positive impact. Social media holds tremendous influence and traffic violations by some irresponsible drivers have been captured and attracted the attention of the Police. A recent case showed a minibus driver dangling his feet outside the vehicle’s door while it was in motion.

One would cringe at viewing that particular video for, clearly, the driven is not in full control of the vehicle and he placed all the occupants at needless risk. While it was horrifying, it appeared that the act was encouraged by some who were present. In the same video, the conductor was also seen engaging in another despicable act as he gyrated with the door opened as the vehicle motored along.

Based upon feedback, the Police are asking for assistance to have the driver and conductor brought in for questioning. While the person who made and posted the video must be commended, those who reportedly encouraged it must be condemned. That incident shows just a minuscule of the recklessness that occurs daily on the roadways, especially by minibuses but not confined.

There were instances when some of those drivers imbibe alcoholic beverages while in the process of transporting members of the public. The conductors randomly stick their hands out to demand that the bus be allowed to cut in front of vehicles without considering the risk involved.

The said drivers literally drive on the parapets at times to illegally undertake just to avoid staying in lanes and to reach their destinations within the shortest possible time. They also blatantly block turning lanes while ignoring the pleading horns.

The end result is that those who respect the traffic laws are made to spend much longer commuting and are left at the mercy of those inconsiderate drivers. This in no way suggests that all minibus drivers are reckless; however, many are noticeable offenders across the country. Sadly, their unacceptable behaviour has been allowed to continue, seemingly encouraged by both the travelling public and the Police to an extent.

While some passengers have objected to the overall despicable behaviour of minibus operators and were in the process abused, there is an urgent need for a collective and robust approach to denounce what has unfortunately become a culture of disrespect to both passengers and traffic laws.

There are times when the Police act and times when they seemingly turn a blind eye. Serious consideration must be given to the fact that some Police officers own minibuses. That may contribute to the blind eye reportedly being turned allowing the lawlessness on the roads to fester. Every day, roadways, including those in some villages that are not approved on the road service, are used by minibuses.

The Police cannot be oblivious of that for in some cases when they are managing the flow of traffic, they allow those buses to reenter the main thoroughfare. That can only be seen as encouraging a transgression of the said road service. Also, on a daily basis, many minibuses are crammed with passengers having exceeded the legal limit.

There are times when the Police intervene and commendations must be given; however, there is a lack of much-needed consistency, not just for the minibus drivers in question, but all others.

The situation has worsened and will further decline if no meaningful and sustained intervention is made. If the working traffic lights were to be configured to best suit the rush hours, then more ranks could be freed up to deal with traffic violations.

In addition, there should be a consideration for more stringent mechanisms, including raising the required age to obtain a licence to drive a minibus or taxi and higher costs. Penalties for traffic violations must be more punitive, possibly even for minor offences.

In whatever review that may now take place, maybe a protocol on how minibuses owned by Police Officers be treated in the context herein and to simplify a complaint process for the public needs to established. A WhatsApp account to facilitate videos of traffic violations and the immediate use of footage from public CCTV cameras to fight this scourge would be a good start.

The bottom line is this issue must be addressed immediately and holistically since a lack of sustained action will continue to be interpreted as encouragement for the lawlessness.

The Logos Hope arrived in Guyana and will serve the public between December 2 and December 8. In this photo, a young student looks for the right reading materials on Tuesday evening (Shaconeil Photo)

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Message from UN Secretary General

W

hen we secure the rights of people with disabilities, we move closer to achieving the central promise of the 2030 agenda – to leave no one behind. While we still have much to do, we have seen important progress in building an inclusive world for all.

Almost all United Nations Member States have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and I urge those who have not yet done so to ratify it without delay.

In June, I launched the United Nations Disability

UN Secretary General António Guterres

Inclusion Strategy, to raise our standards and perfor-

mance on disability inclusion, across all areas of our

work and around the world.

And for the first time, the Security Council adopted its first-ever resolution dedicated on the protection of persons with disabilities in armed conflict.

We are determined to lead by example. On this International Day, I reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations to work with people with disabilities to build a sustainable, inclusive and transformative future in which everyone, including women, men, girls and boys with disabilities, can realise their potential.

Thank you.

Message from Guyana Council of Organisation for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD)

T

he Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) joins the United Nations, members of the international and regional disability communities, and Guyanese living with disabilities to observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

The theme for this year is “promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 development agenda”. The UN designated the observance of this Day in 1992 to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

In accordance with the Guyana PwD Act 2010 and our advocacy efforts to ensure the full and equal participation of PwDs in all spheres of our Guyanese society, we take this opportu-

nity to urge our policymakers and other members of society to ensure that the inherent human rights of all PwDs are fulfilled and they have an equal opportunity to live independent, dignified and productive lives.

Any development agenda in Guyana must consider the voices of persons living with disabilities. This will ensure that their rights and needs are clearly communicated and understood. For this reason, whenever policies, infrastructure and other initiatives are planned, developed and implemented, it should always be done with the meaningful input of the affected population.

We also call on all members of our Guyanese society to play a role in ensuring PwDs live in a barrier-free society with limited instances of discrimination.

GCOPD also takes this opportunity to call on our policymakers to: * Develop a programme for the allocation of a month-

ly “Disability Grant” to qualified PwDs, as a living allowance. This grant should be administered separately from the “Public Assistance” Grant * Ensure that qualified and skilled PwDs be allocated a small percentage of all public sector jobs * Ensure that all public schools are accessible and are governed by a relevant Special Education Needs) policy that promotes the integration and full participation of children with disabilities, ensuring they acquire a meaningful education * Ensure that all public buildings are accessible to PwDs, in compliance with the Guyana PwD Act 2010 * Ensure that PwDs have an opportunity to participate in our electoral process and can vote independently * Ensure that PwDs have a voice in the expenditure of the revenues from the oil and gas sector The 2030 agenda for sus-

tainable development pledges to “leave no one behind”.

In order to ensure that there is equitable, inclusive and sustainable development in Guyana, the Guyana PwD Act 2010 must be implemented in its entirety and persons living with disabilities must be empowered with the voice and opportunities to participate, contribute and benefit equally and meaningfully from Guyana’s development thrust.

GCOPD is the umbrella body that represents the majority of Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) across Guyana working in the areas of advocacy and capacity building.

DPOs represent all types of disabilities.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019

5

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

Harmon’s indirect directive to GECOM Dear Editor, Was Joseph Harmon, the Director General of the Office of the Presidency giving GECOM a directive when he said that, “The dissolution of the National Assembly (Parliament) will be determined in principle measure by the need for GECOM to get additional resources which it said it wants”?

This is also compounded by the fact that he also was adamant that, “I cannot say to you now that there has been a firm decision on the dissolution, the date when that is to take place”. If no dissolution, then what?

If elections are to be held on March 2019 then Parliament has to be dissolved 3 months before and that dissolution should have to be on December 2, 2019.

This is accordance with Article 61 which states that “An election of members of the National Assembly un-

der Article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within 3 months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation.

The President, as we have seen, has made a proclamation with regards to the date for elections but has yet to dissolve Parliament. This process should have been the other way around - the dissolution and then the date for elections. Is there a catch to this reversal?

So far we have seen that the President has, by proclamation on October 1, 2019, appointed March 2, 2020, as the date for General and Regional Elections and in compliance with GECOM has stated that January 10, 2020, is Nominations Day, which, according to the law, should be 32 days before an election, albeit that, this is far in excess of that legal requirement. But so far, no

dissolution of Parliament, why?

The PNCR’s Executive Member, Aubrey Norton, at the end of September had made it clear that there is no intention to dissolve Parliament any time soon when he said that “Parliament will be dissolved at the right time”. What is the right time? We have seen that the PNC is adept at delaying and postponing constitutional requirements in complete disregard and blatant violation of our Constitution and CCJ’s orders and yet again, this seems to be their game.

Harmon and Norton have made it no secret that GECOM will once again be used to delay the elections, maybe until it is constitutionally five years after from the date which the National Assembly first meets Article 70 (3). Even beyond? If this was not the case then

the President would have dissolved Parliament on December 2.

This type of rigmarole, circumvention and evasion has been the hallmark of the PNC since December 21, 2018. From the Speaker to the law courts to GECOM and to the President, it has been a shameless journey by the coalition to prolong its life. When will this stop, if ever?

We have seen that in other countries with millions of voters, elections have been held almost by the snap of a finger but not in Guyana.

The 2019 UK elections is scheduled for December 12, 2019, and was arranged at a short notice in late October this year. The results will be announced the day after, on December 13. The voter population of the UK is over 45 million while we have just over half a million in Guyana.

This speaks volume. In the

The MoE dealt with the matter professionally Dear Editor, Recently we have seen the education sector coming under increased scrutiny with a number of unfortunate incidents involving both students and a teacher. Editor, I also noticed that on Sunday, December 1, 2019, in the four daily newspapers, the Ministry of Education published two notices. One dealt with the fight involving a male and female student and the other addressed an altercation between a teacher and a parent.

Editor, the MoE’s statements are both instructive and informative. As an educator and a parent, let me say that I believe the Ministry dealt with both matters appropriately.

Reading the contributions in relation to these issues on social and contemporary media, it is clear that although some of us mean well with our contributions, like the MoE’s statement points out, we have not placed the mat-

ter in its right context.

Editor, and here is where I will give a few reasons why I believe the Education Ministry dealt with the matter properly. Firstly, we must understand that in the case of the incident involving the male and female student, the Ministry is constrained by what it can say. This is due to the fact that these are minors they are dealing with and so the children’s privacy and that of their families cannot be compromised.

Analysing the language the Ministry used in its statements, one gets the impression that there is a whole lot more going on that meets the eye in the case of the fight between the two students, but obviously, the Ministry cannot state those. The Richard Ishmael Secondary School matter is a clear case of bullying, also abuse and other concerns. But the Ministry of Education is not allowed to take sides. As a responsi-

ble body, it has to listen to both sides and then make a determination as it identifies the causes and effects of the issue.

So while some sections of society may wish to see quick action against one of the parties, the MoE has to ensure it follows due process and be guided by what is outlined in the school policy regarding these matters.

The Ministry has taken a similar approach with the Winfer Gardens Primary incident involving the parent and teacher. The Ministry in no uncertain term branded the actions of the parent as criminal and rightfully so in my view. But as citizens, we should be aware that if a matter is engaging the attention of the police there is only so much that can be said on the issue or one runs the risk of prejudicing the police investigations.

Finally, Editor, this nation has a responsibility to our school children and young people. We have to

play our parts in ensuring that these children, who are the future of tomorrow, inculcate good values, attitudes, morals etc. This cannot be the work of the MoE alone, these children spend quite a lot of time in the home so the home has to play its role. The family cannot abdicate its duties and then expect the Ministry of Education to fix a problem that those in the home helped to create. We have to continue to speak to our children.

Editor, it begs the question, what message is that parent sending to those children? Children model behaviours from their parents, is that the type of behaviour that mother wants her children to embrace and showcase? I firmly believe that the parent should publicly apologise to this nation and more importantly to her children.

Yours truly, Leon Persaud

Help us: Ministers of Finance and Infrastructure Dear Editor, Permit me the space Editor, to seek the intervention of the Government to investigate the unashamed position of the Management of GPL. I dare say that I will seek spaces weekly to inform the readers and authorities of the issues that affect the staffers of GPL. This time of the year is known to be the festive season; the time of giving.

However, this is not so with the company I speak about.

The Management seems to forget that the Guyana Power and Light is an important pillar to the development of the nation and

more specifically, the catalyst for the many Christmas trees that will need electricity, and I reiterate, that will need electricity to be lit-up.

Further, Editor, the staffers who are overworked, and underpaid, who face brutal disrespect from customers daily, those who are spin doctors of the ‘White House’ – who tell spin-truth to the press about the current shortage in generation of electricity, the linemen who work handicap, and the list can go on and on. The point is, the staffers do this not just because they care about our job security, but because

they care about the longevity of GPL, while management spends good money on retreats.

I must say the time is now for your intervention Mr Patterson. To see how the top-heavy management can get up off their rear and work. They are sitting on the lower concerned staff who are interested in the progress of GPL. They are blocking the development and happiness of the staff.

Mr Jordon, I am aware that you are certainly the expert in the business of finance, on to a date like this, the GPL Management (negotiation) team, who were

pushing the Unions around and were subsequently fired and reinstated cannot come up with a proposal to meet the expectations of its employees. Please speak to His Excellency, President Granger for the same ratio of increases to be applied to GPL’s less than 2500 permanent and temporary staff.

Staffers are concerned whether they will be meted with the vendetta of those reinstated or told no increases. The staffers deserve it (9 per cent increase).

Yours in truth, Concerned consumer

UK, the Government upkeeps the laws, not here!

Moreover, it is not about funds for GECOM since GECOM’s CEO Lowenfield has already stated that$5.3 billion was provided in Budget 2019 and that an additional $3.5 billion was provided through supplementary appropriations in May 2019. Minister Jordan had also reassured GECOM’s Chair Justice Claudette Singh that the Commission will be provided with whatever funds is required for the elections. Therefore, Harmon’s directive is about another delaying tactic brought to fore. No excuse Mr Lowenfield!

In conclusion, the

Opposition Leader has made clear and conclusive that there will be no extension of the life of Parliament since the coalition is desperately seeking legal coverage for “all the criminal acts” committed during the period of the passing of the NCM to the naming of the elections date. Nearly one billion dollars in contracts has been approved by Cabinet since then.

Will Granger dissolve Parliament or is his dictatorship now official? Will the potpourri of political parties stand up against this Granger dictatorship?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Act in good faith and dissolve Parliament

Dear Editor, I see a lot of debate from both sides on the issue of the dissolution of the 12th Parliament of Guyana. I’m no legal expert but I do believe my ability to comprehend the law is not limited.

According to the Article 61 of the Constitution of Guyana: “An election of members of the National Assembly under article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation.”

Our Constitution is very clear that within three months after Parliament is dissolved, it must be reconvened after the holding of General and Regional Elections. Given that General

and Regional Elections are scheduled for March 2, 2020, an act of good faith from the President would have been to dissolve Parliament on December 2, 2019.

After the passage of the No-Confidence Motion almost a year ago and the lengthy legal battles that millions of taxpayers’ dollars have been spent on, the APNU/AFC coalition should realise the merits of a show of good faith.

Good faith is something I have yet to see from the APNU/AFC coalition, so I will not be holding my breath for the dissolution of the 12th Parliament this year.

Sincerely, Nalinie Singh BA (Political Science)

6

wednesday, DECEMBER 4, 2019

Page

Foundation Pull out the utensils, measuring cups, and spoons you'll be using and keep them handy so you won't need to run all over the kitchen.

Make sure you understand kitchen safety.

Cooking is no fun if someone gets hurt or sick.

The best kinds of recipes When you're thinking about what to make, remember that simple recipes are the best.

That's why you might want to start with recipes just for kids.

Recipes for kids should: be clear and easy to follow contain ingredients that are easy to find give you an idea of how long it will take make a small number of servings (portions of the food you're making) be something that you want to eat Where to find recipes

E

ver wonder how your mom or dad puts dinner together with no problem? Or how a chef on TV can make something delicious without getting the food all over the place?

If you want to grow up to be a star in the kitchen, start now by learning some basics about cooking.

Always get an adult's permission before you use the kitchen. If your recipe uses the stove, oven, a knife, or other kitchen appliances, you will need an adult assistant.

Before you start, read the recipe from beginning to end. It helps to read it more than once, so you're sure you understand it. If you're not sure, ask an adult.

Do you have the right ingredients? Utensils, like measuring spoons or a whisk? Appliances, like an electric mixer?

Check the clock and make sure you have enough time to make the recipe. Consider the time you'll need to set up, mix your ingredients, cook or bake your recipe, and clean up.

Before you start, put your ingredients in one place. Some chefs like to measure out each ingredient ahead of time before cooking.

If you're looking for recipes, consider these sources: kids' cookbooks kids' magazines food packages (the packaging or label may have a recipe that uses the food in side the package) your friends your family websites or cooking apps

Creative kids in the kitchen Once you've tried some kid-friendly recipes, you might want to: Try some grown-up recipes that aren't too hard. Start slow: Remember to check out your recipe and get help if you need it.

Learn to use herbs and spices like oregano or parsley. You can even grow your own.

Get artistic. You might use vegetables to turn your pizza into a smiley face or learn to decorate a cake.

Focus on a favourite food and become really good at it. You could be the master of muffins or the queen of zucchini.

Find recipes that introduce you to new foods or new ways to prepare old favourites.

Try recipes from different cultures or ethnicities. Where would you like to go? Make a dish from that part of the world.

Invent your own recipes and try them out on family and friends. Maybe you'll come up with a world-class recipe of your own! (kidshealth.org)

D

o you like putting on an apron and making a delicious snack for your family? How about helping out at the stove, stirring and sniffing the sweet smells?

Or making cookies by cutting out your favourite shapes?

Although making food is fun, it's important to know how to be safe. This means knowing when to get the help of an adult assistant, how to keep things clean, and how to use the kitchen safely. Let's get cookin'!

Your adult assistant If you've ever seen a cooking show on TV, you know that all the best chefs have an assistant to help them out. If you're a kid, an adult assistant can come in handy to make cooking easier and keep you safe.

Before beginning any recipe, get an adult's permission to work in the kitchen.

If your recipe uses knives, the stove, or other kitchen appliances, you must have some adult help. Some things that adults use in the kitchen may seem simple to operate, but once you use them yourself, you might be surprised by how difficult they actually are. By having your assistant around, you can avoid surprises, stay safe, and have fun while you cook.

What should you wear?

Wearing an apron will keep your clothes clean. If you don't have an apron, an old shirt will do. But don't wear anything that's big and loose. Baggy sleeves or clothes could catch fire or get caught in mixer beaters or other equipment.

Keep germs out of your food A big part of safe cooking is keeping the chef and the kitchen clean. The idea is to keep germs, which can make you sick, out of your food.

Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately before you begin any recipe. This is especially important for recipes that involve touching the food directly, like kneading dough or mixing ingredients with your hands.

Also be sure to wash your hands before and after handling raw meat, poultry, egg, and fish products because these foods can contain bacteria. You don't want that bacteria getting on your hands because then they could end up in your mouth – yuck!

You also can fight germs by keeping your working surfaces (like countertops and cutting boards) clean and dry.

Wash them with soap and warm water after you're done cooking.

Leftovers great, but you don't w a n t germs in them either.

are

Ask your adult assistant for help in storing any leftovers.

Food may be refrigerated or frozen to keep it fresh. Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Frozen leftovers are safe but lose flavour when stored longer than three or four months.

Using the kitchen safely You have your ingredients neatly lined up, your hands washed, and your measuring spoons out. But before you start, it's a good idea to learn a few rules of the kitchen.

It's easy to get injured in the kitchen if you're not careful, and a cut or burn will put an end to your fun cooking session.

Always ask your adult assistant if you can use blenders, food processors, knives, or other sharp kitchen tools.

If you're allowed to use a knife, point the blade away from yourself and keep your fingers away from the blade when you're cutting. Give the job your full attention — no looking at the TV for a quick second or yelling to your sister. Your adult assistant should be nearby to keep an eye on what you're doing.

The same goes for the stove or oven: Get permission first and be sure your adult assistant is nearby to watch you.

Here are some ways to keep from getting burned: Use potholders or oven mitts (no dish towels) when handling hot pots, pans, or baking trays.

Turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove so you won't knock them over by accident.

Get help from an adult when using a gas stove.

Never try to relight the pilot light on a gas stove. Only an adult should do this.

Use only microwave-safe cookware in the microwave – never tinfoil or anything metal. If you're not sure if something is safe for use in the microwave, ask an adult first.

Cooking lessons Did you know there are special schools where grownups go to learn how to cook? That's because cooking is an art and it takes time and practice to learn how to do it.

If you're just starting out, it can take a while before you learn how to crack an egg or cook the pasta until it's just right. You'll figure it out – with a little help from your adult assistant! (kidshealth. org)

NEWS

7

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caretaker Govt cannot recall Ambassadors – Nandlall ...reminds of Govt's illegal status, says all decisions after Sept 19 subject to review

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

F

o l l o w i n g Government’s announcement that it would be recalling Ambassadors from overseas who it claims have overstayed their time, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has reminded that because of its illegal status, the Government has no authority to make such decisions.

Nandlall, when contacted, informed Guyana Times that contrary to what the Government is claiming, the Government is currently not a caretaker Government but an illegal one. He claimed that the Government was supposed to act as a caretaker Government and announce a date for elections, up until September 19.

“It was a Caretaker Government from the time the No-Confidence Motion was passed, that is, from the 21st December 2018 to three months immediately succeeding that time, that is, on or about the 20th March 2019, when elections were to be held under Article 106 (6) of the Constitution.”

“Then the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its consequential orders delivered on the 12th July 2019, in the No-Confidence Motion cases, indicated that that

litigation placed the constitutional clock on pause, in relation to the three months within which elections shall be held consequent upon the passage of the NoConfidence Motion, as mandated by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution.”

Nandlall referred to the CCJ’s act of referring to a three months’ grace period for Government to hold elections as “judicial benevolence”, but made it clear that the three months’ period has elapsed.

“The first minute into the 19th September 2019, this Government became absolutely illegal, unconstitutional and unlawful. From that moment, it ceased to govern by virtue of constitutional authority.”

“Consequently, every decision and appointment made, every contract signed and awarded and every cent of taxpayers’ dollars spent are illegal, unconstitutional and unlawful. Even monies budgeted for; they have no authority to spend because those monies were budgeted in accordance with the Constitution to be spent by a Government recognised by the Constitution.”

Nandlall noted that at some point in time, all these decisions that were made in-

cluding the decision to recall the unnamed Ambassadors from their overseas missions, will have to be reviewed.

“This is a unit masquerading as a lawful Government and at some point in time, these decisions that are being made, contracts that are being awarded and monies that are being spent, will have to be reviewed, their legality or lack thereof examined and consequential legal actions taken,” he said.

The Ministry’s announcement that it would be recalling Ambassadors follows speculation on the reason for former Director General Audrey Jardine-Waddell’s removal from the post. The Ministry confirmed that indeed, Waddell has been removed and will be replaced

by Charlene Phoenix as their first Permanent Secretary, with effect from December 2.

According to the Ministry, however, there are Ambassadors that have been serving for 20 years, when in fact their tenure is supposed to be 3 to 5 years. The Ministry claimed that this has impeded the work of younger, up and coming foreign service officers and that the reshuffling was part of “promoting greater efficiency”.

A cursory check on the current Ambassadors’ residence overseas revealed only a few Ambassadors with over a decade of service abroad. But the Foreign Affairs Ministry has not revealed the names of those Ambassadors who were targeted.

Questions have been raised as to whether there is more to the issue than the Ministry is letting on.

For instance, there had been reports that Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, was being undermined at the Ministry.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

Those reports appeared shortly before word got out that Jardine-Waddell was being reassigned. However, it has also been alleged that the technical staff were being impeded from doing their job due to political interference.

Waddell’s reassignment also comes after reports in sections of the media that her contract was not renewed by the Government.

When she was asked about these claims, however, Waddell had denied knowledge of such a development.

Bertram Collins College student crushed by truck

Dead: Deshon Morris

A

The scene of the accident on Tuesday evening

n 18-year-old cyclist is now dead and his pillion rider was injured after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a truck at Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown.

Deshon Morris of Lot 4 East La Penitence, Georgetown was pronounced dead on the spot while Keon Granville, 27, of Phase 2 Lot 1 East Ruimveldt was treated and sent away.

Based on information received, the accident occurred at about 20:00h and involved motorcycle CJ 6021 and motor lorry bearing registration

number GTT 2073 with trailer number TEE 6391 owned

by Muneshwers Limited.

Police preliminary reports stated that the motorcycle was proceeding north and as the truck approached the intersection in the vicinity of National Hardware, the driver failed to stop.

As such, the vehicle ended up into the path of the motorcycle. As a result of the collision, both Morris and Granville fell onto the roadway and received injuries about their bodies.

Morris was subsequently pronounced dead.

Guyana Times under-

stands that the young man was a student of Bertram Collins Collage. He was reportedly heading home when the accident occurred. The truck was laden with pipes.

Nevertheless, the young man’s body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a PostMortem.

At the scene, the mother and other relatives of the dead teenager were inconsolable. The driver of the truck was taken into Police custody and is assisting with investigations.

8 NEWS

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Diamond resident charged for having over 88lbs of ganja in home

M

ichael Haynes, 38, of Fifth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Tuesday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was arraigned with narcotics trafficking.

Haynes appeared be-

fore Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and denied the charge which stated that on November 29, 2019, at Diamond Housing Scheme, he had in his possession 44.2 kilograms (over 88lbs) of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Adduni

Inniss told the court that on the day in question, ranks went to the defendant’s home and conducted a search during which the large quantity of marijuana was unearthed in his bedroom.

The court heard that a further search was conducted on a plastic barrel and an-

other quantity of the illegal plant was discovered.

The defendant was then told of the offence and admitted ownership of the narcotics during a video recording. Haynes was remanded to prison until December 9, 2019.

lings, had just disembarked a minibus and were crossing the road.

A car had stopped to allow the group to cross, but as they were doing so, another car, driven by Jairam, failed to stop and as a result, the vehicle hit the schoolchild. Jairam was reportedly going at a fast pace.

After the accident, the child’s siblings immediately rushed to her aid. Without hesitation, the driver of the car picked her up and rushed her to the Diamond hospital, where she was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital to which she was admitted.

The driver was subsequently taken into Police cus-

tody and charged. The child is set to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) next year.

Driver gets 6 months for hitting schoolchild on pedestrian crossing

R

onald Jairam, the driver who struck down an 11-year-old girl while she was using a pedestrian crossing at Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Monday sentenced to six months in prison

by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Jairam was slapped with three charges when he appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, driving an uninsured vehicle and for being an unlicensed driver.

The victim, Adalia George, a Grade Six student of the Soesdyke Primary School, was hospitalised for at least two weeks after the accident,

Adalia George

and was recently discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital.

It was reported that on Tuesday, November 19, George, along with her sib-

Former wanted ex-soldier charged for ganja possession

Ex-soldier Steve Bacchus

S

teve Bacchus, who was wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to several criminal offences, was on Tuesday charged for being in possession of a quantity of ganja.

Bacchus made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

Police stated that the 27-year-old labourer, of North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, had six grams of cannabis in his possession between November 24 and 25, 2019 at North Sophia.

Bacchus was represented by Attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, who told the court his client should be granted bail since the offence is a bailable one.

He further told the court that his client turned himself in to Police after learning that a wanted bulletin was issued for him. The lawyer stated that his client maintained his innocence throughout interrogation

by Police.

The Prosecutor, however, objected to bail being granted on the grounds that Police were still carrying out investigations in relation to the defendant being in possession of an illegal AK-47, a rifle and matching ammunition.

The Prosecutor further opined that the defendant would not return to court if bail was granted. The Magistrate, nevertheless, granted Bacchus bail in the sum of $5000.

Bacchus was then instructed to make his next court appearance on December 9, 2019.

Long knives…

A

…at Foreign Affairs decade ago, who would have thought that Guyana would be getting top billing in the media of every developed country in the world? The massive oil finds by Exxon did the job, and while we rightfully scrutinise Raphael Trotman’s role in the giving away of the store on the “negotiations”, we have to admit we’re getting some really good publicity as the world now beats a path to our door.

But just as we’re becoming known in the world for something other than Jonestown and its 900+ suicides, the caretaker PNC government has decided to shake up the entire edifice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now, why would they want to go down this road, when the interests of our country in the international arena demand heightened protection?? Didn’t Trotman himself give the excuse of the Venezuelan border controversy as the reason he didn’t look at the fine print?? And isn’t the World Court going to decide in March as to whether they have the jurisdiction to hear the very case??

The PNC’s reason for sacking the Director General is that they’ve decided to do away with the position and replace it with a Permanent Secretary!! This excuse is even lamer than the one given by Trotman for his blunder on the oil contract!! Why couldn’t the incumbent Director General be given the new designation?? Why had they at first denied that her contract wasn’t being renewed?? Then there’s the decision to recall and replace 5 ambassadors to top drawer countries like Canada and China etc.

Knowing the beast we’re dealing with, we can be sure there’s more in the mortar than the pestle – and the PNC’s pestle has always been nothing to sneeze at!! So what is it since right off the bat, the PNC Government is breaking all the conventions of what a caretaker Government is supposed to do – which is just to mind the store. Not fire all the staff to rehire God knows who. But this is par for the PNC, which is willing to flout the LETTER of the Constitution, much less its spirit!!

The reason for the shakeup in the Foreign Service is that, knowing they’ll be booted out come next March, they’re gonna promote some stalwarts into the now vacant positions, then cry “racism” or “witch-hunting” when the PPP has to revamp the staffing to deal with the demands of our heightened new role in the foreign arena.

Remember the brouhaha when the PPP had to retool the same Ministry after the 1992 elections?? Multiply that by 1000 because of their chagrin at not getting their grubby little hands on the oil funds.

The move’s a land mine for the PPP!! …in the coalition If you’re getting the feeling that a lot of folks in the coalition are lying low since they aren’t popping up in the dailies as you’d expect them to do with elections in the air, well, take a bow!! But why the low profile?? And the answer is that the long knives we see being wielded in Foreign Affairs are also busy at work weeding out some old faces who the PNC feels haven’t been pulling their weight.

Right off the bat we know if the AFC has to throw some bodies under the bus after their renegotiated (imposed?) Accord, then imagine what folks like JFAP, NDF, NFA and WPA have to do!! Does anyone really think Jaipal Sharma’s gonna be back when it was bandied about he was about to do a Charrandas? Think about why he offered to do a Hara-Kiri! Or what about Keith Scott and his foot-in-mouth tendency?? Does anyone even KNOW what the NDA is??

And we’re only talking about the fringe elements!! …against WPA Just when you thought the age of magic was long gone with Harry Potter and Hogwarts, we had the Rodney sign magically reappear at the National Archives!!

Or, with Christmas in the air, is it a miracle? By a “big stick”??

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CANU intercepts vehicle with over 100lbs of ganja on Mandela Avenue

F

our persons are now in the custody of drug enforcement officials after they were arrested following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis in a vehicle on Monday evening.

Based on reports received, at about 20:25h on the day in question, several ranks attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) swooped down

on a car that originated from Berbice and found the illegal substance. The car was intercepted behind the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown.

According to the drug enforcement body, 35-yearold Jairam Lalman, of 757 Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was transporting the cannabis

from a location in his county to a “given” location in the capital city.

However, his vehicle was intercepted by the CANU ranks before he could make the drop-off.

When the car was searched by the CANU ranks, they discovered several parcels of the cannabis that had been wrapped in clear plastic and then covered with black

Body of pensioner who went to perform ritual pulled from Atlantic Ocean

T

he lifeless body of a man was pulled from the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Windsor Forest Seawall, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Tuesday afternoon after he was suspected to have drowned.

The dead man has been identified as 70-year-old Pitamber Budhu, called “Moti”, of Lot 97 Fourth Street, Windsor Forest.

Police Commander of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Simon McBean when contacted told Guyana Times that persons in the area observed the body floating in the ocean and quickly mobilised a team to retrieve it.

Following the discovery, Sharmila Sewnarayan, a niece of the dead man, explained that her uncle had left home around 15:30h to perform a religious ritual at the seawall. However, they received a phone call shortly

but they did not expect the deceased person would have been Budhu.

“I told my aunt same time that how somebody die, and she told me that he (Mito) gone and he gon come home just now to tell us, not knowing that it was him,” the niece related.

The pensioner leaves to mourn his wife, two children, and grandchildren.

Dead: Pitamber Budhu, called “Moti”

after informing them of a body being pulled from the water.

“This afternoon he left to go to the seawall to throw out the old jhandi flag in the sea and a few minutes after, people called us saying somebody died at the seawall, and we were waiting for him to come home to tell us who it is,” she stated.

Sewnarayan added that after the phone call, she informed other relatives,

The suspect, Jairam Lalman, who was caught by ranks of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU)

plastic bags weighing over 102 pounds.

Lalman was immediately arrested and taken to the CANU headquarters for further grilling about the crime.

Meanwhile, as a result of the bust, three others were hauled in by CANU for questioning.

In June of this year, while giving an overview of last year’s performance of the Unit, CANU had reported

Some of the parcels containing cannabis that were found inside the vehicle

that there was a vast increase in cannabis seized

by CANU during 2018, with the spike seen mostly during the June to August period which coincides with the summer vacation.

According to statistics provided by the drug enforcement body, the unit had seized 171.58kg cocaine, 543.256kg cannabis, 532.8 grams ecstasy, 304 grams of heroin, and 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine

and 39 grams of cannabis in 2018 against the 291.089kg cocaine, 123.799kg cannabis and 1.602kg of heroin seized in 2017.

The CANU had added that for this year, ranks had upped the ante in combatting the trafficking and sale of illicit substances in Guyana and that more and more operations were being done to nab the culprits who are engaged in the world of drugs.

10 NEWS

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Reckless drivers get off too easily” One of 2 accused freed – mother of young accident victim of businessman’s …as driver only gets 6 months in jail

Allison Arthur

By Devina Samaroo

F

ollowing an accident that has changed her daughter’s life forever, a mother is calling on the authorities to send a stronger message to reckless drivers.

While her little girl was fortunate enough to survive the crash, this parent believes the penalty against the guilty driver was too lenient.

Adalia George, 11, was struck down on November 19, 2019, as she was making her way across a busy road using the pedestrian crossing at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

After spending several days in a hospital bed, Adalia has been discharged, but her life has changed forever.

She is still experiencing excruciating pain, is unable

to use her hands, and cannot walk properly.

The young girl suffered a fractured neck, broken shoulder, and bruises about her body.

Her mother, Allison Arthurs, is still uncertain about the future that now awaits her ambitious child.

Adalia is a pupil of the Soesdyke Primary School, where her mother has been teaching for over 10 years.

At the time of the accident, the young girl and her siblings had just disembarked a minibus and were waiting to cross the road by the pedestrian crossing.

According to Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) footage seen by Guyana Times, a vehicle finally stopped for them to cross. The vehicle appeared to have had on its hazard lights. However, as the group of people were halfway across the pedestrian crossing, a speeding motor car struck them down.

The little girl’s body was thrown some distance ahead. She was taken to the Diamond hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The driver, according to the mother, has made no contribution to the child’s medical bills.

The matter was heard at the Providence Magistrate’s Court; the driver pleaded guilty and, as a consequence, was given six months in jail while the maximum penalty for the crime was 12 months.

Allison believes the pen-

murder

Dead: Shawn Anys

Adalia George

alty is too weak and it does not send a strong enough message to reckless road users.

“I am feeling the consequences of the accident right now and I am very, very annoyed about the fact that maximum penalty is 12 months. That needs to be reviewed because a lot of people are taking this thing as a joke,” the mother expressed during an interview with this publication.

“The Magistrate did the best he could; I admired how he tried and he did what he had to do… but for them (drivers), they don’t see the seriousness. They would cry and shed a lot of tears in court and what else can the Magistrate do?”

There has been a sudden

increase in road fatalities.

In fact, within a period of seven days, 12 persons lost their lives in road accidents.

Allison believes this is so because drivers are, for some reason, extremely reckless, and there is not a strong enough deterrent for them to operate otherwise.

“Somebody has to be used as an example to the others,” the mother contended.

“I am admonishing that road users, especially our drivers, to look out for the children, look out for the elderly persons, look out for everyone, and slow down, because one day, it may be your relative and your child.

And what I’m going through, you may go through worse than that,” she said.

J

amal Forde, a wash bay worker formerly of South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, exited the courtroom of Justice Sandil Kissoon a free man after the judge upheld a no-case submission and ordered the 12-member jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict.

Forde, who was indicted along with Odel Roberts for the murder, pleaded not guilty to the indictment which stated that on May 1, 2015, he murdered Shawn Anys, a businessman, during the course of a robbery.

The no-case submission was upheld after Attorneys Ronald Burch-Smith and Keoma Griffith highlighted the lack of sufficient evidence in relation to Forde’s identification by the key witness among other issues.

Reports have indicated that 37-year-old Anys of Turkeyen, Greater

Freed of murder charge: Jamal Forde

Georgetown, died after he was shot by armed bandits who invaded his home.

Police reports noted that about 22:50h on Friday, May 1, 2015, Anys went out into his yard in Turkeyen to make a check after dogs began barking continuously and was confronted by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

During the confrontation, Anys was shot to his body by the perpetrators who then entered the home and took a laptop computer, two cellphones and $40,000 before escaping.

Anys was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His accomplice, Odel Roberts, is currently serving three years in prison for drug trafficking, and awaits a separate trial for the murder.

news

11

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sugar workers picket President’s office for increase in wages

Sugar workers during the picketing exercise in front of the Ministry of the Presidency

L

ed by their unions, thousands of sugar workers attached to the Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Sugar Estates downed tools on Tuesday demanding an increase in their wages.

While some remained at their various posts, some picketed the Ministry of Presidency reiterating their calls as they demand that President David Granger intervenes.

Speaking at the protest line, President of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, stated that the Government ought not to ignore the plight of the workers who are employed by a State-owned enterprise— the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

“There has been a stagnancy of wages in the sug-

in 2015 amid a promise that the workers will receive an increase and sugar is too big

Some sugar workers who lined the road in front of the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday morning to peacefully protest for a hike in their pay

to fail”.

He stated

that

the

Protesters holding a banner that calls for caretaker President David Granger to end discrimination and allow sugar workers to benefit from increases in their pay

ar belt since 2014 and we are now in 2019. The last increase in pay was in 2014.

This Government took over

employed in the sugar belt and that many persons continue to suffer as a result of the Administration’s actions or lack thereof.

“We are sending a message to the President that you need to award the sugar workers, at last, an increase.

We have a claim before GuySuCo which we hope they would discuss with us but we have not been able to address the issue of wage and salary because GuySuCo said they are waiting on further instruction.

So we have no commitment from them, no position as to whether they will grant an increase or not but we know that the President makes a difference in this matter”.

Chand further stat-

APNU/AFC coalition, since it took office in 2015, has done more harm than good to the thousands of persons

ed that over two months ago, his Union sent a petition to caretaker President Granger, and he promised to have that petition addressed by the GuySuCo first and then inform the GAWU afterwards as to decisions being made.

However, to date, the Union has not received any feedback from President Granger, other than an acknowledgement of his receipt of this petition and his commitment to respond to representatives of the Union in that regard.

“So we have that, we have no response, and then we have attempts by the Government to hoodwink the public and the workers to say that the Board of GuySuCo will have to decide on this question. The Board of GuySuCo is a creature of

this Government and the appointees there are all selected by the Government despite one who represents the Union and whatever they are told to do they will do. To say that the Board will give an increase, as I said, is just not sincere because the Board is incapable of dealing with it,” the GAWU Head added.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has already said that sugar workers may not benefit from an increase like the rest of public servants because GuySuCo does not have money.

A sugar worker proudly displaying his banner during the picketing exercise calling for the rights of sugar workers to be upheld

12 NEWS

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GTT signs MoU with UG to install ‘top up’ machine on campus

S

tudents and faculty members at the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus will soon be able to access quick GTT credit on campus, as GTT on Tuesday signed an agreement with the tertiary institution to have a vendor

‘top up’ machine installed there.

GTT Sales Manager Richard Das explained the installation of the machine would help strengthen the company’s self-service and 24-hour ‘top up’ programme to some 14,000 persons.

After months of negotiations between the two parties, UG Deputy Vice Chancellor (PACE), Dr Paloma Mohamed Martin, who is also Chairperson of the Transitional Management Committee (TMC), expressed delight

in the signing of the agreement, and said the installation of the kiosk would go a far way in benefiting those on campus.

“We have had a long history of partnerships with GTT since I took office about four to five years ago ... We are looking forward to closer and more meaningful collaborations with GTT and we are thankful for this first step,” Dr Martin stated.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor explained that the University looked forward to the installation of many more kiosks, since the campus was vast and there was another campus in Berbice. “There is scope for growth, once we are able to test this and see how it is going to work,” Dr Martin said.

Das stated that the GTT

GTT Sales Manager Richard Das and UG TMC Chairperson, Dr Paloma Mohamed Martin sign the MoU between GTT and the University of Guyana

team would take on the University’s hope to have more kiosks installed at more points on campus.

This will be the first GTT ‘top up’ kiosk to be set up at the University by GTT.

Toshaos benefit from financial management workshop

– 3-day initiative a crucial part of country’s REDD+ programme

T

oshaos and members of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) are currently participating in a three-day workshop in Georgetown which focuses on sound financial management training.

According to Head of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Joel Fredericks, the country’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) programme born from the REDD+ initiative is designed to benefit Guyana’s forestry, the country, and its citizens.

He stated that Indigenous peoples view this programme as a very important aspect for the development of their communities and that this threeday workshop will seek to address burning questions

National Toshaos Council (NTC) Head Joel Fredericks

in relation to preserving Guyana’s forests.

“What proposals are we going to come up with? What financial management systems are we going to design to ensure that the FCPF is bringing that financial benefit but also that those benefits are being managed to enhance our development and to ensure that our for-

A section of the gathering of Toshaos and NTC members at the opening ceremony of the three-day workshop

est and nature continue to bring that kind of development, bring that kind of projections for our country and our people?”

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, during his address at the opening of this workshop on Tuesday, posited that financial management is important and training in this regard is necessary.

“We want to be the stewards and the guardians of the patrimony of Guyana.

Therefore, we cannot just assume that we know how to manage. We cannot just rely on our instincts and basic knowledge. It is good, therefore, that workshops like that conducted by experts in financial management can show us how”.

He added that many may overlook the simple aspects of the management of finances but noted that every area in such a topic is foundational for the progress of any project or initiative. “…like managing your books, doing depreciation and costing your expenses, ensuring that if you are a profit-making enterprise that you are in fact making a profit, you may be very busy but you are us-

ing. And if you are a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) that is not into profit at least you should not be in the red. Because money comes, it is precious, it is valuable, it is to be respected because it is a gift and, therefore, I am pleased this (Tuesday) morning to welcome you to this important workshop”.

Guyana is aiming to achieve REDD+ Readiness to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by the end of 2019, after years of complex efforts and joint discussions at the national and regional level.

Consistent with the REDD+ Strategy and the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) for Guyana, three final project concepts have been identified for implementation in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous forest-dependent communities.

These pilot projects were based on overall consensus using a ranking system whose criteria included emission reduction potential, provision of ecosystem services, scalability and replicability, and multiple co-benefits.

NEWS

13

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ExxonMobil Guyana supports 7th STEM Conference

A

s part of its ongoing commitment to the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, ExxonMobil Guyana teamed up with the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) Inc to stage the Seventh STEM Conference at the Ramada Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday.

Under the theme “Present Innovators, Future Creators,” the event brought together 400 students from 11 secondary schools in Georgetown. These schools have been actively imple-

menting the STEM after-school programme facilitated by VYC Inc. ExxonMobil Guyana made a contribution of some $20 million to support these activities, which are expected to run from September 2019 to June 2020.

Speaking at the event, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Wells Execution Manager Ryan Turton shared his love for STEM and its impact on his career. Turton, who has degrees in Aerospace Technology and Mechanical Engineering, has worked with ExxonMobil for 13

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Wells Execution Manager Ryan Turton shared his love for STEM and its impact on his career

years in “four different countries on four continents”.

PSC to establish working group to address local content

– PSC, civil society, labour unions and political parties to participate

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) will soon be establishing a “Multi-Stakeholder Working Group” inclusive of civil society, labour unions, and political parties in an effort to broaden discussions on local content legislation in light of numerous concerns being raised countrywide about the lack of a local content policy and repercussions of such.

According to the Council of the PSC, recent calls for legislative protection that were made by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) as well as the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) have gone unanswered and the issue of local content continues to be of major concern to businesses.

As such, the Council, which comprises over 23 Private Sector organisations, convened its Trade and Investment SubCommittee recently to discuss the concerns and to give effect to the call for local content legislation.

Following its deliberations, a decision was made that there be the establishment of the “MultiStakeholder Working Group” quite soon.

In September, Trinidadian local content expert, Anthony Paul had alluded to the fact that stakeholders’ calls were being ignored and that the Government’s Draft Local Content Policy (LCP) plan is essentially for foreigners.

Paul, who had been tasked with completing the first two drafts of Guyana’s LCP, had told the media that the tax breaks being granted to foreign subcontractors in the LCP third draft could only be viewed as “discriminatory to locals” and that this should be addressed either by a review of contracts or by law.

The Trinidadian local content expert is said to have emphatically out-

The Private Sector Commission of Guyana

lined same in a report that he wrote on the request of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). That international organisation had commissioned this report for the Guyana Government and it was handed over in 2016. In that document, Paul had stressed that such exemptions undermine Guyana’s local content efforts.

In the same report, Paul had added that any Local Content Policy Guyana pursues should ensure all international oil subcontractors are made to have a local partner.

According to the Chatham House Advisor, it is in Guyana’s best interest to have a policy, which demands that such foreign companies collaborate with locals to get maximum local content impact.

In February last, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon had announced that oil consultant, Dr Michael Warner was hired to complete the policy replacing Paul. The cost of that contract was $22 million, a contract which the Government later admitted was never advertised.

Absent from the third, and supposedly final draft of Guyana’s Local Content Policy, are three key things which stakeholders have long called for.

First, it was found out that there is no recommendation in the draft for local companies to enjoy the same tax breaks that will be granted to the subcontractors and affiliated companies of the oil majors operating offshore Guyana.

Secondly, the document makes no demand for oil companies and their subcontractors to increase their use of local labour and services over time And thirdly, foreign companies will not be mandated to partner with local firms, despite a report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) calling for same.

In fact, the draft policy states, “…it is the policy of the Government of Guyana to not mandate local-foreign joint ventures as a requirement for market access in the upstream petroleum sector, but instead to encourage such alliances…”

With respect to tax breaks, oil companies, their affiliated firms, and all their subcontractors enjoy a range of tax exemptions.

They are not required to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) or import duties on equipment and supplies.

In fact, the only tax that being subjected to foreign subcontractors would be Excise Tax on fuel imports at a rate of 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, locals have to pay 50 per cent.

“When it became time to consider a career choice, engineering was a natural fit.

Growing up on a farm gave

me a very practical view of the world and engineering was a career that allowed me to apply fundamental science and mathematics, coupled with technology to solve real-world challenges,” he told the participants.

Meanwhile, he also spoke of ExxonMobil Guyana’s commitment to the social and economic advancement of Guyana by building capacity through activities such as the STEM conference. “This STEM programme is part of a long-standing partnership with the Volunteer Youth Corps, and by investing in joint efforts such as this we

are helping students develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and future careers,” he added.

A team of engineers from ExxonMobil Guyana joined students throughout the day to participate in various exercises and experiments.

ExxonMobil Guyana has partnered with VYC Inc to implement STEM education in schools since 2012. In the after-school programme students are exposed to practical lessons in Physics, Chemistry, Integrated Science and Information Technology. There is also a three-day Science Camp at a local environmental facility.

14 NEWS

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

“I will continue to stand strong” – industrious HEYS entrepreneur

A

dela Robertson, a young and industrious resident of Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), continues to defy the odds.

Adela operates a thriving snackette including lunch specials (she bakes her own pastries) and also sells a variety of agricultural produce in her village, which was established through the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry’s Youth initiative, the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Programme.

Speaking of the steady progress she’s experienced over the past nine months, the 29-year-old businesswoman said “I continue my entrepreneur with the $50,000 grant booster, I also employ somebody to roast every evening for me and I’m glad that I’m trying and I will continue to stand strong.”

While she credited the success of her business to the support she continues to receive from villagers, Adela praised her parents for standing by her side through the difficult times.

She noted that “my mother and father always tell me to stand strong and to get my business bigger and greater and to employ youths as I plan to in the future. I can also help youths that need help or advice and I’m now twenty-nine years of age, single, without a boyfriend and no children and I will do my best.”

Adela, who is the last of five siblings (all sisters), added that “I also sell provision, farine and plenty things to keep my business running and I have almost everyone in the village support me.”

Her father, Bernard Robertson, said he undertook the construction of the shop and also provided support in acquiring

Adela Robertson having a busy day

much-needed equipment so villagers can enjoy a variety of cold beverages among other things.

“I’m a farmer and I does try to help her with the provision and the lil things to prepare her snack, farine, banana and things like that and she going up. We help

her to buy a generator and a freezer to keep her lil things cool, she sweet drink, icicle, cool down and she got everything out there.”

During the evenings, Adela’s hired help, Alex Carlos, ensures her customers enjoy delicious roast meat (chicken/beef) with both eat-in and takeaway services readily available.

Due to the success of the business, Adela was able to acquire a motorcycle which is the family’s only mode of transportation to and from the business since they re-

side about ten minutes outside of the village.

Her mother, Freda Robertson explained, “her father (Bernard) would bring me in the night and I would keep her company because it is not really safe for her to be alone is a busy place, vehicles up and down all the time and you don’t know people, plenty of them does be passing through so I would come or Ananias (another successful HEYS student) would help out. We would stay here till about ten or so and then we close

up and go home.”

Adela, who was an Aeronautical Engineering student in Brazil where all of her siblings reside, (only had ten months to complete her practical) said she had to make a hard decision to quit the training and return home (Aishalton) because of the love she has for her parents who needed her support because of illness.

She said despite this setback, she is determined to give herself and her parents an opportunity to live a prosperous life and “I am working towards that, I love my parents”.

With plans to extend her business, Adela has also already applied to the Aishalton Village Council for another piece of land to construct and open another shop.

According to her, this new venture will see clothing and footwear, groceries and other much-needed commodities available for sale.

Adela was among twenty young people selected from Aishalton to participate in the HEYS Programme which has been a life changing initiative for close to four thousand Indigenous youth across Guyana.

Caricom special rapporteur wants more access for persons with disabilities

A

s international observances for Persons with Disabilities take place across the world today, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Special Rapporteur on Disability, Senator Dr Floyd Morris has reiterated his call for access for Persons with Disabilities. This year, the observance is being celebrated under the theme “The future is accessible”.

In his message to observe this occasion, the Caricom Special Rapporteur, who is also the Director of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Centre for Disabilities, said: “If persons with disabilities are to be brought in the mainstream of Caribbean societies the various stakeholders must create greater access to all aspects of Caribbean life for these vulnerable individuals.”

The Special Rapporteur cited public facilities, public transportation, educational institutions, health care facilities, community centres, sidewalks, theatres, sports complexes, workplaces and other such facilities that must be made accessible for persons with disabilities.

In related news, the findings of 2019 Report of a project to establish a Regional Disability Index indicated that while “it is evident that some work is being done to advance the disability agenda, it is not sufficient and strategic enough to radical-

University of the West Indies Centre for Disabilities Director, Senator Dr Floyd Morris

ly transform the lives of persons with disabilities in the region.”

According to the report, countries within the region must ensure that their programme of work to realise the 2030 agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for example, include issues relating to persons with disabilities.

The report reiterated that all countries in the Caribbean need to enact legislation to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities as stipulated by the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and amplified in the Declaration of Petion Ville of 2013.

With respect to legislation, the report indicates the scorecard to be a mixed one ranging from descriptions such as “some countries

having done good work implementing legislative measure” to descriptions which included “fair” or “poor.”

The report noted that the 2013 Declaration of Petion Ville is an important roadmap that has been developed by policymakers, technocrats and persons with disabilities in the Caribbean to drive the disability agenda. To this end, it called for its adoption and use by all countries to guide their implementation of programmes and policies for persons with disabilities.

According to the World Bank, disability is the result of the interaction between people with different levels of functioning and an environment that does not take these differences into account. In other words, people with physical, sensory or mental limitations are often disabled, not because of a diagnosable condition, but because they are denied access to education, labour markets, and public services. This exclusion leads to poverty and, in a vicious circle, poverty leads to more disability by increasing people’s vulnerability to malnutrition, disease, and unsafe living and working conditions.

WHO statistics indicate that of the more than one billion persons with disabilities living in the world, more than 800 million or approximately 80 per cent reside in developing countries (WHO,2011).

news

15

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Region 10 officials, students Scary times ahead: APNU/ rally for safer road use AFC deems sea defence as a drain on the treasury

A

PNU/AFC’s general lack of interest in securing Guyana’s sea defence is puzzling and unfathomable. This week, Joe Harmon provided a scary insight into APNU/AFC’s thinking. As reported in the Stabroek News and further highlighted in a media letter by Tony Viera, Harmon, the righthand man for David Granger, said the sea defence is a “drain on the treasury”.

For the vast majority of Guyanese, this signals a scary Dr Leslie Ramsammy future. The last time APNU/ AFC spoke of a “drain on the treasury”, more than 7000 sugar workers lost their jobs, between 30,000 to 40,000 people became impoverished and four sugar estates were closed in a callous downsizing of SUGAR in Guyana.

Does this mean APNU/AFC has a plan to marginalise expenditure on sea defence strengthening and maintenance? Is this the reason he raised the possibility of moving the population to higher grounds? Is this the reason why APNU/AFC reduced focus on the building and maintenance of sea defence since May 2015? Is this the reason the Mahaicony sea defence was left to further deteriorate? Is this why APNU/AFC abandoned the people of Mahaicony? Is a “drain on the treasury” now the code words and excuse for negligence and abandonment?

With rising sea levels because of climate change, with a need to ramp-up existing sea defence maintenance and accelerate new sea defence structures, it is really scary to hear a senior member of an incumbent government talking about sea defence expenses being a “drain on the treasury”. It is even scarier because we now know their posture on things that are a “drain on the treasury” end them.

This is what they did with SUGAR. Their excuse for closing down the four estates and downsizing the industry, for firing 7000 sugar workers, was that the period of paying back SUGAR was a “drain on the treasury”. Are we now expected to deal with the flooding and the threats to livelihoods and life itself on our own because our Government feels the investments on sea defence is a “drain on the treasury”? Is this what we must expect if APNU/ AFC is re-elected in March 2020? God forbids!

This is not a spurious fear. Just less than a month ago, Winston Jordan declared that the public service is a “drain on the treasury” because it has 20,000 too many public servants. He then asserted that the “drain on the treasury” because of the “bloated” public service is why public servant salaries are low and why APNU/AFC could not have kept their promise to, at least, double salaries by 2020. If re-elected, then to continue in Government after March 2020, we can reasonably expect that 20,000 public servants will be fired in order to reduce the “drain on the treasury”.

For the last five years, all the gains we made in health have almost evaporated. The reliable supply chain that ensures a steady supply of medicines, vaccines, medical supplies has been deliberately sabotaged and brought to a state of collapse. The increasing numbers of nurses and doctors in the public health sector have stagnated and, in fact, have seen declines. Could all of this be now interpreted in the context that public health is a “drain on the treasury”? Is this why after five years there are now increasing episodes of medicine and medical supply shortages?

SUGAR was not the first example of a callous, cruel cutoff of funds and abandonment of public good programmes because APNU/AFC bases policy directions on the criterion of “drain on public treasury”. Immediately on taking control of the government in May 2015, APNU/AFC hurled a sledgehammer on education funding. With the same “drain on public treasury” excuse, APNU/AFC eliminated the $10,000 grant programme for each child attending school.

They also terminated the One Laptop per Family Programme, which was a programme to ensure children have access to internet-linked laptops and promote computer and ICT literacy within families across Guyana. Lest we forget, APNU/AFC promised free university education after May 2015, but they reneged on that promise, raising university fees, instead, because university education was a “drain on the treasury”. Are we soon going to hear that public education, from nursery to high school, is also a “drain on the treasury”? Is this what people must expect from an APNU/AFC Government come March 2020?

Come to think of it, is public security and agriculture another “drain on the treasury”? We know what APNU/AFC does not consider a “drain on the public treasury”. When they doubled their salaries and tripled their allowances, they did not see this as a “drain on the treasury”.

With the globe-trotting and the massive increases in food and entertainment bills, massive increases in super-salaried contract employees and the menu of squandermania to enhance their self-interests, APNU/AFC does not view these as “drain on the treasury”. But investing in more Police Officers, security technology, investing in drainage and irrigation, dams and farmto-market roads, investments to reduce lease and rent rates for agricultural lands, these are drains on the public treasury, in APNU/AFC’s book. This is their manifesto. Beware of the wickedness in the APNU/AFC.

Students turned out in their numbers for the road safety rally on Friday

I

n a bid to raise awareness about safer driving and road use, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) officials and students turned out in their numbers on Friday last to participate in a grand rally organised by the Regional Road Safety Association (RSA) in partnership with the Regional Traffic Department.

The event was organised as part of the 18th National Road Safety Week observances, which ended on Saturday under the theme, “Accidents can be deadly, use the roads safely. Drive defensively and stay alive”.

The rally commenced at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) Ground and culminated at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground. During the march, students chanted slogans and carried placards highlighting the importance of road safety and risks taken by drivers which often lead to fatal accidents.

Delivering the feature address, Regional Chairman Renis Morian admonished the students to make road safety a way of life as he urged them to utilise the roads correctly.

Traffic Inspector Sherwin Henry told the gathering that the Regional Police Department currently had road safety campaigns ongoing in an effort to minimise fatal accidents as he point-

and the Region 10 RSA to see all road users use the roadways in a proper and safe manner.

“Pedestrians, use the sidewalks and pedestrian crossing. Drivers must drive within the speed limit. Always look out for defaulting drivers, pedestrians who perhaps might be defaulting. Give proper signals, give timely signals so that other drivers will be able to know your intention,” he urged.

Region 10 RSA Chairman Vernon Todd noted that the concerns were not only to reduce road deaths but to also reduce all accidents as he pointed out that even injuries could have long-lasting consequences.

“Injuries can lead to pressures on home life and the public healthcare system. You may be in an accident and not die but be injured for years.

“We need the people to work with

Police ranks educating students at the rally about the various equipment in the Traffic Department

ed out several road safety violations detected within the Region.

“The Traffic Department is running campaigns on speeding and drunk driving ... We also have vehicles travelling at night without taillights. There are other obstructions and acts of lawlessness.

“We are dealing with those situations and we are curbing those situations with those drivers who are using the road in a dangerous and careless manner,” Inspector Henry pointed out.

The Traffic Inspector noted that it was the hope of the Traffic Department

us. The Police can’t do it alone, the Association or the Council can’t do it alone, the insurance companies can’t do it alone. Each and every single one of us has to take up the responsibility”, Todd said.

He also highlighted numerous activities conducted within the Region in recognition of Road Safety Week.

These include painting of pedestrian crossings, the ‘White Night’ campaign, a driver symposium, exhibitions and hamper distributions.

Caricom mounts Election Observation Mission to Dominica

T

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) will mount a Caricom Election Observation Mission to monitor the general elections which will be held in the Commonwealth of Dominica on Friday, December 6, 2019.

The Mission will be headed by Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai, Department of Elections and Boundaries of Belize.

Tamai served as Chief of Mission as well as Deputy Chief of Missions at Caricom Election Observer Missions.

She recently served as a member of the Caricom Joint Electoral Reform Mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica in August 2019.

The other members of the Mission include experts in Electoral Management and Administration from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname.

The Mission will be supported by Jhonson Alexandre and Helen Marshall of the Foreign and Community Relations Directorate of the Caricom Secretariat.

Members of the Mission and the Caricom Secretariat Support Staff started to arrive in the Commonwealth of Dominica on December 2, 2019, and will depart by December 9, 2019.

The Caricom Election Observation Mission will meet with the electoral officials, leaders of political parties and other stakeholders of the Commonwealth of Dominica. On the day of the elections, the Mission will monitor the electoral process including the opening of the poll, the voting process, the closing of the Poll and the counting of the ballots.

The Election Observation Mission will issue a Preliminary Statement based on its observations and findings.

A Report

of the General Elections will be subsequently prepared and submitted to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community.

For Caricom, election ob-

servation serves as a platform to support existing democratic traditions within the Caribbean Community as part of its wider policy of supporting democracy.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

wedneSday, december 4, 2019

Regional

T&T LGE: 7-7 dead heat A

seven-seven tie result for People’s National Movement and United National Congress!

That was the outcome of Monday’s Local Government Elections (LGE) in Trinidad, where both parties held strongholds. But the ruling PNM lost ground, including its bid for Siparia and the UNC gained ground including winning the coveted Sangre Grande corporation.

At PNM’s Balisier House, Port-of-Spain headquarters Monday night, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley expressed disappointment to media personnel when he spoke at a briefing around 22:45h.

Saying he wasn’t surprised at the outcome, Rowley said it was a difficult campaign and difficult period of governance.

“While we’re disappointed we didn’t pick up that particular area —Siparia—we’re not surprised at the outcome and we’re very pleased we have in fact won the most seats and we’ve maintained our position in this manner,” he said.

He said PNM had won

Jubilant PNM supporters celebrate the Local Government Election results at Balisier House on Monday night [Photo by: Anisto Alves]

Arima (7-0), Diego Martin (100), Port-of-Spain (12-0), Point Fortin (6-0), San Fernando (6-3), Tunapuna-Piarco (11-5) and San Juan-Laventille (131).

While PNM picked a few seats in San Juan East and Barataria, Rowley also admitted to “dropping a few seats” and to disappointment at losing Sangre Grande. He said the PNM had “really hoped to hold on to it” and he wasn’t greatly surprised the party hadn’t done really well in some areas.

The atmosphere at Balisier House was some-

what subdued as early results arrived. But addressing some flag-waving PNMites at Balisier House later, Rowley declared the PNM had won the election 74 seats to 65 and “nobody has beaten us....”

In the 2016 LG poll, the PNM had won 83 seats and the UNC 54. Yesterday’s result showed that PNM got less seats than in 2016 and the UNC won more than it did then.

Cheering UNC supporters waited for Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Couva South Hall up to 23:51h. Addressing them af-

his way home with his mother and another individual, he was shot four times in the head. The shooting incident took place at approximately 15:30h.

Dixon’s mother, who was driving the motor vehicle in which he was travelling, said they had just left the Supreme Court on King Street in downtown Kingston when her youngest child was killed.

“It come like me have fever right now,” Dixon’s mother told the Jamaica Observer as she sat on the side of the road just below the Courts Super Store Monday afternoon.

“Mi cyaah believe say dem kill mi son just like that,” the mother of seven continued.

“Him just get bail and him call me and seh mi fi come pick him up. So mi pick

ter the long wait, she said the people had spoken and change was coming, starting yesterday. She said the UNC had won the popular vote.

But she gave different figures to Rowley’s on the number of seats won.

Before polls closed at 18:00h, Persad-Bissessar said UNC’s feedback was that in most areas there had been a steady stream of voters. She said she saw that as a “positive sign” that people were interested in exercising their right to vote and to elect representatives of their choice.

She’d said she was confident “...The people will make the right choice in the election and send a clear message to the PNM that their incompetence isn’t acceptable, and they’re ready for change.

I have always said the voice of the people is the voice of God...”

The UNC showed an upward trend from 20:30h in stronghold corporations such as Mayaro-Rio Claro, PenalDebe, Princes Town and Chaguanas which the party won. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Jamaica: After 3 years in prison, man killed 1 hour after release

A

fter spending three years behind bars, Dishane Dixon’s first taste of freedom was shortlived, as he was shot dead on Slipe Road in Kingston, one hour after his release.

The 23-year-old, who had been in lock-up at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre on a shooting charge, had just taken up his bail at the Supreme Court at 14:30h. However, while on

him up and mi drive come straight up. As me reach deh suh, a taxi man stop right in front of me and I was saying, ‘Why you don’t drive up the car?’ in a mi mind. And then mi hear boom, and mi hear bow, bow, and him get four shot inna him head,” she recounted, adding that Dixon had been sitting behind her in the motor vehicle. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

China signs on for ‘gigantic’ investment in El Salvador infrastructure

C

hina will help build several major infrastructure projects in El Salvador including a stadium and water treatment plant, the two countries said on Tuesday, signalling China’s growing role in the region after El Salvador cut ties with Taiwan.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in China this week, said the investment represented a “gigantic, non-refundable cooperation” for the small Central American nation.

He did not disclose the planned investment amount.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele talks to China’s Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China

Under the agreement, China will help build a large sports stadium, multi-story library and water treatment plant.

China, the world’s sec-

ond-biggest economy, will also assist at coastal tourist sites, including building streets, parks and a water system along the beaches known as Surf City, and

restaurants and shops on the Puerto de la Libertad pier.

The projects offer the strongest signal yet of El Salvador’s embrace of close relations with China.

El Salvador “adheres to the principle of one China, categorically rejects any act that goes against this principle and any form of ‘independence of Taiwan,’” El Salvador and China said in a joint statement.

El Salvador broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in August last year, following the Dominican Republic and Panama in switching sides to China.

(Reuters)

Killers of Honduran activist sentenced to 50 years

S

even men found guilty over the killing of environmental activist Berta Cáceres in Honduras in 2016 have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms.

Berta Cáceres was shot dead by gunmen in her home.

She had received death

threats after successfully pressuring the builders of a hydro-electric dam to halt their project.

The dam would have flooded large areas of land inhabited by the indigenous Lenca people.

Four men, who were identified as the hitmen hired to shoot

Ms Cáceres dead, were sentenced to 34 years in prison each.

They were also sentenced to another 16 years and four months for the attempted murder of Mexican environmentalist Gustavo Castro, who was with Ms Cáceres at the time of the attack but survived.

Two men who had links to the company building the dam, Desa, were sentenced to 30 years for helping organise the killing.

A former Honduran army major was also given 30 years.

They all have 20 days to appeal against the sentence.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

“Missed his moment”: Opposition corruption scandal undermines Venezuela’s Guaido

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country’s rightful interim ruler, speaks during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela

V

enezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido’s faltering efforts to oust President Nicolas Maduro are facing a new challenge in the form of an influence-peddling scandal that has left disillusioned Venezuelans wondering if Guaido’s moment has passed.

Guaido on Sunday said the Opposition-controlled congress would investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after website Armando.info reported that nine opposition lawmakers had advocated for a businessman linked to Maduro’s Government.

To a dozen Venezuelans interviewed by Reuters around the country, the scandal has marked another blow to Guaido’s reputation and to their hopes of seeing the back of the deeply unpopular Maduro, who has presided over a five-year economic crisis and an expanding authoritarian state.

For Mario Silva, an engineer waiting by a bus stop in the crumbling western city of Maracaibo, it was time to

move on. “Guaido missed his moment,” the 60-year-old said.

When Guaido declared an interim presidency in January in a bold challenge to Maduro, Silva joined millions of Venezuelans in celebrating the arrival of a fresh-faced politician who had united the oft-fractured opposition and was untainted by its previous scandals.

Silva had backed the “socialist revolution” led by the late Hugo Chavez and for a while supported his successor, Maduro, until, he said, Venezuela’s worsening poverty and widespread corruption became too obvious to ignore.

“I saw Guaido as a salvation for the country, but he, like Chavez, disappointed me,” Silva said.

Guaido has been recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. But, despite growing US sanctions, Maduro has retained the support of the military and control of state apparatus.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentina’s President-elect says Cabinet “chosen”, some names revealed

A

rgentina’s incoming Cabinet has already been chosen and will be revealed on Friday, President-elect Alberto Fernandez said on Tuesday, while his team confirmed a few major picks, including the incoming foreign minister and chief of staff.

As the country and markets watch closely for the make-up of the Peronist’s core leadership team, the key economic roles are still under wraps, with talks ongoing about how those will be structured, a spokesman for the leftist leader said.

“The Cabinet is defined.

Everything is already chosen and we are all working. We will present it on

Friday at 6 pm (2100 GMT),” Fernandez said a post on an official Twitter account. This followed comments made on local radio station Metro 95.1.

The incoming centre-left leader gave little detail away, though he downplayed the influence of his vice president-elect, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Argentina’s creditors, energy investors and grains traders are watching Fernandez’s picks closely, worried that Latin America’s No. 3 economy could shift toward populism after four-years under market-friendly conservative Mauricio Macri. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 4, 2019

17

Around the World

Trump says China trade Chandrayaan-2: Indian helps deal may have to wait amid Nasa find Moon probe debris sticking points in talks N

P

resident Donald Trump said on Tuesday a trade deal with China might have to wait until after the US presidential election in November 2020, denting hopes that the two largest economies would soon reach an initial deal to ease their damaging trade war.

“I have no deadline, no,” Trump told reporters in London, where he was due to attend a meeting of NATO leaders.

“In some ways, I like the idea of waiting until after the election for the China deal. But they want to make a deal now, and we’ll see whether or not the deal’s going to be right; it’s got to be right.”

Trump’s comments came as sources in Beijing and Washington familiar with the talks said that the two countries have made progress, but are still wrangling over whether existing US tariffs will be removed and over specific levels of Chinese purchases of US agricultural products as part

US President Donald Trump meets with China’s President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders’ summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019

of a “phase one” trade deal.

“The Chinese side must have such a requirement, because the Chinese side has promised more US agricultural purchases. This is in a way, to some extent, a transaction,” a Chinese source who advises Beijing on the talks told Reuters.

A Washington-based source briefed on the talks said that the US side is willing to remove some tar-

iffs, but wants additional concessions from Beijing to curb the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms.

While the deal being discussed includes new protections for trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property, trade sources have said it would leave the most difficult technology transfer issues to future talks.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

ASA said one of its satellites has found the debris of India’s Moon rover which crashed on the lunar surface in September.

The space agency released a picture showing the site of the rover’s impact and the “associated debris field”.

NASA has credited an Indian engineer, Shanmuga Subramanian, with helping locate the site of the debris.

Subramanian examined a NASA picture and located the first debris about 750m north-west of the crash site.

Chandrayaan-2 was due to touch down at the lunar South Pole on September

7, over a month after it first took off.

It approached the Moon as normal until an error occurred about 2.1km (1.3 miles) from the surface, moments before it was to touch down.

The rover lost contact and had a “hard landing” about 600km (370 miles) from the South Pole in a “relatively ancient terrain”.

Announcing the discovery of the Vikram lander, NASA tweeted a mosaic image of the site.

In late September, pictures from a NASA spacecraft had shown the targeted landing site of the

Vikram rover.

It said after receiving Subramanian’s tip about the location of the debris, the LROC team “confirmed the identification by comparing before and after images”.

“We had the images from NASA [of] the lander’s last location. We knew approximately where it crashed.

So I searched pixel-by-pixel around that impact area,” the 33-year-old Chennaibased engineer told BBC Tamil.

Subramanian said he had always “been interested in space” and had watched the July launch of the rocket. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The Government said an explosion in a gas tanker caused the fire [Marwan Ali/EPA]

gas tanker triggered the fire.”

The Government called on citizens to donate blood to treat the wounded.

“Preliminary observations indicate a lack of necessary safety measures and equipment at the factory, in addition to random storage of flammable materials,” the statement continued.

State television reported “heavy losses of life and property”.

“The explosion was loud.

Several cars that were parked in the compound of the factory also caught fire,” an employee of an adjacent factory told the AFP news agency.

Sudan has suffered from various industrial accidents in recent months, raising concerns about the adequacy of health and safety regulations.

Earlier this year, a fire caused partial damage to the presidential palace in Khartoum. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

More than a dozen people killed in Sudan factory fire

Iraqi parties gather amid political crisis

A

delegation representing parliamentary bloc Sairoon (Forward), led

by Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, has met with President Barham Salih as Iraqi politicians gathered in Baghdad to discuss a way forward after two months of anti-Government protests.

The meeting on Tuesday, which a source in the President’s office confirmed to Al Jazeera, came after Iraq’s Parliament accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Abdul Mahdi, who has taken on a caretaker role, had offered to step down

after Iraq’s topic Shia scholar, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urged a change in leadership.

The delegation handed an official letter, seen by Al Jazeera, to Salih saying that “in line with our leader Muqtada al-Sadr’s aim to end the sectarian muhasasa system, we relinquish our right as the largest bloc to nominate the next Prime Minister to the people.”

“The people are the largest bloc and should be the ones to nominate the next Prime Minister. Their choice is ours,” added the letter.

Introduced after the US in-

vasion in 2003, the muhasasa political system apportions power among religious and ethnic groups, but many Iraqis believe that it has enabled rampant corruption among political elites and thousands have taken to the streets to call for an overhaul of the system.

The protests have gripped Baghdad and the country’s mainly Shia south since early October. At least 430 people have been killed and thousands of others wounded in a violent crackdown by security forces against the demonstrations.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

North Korea unveils town hailed as ‘epitome of civilisation’

N

orth Korea has officially opened a new town its media is calling the “epitome of modern civilisation”.

State media KCNA said the town - which is able to accommodate 4000 families boasts new apartments, a ski slope, and a stadium amongst other facilities.

However, forced labour is said to have gone into the construction of Samjiyon.

And the town - even if it lives up to state media billing - will be an outlier in North Korea, where the majority of people live in poor conditions.

Kim visited Samjiyon town exactly two years ago, where he first announced a big “rebuilding” project.

A town already existed before the reconstruction. Some buildings were remodelled, while many more were torn down and replaced with new buildings, according to Zwirko.

Samjiyon has been hailed as a model town

KCNA said the town had undergone a “drastic change”, describing it as a “utopia town under socialism”.

But construction happened at a time when North Korea is under tough sanctions, and its completion shows how much importance the Government placed on the project.

Zwirko said the state “pushed construction regardless of resources, and regard-

less of lack of access to better building materials due to sanctions”.

There is also evidence, said Zwirko, that forced labour was used to complete the projects.

It is not uncommon for local civilians to be “forced” to work on such projects, and locals are often “required to contribute to construction projects by working and/or providing resources”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A

t least 23 people have been killed in Sudan’s capital Khartoum after a fire triggered by an explosion tore through a factory, the Government said.

The blaze also injured nearly 130 people, several critically, the Government said in a statement on Tuesday, suggesting the death toll from the fire could rise as the burned

were being treated at local hospitals.

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky after the blaze broke out at a tile manufacturing unit in an industrial zone in north Khartoum.

“A fire erupted in an industrial area because of which 23 people were killed and more than 130 injured,” the statement said. “A blast in a

“Very, very nasty”: Trump clashes with Macron before NATO summit

U

S President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US interests on trade.

Macron, the French President, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to “brain death”, and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies.

Trump said Macron’s criticism of NATO was “very, very nasty” and questioned whether the US military should defend any countries that were

France’s President Emmanuel Macron gestures during the meeting with US President Donald Trump, ahead of the NATO summit in Watford, in London, Britain, December 3, 2019

“delinquent” on alliance targets for national military spending.

All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal.

But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to

forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War. “If we invest money and put our soldiers’ lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO,” he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US leaders. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 4, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

dilbert

(April 20May 20)

Peanuts

Keep your plans secret until you have everything in place. If you are too quick to share, someone will steal your idea or try to take command. Protect your reputation.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Travel and educational pursuits will enlighten you.

Look for a unique opportunity to put your skills to work for you. A positive change is heading your way. Romance is in the stars.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Financial gain will depend on how you manage your spending habits. Resist temptation and don’t try to buy favors or make an impression on someone with lavish gifts.

VIRGO

Organise your time and set up a routine that will help you bring about a positive personal change. Do your best to ease stress and make room for what’s important to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Look for adventure and friends who want to share the excitement with you.

Someone unique will find his or her way into your heart. Explore what life has to offer.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Refuse to succumb to negativity. If someone close to you is feeling down, be the one who inspires him or her to keep going. You will benefit as well.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Follow a path that will lead to a better lifestyle.

Proper diet, exercise and rest are encouraged. Stop worrying about what you cannot change, and make the most of what you’ve got.

Enjoyment and satisfaction should be your focus.

Don’t put the blame elsewhere when you should be making the adjustments needed to achieve your dreams.

Romance is encouraged.

Stop others from infringSAGITTARIUS ing on your time, space or ac(Nov. 23complishments. Make situaDec. 21) tions fit your needs and ask whoever gets in your way to pitch in and help.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOr LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Keep going; you are so close to winning. With a little help from loved ones, you can beat any challenge you face. Romance will enhance your day.

An innovative idea will strike a chord with you and encourage you to parlay what you discover into something worthwhile. Turn something you enjoy doing into a moneymaker.

If you follow your intuition, you won’t be disappointed. One of your skills can be used to get ahead. If you set trends, you’ll gain popularity.

Physical improvements will lead to compliments.

wednesday, DECember 4, 2019

19

round-up:

Bucks' win streak reaches 12 G i a n n i s Antetokounmpo totaled 29 points and 15 rebounds in 22 minutes Monday night as the host Milwaukee Bucks easily extended their winning streak to 12 games with a wire-to-wire, 132-88 rout of the New York Knicks.

Antetokounmpo recorded his 20th double-double in 21 games, getting his latest one in 15 minutes into the first half when the Bucks asserted their will. The only time Antetokounmpo failed to get a double-double was two nights ago, when he finished a rebound shy on Saturday in Milwaukee’s 41-point win over Charlotte.

Antetokounmpo shot 10 of 14 from the floor, hit three 3-pointers and did not play for the final 16:54, spending the entire fourth quarter cheering on his teammates, including his brother Thanasis. D.J. Wilson added a career-high 19 points and Khris Middleton finished with 16 points for Milwaukee, which shot 55.8 percent and hit 16 3-pointers.

Julius Randle led the Knicks with 19 points, but New York’s other four starters — Kevin Knox, Taj Gibson, RJ Barrett, and

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) lays up a shot against New York Knicks forward RJ Barrett (9) and forward Julius Randle (USA TODAY Sports)

Dennis Smith Jr. — combined for 18 points on 5-of33 shooting. The Knicks lost their seventh game in a row.

Suns 109, Hornets 104 Kelly Oubre Jr. hit two 3-point baskets in the final minute to rescue Phoenix, which blew a big lead and then recovered to win at Charlotte.

Oubre finished with 23 points, missing the first seven of his 3-point attempts before hitting twice from long range in the last minute. Booker also had 23 points, while Dario Saric posted 16 points and 10 rebounds and Frank Kaminsky and Mikal

Bridges both had 12 points.

Marvin Williams scored 22 points off the bench for Charlotte. The Hornets received 15 points and 13 assists from Graham. Terry Rozier had 13 points while P.J. Washington and Cody Zeller both finished with 11 points.

76ers 103, Jazz 94 Tobias Harris scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Al Horford added 17 points to lift host Philadelphia past Utah.

Joel Embiid contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds while Ben Simmons had 14 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and four steals for the Sixers, who improved to

GFF Super 16 Cup...

from page 21

Pegasus Hotel Managing Director Robert Badal (left) presents the ceremonial cheque to GFF President Wayne Forde

Forde commended Badal and Pegasus for coming on board for the biggest local knockout tournament.

“We are delighted to have the support of the Pegasus Hotel, which is an official partner of the GFF. This timely contribution by Mr Badal will certainly go a far way in helping us to put on a fantastic football show for

the nation. I would, therefore, like to say a deep thank you on behalf of the more than 400 young men that will be given an opportunity to showcase their God-given talent by providing entertainment for thousands of fans throughout the festive season,” Forde declared.

This year’s GFF Super 16

Cup will kick off on Sunday, December 15 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary. The team emerging as the winners on January 1, 2020 will be rewarded with $2 million, the losing finalist will pocket $1 million while the third and fourth-place finishers will collect purses of $500,000 and $250,000, respectively.

a league-best 10-0 at home.

The Sixers won their fourth game in a row.

Rudy Gobert paced the Jazz with a season-high 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds while Donovan Mitchell added 18 points.

Joe Ingles had 13 points, eight assists and eight rebounds.

room with a hand injury.

Golden State got 24 points from Eric Paschall, who has scored in double figures in 11 straight games, the most by a Warriors rookie since Klay Thompson went 14 straight in 2012. Paschall added nine rebounds and six assists.

Hawks 104, Warriors 79 Trae Young scored 24 points and helped Atlanta break its 10-game losing streak with a win over visiting Golden State. It was the largest margin of victory for Atlanta this season, easily besting the previous high of 17 points against Detroit on Oct. 24.

Young reached the 20-point mark for the 18th time this season, and extended his streak of making at least 10 field goals to six games. Rookie De’Andre Hunter scored 18 points but left the game with five minutes remaining and went to the locker

Pacers 117, Grizzlies 104 Seven Pacers players scored in double figures, Domantas Sabonis flirted with a triple-double, and visiting Indiana defeated Memphis.

The Pacers shot 50 percent from the floor, and 16 of 38 (42.1 percent) from behind the 3-point arc.

Central to the outstanding night from long range, reserves Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday had 15 and 11 points, respectively. They combined to make eight of Indiana’s 3-pointers. Malcolm Brogdon, who scored a team-high 19 points, also led the squad

with nine assists.

Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. led all scorers with 31 points, marking his first 30-plus-point effort of the season.

Bulls 113, Kings 106 Lauri Markkanen stalled a Sacramento flurry with four free throws, and Zach LaVine buried a rally-killing 3-pointer with 1:15 remaining as visiting Chicago held off the Kings.

In ending a three-game losing streak, the Bulls led by as many as 19 points and were still up 92-79 with 9:01 remaining before Sacramento, much as it had done Saturday in a dramatic win over Denver, came on strong.

LaVine had a game-high 28 points and Markkanen 20 to pace the Bulls, who lost at Golden State and Portland to begin a threegame western swing.

Buddy Hield totaled a team-high 26 points for the Kings. (Reuters)

Rio Indoor Streetball Championship…

Newcomers’ dream run reach final eight

T

roy Lambert, Head Coach of newcomers Rio All-Stars, is confident of his charges making the grand final of the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championship on December 14 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

This was disclosed via an official press release from tournament coordinators Three Peat Promotions.

Formerly the head tactician of Bent Street, Lambert said that while the tournament was highly competitive, his side possessed the required abilities and experience to earn a place in the coveted final.

He added, “It’s a very open tournament, but we are very confident in our skills and will be coming to play football. We are here to take over streetball and looking to win championships starting with this tournament. We just want to be the best in Georgetown and in Guyana.”

Rio will face off with Future Stars in quarterfinal action on Saturday, December 7. A win will earn them a date with either Bent Street or Back Circle in the

semi-final round. In the other two quarter-final matches, Sparta Boss will oppose BV and Gold is Money will tackle Leopold Street.

Asked about the impact of the tournament on the growth of streetball, he declared, “This is a big impact towards the communities from the standpoint where the teams normally don’t have executives; they just come out and want to play, now their chance to play for prize monies of $1 million. I really see this is a plus and I want more sponsors to come in and improve street football so it can grow further.”

He further said, “You never know that another sponsor might come and award more monies to the players.

Streetball at the moment is it; everyone wants to play streetball, even the Elite League players. As a player, you are getting more playing time and earning more. It is like a salary, when you ask players if they are playing in the year-end tournaments, their response is ‘my office is in the gym’.”

According to Lambert, “Tournaments such as this have elevated streetball; it’s

about the organisers and coordinators. I wish Rio can continue to invest in streetball and host more tournaments; the talk is that Rio should take over and be an integral part of the streetball community. It’s great for streetball they are on board, it’s comparable to when Alpha United and Slingerz were around and what they did. Other individuals and businesses might come onboard and host events and form teams and improve the quality.”

He further affirmed that streetball has grown exponentially owing to the lack of politics and infighting that have plagued the traditional format. He added, “Streetball don’t have a leader; it’s about the communities and players and that has allowed it to grow and be supported by many.

There is no politics involved; this tournament is a massive plus for the format and going forward, I want to see more tournaments and sponsors involved in streetball.”

The tournament continues on Saturday at the National Gymnasium with the quarterfinal round.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesday, DECember 4, 2019

Best keeper, best spinner, and a Russell-sized hole – questions for West Indies to address W est Indies are slowly getting the band back together under a new management in the lead-up to their T20 World Cup defence next year. Chris Gayle is on a break, and Andre Russell is still not fit enough to play international cricket, but Lendl Simmons is back, as is Kieron Pollard, who is now in charge of both the T20I and ODI teams, and Dwayne Bravo has hinted at coming out of retirement.

Pollard began his tenure by leading West Indies to their first ODI series victory in five years, against Afghanistan, but then they lost the subsequent three-match T20I series. Here are some big questions that West Indies need to answer during their T20I series against India.

Are the CPL's best good enough?

Guyana Amazon Warriors opener Brandon King and CPL 2019 champion with Barbados Tridents Hayden Walsh Jr, the top run-getter and top wicket-taker respectively in the T20 competition, were fast-tracked into the limited-overs squads for the series against Afghanistan in India.

While King did make a fairly compact 39 on his ODI debut from No. 4, he couldn't quite adjust to the more sluggish tracks that Lucknow rolled out for the T20Is. Opening the batting in the shortest format, King scrounged scores of 4, 12, and 1.

Walsh Jr has been picked for the wicket-taking threat he poses with his legbreaks as well as zippy wrong 'uns, but he struggled for control against Afghanistan and proved to be expensive in both the ODIs and T20Is. Sure, these are still early days yet for the two CPL stars in international cricket, but a series against a full-strength India lineup in India brings with it greater pressure.

The talent scouts from various IPL franchises will also keep a close eye on their performances in this series. Do they have it in them to stand up to this kind of pressure?

cider. Trinbago Knight Riders left-arm fingerspinner Khary Pierre got a game instead and although he didn't bowl a single over in the powerplay - his happy place in the CPL - he offered Pollard a semblance of control by attacking the stumps and hitting hard lengths.

So, what do you want, West Indies Pierre's parsimony or Walsh's variations?

You can't separate them when it comes to fielding, though. Both players are great athletes who can provide electric moments both in the infield as well in the deep. led West Indies in only eight internationals so far - six of those came against Afghanistan in the previous series.

He might be a bit of an unknown quantity as captain at the international level, but he has enough experience in franchise cricket.

His inyour-face captaincy and aggressive approach saw him go from villain to hero when Tridents secured their m a i d e n CPL title in 2014. There had been reports of protests in Barbados a f t e r

Who's your No. 1 spinner?

Sunil Narine returned to the West Indies attack for the three T20Is against India in the USA and Caribbean earlier this year, but a finger injury sustained during CPL 2019 has sidelined him from this tour of India.

Walsh Jr, the wristspinner, leaked runs in the ODIs and the first two T20Is, prompt- Sunil Narine missed CPL 2019 with a finger injury ing the management to bench him for the de- (Twitter)

Trinidadian Pollard had been appointed captain of Tridents ahead of locals Dwayne Smith and Kirk Edwards, but Pollard brushed off the incident and lifted the team to the title, eventually winning the approval of the locals. And, more recently, Pollard took over as Knight Riders' captain and nearly lifted the team to the final.

Pollard has also taken many youngsters like Nicholas Pooran and Pierre under his wing, passing on his wealth of T20 knowledge and making them feel comfortable in the dressing room.

How can you fill the Russell-shaped hole?

Russell is a monster-hitter and can crank it up to 140kph with the ball when he's fit.

How can you replace him? The simple answer is you can't. West Indies have dropped former T20I captain Carlos Brathwaite and are now looking up to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots' Fabian Allen to try and fill that void.

In 2018, Allen was part of a West Indies B side in the inaugural Global T20 Canada.

In less than two years, he has made a swift step-up to international cricket, and even represented West Indies in the 50-over World Cup earlier this year. His USP is his power-hitting, which has set the CPL alight in the past two seasons. Allen shellacked 177 off 79 balls between overs 16 and 20 at a strike rate of nearly 225 in CPL 2019.

He can also bowl useful left-arm fingerspin, and is one of the best fielders in the world. If you don't believe me, just watch this catch. Allen has just recovered from injury to make the trip back to India and it remains to be seen if he can reprise his CPL heroics against a well-rounded India side.

Who should be keeper?

Thirty-fouryear-old Denesh

Ramdin played his part in Knight Riders winning back-to-back CPL titles in 2017 and 2018, and continues to be a safe wicketkeeper, but could West Indies have invested in a younger keeper in Shai Hope? Or will Pooran take the gloves from the second T20I once his ball-tampering ban ends?

Ramdin had been part of the T20I team that toured India last year and managed just 27 runs in three innings, at not even a run-a-ball. Before that, he had struggled so badly in the Pakistan Super League that his ability to rotate the strike - or the lack of it - in subcontinent conditions came under intense scrutiny.

While Hope isn't a big-hitter either, he is more adept at tapping the ball into the gaps and keeping the scorecard ticking, something that was on display in the Afghanistan T20I series decider in Lucknow. In the absence of the injured Ramdin, Hope stepped in and made a valiant fifty in a challenging chase against Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack.

Among the three keepers, though, Pooran seems to be better equipped to fit into a dual role: keep wicket and seamlessly slot into the middle order. Pooran strikes at nearly 144 in T20 cricket while the strike rates of Ramdin and Hope are 118.25 and 128.23 respectively.

(ESPN cricinfo)

the

Injury sidelined Andre Russell at the ICC World Cup 2019 (Getty Images)

BCB/Trophy Stall Under-13 Tournament‌

Albion, Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy advance to final

O

ver the last 15 years, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club have been the two dominant cricket teams in Berbice.

They have played numerous finals at the different levels and both clubs have a lot of respect for each other.

On Sunday, both clubs advanced to another final after registering victories in their respective semi-finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Trophy Stall Under-13 tournament. RHT Poonai Pharmacy defeated a determined Rose Hall Canje on first innings while Albion obtained a similar result against Achievers CC at the Bush Lot Ground.

At the Hampshire Ground, RHT Poonai Pharmacy won the toss and elected to bowl first. Rose Hall Canje raced to 60 without loss as Zadeem La Rose and R Ramdehol started like a house on fire. Ramdehol fell for 19 to spark a spectacular collapse to 107 for 8 off their allotted 40 overs, with La Rose eventually top-scoring.

Spinners Tyrese Smartt, who had 3 for 26, and Imran Mohamad, who bagged 3 for 21, were the best bowlers for Poonai Pharmacy.

Requiring 108 to take first innings and a place in the final, the 2018 Under-13 runners-up reached 131 for 6 when their first-innings quota of 40 overs were bowled out. Twelveyear-old Tyron Smartt batted throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on a classy 63 not out while Khemraj Tika scored 16 before he

The winning RHT Poonai Pharmacy team

was run out in a mix-up with Smartt. La Rose returned with the ball for Canje to take 3 for 31.

Batting a second time with 70 minutes remaining in the match, Rose Hall Canje raced to 61 for 2 with Aaron Craig hitting a quickfire 29. Off-spinner Deeraj Ramjit took 2 wickets for 19 for RHT Poonai Pharmacy as the match was called off early.

At the Bush Lot Ground in West Coast Berbice, Albion batting first against Achievers scored 77 from 29.4 overs. Afraz Budhoo topscored with 36, which included seven sweet-

Tyron Smartt scored an unbeaten 63

ly-struck boundaries. Extras contributed a healthy 13. T Isaacs took 4 for 20 and T Ramcharran 3 for 14 for West Berbice, who, in reply, were bowled out for 27, with only E Rogers reaching double figures with 10.

Seven of Achievers batsmen failed to trouble the scorers as Afraz Budhoo (3 for 10); Devin LalBehari (2 for 10) and Ritesh Nathoor (2 for 0) bowled well for the visitors.

Albion batting a second time reached 65 for 4 when the game was called off. Budhoo completed a fine all-round performance by scoring 16 while Nathaniel Chinapen (17) and

LalBehari (17) chipped in. A Doobay took 2 for 11 while T Isaacs and C Dale took a wicket apiece. Earlier in the day, the match was delayed by three hours owing to heavy-morning rain.

Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy and Albion would clash in the final on Saturday, December 7 at the Area H Ground. The 2018 Under-13 runners-up had taken first innings points from Albion when they played in the opening round at the Area H Ground. The match would bowl off at 10:00h, with the first innings having been restricted to 40 overs.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, DECember 4, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS

21

Farias returns as RFA President

FOR SALE For sale as is, 2006 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, $1.2M call 651-9620.

LAND FOR SALE TRANSPORTED HOUSELOTS SARAH JOANNA EAST BANK DEMERARA # 673-9231 / 216-4063/ 685-5476

property for sale Property for Sale: 2 Huge Land by Street Corner/ Public Road in Grove EBD. 2 Story Building on 1 Land and Bond on the other land, 100 x 99 or 9,940 Square Feet. Ideal for Supermarket/ Hardware Store etc.

For further info, Call: 694-6606.

R

RFA President Ryan Farias (fifth right) flanked by some of the executive members following the AGM

yan Farias was returned as Rupununi Football Association (RFA) President when its Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Saturday, November 30 at the St Ignatius Secondary School.

The full executive reads: Ryan Farias (President); Curtis Buckley (First Vice President); Nobert Williams (Second Vice President); John Abraham (Third Vice President); John Adams

(Fourth Vice President); Troy Benjamin (Secretary); Deborah Allicock (Treasurer) and Amanda Campion (Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer). The Committee Members are Joshua Fredericks, Colin Henry, Errol Mc Garrell, Leroy Johnson, Sean Curtright, Viviane George and Roy Andrews.

Clubs present were Paiwomak Warriors, Sun Parakeets, Tabatinga, Rising

Stars, Gladiators, Guyana Rush Saints, Terminators, Strikers, Snipers, Titans United, Shiriri and Far East United Sports Club.

Four new clubs were admitted fully to the RFA: Moco Moco FC, Spartans FC, Rewa Sports Club and Potarnau Sky Kings FC. Commenting on his re-election to a second term as President, Farias expressed thanks to the clubs for reposing confidence in

him to lead the body for the next two years while outlining his plans.

“The focus for this new executive for the next two years would be 1) to have qualified coaches for all our clubs; 2) to have more referees qualified; 3) to have three to four male players in the national team who will be representing Guyana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid and 4) to be able to compete at any tournament level

amongst the other Regional Member Associations.”

Farias also noted that it was very challenging to travel around in the Association, so they were also going to pursue the acquisition of a vehicle to help address this issue with the assistance of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Performing duties as the Returning Officer was James La Rose on behalf of the GFF.

BCB President Trophy…

Imran Khan leads Chesney to championship title in 1-day tournament

Imran Khan receives his Man-of-the-Match award from BCB President Hilbert Foster

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY

COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

B

erbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster on Sunday fulfilled another promise to a cricket club in Berbice.

The BCB boss had committed himself to organising another one-day threeteam tournament at the Chesney Ground after the home team had successfully organised the D Somwaru Tribute Cup, earlier in the year. The one-day 20/20 tournament attracted a fair crowd, and was contested

by Chesney, Goed Bananen Land and No 19 Kendall’s Union Cricket teams.

The last two teams mentioned played in the lone semi-final with the winner playing Chesney in the final. Goed Bananen Land batted first in the semi-final and amassed 165 for 5 in 20 overs as Keshan Ganagram top-scored with 57.

Sasenarine Sukhu (22) and O Emanuel (19) offered support to Gangaram. Bowling for No 19 Kendall’s Union, A Ramnarine took 2 for 16.

No 19 Kendall’s Union, in reply, were restricted to 143 for 8 with O Garnett (35); S Yadram (23) and T Mangra (30) being their best batters. Bowling for Goed

Bananen Land, S Bhai and Andre Sobhai each took two wickets apiece for 29 and 27 respectively.

In the final, played in the presence of BCB President Foster, Goed Bananen Land amassed a good score of 155 all out in 19.5 overs. Hemraj Dyal top-scored with 48 while Sasenarine Sukhdeo made 25 and Ramnarine Jugister 18. Off-spinner Narine Deonarine claimed 2 for 20 while David Harilall had 2 for 30, bowling for Chesney.

Imran Khan, who played for Guyana at the 20/20 level, then rolled back the years with a brilliant innings of 72 as he added 122 for the first wicket with Said Latchana in just 11 overs. Khan struck six gigantic sixes and six sweetly-timed boundaries before he was bowled by O Basant. Latchana made 49 with nine boundaries while Yogindra Gurdyal and Zaheer Khan were unbeaten on 25 and 4 respectively as Chesney reached 160 for 2 in 16 overs. O Basant and R Gangaram took a wicket apiece for the Goed Bananen Land team.

The BCB President handed over the winning

The winning Chesney team pose with silverware

trophy and cash prize to Chesney Captain Ricky Amoi. Foster stated that he strongly believed in fulfilling any commitment he made, as a man’s word is his bond. The main aim of the one-day tournament is to revive interest in the

area for the game of cricket.

The small village of Chesney has produced players like Sudesh Dhaniram, Sunil Dhaniram, Naresh Manhobe and current West Indies female player Shabika Gajnabi. The Chesney Club in 2019 ben-

efited from another BCBorganised one-day tournament – the Somwaru Tribute Cup and also received assistance with balls, scorebooks, bicycle, water pitcher and educational materials.

GFF Super 16 Cup kicks off December 15 – Pegasus injects funds into tournament

M

anaging Director of the Pegasus Hotel, one of the flagship names in the industry, Robert Badal presented a cheque for $1 million to President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the 2019-2020 edition of the GFF Super 16 Cup yearend tournament.

Set to be a very competitive tournament with the top eight GFF Elite League clubs battling the top club in eight of the Regional Member Associations (RMAs), Badal, in handing over the cheque to GFF President Wayne Forde said that the company was more

than pleased to be supporting the development of the sport and communities in Guyana.

“Pegasus has always been contributing to the community and we are happy that we can make a contribution to football, which engages hundreds of our youths; it empowers our youths, it develops communities, it prevents crime and, like cricket and other sports, puts Guyana on the map,” he noted.

Badal also noted that the game elevates the nation when the national team did well while recognising that more can be done for

the game and sports, nationally. “It’s a perennial problem that we have never addressed the needs of sports in the sense that we ensure that it is properly financed and, therefore, we can’t develop our youths and Guyana to its full potential without funding sports development, coaching and other activities that train our youths and ensure that they achieve their fullest.

So, this is our way of contributing to youth development and empowerment as well as development of communities.” turn to page 19

22

wednesday, DECember 4, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Karate grading exams: Caribbean Boxing Championships 13 boxers instead 1st Para Karate of 20 jet off student passes

U

O

Some of the students going through their grading

n Sunday, Head of the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), 9th Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-ATai, assisted by Amir Khouri (7th Dan) and Roger Peroune (4th Dan), conducted karate grading examinations at the YMCA, Thomas Lands.

The day saw its first Para Karate student being examined.

Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams and his wife graced the event with their presence to see their son Basil Jamal Williams successfully go through his first karate examination.

The first half saw white to blue belts being examined then a short break was taken.

Shuseki Shihan WoonA-Tai presented the Berbice senior karate instructor, Sensei Clinton Moriah with his Hall of Fame Medal.

The examinations resumed with the purple to dan levels, with three students taking the Nidan test and eight students taking the Shodan test.

The fantastic displays by the examinees earned them success. All in attendance were in awe over their performances.

With a total of 103 students participating in these exams, the IKD stated that it looked forward to having more new students join so that children could enjoy the benefits of karate, both short and long term.

IKD also congratulates all the students who were successful and also the instructors: Roger Peroune, Malcolm Francis, Keith Beaton and Wanda Agdomar (YMCA); Clinton Moriah (New Amsterdam, Berbice); Hazrat Ali (Albion & Blairmont, Berbice); Parmeshwar Persaud (Land of Canaan), and Mahadeo Ramotar for their commitment to the development of karate

and the karatekas.

Shuseki Shihan WoonA-Tai will be leaving on December 13, but will be conducting high-level seminars at the YMCA and the Guyana Karate College prior to his departure.

These seminars will prepare students for competition, judges’ training and instructors’ training. Thus preparing IKD members for higher standards that will be passed on to the youths of the future.

Results Dan Promotions 2nd Dan Promotions: Shamar Francis (YMCA); Andes Roberts (YMCA); Wanda Agdomar (YMCA) 1st Dan Promotions: Bhaskar Jaipersaud (Albion); Obinna Utoh (YMCA); Brandon Foo (YMCA); Nathan Narine (YMCA); Safira Williams (YMCA); Andre Sookram (YMCA); Anastassia Seabra (YMCA); and Luke Seabra (YMCA) Kyu Promotions 10 Kyu to Yellow Belt: Basil Jamal Williams (1st Para Student); Zane Bess; Jayden Ramkissoon; Nathaniel Thomas; Simkhael Levans; Samaiya Humphrey; Algernon Sealy; Nathan Lam; Brandon Carew; Aidan Carew; Mateus Nogueira; Aryan Din; Tamia Tyrrell; Nathan Mckinnon; Zuriyah Howell; Ethan France; Faith Cornette; Anas Gafur and Gabriella Henry.

10 Kyu to Orange Belt: Guneita Abel, Odacia Pereira, Vineshwari Indarjit, Valmiki Indarjit, Hayden Lynch, Raphel James, Trivin Shamlall, and Sameer Mohamed.

10 Kyu to Blue Belt – Derrick Agdomar.

10 Kyu to Purple Belt – Mahir Rajkumar

8 Kyu to Green Belt – Delicia Bailey.

6 Kyu to Purple Belt – Andrew Narain.

5 Kyu to Brown Belt – Jessica Tulla, Nathaniel Higgins, Nelicia Higgins, Saskia Dyasindoo.

Other promotions Orange Belt: Aidan Bell, Jaden Katon, Samara Siland, Aditya Prasad, Deoanand Geer, Dylon Bess Senior, Shivraj Brijbhukan, Sandeep Singh, Samarah Dhanraj, Mariah Hansraj, and Arianna Brijemal.

Green Belt – Decourcey Scotland, Yidiel Beaton, Aaradhya Samaroo, Ephraim James, Esteban Corro Gonzalez, Troy Greene, Zulima Bell, Teshana Lake, Kaleb Kassim, Noorisha Harrinarine, Adrian Brijemal, and Stephen Buchanna.

Blue Belt – Kristen Sanasie, Theron Lake, Dylon Bess Junior, Zareezyah Levans, Giada Agdomar, Bethany Agdomar, Isaiah Browne, Jordon Hargobin, and Suri Kassim.

Purple Belt – Ethan Rosine, Keith Williams, On Beaton, Elijah Rosine, Saif Tulla, Joshua Daniels,and Jasmine Ramdas.

pon the conclusion of the Terrence Alli National Open, the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) named a team of 3- odd boxers (inclusive of standby pugilists) who would compete at the 2019 Caribbean Boxing Championships.

A hopeful GABA sought sponsorship from the National Sports Commission – among others – in order to send at least 20 boxers to the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

On the eve of the boxing championships, for which Guyana are the reigning champions, Guyana Times Sport spoke exclusively with GABA President Steve Ninvalle, who disclosed that only 13 pugilists, along with three officials, would be making the trip today.

As was previously reported by this publication, the GABA’s request of $3 million to jet off its 20 boxers was met with the release of $500,000. As such, the Association was forced to seek sponsorship from various other avenues.

“We’ve had persons who have come forward and assisted greatly. A lot of persons came out and we’re thankful to them,” the GABA President stated while expressing his gratitude to those benevolent persons.

With the cloud of an insufficient number of boxers hanging over his head, Ninvalle expressed doubt about Guyana’s ability to retain the title, especially if they have to come up against large contingents from fellow Caribbean countries.

“I don’t know if that amount will be enough for us to retain that title. Little Barbados has, I think, 17 boxers going,” he said.

When questioned about the team’s fitness, the GABA boss shared that the only area where the team may be affected was mentally, given the uncertainty surrounding participation.

Brown (1) –- Nicolai Adolph, Jasmine West, Nicholas Rampersaud, and Maheshwar Dyasindoo.

“The uncertainty may have had a psychological effect on some members of the team,” he said.

Nevertheless, Ninvalle was optimistic about the Guyanese pugilists’ ability to shine individually when they get into the ring.

“Hopefully, they can return with gold medals, whether or not we retain the championships. I think now what is our main focus is these guys going out there and doing the best that they can,” Ninvalle shared.

Going forward, it is Ninvalle’s hope that specific procedures can be outlined so as to prevent any other funding disappointments.

“From my perspective there’s a serious imbalance. I’m not trying to pinch anyone, but if we have a clear picture as to how things are done, then it puts us in a better position to get our stuff right too.”

The Caribbean Boxing championships are expected to run from December 4 (today) to December 9 at the Southern Regional Indoor Sports Arena, Pleasantville, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. (Jemima Holmes)

CWI appoints Desai as Batting Coach

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Monty Desai as the new West Indies Men’s Batting Coach on a two-year contract.

Desai is a highly-respected and experienced coach who has worked with several teams at the franchise level as well as with several international teams.

He worked with Canada, as their Head Coach at the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division 2 and Afghanistan as their Batting Coach at the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification tournament in 2018. More recently, he also worked as Batting Coach for the United Arab Emirates at the ICC T20 World Cup qualification event.

Desai joined the West Indies ahead of the start of the T20 International Series against India, which bowls off on Friday, December 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad, India.

Brown (3) – Micah Narine, Tyler Bess, Junxi Yang, Tyshaun Bess, Isaiah Anderson, Joshua Rampersaud, Rahman Yakub, and Basdeo Bissessar.

Brown (2) – Adrian Bhawanidin, Isaiyah Proctor, Joshua Nimar, Joel Harry, Thamishwar Dyasindoo, and Kristen Samaroo.

GABA President Steve Ninvalle

West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons said: “I have worked with Monty before and he is an excellent coach. He has proven he has the ability to get players to improve on their talent and also to perform better in matches.

He has vast knowledge of the game and it is good he is starting here with us in India. I look forward to seeing him work with our batsmen in all formats as we look to get better in all areas.”

The new West Indies Men’s batting coach, Monty Desai

Desai said: “Let me first thank CWI for this incredible opportunity. I am very excited to join a team with such a rich history in the world cricket arena, one that I myself grew up admiring.”

He added: “I am very much looking forward to being part of a journey where I can help to create a winning work environment, learn and embrace a new culture, and build a ‘happy dressing room’ tradition alongside other excellent leaders. I am eager to join forces with Head Coach Phil Simmons and Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, and our Captains, such that I may contribute in every possible way to the success of our team.”

The team management unit also includes Roddy Estwick as the Bowling Coach and Rayon Griffith as Fielding Coach. Experienced strength and conditioning Coach Ronald Rogers has rejoined the team’s medical staff, which also includes physio Denis Byam and massage therapist Zephyrinus Nicholas.

Rogers has worked with West Indies teams for close to two decades and brings a wealth of experience to the post.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, DECember 4, 2019

23

Vitabiotics onboard with KFC Goodwill Tournament

D

espite the threat of inclement weather, plans are afoot for the grand hosting of the KFC Goodwill Tournament.

With just two weeks to go before the second annual kickoff of the KFC Goodwill Tournament, the competition has seen another addition to the list of sponsors, as Mike’s Pharmacy, under the Vitabiotics brand, joined the list of sponsors Tuesday afternoon. The brand includes popular supplements such as Feroglobin and Wellman.

Speaking at the simple handing-over ceremony, which was hosted at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Vitabiotics Marketing Manager Michael Jessimy highlighted the company’s commitment to sports, outside of football, and pledged that the brand would remain dedi-

cated to sport development.

“We understand and believe in the necessity of enhancing sport as part of making a healthy nation and for the further development of our youths. This isn’t our [first] venture into sports, we also support other ventures as well such as cricket. We will always be willing to help with the promotion of sport and to help in the long run to make our country much more recognised on the international sporting arena,” Jessimy stated.

The Goodwill Tournament will commence on December 14 with two games on each playing day. Shiva Boys out of Trinidad and Tobago, USL Montjoly of French Guiana, Annai, Waramadong, Lodge and Annandale Secondary of Guyana will compete over December 16, 18, and

West Indies jump in Test rankings; Holder has eyes on top 5 spot

Petra’s Co Director Troy Mendonca

Vitabiotics’ Marketing Manager Michael Jessimy

20, with the final slated for December 22.

The Vitabiotics brand will be distributing products to the schools competing in the Tournament.

Meanwhile, owing to the hindrance that heavy rains have caused to the Guyoil/ Tradewind Tankers league, the current top two teams Lodge and Annandale Secondary

Michael Jessimy of Mike’s Pharmacy hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Troy Mendonca

J

West Indies have leapfrogged Pakistan

ason Holder’s plan to move the West Indies into Test cricket’s Top 5 has already started to bear fruit. Following the comprehensive nine-wicket win over Afghanistan last week and Pakistan’s defeat to Australia on Monday, Holder’s team has leapfrogged the Pakistanis on the ICC Test match rankings table.

A check on the ICC website https://www. icc-cricket.com shows West Indies on 81 points – one ahead of Pakistan. Following last week’s win at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Holder said the result had significance and called on his players to aim for the fourth or fifth spot. The tall allrounder has maintained his position as the topranked allrounder in Test cricket, now he wants to see his team move up to a top spot in the overall rankings.

Based on the way they have played in recent years – including their comprehensive win over England to regain the Wisden trophy – Holder is confident his team is good enough to finish in the top bracket of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship.

“I think by the end of the Test Championship, I don't see it being impossible for us to be fourth or fifth in the world.

That would be a significant achievement in a two-year period,” the captain told members of the media.

“We have some tough series coming up.

We have England in England then South Africa coming to the Caribbean, then we have a trip to New Zealand all good cricket sides … but I don’t think it's beyond us to beat them. We have to make sure we keep building and developing. Once we do that, we can compete with any side in the world.

A realistic target in two years would be to be ranked three or four in the world.”

West Indies Test schedule for next year starts with them defending the prestigious Wisden Trophy with three Test matches in England in June at the Oval, Edgbaston and Lords.

This will be followed by two at home in July and August at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia as South Africa play red ball cricket in the region for the first time since 2011. They will close out the year with two matches in New Zealand from late November into early December.

Holder ended the year as the leading batsman for West Indies with 344 runs in five matches at an average of 49.14 runs per innings. His best score was the monumental 202 not out when they beat England in the first Test in Barbados.

He had the second most wickets (20 at an average of 17.25) behind Kemar Roach, who was the team’s best with 27 wickets (average 18.07) in six matches. The best bowler figures this year were 8-60 by Roston Chase in the win in Barbados followed by Rahkeem Cornwall with 7-75 last week.

“I’ve said it in the last couple of series we have played, more responsibility needs to be taken by our batters. We have shown glimpses of brilliance, which is all well and good, but consistency is the name of the game,” he said.

“In order to be a world-class team, you have to be consistent with your batting. You have to get 20 wickets of course, but you have to set it up with the bat. First innings count for a lot. If we can put teams under pressure with our first-innings scores, more often than not, West Indies will be up there among the top-ranked sides in the world.

(CWI)

Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca expressed his immense gratitude to the company, noting that its contribution would go a long way to making athletes more cognisant of the importance of their health.

“We just want to thank Mike’s Pharmacy through Vitabiotics and the Wellman and Feroglobin brand for joining hands with KFC and bringing this tournament. I can tell you that your contribution here will be massive, in terms of us exposing these youths and building a brand for future years to come,” Mendonca expressed.

have been officially placed on the KFC schedule, despite the uncompleted state of the league.

While it is the hope that the league can be wrapped up before the beginning of the Goodwill tournament, the organisers have assured that the league will run its full course.

Also on board with the KFC Goodwill tournament is the Guyana Coema Construction and Services Inc, who will be transporting Annai Secondary to and from the Georgetown venue of the tournament.

Hero CPL and iCare generate significant collection of recyclables

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League’s (CPL) partnership with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) iCARE Project proved a huge success during the 2019 tournament.

At the semi-final and final of this year’s event, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, 514 jumbo bags of mixed recycling were collected. This diverted substantial quantities of recyclables from the landfills.

It is a significant achievement, meeting iCARE’s objective of greening a large public event and helping CPL to become a more environmentally sustainable event.

In addition to these successful recycling efforts, iCARE staff demonstrated and shared with cricket enthusiasts the importance of and how to recycle household items.

Chris Watson, Head of Marketing for Hero CPL said: “The way that the specators at the final fully supported the recycling efforts was fantastic to see and we were very pleased to play our part in both diverting waste from landfill and also in raising awareness of how people can recycle their single use packaging. We hope to be able to do even more with this regard in the future.”

Hayden Romano, EMA’s Managing Director added: “that public response to recycling at the CPL tourna-

ment was another indicator of citizen’s readiness to “Make Recycling a Part of Our Culture”. The EMA hopes to see this momentum toward environmental stewardship continue, as we work together to ensure that the natural resources of Trinidad and Tobago are conscientiously preserved for generations to come”.

wednesday, DECember 4, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Karate grading exams: 1st Para Karate student passes

Page 22

Page 23

Vitabiotics onboard with KFC Goodwill tournament Page 23

West Indies jump in Test rankings; Holder has eyes on top 5 spot

Michael Jessimy of Mike’s Pharmacy hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Troy Mendonca

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.