Guyana Times, Wednesday February 12, 2020

UG, ExxonMobil launch STEM project for P10 special needs students Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 4194

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

PRICE

Guyana’s oil sale

GYEITI not in receipt of any info on Shell deal – National Coordinator

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Former GRDB accountant P8 jailed for fraud

Barber jailed for exposing penis to customer P15

Page 3

Vigilante killing

Ex-GDF rank beaten to death after attempted P5 robbery

A dance troupe from St Cuthbert’s Mission performing a blessing dance at the National Cultural Centre during National Day of Prayer on Tuesday (DPI photo)

GTT store robbery

Police nab 1 suspect, other escapes during D’Urban Street shootout

Page 7

US resident found guilty of attempting to export gold without licence

...$7.3M in gold forfeited for SOCU

Cyclist Jude Bentley’s death

Police send file to DPP for legal advice Page 5

Dead: Jude Bentley

Page 5

GPF launches WhatsApp group for P15 traffic reports Money bag incident

Labour Union, P16 City Hall officials to meet over suspension of workers Marcus Bisram trial to begin this P16 week

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, February 12 – 05:00h – 06:30h and 10:00 – 11:15 and Thursday, February 13 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, February 12 – 06:40h – 08:10h and Thursday, February 13 – 07:25h - 08:55h.

Guyana’s oil sale

GYEITI not in receipt of any info on Shell deal – National Coordinator

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain and light cloud will prevail throughout the day. Sunny intervals are expected during the late afternoon hours. Partly cloudy conditions are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:51h and 19:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.78 metres and 2.80 metres.

Low Tide: 12:44h reaching a minimum height of 0.43 metre.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

DAILY MILLIONS

07 08

17 22 26

LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

21 SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

$54.01/barrel $244.98/ton $437.00/ton

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

$1567.40 $1561.60 - 0.10

Change %

+1.37 -0.04 0.00

USD Per Ounce $1568.40 $1574.80 0.01%

GYEITI National Coordinator, Dr Rudy Jadoopat

W

hile the Department of Energy has referred media enquiries on Guyana’s oil sale agreement with Shell to the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI), that entity is yet to receive a report on the transaction.

This was confirmed when Guyana Times made contact with GYEITI National Coordinator, Dr Rudy Jadoopat. Jadoopat noted, however, that they had an upcoming meeting with the Department.

“We haven’t received any information as yet. We have a meeting with the Department of Energy. And they have agreed to collaborate with us and provide the necessary information so that we can prepare the EITI reporting for public disclosure.

“But as of now, no specific information has been provided to us. But there’s an agreement in place to collaborate as quickly as possible to provide the information.

He did promise to provide the information. But no information has been received as yet,” Jadoopat further explained.

Back in December, it was revealed that Guyana’s first three lifts of one million barrels of oil each will be sold to Shell. Shell was chosen ahead of companies like Exxon, CNOOC, Hess and BP, all of which bid for the oil. But since the oil would be sold on the spot market, there have been questions as to whether Guyana would earn less money for the oil.

During a press conference on Monday, when Department of Energy Director, Dr Mark Bynoe was asked by the media what price has been agreed on for the oil, Bynoe referred the media to the GYEITI. “First of all, we cannot discuss prices here. As it is, we’ve been on record as indicating that we will be working with the EITI, which has specific guidelines on reporting on first trades. And that’s how the Department will ultimately conduct its business,” Dr Bynoe informed the media.

Dr Bynoe said that EITI was being engaged when it comes to reporting on fi-

nancial transactions in Guyana’s oil sector, and the Department was committed to working with the Initiative. Guyana, he further explained, will get its first oil lift next week. Dr Bynoe then laid out the methodology for processing these funds.

“The department has established a working relationship with the EITI and has committed to providing the GYEITI with all the data and information required by the EITI standard, with full observance of the laws of Guyana. We have committed to continuing our collaboration to ensure that compliance, transparency, and accountability are resident within (Guyana’s) oil and gas sector,” he said.

EITI

The EITI is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. Under the EITI standard, companies publish what they pay to Governments, and

Energy Department Director, Dr Mark Bynoe

Governments publish what they receive in an annual EITI country report.

In many countries, most of the revenues from natural resources accrued at subnational levels are not derived from company payments to Local Government entities, but from transfers to the Central Government.

Depending on the revenue distribution frameworks in place, these transfers can be a considerably larger source of revenue for subnational entities than taxes and fees collected at local levels. The revised EITI standard requires that such transfers are reported where mandated by law and where material.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

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

Profound disappointment on effectively combating crime

I

n a previous editorial, the question of whether fighting crime was a fake campaign promise by the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Opposition was asked. The question was natural given what was seen as a continual increase in criminal attacks.

From then to now, nothing seemed to have changed and for many, it appears to be worse.

This has gone seemingly unchecked over the years as mindsets are inundated with fear and the question of “who is next” seems involuntary. The stories that emanate daily are horrific to say the least; some with brutal sexual assaults. Not only are families scared, humiliated, deprived of valuables, communities ravished and left even more vulnerable, but life is brutally snuffed out in some instances.

Unfortunately, crime has not only become a fixture in daily news, but a prominent one. There seems no respite despite the much-publicised increase in resources and new recruits. While crime will realistically not be erased, taxpayers expect sustained quick responses and robust approaches in combating this societal scourge. This is not taking anything away from the brave men and women from law enforcement who risk their lives.

The issue, of what can only be described as the current failed policy in combating crime, has to be put into a particular context. The previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration was constantly berated by the then Opposition, which is now the Government, for being weak and incapable of fighting crime. This was used as a major campaign theme to rile sentiments against the PPP Government’s perceived lack of vision and expertise in the security sector. At the same time, the then Opposition spared no effort to boast of its prowess in security.

The voting populace probably needed no convincing over security personnel who were part of the APNU/ AFC Opposition coalition. The fairly extensive list of former senior Police and Army officials who joined the slate might have instilled a sense of belief in relief from crime even from non-supporters. That seeming prolific gathering of security specialists probably caused crime itself to shudder.

None can dispute the esteemed offices which they served. That might have tilted the balance of the crimefighting scale in favour of the coalition since there was little or no reason to doubt the capabilities showcased.

Regardless of where the ballot was cast, expectation for a vast reduction in crime was real and immediate. Therein lies the profound disappointment. The expectation afterwards was for the promised new approach to effectively combat crime through more robust interventions.

Sadly, it did not happen and remains elusive. Citizens are now reeling in despair and minds are preoccupied with trying to stay safe, whether indoors or outdoors.

The question is, what has the coalition done since in Government to effectively combat crime? Given the boasts, the expectation would not be farfetched for close to a crime-free society by now.

The reality is that fear has taken a stranglehold on the nation, depriving people of their freedom from that mindset so as to be able to focus on making a living.

This brings into the fray the nexus of the current harsh economic policies and a derivative of crime.

While there will always be some who will engage in criminal activities regardless of the economic situation, forcing people into poverty will have a frightening effect.

Analysts will postulate the nexus of youth in crime as a result of unemployment. Clearly, many jobs have been lost under this Administration; and this is not an attempt to state that all those who were fired have resorted to crime, for many are forced into humiliation in finding a legal livelihood.

After five years and the upward spiral of crime, one may rightfully question policies and interventions, if any, and their effects. With the current circumstance, one can again question the genuineness of this particular influential campaign promise.

Spanish surfer Axier Muniain rides a wave during the big waves Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge in Nazare, Portugal (AFP)

Coronavirus disease named Covid-19

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) says the official name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus is Covid-19.

“We now have a name for the disease and it’s Covid-19,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.

It comes after the death toll from the virus passed 1000. Tens of thousands of people have been infected.

Dr Ghebreyesus called on the world to fight the new virus as aggressively as possible.

The word coronavirus refers to the group of viruses it belongs to, rather than the latest strain.

The virus itself has been designated SARS-

CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses.

Researchers have been calling for an official name to avoid confusion and stigmatisation of any group or country.

“We had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease,” the WHO chief said.

“Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising. It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks.”

The new name is taken from the words “corona”,

“virus” and “disease”, with 2019 representing the year that it emerged (the outbreak was reported to the WHO on December 31).

There are now more than 42,200 confirmed cases across China. The number of deaths has overtaken those of the Sars epidemic in 2002-2003.

On Monday, some 103 people died in Hubei province alone, a daily record, and the national death toll is now 1016.

But the number of new infections nationally was down almost 20 per cent from the day before, from 3062 to 2478.

In recent days, Chinese authorities have increasingly been criticised for their handling of the crisis when the cases first

emerged.

The death of a doctor whose early warnings were suppressed by authorities sparked widespread public anger.

Beijing has now “removed” several senior officials over their actions to control the disease.

Scientists from around the world are meeting in Geneva to discuss ways to combat the outbreak.

Dr Ghebreyesus said there was still a realistic chance of containing the disease if enough resources were devoted to the fight.

He praised the measures being taken in China, which he said were “slowing the spread to the rest of the world”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Did the US change its September 19, 2019 position as to the breach of Guyana’s Constitution?

Dear Editor, It is well known that on September 19, 2019, a joint press statement was issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union which unquestionably declared that the coalition Administration violated the Guyana Constitution by failing to call timely elections.

In its relevant part (see website of the US Embassy, Guyana), it said: “The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union thank the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for devising a proposed elections timeframe for conducting General and Regional Elections.

However, we deeply regret that, by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of

Justice (CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders.”

This position was conveyed worldwide by various news agencies including Reuters: “US and European diplomats on Thursday declared Guyana’s Government in breach of the country’s Constitution until new elections are held and called on Guyanese President David Granger to ‘set an elections date immediately’ or possibly face a cutoff of development funding.” See Diplomats declare Guyana Government in breach of Constitution as first oil looms, 9/19/2019.

However, a recent report

by NCN (and posted on its Facebook page) is claiming something different. The report claims that the US congressional team that visited Guyana reported that “there was no violation on the part of the coalition Government – after the December 2018

No-Confidence Motion – up until Regional and General Elections was announced.”

It further noted that one member of the congressional delegation stated that the current US Ambassador to Guyana “had assured that there was no breach in the

Constitution”.

Did the US change its September 19, 2019, position as to the breach of the Constitution by the coalition Administration?

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

Kudos and warmest congratulations Dear Editor, It is indeed fitting and very deserving – the conferral of the Commonwealth Points of Light Award to leading HIV/AIDS advocate, Ms Desiree Edghill.

Ms Edghill has led from the front and is one of the leading light and point persons in the gargantuan work and task of educating and raising awareness in society

of this disease.

Because of the work of Ms Edghill and the organization she heads, this once little understood and dreaded disease is now better apprehended and fathomed.

Kudos and warmest congratulations. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vigilante killing

Ex-GDF rank beaten to death after attempted robbery

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22-year-old former member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is now dead after he attempted to rob a female shopkeeper at Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), on Monday evening.

Dead is Daniel Jermaine Forde of Lot 759 B Field Sophia, Georgetown.

According to reports, Forde allegedly attempted to rob a grocery shop at about 19:30h on Monday at Silver Hill, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

According to the police,

Dead: Daniel Jermaine Forde

the 36-year-old shopkeeper was operating her business

when Forde, armed with a cutlass, entered and demanded money.

The woman raised an alarm and Forde began to chop at her shop grill and also damaged a flat-screen television.

Residents, after hearing the woman’s screams for help, came out in their numbers and flocked the shop.

The residents managed to disarmed Forde and gave him a sound thrashing, before handing him over to the police who were summoned.

The police transported the man for medical treatment.

However, he succumbed to his injuries at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre at around 01:40h on Tuesday.

Photographs seen by this publication which were shared on social media showed that residents tied the man and stuffed him inside a tyre. A document dated 2018 showed that he was Absent Without Leave (AOL) in August 2015 and was discharged from the Guyana Defence Force in November 2017. No one has been detained as Police continue their investigation.

US resident found guilty of attempting to export gold without licence ...$7.3M in gold forfeited for SOCU

Vibert Marks being escorted by a Police Officer

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United States resident and businessman who was intercepted on November 18, 2019 while attempting to export $7.3 million in raw gold via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, without an export licence was on

Tuesday found guilty of the offence.

Vibert Marks, who appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, was also found guilty of a charge of attempting to bribe a Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU)

agent.

The 44-year-old man of Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD), had initially denied the charges, including the one which stated on November 18, 2019, at the CJIA, he offered a CANU agent $100,000 as a reward for declining to investigate him.

Marks had also denied the charge of being in possession without an export licence of raw gold weighing 974.13 grams which was valued at $7.3 million.

On Thursday, Magistrate McGusty fined Marks $75,000 for attempting to export gold without a licence and $50,000 for attempting to bribe the CANU rank. He was also given a non-custodial sentence of one-year imprisonment.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that on November 18, Marks, who is a permanent resident of the US, was an outgoing passenger at the CJIA destined for the USA when he was intercepted with the large quantity of raw gold.

At the time, he attempted to bribe the CANU agent, but was unsuccessful and as such, he was arrested and subsequently charged.

Marks was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Glenn Hanoman. The gold was also forfeited in favour of SOCU.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Page

Y

Foundation

ou’re at the high school baseketball game with your friends, and you see your big brother’s friend Justin drinking from a water bottle. With every sip he takes, a big bump moves up and down on the front of his neck.

The boys your age don’t have bumps like that, you think to yourself. And come to think of it, neither do any of the girls you know, no matter how old they are. What’s going on here?

When kids hit puberty, their bodies and minds go through tons of changes. One change that every kid can count on is lots of body parts growing and changing shape. Almost every part gets in on the growing action, including the larynx (say: LAIR-inks).

Another name for the larynx is the voice box, and it’s in the throat. The larynx is what gives you your voice, whether you’re talking, laughing, whispering, singing, or shouting. You can find your larynx by touching the front of your throat and humming. When you feel vibrations under your fingers, you’ve found it!

When the larynx grows larger during puberty, it sticks

out at the front of the throat.

This is what’s called an Adam’s apple. Everyone’s larynx grows during puberty, but a girl’s larynx doesn’t grow as much as a boy’s does.

That’s why boys have Adam’s apples. Most girls don’t have Adam’s apples, but some do. It’s no big deal either way.

But why is it called an Adam’s apple? If you think it’s called that after the story of the Garden of Eden where Adam ate a piece of the forbidden fruit that got stuck in his throat, you’re right. An Adam’s apple sometimes looks like a small, rounded apple just under the skin in the front of the throat.

This larger larynx also gives boys deeper voices. Actually, girls’ voices get a little bit deeper as their larynxes get larger, too. But because boys’ larynxes grow so much more, it makes their voices deeper than girls’ voices.

The larynx doesn’t grow to its new size overnight, though. If you’ve ever heard a teenage boy’s voice sound squeaky, you’ve heard a larynx trying to get adjusted to its new size! (kidshealth.org)

My asthma inhaler doesn’t help. What can I do?

I love to run but I have asthma. I have an inhaler, but it doesn’t help much before, when, or after I’m running. Is there anything else like a different medicine that would help me do what I love again?

– Alicia*

Y

es! You should be able to get your asthma under control. Exercise is essential to good health, and it’s great that you love running so much. So, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about what’s going on.

It sounds like you may need to adjust your medicine or add a new one. As they grow, it’s very common for teens with asthma to need changes in their medicines, such as a higher dose.

The good news about asthma is that lots of different treatments are available. Some people only need quick-relief medicines around the times when they’re most likely to have a flare-up.

Others also need long-term control medicine every day to keep their asthma in check.

Your doctor can help you find what works best for you. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find the best option, so talk with your doc about what works and what doesn’t.

Bring your inhaler to your doctor to show how you use it. Maybe you aren’t using it correctly and your doc can help with that. It can also help to go over your asthma action plan to make sure you understand the instructions.

Try to avoid things that trigger your asthma.

You might need to keep track of pollen or mould counts to see when it’s OK to run outside. If the air is cold while you run, it can help to wear a scarf or ski mask over your mouth.

It’s important to get help because your asthma could get worse, and the next flare-up could be bad. It’s best to see the doctor who has treated you in the past and knows your medical history. He or she can make sure your symptoms are from asthma, not something else. If you can’t see your regular doctor, go to another or visit a clinic to get the care you need. *Names have been changed to protect persons’ privacy. (kidshealth.org)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cyclist Jude Bentley’s death

GTT store robbery

Police nab 1 suspect, other escapes during D’Urban Street shootout

Police send file to DPP for legal advice O

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack

Retired Rear Admiral Gary Best

Dead: Former national cyclist Jude Bentley

olice have sought legal advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, regarding the way forward into the fatal accident which left former national cyclist Jude Bentley dead.

When contacted on Tuesday, Police Commander Edgar Thomas said the file has been sent to the DPP for advice and Police are following the protocols when handling such matters.

On Saturday morning, Bentley died after he was struck down at about 05:00h by retired Rear Admiral Gary Best, who is an executive of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and is named on the APNU/AFC list of candidates. The accident occurred in the vicinity of the

Russian Embassy, Kitty, Georgetown.

After hitting Bentley, the vehicle dragged him for some distance before coming to a halt after hitting into a light post.

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles has since confirmed that Best failed two breathalyser tests. Best, who was arrested by Police, complained of feeling unwell and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital for cardiovascular ailments and trauma. He was released on $100,000 station bail.

Meanwhile, on Sunday evening, a vigil was held at the Kitty seawall, Georgetown, where hundreds of relatives, friends, colleagues and fellow cyclists turned up to pay trib-

ute to Bentley.

His reputed wife, Akesia Hodge, told the media that her family needs justice for Bentley’s death and that the perpetrator needs to be held accountable.

“We cannot have a system that condones and accepts the fact that somebody has been killed, a father has gone, a brother, a son, a loved one, his life is no longer and the person responsible is not going to be held accountable...I expect to see the full course of justice administered in this matter and every other matter. This is not going to go down like another statistic,” she said.

On Tuesday, Best in a statement said that he has suspended all campaign activities in light of the accident.

P

GYEITI not in...

Where companies are legally or contractually required to make social contributions, these must be disclosed, under EITI standards. Where countries collect significant revenues from the transportation of oil, gas and minerals, such as pipelines, the Government will also be required to disclose the revenues received.

The requirement to publish annual activity reports is not limited to compliant countries, the EITI said. It is foreseen that countries will report on progress with meeting the EITI require-

ments as well as on efforts to achieve the objectives set out in their work plans.

Validation is procured and managed by the EITI’s International Secretariat rather than by implementing countries. Countries undertake validation more frequently, with compliant countries being revalidated every three years as opposed to every five years under the old rule.

Oil was discovered in

FROM PAGE 3

commercial quantities in Guyana in 2015, after which Guyana applied and was approved to join EITI. This was done with the understanding that Guyana’s first EITI Report must be published within the next 18 months and the country will be required to commence validation within two and a half years. Guyana’s first report was submitted to the International Secretariat in April 2019.

ne of the bandits that executed a daring robbery on the GTT kiosk in the Giftland Mall was nabbed by Police on Tuesday while his accomplice managed to escape capture during a police shootout on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

According to Commander of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Sub-division A (Georgetown), Assistant Police Commissioner Edgar Thomas, the police used social media to track down the two bandits. Police went to the location on D’Urban Street but upon spotting the police, one of the men discharged a round in their direction.

Police retaliated by returning fire but one of the men escaped through a yard and onto Princes Street, then into the Le Repentir Cemetery. During the exchange of gunfire between the police and the bandits, a parked car was damaged.

On Monday evening, the two bandits robbed the GTT store on the ground floor of the Giftland Mall, Plantation Pattensen,

The two bandits as they walked into the Giftland Mall on Monday evening

Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. Reports stated the robbery occurred at about 21:00h when the men, one armed with a handgun, pounced on the sales clerk.

As the gunman whipped out his gun, persons in the line waiting to pay their bills panicked and started to run. After the robbery, the men ran out of the mall but it is unclear whether a vehicle was waiting outside for them.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, owner of the mall, Roy Beepat, admitted that security concerns need to be addressed moving forward. He failed to address why security guards were not present to render assistance. He, however, lamented the authorities for denying his application for supernumerary arming the Head and Deputy Head of their security.

Police are investigating.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Former GRDB accountant jailed for fraud

F

ormer accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Peter Ramcharran was on Tuesday jailed for three years after he was found guilty of fraudulently omitting $145 million from the company’s ledger.

The sentence was handed down by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Ramcharran, 39, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was slapped with 39 counts of fraud. After fighting extradition from Canada since 2017, he was unsuccessful and returned to Guyana in 2019.

He was hauled before the

Peter Ramcharran

courts to answer to charges of the alleged falsification of GRDB accounts from 2011 to 2015.

The Chief Magistrate is dealing with 22 of the cases,

while Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus will preside over the 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts.

The first five charges alleged that between the years

2011 and 2015, Ramcharran, while being the accountant of the GRDB, omitted to enter some $414 million in the GRDB ledger.

He was also slapped with 17 charges for allegedly colluding with former General Manager and Deputy General Manager of the GRDB, Jagnarine Singh and Madanlall Ramraj for omitting entries in the entity’s ledger.

The matters are being prosecuted by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor, Patrice Henry.

The trial for the other charges will continue on February 28, 2020.

PNC… T

…and their actions he German philosopher Hegel distinguished between “events” and “actions”. “Events” occur “just like that” – stuff like lightning splitting trees. That’s the origin, of course, of the phrase, “sh*t happens!!” “Actions”, on the other hand, are “expressions of the subjective will” – that is, someone consciously decides “something” gotta be done, and then does it!!

That person’s then responsible for the consequences of his action.

Like, for instance, Trotman signing that ridiculous oil contract in 2016: that wasn’t no “event” that just happened; it was an “action” that Trotman took consciously when he didn’t even wait for the imminent announcement on the results of Lisa 2, but gave away the store for a pittance.

He’s, therefore, responsible for his action – excepting if he can prove he was of “unsound mind”!! But with the revelations that he was juggling at least three “red ‘oman” at the time, his mind might’ve been in a confused state – but certainly not legally “unsound”!!

He should be placed on the docks, with his hands manacled. If he can identify the person he claimed told him to sign, that person could be made to join him on the docks, and the prosecutor can possibly ask for a reduced sentence since he “cooperated”. This distinction between “actions” and “events” comes to mind every time one or another PNC apparatchik acts to the detriment of Guyana – and yet they’re allowed to get away with washing their hands of any responsibility.

Take the environmentalist Bynoe, who Granger placed at the head of the Energy Department – and placed an energy maven in charge of environment!! – just because the fella attends church!! This action was taken right after Trotman was relieved of the Oil Portfolio, presumably for incompetence. Why would Granger replace incompetence with more incompetence?? Does he believe prayer cures incompetence?? Granger must be made to account for all the horrible actions Bynoe has taken since he’s so clearly out of his depth!!

Like self-selecting a handful of oil majors to sell our (miserly) portion of the oil produced and settling on Shell. Why would he ignore the independent traders who dominate the market?? They’re much more agreeable on their prices and offer all the analytical facilities of the oil majors. Bynoe could’ve also locked in a Brent Crude price at the time he chose Shell (Dec 24) which was US$69 per barrel. But he didn’t!! Today, the price has dropped to US$51 and we’ve lost US$17 million!!

The people have the opportunity on March 2nd to take their own action on Granger’s actions that have so hurt our country.

Voting him and his bunch of losers out isn’t an “event” but an “action” we have to take!! …and local content Here it is, three million barrels of oil’ve been lifted, processed and shipped, and the environmentalist Bynoe NOW informs us that the “Local Content Policy” (LCP) is finally ready!! Well…not really since we won’t actually be able to read it, till “next week”!!

What’s with this fella? Is his environmental training so deeply ingrained that he unconsciously sabotages anything associated with the oil industry??! There were already TWO LCPs handed over to him by a regional expert, Anthony Paul of T&T, who also crafted Ghana’s.

This fella understands OUR needs, having been involved for decades in the industry by our next-door neighbour.

But these drafts were rejected and the third – the one now presumably approved – was done by someone associated with the US oil majors.

So, what’s this – foreign always better? Or a sellout?? What we do know is a nationalist LCP was a goner the moment we agreed that only “qualified” personnel would be hired.

How would we be even “quailed” if we’re never given a chance to be trained?? …still trying a “t’ing”!!

One of the good things about dimwits, is they’ll keep banging their heads against a wall!! Basil Williams, having lost twice in his attempt to sabotage the elections via a residency requirement, will now be going to the CCJ!!

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

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UG, ExxonMobil launch STEM project for special needs students

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hrough a partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana and the University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana Council for Organisations on Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) on Tuesday launched an initiative that will see students from four special needs schools benefitting from a new pilot programme in STEM robotics.

This newly launched ini-

tiative was developed by the Council with the objective to have children with disabilities included in learning modern technologies starting with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

This pilot project will be implemented into St Barnabas, David Rose, Diamond Special Education Needs Schools and the Open Doors Vocations Centre for

the next six months, with students being exposed to robotics building, coding and others.

During the launch at the National Library, activist and programme coordinator, Ganesh Singh shared that after the six-month programme is executed, the Council hopes to make the programme accessible to other special needs students.

The initiative is ful-

Programme coordinator Ganesh Singh

ly funded by ExxonMobil Guyana.

Exxon’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe in her remarks said that the company recognised that supporting

and empowering youth are important catalysts for development, especially through science and technology.

“That’s why STEM is one of ExxonMobil’s corporate responsibility focus area…I am confident that the young people taking part in this programme will discover exciting different ways to learn and enjoy creating new things.”

Additionally, the importance of this new venture to those benefitting was highlighted by Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes, who pledged continued support towards the disability community.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, including US Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch, Canadian Ambassador Lilian

Exxon’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe

Chatterjee and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and Exxon’s representatives were among those present to celebrate the programme’s launch.

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Cleaner remanded on B&E charge

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rincipal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Tuesday deferred the sentencing of a cleaner

who admitted to a breaking and entering charge.

Victor Munian, a cleaner of Campbellville, Georgetown,

admitted that on February 1, at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered the food shop of Deon Dudnaught and

stole two gas bottles valued $23,000, a quantity of foodstuff valued $35,000 and $9000 cash.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris informed the court that the Virtual Complainant and Munian are known to each other since the VC would normally give him food.

The court heard that on February 1, at about 16:30h, the VC secured the shop and went home, however, upon return the following day, he noticed the shop was broken into and discovered the items missing.

The matter was then reported to the police and ranks, upon viewing CCTV footage,

saw Munian entering the building through the chimney and leaving with the articles.

Munian, in a plea of mitigation, said, “I had access to the building and he owed me money so I do what I had to do.

I am sorry”. He will reappear at Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today for sentencing.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Barber jailed for exposing penis to customer Shared governance P institutions betraying Guyanese

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he Sunday Chronicle carried a story that was patently a lie.

They claimed that Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali are among the persons who did not submit their Integrity Commission declaration forms. This is required by law and the offending persons are subjected to a fine and as much as one year in prison. Both Drs Jagdeo and Ali have publicly stated they submitted their required forms and have always done so since it became law in 2000. Did the Chronicle fabricate the story? According to them, the information was provided to the papers by the Chairman of the Integrity Commission.

The Chairman of the Dr Leslie Ramsammy Integrity Commission is annoyingly silent? He has an obligation to tell the nation the truth. His procrastination in setting the record straight is aiding and abetting the blatant lie of the Guyana Chronicle.

The Guyana Chronicle is hiding behind the Chairman of the Commission by giving the impression he told them so. The Chairman must speak up – did the Guyana Chronicle fabricate the story or did they print a falsehood told by the Chairman?

Silence is a total abrogation of the Chairman’s duty.

The Commission did publish a list of names that included many APNU/AFC Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers.

The list also included senior Government officials, including the Speaker of the now dissolved Parliament. The Commission had indicated that it would publish more names. It has not done so. It has also never been upfront and straight to the public it represents about the status of David Granger. Mr Granger had admitted he was not in compliance, he had not completed his declaration, he was working on it up to late last year. No one has come forward with a status update regarding Mr Granger’s declarations. The nation does not know.

Clearly, the Integrity Commission is betraying its purpose and the Guyanese people. Its job is to ensure all relevant officials submit on a timely basis their integrity declarations.

For several years, the Commission has complained that officials are not treating their obligations under the law seriously. But its protestations have become annoying. It has the power to act against those committing an offence. Rather than act, it chose impotence. The Chairman’s excuse was he had no money to publish the names of offenders. I sympathise with the Chairman, knowing that APNU/AFC has tried to suffocate the Commission by limiting its budget. But for the publication of the names he needed no money – two daily newspapers which are available nationally and internationally in both print and Internet versions offered to publish the names at no cost. The offer was not formally taken up.

Former President Donald Ramotar posited the other day that important national institutions which must play a significant role in ensuring justice, freedom, and democracy in Guyana are abrogating their roles by trying to placate all parties, not carrying on their roles with objectivity. The truth is that many of the institutions are fearful to conduct themselves in a fair and impartial way. When there are instances where the PPP and its leaders attract negative attention, these institutions are not timid in expressing themselves and in taking action. But when they need to act because of flagrant disregard for the law when the offending party is the PNC/APNU/AFC, these same institutions seek refuge through impotent general statements.

The silence of the Integrity Commission is a case in point.

Because the offending party is the Government, it acts as if it has no power. Right at this moment, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is another of the major shared governance institutions that is not conducting itself in the interest of the nation. In the last year, there have been statements and actions by APNU/AFC and others that clearly are offensive and clearly falling in the ambit of the ERC to act. Instead, it acknowledges only in a general way that certain statements and actions are illegal and promote ethnic and racial tension.

But it generalises its condemnation, desperately seeking not to identify the offensive party. The ERC cannot fulfil its role in shared governance, in promoting a healing environment and in ensuring racial and ethnic harmony by refusing to call a spade a spade. The statements from the ERC, thus far, are nothing more than silence in the face of unambiguous racist and ethnic bias.

The same kind of partial and unbalanced approach has been seen with other national institutions which are part of the shared governance architecture. GECOM has failed to fulfil its obligations in a fair and unbiased manner. National TV and newspapers, those paid for by taxpayers’ money, clearly see themselves as mouthpieces of APNU/AFC. The many other institutions tasked with defending national interests have become mere tentacles of the governing party. Serious concerns are being expressed at the attempts to control the Judiciary. For those who still talk about constitutional reforms for shared governance, we have a Constitution that already caters for extensive shared governance, but the institutions tasked with such roles are not embracing those ideals.

rincipal Magistrate Faith McGusty on Tuesday sentenced a barber to four years’ imprisonment in absentia, after he was found guilty of exposing his genitals and touching the thigh of a female customer on September 24, 2019.

Ceon Cantzlaar of Lot 6 Henry Street, Lamaha Springs, Georgetown, was on trial for the offence but failed to attend court.

The charge stated that on September 24, 2019, at Aubrey Barker and Festival City Entrance, North

Ceon Cantzlaar

Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he exposed his penis to a woman with the intent that she would see his genitals and be alarmed or distressed.

The court also heard during the trial that on the same day and at the same location, he touched the thigh of the woman in a sexual way, without her consent.

During the trial, the court heard that the woman, who is known to Cantzlaar, went to his barbershop to cut her hair.

However, it was while cutting her hair that the man started playing explic-

it music and took out his penis and showed the woman while he tried to touch her thigh.

The woman quickly left the barbershop and reported the matter to the Police.

Cantzlaar then sent her several voice notes saying that he was sorry for exposing himself to her.

When the matter was called on Tuesday, Cantzlaar was not present in the court.

However, the Magistrate handed down the sentence and issued an arrest warrant for him.

GPF launches WhatsApp group for traffic reports

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has introduced a WhatsApp group, where the public can send instances of traffic issues which they would have encountered.

On Tuesday, the Traffic Department of the GPF stated that persons can send videos, pictures and information pertaining to traffic issues emanating from the 10 administrative regions.

In this way, these matters can be “promptly addressed”.

Persons can send their information to 620-6713.

In recent time, persons have shared videos and photos on social media, highlighting various traffic offences that they would have

witnessed. In many cases, these videos went viral.

In December 2019, a video went viral after it showed the reckless behaviour of a minibus driver and his conductor. Meanwhile, in the previous incident, a minibus conductor was seen in a video which went viral, dancing

to music with its door wide open, and the driver of the same bus was seen placing his feet outside of the mov-

ing vehicle as he was driving.

Days later, another video surfaced on social media showing a conductor dancing on top of a moving minibus at the minibus park at the Stabroek Market area.

Additionally, passengers were seated inside the bus and the music emanating from the moving vehicle was preposterously loud.

Shortly after, ranks of the Force went on a search for the bus and its conductor.

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City Constabulary to bolster Labour Union, City Hall officials to security for Mash Day Money bag incident

meet over suspension of workers

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he Guyana Labour Union (GLU) has asked to meet with officials of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) over the suspension of four staffers after money in a bag belonging to City Hall was found unattended in one of the entity’s vehicles.

The incident, dating back to June last year, was brought to light when revenues collected from the Bourda Market was found in one of the Council’s vehicles. At the time, the bank drop had already been made and the bag with the money was not deposited as was required.

At Monday’s statutory meeting, Acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick said that the Union requested to meet via a correspondence. As such, officials of the two bodies will discuss the matter on Friday.

“They wish to discuss the suspension of staff with respect to the money bag incident and they would like to deal as it relates to that,” Jerrick informed.

According to reports, the monies were supposed to be deposited in the bank on behalf of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), however, a staff of the Council found the bag of cash bearing

City Hall officials will meet with the Union on Friday

the M&CC seal in a vehicle the staff had borrowed from the Chief Constable.

A complaint was lodged at the Local Government Commission and an investigation was launched.

During the investigation, the Commission found that Chief Constable Andrew Foo along with officers had breached the standard operating procedures.

It stated that the Chief Constable’s inaction included, but were not limited to, his failure to formulate and implement a modern security plan to guard the Council’s assets; his continued failure to adhere to the Council’s decisions with respect to the

acting appointment of the Deputy Chief Constable; his continued unwillingness to work with the Council to ensure that there were order and peace both within the Council and on the streets of Georgetown; and his failure to effectively supervise the Council’s constabulary, which had already been the subject of public ridicule.

Three weeks ago, the LGC recommended disciplinary actions for four officers who were fingered in the incident. Those suspended were: City Treasurer John Douglas (one month), Iva Bryan (two months), Sonia Pit (three weeks), and Yolanda Forde (one month).

PME on skeletal remains found in Upper Berbice inconclusive

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post-mortem examination (PME) conducted on the skeletal remains suspected to be those of missing 65-year-old Hururu Mission resident Linton Ashley has failed to determine an exact cause of death.

The PME was conducted on Monday by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary.

The remains, which is suspected to be that of the Aroaima, Hururu Mission resident, were discovered scattered about 50 feet away from his logging camp at the UB concession at 101-kilometre UNAMCO trail in the Upper Berbice region over a

week ago.

Official information from Police indicated that upon conclusion of the PME the remains were proven to be those of a human being, however, the cause of death was undetermined.

They were transported back to the Lyken Funeral Home for storage. Reports are that samples were previously taken from Ashley’s relatives for a DNA test of which officials are awaiting the results.

Ashley, who worked as a lone saw man/logger in the area which is considered “desolate” was reported missing by his female employer since December 12,

2019. The employer reported that she went searching for Ashley at the camp after she did not see him for some time but was unsuccessful in finding him. A saw was reportedly discovered next to the remains along with a fallen greenheart log.

Investigators initially suspected that he might have been killed by the fallen tree.

An employee, who recently set up camp in the vicinity made the gruesome discovery. According to Police, next to the remains were clothing suspected to be that of the 65-year-old, which included a green and grey hat, a pair of black long boots, black pants and a blue shirt.

…stalls, vehicles in prohibited areas will be removed

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he Georgetown City Constabulary will be joining the Guyana Police Force on February 23, to provide adequate security for the country’s 50th Republic Day celebrations.

Acting Chief Constable, Peter Livingstone during a press conference on Tuesday highlighted some of their plans for Mashramani Day, a time when there might be increased criminal activities.

During the celebrations, ranks from the constabulary unit will be placed along the route and at key locations, to ensure the safety of those present.

“With respect to security, the constabulary have a general responsibility for policing in the city. Like the Guyana Police Force, we are going to ensure that on that day, we have a number of ranks who are deployed to perform policing duties so as to ensure that citizens of Georgetown and those who visit are allowed to conduct their business in a safe environment,” the Acting Chief Constable notified.

He added that this strategy will also ensure that the parade activities are not hindered in any way.

“In addition, we are going to deploy ranks along the route of the parade so as to ensure that there is no obstruction to the parade. In

addition, we will be having ranks around the city which will allow us to continue our normal policing duty as mandated.”

As customary, the activity on February 23 will be viewed by thousands along the parade route with vendors capitalising on the opportunity to sell snacks and beverages. This year, the Solid Waste Department has outlined strict vending policies and the placement of spots in specific areas.

According to Deputy Director of the Solid Waste Department, Floyd Rollins, there are some areas where vending will be prohibited completely.

“Vending will be allowed from Thomas Road to Church Street. As such, no vending will be allowed on Carifesta Avenue. No vending will be allowed from Thomas Road to Carifesta Avenue. No vending will be allowed along the entire Vlissengen Road. That’s from Carifesta Avenue all the way to D’Urban Street,” he pointed out.

This year, however, there has been a reduction in the number of available spots.

Only 750 vending spaces are available as compared to some 1200 in previous years.

Those persons who are found guilty of vending in prohibited areas will have their tents removed. Similarly,

cars parked in proscribed areas will be towed.

“We would have a reduced number of spots this year for vending compared to the years before…The spots between Thomas Road to Lamaha Street is $12,000; from Lamaha Street to Church Street is $15,000; Square of the Revolution it’s $25,000 [and] in D’Urban Park, it’s $15,000…Persons found in the prohibited areas, their erected stalls and tents will be removed and parked cars in prohibited areas will be towed away,” he outlined.

Only Monday, Mayor Ubraj Narine had revealed that the municipality was yet to figure out a clean-up strategy after the celebrations are over. Nevertheless, Rollins indicated that there will be two clean-up sessions during that time.

“On the day of the activity, the Solid Waste Department will commence cleaning up after the last float would have left the starting point. We will have the clean-up in two phases whereby one will be on the 23rd and the other will commence on the 24th from 04:00h in the morning. Provided that all goes well, we should have the entire route and D’Urban Park cleaned by 12:00h the next day.”

Marcus Bisram trial to begin this week

Murder accused: Marcus Bisram Dead: Fayaz Narinedatt

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he Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of Fayaz Narinedatt will finally commence on Thursday after over two years of legal battles by murder accused Marcus Bisram.

The first witness will be called on Thursday before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

When the case was called two weeks ago, both the prosecution and defence put forward opposing legal arguments as to how the case should be conducted.

The prosecution was contending that it has the right to call witnesses to take the stand during the PI while the defence was contending that since it was a paper committal, the prosecution should not be calling witnesses to the stand.

During her ruling on

whether to have a paper committal or not, Magistrate Singh said natural justice cannot be upheld if a Magistrate should only be granted jurisdiction over a part of the matter. She said the court believes that it is a new hearing, hence she should have full judication over the matter.

She noted that if witnesses are called to the stand or just the testimonies are taken, regardless of what happens, she still has to determine whether a prima facie case has been made out.

She said the case will proceed with all statements and pictures being tendered. The court will also visit the scene of the alleged crime. Magistrate Singh also ruled that witnesses will be allowed to take the stand if need be to provide information on photos which may form part of the evidence.

Speaking with reporters

after the hearing, Attorneyat-Law Sanjeev Datadin said he was happy that the court agreed with the defence that it will be a paper committal.

Bisram is accused of ordering the death of Fayaz Narinedatt, a carpenter of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, on November 30, 2016.

His death was initially reported as a suspected hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram made sexual advances to Narinedatt, who objected to the advances. Bisram was initially charged here in absentia, while five others: Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob have also been committed to stand trial for the murder. That trial in the High Court is set to come up in the February session of the Berbice Assizes.

guyanatimesgy.com

OILNEWS Saudis fear costly oil price collapse if output cuts delayed

S

audi Arabia wants global oil producers to agree to a quick oil supply cut as China’s coronavirus knocks demand, aware that delays in the past led to costly price collapses, sources familiar with the kingdom’s thinking have told Reuters.

Riyadh has been working to convince producers and allies of the OrganiSation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) - a group known as OPEC+ and led

by Russia - that they need to act sooner rather than later.

Saudi Arabia sees a potentially bigger impact on oil demand this time than during the 2002-03 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic due to China’s nowfar-larger role in the global economy, the sources said.

Oil prices have fallen by more than US$11 a barrel this year to US$54, alarming producers as the coronavirus - which has killed more than 1000 people in China spreads.

One OPEC source said Riyadh wanted a quick supply cut to “put a floor under the prices”.

“The Saudis want to be proactive and to keep oil prices at $60 a barrel or above,” the source said.

Saudi Arabia is OPEC’s biggest producer and has in the past often orchestrated OPEC production cuts or increases to keep oil prices at a preferred level.

But OPEC has not always acted early enough.

OPEC was criticised for not preventing oil prices from spiking during a 2008 rally that saw Brent crude top US$147 per barrel on supply fears.

The group was equally slow to react to the global financial crisis that unfolded and saw demand collapse and oil prices fall towards US$30 per barrel.

As the world began to recover from that crisis, global oil demand spiked, but OPEC was slow to raise production, prompting Brent to rally again.

This time around, OPEC+ may have lost precious time to prevent an oil price decline, a source familiar with Saudi oil thinking said. This has upped the ante on Moscow and other producers to support a proposed cut.

Last week, a technical panel advising OPEC+ recommended an immediate additional output cut of 600,000 barrels per day (bpd), sources told Reuters news agency.

“This is about taking pre-emptive measures against future uncertainties ... it is about lessons learned from the past,” one of the sources said.

A current OPEC+ agreement aims to cut output by 1.7 million bpd until the end of March, and Saudi Arabia has been voluntarily cutting an additional 400,000 bpd, meaning OPEC+ is effectively curbing production by 2.1 million bpd.

Sources said the technical panel also recommended this deal be extended until the end of 2020.

Russia is still studying the panel’s proposed deeper oil output cut, Minister of Energy Alexander Novak said on Tuesday, with Russia’s delayed response frustrating some OPEC players.

“Saudi officials knew consumption would decline. They also knew that, while the coronavirus impact was uncertain, the market was responding,” energy consultancy PK Verleger LLC said in a research note. “(Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Belarus takes oil from non-transit part of Druzhba pipeline – RIA

B

elarusian state oil firm Belneftekhim said on Tuesday it had taken oil for its refineries from the non-transit part of the Druzhba oil pipeline to Europe from Russia and that transit would not be affected, the RIA news agency reported.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over oil supply led the traditional suppliers to Belarus — Rosneft, Lukoil, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz — to halt oil exports to the state on Jan 1. (Excerpt from Reuters)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

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Around the World WHO brands coronavirus “public enemy number one”

T

he coronavirus outbreak in China may be over by April, the country’s senior medical adviser said on Tuesday, but deaths surpassed 1000 and the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of a global threat potentially worse than terrorism.

The world must “wake up and consider this enemy virus as public enemy number one,” WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters, adding the first vaccine was 18 months away.

China’s foremost medical adviser on the outbreak, Zhong Nanshan, said numbers of new cases were falling in some provinces and forecast the epidemic would peak this month.

A worker is seen inside a convenience store following an outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, February 11, 2020

The WHO said on Tuesday 1017 people had died in China, where there were 42,708 cases.

Only 319 cases have been

confirmed in 24 other countries and territories outside mainland China, with two deaths: one in Hong Kong and the other in the

Philippines.

Statistics from China indicate about 2 per cent of people infected with the new virus have died, and many had pre-existing medical conditions or were elderly.

Tedros was less sanguine about the coronavirus, now officially named COVID-19.

“To be honest a virus is more powerful in creating political, social and economic upheaval than any terrorist attack,” he said. “It’s the worst enemy you can imagine” JPMorgan analysts downgraded forecasts for Chinese growth this quarter and Norwegian energy consultancy Rystad Energy predicted the outbreak would cut growth in global oil demand by a quarter this year.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Rohingya refugees die after boat capsizes off Bangladesh

A

t least 15 Rohingya refugees have died and dozens more are unaccounted for after their overcrowded wooden boat heading for Malaysia sank off the coast of southern Bangladesh, officials have said.

Some 130 people - mainly women and children were packed on the fishing trawler that was trying to get across the Bay of Bengal to Malaysia, coastguard spokesman Hamidul Islam

told the AFP news agency on Tuesday. Seventy people had so far been rescued.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency issued a joint statement saying they were ready to support the survivors of the boat.

“UNHCR and IOM are saddened by this tragic loss of life and, together with our other UN and NGO partners, are standing by to offer assistance to the

[Bangladeshi] Government in responding to the needs of the survivors, be it food, shelter, or medical aid.”

Many of the nearly one million Rohingya, who have taken shelter in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district, have tried to go to Malaysia by boat.

The boat, barely 13 metres (40 feet) long, was one of two vessels attempting the hazardous 2000-kilometre (1250-mile) journey before

the monsoon season starts.

Four navy and coastguard boats were searching the seas near St Martin’s island, officials said.

Those on the boat were hoping to reach Malaysia and were being aided by traffickers, Noor Ahmed, the top elected official on the island, told The Associated Press news agency, quoting accounts by the survivors.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Venezuelan man charged with sexual slavery after holding woman captive for 31 years

V

enezuelan prosecutors on Tuesday indicted a man on charges that he sexually enslaved a woman whom he held captive for 31 years in an apartment building, a case that has shocked residents of the city of Maracay near the capital of Caracas.

Matias Salazar, 56, was also accused of crimes including psychological vio-

lence, and sexual violence and sexual slavery of the 49-year-old woman identified only as Morella, prosecutors said in a statement.

“The perpetrator manipulated and deceived (Morella) so that she would leave her home” three decades ago, prosecutors said, adding that Salazar was arrested in Maracay and is being held at a po-

lice station.

He had lived for years with another woman and his daughter in a building across the street from where Morella was held, according to Reuters interviews with 10 residents of either of the two buildings.

Several said they had not noticed anything out of the ordinary and that Salazar had always been

friendly to them. They asked not to be identified for fear they would be accused of being complicit.

Salazar’s lawyer Jose Briceno said in a press conference on Monday that his client was innocent and a victim of a media campaign, according to an Internet broadcast of his statements. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Canadian PM to meet with Caribbean leaders

P

rime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders during their 31st inter-sessional summit in Barbados on Tuesday next week, the Guyana-based Secretariat has confirmed.

It said that Trudeau will meet with the leaders of the 15-member regional grouping on the first day of their two-day summit that will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on the outskirts of the capital. Trudeau is also scheduled to hold bi-lateral discussions with Caricom Chairman and host, Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“Canada and Caribbean countries have always had strong relationships and almost one million people of Caribbean descent live in Canada. These relation-

ships are based on shared values and partnerships in the fight against climate change; the promotion of democracy, trade, economic growth, and security.

I look forward to meeting the leaders of Caricom to discuss how we can work together to strengthen the Caribbean, and build a better world,” Trudeau said.

Ottawa said that the visit was to allow him to make his pitch to a new audience regarding Canada’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The visit to the Caribbean follows a weeklong visit to Africa and Europe where Trudeau is attempting to lock down votes for a seat at the Security Council table from those countries.

(Excerpt from CMC)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A chance to make extra cash is evident. Consider doing your own thing. Take heed of financial advice someone offers you. Romance will enhance your relationship with someone special. Share your intentions.

Don’t be shy. Share your creative ideas and present what you have to offer. Take courses related to the arts.

Get involved in projects that will improve your life.

Your ability to work with precision and focus will help you stand out. You can improve your surroundings if you redecorate or renovate your space to accommodate your pursuits.

Partnerships are featured. Reach out to someone you enjoy spending time with and make plans that will enhance your relationship. Helping others will be gratifying.

Update your appearance and make personal changes that will raise your self-esteem. Stop worrying about what others do or think, and focus on what’s important to you. Romance is encouraged.

If you take on a challenge, you will make an impression. Mingle, network and share your vision. The people you attract will benefit you as you move forward.

Follow your heart.

You will get ahead if you concentrate on your objective instead of letting someone mess with your mind and upset your plans. Personal growth, physical improvements and financial prudence should be your priorities.

Travel and learning are featured. Mix business with pleasure to impress a loved one. If you speak your mind, you will get the results you desire. Don’t be afraid to be different.

Displaying a poker face SAGITTARIUS will serve you well when (Nov. 23dealing with fast-talkers.

Dec. 21) The less you let others know about you, the better. Make personal improvements and romantic plans.

YESTERDAY’S WORD

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Precision and attention to detail will help you surpass any competition you face.

Spend extra time perfecting your skills. Refuse to let an emotional matter cause distress and ruin your day.

AQUARIUS

Share your thoughts and feelings with a loved one, and together you’ll build a better future. Making personal improvements or living arrangements will save you time and money.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A unique approach and a good work ethic will help you stand out. A competitive person will give you a hard time. Don’t ignore a problem; fix it.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

N

19

New Zealand consign India to 1st whitewash in 22 years

ew Zealand consigned India to their first bilateral ODI whitewash in more than 22 years*, riding on the efforts of a second-string attack

Nicholls and Martin Guptill.

Regular wickets, though, brought back memories of the T20I series debacle, but Tom Latham and a charmed Colin de Grandhomme saw

ball 112. Rahul stayed at the wicket for 34.3 overs during which time India scored 207 for 2. Around that stay, though, New Zealand - not great in the field, mind you

Incidentally, the last time an India batsman scored a hundred from No. 5 or lower was when Dhoni and Yuvraj were batting together, in January 2017 against England. That Cuttack ODI was also the last time India had crossed 290 with the top three's contribution being under 20%.

Not just Rahul, Nos. 4 and 6 around him played their role: Iyer scored a nearrun-a-ball 62, and Manish Pandey made sure the runs kept coming with his 42 off 48 from 162 for 4.

New Zealand’s day

The New Zealand players pose with the trophy (Getty Images)

missing Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.

Hamish Bennett's fourfor and some tight bowling around him made sure India managed only 296 despite their biggest gain of the series: a middle-order core of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.

New Zealand made the chase seem more difficult than it should have been after a 106-run opening stand between Henry

them through from 220 for 5.

India might have lost the ODI series, but in Rahul they have solidified a No. 5 to fill the hole left by Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. Rahul had already shown he could hit hard, hit from ball one and hit for a long time, but on Tuesday, he rescued India from 62 for 3 to score his fourth ODI century. And he did so without eating up balls at the start of his 113-

- managed to cause enough damage to restrict India to 296 for 7 despite the score reading 269 for 4 in the 47th over.

If the similarities were not enough already, Rahul joined Rahul Dravid as the only India wicketkeeper with an ODI century outside Asia. Both were naturalised wicketkeepers who batted below their preferred position to suit the team's needs.

The day, though belonged to the New Zealand bowlers.

Kyle Jamieson continued his impressive beginning by bowling Mayank Agarwal early, beating the outside edge after having gone past the inside one in the previous game. Virat Kohli played an uncharacteristic innings, getting beaten by wide deliveries early before hitting out to only the seventh ball he faced. This was the earliest he had hit a six in India's innings. Kohli's innings didn't continue for long, though, as he cut Bennett straight to third man. Prithvi Shaw, looking in great touch once again, gave it away by running himself out, bringing in Rahul to join Iyer.

During their last partnership, in the first ODI of this series, Rahul had sort of carried Iyer, but here Iyer was in better touch. He still kept hitting the ball in the air but never fell too far behind the 100 strike rate. Rahul looked imperious from the time he walked in, square-driving the second ball he faced for four. New Zealand turned to de Grandhomme and James Neesham soon after the early exchanges just like they had done in the first ODI. Runs kept trickling with a Neesham short delivery stopped at Iyer, who could only pop up a catch to short midwicket. The two added 100 in 110 deliveries.

Mitchell Santner missed a run-out of Rahul on 64, and Pandey on 35 but did a good job of keeping a lid on the scoring. From the 39th to the 46th over, India hit only one boundary. There was a slightly strange element of risk aversion for a side only four down.

When Rahul took the risk in the 47th over, Jamieson dropped him at long-off.

Bennett, though, got his due reward with a similar chance next ball, with Jamieson hanging on this

time. Pandey chose the next ball to try to hit a six, and even he could go only as far as long-on. Bennett's mix of wide lines, hard lengths and knuckle balls worked well and only 86 came in the last 12 overs.

Guptill lifts off

It took New Zealand a little over 12 overs at the start to score those 86. Guptill took apart Navdeep Saini and also took a tenrun over off Jasprit Bumrah, who went wicketless in the series. It was eventually the legspin of Yuzvednra Chahal that dragged India back into the contest.

Guptill fell to a ripper, but Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor chipped up soft catches to give India a look-in. Nicholls, consistently impressive as a naturalised opener, failed to convert yet again and fell 20 short of a hundred. Neesham took a fair go at a half-volley from Chahal but found Kohli at midwicket. Against the run of play, it was 77 runs required with the last recognised pair in.

With Latham rock solid

Martin Guptill smashes a boundary during his innings of 66 runs off 46 balls

at one end, de Grandhomme chanced his arm as soon as he came in. A mis-hit fell short of a deep fielder, two less-than-ideal hits just about cleared the fence, and New Zealand were off again.

Latham remained unbeaten on a soothing 32 off 34.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD India Innings (50 overs maximum) PP Shaw run out (de Grandhomme/†Latham).....40 MA Agarwal b Jamieson..............1 V Kohli (c) c Jamieson b Bennett....................................9 SS Iyer c de Grandhomme b Neesham................................62 KL Rahul † c Jamieson b Bennett................................112 MK Pandey c Santner b Bennett..................................42 RA Jadeja not out........................8 SN Thakur c de Grandhomme b Bennett....................................7 NA Saini not out..........................8 Extras (b 1, w 6)...........................7 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 5.92) 296-7 Did not bat: YS Chahal, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Agarwal, 1.6 ov), 2-32 (Kohli, 6.4 ov), 3-62 (Shaw, 12.1 ov), 4-162 (Iyer, 30.3 ov), 5-269 (KL Rahul, 46.4 ov), 6-269 (Pandey, 46.5 ov), 7-280 (Thakur, 48.2 ov) BOWLING TG Southee KA Jamieson HK Bennett C de Grandhomme JDS Neesham MJ Santner

(9-0-59-0) (10-0-53-1) (10-1-64-4) (3-0-10-0) (8-0-50-1) (10-0-59-0)

New Zealand Innings (target: 297 runs from 50 overs) MJ Guptill b Chahal...................66 HM Nicholls c †Rahul b Thakur....................................80 KS Williamson (c) c Agarwal b Chahal...................................22 LRPL Taylor c Kohli b Jadeja......12 TWM Latham † not out............32 JDS Neesham c Kohli b Chahal....................................19 C de Grandhomme not out.......58 Extras (b 1, lb 2, nb 2, w 6)........11 TOTAL (47.1 Overs, RR: 6.36) 300-5 Did not bat: MJ Santner, TG Southee, KA Jamieson, HK Bennett Fall of wickets: 1-106 (Guptill, 16.3 ov), 2-159 (Williamson, 27.1 ov), 3-186 (Taylor, 31.5 ov), 4-189 (Nicholls, 32.5 ov), 5-220 (Neesham, 39.3 ov) BOWLING JJ Bumrah NA Saini YS Chahal SN Thakur RA Jadeja

(10-0-50-0) (8-0-68-0) (10-1-47-3) (9.1-0-87-1) (10-0-45-1)

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

BCB planning to host historic Berbice Premier League this August

I

f everything goes according to plan, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would be hosting the first ever Berbice Premier League during the month of August. BCB President Hilbert Foster, MS, unveiled this ambitious project at the February meeting of the board’s executive committee.

The BCB, since foster’s election in February 2018, has become Guyana’s leading cricket board, staging unmatched activities on and off the cricket field.

The BPL is one of several exciting projects that the BCB intends hosting during the next two years.

Foster disclosed that the format for the BPL would be a knockout 20/20 tournament with twelve teams vying for championship honours. The eleven first division teams of Berbice, along with a team from the Berbice River SubAssociation, would play in this tournament. The 11

first division teams are: West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon.

The teams would be seeded according to their performances over the last two years, and the draw would be done publicly, with members of the teams. Each team would consist of 13 members, and the BCB has relaxed its rules to allow each side to have one player from out of the county.

Each player involved in the BPL would receive a financial stipend per match, with the fees increasing as a team advances deeper in the tournament. The BCB would also provide a stipend for a coach per team, while each game would have a winner’s prize. Clubs would have the right to have a Georgetown or Essequibo player, who would also receive a stipend.

Team Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour (Brandon Corlette photo)

Special prizes would also be awarded for: Play of the Day, Man of the Match, Fan of the Match, and MVP of the Tournament.

According to Foster, depending on the overall success of this historic event,

Banks DIH Ltd/Trophy Stall Horse Meet…

each of the 12 teams would also receive a financial developmental grant from the BCB. Funds raised from the tournament would be used to expand the BCB’s countywide coaching programme; upgrade operations at its office; assist clubs with balls; and, if possible, obtain a vehicle for the BCB.

Foster, who would lead the organizing committee, has said an aggressive drive would be made to obtain fees for players/officials, match prizes, uniforms, balls, umpiring fees, refreshments for players/officials, among other things.

Matches would be played at the No69 Ground and

at Albion and Blairmont grounds, while umpires would be drawn from a special pool of Berbician umpires.

This astute cricket administrator has expressed confidence that the Berbice Premier League would be a great success. He also thinks the league would play a great role in the continued revival of cricket in Berbice, and would attract more fans to venues.

Performing clubs at the first division level are encourage to expand their membership and to start preparing a squad for the league. The inclusion of the Berbice River Cricket team also serves as an inspiration to cricketers in that area.

Companies, overseas-based Guyanese, or business owners who are interested in becoming part of the Berbice Premier League (BPL) can contact Angela Haniff on 333-2375, or Simon Naidu on 649-6447, or Dr. Cecil Beharry on 6245707, or Hilbert Foster on 337-4562.

Goodwill Boy takes Seven Seas 40-Mile Cycle Race set for Sunday feature event – outstanding performers receive Trophy Stall accolades

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ith two wins and a third placement, the Colin Elcock Stables were adjudged the top stables on show when the Rising Sun Turf Club held a grand one-day horse meet on Sunday last at Arima Park, West Coast Berbice.

Held in collaboration with Banks DIH Limited and Trophy Stall, the meet saw top horse Goodwill Boy of the Jagdeo Stables take the feature event for horses classified G and Lower.

After some time’s absence from the race track, Colin Elcock and his Delmur Racing Stables returned to dominate things, as his animals won two events to enable his stables to be crowned champion stable on the day.

Goodwill Boy, ridden

by Appadu, took the feature 1400M event and the $400,000 cash prize and trophy compliments of Banks DIH Limited. Miss Olympic ran in second, with Valentina and Settling Star settling for third and fourth respectively.

Miss Olympic, of the Singh Stables, ridden by Brian Blake of Jamaica, then won the 1400M event for H3 maiden horses and those that hadn’t raced for over a year. The win was worth $300,000 and trophy, as Catch A Glimpse and Not This Time were the others

Massy Berbice Branch Manager Wazim Ali, accompanied by Assistant Manager Rajnarine McKay, presents sponsorship to Randolph Roberts

A The young lad of the Elcock Stables receiving the winning trophy for the Republican victory in the L Class maiden event as Jockey Paul Delph relishes the moment

that placed.

Perfect Dream won the event for three-year-old Open Guyana-bred animals from Perfect Storm, Justify the Heat and Catholic Boy, as it romped away with the $300,000 and trophy over 1100M. Perfect Storm then returned to take the ‘K and lower’ race from Perfect Dream, with Fresh Dancer and Prince D following in that order.

The L class Open event saw Fresh Dancer of the Elcock Stables returning to run things as it outshone some royal animals, with

Prince D, First Prince and TP 360 failing to cope. The Elcock stable got its second win when the Republican, ridden by Paul Delph, won the event for L class maiden horses from Song Bird, Escape and Osana.

The top stable on show was the Elcock Racing Stables with two wins and a third, and Colin Elcock was declared the champion trainer. Jockey Brian Blake was the most outstanding rider on show. Miss Olympic, Perfect Storm, Perfect Dream all scored a first and a second, while Fresh Dance got a first and third.

ll the top cyclists in the ancient county of Berbice will be preparing to battle for supremacy when the Seven Seas 40-Mile Cycle Race pedals off on Sunday, February 16, from Alexander Street in New Amsterdam to Taki Gas Station at Adventure Village Corentyne, before returning for the finish at the point of origin.

Open to Berbice cyclists only, this race, which commences from 9:00h and is organized by Cycling Coach and popular organizer Randolph Roberts, marks the first of such activities for 2020 in Berbice, and Massy Distributions have thrown their support behind it, having made a presentation to Roberts on Tuesday last.

The first five finishers in the Open category would be awarded prizes, as would the first two juveniles and the first three 12-14 riders.

The 12-14 riders will traverse from Benjamin Sports to Alexander Street for the finish.

Eight sprint prizes will be up for grabs in the battle of the Berbicians.

This race is expected to feature the likes of Balram Narine, Andre ‘Padlock’ Green, Romello Crawford, Ajay Gopilall and Mario Washington, among others.

The Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) is expressing deepest sympathy to survivors of the late Jude Bentley, a N a t i o n a l Cyclist and friend to the cycling fraternity.

The second race of the year is expected to pedal off on Sunday, February 23, and will be open to cyclists countrywide.

Balram Narine (Brandon Corlette photo)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

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Hetmyer replaces Imlach in Jaguars 4-Day squad W

est Indies batsman, Shimron Hetmyer has been included in the Guyana Jaguars 13-man squad that will play the fifth round of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-Day championships against Windward Islands Volcanoes. The match will be played from Thursday February 13 at the Grenada National Stadium.

Hetmyer last featured in a Regional 4-Day match back in January 2019 where he scored 61 in his last innings. Ironically, Hetmyer played his last match at the First-class level for Jaguars against the same Volcanoes team, in a match played at Providence. The 23-year old Hetmyer, was left-out

of the West Indies One Day International (ODI) squad that will play Sri Lanka from February 22.

Hetmyer has replaced his former West Indies U-19 team mate, Tevin Imlach in the Jaguars 13-man squad.

This squad was released yesterday (Tuesday) morning by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the team had already departed on Monday last to Grenada.

Jaguars, who have slipped into second position on the points table this season, are fresh from a seven-run defeat against Jamaica Scorpions.

In that fourth-round clash, Hetmyer had reportedly failed to turn up. In a Sportsmax article during last week, it was made ev-

ident that GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie disclosed that Hetmyer did not follow protocol associated with contracted players not on West Indies duties ahead of the game.

“Players who are not on West Indies duties but are contracted to the West Indies are supposed to report to their franchise,” GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie was reported as saying.

“Since returning from West Indies duties he has not reported to the franchise for training … which automatically makes him unavailable,” said Sanasie.

CWI has earlier informed that Hetmyer will be retested shortly. During the Jaguars fourth round match, Hetmyer was seen

DDL renews sponsorship of RHTY&SC for 17th year – pumps $240K into U-19, Intermediate teams

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uyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, has for the 17th year received sponsorship from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) through that company’s popular international soft drink brand Pepsi.

Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) have established a longstanding relationship with the RHTY&SC wherein the beverage giants have been sponsoring the RHTY&SC’s Under-19 and Intermediate cricket teams since 2004, and last Friday that relationship was strengthened through the renewal of this sponsorship in a ceremony held at the DDL Head Office located at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The sponsorship was renewed at the cost of $240,000 for 2020.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, MS, Hilbert Foster, recognized this Pepsi/DDL sponsorship as one of the main reasons why the club has been hailed as Guyana’s best club, and for the reputation it has developed in regard to producing positive results on the cricket field.

In 2019, the Pepsi Under-19 team won the BCB Under-19 20/20 title and was runner-up in the 50-over tournament, while the Pepsi Intermediate team won the BCB/Shimron Hetmyer 50over tournament.

Pepsi became the official sponsor of the Under-19 team after the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company withdrew its sponsorship in 2004.

Under the Pepsi sponsorship, the under-19 team has won six titles, including the first two editions of the BCB/ New York Business Group

21

Shimron Hetmyer bats in his last First-Class match for Guyana Jaguars (Brandon Corlette photos)

going through some fitness drills with Jaguars physiotherapist, Neil Barry.

Hetmyer has played 37 First-class matches, scoring 2073 runs at an average of 32.39. He has one century and 12 half-centuries under his belt, since making his First-class debut in April 2014 against Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana Jaguars 13man squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell, Shimron Hetmyer, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Keon Joseph and Nial Smith.

Mae’s U-14 chess tournament on this weekend DDL Marketing Executive Larry Wills hands over the sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

50 overs’ tournament, while the Intermediate team has won both tournaments organised by the BCB. Foster noted that the success of the Pepsi team has been the result of sheer hard work, dedication, and the financial support of the Demerara Distillers Ltd and Pepsi.

The support from Pepsi has enabled the teams to fully concentrate on playing the game on the field, having no need to worry about the costs attached.

Over the years, the team produced national junior players like Dominic Rikhi, Shailendra Shameer, Arif Chan, Loyden Lewis, Shawn Pereira, Akshay Homraj, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Matthew Pottaya, Assad Fudadin, Abdel Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi and Murphy La Rose, among others.

Campbelle, Crandon, Anderson, Gajnabi, Grimmond and Assad Fudadin all went on to play for the West Indies at different levels.

Over the last 16 years,

the Pepsi teams have also hosted hundreds of personal developmental programmes with the main objective of making a positive difference in the lives of youths, elderly and less fortunate persons.

The programmes were hosted under the sub-headings of educational, culture, charity, religion, awards, community, among others.

National junior cricketer Jonathan Rampersaud and Berbice player Chanderpaul Govindhan would serve as vice-captain respectively. The 2020 Intermediate team would be led by Junior Sinclair. Foster expressed gratitude to DDL and Pepsi for their continued investment in the RHTY&SC. He committed the teams to upholding the high standard they have set themselves in the future, and to be perfect ambassadors of the Pepsi brand.

DDL Marketing Executive Larry Wills congratulated the RHTY&SC for being an outstanding representative of the Pepsi brand. DDL, he stated, was proud to be associated with the RHT teams, as they have represented the Pepsi brand well on and off the cricket field.

…tournament being used to decide CARIFTA team

T

his weekend, Junior chess players will have the opportunity to play their way into Guyana Junior CARIFTA Chess Championships teams, as the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues to identify and develop talents ahead of the April, 2020 competition.

This weekend’s event will be the Mae’s Mash Under 14 Developmental Chess tournament that will work as both a scouting initiative for the CARIFTA Junior Championships and as a means of developing Mae’s Chess programme.

The seven round, Swiss formatted tournament on February 15 and 16, is being hosted with the intention to better the playing level of the Under 12 players, by having them compete against their Under 14 colleagues. Furthermore, when this weekend’s scintillating action is wrapped up, it will also conclude the selection of the Guyanese Under 12 CARIFTA team and signal the commencement of the Under 16 team selection.

Registration will be done at 10am on February 15 and will be free of cost to all hopeful participants.

Only children born after December 31st, 2005, are el-

Ronan Lee is touted for the top male spot in the U-14 competition

igible to play.

Following the two days of action, prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers.

Meanwhile, special prizes will be awarded to the best female player, best Under 12 and best Under 10 players.

Based on those who have already expressed their interest in the tournament, the likes of Ronan Lee and Joshua Khan will be looking to finish on top. Meanwhile Anasie Federicks is a favourite for the girl’s competition, having recently competed in the Women’s qualifiers.

The tournament will be conducted at the Mae’s auditorium located at 9-19 Third Avenue Subryanville, Georgetown.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Delice Adonis powers through a deadlift Story and Photos by Jemima Holmes

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ith the weights grounded and grueling events completed, the top finishers at the Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge are quite satisfied with their exceptional performances.

A group of Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s fittest athletes descended on the National Park, on Sunday last, in a battle of the gladiators for a half million dollar grand prize.

When the final event was completed at twilight, the Guyanese pair of Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis, both of Crossfit 592, walked away $500,000 richer and with ammunition in their tanks to take on a more challenging competition later this year.

Mahadeo, who was visibly elated about his fifth consecutive victory, noted his appreciation for his fellow competitors who continue to push him to the maximum at such events.

“The level is getting really intense. I’m happy to en-

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Adonis, Mahadeo used Kares as prep for Reebok Games tertain the competition; that just pushes me to get better. I know I have a lot more work to put in and I encourage the competition to come back again and keep pushing me till to the end. I haven’t been pushed like this, so definitely the competition is getting very versed and more experienced.”

Out of five events contested on Sunday, Mahadeo finished first in three, which propelled him to 485 points overall for the win. His only blunders came in Events two and four where, wall over burpees, cleans, thrusters muscle ups and pull up were on the cards. In spite of this, Mahadeo shared that this competition has been great preparation for his participation in the Reebok Fitness games come July.

“This was a stepping stone to that international competition. I mean, that’s on a different level. This is five events in one day, that is a bit more technical and high skilled, so I’m used this competition as a prep and I look forward to my training stint in the USA, sponsored

by Lotus Hardware. That

should push me to the next level,” Mahadeo shared.

On the other hand, Delice Adonis could be seen as the underdog in the wom-

Instead, she pushed herself to the limit, copping two first places and a second in the remaining events.

Similarly to the male cham-

proud of her achievement.

“It was good to compete against the Surinamese again and to finally come out on top. I look forward to

Kim Pinas completes a thruster en’s category. Currently recovering from a shoulder injury, Adonis finished fifth in her first event, but the athlete didn’t allow the placement to daunt her spirits.

pion, it was the wall over burpees, cleans and thrusters that challenged the female winner.

Nevertheless, Adonis shared why she is most

have more people from the Caribbean next year and proving that Guyana really is fit and we can give them competition,” Adonis said.

Like Mahadeo, Adonis

Dillon Mahadeo goes through a heavy bag carry

will for the second year running participate in the Reebok Crossfit Games in Wisconsin, USA from July 27 to August 2. While she noted that the Kares event was good groundwork, she explained that her training will intensify as the time winds down.

“It’s going good so far, I mean this is the early part of the preparation phase so, it’s not as intense quite yet. Coming down like two months before, then it will really start to ramp up. But so far, so good.”

On the other hand, Suriname’s Kim Pinas finished 5th in last year’s competition. This time around, the Rock Crossfit athlete better her performance by moving up to second place.

She shared her surprise and excitement about his achievement.

“I didn’t expect it because at the start of the last event I looked at the weights and I was like, no, these are very heavy ones. But I’m glad I finished firs on this event, bit of surprise for me but I’m happy,” Pinas said.

Allicock bags win in Cuba Former 100m record

…team will be ready for Olympic holder’s statue unveiled Qualifiers, says Francisco H

C

onstant training and conditioning in Cuba is paying off well for the quad of Guyanese boxers who are readying themselves for Olympic qualification.

The conclusion was drawn after the team tested, what is now more than a month of rigorous training, during a tournament that was hosted in the Santis Spiritus Province, Cuba last week.

Light welterweight boxer and team captain Colin Lewis was unable to compete in the tournament, owing to a bout of influenza.

However, his teammates showed up and showed down for the Guyanese contingent.

Caribbean bantamweight champion Keevin Allicock was once again the shining star as he registered a unanimous 3-0 victory over Victor Abreu following an entertaining encounter with the Cuban. Middleweight Desmond Amsterdam also found himself in a nail- biting bout, but eventually lost

Keevin Allicock

to Jorge Cuellar, following a close point decision.

Dennis Thomas, the light heavyweight in the Guyanese group, got off to a thrilling start in his encounter with Lazaro Fiss.

However, the bout took an unexpected turn when Thomas hurt his hand. As a result of this, Coach Roland Francisco stopped the encounter in the second round.

The four boxers are now in the middle of their three month training stint in Cuba, which was undertaken in order to prepare the Olympic hopefuls for the Olympic Qualifiers in Argentina,

next month. The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) had contributed US$15,000 to the Cuban trip, while the National Sports Commission (NSC) and by extension the Government of Guyana, made an initial donation of $1M. The boxers along with Coach Terrence Poole departed Guyana in January 4.

The Olympic qualifiers in Argentina, on the other hand, will run from March 26- April3. Thus far, the boxers have little worries about getting to the qualifiers since the GOA, through President K.A. Juman Yassin has pledged $1M for the qualifier expenses.

According to Coach Roland Francisco he is quite pleased with the performance of the boxers so far and he went on to declare that each member of the team will be ready for the Olympic Qualifiers next month. In a bid to keep them in competition mode, the Guyanese quad are expected to participate in another tournament next week.

aving broken the 100m world record twice, won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, bronze medals at World Championships and breaking the 10-second barrier a record 97 times in a career that has spanned almost two decades, Asafa Powell will perhaps go down as one of the greatest sprinters in history.

His accomplishments were cast in stone on Sunday at the unveiling of a statue in his honour at the Independence Park complex in Kingston.

Before a large gathering that included athletes like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter, Janieve Russell and Kaliese Spencer, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, the statue of the former world-record holder was unveiled at next to those of Veronica CampbellBrown, Shelly-Ann FraserPryce and Usain Bolt.

d on Sunday

Asafa Powell’s statue was unveile

Each athlete was recognised for being among the best of an era and in some instances, the best of all time.

However, according to Powell’s manager and friend Paul Doyle, the sub-10 king will be most likely be remembered for who he was rather than for anything he would have done on the track.

“Asafa’s legacy is how he has been as a person. How he has conducted himself as a person,” said Doyle following Sunday night’s unveiling.

“An Australian 1500m woman told me one time; we were in Osaka at the end of the season and we were all partying at the end of the year, and she said genuinely, everybody wants Asafa to do well. She said we secretly cheer against the Americans who are cocky and all that but Asafa is always so humble and we genuinely want him to do well, and that is a global feeling, to be honest.

He is appreciated more for his character more than his performances on the track.”

23

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com Flashback! Shimron Hetmyer enjoying a light moment with his Jaguars teammates

Page 21

Hetmyer replaces Imlach in Jaguars 4-Day squad Adonis, Mahadeo used Kares as prep for Reebok Games

Page 22

Allicock bags win in Cuba

Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis following their victories

Page 22

…team will be ready for Olympic Qualifiers, says Francisco

The Guyanese boxers: Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas

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