Guyana Times, Wednesday July 31, 2019

American University hosts suicide prevention workshop

P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4001

wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

PRICE

Legal challenges to H2H Registration

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Chair's authorisation not needed for CJ's recusal petition – lawyer claims

...No delays: CJ hands down strict deadlines

See stories on pages 3 & 7

...gives GECOM, AG until Friday to submit additional documents

Lack of transparency, infrastructure deterring investors from Guyana – US official Page 9

Pomeroon boat mishap

Body of missing Captain found

$80 vat included

Traffic cops visit accident victims at GPHC

Page 14

P2 Guyana Goldfields CEO steps down

GPHC out of malaria medication

P11

Consultant to be sought soon to sell Guyana’s share of crude – Energy Dept P10

…says GRA, GNBS to play lead roles in measuring oil

GGMC looking to increase P12 reclamation bonds …44 acres of mining land restored

P14

See story on page 14

Majority of teens incarcerated P11 for drug-related offences – OAS

2 news

wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C protests unilateral decisions by Region 5 REO S

upporters of the Peoples’ Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), along with regional councillors on Tuesday, picketed in front of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) as they called out the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), Ovid Morrison, on his unilateral decisions.

The most recent decision that triggered the protest was Morrison’s move to have a proposed regional budget approved. This newspaper was told that the REO had invited elected councillors to a meeting on Tuesday at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom at Fort Wellington, Berbice, where those who attended were shown a budget proposal.

Outside of the boardroom, the protestors chanted “Morrison must go” “Stop the illegal meeting now”.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal told the media that the REO does not have the authority to summon councillors to a special

Protesters outside the Region 5 RDC on Tuesday

meeting.

“Any special meeting of the council must be summoned and convened by the Regional Chairman.

Anything out of that would be deemed illegal. So, the special meeting which is being convened by the REO is illegal. The person that is holding the office of the Regional Executive Office is acting not in accordance with the laws which govern the RDC,” Ramphal said.

He said as Chairman, he did not summon any spe-

cial meeting of the RDC. However, he noted that the REO wrote to himself and councillors inviting them to a special meeting to discuss the 2020 budget.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairman Ryan Peters explained that elected officials from across the region representing the RDC and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) expressed their disappointment in the actions of the REO by way of the picketing exercise. He said it appears as though the

REO perceives that they are powers interested in him the craft the 2020 regional budget.

“So, what we have are the elected represented representatives of the people of Region Five coming out to say no to this act by Ovid Morrison, ‘No’ to this act by the APNU/AFC [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change].

We cannot move forward like this. This budget should be drafted by a government that is mandated to do so by

the people and we all know that you can only legally receive that mandate by elections”.

The Vice Chairman said the attempts by the REO to instruct the council will not be at tolerated by the party, noting that coalition Government in a caretaker role and should not be trying to craft a budget but rather ensure that the mechanisms are in place for the holding of General and Regional Elections.

“Even the President would have indicated to the nation that they will not be moving towards having any new budget; more so, they would have accepted the role as a caretaker Government.

However, Ovid Morrison would have taken it upon himself to craft a budget and we believe that it might be

biased in the way it is being put together because if the Council is not fully constituted and given that opportunity to deliberate because it is the Council which passes and approves the budget of this Region and it is not the administration or Ovid Morrison,” Peters said.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C boycotted a similar budget proposal meeting in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) which was summoned by the REO of that region Kim Stephens.

Unlike Region Six’s meeting, the media was not invited to the Region Five meeting. It is not known how much money the REO is proposing to have budgeted for Region Five next year or what communities and areas are the recipients of the bulk of the budget.

Guyana Goldfields CEO steps down …gold sales dip by 13%

Former President and CEO Scott Caldwell

P

resident and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Torontobased Guyana Goldfields Inc, Scott Caldwell has resigned effective at the close of business today.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said that Caldwell also stepped down as a Director of the company.

“I want to thank the entire Guyana Goldfields team and the Board of Directors for their support as we developed the Aurora Gold Mine over the last few years.

I look forward to supporting the company as a shareholder and remain confident in the long term future of the Aurora mine,” Caldwell said in the missive.

He joined the company as a Director in 2012 and has been President and CEO since 2013. Caldwell was instrumental in building the company’s Aurora mine on time and on budget.

He will be replaced by Allen Palmiere, who assumes leadership of the company as Interim Chief Executive Officer effective today also.

Palmiere has over 35 years of operational and financial experience in the mining industry as well as extensive experience in senior executive and leadership roles.

Of particular importance

Interim CEO Allen Palmiere

is his experience in mine production activities, having formerly held the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of HudBay Minerals Inc. “Our focus remains on optimising the mine plan for the Aurora Gold Mine (located in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven, Guyana) maximising operational efficiencies, and continuing with the permitting and development of the underground mine at Aurora,” Marion added.

Meanwhile, Palmiere, an Independent Director, said: “the company has faced some challenges over the last year, and I am confident that the future will demonstrate the value of this asset and it is my pleasure to help in some small way until we complete our search for a permanent CEO”.

Caldwell’s resignation was announced back in April as part of the settlement of a bitter proxy battle for control of the Canadian company, which owns the Aurora Gold Mine. As part of the agreement, two new independent Directors were appointed to the Board, one of which was Palmiere; while two other long-serving independent Directors also stepped down.

Turn to page 10

news

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday, July 31 – 04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, August 1 – 04:30h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, July 31 – 16:15h-17:45h and Thursday, August 1 –17:00h-18:30h.

Undermining of new GECOM Chair

Chair’s authorisation not needed for CJ’s recusal petition – lawyer claims

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to thundery showers will dominate in the morning followed by sunny intervals for the remainder of the day. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to West South-westerly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 16:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 09:45h and 22:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.60 metre.

saturday, JULY 27, 2019

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Trinidadian Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

n an attempt to justify himself being retained— apparently with approval from Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and not by the newly appointed Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) — Trinidad-based Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus has noted that the CEO was within his rights to act without the approval of a GECOM Chairperson.

This is despite the fact that on Monday, new Chairperson for GECOM Retired Justice Claudette Singh was sworn into office. She did not even convene a meeting of the Commission or have a say in Lowenfield’s approval of Marcus’ appointment. This action has raised questions over whether the CEO overstepped his authority.

“The effect of what is being said is that GECOM must not be represented in this matter, even though they are asking for relief against GECOM,” Marcus said when asked on Tuesday about his employment following the hearing of his application on Lowenfield’s behalf asking Chief Justice Roxanne George to recuse herself from hearing the challenge to House-to-House Registration.

“GECOM must have a say, regardless of whether they have a chairman or not,” Marcus maintained.

“But when they sued, GECOM didn’t have a chairman. So you can sue when GECOM doesn’t have a chairman, but GECOM must not defend the action that you brought?”

Marcus, who last appeared on GECOM’s behalf unsuccessfully arguing his case before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), contended in his application that Justice George may be biased against them by virtue of a recent press statement.

After she declined to grant an order on July 23 restraining GECOM’s House-to-House exercise and gave parties time to make further submissions, Justice George, via the Supreme Court’s publicity unit, was forced to make a statement correcting misconceptions with her decision.

One such misconception she corrected in her statement was claims made by Attorney General Basil Williams and carried in sections of the press that applicant Christopher Ram withdrew his challenge.

But since she referenced

September 18 as the date in the statement the CCJ had intended elections should be held, Marcus argues in his application that this constitutes a bias against them.

When asked about the merits of his application, the Senior Counsel maintained that they had grounds to seek the CJ’s recusal.

“The CCJ said that the Courts will not interfere. The Courts will leave it to the functionaries: President, GECOM and the National Assembly to resolve that issue. The Court made no pronouncement regarding a date. So nobody has a basis for saying the CCJ said that. And that’s what the press release said”.

I

What the CCJ said

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”.

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government

shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”.

A No-Confidence Motion was passed against the Government on December 21 last year. However, elections were not held and there was no resignation. Instead, Government went to court unsuccessfully arguing that the No-Confidence Motion was not validly passed.

The case reached the CCJ, where the regional Court ruled against the Government, but stopped short of issuing an order fixing an election date. Instead, CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders had said that when the NoConfidence Motion was passed on December 21, 2019, Article 106 of the Constitution had immediately been activated.

According to Justice Saunders, when he read the ruling, there was no need for the Court to gloss over the provisions of Article 106 (6 and 7), but it is in fact the responsibility of the constitutional actors to be faithful to the rule of law and operate within parameters of the Constitution.

“Upon the passage of a vote of no-confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held within three months, or such longer period

New GECOM Chairperson Retired Justice Claudette Singh

as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine,” Saunders had said.

Further, the CCJ President had noted that with GECOM also responsible for the conduct of those elections, it therefore means that the elections body “too must abide by the provisions of the Constitution.

He went on to point out that elections should have been held on March 21, 2019, following the December passage of the Oppositionsponsored motion, but that the process was on “pause” pending the legal proceedings.

That process, Saunders had clearly said, was no longer on pause following the Court’s June 18, 2019 ruling, which upheld the validity of the NoConfidence Motion and, thus, triggering the need for fresh elections. In keeping with the constitutional three months provision, this means General and Regional Elections should be held on or before September 18, 2019.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

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

Shackles manifested themselves differently

O

n Thursday, Guyana will join with other countries in various parts of the world in celebrating Emancipation.

For the slaves, the road to freedom was long and arduous having been kept in bondage and forced to endure inhumane conditions as unimaginable atrocities were meted out to them. But freedom did dawn with the expectation that the mental and economic shackles be forever banished.

Unfortunately, over time, the shackles manifested themselves differently, as others are still being forced into situations that enchain them from opportunities for advancement. Obviously, this can never be compared to the dreadful and cruel blot on humanity that slavery was.

With growing disparity across the world, millions are being dumped further into poverty even as they relentlessly struggle to eke out an existence.

A natural characteristic of mankind is to seek opportunities for self-improvement to be better positioned to mitigate life’s ongoing challenges. This is painfully demonstrated by migrants taking to the seas and refugees trapped in lands while wallowing in despair. In these circumstances, their dignity is snatched as they are forced to be consumed with mere survival as the world appears to be closing in on them.

This is the reality in a now modern and constantly evolving world, more than eighteen decades after emancipation.

What continues to be both bewildering and unacceptable, is that many of the current global situations can be easily addressed or even avoided in some cases. This, however, does not take away from the complexities of others, taking into consideration pertinent factors.

With that in mind, even a cursory examination of some of what transpired here in Guyana over the recent years could be seen as a manifestation of the points made. The current Government, while on the campaign trail for the 2015 elections, had vehemently articulated to the effect that Guyanese were experiencing tremendous difficulties.

It pointed fingers to the then administration claiming that it seemed oblivious or disinterested while making accusations of preferential treatment.

The counter arguments were that the country was basking in unprecedented development and sustained economic growth evident from the advancement of ordinary Guyanese and the rebuilding of the social and physical infrastructure.

During that period, the business climate was seen as very healthy and job creation and employment high. Today, the situation seemed reversed as many jobs have been lost.

But how is this relevant within the context of current day shackles on human development? The obvious answer is that all administrations are expected to derive innovative mechanisms for the creation of enabling environments to help spur economic activities for human advancement. While this is largely dependent on the availability of resources, crucial is having a holistic vision that is not rooted in political partisanship.

This is where contentions fiercely aroused after the 2015 elections, when some two thousand Amerindian Community workers were relieved, thereby, being deprived of earnings.

Similarly, and this has been extensively dealt with, the closure of estates that led to the terminations of thousands of sugar workers. Those actions, accused of being executed without any proper assessment and contingency plan to buffer the consequences, have plunged many thousands further into poverty.

By the same stroke of the brush, the harsh reality is that the ability of those affected to try and scale the walls of poverty suddenly found an anchor fastened to their ankles. The effect of this now imposed immobility is not just confined to the affected workers, but to their families and the many who depended on such industries. Many are now trapped and that would naturally infuse humiliation as dignity evaporates after being rendered unable to provide for their families.

The mental and economic enchainment which have been swiftly derived may prolong, thereby, exacerbating despondency as avenues for a way out seem non-existent with the immense potential to erode willpower. This, in the local context, epitomises the fact that some of what broadsides humanity may be preventable through a more prudent, humane and bipartisan approach to policy making.

These two young men show interest in a piece on sale at the Emancipation Exhibition on Main Street, Georgetown (Dexter Ceres photo)

ERC must peruse/patrol social media with view of prosecuting offenders Dear Editor, A perusal of the stories and events permeating the national media in the last few days revealed a parade of issues, with many positive notes in light of the appointment of the new GECOM Chairperson. Much is now expected of our first female Chair, who is back in the spotlight after an illustrious and enlightening legal career. She must now navigate a path among deceptions, manipulations and misrepresentations that have been commonplace over the last few months.

Meanwhile, some commentators on social media, rather than embracing and supporting the much-awaited new developments, continue to undermine national progress through fake news, malicious and inflammatory statements and even the threat of violence.

One such threat ap-

peared on Mark Benschop’s Facebook on July 30, and states that “[a]nytime the GECOM Chairperson vote to stop House-to-House Registration, we gon riot in GT.” While two other names appeared to have been superimposed, they are merely a camouflage. Given that there is no rejection of or other comments on this statement, it would not be too farfetched to construe the message as the position he would take should GECOM stop the House-to-House Registration activities. The word “riot” connotes violence and public disturbance. There should be no doubt among Guyanese that this message on Benschop’s Facebook is a recipe for national sociopolitical and economic disaster, the kind we saw in 1964, and which had threatened a repeat in the wake of Janet Jagan’s election victory in 1997.

We can ill afford to continue in that manner.

GECOM should be allowed to conduct its business free from interference. Its role and functions are mandated by our Constitution.

Should the Chair choose to stop the House-to-House Registration, and I believe she should, that decision must be respected by everyone, Guyanese and others.

It would be the decision of a good legal mind and based on a review of the scope and legal parameters of GECOM in keeping with constitutional provisions and the CCJ orders with regards to pending elections.

To those ends, all Guyanese who have our country’s interest at heart should join forces in condemning such publications.

In the same vein, the Ethnic Relations Commission must get involved in perusing/patrolling not only the formal

media but also social media with the view of prosecuting offenders. We must collectively commit to moving the country forward; we must not condone or foster malicious/inciting statements/behaviour. I wish to be clear, however, on the position that peaceful demonstrations should not be equated with riots. The former is based on democratic principles and rights which seek justice while the latter is violent and destructive and promotes lawlessness and injustice. While “riots” might still be in the bloodline of some people, we should collectively condemn such behaviour and relegate it as a thing of the past; it is something that should have no place in our present and future Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh Barrister and Solicitor

Condemning actions by Stanley Marcus Dear Editor, I wish to condemn the call by Senior Council Marcus to have the Chief Justice (ag) recuse herself from the case brought by Mr Christopher Ram as to the legality of the House-toHouse Registration.

Ms George’s comments

were only to correct the misrepresentation of her direction to the parties involved in the case.

As to her interpretation on the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling, it is also within her right. She was just stating what the ruling was.

No grounds for reclusion.

This is not just an attack on the professionalism of the Chief Justice, it is also an attack on professionals in general and on the independence of the Judiciary in particular.

It must be condemned outright because it is an ominous indication of where

our country is heading.

All democratically-minded and freedom-loving people must stand up against this bullyism. All must stand up in defence of our country.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

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

Let the election be called and the electorate decide

Dear Editor, Finance Minister Jordan is quickly surpassing Prime Minister Nagamootoo when it comes to spinning yarn.

On June 24, it was reported by the Department of Public Information that Jordan boasted that, “every household will benefit from a robust economy… once the economy is growing the average housewife or worker can expect better payment, and if that economy is growing with low inflation, they can also expect stable prices”. This is just another “figment of his imagination”. This illusion was sparked by the IMF Report which projected that Guyana’s economy will grow by 4.4 per cent in 2019. The Minister also emphasised that the IMF Report also indicated a steady economic growth since 2015. He then concluded that “just a short while back there was the Carnival in Guyana and over that week you did not have a single complaint about money not flowing… the restaurants, the side vendor, the taxi driver, and everyone, even the Private Sector, was moved to indicate that indeed things were happening in the economy…”.

What Jordan should realise is that in his Budget 2019 speech he had announced that real economic growth is expected to be 4.6 per cent and with the current unstable political climate, it is going to get a lot worse. It may even be lower than the 3.6 per cent growth in 2018. This was emphasised by the Caribbean Development Bank which warned of such a negative impact and this was echoed by a number of Chambers of Commerce across the country. While the appointment of GECOM’s Chairperson is a positive move in the right direction, the high level of uncertainty with regards to the resignation of Cabinet and the calling of General Elections within the 3-month timeframe is creating havoc in the Private Sector as businesses operate in gripping suspense. The CDB Report had

emphatically stated that “Guyana is on the verge of a sharp increase in economic growth, but immediate prospects partly depend on ending political uncertainty”. Will Jordan’s caretaker Government be able to remove this uncertainty so that Guyanese can finally live their dreams in their homeland? Perhaps he should also take a deep look at the Bank of Guyana Report which highlights the worsening of the balance of payments and an increase in borrowing to augment the wasteful spending.

Moreover, it boggles the mind that according to Jordan, a week of “Carnival” in Guyana can be an indicator that “things were happening in the economy” when over 30,000 persons are jobless, including 7000 sugar workers, when increased taxation is sharply cutting the disposal income of employees, when the prices of food items and fuel are going up (Bank of Guyana Report), youth employment is soaring, the health sector is falling apart, and the poverty gap is widening. This Minister, being an economist, should seriously ponder upon the words of Aristotle, “One swallow does not a summer make, nor one fine day; similarly, one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy”.

In addition, the Finance Minister must not lose sight of the fact that even though the report indicated a steady economy since 2015, there has also been a steady decline in the “good life” of the Guyanese masses which resulted in the successful passing of the NoConfidence Motion against Jordan’s Government which has now been relegated to caretaker status!

I will invite Jordan to visit Region Six and other rural areas and walk the streets and he will come face to face with the people dancing to the ‘Carnival of poverty’. Whilst there may be economic growth, that has to transform into economic development and that has not been happening due

to widespread and escalating corruption, mismanagement and squandering on good life for the ‘boys’.

Perhaps the Finance Minister should have looked at the Auditor’s General Report 2017 wherein it is stated that for the fiscal year 2017, more than $1 billion taxpayers’ dollars have been lost in overpayments to contractors, payments

of goods and services without any vouchers, and payments for good that were not delivered. This does not include the billions lost through substandard works which resulted from kickbacks to Government officials. It must be realised that financial resources are borrowed in order to supplement the budget and this means an additional

burden to the taxpayers.

Furthermore, it is sickening to note that many recommendations in the audit report have not been implemented to put a halt to this daylight robbery. Perhaps he should also look closely at some projects such as the CJIA and the D’Urban Park fiasco. Since 2017, the situation has deteriorated and gotten worse. It is now clear

that taxpayers are paying more for less!

Finally, the Guyanese people can no longer tolerate the abysmal failure of the coalition and the total destruction of the economy.

Let the election be called and the electorate decide.

Once was enough!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Why is H2H being done at such a critical juncture?

Dear Editor, Having established that the accuracy and integrity of the National Register of Registrants DataBase (NRRDB) is intact and supported by a recent statement by GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield that it can be used for elections and only needs a “Claims and Objections” exercise to update it for enfranchisement of all possible electors, the question of the ongoing House-toHouse Registration exercise is raised. Why is it being done at such a critical juncture? The answer lies in an examination of Mr Lowenfield’s statements of July 23, 2019: Lowenfield was asked whether the expired list is considered “bloated”.

He responded, “We have a list that was expired… as of April 30… that was used for our election, for registration, etc. Bloat is not a word I’ll affix to it.”

Lowenfield was then asked: “Can the list, if refreshed, be used to conduct a free and fair election?”

“That’s correct,” he responded, “Always has and

always will.”

First, we must understand the difference between the Official List of Voters (OLV) and the NRR; The NRR being a dataBase of all persons registered in Guyana, a mandatory requirement upon achieving the age of 14, and usually done during a cycle of Continuous Registration (twice per year). The OLV is extracted from the NRR and does not include persons who would not have attained age 18 before an election date. The OLV is not created until an election date is announced. An OLV expires 6 months after use; hence the OLV that was used in the 2018 Local Government Elections expired on April 30, 2019. The NRRDB however, never expires and is available for use in many more elections in the near and distant future, with continuous updating of course.

Therefore, to create a new OLV, an election date must first be set, only then can a ‘cut-off’ date be set to ensure all registrants who attain the age of 18 on or before polling day are enfran-

chised.

Mr Lowenfield also mentioned preparations for General and Regional Elections on or before the constitutionally mandated September 2019, were being done “concurrently”. It is here we must ask the question why? If the NRRDB is intact and a list can be extracted and any disenfranchisement issues solved with a brief period of Claims and Objections, then why would a House-toHouse exercise be necessitated? The short answer is that it is not.

The GECOM Secretariat has two separate but related functions; (1) the Secretariat is responsible for the administration and conduct of elections in Guyana. (2) The Secretariat also performs the tasks of the National Registration Centre under the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 and the CEO acts as the National Commissioner for Registration.

The National Registration Centre has responsibility for the registration of electors and maintenance of the registers.

Mr Lowenfield is wearing two hats and has been given two tasks with separate budgets; $3 billion for General Elections and $3 billion for House-to-House (H2H). Mr Lowenfield received a directive for conduct of H2H from then Chairman James Patterson and is executing same.

Mr Lowenfield also seems aware of the responsibilities placed on his shoulders by the Constitution and is ‘concurrently’ spending the other $3 billion on preparations for General and Regional Elections in September 2019. We have been all led a merry dance complete with smoke, mirrors and no doubt a fair share of pliers and batteries!

I have seen no evidence that Mr Lowenfield intends to disenfranchise the masses by ‘scrapping’ the NRRDB and certainly no move to replace it before September 18, 2019. I look forward to having my arguments confirmed when Mr Lowenfield meets with the new Chair and her Commission.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

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wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

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U

nfortunately, it’s quite likely. People who have sex without using condoms are at high risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

It doesn’t matter how many people the person has had sex with. Even if someone has only had one sexual partner, that partner could have a disease. Of course, the chances of getting STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs) are even higher if a person has unprotected sex with lots of different partners.

Many people who have STDs do not have obvious signs or symptoms. Because of this, they may believe they’re “clean” and tell partners there’s no need to use a condom. But that’s not safe.

For example, about 6 out of 10 young people with HIV don’t know they’re infected.

So they risk passing the virus, which causes AIDS, on to others.

Even getting treatment isn’t a completely fool-proof way to stop STDs from spreading. Some STDs (like trichomoniasis) can be treated so they go away, but other infections (like herpes or HPV) will always be in a person’s body, even if that person has been treated. Plus, if someone has been treated for an STD like chlamydia

Foundation

and it goes away, that same person can still get re-infected if exposed to the STD another time.

Anyone who is planning to have sex, or who has had sex, should be tested for STDs. And always use condoms for protection – every time. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

5 myths about STDs

So much wrong information about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) gets passed around that it’s no surprise the diseases do too. Of course, the only way to be 100 per cent sure you won’t get an STD like herpes, chlamydia, or HIV, is not to have any type of sex (abstinence). But if you do decide to have sex, you’ll need to stay informed and learn what’s true – and what’s not.

Here are five of the more common things that people get wrong about STDs. Myth: Only “trashy” people get STDs. Fact: STDs don’t discriminate.

Rich people get STDs. Poor people get them.

Athletes get them. Math geeks get them. CEOs and professors get them. Even

someone having sex for the first time can get an STD. The best way to avoid getting an STD is not to have sex or any kind of sexual contact.

What can you do? If you decide to have sex, always use a condom every time.

Even if you’re already on another kind of birth control, like the Pill, you should still use a condom. That’s because condoms are the only type of birth control that reduces the risk of getting an STD. Myth: If your partner has an STD, you’ll see it.

Fact: There’s often no sign that a person has an STD. Even doctors often can’t tell by looking if people have STDs. So they need to do tests, like bloodwork. People with STDs might not know they have them: STDs don’t always cause symptoms. But it is possible to carry and spread an infection even if you feel completely healthy.

Untreated STDs can add up to serious health problems, like infertility (the inability to have a baby) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may land you in the hospital.

What can you do? Even if you and your partner both think you’re STD free, get checked out before having

sex. Then use a condom every time, just to be sure. It can take a while for some STDs to show up on tests.

Myth: You can avoid STDs by avoiding penetration Fact: Where there’s sex (or even just sexual contact), there can be STDs. The viruses or bacteria that cause STDs can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals. Some STDs, like herpes or genital warts, can spread just through skin-toskin contact with an infected area or sore.

What can you do? Use a condom or a dental dam every time you have oral or anal sex. If the taste of latex isn’t your thing, there are flavoured condoms made specifically for oral sex.

What can you do? Protect yourself with condoms, of course! And if you’re sexually active, let your doctor know so you can get tested regularly. If you do get diagnosed with an STD, your partner should be treated at the same time you are.

That way, your partner will avoid future problems — and avoid reinfecting you.

Remember: Don’t have sex again until both of you have completed your full treatment — and don’t forget to use a condom.

Myth: If you get checked and you’re STD free, your partner doesn’t need to get checked as well.

Fact: Your partner could have an STD and not know it.

Who wants to make the effort to get tested, find out they don’t have an STD, and

then end up catching one from a partner anyway?

What can you do? Get tested together. It may not be your most romantic date, but nothing says “I care” like trying to protect a boyfriend or girlfriend from illness.

STDs are more than just an embarrassment. They’re a serious health problem.

Left untreated, some STDs can cause permanent damage, such as infertility and even death.

There are tons of myths out there about sex and STDs – the ones above are just a few of them. Luckily, you only need to remember these essential truths: The best way to avoid STDs (and pregnancy) is not to have sex.

If you do have sex, use a condom every time.

If you have had sex, get tested for STDs. (kidshealth.org)

Myth: Once you’ve had an STD, there’s no chance of getting it again.

Fact: You can get some STDs more than just once.

Some STDs are yours for life, like herpes and HIV. Others, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can be treated, but you may get infected again if you have sexual contact with someone who has them.

M

ake a “PoeTree” by hanging small books with a poem written in each on branches placed in an empty can.

Make the small books from used 8.5 x 11 copy paper that had writing on one side. If you use repurposed paper, the writing should be on the inside when you make the first (hot dog) fold. Choose short poems by your favourite poets or you may want to write your own.

To make the hanger, you’ll need a piece of yarn about 24” and a bead.

1. Fold one piece of yarn in half and thread folded end through the bead. Leaving a loop for hanging, tie a knot with the bead inside the knot. If you don’t have a bead, you can just tie a knot.

2. Place the bead on top of the book and separate the two ends of yarn. Place one along the outside spine of the book and the other inside along the centre of the book.

3. Tie a double knot at the bottom of the book. (su-

sangaylord.com)

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Legal challenges to H2H Registration

No delays: CJ hands down strict deadlines ….gives GECOM, AG until Friday to submit additional documents

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Chief Justice (acting) Roxane George

f anyone expected that the filing of new applications would cause delays, they were left disappointed on Tuesday when Chief Justice Roxane George ordered applicants introducing new affidavits in the House-to-House legal challenge to get it done by Friday.

Attorney General Basil Williams, on behalf of the State, and Trinidadian Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus, on behalf of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, were both given this strict deadline.

In the case of Williams, he is seeking to have the High Court dismiss attorney Christopher Ram’s challenge to GECOM’s House-toHouse Registration exercise.

When it comes to Marcus, he is seeking the recusal of Justice George from hearing the case.

Prior to handing down her timelines, Justice George had raised questions with Marcus regarding Lowenfield’s role. Lowenfield is named as a respondent in Ram’s challenge to Houseto-House Registration. At the same time, Lowenfield signed the affidavit submit-

ted by Marcus alongside his application seeking her recusal.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, a leading member of the legal team representing Ram, contended in an interview afterwards that these applications were meant to frustrate the court. He lauded the court for ensuring that these applications fell in line with the original Friday timeline to hear Ram’s challenge.

“It is clear that [efforts are being made] to delay this matter,” Nandlall said.

“And what you are seeing before the court are attempts to carry out that plan. Fortunately, from the timelines that the court has given, it is clear that the courts are not going to allow

I

themselves to be manipulated in this time-wasting, procrastinating exercise.”

“The court has not shifted its timelines but has given more rigid timelines for them to do what they have to do. They want to file a whole set of affidavits. The court said no problem, but you will file it without shifting the timelines already fixed by the court.”

Nandlall maintained that the applications made by the Attorney General and GECOM are completely without merit. In the case of Marcus’ application on Lowenfield’s behalf, he noted that the Trinidad-based lawyer should not even be involved.

“The one filed by Lowenfield, he’s not authorised to file. Lowenfield is not GECOM. GECOM is made up of the Chairman and six Commissioners.

GECOM is not bound by GECOM. GECOM [is in charge], not the other way around,” Nandlall asserted.

“And the attempt by the AG to argue that these matters have already been dealt with by the Caribbean Court of Justice is also a very frivolous argument. These matters have not been dealt with. We are questioning the legality of House-toHouse Registration, relative to the CCJ rulings. These are new matters. We are trying to protect the CCJ judgement and the Constitution.”

Last week, the High Court had denied an application for an interim conservatory order to block GECOM from continuing its House-to-House exercise that began just days before.

At the time, the order was not granted since the Chief Justice required more evidence as to the unconstitutionality of the exercise.

Attorney-at-Law Neil Boston’s request for 14 days to present his written arguments was denied by the CJ, who gave him until July 29 to submit his affidavits. Boston is representing Lowenfield, as a named respondent, in this matter.

Nandlall and team filed an affidavit with the additional evidence for the CJ that very afternoon and were given until July 31 to respond to the other filings, with the Chief Justice ordering that all relevant submissions be laid over with the court by July 31.

The Guyana Bar Association, which is being represented by its President, Teni Housty, and prominent attorney, Sanjeev Datadin was also given leave to join the proceedings as a party and make written submissions. The case will, meanwhile, be heard on August 2.

T&T Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus

Attorney General Basil Williams

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stolen motorcycle lands teen in court

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teenager, who was allegedly caught riding a stolen motorcycle, was on Tuesday charged for possession of property suspected to be stolen or illegally obtained.

Andrew Clarke of Lot 8 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge alleged that on July 22, 2019, on East Bank Demerara, the 19-year-old had in his possession a motorcycle suspected to be stolen or illegally obtained.

Prosecutor Ceon Blackman objected to bail citing the prevalence of the offence and the penalty the offence attracts.

The prosecution is contending that on July 14, 2019, the Virtual

Andrew Clarke

Complainant parked his motorcycle in his garage in East Ruimveldt; however, when he had returned he noticed the motorcycle was missing and reported the matter to the East Ruimveldt outpost.

However, on July 22, Police ranks who were patrol in East Ruimveldt noticed the defendant acting suspiciously while riding a motorcycle. As such, he was stopped and questioned about the motorcycle, but was unable to say to whom the motorcycle belonged. He was then arrested and taken to the station. The VC was then contacted and on arrival at the station, he was able to identify his motorcycle by the registration number.

Magistrate McGusty released Clarke on $60,000 bail. The case will continue on August 5.

Race…

J

…to preempt the new Chair ust when you thought the PNC and their myrmidons couldn’t sink any lower in their frenetic rampage to head off their imminent departure, up they come with one more attempt to subvert GECOM. And this on the afternoon of the same day the new Chair was sworn in after caretaker Granger’s sustained attacks on the integrity of that key democratic institution!! At 4pm, an application was filed on behalf of GECOM with the High Court, pleading that the Chief Justice recuse herself from hearings on the case that Christopher Ram had brought to have GECOM discontinue the ongoing controversial H2H registration exercise.

The problem is, with no Chair of GECOM in place until 10 am in the morning, and the brand new incumbent not even hunkering down with her Commissioners, who the heck authorised the lawyer Stanley Marcus – of CCJ ignominy!! – to file the application?? Well seems that GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield took it upon himself to increase his powers on his lonesome to encompass the entirety of GECOM!! Lowenfield was clearly doing a Louis XIV, who’d declared “I am the state!” He was GECOM!!

But over the past year, we’ve all been enlightened about the particulars of the Constitution defining the roles of State and governmental bodies, haven’t we?? So what does it say about “GECOM”?? Good thing, in a land where the PNC refined rigging into high art, this wasn’t left to chance. Art 161 (1) declares unambiguously: There shall be an Elections Commission of Guyana consisting of a Chairman… (and) six members – three appointed by the President and three appointed upon the advice of the OL. And, like Bugs Bunny used to say, “That’s all folks!!”

Now where in the hell does it mention any CEO as even a PART of the Commission? The latter is just someone in charge of the Secretariat, which executes the policies of the Commission! And Lowenfield shouldn’t be confused: didn’t he just say he’s just following orders from exChairman Patterson to embark on the H2H!! Even though he believes a claims and objections exercise would be just as effective but light years faster, he gotta obey??

So what’s going on here, dear reader? Is Lowenfield doing this on his lonesome or is taking orders from folks who want to test the new Chair Madam Claudette Singh?

This lowdown move is redolent with all the nastiness that’s transpired since Dec 21, 2018, after Granger’s initial acceptance of the NCM. He and his handlers want to hand the new Chair a fait accompli…to see if she’ll go along.

We heard she’s an “Iron Lady”. Let’s see if that’s brittle cast iron or forged steel!! …Emancipation and Gerry The PSC rallied to the defence of its Head Gerry Gouveia against the charge by the Government GECOM Commissioner Desmond Trotman that – in accusing GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield of exceeding his remit to embark on H2H registration – Gouveia sounded like one of his “massa ancestors” during slavery, counting the lashes he was inflicting on a slave. Your Eyewitness’ first reaction was “Really!?”

But with Emancipation Day just a day away, he’s wondering whether even though slavery ended 171 years ago, the memory of slavery is still so fresh in the minds of some of us that when a fellow Guyanese – who’s not even descended from Dutch or British planters – speaks his mind on a subject that has nothing to do with race, such a bitter reaction is triggered. So what are folks like Gerry, of Portuguese descent, who were brought here even before slavery was ended and now have to face such harsh words, to THINK? Because of his skin colour, don’t they have the right to speak their mind? …to the bottom Basil Williams is at it again with his frivolous claims.

This time he’s claiming Ram’s petition to halt H2H is an “abuse of process” and should be thrown out.

As if his “33 not greater than 32” claim wasn’t!!

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

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lack of transparency, infrastructure deterring investors from Guyana – US official

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he new Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the United States Embassy to Guyana, Mark Cullinane, on Monday said that Guyana’s high energy costs, coupled with lack of transparency and security concerns, are deterring investors from coming to Guyana. Cullinane made

ness investment”.

In this regard, he explained the important role of the private sector in addressing these worrying trends.

“The good news is that here in this room, these issues have solutions. This is where organisations like AmCham Guyana can truly

A section of the gathering at the welcoming reception

the statements during a welcoming reception hosted by the American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) at the Marriott Hotel as he commenced his new position in Guyana.

According to Cullinane, “Guyana currently stands at 134 out of 190 countries in the 2018 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report. Highlighting areas of need, the report listed taxation, energy, infrastructure, citizen security (and) lack of transparency.

Guyana’s complex tax infrastructure, duties on imports, and expensive energy costs do, in fact, deter busi-

help. They can and do help.

Your members are already experienced to navigating the sometimes difficult process of doing business here and can provide guidance to existing, new and future members of AmCham Guyana,” the new DCM said.

The new Deputy Chief of Mission will be replacing Terry Steers-Gonzalez.

He served as Deputy Director of the Office of Canadian Affairs at the US Department of State. Prior, he was the Economic Counsellor at the US Embassy in Lima, Peru, and Counsellor for

Environment, Science, Heath, and Technology at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cullinane also previously served as Political Advisor to Swedish and Finnish troops affiliated with the International Security Assistance Force in Mazare-Sharif, Afghanistan.

tion and lack of transparency, coupled with a number of others.

“In addition, the duties imposed on many imported items can be substantial, driving costs up beyond competitiveness. I don’t need to tell you that the cost of electricity is one of the highest in the region, at more than 35 cents per kilowatt hour. The power grid system is antiquated, resulting in regular power outage, forcing companies… to install their own power generation systems to cope with the blackouts,” the Ambassador said.

On this note, the US Ambassador explained that the PSC can play a role in affecting a change by offering guidance to the Government in shaping legislation. Further, it can review policies by the administration and recommend

US Deputy Chief of Mission to Guyana Mark Cullinane

changes.

In the past, the coalition Government had been blasted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for several acts of corruption.

In fact, the US State Department had highlighted Guyana as corrupt, owing to a number of irregularities within various

Government ministries.

According to the State Department in its assessment of the situation, allegations of corruption continue to trouble Guyana.

It cited the Transparency International (TI) 2017 Corruption Perception Index, which ranked Guyana at 91 out of 180 countries. To make matters worse, Guyana has since dropped to 93rd position in TI’s latest report.

The index placed Guyana’s corruption perception score at 37 to tie with Gambia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Mongolia and Panama.

Meanwhile, AmCham on Monday evening also bid farewell to the Managing Director of Republic Bank Limited, Richard Sammy, who will be taking up a new post in the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago.

Police nab 2 with illegal gun, ammo

T

wo persons are now in Police custody folOnly last month, US lowing the discovery Ambassador to Guyana of an unlicensed shotgun Sarah-Ann Lynch plead- and two live cartridges in ed with the Private Sector Cuyuni River, Region Seven Commission (PSC) to play (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). its role in the fight against Reports received are that corruption.

Police ranks, acting on inThe Ambassador pointed formation, went to a popular out that the World Bank’s shop at Melongy Landing, 2018 report on ease of doing Cuyuni River, on Sunday business reflected a drop in where they conducted a ranking from number 126 search. in 2017 to number 134 in During the search, the 2018, out of 190 countries. shotgun and ammunition Places like Iran, the West were found. Two men were Bank, and Gaza ranked bet- arrested and are assisting ter than Guyana. with investigations.

She explained that this This find comes a few was linked to the fact that days after Police in G Guyana has high rates of Division found two shotgun taxation, energy, corrup- locks, four shotgun chokes,

The gun and ammo that were found at Melongy Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni)

one shotgun pistol grip, one mini mag light, one shotgun choke spanner, and a number of shotgun pellets buried on a farm at Adventure, Essequibo Coast.

Two pairs of socks, two hand guards, and two knee guards were also found at the location. No arrests were made.

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Consultant to be sought soon to sell Guyana’s share of crude – Energy Dept …says GRA, GNBS to play lead roles in measuring oil

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ith first oil only months away, the Energy Department will very soon be putting out tenders in search of a firm to market its share of crude oil on the world market, as per Guyana’s agreement with ExxonMobil.

This is according to Director of the Energy Department Dr Mark Bynoe, who hosted a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday.

According to the Director, Guyana’s crude will be sold according to a Free On Board (FOB) arrangement, with crude liftings every eight to 10 days.

“Government will be selling its own share of crude and a tender will be issued during Q3 (third quarter) or Q4 (fourth quarter) of 2019 for a fee-based marketing service to market the Government’s share of crude

the industry worldwide and sets up a mechanism for allocating the schedule of crude cargo liftings based upon volume entitlements which are calculated taking into account the cost recovery rules of the petroleum agreement,” he said.

Oversight

Director of Energy Dept, Dr Mark Bynoe

oil,” Bynoe explained.

He further explained that a crude lifting agreement is being finalised between the Government and the operators in the Stabroek Block.

Bynoe was confident that the document, when completed, would be in line with international standards.

“This is a document which is used throughout

When it comes to measuring Guyana’s share of the crude, the Director noted that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) would have a key role in this. He noted that even now, the bureau is going through capacity building, though he acknowledged the need for third party assistance in the short term.

“You would recognise that GNBS has the mandate in terms of measurements and ensuring that the said equipment is calibrated.

We have been working with

them and ensuring that their capacities are being built. It may be necessary going forward that in the short term, some amount of third party assistance is provided,” Bynoe said.

“One needs to contextualise that the pace at which the sector has evolved has been phenomenal.

And while we recognise that this is a new sector to us, it’s important that we receive the requisite support as capacities are built out”.

He stressed, however, that the GNBS would not be the only agency working on this, but rather the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) would also play a key role.

He noted that the revenue agency would be responsible for the customs-related side of crude lifting, while immigration would play a crucial role in overseeing those coming into Guyana’s waters.

Following its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil had estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be 5 billion oil-equivalent barrels. With oil at US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion.

Exxon has since revised this figure upwards after three more discoveries, the last one being at the Yellowtail-1 well in April.

More drilling is also scheduled for this year and it was only days ago that its first Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) bound for Guyana, the Liza Destiny, was commissioned.

ExxonMobil has also said there is potential for at least five FPSO vessels on the Stabroek Block, producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

Start-up of the Liza Phase 1 development is on track to begin by the first

quarter of 2020, and this well is expected to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO, which is expected to arrive in the country in the third quarter.

Liza Phase 2 is expected to start up by mid-2022.

A final investment decision is expected soon, subject to Government and regulatory approvals. Upon approval, the project plans to use the Liza Unity FPSO to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day.

ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator of, and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited— a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited— holds 25 per cent interest.

Guyana Goldfields CEO...

The fallout between the dissent shareholders, led by founder and ousted Chairman, Patrick Sheridan, and the company stemmed from poor performance. Back in March, Guyana Goldfields had announced that gold production from Aurora had declined by almost 1.7 million ounces, compared to the corresponding estimates from the previous year.

Gold sales dip

On the issue on production, Guyana Goldfields Inc also announced its 2019 Second Quarter results on Tuesday. It was noted that gold production during that period was 37,300 ounces, bringing the total gold produced during the first half of the year to 74,000 ounces. This, the company said, is in line with the annual production guidance range of 145,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold.

However, gold sales recorded was 38,300 ounces at a total cash cost (before royalty) of $746 per ounce, representing a 13 per cent reduction from the comparable quarter in 2018.

Additionally, cost of sales, including royalty and depreciation, were $1186 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) were $1323 per

ounce.

Moreover, it was reported that the mining company recorded a quarterly mill performance of 7800 tonnes per day (TPD) and a 10 per cent increase from the second quarter of 2018.

Meanwhile, underground exploration decline construction was resumed and advanced 164 metres during the second quarter.

Over 2 million person-hours accumulated without a lost-time injury, Guyana Goldfields reported.

Furthermore, exploration drilling at the Mad Kiss hole MKD, located at Aurora, 187 drilled into the central mineralised zone returned an average of 6.11 grams per tonne gold over a core interval of 301.4 metres starting from 14.1 metres downhole, as reported back in May. With regards to the strike at Aurora earlier this month, during which some employees blocked the delivery of ore to the mill, the company noted that the work stoppage lasted three days, with employees agreeing to return to work on July 5, 2019. Stemming from that strike, however, the gold producer estimates that approximately 22,500 tonnes were not processed

From page 2

from operational days lost.

But this, it noted, will not affect the third quarter production guidance.

In addition, it was reported that the company on April 30 last, elected to retire the principal balance outstanding of its $35 million loan facility. Balance sheets stand at approximately $38.9 million at June 30, 2019, and no outstanding debt.

According to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Suresh Kalathil, “For the second half of the year, further operational efficiency initiatives are in the pipeline, however, realising the full benefit of these initiatives will not be immediate.

Our entire team is focused on operational optimisation efforts to further reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies.

Additionally, gold production in the second half is expected to be back-end weighted with the fourth quarter accounting for approximately 60 per cent of the forecast ounces as the plan calls for approximately half of the mill feed to be sourced from stockpiles in the third quarter due to sequencing of the pit phases at Rory’s Knoll.”

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPHC out of malaria medication G

uyana’s premier health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has run out of medication to treat malaria.

This was confirmed by the Public Health Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Terrence Esseboom, who said that the hospital’s main pharmacy is out of the medication to treat the mosquito-borne disease.

The confirmation of the shortage of malaria medication was made after this newspaper contacted the Ministry regarding a patient who was diagnosed with malaria but was not given any medication at the health facility.

When this publication visited the health institution, the patient, who has been shivering with high fever for the past four days, revealed that the doctors informed him that the hospital does not have any medication to treat him for malaria.

The male patient said he is being treated with injections to control his fever, however, he does not know when he will be able to leave the hospital. The man added that he longs to be at home, reunited with his family.

Guyana Times observed that the patient’s lips were cracked and pale as he complained of feeling weak. But even as the hospital awaits the medication, the Vector Control Services, which is a

Georgetown Public Hospital

stone’s throw away from the main hospital, has the drug to treat malaria.

“What I learnt is that they don’t have that medication in the main pharmacy but I can’t confirm whether there is any at the clinic. The clinic might have the medication. I know at the Vector Control Services there is medication there because I just spoke with the person in charge and they have medication so I don’t know why, if he is in the ward, why they didn’t get [drugs] because the Vector Control Services said that they have in stock but there was none in the main pharmacy,” the PRO said.

He added, “…right next door to the place [hospital] is the Vector Control Services and the doctor said they

have, so all they have to do is ask if they want in the case they run out,” he added.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease which can lead to death. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Due to the fact that the malaria parasite is found in red blood cells of an infected person, malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with blood.

Malaria can be cured once treated with the right drugs. Affected persons will experience shaking, high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea among others.

Majority of teens incarcerated for drug-related offences – OAS

T

he continuous abuse of illicit drugs among teenagers and their involvement in other crimes have resulted in many being charged and placed before a court of law to have a suitable punishment imposed on them. This has, however, resulted in some juveniles being reprimanded, fined or performing community service while others face imprisonment.

Some 70 per cent of youths in today’s society believe that it is okay to smoke or drink, while over 500 of them are within the country’s prisons or correctional institutions. But while this is the case, a majority of this number faces incarceration for committing drug-related offences. This was according to the Organisation of the American States (OAS) representative, Jean Dormeus, who was speaking at the launch of the drug treatment court training earlier this week.

“More than three and a half million people are imprisoned in the western hemisphere, and one-third of them for drug-related offences. Included in this particular situation is juveniles and women. Further, most of the drug-related offenders are in the chain’s weakest links with small world in a broad world of narcotics. Some of them are also

OAS representative Jean Dormeus

[under] the influence of substances when they committed offences,” he said The OAS spokesperson further expounded that it has been the duty of the member states within the OAS to take a different approach to deal with drug-related cases especially when teenagers are the offenders.

This, according to Dormeus, will allow them to rehabilitate and give them a second chance in society.

“The OAS member states recognise in the hemispheric drug strategy of 2010 the importance to address the drug problem in the Americas.

In this regard, the purpose to strengthen and improve strategies and actions to reverse the trend and give the victims of drug abuse a second chance so that they can make their contributions to improving society.”

Dormeus noted.

Recently launched

agencies such as the Life Reform, are making efforts to address the issues of substance abuse affecting youths across the country.

This will be complemented by Guyana’s first Drug Treatment Court which is set to commence operation later this year and is expected to aid in the rehabilitation process.

President David Granger, who had also recently disclosed the high numbers of youth incarceration and unemployment, has since noted that these figures can only be reduced through education, empowerment, equality, and employment.

“We acknowledged the rate of youth incarceration – with more than 500 young people within our prisons and correctional institutions. These rates must be reduced and if possible, eliminated,” the President posited.

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GGMC looking to increase reclamation bonds …44 acres of mining land restored

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s the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) seeks to intensify land restoration efforts within the local extractive sectors, the body is looking to increase the reclamation bond.

At a stakeholder forum seeking to educate partner agencies on land reclamation, Mining Engineer within the Environmental Division at GGMC, Carlos Todd, pointed out that for too long, reclamation has taken a backseat in the mining process. GGMC has em-

Mining Engineer in the Environmental Division within the GGMC, Carlos Todd

barked on having reclamation mainstreamed into the extractive industry.

He noted that the Mining (Amendment) Act makes it mandatory for miners— not the GGMC— to restore lands upon closure of mining sites.

Currently, miners are required to put up reclamation bonds— which are used if they fail to adequately restore mining sites at the end of operations.

However, Todd noted that the value of the bond needs to be increased.

“If there are cases where miners fail to carry out their legal obligation so in that case, GGMC will be forced to use the small bond to make an attempt to fix the area, but we know the bond is not enough at the moment. There are studies being done to come up with some suitable figure, what (amount) should be lodged as the reclamation bond,”

“This exercise is long overdue. It’s an opportunity to bring awareness to the stakeholders about the importance of reclamation and the need to mainstream reclamation in the mining process… GGMC will be working to ensure we enforce the mining laws and as we go about doing that, we will try to work with miners to provide awareness and to provide education material miners need to help them in the process,” Todd posited.

So far, sites at Dakoura, Linden; Olive Creek, Mazaruni; St. Elizabeth, Mahdia; Nooitgedacht, Mahdia; Frenchman, and Kara Kara, Linden, covering some 44 acres or 17 hectares, have been reclaimed during2009-2018. Of these six sites that were restored, two were bauxite sites and the other four were gold mines.

According to GGMC Commissioner Newell

port of physical reclamation, we must not lose sight of the fact that reclamation is the law,” he added.

Further recognising that mining cannot be done without disturbing the environment, the Commissioner noted the recalled criticisms of these efforts. He noted, however, steps taken to restore mined-out sites demonstrate the GGMC’s commitment to give effect to conventions such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

To this end, Dennison posited that as regulators of the mining sector, they must convert stakeholders who sometimes do not appreciate the positives of compliance with the environmental standards and best practices.

“The long term val-

A section of the participants at the stakeholders’ engagement hosted on Tuesday by GGMC at Herdmanston Lodge

he posited.

According to the Mining Engineer, stakeholders need to understand that reclamation is a part of doing business and as such, should be factored into the cost of mining.

“We need to have a change in attitude how we conduct the mining process. The cost needs to factor in here. We need to know that if you’re going to factor in a cost for reclamation, then there is some cost in the (mining) process… to reclaim the area” he noted.

Apart from land restoration, Todd added too that the GGMC also looks at the reclamation of waterways that were diverted or polluted by mining activities.

Dennison, at Tuesday’s stakeholders’ engagement, some $100 million has been spent over the past three years on reclamation activities.

He charged the participants to have dialogue and exchange ideas on how they can continue these efforts, noting that “… at the end of the day, the final objective would be as we mine, we reclaim”.

“Let us share knowledge and insights, and let us accept that cost of being ignorant and non-responsive to today’s environment needs will the more costly it will be down the road. While we continue with our environmental education and awareness campaign in sup-

ue will outlast, by far, the short-sighted resistance to the calls for a healthier landscape. We, all together, need to minimise and mitigate the impact on our environment for mining and invest in the potential after mining value chain. The health and wellness effect and social impact of mining could be under threat if the attitude in mining undermines the good works on show and/ or the economic outlook or the landscape, which could become productive again depending on the kind of reclamation remedy,” the GGMC Head stressed.

In its efforts to mainstream mine reclamation into the extractive industry, the GGMC is following a ‘Three Es’ initiative – Education, Encouragement and Enforcement – to engage stakeholders to support miners.

The participants at Tuesday’s engagement were from stakeholder agencies such as: the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the National Mining Syndicate, University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and Natural Resources Ministry, among others.

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

American University hosts suicide prevention workshop

T

he American University of Peace Studies Inc this year partnered with the Williams James College of Massachusetts to host its third annual Gatekeepers Suicide Prevention workshop.

The two-day workshop, which commenced on Tuesday, is expected to train over 50 persons who were taken from various communities throughout Georgetown to detect and give assistance to persons suffering with mental health in their community.

The workshop saw the participation of staff of the Ministry of the Presidency, law enforcement officers, community leaders, nurses, doctors and professionals with an interest in learning of the suicidality of people in Guyana.

Since the incident rate of suicide has dropped in Guyana, facilitator of the workshop Dr Natalie Cort, a Clinical Psychologist,

Some of the participants of the workshop

Research and Assistant Professor said that her aim for the workshop is to ensure that the suicide rate continues to decrease.

According to Cort, one of the most effective ways to combat suicide identified by the Government is to ensure that community leaders are trained and as such the workshop will see to this.

“In low income and middle income countries where there might be a limited mental health infrastructure, one of the ways to creatively respond to that is to gather the community and to ensure that as many community leaders are trained in realising what the signs of suicide might be and how best to respond to it,” Cort

Emancipation shopping buzzes Georgetown

W

ith Emancipation celebrations just days away, the capital city of Georgetown was lit with brightly coloured outfits, with the scenery reaching its peak at Main Street, Georgetown, where an exhibition is being hosted.

Every year, Main Street usually comes alive with exhibits for this special time of year. The scenery was quite the one expected on Tuesday afternoon when Guyana Times took a walk around the various booths which had a number of shoppers trying to secure the perfect outfit for Emancipation celebrations this Thursday.

Although it rained during some parts of the day, this did not stop shopaholics from visiting the various booths and getting a glimpse of the many colours and designs available for sale at the exhibition which is held annually for locals to showcase and market their talent.

Designers usually seize

Some of the pieces created using seeds and other natural materials

as well as leather jewellery because this is nature. It’s all-natural materials, most of the stones [used to make rings and necklaces] are natural”.

In addition to the materials she listed, a wide range of her exotic pieces was also fabricated with wires instead of gold to create a more natural effect.

In relation to the colourful prints, she pointed out some which were made using a technique called “tiedye” where a piece of cloth is folded, tied and dipped into

A crowded section of Main Street lined with not only exhibitors, but also excited shoppers who were delighted by the wide variety of African prints

this opportunity to display and vend not only African clothing and footwear, but diverse and unique pieces of jewellery and even foods and drinks.

One designer explained “We have caiman skins, alligator skins and snake skins

paint. That exhibitor had shirts and scarves made using that design. According to her, those are more expensive than the usual pieces due to the time and dedication it takes to create those.

Another vendor, Patricia Helwick, noted that she has

been coming out to the Main Street exhibition for the past 15 years. She boasted that her customers usually look out for her annually due to the unique pieces she offers.

She had on display clothing for men, women and children with fabric imported from Nigeria. Helwick said she takes pride, especially in head wraps among the other pieces, which include pantsuits for men, dresses, skirts and even shirts.

She said she joined the exhibition on Monday but has seen a slow influx of customers in comparison to last year. While persons have been visiting her booth, she complained that persons are more interested in describing the outfits rather than purchasing, although she termed her pieces as “affordable”.

Near her was Antwon Austin, who had a unique booth with wines and juices.

Austin had on display and for sale wines made from natural herbs such as Sarsaparilla, which has been used for ages. He listed a few others, “aunty desmond, jamoon, passion fruit, plum and granny backbone”.

According to him, those herbs are usually used for medicinal purpose such as cleansing the urinary tract to treat urinary tract infections, back and joint pain among others.

explained.

The participants will be trained to identify signs in persons that can lead to suicidality and will be sensitised on how to effectively communicate with suicidal individuals.

“We are also going to be

talking a lot about terms and definition, accurate terms that we should be using when we are talking about suicide, there are ways that we talk about suicide that are sometimes unintentionally pejorative, so for us to have accuracy in how we speak about it. We will focus on what to look for, what do we know from research are common signs that someone might be at risk, what are the protective factors that exists that we can employ to support individuals who are vulnerable be feeling helpless” the facilitator disclosed.

The participants will also be trained to utilise the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale— which is a questionnaire used for suicide assessment developed by multiple institutions, including Columbia University, with NIMH sup-

port.

The scale is evidence-supported and is part of a national and international public health initiative involving the assessment of suicidality. Available in 103 different languages, the scale has been successfully implemented across many settings, including schools, college campuses, military, fire departments, the justice system, primary care and for scientific research.

This year, the workshop is being funded by the Williams James College.

Previously, the workshops were conducted in the county of Essequibo.

After being labelled as the suicide capital of the world, Guyana’s suicide plummeted, dropping from 44.2 per cent per 100,000 people in 2012 to 24.6 per cent per 100,000 persons in recent years.

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Traffic cops visit accident Body of missing Captain found victims at GPHC Pomeroon boat mishap

T

he body of Kendol Rodriguez, who drowned during a boat mishap on Sunday in the Upper Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was on Tuesday found floating in the vicinity of Siriki and Jacklow villages.

old Joseph Thomas, a chainsaw operator, also from Kabakaburi village, when the boat capsized.

However, Thomas was rescued by another boat that was in the vicinity shortly after the accident.

Reports are that on Saturday last, Thomas and

Persons attempting to get a glimpse of the dead Captain as the body was being transported to the Charity Hospital

On Sunday, Rodriguez, who hailed from Kabakaburi village, Upper Pomeroon, was transporting 42-year-

Rodriguez had attended a wedding celebration and had been consuming alcohol.

At about 02:00h on Sunday,

the duo left the wedding to return to their homes via a 15-horsepower boat owned

by Rodriguez.

However, according to Thomas, they were in the vicinity of Siriki village when Rodriguez “suddenly began to swerve from left to right” and this resulted in the boat capsizing and both men falling into the river.

The chainsaw operator told the police that he managed to hold on to a side of the overturned vessel, but did not see what happened to Rodriguez.

Shortly after, the occupants of a boat that was in the area rendered assistance to Thomas and conducted a search for Rodriguez.

However, the search proved futile.

According to the police, at about 09:00h on Sunday, some seven hours after the mishap took place, Thomas made a report about the incident.

Thomas remains in Police custody, where he is said to be assisting with the investigation. Rodriguez’s body is at the Onderneeming Mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

T

raffic Chief Linden Isles along with a team from the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday visited accident victims at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Isles during the visit explained that the visit was part of the GPF’s 180th anniversary observances.

“We’ve decided to come and visit the patients of the accident ward. We have been sharing out hampers to them and finding out about their matters so that we can have it investigated,” the Traffic Chief said during the tour of the medical facility.

A total of 15 patients – 10 males and five females – were visited, during which the Traffic Chief answered questions in relation to the

Ranks from the Traffic Department taking hampers for accident victims at the GPHC

speedy recovery as he handed over hampers to them.

A senior rank of the GPF chats with an accident victim

progress of investigations into accidents during which they were injured.

He wished the patients a

The Traffic Chief also visited a nine-year-old child on the East Coast of Demerara, who was left bedridden fol-

lowing an accident back in 2017. A donation was also made to the family.

As part of its anniversary, the GPF has embarked on a number of activities.

Just recently $19.4 million was gifted to ranks who performed exceptionally so far in 2019.

The award ceremony was held at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Eve Leary, and saw 36 community policing groups being awarded, while 36 rural constables were specially recognised.

The Force’s anniversary is being observed under the theme, “Serving and protecting our nation through collaboration and dedication”.

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wednESday, JUly 31, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations APNU/AFC’s politicallymotivated neglect of agriculture bitingly unforgivable

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griculture was the backbone of Guyana’s economy for more than 200 years before independence. It carried Guyana throughout the period since independence.

Not only does it employ and feed the majority of Guyanese people, it is solely responsible for Guyana being a foodsecured country. Nothing has contributed more to alleviation of poverty in Guyana, and elsewhere, than agriculture. With an oil and gas boom already having an impact— contributing the bulk of foreign investment Dr Leslie Ramsammy since 2015— agriculture indisputably remains an indispensable part of the economic and social trajectory of Guyana. Yet, since 2015, APNU/AFC has stupidly abandoned agriculture— the peril of which Guyana is already feeling.

One of the most egregious reasons catalysing the loss of confidence in the Government is APNU/AFC’s incompetence; their shocking disinterest and glaring neglect for agriculture.

From the very beginning, in May 2015, David Granger and APNU/AFC signalled their disdain and disinterest for agriculture and for the Guyanese farmers and their families by their politically-motivated handling of GUYSUCO— the export market for rice, land leases, drainage and irrigation and removal of all agriculture subsidies— treating agriculture as a PPP thing.

Even as our attention is eagle-eyed, riveted on what the new GECOM Chair will do with preparations for elections by September 18, as the news is dominated by the constitutional crisis and Government’s consolidation of dictatorship, the neglect of agriculture is having a most deleterious impact on the economy and, more importantly, on the lives of people.

Presently, Guyana is in the middle of a chicken shortage, a spike in the price for chicken, causing a slowing-down of some busy commercial centres. KFC even found it necessary to post an advisory that certain “finger-licking” menu items might not always be available because of the chicken shortage.

The Agriculture Ministry and its minister, as has become the norm since May 2015, are invisible, missing in action (MIA), as the chicken shortage begins to bite. This time, the minister might offer the excuse he has been resigned by the Constitution and the CCJ as a result of the No-Confidence Motion. But he remains a caretaker minister and the chicken shortage demands his attention. There has not been a word from him, no sign he has an interest. Although his disinterest is consistent with his behaviour over the last 52 months, it is still shocking, yet it is a reflection of the glaring disinterest of APNU/AFC in agriculture.

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), to be fair, meekly displayed some interest, dismissing the problem, positing the shortage simply reflects a lowered importation of hatching eggs in the last six months. They offered no reason for the reduction in hatching eggs importation. They also ignored reports around for months of reduced hatchability of available eggs, high mortality among chicks and slow growth. While the private sector and the farmers struggle to find answers, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Government are idly on the sidelines. The private sector is looking for answers, but that does not provide the Government with an excuse to wait and see.

Other farmers are similarly facing turmoil in their brave survival struggles. This week, news filtered out that Black Bush rice farmers, cash crop farmers, and cattle farmers face a daunting future because their drainage and irrigation system (D&I) is in a deplorable state. Their livelihoods are threatened. The Water Users Associations around the country were given responsibility to administer the D&I system in their farming districts. That was done under the PPP, giving the farmers an opportunity to manage their own D&I. They collect affordable D&I charges from farmers to help in the management. But they were given a subsidy by the Agriculture Ministry through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), to help them manage the D&I. APNU/AFC withdrew the subsidy from the Black Bush Water Users Association without an explanation. Without this subsidy, the Water Users Associations are impotent, unable to effectively manage the D&I. The farmers must now pay D&I charges hundreds of per cent above what they normally paid. For Black Bush farmers, this means disaster because they depend entirely on a closed system for effective D&I. They do not benefit from a system supported by other State entities, like GUYSUCO. As APNU/AFC digs deeper in the bag of absurdities and excuses in order to avoid the elections originally due on March 21st and now due on September 18th, one would have thought the hapless David Granger-led APNU/AFC would have used the extra time to correct some of the missteps, miscalculations, neglect and stark stupidity they have been guilty of for the last more than four years. But, instead, they have compounded the problem, continuing on their path of recklessness, disinterest, corruption and neglect of people. Agriculture has been one of the most egregious victims deliberately politically targeted.

Man charged for allegedly attempting to kill neighbour

A

man, who allegedly wounded his neighbour, was remanded to prison on Tuesday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Forty-year-old Travis Garrett of Diamond Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plea to the indictable charge when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty.

The charge stated that on July 24, 2019, at Grove, East Bank Demerara, with intent to commit murder, he wounded Ramchan Chunilall. In Court on Tuesday, the Virtual Complainant related that he did not wish to proceed with the matter.

“I don’t want to carry this matter further, my wife is sick and I have little kids,” the VC told the Court. The VC, who had a visible scar

Travis Garrett

on the side of his neck, further told the Magistrate “see if you could help them out”.

Prosecutor Ceon Blackman informed the Court that Garrett offered the VC $300,000 settle the matter. The Prosecutor, nevertheless, objected to bail, pointing out the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it attracts. Garrett was remanded to prison and the case will continue on August 5.

Woman jailed for assaulting fellow prisoner

A

woman, who assaulted a fellow prisoner at the East La Penitence lock-ups, while being on remand for an attempted murder charge was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment on Tuesday after she was found guilty of the offence at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Revelana Smith of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, and Savita Persaud, 33, of Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, both prisoners, were crosscharged with assaulting each other.

It is alleged that on April 23, 2019, at the East La Penitence Police Station, 25-year-old Smith unlawfully assaulted Persaud.

The charge against Persaud stated that on the

Revelana Smith

same day in question and at the same location, she unlawfully assaulted Smith.

However, the matter against Persaud is still ongoing after she denied the offence.

Magistrate Faith

McGusty in handing down the sentence to Smith, told the court that after reviewing the evidence, there was sufficient evidence to convict. Hence, Smith was sentenced to nine months behind bars.

Persaud on her first court appearance had said, “I had just exited the washroom and I was in the process of putting on my clothes when Smith came up to me and began calling me names and dealt me several punches to my face”.

The woman continued by saying Smith threw her to the floor and bit her on several parts of her body, attempted to bite off one of her fingers and in an attempt to defend herself, she scratched Smith on her face.

Smith, however, gave

another version of the story saying, “Persaud was my associate but she started to behave stupid because she sleeping with a big one at East La Penitence Station.

I simply asked her to call someone for me and she said no, so when the church service was over, I tried to talk to her and she punched me; that’s how the fight broke out.”

Smith is currently before the court on an attempted murder charge after she allegedly cut off a policewoman’s finger.

Persaud, the owner of Kitty-based Liquid Love Bar, is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence after being found guilty of trafficking two Venezuelan women.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

Regional

Venezuela talks to resume Brazil's Altamira jail this week – Opposition envoy where 57 were killed

A

diplomat who represents Venezuela's Opposition Leader in Washington, DC, said on Tuesday talks on ending the political impasse in the South American country will resume again this week.

Carlos Vecchio, who represents Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, did not give a day or location for the talks with representatives of embattled President Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking at the National Press Club, Vecchio said he was hopeful that talks would resolve the crisis by year's end. He also said Maduro was an "an obstacle for peace" and he must leave office.

The two sides held Norway-mediated talks for several days earlier this month in Barbados.

Supporters of Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó take part in a rally in support of the Venezuelan National Assembly [File: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters]

Guaidó contends Maduro's re-election last year was invalid and wants early presidential elections. In January, the Opposition Leader invoked the Constitution to declare himself interim President – a move Maduro rejected.

Maduro accuses the Opposition of stirring up violence, and, with the backing of the United States, attempting a coup.

Separately on Tuesday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Moscow would not be participating in internation-

al talks on the political crisis in Venezuela due to be held in Peru next month.

It said it declined the invitation as one was not extended to representatives of the Government of Maduro, among other concerns.

Peru invited China, Russia, Cuba, the US and dozens of other countries earlier this month to discuss the situation in Venezuela in Lima on August 6.

China, Russia and Cuba support Maduro, while the US and more than 50 other Western countries have recognised Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate leader.

Three million have left the country since early 2016, fleeing hyperinflation, unemployment and food and medicine shortages. (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Mexico says migrant numbers at US border down 40% since May

T

he number of migrants reaching Mexico’s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican Government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would

reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added.

“This is a considerable reduction,” the Minister told reporters at a regular Government news conference.

A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019

prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people.

Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the Government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow

Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico.

Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican Government’s efforts to foster development programmes and growth there.

Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty. (Excerpt from Reuters)

'was understaffed'

Inmates were seen on the rooftop of the prison during the violence

C

onditions at a prison in Brazil where 57 inmates were killed in fighting on Monday have been described as "terrible" in an official report.

The National Justice Council said that Altamira jail in north-eastern Pará state contained more than double the number of inmates it was built for.

It also said that there were not enough guards to guarantee inmates' safety.

Deadly fights are not uncommon in Brazil, which has the world's third-largest prison population.

The violence broke out at 07:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Monday when members of a criminal gang housed in Block A of the jail, invaded an annex where members of a rival gang were locked up.

Sixteen inmates were decapitated in the fight which followed. Many more died from smoke asphyxia-

tion after the fighting prisoners set a cell on fire.

Video taken from outside the prison showed smoke billowing from the building and inmates walking around on rooftops.

The inmates also took two prison officers hostage, but released them after negotiations with civil and military Police.

The fighting lasted for about five hours.

The report published by the National Justice Council on Monday – the day the deadly fight occurred –was damning, describing conditions at Altamira as "terrible".

It said that the prison, which has a capacity of 163, held 343 male inmates.

It also pointed out that Altamira had only 33 guards, too low to guarantee safety inside the prison, and called for their number to be increased. (Excerpt from BBC

Costa Rica and Panama bust migrant-smuggling ring, arrest dozens Ex-Petrotrin worker wins

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osta Rican and Panamanian officials on Tuesday morning arrested nearly 50 people linked to an international network suspected of smuggling migrants through Central America and toward the United States, Prosecutors said.

In one of the largest operations against people smugglers conducted in the country, Costa Rican migration Police and Prosecutors raided 36 locations on the border with Panama and

Nicaragua, arresting 37 suspected members of the network.

In Panama, federal Police arrested 12 people connected to the same network, local authorities said.

The number of migrants crossing the region to reach the United States has grown in recent years, stoking tensions between the Trump Administration and Mexico and Central America.

US President Donald Trump has used the threat of trade tariffs to push

lawsuit against company

A

Migration Police detain a person suspected of belonging to an international network for migrant trafficking, in La Cruz, Costa Rica, July 30, 2019

Mexico and Guatemala to crack down on migrants heading toward the United States.

Stephen Madden, deputy director of Costa Rica’s

migration police, said the criminal network charged between US$7000 and US$20,000 to transport each migrant. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba, battling economic crisis, imposes

sweeping price controls

C

ommunist-run Cuba on Tuesday imposed sweeping price controls on all State and private businesses as it battles a deepening economic crisis and mounting US sanctions.

Resolutions published in the official gazette banned all retail and wholesale price increases except for products imported and distributed by the State where already-set

profit margins cannot be increased.

“In effect they have suspended what there is of a market,” a Cuban economist said, asking not to be identified owing to restrictions on talking to foreign Journalists.

While State-run companies dominate the economy, reforms in recent years have led to a growing Private

News)

Sector of cooperatives, farmers, small businesses and self-employed individuals who, for example, work in the skilled trades or drive taxis, and in general operate on a market basis.

Resolution 302 of the Finances and Prices Ministry lists all actors in what is called the non-State sector, saying that they “cannot increase current prices and

tariffs of products and services”.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced earlier this month that the Government had adopted a series of emergency measures to fight economic stagnation and dwindling foreign currency earnings that began in 2015 as the economy of key ally Venezuela imploded, and which have been aggravated by a series of new US sanctions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

former casual employee of Petrotrin has won his lawsuit against the now-defunct company over its refusal to disclose an investigative report into an accident in which he and his colleagues were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas.

Delivering a 24-page judgement on Monday, High Court Judge Ronnie Boodoosingh ruled that the report was not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as it could not fall under legal professional privilege as claimed by Petrotrin.

As a result of his finding, Boodoosingh quashed the decision and ordered that it be disclosed to Gabriel Jacob within 10 days.

Jacob’s lawsuit centred around Petrotrin’s failure to disclose the report and not the injuries he sustained in the incident, which occurred on September 21, 2017. Jacob

Judge Ronnie Boodoosingh

claimed that he needed the report in order to prepare such a lawsuit.

In his judgment, Boodoosingh noted that Petrotrin’s lack of candour in explaining the circumstances the report was commissioned under, led him to believe that it was not for the purpose it was claiming in the lawsuit.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

17

Around the World

Triple talaq: India criminalises Sudan security forces fire shots, tear gas Muslim 'instant divorce' at protesters I

ndia's Parliament has approved a bill that makes the Muslim practice of "instant divorce" a criminal offence.

"Triple talaq", as it's known, allows a husband to divorce his wife by repeating the word "talaq" (divorce) three times in any form, including email or text message.

The Supreme Court declared the practise unconstitutional in 2017.

Supporters say the new measure protects Muslim women. Opponents say the punishment is harsh and open to misuse.

Men found in breach of the new law can be jailed for up to three years.

The bill was first tabled

Some Muslim women have opposed the bill

in 2017 but stalled in the Upper House of Parliament, where some MPs called it unfair.

India's governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supports the bill,

while the main Opposition Congress party opposes it.

But the BJP doesn't have a majority in the Upper House. On Tuesday, the bill was passed by 99 votes to 84 after a number of walkouts

and abstentions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to celebrate the vote as "a victory of gender justice".

But others accused his Hindu nationalist BJP of targeting Muslims.

Islamic scholars say the Koran clearly spells out how to issue a divorce - it has to be spread over three months, allowing a couple time for reflection and reconciliation.

Most Islamic countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have banned triple talaq, but the custom continued in India, which does not have a uniform set of laws on marriage and divorce that apply to every citizen. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Princess Haya: Dubai ruler's wife seeks

marriage protection order

T

he estranged wife of the ruler of Dubai - one of the most high-profile leaders in the Middle East - has asked for a forced marriage protection order in a UK court.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum's wife, Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein, is the third female member of his court to apparently try to run away.

This month she was reported to be in hiding in London and is said to be in fear for her life.

The case began in London on Tuesday.

Princess Haya asked for wardship of her children - with whom she left the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - as well as a forced marriage protection order and a non-molestation or-

der.

The details of the orders sought by the princess are not known.

Sheikh Mohammed meanwhile applied for the return of his children to Dubai, and also applied for the court to impose reporting restrictions on details about the orders - a request the judge rejected.

Sir Andrew McFarlane

ruled there was "a public interest in the public understanding, in very broad terms, proceedings that are before the court".

It's believed that Princess Haya will want to stay in the UK. However, if her husband demands her return to Dubai, this could cause a diplomatic headache for Britain - which has close ties to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pakistan plane crash kills over a dozen near Rawalpindi

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Pakistani military plane on a training flight has crashed into homes near the garrison city of Rawalpindi, killing at least 18 people.

The incident, which took place before dawn on Tuesday, created a fireball that lit up the night sky above the Mora Kalu village on the outskirts of Rawalpindi.

Troops and Police cordoned off the residential area to search for plane debris and investigative evidence after the rescue efforts had ended.

"We have taken 18 dead bodies to hospital ... that included 13 civilians and five crew members," said Farooq

Fires, damaged homes and debris were visible in Mora Kalu village following the crash

Butt, a spokesman for the rescue service.

Children were among the dead and a further 12 people had been injured in the accident near the capital Islamabad, Butt said.

He added: "All the bodies

are badly burned, so DNA tests are required for identification."

The military said the army aircraft was on a routine training flight when it crashed, but had no information on the possible

cause.

Pakistan has a chequered aviation safety record, with frequent plane and helicopter crashes over the years.

In 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames after one of its two turboprop engines failed while travelling from remote northern Pakistan to Islamabad, killing more than 40 people.

The deadliest air disaster on Pakistani soil was in 2010, when an Airbus 321 operated by private airline Airblue and flying from Karachi crashed into the hills outside Islamabad while coming in to land, killing all 152 onboard. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

New protest erupts as Hong Kong charges 44 activists with rioting

H

undreds of people surrounded a police station in Hong Kong on Tuesday chanting “free the martyrs” after 44 activists were charged with rioting following weekend clashes between protesters and Police defending China’s representative office.

It was the first time the rioting charge has been used during protests which erupted over an ex-

tradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Another man was charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday as they sought to defend China’s main representative office from protesters who set up roadblocks and hurled bricks and sticks.

What started three

months ago as rallies against the extradition bill, has evolved into a wider backlash against the city’s Government and its political masters in Beijing.

The near daily protests have disrupted business, piled pressure on the city’s Government and stretched its Police Force, which some have accused of using excessive force.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Kwai Chung Police Station where some of the activists were

to be freed on bail. Clashes broke out between the protesters and Police. One officer brandished a gun to ward off the crowd.

Rioting carries a maximum ten-year jail term in Hong Kong. Activists say they have done nothing wrong and are only seeking justice. In the driving rain, many chanted “Liberate Hong Kong,” and “Revolution of our time”.

Some of the activists are due to appear in court today. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Protesters filled the streets of the capital Khartoum on Tuesday to denounce the attack

S

ecurity forces in Sudan have fired tear gas and ammunition at demonstrators protesting against the killing of five people, including four students, on Monday.

Protesters filled the streets of the capital Khartoum on Tuesday to denounce the attack, which came after teenagers in the northern city of ElObeid rallied against fuel and bread shortages.

Images posted on social media appeared to show security forces attempting to disperse the demonstrations Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan, reporting from Addis Ababa in neighbouring Ethiopia, said there are concerns that the latest protest could turn violent.

With a Sudanese flag draped around his neck, high school student Awab Faisal said Tuesday's rallies were aimed at deliver-

ing a message to the authorities.

"We live and study in tough conditions. Often, there is no water and electricity, and prices are only rising," Faisal said.

"Our future is unclear and such killings make it worse."

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Head of the ruling Transitional Military Council, told reporters on Tuesday the killings in the North Kordofan city of ElObeid were "unacceptable".

Protesters accuse the RSF, headed by al-Burhan's deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, of shooting dead the five teenagers.

On Tuesday, the UN children's agency UNICEF called on Sudanese authorities "to investigate and hold all perpetrators of violence against children accountable". (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

2 Walmart employees shot dead at store, suspended co-worker charged with murder – officials

T

wo Walmart employees were gunned down – allegedly by a co-worker – at their Mississippi store on Tuesday, according to the company.

The suspect, Martez Abram, was shot by an officer and hospitalised, Desoto County District Attorney John Champion said. Abram has been charged with two counts of murder, he said.

The victims were “senselessly murdered” at a store in Southaven, about 13 miles south of Memphis, at about 06:30h local time, Southaven Police Chief Macon Moore said. A fire was also reported at the store, said Champion.

Officers arrived within minutes, and when Police confronted the suspect outside the Walmart, one officer was shot by the suspect, officials said.

The officer was saved by his bulletproof vest and is now in the hospital recovering, Moore said.

Abram was a former

Walmart employee who was recently fired, Champion said.

“There was an incident” between Abram and another employee “a few days prior,” Champion said, and Southaven police filed a report.

Champion did not elaborate on the alleged incident, but Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite described it as a “grievance with an employee and his employer”.

A spokesperson for Walmart, however, said that Abram was an existing Walmart employee, who had been temporarily suspended over the earlier grievance.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on the nature of the grievance.

Abram, 39, has no criminal history, Champion said.

“The entire Walmart family is heartbroken by the loss of two valued members of our team,” Walmart US President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Greg Foran said in a statement. (Excerpt from abcnews)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, JUly 31, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

You’ll feel good if you

(March 21- stay active. A physical chalApril 19) lenge or social event that in-

volves dealing with inspiring people will motivate you to get involved in something new.

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

You’ll be torn between whether to take a leap of faith or stick to what’s tried and true. Don’t make an impulsive decision if you aren’t ready.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

The past will play a role in the outcome of a situation you face. Be careful whom you trust and believe when it comes to love.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Do what feels right, not what someone else wants you to do. Let your intuition guide you, and don’t be swayed by someone’s persuasive words or empty promises. When in doubt, take a moment to think.

Emotions will be difficult to control. Take a step back, act reserved and put your strategy in place before you make a move. How you handle situations will make a difference.

What you do to help othVIRGO ers may not sit well with ev(Aug. 23eryone. Consider how your Sept. 22) actions may affect someone who could use what you do as an excuse to behave poorly.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take care of your responsibilities and move on (Sept. 23- to tasks that benefit you, Oct. 23) for a change. Taking care of your health and emotional well-being should be a priority.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Use your intelligence, monitor what’s going on around you and look for an innovative way to structure your day and reach your goal. Avoid impulsive moves and behavior.

There is money to be made, SAGITTARIUS contracts to be formulated or (Nov. 23health issues to be dealt with.

Dec. 21) Don’t procrastinate or give someone a chance to influence the outcome of something important. Take charge and do what’s best for you.

YESTERDAY’S WORD

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

CAPRICORN An opportunity may be (Dec. 22hidden; dig deep to discovJan. 19) er how to take advantage of a situation. Change may be necessary, regardless of what others think.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

When one door shuts, another door opens. Don’t waste time worrying about what’s already happened when you should be looking for your next big adventure.

Romance is highlighted.

Get involved in events or activities that bring out the best in you. Share your skills, talents and services with people who are trying to make a difference.

wednESday, JUly 31, 2019

19

CWI Regional U19 tournament…

Barbados humble Guyana by 3 wickets

T

able turned for Guyana Under-19 when they lost to Barbados by three wickets at Arnos Valle St Vincent and the Grenadians. In 2018, Guyana defeated the Barbados by the same three-wickets. Barbados won the toss and elected to bowl first against defending champions, Guyana. The Guyanese displayed an ordinary batting performance when they were bundled out for 124 in 30.1 overs on the back of Matthew Forde five-wicket haul.

Guyana lost Alex Algoo in the third over when he was struck in front by the quickie Forde. Algoo was dismissed for five with the score on 13-1 in the third over. Junior Sinclair batting at number three got a beauty of an in swinger by Forde and was bowled all ends up for a duck as Barbados struck twice in the same over.

At 13-2, Kevlon Anderson walked to the crease and looked at his compact best cutting one past backward point and driving one into the covers for two shots. Anderson was looking to play one into the leg-side but was trapped in front by Forde for four.

With three quick wickets biting the dust, Sachin Singh, who opened the batting Algoo got his promising innings off with back-to-back boundaries. He took the score onto 30-3

Team Guyana’s spirits were low even when they took a wicket

inside six overs but he was soon after drooped by the wicket-keeper on eight, off the bowling of Forde.

Alphius Bookie batting at number five, occupied the crease for a while but his painstaking innings came to an end when he played away from his body and was caught at first slip for three. Benjamin was caught behind off a lifted delivery off Simmons for four at 67-6 in 15.4 overs. Captain

Ashmead Nedd was caught for seven at backward point off short ball with the score on 79-7.

Seon Glasgow then turned on the heat smashing a maximum in the over 21 but he started running out of partners. Leon Swamy was bowled by Forde at 102-8 for only four runs while Qumar Torrington followed at 121-9, scoring only seven. Final batsman, Kelvin Umroa was bowl all ends up to give Forde his 5-fer at 124 all out in 30.1 overs.

Glasgow was left stranded at 33 from 49 balls. Forde ended with 5-22 in 8.1 overs.

In reply, Guyana began in poor fashion in the field, dropping sitters, but Swmay got two early wickets to leave the Barbadians at 35-2 at lunch. After Swamy and Torrington discipline efforts, Anderson was a tad expensive but the spin twin, Umroa and Nedd made Barbados worked for their runs. Rivaldo Clarke top-scored with 50 as Barbados won by three wickets finishing on 126-7 in 29.1 overs.

Umroa finished with 3-39 in 8.3 overs while Nedd grabbed 2-33 in his 10 overs. Swamy had 2-20 in four overs. Guyana will play Leeward Islands on August 1 at Park Hill from 9:30h. The Guyanese are two points on the table while Barbados are six points on the board.

CWI concludes maiden Level-2 coaching course in 8 years

T

he first Level Two Coaching course delivered by Cricket West Indies (CWI) in eight years, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), Faculty of

Sport, concluded on Monday in Guyana. All CWI member countries and ICC Americas members have access to this course, with another Level Two course scheduled to follow in Barbados next month.

This course is part of CWI’s strategic plan to strengthen and develop the regional coaching talent pool, considering the vital importance coaches have in developing cricketer’s skills

Semenya to miss World Athletics Championships after Swiss court ruling

C

aster Semenya will not be able to defend her 800 metres title at the World Athletics Championships after a Swiss court reversed prior rulings that allowed her to compete while she appealed against controversial IAAF regulations.

The double Olympic champion was granted permission to race without restriction after lodging an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland (SFT) against the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) verdict in her case against the IAAF. CAS ruled the IAAF could implement a regulation that would require Semenya to take medication to lower her testosterone levels to take part in women’s track events ranging from 400m to a mile.

A judge has now overturned the SFT’s decision to allow Semenya to compete while it assessed the case, and Semenya will consequently be unable to take to the track in Qatar.

A statement issued from the South African’s camp on Tuesday read: “Caster remains steadfast in her defiance of the highly controversial IAAF regulations that require female athletes with naturally elevated testosterone levels to undergo hor-

ue to appeal against the regulations.

“I am very disappointed to be kept from defending my hard-earned title, but this will not deter me from continuing my fight for the human rights of all of the female athletes concerned,” Semenya said. (Sportsmax)

Caster Semenya’s chance to defend her title has officially been denied

monal drug intervention in order to compete in international competitions.

“Yesterday, a single judge of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court reversed prior rulings that had temporarily suspended the IAAF regulations pending the outcome of Caster’s appeal against the CAS award.

“In this latest decision, the Supreme Court emphasised the strict requirements and high thresholds for the interim suspension of CAS awards and found that these were not fulfilled.

“This ruling will prevent Caster from defending her title at the World Championships in September 2019.”

With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics under a year away, Semenya will contin-

at an early age. 25 participants took part in the fourday course and included current and former Guyana and West Indies players such as Ramnaresh Sarwan, Leon Johnson, Travis Dowlin, Andre Percival, Veerasammy Permaul, Vishal Singh, Steven Jacobs. A notable former beneficiary of this previous level two course in 2008 is former Jamaican Fast bowler Andrew Richardson, who has roles with Caribbean Premier League side Jamaica Tallawahs and the current West Indies A team as an assistant coach.

Leon Johnson, Guyana Captain, shared his player

perspective on the Level Two course: “I’m very passionate about the game and everything it entails and coaching is part of that. I’ve always enjoyed teaching people and imparting knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my career and considering I believe I have a future in coaching currently while playing and when I’m finished, that got me involved in the program. The course was very insightful. Some things I already knew were reinforced, while I learnt a lot of new stuff. So overall it was great cricket educational experience. Now that I’m still playing it will be very beneficial to have the knowl-

Leon Johnson

edge gained over the last four days to implement in my game and hopefully take me to another level.” (CWI)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednESday, JUly 31, 2019

Guinness National Championships 2019 moved to Jubilee Park ― to host Georgetown finale

I

n effort to make the tournament more accessible to spectators, the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” National Championships will now be staged at the Jubilee Park Tarmac.

This was disclosed by Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste. Baptiste stated that the venue, which is making its debut, was selected owing to its playing surface, size and overall accessibility to the general public.

He affirmed, “We anticipate a large crowd for the final and the venue has readily available parking and is accessible to various environs. It is very centralised and public transportation utilise routes that are accessible to its location so it’s an overall good choice for stag-

ing of the national championship. The surface is also ideal for the players.”

The National Championships will be staged on August 9 and 10 respectively. They will be contested in a knockout format.

The venue will also be utilised for the Georgetown Championship final on Saturday. Meanwhile, the quarter-final and semi-final rounds of the Georgetown championship will commence on Friday, August 2 at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

The initial date of July 26 for the quarter-finals and semi-finals was rescheduled after persistent rainfall rendered the playing area unfit for players and spectators.

According to an official correspondence from tour-

Action in the earlier group stage of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown Championship

nament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, “All systems are in place for a thrilling night of action. We anticipate a large crowd because of the quality of the teams that will be competing for a place in the finale. Six of the eight quarter-finalists have already lifted the coveted title, which adds to the quality that will be on show.”

The matches will remain in the original order, with Broad Street opposing Leopold Street at 19:00h and Albouystown B battling Back Circle from 19:45h.

In the third and fourth quarter-final fixtures, Sparta Boss tackle Sophia at 20:30h and defending champions Gold is Money face off with Tiger Bay from 21:45h.

Victors of these contests will advance to the semi-final round, which will occur later in the evening.

The final is scheduled for the Jubilee Park Tarmac on August 3.

The winner of the event will collect $500,000 and the championship trophy, as well as an automatic berth in the National Championships.

The second, third and fourth-place finisher will collect $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Meanwhile, the National Championships start on August 9 at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. The two-day event, which features 15 teams, will end on August 10 at Jubilee Park.

The teams that have

sealed automatic berths to the event are Gold is Money (national champions); Beacons (Bartica champions); Melanie B (East Coast Demerara winners); Brothers United [West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winner], Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions) have sealed automatic berths.

The quarter-final fixtures are below:

Quarterfinal Matchups Broad St v Leopold St 19:00h

Albouystown B v Back Circle - 19:45h Sparta Boss v Sophia 20:30h Gold is Money v Tiger Bay 21:15h

Say No/Say Yes Campaign…

RHTY&SC, Panthera Solutions launch Youth Information Booklet

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO and Editor of the Booklet Hilbert Foster hands over a copy to Panthera General Manager Andrew Dinsdale

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and one of its sponsors, Panthera Solution, on Friday last officially launched the latest edition of the Club’s Youth Information Booklet.

The Booklet was launched at a simple ceremony at

the Providence, East Bank Demerara-based Head Office of Farfan & Mendes Ltd. Panthera Solutions is a joint venture company of Farfan & Mendes Ltd and the Canadaowned Crosbie Group Ltd. Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster hailed the

launching as another red letter day in the remarkable history of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The 40-page Booklet was printed at the F & H Printery in Georgetown and was part of an expanded Say No/Say Yes Campaign.

The highly-successful campaign is organised by the 10 cricket teams of the Club and targets about 70, 000 youths in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Under the Campaign, the Club strives to get youths to say no to suicide, drugs, pre-marital sex, alcohol and crime, and yes to education, life, sports, culture and religion. Foster disclosed that the booklets would be distributed free of cost across Berbice to students; sports organisations; teachers; the University of Guyana; churches; libraries, NGOs and schools.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), stated that the main objective of the Booklet is to get youths to follow the narrow path to success. The Booklet covers over 25 topics of importance

to youths along with an official message from RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu, profile of the official sponsor and the RHTY&SC. Among the topics in the Booklet are Drug Abuse, Importance of Education, HIV/AIDS, Peer Pressure, Suicide, Basic Public Manners, Public Speaking, Teenage Pregnancy, PreMarital Sex, Importance of Religion, Choosing Friends, Respect to Elders, Personal Hygiene, Table Manners, Manners in the Classroom, Importance of Reading and Research, and how to handle job interview.

Photos of several

RHTY&SC players are also included in an effort to get youths to emulate positive role models. The 2019 Medal of Service awardee stated that the Club during the course of 2019 has expanded the programme to target more youths. Over the last month, the Club has donated over $2 million worth of bicycles, school bags, educational materials and sports gear under the Say No/Say Yes Campaign with funding from the RHTY&SC Patron Fund. The Club would also be distributing thousands of anti-suicide posters, Youth Information Booklets and more bicycles, cricket balls and gear across Berbice.

Foster expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Panthera Solutions –Andrew Dinsdale, Onai Vasconcellos and Andrew Mendes for making the Booklet a success.

Dinsdale stated that his company was delighted to be associated with the Booklet and Guyana’s leading youth organisation. He committed the company to working along with the Club as he was very impressed with the high standard of its work, Distribution of the Booklet has already started across Berbice and persons interested in obtaining a copy can call 337-4562, email the Club at foster_hilbert@yahoo.com, or visit the RHTY&SC Area H Ground.

Caribbean School Boys and Juniors Tournament…

Courts boxes in GABA’s corner

W

ith the annual Caribbean School Boys and Juniors Tournament looming on the horizon, furniture giant Courts Guyana has put some power in the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association’s punch with a donation to the Tournament.

From August 16 to 18, Guyana’s best crop of young boxers will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test against their Caribbean counterparts, when the Caribbean School Boys and Juniors tournament is hosted on Guyanese shores.

The event, which is organised by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, has grown over the years of its existence and according to GABA President Steve Ninvalle, participation from 10 Caribbean territories is expected for 2019. However, five countries namely Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia have already confirmed their participation.

Speaking at the simple handover ceremony at the Courts Main Street branch, Ninvalle expressed his gratitude to the company for being consistent with tits support.

“The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association is extremely pleased that Courts could have come on board, with the fourth annual tournament. They’ve been with us during the Friday night fights and the first of this tournament in 2016 and stuck with us since then. So, we want to say heartfelt thanks to

Courts’ Odetta Aaron hands over the sponsorship cheque to GABA President Steve Ninvalle

Courts; we do hope that they would continue to be with us,” he expressed.

On the other hand, Courts Brand Manager Odetta Aaron noted that the company has recognised that there were not many corporate entities which support the discipline of boxing and as such, Courts has made it its duty to fill the void.

“Boxing is one of the sports that we find in Guyana; that is not covered by a lot of companies and that is one of the reasons why we support boxing. We are happy to always partner with the GABA and this partnership will be continuing in the future,” she said.

Given that the Tournament approaches, Ninvalle went on to share a progress report on the 22 Guyanese boxers who are currently encamped. The up and

coming pugilists are currently under the stewardship of experienced campaigners Clive Atwell, Seibert Blake, and Lennox Daniels.

“We are going through encampment and at the end of the encampment we will be selecting that team. As it is right now, we have over 22 boxers being encamped. It was a weekly encampment, but as of the 22nd of August the encampment will be continuous,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle disclosed that an invitation has recently been extended to Brazil, while Venezuela and Puerto Rico are yet to confirm.

He went on to share that female fights on the cards are a must.

“There will always be female involvement in all international tournaments held by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association,” Ninvalle stated.

guyanatimesgy.com

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RHTY&SC’s Patron Fund assists 22 additional cricket clubs with balls

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he remarkable success story of Berbice cricket continues even during the rainy season as the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, continues to assist the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) to fulfil its mandate.

The Club via its 2019 Patron Fund distributed 22 boxes of cricket balls to 22 cricket clubs. The donation brought the number of clubs receiving balls to 50, out of the 90 based in Berbice.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated that on his election as President of the BCB, he promised to assist all clubs in Berbice to fulfil their mandates. In 2018, over $1 million worth of balls were distributed to the clubs in a joint project spearheaded by the hard-working Foster and former BCB President Anil Beharry. Sixteen box-

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es of balls were handed to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) for distribution to clubs in that sub-association. Among the clubs that benefited were Yakusari, No 48 Challengers, No 69 Red Rose, No 70 MYO, Scottsburg United, Crabwood Creek Sports Club, Skeldon Titans and No 59 Youth Cricket Club.

Additionally, six clubs in the Lower Corentyne area would also benefit including Chesney, Whim, Courtland, No 1 Road, Kilcoy and Nigg Intruders. Foster, who spearheads the RHTY&SC and BCB marketing drive, stated that the remaining 40 clubs would collect balls by the end of September 2019. Further, clubs in Berbice are also benefiting from donations of water pitchers, stumps, school bags, educational materials, trophies, medals, bicycles, cricket gear for youth cricketers, and rain coats among

other items. Foster urged the clubs to take proper care of the items and to cherish the outstanding work of his administration.

Foster also fulfilled his commitment to the Whim National Cricket Club by handing over three trophies for an upcoming cricket tournament at the Whim Cricket Ground. The four-team tournament would be organised by the BCB as part of an effort to promote cricket in the Village. The trophies were donated by Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall under the RHTYSC, MS Patron’s Fund. Foster also handed over a box of balls to the Whim Club for the Winner of the Tournament.

The RHTY&SC expressed gratitude to Christopher Jones of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of the Presidency and Sunich for making the donations possible.

RHTY&SC Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall hands over boxes of balls to UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade

GFF releases draft of Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy

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21

GFF President Wayne Forde

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has joined a long list of organisations to draft a Prevention of Sexual

Harassment Policy, in hopes of weeding out and thwarting such distasteful incidents from occurring.

As such, the GFF is inviting all stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy developed for the institution, which has been drafted by a consultant and, once finalised and approved, will become part of the Standard Operating Procedures of the GFF. The draft policy seeks to ensure a “harassment-free environment where all persons involved in football are treated with respect and dignity and all ath-

Everest Masters begin new season against West Dem Mavericks

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he prolonged MayJune rainy season seems to be behind us which means that the new cricket season in Georgetown will soon bowl off.

The Everest Cricket Club (ECC) arguably have the best draining outfield in the city and are ready to host their first match of the second half of the year, with Everest Masters hosting West Demerara Mavericks on Emancipation Day (Thursday, August 1).

After mixed fortunes in the first half of the year, the hosts are prepared to begin the new season on a winning note with the inclusion of Guyana and West Indies cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is expected to shoulder the batting like he did for most of his career.

Everest Masters will also look to the likes of Azeemul Haniff, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Safraz Sheriffudeen, Hemraj Garbarran and Saheed Mohamed to support Chanderpaul for a good total against the Mavericks while Ucil Armstrong, Basil Persaud, Anwar Rahaman and Ronald Jaisingh are expected to hold their own with the ball.

Meanwhile, the visi-

tors will rely on their experienced Sham Persaud, Sudesh Persaud and Mark Gittens to get them over the line.

The 25-over-per-side match is slated to begin at 12:00h and will be played with the pink ball, with all players in full-coloured uniforms.

West Demerara Mavericks: Sham Persaud, Mark Gittens, Sudesh Persaud, Balram Aron, Prahalad Singh, Eon Williams, Ganesh Persaud, Deoram Persaud, Abid Haniff, Seenarine Mathura, Rajendra Tulsie, Richard Sookdeo, and Dereck Mangar.

Everest Masters: Rajesh Singh, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Saheed Mohamed, Hemraj Garbarran, Shiv Chanderpaul, Basil Persaud, Azeemul Hanif, Ronald Jaisingh, Imtiaz Sadik, Anwar Rahaman, Robin Bharat, Ucil Armstrong, Safraz Sheriffudeen, John Ramsingh, Satyendra Khemraj, Nadir Baksh and Ravi Narayan.

The winning trophy is sponsored by the Rockaway Group of Companies from Queens, New York, USA while Trophy Stall of Bourda Market has sponsored the Man-of-the-Match trophy.

letes, coaches and officials can contribute and participate fully”.

GFF President Wayne Forde noted that accountability was key and so was the public’s participation in this activity: “The GFF firmly believes that fans, civic society, corporate Guyana and the general public are important stakeholders. It is, therefore, necessary to give them an opportunity to contribute to the crafting of a policy that sets out to protect, educate, and hold accountable members of the fraternity.”

The draft policy can be found on the GFF’s website https://www.gffonline. com/gffssexual-harassment-policy_draft/, and submissions should be sent to gff@networksgy.com or 17 Dadanawa Street, Section K, Campbellville labelled “Feedback: Draft Sexual Harassment

Policy.” The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 17, 2019.

The GFF’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy comes on the heels of the dismissal of former Head of Referees, Stanley Lancaster and suspension of Referee Assessor Roy McArthur over sexual harassment allegations in January of this year.

The allegations by female referees were brought to the GFF’s attention in early 2018, and a Board of Inquiry (BoI) was set up in March 2018 to probe the allegations. At the head of the BoI was Dr Karen Pilgrim, and it included Dr Melissa Ifill, Karen Joseph, Karen De Souza, and Joy Nichola MarcusReid.

Following the completion of this process, the Board presented its findings to the GFF Executive Committee with a final re-

port on November 19, 2018.

As protocol would have it, the report was then reviewed by the Executive Committee at their next meeting on December 1, after which sanctions were to be made.

The accused men were made aware of their fate on January 7 of this year at a press briefing where the GFF President stood firmly against sexual harassment.

“Let me be very clear to our entire fraternity: sexual harassment, abuse, inappropriate behaviour and discrimination of any kind have no place in football whatsoever. While football cannot fix society’s problems, under my leadership, the GFF will do everything it can to improve the football environment and protect the integrity of the women and girls in the sport,” Forde had stated.

22 BCB presents Singh brothers with its highest award wednESday, JUly 31, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

“P

residency over the last 18 months has been very successful due to the outstanding support I have received from both of you.

There is no doubt whatsoever that you are both role models to your fellow Berbicians and have played major roles in changing the lives of others. We at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are very grateful for your cooperation as we strive to make sure that every youth fulfils his/her full potential on the cricket field.”

Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he gave the feature address at a Special Award/Dinner Ceremony at the St Francis Community Developers Centre to honour overseas-based Guyanese Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh and Dr Puran Singh.

The BCB presented its highest award “The Rohan Kanhai/Basil Butcher Tribute to Heroes Award” to both doctors. Dr Tulsi

BCB Vice President Albert Smith presents award to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh

Dyal Singh, who is based in Texas, USA, for 2019 has already donated close to $2 million of his own funds to the BCB. Last year, he contributed over $1 million to host a countywide coaching programme and a cricket academy for 70 young cricketers.

Singh, in supporting the pro-active Cricket Board to continue the countywide coaching programme this year, hosted a oneweek cricket academy and assisted clubs with water

pitchers. Close to 80 water pitchers were distributed to clubs in the Ancient County under the BCB Outreach Programme. A very proud BCB President stated that the BCB was unmatched in terms of the work it did on and off the cricket field. Foster told Dr Singh that his support has enabled the Board to identify players like Isiah Thorne, Rampersaud Ramnauth and Jonathan Rampersaud among others.

They were all involved

in the coaching programme last year under a panel of coaches headed by Level Three Coach Winston Smith. Dr Puran Singh, the younger brother of Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, came on board this year with the Cricket Board with a $300,000 sponsorship of the National Players Financial Stipend Scheme. Under this historic programme, the BCB provides $10,000 for Berbice player selected to represent Guyana at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 Male, Under-19 Female and Senior Female levels.

Since 2018, the BCB has disbursed more than $600,000 under the scheme.

Among the players benefiting this year were Zeymul Ramsammy, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Matthew Pottaya, Isiah Thorne, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Kevlon Anderson, Garfield

Benjamin, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, and Shabika Gajnabi. The BCB, Foster stated, is investing heavily in its players with the main objective of making sure that the rich traditions of Berbice cricket can continue in the future.

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, in accepting the BCB’s highest award, stated that he was humbled to be recognised by the Cricket Board. He recalled that he was very supportive of the Leslie Amsterdam-led BCB in the 1990s and after his death, he lost contact with the Board. In 2018, he returned to sponsoring Berbice cricket after the election of Hilbert Foster as President.

Singh stated that he was very impressed with the work of the current executives and its financial accountability.

He reported that he reg-

ularly received newspaper clippings, reports and photos from the BCB. Dr Puran Singh hailed the work of the BCB and expressed delight at being honoured. He also announced the renewal of his sponsorship for 2020. The two medical doctors each also received certificates of appreciation and a special gift from the BCB. The RHTY&SC also presented its highest award “The Dolphin Award of Excellence” to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh. Foster, who is the Club Secretary/CEO, stated that the Dolphin Award was the highest of the Club’s 12 awards and is specially reserved for 60 outstanding Guyanese and 10 non-Guyanese. Dr Singh is the 51st Guyanese to receive the prestigious award for being a friend of the Club and a positive role model to youths.

Ramsammy re-elected as President of Whim National CC ― new executives sworn in arran Ramsammy

K

was easily re-elected as President of the Whim National Cricket Club when the members of the organisation held their elections in the upper flat of their pavilion on Sunday last. Ramsammy obtained 70% of the votes casted to defeat Peppy Charran.

Charran was elected as the lone Vice President and would assist Ramsammy to administer the affairs of the Club for the next two years.

In the elections conducted

by Assistant Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Ameer Rahaman and witnesses by a representation of the Whim Hindu Mandir, several other executives were elected.

Tony Dookraj would serve as Secretary, Tameshwar Harrinarine as Treasurer while Deven Venkiah as the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

The Committee Members elected were Dennis Sookshine, Kundal Deonarine and Ravi Lawrence.

Newly re-elected President Karran

Executives of the Whim National Cricket Club pose after their election. President Karran Ramsammy (R) and his deputy Peppy Charran are seated in front

Ramsammy stated that he was prepared to lead by example to make Whim one of the best Cricket Clubs in Berbice.

He unveiled several programmes that he has in

mind, including attracting new membership, repairs to the Club’s pavilion, a massive fundraising drive and the opening of a Bank Account for the Club.

Ramsammy hailed the

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Pan American Games 2019…

Ninvalle proud of Allicock’s performance despite loss

Keevin Allicock (Red) lands a punch on his opponent during his Pan American Games bout.

D

espite missing a Pan American Games 2019 medal by just a few points, the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) President Steve Ninvalle is proud of the stellar performance by Guyanese Boxer Keevin Allicock in Lima,

Peru on Monday evening.

It was the Bantamweight quarterfinal bout at the 2019 Pan American Games and a confident Keevin Allicock brought all he had to the table but could not walk away with a reward for his stellar performance.

Allicock, one of Guyana’s best chances at copping a Pan Am medal this year, was pitted against Uruguay’s Lucas Fernandes and lost the bout 2-3. Allicock was given the nod by two of the judges (29-28 and 30- 27) but the others scored in

his opponents favor, causing the Guyanese to miss out on the bronze medal.

In spite of this, President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Steve Ninvalle expressed pride in Allicock’s showing at the 2019 games and disclosed that if it were up to him, the Guyanese pugilist would have graced the podium.

“There’s a very slim line between winning and losing and most of the times we’ll find that the judges are the ones who determine that border. If you’d ask me, I’m not a judge, I’m not a referee but from a layman point of view, I believe that Keevin did everything in order to secure that medal,” Ninvalle stated.

He went on to share that while missing out

on the medal was disappointing, the Association is pleased with the boxer’s improvements.

“We are disappointed with him not winning but we’re not disappointed with the effort he actually showed. I think Keevin has improved leaps and bounds and as I said before, this is the best preparation that he’s had for any tournament. He’s only 20 years old, he can only get better.”

Looking to the future, Ninvalle revealed that the next major tournament the amateur boxers will be looking at is the Olympic Qualifier, and Allicock will be joined by a small group of Guyanese pugilists who have intentions of competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Furthermore, he also expressed gratitude to the

GABA President Steve Ninvalle

GOA for their support.

“We must say thank you to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), they came on board without us asking and supported him going to Cuba. We have the Olympic Qualifiers coming up and we expect that Keevin and at least four of our other elite boxers should have time overseas training for that,” Ninvalle said. (Jemima Holmes)

49 students successful at Guyana Karate Family grading examinations T

he Guyana Karate Family (GKF) held its first ever karate grading examinations at its School of the Nations dojo on July 28, 2019. Head of the International Karate Daigatsu (IKD) Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th Dan, assisted by Master Jeffrey Wong of the Guyana Karate College and Sensei Lawrence Lowe of the GKF conducted the grading of 49 karate students. Some of the GKF’s first 1st dan or black belt students Abhigyan Chatterdeo, Anya Insanally and Lateef Moffat, were also on hand to assist during the grading exercise. The audience, packed with parents and other well-wishers, saw very good performances by a number of students. Two students, Farhan Jahan and

Nick Sookdeo, achieved the rank of shodan or black belt.

The following students also obtained promotions: Murduoq Boyce, Jazara Hewitt, Chad Michael Lall and Cyrus Alex Ramsaran to 1KYU; Amar A. Jairam, Jeremiah William, Zion Rambarran, Jaiya Harricharan, Kadre Henry, Anaaya Jaian and Shiquana Corlette to 2KYU; Godfrey Gibson, Amaya Jairam, A’Oife Baird and Sven Douglas to 4 KYU; Kylan Mullis, Johnathon Ramdass, Taylor Hargobin, Tyler Hargobin, Liam Van Sluytman, and Nicolas A Mendes Silva to 6 KYU; and Sariah Henry, Liam DeSilva, Kevan Drubahadur, Dominic Loaknauth, Abdul Hopkinson, Malachi

Sumner, Kiran Drubahadur and Julian Mohabir to 7KYU. Other outstanding performances were: 4KYU to 2KYU: James Griffith and Alex Peniston 5KYU to 3KYU: Amit Prasad 7KYU to 5KYU: Adriano Beckles, Blake Hack and Daniel Prince 8KYU to 6KYU: Nicolas A Mendes Silva; Justino De Cunha, Steven Neblett and Alex Johnson 10KYU to 7KYU: Haashim Harding and Tyler Samuels 10KYU to 8KYU: Lotti Mullis, Parmanand Sukhdeo, Clint Phillip, Emma Zahra Allicock, Herman Lepps, Shayne Nokta and Haaziq A. A. Harding

Ramsammy re-elected as... efforts of BCB President Hilbert Foster in resolving several issues affecting the Club and for restoring unity among members.

The Whim President also announced that the BCB President had fulfilled all of his commitment to the Club. Foster, the BCB and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS has assisted the Whim National CC with cricket balls, scorebook, trophies for a cricket tournament, a five-gallon water pitcher, school bags with educational materials while two Whim youth cricketers received a bicycle and pair of batting gloves respectively.

President Ramsammy described Foster as a man of his word as all of his commitments were fulfilled within days and he praised the BCB President for his concern towards the development of youths across Berbice. Foster in remarks after the Returning Officer announced the official results, hailed the discipline and calm atmosphere the election was conducted in. He congratulated Ramsammy and his team on their election and committed himself to work along with them in every possible way.

He stated that he would be available at any time to meet with the Clubs to resolve problems, to provide

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assistance and to offer advice. Foster promised a financial contribution from the RHTY&SC, to kick start the Club’s fundraising drive. The RHTYSC would also assist the Club with trophies to host its first ever Award Ceremony on August 24, 2019. The BCB would also provide coaches to the Whim National CC for several training sessions.

Foster spoke at length on the importance of Club unity, discipline and the need for hard work to achieve success on the cricket field. The newly elected Executives would meet shortly to plan the Club’s Agenda for the rest of the year

The successful participants who engaged in the Grading Examinations take a photo op with their Sensei

wedneSday, JUly 31, 2019

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

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49 students successful at Guyana Karate Family grading examinations Page 23

BCB presents Singh brothers with its highest award

Pan American Games 2019…

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