Guyana Times Daily September 14 2017

El Dorado Offshore pooling skills for oil industry

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

Issue No. 3332

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Jagdeo demands Govt comes clean on proposed Demerara bridge

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Border issue with Venezuela

President to meet with UN Secretary P11 General

Page 3

...says ‘no coincidence’ coalition financier Stanley Ming stands to reap millions Allegedly using ‘front companies’

Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

Thousands of Guyanese may be forced to return home Page 13

Minister’s relatives, friends now applying for oil licences ...Opposition P9 Leader calls for exploration blocs to be auctioned instead

West Berbice P9 farmer’s house goes up in flames

– arson suspected Thousands of Guyanese nationals living in some Caribbean islands that have been hit by Hurricane Irma may be forced to return home. It has been reported that a senior British Virgin Islands Government official has been encouraging non-nationals, including Guyanese, to leave the British Overseas Territory (Reuben Stoby photo)

In Berbice

AFC executives fight over contracts President’s “Tear Drop” press officer charged for embroiled in racial slur robbery Page 2

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controversy

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– granted $75,000 bail

De Abreu charged for wounding P8 popular T&T soca artiste “Benjai”

2 news

thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

AFC executives hauled before Berbice Magistrate

New Spanish Ambassador to Guyana accredited

– after fighting over questionable contracts

By Andrew Carmichael

T

wo officials from the Alliance For Change (AFC), who were arrested on Monday, were on Wednesday hauled before Magistrate Alex Moore in New Amsterdam after a fight between the two erupted at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) compound in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The fight was allegedly over contracts for school repairs.

AFC Regional Vice Chairman Michell McBean, 60, of Liverpool Village, Corentyne, was charged with unlawfully assaulting Joseph Baichu, 52, of Number 45 Village, Corentyne on Monday last in the vicinity of Republic Road, New Amsterdam.

AFC Regional Vice Chairman Michell McBean

Magistrate Moore also read a counter charge to Baichu stating that on the same date, time and place, he also unlawfully assaulted McBean.

AFC Secretary Joseph Baichu

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges and told the court that they were friends and did not wish to give evidence against each other.

McBean said he want-

ed the friendship to continue, but Baichu said he no longer wanted to be friends with McBean.

Since they had both told the court that they did not wish to give evidence, the Magistrate dismissed the matter.

Baichu is the Secretary of the AFC and also an executive member of the party.

Both McBean and Baichu had been candidates on the APNU/AFC coalition election list. They are now both contractors executing work for the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Administration.

Reports indicate that Baichu was awarded three contracts to repair schools in Region Six, but he was not capable of fully executing these regional contracts so he sub-contracted the work.

The contract for repair work on the Number 59 Nursery School he reportedly sub-contracted to another contractor; while the contract to repair the Mibicuri Primary School and a similar contract to repair the Winifred Gaskin Secondary School Baichu allegedly sub-contracted to McBean.

The Mibicuri Primary School contract is worth $1,142,999 and the Winifred Gaskin Secondary School contract is worth $1,707,339.

The work has been completed and the cheques were handed over on Monday to Baichu. When payment was made, McBean was at the RDC for his cut.

Investigators were told that Baichu refused to go to the bank, resulting in an argument and subsequently a scuffle in the presence of many RDC workers. The matter was reported to the Police and they were both arrested.

Meanwhile, works committee members have raised concerns over the quality of work being carried out by some regional contractors.

Ambassador Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez presenting his Letter of Credence to President David Granger in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General Audrey Waddell

G

uyana looks forward to deepening its relations with the Kingdom of Spain in the areas of investment, trade and tourism, President David Granger said on Wednesday.

He said, too, that the recent conclusion of the Agreement for the Reciprocal Elimination of Visas for Holders of Diplomatic Passports between the two countries is a demonstration of a strong commitment to improving bilateral relations. The President made these remarks when he received the Letter of Credence from Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez, accrediting him the new non-resident Ambassador of Spain to Guyana.

Speaking of bilateral cooperation, the Head of State pointed out that “Guyana’s petroleum industry has already attracted Spain’s investment. We anticipate increased involvement of Spanish companies in the oil and gas sector of our economy.”

In terms of environmental protection, the President informed the Ambassador that Guyana was moving towards establishing a ‘green state’ in which more focus would be placed on biodiversity preservation, provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services, promotion of renewable energy generation and adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. In this regard, he noted that, “Guyana is deeply im-

pressed and is intensely interested in Spain’s success at increasing energy generation from sustainable sources and looks forward to enhanced country-to-country cooperation in this area.”

Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by Ambassador Sanchez, who said that his accreditation was not merely a formality that was dictated by tradition but rather, a renewal of the will and determination of the two countries to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation.

“Cooperation between our two countries can help forge global solutions to global challenges…Spain has been focused traditionally on the Spanishspeaking Caribbean; however, we have come to realise that there is much that Spain and Guyana can do together. Not only is Guyana a promising country for trade and investment opportunities, it also possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is also very active in the context of Caricom,” he said.

Guyana and Spain established diplomatic relations on October 12, 1979. The relationship is founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law, and the maintenance of international peace and security.

news

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thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 14 – 12:00h-13:30h and Friday, September 15 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 14 – 11:15h-12:45h and Friday, September 15 – 12:45h-14:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies with light rain showers can be expected throughout the morning, with light cloudy skies with sunny intervals can be expected in the afternoon.

Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 11:07h and 23:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.27 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:27h and 17:02h reaching minimum height of 0.88 metre and 1.06 metre respectively.

Jagdeo demands Govt comes clean on proposed Demerara bridge ...says ‘no coincidence’ coalition financier Stanley Ming stands to reap millions

By Gary Eleazar

F

ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo is calling on Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, and the Government at large, to come clean with the Guyanese populace on its bid to bridge the Demerara River, including the financial structure, level of subsidies, toll increases and likely sovereign debt to be guaranteed.

The former President now Opposition Leader made the demands during a press engagement with members of the local media corps at his Church Street office on Wednesday and further suggested that based on what little information was available, the project already reeked of corruption.

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Jagdeo was adamant it was no coincidence that a senior member of the Reform component of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and financier of the ruling coalition government, Stanley Ming, now stand to benefit from possibly hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Opposition Leader during his media engagement used the occasion to draw reference to a plan that had been devised by Ming in 2015, which had concluded that the best location for the new bridge was between Versailles and Houston.

Jagdeo surmised that Ming’s suggestion was made without the aid of a feasibility study and juxtaposed his then suggestion, with the recommendation in the feasibility study which ‘miraculously’ chose that location as the best option for the bridge. This despite the conclusion of any environmental and other social impact studies being conducted on the identified alternative locations.

According to the former President, Ming now stands to benefit from huge sums of money, since the land at the Versailles end of the proposed bridge belongs to him and Government will have to pay him to acquire the land.

The former President suggested that based on the recommendations of the project consultant, Lievense CSO – a Dutch consulting and engineering firm in the area of city and environment and water and infrastructure – the project will, in fact, be the costliest public infrastructure project.

According to Jagdeo, based on the recommendations of the consultant in addition to the monies that will be required to construct the ‘approach roads network’ and acquire the private property, including those belonging to Ming, coupled with the actual construction of the new bridge, the cost could be as high as US$200 million.

He noted that this would

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

see the construction of the new bridge being even more expensive than the construction of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, completed at a cost of some US$130 million and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at US$150 million.

Secretive

In his critique of the current approach being pursued

by Government in order to construct the bridge, Jagdeo pointed to the shady nature of the ongoing entreats to solicit contractors.

He reminded that Patterson in August had publicly criticised the past Administration for its resort to confidentially clauses – a practice Patterson said the coalition Government would move away from.

Jagdeo subsequently drew reference to the secretive nature of the process now being employed by the Administration, as evidenced in its invitation for contractors to be prequalified and the demands being made for parties to sign

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

non-disclosure agreements.

The former President said notwithstanding the public pronouncements and criticisms of the construction of the Berbice River Bridge and the nature of the concessions

Financier of the ruling coalition government Stanley Ming

offered, a plethora of documentation, including the Information Memorandum, for that project was made publicly available. turn to page 11

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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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Literacy in a digital world E

ven as we bemoan our children’s abysmal performance in English Language at the primary and secondary levels as evidenced by the NGSA and CSEC results, the theme for this year’s International Literacy Day (ILD), which was commemorated last Friday – “Literacy in a digital world” should be a wake-up call.

ILD was launched in November 1965, just as we were about to be granted independence, along with so many other colonies. Repressed in some instances for centuries in terms of even basic education, many of these societies, including ours, had severe challenges in literacy, measured simply as the ability to read at a level to be functionally literate.

As the theme for ILD reminds us, while we have been more or less marking time achieving literacy by those old standards that were established for the industrial age launched in the eighteenth century, the very meaning and demands of what constitutes “literacy” in this “Digital Age”, which was born in the last half a century has fundamentally changed. The UNESCO information brochure on ILD succinctly describes the latter: “Digital technologies, including the Internet, mobile phones, and all the other tools to manage information digitally, are fundamentally changing the way people live and work, learn and socialise. This transformation is taking place at record speed with the rapid advancement and expansion of technologies. For instance, mobile subscriptions, which had been a few tens of thousands in 1980, were about seven billion in 2015.” The features of Apple’s latest I-Phone X which was released two days ago, is a stark reminder of this brave new world. It not only enhances video, graphics and text production and transmission but seamlessly integrates its operations with the I-Watch remotely so that a person can always be connected to the rest of the world even without their phone. Our policymakers in the education sector must realise that when it comes to using the tools of the Digital Age, our children are like the children of immigrants in a new land – they will be the first to understand the new technology while their parents are still stuck looking backwards.

What this means, however, is there is an opportunity right now to leapfrog our educational backwardness and jump right into the Digital Age. What are these? According to the Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills Consortium (2014), success in the 21st century requires mastery of the following critical skills: “information literacy, creativity and innovation, collaboration, problem solving, communication, and responsible citizenship.” To expand briefly, to be “functionally literate” in the new dispensation, there is the need for students to be au fait with several “literacies”: scientific, economic, and technological; visual and information; multicultural and global awareness. Since we are now dealing potentially with the entire world, there will be the need to improve the effectiveness of our communication skills. This becomes even more vital because of the need to be able to work in teams where the members are spread in different parts of the globe. Collaboration and interpersonal skills have to be sharpened in this new interactive environment. One of the more pressing needs for change in our pedagogy in Guyana will be the need to move away from the rote learning which is unfortunately being emphasised by this Government in a naïve thrust to demonstrate that it is making gains in delivering the outdated curriculum. What is needed in this Digital Age is more inventive thinking outside the box that can lead to designing apps that, like Facebook, can change the world without any huge amount of capital. But to do that, students will have to become more adaptable and learn to manage complexity while on their own. This can only come when teachers encourage curiosity, creativity and risk taking – all features that are beaten out of our students. They are already in a different zone – the Digital Age – that their teachers still have not even glimpsed.

Capturing this photo of a whale breaching off the coast of Alaska is a special memory for Your Shot photographer Eric Esterle, who was sitting in a kayak at the time. “Surrounded by silence, I could hear the whale calls above the surface,” he remembers. “I am privileged and thankful” (Photograph By Eric Esterle, National Geographic Your Shot)

Is the promised ‘good life’ just a myth?

Dear Editor, The Guyanese economy has now lost its ability to grow at five per cent. How did this happen over the last 3½ years (2014-mid 2017)?

The last time Guyana grew above five per cent was in the year 2013 (5.2 per cent).

If we retrace our steps to the period 1991-2013 (starting with Hoyte’s time), we will see that during this period, Guyana experienced measurable progress in poverty reduction, strong job creation and real income growth for the average resident. But all of this changed in 2014 under Ramotar and has gotten worst since the arrival of Granger. Is this five per cent growth irretrievably lost?

Does this mean that the ‘good life’ is a myth once Granger is in power?

Between 1991 and 2013, Gross Domestic Product per capita expanded 10 times over. Let me be absolutely clear about what I am saying here. The wealth of the average Guyanese resident ex-

panded 10 times in size over those 22 years. The facts are there to prove that every President from Hoyte to Jagdeo did a phenomenal job at expanding the economy.

Ramotar, fortunately, benefited from the Jagdeo steam but that was a strategy and by 2014, it had evaporated.

In my books, it all comes down to leadership. In the hallowed halls of the Office of the President, more people are concluding that Ramotar and Granger are the Mutt and Jeff in the annals of Guyana’s presidential history because they collective did so little to advance Guyana economically.

But to expose where Granger is taking the nation, the International Monetary Fund in its latest staff paper projected that the growth forecast for the period 2017 to 2019 will be a measly average of 3.5 per cent. We can safely say that the Guyanese economy ran into its reserve tank under Ramotar, but today under Granger all the gas has

evaporated.

I spoke to a Guyaneseborn Floridian economist who told me that in conversations he had with Candidate Granger before May 2015, he found him to be very financially dull.

Well, I do not have to talk to Granger to find that out, one just has to look at the performance of the real sectors under his leadership and the economy in general, and you can quickly conclude that as the Head of State, he is critically clueless on his responsibilities to the people.

While the Granger apologists like to claim that they are bringing an end to the drug economy, the actual facts proved that since he came to power, labour-productivity growth has plummeted to its lowest point since the dark PNC days of 1983-1984 under Burnham.

But to add salt to the people's wounds, there are very little incentivisation measures being rolled out to feed the growth machine – the Private Sector.

If you want to drive new investments you have to do something about the corporation tax rates. If you want to drive labour productivity, you have to save jobs (not send home 10,000 sugar workers) and leave more money in the worker's pockets. If you want to motivate a nation, put them in their own homes. Irfaan Ali placed six times as much Guyanese from all races into their own homes compared to this Granger Administration.

Can we see why this five per cent has disappeared under Granger?

If we allow this Granger Team to destroy this natural five per cent growth rate, then a lot that we have enjoyed over those 22 years in this ‘Dear Land of Guyana’ will be destroyed. This current economic implosion happening in Guyana does not hold any prisoners – all will be consumed, even if you have a PNC card.

Regards, Sase Singh

The parking meter debacle

Dear Editor, As a motorist in Georgetown, I have been following the parking meter debacle in Georgetown from its very inception with considerable concern and interest.

The most recent episode of this sordid spectacle however did bring to the fore a very salient point, through a concern expressed by one of the Councillors who was recycled from the previous Council that lasted for an unbelievable 21 years.

And that very important point is that all through this wretched parking meter debacle, the Town Clerk keeps talking about the initiative having the fiat of

the previous Council which was under the stewardship of the then Mayorship of Hamilton Green, but to date, he has not produced any evidence, documented or other that such approval was obtained.

If such an approval was not obtained then this parking meter initiative was dead on arrival, as the Town Clerk has not the authority, to commit the Council nor to enter into any contractual agreement on behalf of the city for any arrangement that will cost the City Council and or the Citizens of Georgetown any amount that exceeds GY$250,000.

Additionally, the Review

Committee seemed to fail to recognise the fact that if indeed, any such arrangement was approved by the last Council, AND WE THINK NOT, then it had to be implemented during the life of the last Council, just as what obtains with Parliament.

It would have been highly improper for the Town Clerk to try to implement a project that was approved by the previous Council, during the life of the new Council, without bring it back for approval by the new Council. This is of course on the assumption that it was approved by the last Council.

In the interest of exactitude, detail and fiscal rectitude, I call on all City Councillors representing Georgetown, all members of the media, the members of the Movement Against Parking Meters, the attorneys that are looking into the matter and all concerned Guyanese to demand to be shown the signed and approved minutes of the meeting of the Council that the Town Clerk claims to have approved the arrangement with Smart City Solutions, before there is any further movement on this project.

Sincerely, Sean Moniz

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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

Guyanese in a hurricane We at TCV walk our talk in St Martin

Dear Editor, Tens of thousands of Guyanese – in Florida and the Caribbean – have been affected by Hurricane Irma and just prior to that, Hurricane Harvey – in Texas and Louisiana – were left without power, stranded where they are, properties destroyed, etc. Two Guyanese lost their lives in separate hurricanes or storm-like conditions in Florida over a decade ago.

Being in a hurricane is very frightening and dangerous because of the death and destruction it can cause.

You feel miserable in a hurricane. You want to leave but are trapped, for there is no way out.

Just a few years ago, I was caught in a hurricane in St Martin where I went to do an ethnographic survey on Guyanese and other Anglophone Caribbean nationals residing on the island. I visited St Martin over a dozen times for vacation and as part of my electoral studies and compilation of ethnographic work on Guyanese and the Indian Diaspora – over a thousand Indian nationals are settled there and have their own temple and centres.

St Martin has over five thousand Guyanese (some say a lot more than that) working in the hotel and construction industries.

Some also work in the education sector and as accountants, engineers, nurses, etc.

Some also have their own small businesses. One can get traditional Guyanese food (curry dishes, roti, phulourie, etc) on the island and some guys do play cricket on weekends when off from work.

One can meet Guyanese at some bars or clubs or low cost restaurants where they regularly hang out. Overall, Guyanese have made great strides financially living a relatively high standard of living in St Martin although some occasionally got themselves in trouble with the law.

To get to Anguilla, one goes to St Martin (the French side) where one

takes a boat to the smaller island; several Guyanese also work there.

Although it was in early September, in the active hurricane season, a hurricane was not predicted for St Martin. Only a storm was brewing in the waters off the Leewards and largely expected to skip St Martin.

But the path of the hurricane suddenly changed and headed straight for the island. The hurricane besieged the island and made escape impossible. I tried to get out of the island before the hurricane made landfall, but flights were full and the afternoon before the hurricane (which landed in the night), all flights in and out were cancelled. So I was stuck. I lost days of teaching in New York but school administration accepted hurricane as an excuse.

As it would turn out, when the hurricane struck, most of the Dutch side – Sint Maarten, where I was holed up in a resort – was devastated and sparing most of the French side. I am now told that most of the French side has been devastated by Irma although looking at pictures it seems the entire island has been flattened.

In St Martin, there are reports of looting and widespread violence after Hurricane Irma visited.

People had to be evacuated – an American navy plane flew down and brought out some Americans. Criminals were on a rampage with machetes seeking to rob tourists. The French and Dutch sent in soldiers to restore order. I experienced none of the kind of criminal activities that now befall St Martin and some of the islands.

During the hurricane I experienced, the island reported only one death, but there were major damages to buildings and infrastructure. Some 10 deaths have been reported in St Martin after Irma. One could not sleep during the hurricane I experienced. There was so much anxiety. When the hurricane came ashore, there was fear.

There was pounding torrential rain. The wind was howling. Trees were swaying. The building was shaking. Windows and doors were banging. One can hear the sounds of flying debris hitting against buildings or being tossed around on the road. One was fearful to look out in case the window gets blown off. Guests were told to stay far from glass windows and to pull the curtain to block off glass windows. I wanted the storm to quickly make its exit.

Venturing out after the hurricane, there was a lot of flooding but water receded quickly when the rain stopped mid-afternoon.

Windows of buildings were blown off; some roofs peeled off. Streets littered with debris and downed coconut and other trees. Many buildings were without electricity or water.

The swimming pool was filled with sea water and sand caused by the flooding. Some boats were tossed upside down. Many roads were impassable. The resort where I was did not have much food. The resort got a back-up generator and so power was available. It was a very busy area right next to airport with a lot of eating places but most were damaged.

I ate next door at another hotel that provided three meals daily to its guests.

Several Guyanese worked there and were very helpful. The biggest challenge was the lack of communication with the outside world – no telephone or Internet service.

Fortunately, flights resumed a day later and I was able to get on a flight to JFK and back to work. St Martin was back to normalcy within a week.

After Irma, it will take months to rebuild St Martin and the other islands such as Anguilla and the BVI, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and Barbuda. We should help in whatever way we can.

Dear Editor, If one is to read the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) 2015 manifesto and the Cummingsburg Accord, one would find that it sets out as one of the rules of engagement within the coalition, six principles. Number six on that list was: “Zero tolerance for corruption and the promotion of transparency, financial probity and accountability at all levels of Government”.

But this People’s National Congress-led regime’s performance around good governance, transparency and accountability has been nothing about the promotion of

transparency, financial probity and accountability – especially within the Cabinet room and the Ministry of the Presidency. At the last election, the Guyanese people provided power to David Granger since it was felt, then, that he would have brought a better work ethic to the Cabinet room than Donald Ramotar.

Unfortunately, Granger has been found very wanting on this front and cannot be classified as someone who is committed to the promotion of transparency, financial probity and accountability.

Actually, the evidence clearly illustrates he appears more committed to vague and

opaque financial transactions using constantly these non-disclosure agreements on all deals made in the name of the people of Guyana. We believed then in the principle of freedom of contract, but within an environment of transparency and fair dealing; not what this Granger regime is doing.

This regime now has a history of public dishonesty and deceit starting with the 50 per cent for the Ministers to the D’Urban Park Project and, of late, how they again use the Treasury on the Medical Plan for Ministers using taxpayers’ money.

But these infantile excuses that the petroleum contract cannot be disclosed because of

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) notes Annie Balliram’s missive in the local print media in response to our corrections to inaccuracies and oversights in her original letter on suicide in Guyana. TCV has no interest in any ongoing debate with Balliram and certainly has no intention of nitpicking, engaging is semantics or arguing in abstraction while the suicide contagion stalks our nation. For us, time, effort and resources are best deployed in doing what is of paramount importance, saving lives and empowering people.

Suffice to say The Caribbean Voice has total confidence in our 70 plus volunteers and support specialists, with a range of skills and expertise, including psychologists, clinical counsellors, researchers, pollsters, sociologists, mental health professionals, medical personnel and social and community activists. Furthermore, our suicide prevention activism is grounded on numerous research and studies as well as anecdotal and empirical evidence on suicide in Guyana, all of which are in sync with respect to all the significant indicators.

And the results of our three years plus of activism have affirmed the prevailing literature, including that emanating from international institutions such as the World Health Organisation and the Pan American Health Organisation.

So while we look forward to the global impact of Balliram’s revolutionary ‘model’, we will continue to educate, enlighten, advocate, lobby, train, counsel, network, engage in outreaches, foster collaboration while debunking myths and misinformation, providing coping skills, developing self-esteem, arming Guyanese with the wherewithal to identify warning signs and take action proactively, ensuring that all who so need have access to counselling and gradually driving back the scourge of suicide.

In fact, over the past three years, The Caribbean Voice has invested about five and a half million dollars in suicide prevention and anti-abuse in Guyana. We have

More non-disclosure clauses

Venezuela must not be accepted. Now we are reading about the bridge contract for the new Demerara River bridge being confined to a non-disclosure agreement. This is nothing but public corruption and malarkey from this APNU/AFC regime.

It is clear that these people have an agenda and it has nothing to do with the development of Guyana, but more to do with “the abuse of entrusted power for private gains”. I was quoting directly from the Transparency International's definition of corruption.

Sincerely, Ryan Basdeo

stretched every dollar to the maximum since we have no overhead whatsoever and our leadership fund, out of pocket, their costs associated with our work.

During this time we have engaged in over 300 successful counselling cases; held over 20 workshops that trained almost 2000 persons, including hundreds of students, and engaged in another 20 outreaches that networked with a few thousand persons. Also we held more than 50 meetings; attended over 25 different fora, widely disseminated information (articles, letters, interviews and posts) across numerous media platforms, traditional – in more than 50 media globally, including New York City's Daily News newspaper, the BBC, Vice News, ITV and Al Jazeera – and online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, Linkedin, Pintserest, Tumblr, and YouTube, reaching millions; engaged in lobbying for a range of measures with the suicide helpline coming into being; commissioned two surveys and held four press conferences.

We also held the first and only truly National Stakeholders’ Conference on Suicide and Related Issues that was attended by over 70 stakeholders.

Also, TCV partners in Voices Against Violence, which organises the annual AntiViolence Candlelight Vigil that, in two years, say 500 plus candle light vigils were held across Guyana. And we launched the annual El Dorado Awards, which has

so far honoured over 30 affirmation agents on the social landscape, with another 18 to be honoured this year. Our work has a national reach and we have established regional sub groups in six regions, with the remaining four to be set up next year.

In recognition of our work we were invited by the local UN representative to make a presentation at a special session of Guyana's Parliament.

Moreover, we are bolstered by the tremendous success thus far in reducing the suicide rate from 44.2 per 100,000 to 30.6 per 100,000 and by the increasing the numbers of Guyanese who reach out to TCV and other entities to seek counselling for self and others as the taboos relating to suicide and mental health succumb to the selfless work of increasing numbers of suicide prevention NGOs and activists.

We are also heartened by the increasing numbers of stakeholders – local government administrations, political parties, businesses, media, NGOs, FBOs, CBOs, special interests groups and even Government agencies – who put aside various divides to join hands on this journey.

Again we commend Balliram’s passionate rhetoric and invite her to transform that passion for the talk into a zeal for the walk because at the end of the day, it is the walk that really makes the critical difference.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

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Foundation I

S

ometimes it’s easy to notice when children seem to feel good about themselves — and when they don’t. We often describe this idea of feeling good about ourselves as “self-esteem.”

• • • • •

• • • • •

Children who have healthy self-esteem tend to:

feel valued and accepted feel confident that they can do what’s expected feel proud of a job well done think good things about themselves feel prepared for everyday challenges

self-esteem might feel unsure of themselves. If they think others won’t accept them, they may not participate as often. They may allow themselves to be treated poorly and have a hard time standing up for themselves.

Children who don’t expect to do well may avoid challenges, give up easily, or be unable to bounce back from mistakes.

Children with low self-esteem often:

feel self-critical and are hard on themselves feel insecure, or not as good as other children focus on the times they fail rather than the times they succeed lack confidence doubt their ability to do well at things

Why self-esteem matters

When children feel good about themselves, it sets them up for success — in everything from school to friendships. Positive feelings like self-acceptance or self-confidence help children try new challenges, cope with mistakes, and try again. Taking pride in their abilities and accomplishments helps children do their best.

By contrast, children with low

Having low self-esteem can block success. It can leave children distracted by the stress of how to deal with everyday challenges.

How self-esteem develops

Contrary to what some might think, self-esteem does not come telling children they’re wonderful, special, and great (even though they are!).

Giving every child a trophy doesn’t help children’ self-esteem. Indeed, it’s possible for children to feel good about themselves even when they fail.

When children compete – win or lose – they see that their own hard work and practice can make a difference. Earning a prize contributes to self-esteem only when a kid knows he or she earned it.

Self-esteem is the result of experiences that help a child feel capable, effective, and accepted.

When children learn to do things for themselves and feel proud of what they can do, they feel capable.

Children feel effective when they see that good things come from efforts like trying hard, getting close to a goal, or making progress. For example, children who take part in a service project feel good about themselves when they see how their actions matter.

When children feel accepted and understood by a parent or someone close, they are likely to accept themselves, too. Their good feelings about themselves multiply as parents praise good behaviors, help when needed, and give encouragement and support.

(Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

t takes confidence to be a child. Whether going to a new school or stepping up to bat for the first time, children face a lot of uncharted territory.

Naturally, parents want to instill a can-do attitude in their children so that they’ll bravely take on new challenges and, over time, believe in themselves. While each child is a little different, parents can follow some general guidelines to build children’ confidence.

Self-confidence rises out of a sense of competence. In other words, children develop confidence not because parents tell them they’re great, but because of their achievements, big and small. Sure, it’s good to hear encouraging words from mom and dad. But words of praise m e a n m o r e when t h e y refer to a child’s specific efforts or new abilities.

When children achieve something, whether it’s brushing their own teeth or riding a bike, they get a sense of themselves as able and capable, and tap into that high-octane fuel of confidence.

Building self-confidence can begin very early. When babies learn to turn the pages of a book or toddlers learn to walk, they are getting the idea “I can do it!”

With each new skill and milestone, children can develop increasing confidence.

Parents can help by giving children lots of opportunities to practice and master their skills, letting children make mistakes and being there to boost their spirits so they keep trying.

Respond with interest and excitement when children show off a new skill, and reward them with praise when they achieve a goal or make a good effort.

With plentiful opportunities, good instruction, and lots of patience from parents, children can master basic skills — like tying their shoes and making the bed. Then, when other important challenges present themselves, children can approach them knowing that they have already been successful in other areas.

Stay on the sidelines

Of course, supervision is important to ensure that children stay safe. But to help them really learn a new skill, it’s also important not to hover. Give children the opportunity to try

something new, make mistakes, and learn from them.

For instance, if your son wants to learn how to make a peanut butter sandwich, demonstrate, set up the ingredients, and let him give it a try.

Will he make a bit of a mess? Almost certainly. But don’t swoop in the second some jelly hits the countertop. In fact, avoid any criticism that could discourage him from trying again.

If you step in to finish the sandwich, your son will think, “Oh well, I guess I can’t make sandwiches.”

But if you have patience for the mess and the time it takes to learn, the payoff will be real.

Someday soon he’ll be able to say, “I’m hung r y f o r lunch, so I’m going to make my own sandwich.” You might even reply, “Great, can you make me one, too?”

What a clear sign of your faith in his abilities!

Offer encouragement and praise

Sometimes, children give up when frustrations arise. Help by encouraging persistence in the midst of setbacks. By trying again, children learn that obstacles can be overcome.

Once children reach a goal, you’ll want to praise not only the end result but also their willingness to stick with it. For instance, after your son has mastered making that peanut butter sandwich you might show your confidence by saying, “Next time, want to learn how to crack an egg?”

Sandwich-fixing and egg-cracking might not seem like huge achievements, but they’re important steps in the right direction — toward your child’s independence.

Throughout childhood, parents have chances to prepare children to take care of themselves. Sure, it’s great to feel needed, but as children steadily gain confidence and independence, their relationship with you can be even richer. You can be bonded, not just by dependence, but by love and shared pride in all they’ve achieved.

Eventually, your grownup children just might say thanks for how prepared they feel for the road ahead — a road they can take with confidence. (Kidshealth.org)

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thursDay, September 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ILO training workshop will put Guyana in “good standing” – Minister Scott

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here is a need for accuracy, honesty and integrity in the preparation and submission of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports”, Minister Keith Scott has said. The Minister within the Social Protection Ministry was addressing the opening of a three-day Caribbean workshop on Reporting of ILO Conventions and Recommendations, at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday.

The seminar will cover issues relating to report planning, report writing, reporting on Ratified Conventions, reporting on Un-Ratified Conventions and Recommendations.

The ILO report is intended to be a permanent record in the annals of an organisation, hence, Minister Scott insisted reports should not be submitted merely in fulfilment of some requests but, “should be submitted on the basis of sound, technical, verifiable data and information.”

He emphasised that, “History can be lost or distorted because of inaccurate reporting” and encouraged the labour officers attending the seminar to “pursue excellence as well as mastery in reporting” after completing their training.

The Minister addressed the necessity for reports to be submitted in order for the Administration and

Some of the labour officers attending the ILO Conventions workshop at Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday

the ILO to be advised on the progress made and to give “efficacy to the provisions” that will fashion the

country’s policies and legislations, within the area of labour-management relations. He acknowledged

that while Guyana is not as compliant as other regional nations, “steady progress is being made.”

At the beginning of 2017, the NORMLEX (Information System on International Labour Standards) database indicated that 28 reports were outstanding for Guyana. However, according to the Minister, last week 17 reports were dispatched which leaves 11 outstanding. Minister Scott advised that before the end of the seminar, further submissions will be made.

According to the Department of Public Information, the Minister opined that following the training of the labour officers, Guyana will be in a position to eliminate the deficit

Minister Keith Scott

by year-end and, once more be in “favourable standing.”

Guyana to get US$1.4M fireboat – massive vessel being constructed by UK firm

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contract was awarded for the construction of a US$1.4 million fireboat which will be stationed in the Demerara Harbour. This was disclosed by the Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Angloco Limited, a company based in the United Kingdom, is tasked with the construction of the massive vessel. The Fire Chief described the vessel’s construction as “monumental”.

Guyana last possessed a fireboat in 1978.

Gentle noted that over the years there has been much

development of Guyana’s waterfronts, adding that there is the potential for more port facilities, which warrant the need for the fireboat.

“It heralds the need for this type of equipment so that we can have some sort of port protection for our storage, our wharfs, warehouses… on the waterfront, and also a fireboat is a very useful piece of equipment for shore support in terms of land-based firefighting operations”, the Fire Chief explained.

According to Gentle, the vessel will improve the Guyana Fire Service’s marine firefighting and re-

sponse capabilities, as it will be able to pump in excess of 5000 gallons of water per minute to support the aforementioned land based operations.

Gentle pointed out that the vessel, “will take somewhere between nine and ten months to complete. In the meantime, the Guyana Fire Service is considering other facilities that will have to support this vessel in terms of birthing facilities, and the staffing to man this new piece of equipment.”

The fire vessel’s construction is one of the Guyana Fire Service’s major projects being undertaken, com-

Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle

ing out of the 2017 National Budget. It is another step by the Fire Service to improve its firefighting capability.

Earlier in the year, the Fire Service constructed a firefighting simulator at Leonora in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), which was certified as meeting international standards by Angloco Limited. The training simulator provides a secure environment to learn ventilation techniques, recognise dangerous situations and is intended to provide real time firefighting and rescue experiences to Guyana Fire Service ranks.

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thursday, September 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Norton Street man gets 4 years for drug trafficking

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ifty-nine-yearold Stanley Pyle of Norton and Camp Streets, Georgetown, was jailed for four years and fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to trafficking in 34 kilograms of marijuana, when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford, in present-

ing the facts to the court, relayed that on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at around 06:00h, CANU ranks swooped down on the home of the accused where a search was conducted on the premises which led to the discovery of the illicit substance contained in three carton boxes and two plastic barrels.

According to Prosecutor Sandiford, Pyle alleged-

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Two barrels containing marijuana were found during the drug bust

Exhibits: Some of the marijuana found during the raid

ly confessed to ownership of the drug, and disclosed that someone living “over the river” gave him the said narcotics.

Pyle begged for the court’s leniency and explained that he is a single father of seven and grandfather to five.

Magistrate Latchman after a few moments of consideration handed down the court’s ruling to the remorse-

ful defendant in the prisoner’s docks.

Three persons were initially arrested and taken into custody in relation to the early morning drug bust.

It is still unclear whether the other persons have been released from custody.

Sources at CANU have opined that there were more drugs on the property, but they may have been moved.

De Abreu charged for wounding popular T&T soca artiste “Benjai”

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our months after he was relieved of charges alleging that he fired shots at his pregnant girlfriend and sister, 24-year-old Maverick

What’s to hide…

De Abreu found himself arraigned once more before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, this time for allegedly wounding Trinidad soca sensation, Rodney Le

Charged: Maverick De Abreu

Blanc, commonly known as “Benjai”, at a popular city nightspot several months ago.

The father of two, who resides in Broad and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on April 16, 2017, at Palm Court, in Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the complainant.

The 24-year-old man is accused of hitting Le Blanc to the face with a glass bottle, causing him to suffer severe injuries during an argument moments after the artiste wrapped up a concert.

A heated argument reportedly ensued between the soca artiste, who was allegedly heavily intoxicated, and a taxi driver.

Reports are the driver came out of his car and Le Blanc reportedly advanced

Rodney Le Blanc, fondly known as “Benjai”

towards him. However, after seeing the commotion outside, De Abreu allegedly rushed out and dealt the singer one blow to his face with a bottle. It was reported that earlier in the night, LeBlanc had allegedly misbehaved with De Abreu’s girlfriend.

Le Blanc was rushed to a private hospital where he received over a dozen stitches to his face.

Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore instructed De Abreu to make another court appearance on October 11, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Le Blanc was represented by Attorney Eusi Anderson and the accused was represented by Defence counsel Mark Waldron.

Meanwhile, the accused is out on $50,000 bail.

…on the bridge he matter of the new Demerara bridge is getting “curiouser and curiouser” and like Alice, who first uttered that phrase, your Eyewitness is so nonplussed, he’s forgotten to write proper English!!

If he weren’t writing for a family paper, his language might’ve been even less “proper”! But definitely more colourful. But perchance that’s the only kind of language that’s appropriate to describe this latest bit of what has to be skulduggery in the making.

You, dear readers, would know your Eyewitness already has his hackles up with the Public Infrastructure Ministry-led feasibility study that opted for another retracting bridge. He gets apoplectic just thinking about this outrage. Why the arse would the government want to inflict those interminable waiting periods on folks from Essequibo and West Demerara that have to come to our (not so fair) fair city – with retractions of a concrete bridge? Apart from the mental turmoil and accompanying road rage, do they think about the loss of manpower-hours for businesses? (Government employees don’t count since they’re always marking time, in any case!)

Well the mystery’s starting to clear up because of a new layer of murkiness the Government has imposed on the prequalifying bidding. There is a “secrecy” clause (they whitewash it as “nondisclosure”) forcing the bidders not to even let of the word of their bid public. Much less their costs.

Now why would the Government want to impose this clause? Refusing to reveal the details of the Exxon contract they tried to convince us it was “PPP” that inserted the clause. Turns out it was Desmond Hoyte.

But to Hoyte’s credit, the “secrecy” clause was justifiable because at that time – 1986 – no one was certain Guyana had oil reserves in its offshore basin.

Exxon wanted to keep their findings secret and who’s to blame them. Now here it is we’re trying to prequalify bidders for the new bridge…what’s the harm in letting us know who’s the best bidder based on the criterion of cost. It mightn’t be chosen because of other factors – but at least the Government would be forced to reveal those factors.

And that’s the fly in the ointment, isn’t it? If they let everything hang out in the open, how will the Ministers get their cut? But imagine the eyepass these people have for us Guyanese taxpayers who’ll be footing the bill in the end. And “the end” is where we’ll get it, won’t we? With Exxon, we won’t be getting as much money for our oil as we ought to.

But with the bridge, not only we don’t get a fixed high span one. We get bilked on the costs! ….in political incorrectness PPP MP Nigel Dharamlall was able to get a screenshot of a Facebook conversation initiated by an employee in Prezzie’s office. The lady (who’s clearly no lady) referred to someone as a “coolie” and the MP called her “racist”. Now some folks are saying what’s the big deal since in Guyana we all have our generic “false names” for our various ethnic groups: “Blackman”, “Coolie”, “Buck”, “Putagee” etc.

Yes, we do…but that’s just being disingenuous, isn’t it? Like the “N” word in the US, it’s all about who uses the word and in what context. To use the term to put down someone (“she don’t know these coolie; they still friendsing she while kissing my ass”) – in this case, the wily, devious coolie”! – isn’t exactly building social cohesion, is it?

The question, of course, is what’s Prezzie gonna do ‘bout it? At a minimum, you’d hope he wants to surround himself with folks who’re not so obvious!

A lateral transfer to Basil’s office? …with gold Trotman had claimed 15,000 ounces of gold were being smuggled out of Guyana monthly. Do the charges being filed here with US info mean gold declarations will jump?

And sugar can be subsidised for a while longer until privatisation?

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

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thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Allegedly using ‘front companies’

Minister’s relatives, friends now applying for oil licences

...Opposition Leader calls for exploration blocs to be auctioned instead

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worrying case of cronyism is currently evolving where relatives, friends and associates of Ministers and senior Government functionaries have been incorporated into companies through complex shareholding arrangements and are applying for Exploration and Production Licences for Oil and Gas in the blocs still available in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Atlantic.

The matter was raised on Wednesday by former President Bharrat Jagdeo when he addressed media operatives at his Church Street office.

According to the Opposition Leader, such a ploy could see middlemen through these front companies with close relations to the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration raking in tens of millions of US dollars by flipping those licences to international companies since they are unable to raise the required capital for the exploration and development activities required for commercial oil production.

One such company identified in recent times is Totaltec, which is spearheaded by the brother of the Petroleum Advisor to President David Granger, Dr Jan Mangal.

Jagdeo has called on the Administration to have the available blocs auctioned instead.

He told members of the local media corps “it has been brought to our attention that a number of front companies with key APNU/AFC individuals and Ministers and their families as share-

Advisor to the President on Petroleum, Dr Jan Mangal

holders have submitted applications to the Ministry of Natural Resources for petroleum Exploration and Production Licences.”

The Opposition Leader said: “There are at least two companies that we know of that have developed complex shareholding structures that have made applications.”

Speaking to the need for the available blocs to be instead auctioned off rather than having preferred companies apply, Jagdeo sought to point out that a premium must be considered.

Jagdeo suggested that the world-class discovery of oil in Guyana could be compared to a ‘gold shout’, and said the moment oil was discovered, “there is a premium now to owning offshore blocs and getting an Exploration or Production licence”.

He was adamant that several of the local companies applying for petroleum licences “have no means whatsoever – who are aligned to Ministers and their families, etc, and some

others, cronies – they have no means of finding hundreds of millions of US dollars to do the exploration work.”

As such, he opined that the companies in question “will get these blocs and weeks later, they will sell the blocs without any competitive process being followed”.

Jagdeo suggested too that even some of the foreign companies that have been making applications had “unhealthy contacts with some Ministers and their surrogates”.

The Opposition Leader posited that were these companies to secure licences, there is the possibility of them earning tens of millions of US dollars.

He told members of the

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

media that according to industry experts he has been in communication with, “the big companies will just buy

these up (licences)”.

Jagdeo suggested that were President Granger serious about transparency in the sector, he would shut down the application process and instead have the blocs auctioned off.

“The process is not transparent now, they should look at the beneficiaries, the shareholders of these companies, they are very complex now; they are a lot of front people, and they should go to an auction because now this is a valuable resource.”

Jagdeo also reminded that given the discovery of oil, the blocs could now be sold at a premium.

“If you go to an auction, money that the middle men will make will come to the State...so if they auction off

President’s press officer embroiled in racial slur controversy

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loyda Nicholas-Garrett, who functions as Public Information and Press Services Officer for President David Granger, was a noshow at an event at State House on Wednesday. Her absence was noted as NicholasGarrett normally accompanies the Head of State at the majority of his outreaches and official events.

This led to speculation that the press officer was avoiding the plethora of media personnel who, in the past several hours, made several unsuccessful attempts to contact her.

Guyana Times understands that she also may be avoiding her co-workers as a source disclosed that she did

Public Information and Press Services Officer Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett

not report for duty and was

PPP/C MP Nigel Dharamlall

reportedly absent from work on Wednesday.

The brewing controver-

West Berbice farmer’s house goes up in flames – arson suspected

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

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West Coast Berbice farmer is counting his losses after the house he and his daughter occupied went up in flames. The

Essequibo to sell. However, moments later, he received a telephone call stating that his house was on fire. The 52-year-old farmer found this strange since he did not light the stove the previous

The house destroyed by fire

farmer is of the belief that it was an act of arson.

It was just after midnight on Wednesday when Tara Singh and his daughter left their Naarstigheid, West Coast Berbice home for Parika, East Bank

evening and there is no electricity line running to the house.

There is no need to light a lamp or candle since the building uses solar power.

Singh says the news of the fire was shocking. However,

these blocs, the companies that will buy it they don’t have to get middle man who will buy it and sell it to them without any tender in a secret process.”

The former President reminded too of what he called the ‘dilly dallying’ on the part of the Administration and the Natural Resources Ministry when it came to putting in place key mechanisms such as the Petroleum Commission, Local Content legislation and the Sovereign Wealth Fund among others.

“I think it suits the Ministry not to have these institutions in place, not to have laws in place, because then the Minister and a few people around him have absolute power to do what they want without any public scrutiny,” Jagdeo posited.

he turned around and head back home where he found the entire two-bedroom structure flattened by the fire.

Singh said the building had a step between the two bedrooms and it seems as if the fire was started there.

“I suspect it to be arson because my house don't have no lamp; we use solar batteries to power the house and it is me and my daughter alone and I would be finishing cooking by one o’clock the latest in the day so we had no fire lighted in the night. Normally we don’t drink tea before we leave, so that is why I suspect it to be arson,” Singh explained.

Currently, Singh and his daughter are living with an elderly man. He says the fire has taken a heavy toll on his daughter who is a Fourth Form student attending the Number 11 Secondary. “She buy a lot of text books for the opening of school… is everything burnt.”

The farmer said he can-

West Berbice farmer Tara Singh is pleading for any assistance as fire destroyed the house he lived in with his daughter

not recall having bad blood with anyone. In fact, he is one of the leaders of the farmers’ association and receives good support from the other farmers who occupy land leased to them by the Government at Naarstigheid and the neighbouring vil-

lage of Fort Wellington.

Singh is one of several farmers who Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison had reportedly ordered off the land and erected notices stating that it was illegal for them to go onto the farms.

The REO had projected to construct a multipurpose agriculture project on the close to 100 acre plot of land. While the project has not received the approval of the RDC, Singh is said to be one of the farmers who is leading the fight against the REO. Meanwhile, persons interested in offering any assistance can contact Singh on telephone number 6717167. “I went back to the fire station for a report and they promise to give me it next week Wednesday. Right now me and my daughter, we lost everything. I am appealing to the public for whatever contribution they can make; I will be grateful,” he pleaded.

sy stems from alleged social media postings on Facebook where she purportedly exchanged messages with other users that included racial slurs and derogatory remarks about colleagues at the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP). The supposed leaks were shared by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Nigel Dharamlall, who called for her firing.

“I would like to call for the immediate termination of the services of the Racist Staffer and a period of race relations rehabilitation for her.

My taxes are not to be used to pay anyone who is racist,” Dharamlall said on Tuesday.

Dharamlall’s shared post highlighted that NicholasGarrett and the other users, in a seemingly private conversation made disparaging remarks against IndoGuyanese.

Following the postings of her purported derogatory remarks, sources close to the controversy related that Nicholas-Garrett was often times a “difficult” person to work with and would “pressure” subordinate staff. At Wednesday’s State House event where two Ambassadors were accredited, before being asked about issues, President Granger indicated to the press corps that he could not answer questions as he was still mourning the loss of his brother, who passed away recently.

Efforts to contact Director of the Department of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan on Wednesday proved futile. He was, however, quoted in the press as saying that he was not able to verify the authenticity of NicholasGarret’s comments in the screen shots and reportedly stressed that he would wait on the Public Information and Press Services Officer to address the matter herself.

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thursday, September 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Small businesses critical to economy – Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana

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epresentatives from Demerara Mutual Insurance Company (DM) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were among the participants of a one-day workshop aimed at educating, rewarding and celebrating small businesses in Georgetown.

The event which was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, in Georgetown, was hosted by Scotiabank Guyana, under the theme “Managing Your Small Business for the Future.”

Bank of Guyana’s Deputy Governor, Dr Terrence Smith, in his opening remarks emphasised that small businesses are crucial to the generation of economic stability and long-term development of Guyana.

“The emphasis placed on as-

Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana, Dr Terrence Smith delivering opening remarks at the Scotiabank Small Business Seminar

tion of the important role of this sector”, he said.

He focused on the role small businesses play in

for successfully managing small businesses and the recent developments that are impacting them locally.

creating jobs in our economy and operate in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, manufacture, tourism and service sectors.”

“Many individuals find opportunities to continue working well into their retirement years through self-employment or opening their own small business,” he said.

In terms of the Government’s support, he referred to projections from the Business Ministry’s 2016-2020 Strategic Action Plan, that predict major developments for Guyana’s business environment throughout the four-year period.

According to Dr Smith, “One significant benefit mentioned in the provision is to allow 20 per cent of public procurement to small businesses.” He noted that access to capital and credit are key points to the growth of any business, especially fledgling businesses.

Dr Smith further noted that between 2015 and 2016, Guyana improved by 16 places on the ranking of the World Bank’s doing business Index.

Manager of Scotiabank Guyana, Raymond Smith

In addition, the Government of Guyana has plans to examine the viability of recommended reforms of the World Bank in years of starting a business, registering property, trading across borders, getting electricity and obtaining construction permits.

According to the Department of Public Information, it was noted that the Small Business Bureau will be extending its reach to educational insti-

tutions to expose students to entrepreneurial skills.

The initiative will include competitions that will see at least 10 students receiving grants to start their own businesses.

Meanwhile, Scotiabank Country Manager, Raymond Smith stated that the company’s celebration of Small Business Week is their way of championing the successes of the entities, and spotlighting the valuable contributions made by this sector.

Apart from the seminar, the Scotiabank Vision Achiever LivePitch 2017 competition will host its final segment which is slated for September 18. The leg of the Business Plan competition will see the finalists pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges on television for a chance to win a $500,000 startup business account. The runner-up will receive a $250,000 startup account.

Other Scotiabank branches will throughout the month honour small businesses through customer appreciation days and small business expos at their respective branches.

“Tear Drop” charged for robbery – granted $75,000 bail Some of the participants at the seminar

sisting small businesses is a microcosm of the growing recognition across the na-

driving economic growth, the critical considerations

Dr Smith said, “Small businesses are essential to

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local young man who went viral on social media in mid-2016 as a “budding” singer, was on Wednesday slapped with a robbery charge when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Twenty-three-year-old Leon Clarke, also known as “Tear Drop”, pleaded not guilty when he was read the charge by the Magistrate.

Clarke is being accused of breaking into the home of East La Penitence resident Vincent Howard, and rob-

Leon Clarke, also known as “Tear Drop”

bing him of approximately $1.1 million in cash, GTT and Digicel phone cards and Scratch tickets.

The accused was positively identified as the young man whose music videos took Facebook by storm for a short period last year, as he proclaimed himself as a “future singer from the Ghetto.” These 15 minutes of fame resulting in him being placed in the spotlight by a few media outlets.

Clarke was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and he is expected to return to court on October 4.

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thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Border issue with Venezuela

President to meet with UN Secretary General P

resident David Granger is preparing to address the United Nations General Assembly and meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres and his personal representative in the border controversy issue between Guyana and Venezuela, Dag Halvor Nylander on September 25, on the sidelines of the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly to be held in New York.

Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told a press

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and President David Granger

conference on Wednesday that President Granger’s

Jagdeo demands Govt...

The Berbice River Bridge was constructed at a cost of US$40 million and according to Jagdeo, this obtained with no debt having to be guaranteed by the State or any subsidies having to be transferred.

Raising several burning questions on the construction of the new bridge across the Demerara River, currently being pursued by the Administration, Jagdeo pointed to the concerns raised by the consultant in its feasibility report – a document which has since been pulled from the public domain.

Subsidies

In that report – excerpts of which were shared with members of the media by Jagdeo, the Dutch consultant had pointed out that the cash flow from the operations of the bridge would remain in the negative for at least 15 years and that Government would have to subsidise the operations in addition to having increased tolls.

It was found that the commercial markets cannot support the operations of the bridge and, as such, it would require the financial support of Government.

The consultant in its report informed the Guyana Government that the tolls alone would not be enough to cover the operations of the bridge and the costs to even get it in place would be considerable.

The consultant said too that commercial funding parties would require Government’s involvement and further commercial investors were not likely to be found, since they would demand value creation and an exit strategy within 10 years following its opening.

With the project being considered under a PublicPrivate Partnership model, Jagdeo noted that the consultant has pointed out that Government was being called on to provide a subsidy on tolls, guarantee minimum toll revenues and guarantee debt servicing along with an upfront sub-

sidy or grant to lower the investment amount to be financed privately.

The former President recalled the plethora of critics that were against investing in the Berbice Bridge at the time, saying “we have seen a lot of the financial commentators say it is a bad investment, so if that one (Berbice Bridge) is bad, much less this investment where the cash flow can’t even cover the debt service.”

Jagdeo was adamant “the Government needs to tell us now how much they are going to put into this bridge and where the money is going to come from, how much toll support they will give per year, what will be the level of the subsidy... the extent of the sovereign guarantee for debt contracted on this project.”

Come clean

He has since challenged the ‘financial commentators and economists’ to analyse the feasibility study conducted and concerns raised, and “see how many unanswered questions are there.

We believe that this project requires much more work, the Government still has to answer how these alignments landed in their supporter’s land.”

Jagdeo surmised that Government itself also seemed unaware of how exactly to move forward with the financing of the bridge since it was inviting applications to make proposals.

“This is like advertising for buying mangoes, not a US$200 million bridge,” Jagdeo suggested as he urged the preparation and dissemination of an Information Memorandum for the project that will outline the parameters for bidders, as was done by his administration for the construction of the Berbice River Bridge.

“I anticipate that if we go ahead with this project, it will be a corrupt project... it will saddle us with debt long into the future or if not debt, a significant toll increase on the people who use the bridge.”

address to the UN General Assembly was also expect-

from page 3

The Opposition Leader concluded that the Public Infrastructure Minister “needs to come clean on this to the public...what would be the level of subsidy if we are giving any.”

He was adamant that the current Administration while in Opposition had railed against the construction of the Berbice Bridge despite the fact that no subsidies were being provided by the State at the time.

“Tell us how much you are going to put into the bridge and where the money is coming from...What the fare increase is, what would be the increase in tolls, how much debt will you guarantee, these are huge questions for a project of this nature.”

Jagdeo’s lamentations were made on the very day this publication highlighted the secretive manner in which the Government was pursuing the project.

Guyana Times, in its report, highlighted that in addition to the non-disclosure agreement, bidders will be forced to waive a number of rights.

These include the right to protest if a bidder believes an unqualified or undeserving contractor was given the nod ahead of everyone else.

The invitation states that bidders waive their right to ownership of all information and designs they provide in the prequalification and bidding period.

Firms also waive the right to any payment or compensation of costs they would have incurred in tendering, no matter the outcome of the process. As if that is not enough, companies can have their bids refused without any reason having to be provided.

According to the Ministry’s invitation to prequalification, “The Employer reserves the right at its sole discretion and without stating any reason, at any time and in any respect, not to award a contract following the tendering, or to terminate the prequalification and/or tender procedure.”

ed to send a clear message that Guyana wanted the UN Secretary General to stick to the deadline as regards that issue. “I don’t think there is any reason to expect that we could be requested to extend this time,” he added.

Greenidge recalled that the then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had called for a last effort at dialogue to hopefully resolve the border issue. And while that process should have taken one year, it was now approaching two years since the request was made and the effort was launched. He said, “We are in no position to make this a permanent state. Right now, the Secretary General communication to the two countries is there, it is a process and the process has timelines,” he asserted.

Notwithstanding some of the concerns raised by Guyana, the Foreign Affairs Minister reminded that Guyana embraced the process with the understanding that it would be implemented in good faith by all parties, including the UN. Guyana, he said, has constantly stressed the consequences of the uncertainty and the behaviour of Venezuela with respect to this controversy. For the most part, Greenidge said Venezuela’s behaviour has been mainly aimed at undermining Guyana’s development.

He added that while “Guyana has never had any difficulty speaking to Venezuela as regards attempts and its willingness to resolve the issue of the controversy and we will con-

tinue to be accommodating”, the country’s political, economic and social stability depends on the matter being resolved quickly.

Minister Greenidge said he could not state what progress was made towards resolving the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela through the UN

UN Secretary General António Guterres

Good Officer Process, saying the process did not allow him to. However, the Secretary General had said if by the end of 2017 no significant progress had been made towards arriving at a full agreement, he would choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless both Governments jointly request that he refrain from doing so.

With a territory that is several times bigger than Guyana’s, and a population that is almost 40 times that of Guyana, Venezuela, in 1968, purported to claim the entire territorial sea of Guyana by means of the

Leoni Decree, which has never been withdrawn. For decades now, Venezuela has occupied the Guyana side of Ankoko Island, objected to the development of hydropower stations in Essequibo, and has been staunchly opposed to Guyana exploring for oil offshore and onshore its Essequibo territory.

The Venezuelan Navy had, in 2013, intercepted and detained a Malaysian seismic vessel that had been conducting surveys in an offshore concession granted by Guyana to the United Statesbased Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, causing that company to leave and never return.

Days after the American oil giant ExxonMobil announced the discovery of oil in commercial quantities offshore Guyana, Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro in a decree announced the purported unilateral extension of his country’s maritime boundary to take in all of the Atlantic sea offshore Essequibo. That seaspace also included several Caribbean island nations and had stretched as far as Suriname and French Guiana.

There have also been incidents inland Guyana, with Venezuelan aircraft attacking vessels operating on the portion of the Cuyuní River that the arbitration court had awarded to Guyana.

Guyana is now seeking relief through one of the options in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter.

Those options include arbitration and juridical settlement of the issue.

12 news

thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President accused of engineering Police Force to bend to the will of his Govt ... Opposition condemns machinations as akin to ‘banana republic’ leader

T

he imminent shake-up in the Guyana Police Force as promised by Head of State David Granger is nothing but a ploy to ensure and refashion the hierarchy of that critical institution, in order for its leadership and critical decision-making arms such as the Police Service Commission (PSC) to be subservient to the coalition Government in the future.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday made the damning observation based on Granger’s public pronouncements that he will in fact be reshuffling the hierarchy of the Police Force based on the recommendations of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that he had installed as against the recommendations of any extensive studies.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary gave his views during an engagement

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

with media operatives at his Church Street Office on Wednesday, saying “increasingly we are taking on features of a banana republic, where the President, he does what he wants with impunity.”

The former President recalled that the Administration had indicat-

ed that it would not interfere with the work of the PSC but a directive handed down to that body has in fact stalled the work of the PSC. According to Jagdeo, the PSC succumbed to the pressures being mounted by the State and the life of that body has since come to an end, with new Commissioners to be installed by the President.

He drew reference to the fact that the CoI was set up

by Granger to investigate a two-year-old threat, and called on the citizenry to “watch out for who will now form part of the new PSC.” Jagdeo said “I want to take you a wager that it will be people who will submit to the will of this Government.”

The former Head of State also used the opportunity to question “how can a President say I am going to shake-up a Police Force, I am going to reform this Police Force and use this as the basis for this reform and shakeup; and not a study.”

President David Granger

Jagdeo pointed to several of the numerous studies that have been completed in the past, aimed at reforming the Force, including the British aided Reform Projects.

He reminded that during his tenure in office, some 50 cadet officers were trained and placed in the Guyana Police Force to strengthen middle level manage-

ment in addition to projects such as the Citizen Security Programme aimed at reforming major sectors in addition to the Criminal Justice System project.

“It was not because Jagdeo felt offended that the Police didn’t do something in relation to one of the cases he had.”

The Opposition Leader in reference to the utterances by Granger, noted that it was the President’s dissatisfaction with the investigations into a two-year old threat that has led to the current overtures to shakeup the Police Force.

“It all revolves around how he was treated, his personal investigation and not the long-term reports and studies... this is very, very worrying,” Jagdeo declared.

President Granger signaled the imminent shakeup over the weekend, following his report of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry he had set up.

According to the President, the Commission had “made some very strong recommendations. Even persons who have been following the day-to-day reports would have realised that there has been a significant lapse in professionalism at the high levels of the Guyana Police Force, so these are matters of concern. It has brought to light some serious deficiencies and I am very confident that the work that Mr Russell Combe (British Security Expert) is doing will point to ways in which we can correct the deficiencies.

The important thing is to ensure that we get information so that we can correct faults.

It is not a witch-hunt. We are trying to make the law enforcement agencies more efficient.”

Jagdeo insists, however, that the machinations of the President with regard the Police Force are more akin that of the leader of a banana republic.

GBTI grants bursaries

15 Early Savers Club members awarded for NGSA success

T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) on Wednesday awarded bursaries to 15 members of the Early Savers Club who were successful in the recently concluded National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), as a part of their initiative towards contributing to the ongoing educational success of youths today.

GBTI congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to grasp available ed-

Shania Andrews receives her bursary award at the Corriverton Branch from Branch Manager Andre Yhap

ucational opportunities of the day while focusing on achieving good results through hard work, consistency and commitment.

The senior ManagerAdministration, Sean Noel, in his charge to the students, urged the youngsters to face their secondary years with much enthusiasm, while stressing on discipline as a vital part of the journey.

According to Noel, secondary learning constitutes a different level of education with a much broader focus, thus requiring much commitment and focus. In the same breath, he was quick to point out that there should be a balance between learning and recreation, as he encouraged the awardees to “have fun” and make “happy memories” of their secondary years.

In attendance at the presentation ceremony was Senior Education OfficerMathematics Department,

Gabriella Roberts receiving her bursary award from GBTI’s Internal Audit Manager, Jaishree Lam

The bursary awardees are Gabriella Roberts, Shelby Gomes, Shailendra Seenarine and Marlon Benn of Queen’s College; Leonard Grant of St John’s College; Leonardo Juan of St Rose’s High School; Ryea Algu of Bygeval Secondary; Saif

Shaquan Adams of Patentia Secondary.

Shania Andrews who was the only candidate selected from the company’s Corriverton branch also received her grant during a similar function held at the Berbice location on

Senior Education Officer (Mathematics), Ameer Ali and other senior managers of GBTI pose with this year’s bursary awardees

Ameer Ali, who echoed the sentiments of Noel as he dubbed the awardees as henceforth being “ambassadors of GBTI”; urging them to promote competition and “lead from the front”.

Khan of The Bishops’ High School; Carey Sutherland, Navita Rafick and Deonarine Dukharan of St Joseph High School; Oma Seeraj of North Georgetown Secondary and

Wednesday.

The GBTI ‘Early Savers Club’ is a unique account that enables its members to appreciate the habit of saving.

news

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thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

El Dorado Offshore pooling skills for oil industry – 16 deck hands trained

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l Dorado Offshore (EDO) has facilitated training for 16 deck hands to work on existing and future rigging operations.

“This is to ensure that we have a readily available trained pool, because we are expecting more vessels into Guyana, and once they have more vessels, the demand for labour will increase. So we need to have a pool that is readily available and trained to board,” EDO Country Manager Kerri Gravesande said.

The training is being conducted by Edison Chouest Offshore, an offshore support company. “The course objective is to educate and train marine rigging people. It will also enable persons to recognise hazards in the industry and to provide a safe working environment for all personnel,” Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Coordinator Eldon

EDO Country Manager Kerri Gravesande

Thompson explained.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), EDO is seeking to build the core competencies of Guyana’s existing workforce to benefit from opportunities in the oil and gas industry. The company is building locals’ capacity to

effectively work in the industry.

This is the second batch to be prepared for the industry. Edison Chouest initially trained 20 persons who are working on its supply vessel as well as ExxonMobil’s drill rig, the Stenna Carron.

Gravesande explained that this current batch would eventually be narrowed down. At the end of the exercise, the trainees will be tested on what they have learnt.

They will also have to pass medical and drug examinations before they are hired by EDO. Once employed, they will be posted on vessels offshore Guyana.

Some of the potential employees have indicated they were pleased to be afforded the opportunity to work in the industry. “It’s quite exciting not for me alone but most of my peers… to know that something like this has come to our country gives us an opportunity not only to come

The 16 deck hands during a training session in EDO’s conference room

and work, but also to gain an experience to learn,” Rodell Harmon said.

His colleague, Leron Allen said the training so far has been educational. “It’s quite informational. It added a few more things that I didn’t know. It adds somewhat to what I already know and it’s very educational, and it’s a

lot about safety to keep you safe on the job so it would be benefiting me a lot,” he said.

Travis Moore, who previously worked as a seaman on a supply vessel plying the Port Kaituma route, had encouraging words for those who are interested in working in the industry. “You can just come and they will train

you and help you be equipped to work with them,” he said.

EDO’s Country Manager pointed out that there has been an “overwhelming” response to its recruitment drive, since the company was launched locally one year ago. The company’s office is located at Lot 23 Brickdam, Georgetown.

Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

Thousands of Guyanese may be forced to return home

BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN

G

uyanese nationals living in some Caribbean islands that have been hit by Hurricane Irma may be forced to return home. One senior British Virgin Islands (BVI) Government official has been reported as encouraging non-nationals, including Guyanese, to leave the British Overseas Territory.

Vincent Wheatley, the Sister Islands Programme Coordinator in the Deputy Governor’s Office of BVI, made the call for non-nationals, including Guyanese, who can’t find work after the damage caused by Hurricane Irma, to leave the island soon, the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) has reported.

This call was made even as several Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals, including those from Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines, were among other non-BVI nationals being housed in a community centre that had been stripped of its roofing shingles.

The building is at risk of being flooded if it rains, as

only the woodwork on the roof which was damaged in some areas, is protecting the occupants of the shelters from the elements.

BVI’s 2010 Housing and Population Census Report shows that of the island’s 28,000 inhabitants, there was a small minority of people born on the BVI and there are over 113 countries’ nationals living there. Guyana is among the top 10 countries that accounted for a substantial portion of the population.

A Guyanese professional living on that island told Guyana Times on Wednesday that he could not confirm whether the information of non-nationals being encouraged to return home is true. Daniel Singh, a former General Manager, said he plans to stay on and help in the rebuilding efforts.

“I have not heard any similar sentiments from people that I have been in touch with. While I wouldn’t want to contradict what the gentleman may have said, I haven’t heard anything of that nature and I am not sure if he himself is speaking on behalf of the entire Government… BVI

has been good to me and I have been encouraged to stay and help to rebuild,” he said.

Singh said various country-related groups have arranged for their nationals to return home at this time, because a lot of people are without jobs. “So, indeed while persons are taking it on their own to leave because it may be in their best interest at this point in time, I am not aware that Government has asked people to leave, but have assured people that emergency measures have been taken.”

(Reuben Stoby photos)

According to him, there are Guyanese in every profession and every industry you can think of in BVI. A lot of them are employed in construction and other skilled areas. There are also Guyanese in Government, the financial services industry, tourism and other professional sectors. “Guyanese play a significant part in the economy on the BVI,” Singh said and he would want to think that they will stay and help to rebuild their homes, communities and the country as a whole.

However, in explaining the devastation the hurricane has caused on the island, Singh told Guyana Times that his life has suddenly changed where he is now fetching water and using torchlights. But amidst the adversities, “We are trying to band in groups that are close to you, whether by virtue of proximity or by neighbours, to live under one roof that might have minimal damage. Communities have come together. It’s a crisis.

But the response of the people has been quite positive.

People have come together to share resources, vehicles and

water supply. The response from Government and the other Private Sector has also been positive. People are getting back slowly to work.”

The Guyanese national said at present there is not a separation of who is a BVI islander and who is a foreign national. People have come together regardless of nationalities and background.

“While I am devastated by the damage caused by Irma, I am encouraged by the resolve and unity and the way people have banded together to solve the supply of basic human needs,” he further explained.

Meanwhile, a Guyanaborn journalist attached to the St Maarten Daily Herald told this newspaper that there are about 6000 Guyanese that are legally registered in that country. According to Alita Singh, this number could be much larger, because there might be some undocumented Guyanese who are living on the island, which was also severely affected by the hurricane.

Alita said Guyanese are just a fraction of the entire 33,000 inhabitants on that island who are all facing the

same issues of their homes being completely destroyed in some cases and their need for food, water and shelter.

She said while Guyanese who have relatives on the island and may feel the need to assist them, she would advise them to send basic stuff such as clothing, cash and other items that are necessary at this time. When asked about whether the Government of that island has made any similar statements with regards to having Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals sent home, Singh said that has not been the case for St Maarten. Singh told this newspaper also that if there is any island in the Caribbean that has been devastated by the hurricane, there must be a reason for doing so.

“No Government official has asked anyone to evacuate from St Maarten. A lot of the countries which has nonDutch nationals have sent in or arranged for (either privately or via airlift) to evacuate their nationals out of St Maarten for the mere fact that our infrastructure cannot sustain people. We have not asked anyone to leave and every single evacuation has been voluntary.”

During a press conference on Wednesday, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge reminded that lack of communication still remains a major issue that the regional response effort faces. Minister Greenidge explained that while there is a basic framework of communication such as Honorary Consuls, Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives, the storm has ravaged communications infrastructure, especially in places like St Maarten, St Barts and Barbuda.

14 news

thursDAY, september 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Canadian envoy envisions increased Republic Bank steps up to sponsor Lethem cooperation in energy sector

P

resident David Granger on Wednesday accepted Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Lilian Chatterjee, accrediting her High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Guyana. The new High Commissioner replaces His Excellency Pierre Giroux whose tour of duty ended in July.

The President said while the two countries have much in common in terms of stable economies and plural societies, Guyana has much to learn from Canada, especially in the areas of social cohesion and inclusionary democracy. To this end, he said Government wel-

Town Week events

Canada's new High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Lilian Chatterjee received a military salute upon her arrival at State House

have been accepted as immigrants and citizens of your country,” President Granger said.

Additionally, Guyana looks forward to a sustained and robust partner-

Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee lays a wreath at the Independence Arch, Brickdam, Georgetown as a mark of respect for the country she will be serving

comes the active cooperation between the two states in enhancing parliamentary democracy and good governance.

“Canada, the second largest country in the world, is renowned for its openness to immigrants from all round the world. It remains a model of diversity and inclusion.

Thousands of Guyanese

ship with Canada through the Caribbean Community (Caricom)-Canada mechanism, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States and the United Nations.

Canada is home to a large Guyanese Diaspora and President Granger said Guyana has likewise proven to be an attractive desti-

nation for Canadian investment in mining, banking and, more recently, oil and gas exploration.

In terms of green development, the President said Guyana looks forward to working with Canada in the development of local alternative energy sources and in the sustainable development of our natural resources.

High Commissioner Chatterjee, in her remarks, described the GuyanaCanada relationship as extraordinary and noted that people-to-people links between the two states remain strong while bilateral and commercial relations have been continuously expanding. “Merchandise between our countries for 2016 was over $700 million, posi-

tioning Guyana as Canada’s largest merchandise trading market within Caricom and the third largest in the Caribbean. Canada is now Guyana’s top destination for exports,” she said.

Additionally, Canadian companies have a robust presence in Guyana in the extractive, aviation, education, clean technology, oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. The High Commissioner said with Guyana poised to become a major oil producer and exporter in the near future, the opportunities for further cooperation will increase significantly.

Guyana and Canada established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1966, the date of Guyana’s Independence.

(DPI)

Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Richard Sammy, presenting a cheque to Raymond Hunte, Chairman of the Lethem Town Week Committee

R

epublic Bank (Guyana) Limited has made a significant financial donation to the hosting of the first ever Lethem Town Week. The week of activities is set for October 15 through October 21. The event is intended to showcase Lethem as a tourism destination and highlight the many investment opportunities available to local and foreign businesses, in our commercial, industrial zones and housing sector.

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Managing Director, Richard Sammy made the

presentation to Chairman of the Lethem Town Week Committee, Raymond Hunte on September 8, 2017, at a simple yet significant handing over ceremony at the Republic Bank, Lethem Branch.

Hunte was loud in his appreciation to Republic Bank for its support, stating that, “they are a shining example of a good corporate citizen and we are happy to have them on board. Thank you, and we look forward to your continued support in helping to move our town and by extension, Region Nine forward”.

President bids farewell to his brother Frank Granger T he funeral service of the late Cesare Francis Granger, brother of President David Granger, was held on Wednesday at the Kaashi Dhaam Hindu Crematorium at Ruimzigt, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Members of Cabinet and the Diplomatic Corps were among those who attended the service.

The late Granger, fondly known as “Frank”, was born on October 4, 1937, and is the first son and third child of the late Chetwynd and Verleigh Granger.

He married Theresa (nee Chang) with whom he fathered two sons; Kevin Granger and Marc Granger.

According to the

Pallbearers, President David Granger, his nephews Marc and Kevin, and other friends, position the casket at the beginning of the funeral service

Department of Public Information, the deceased attended the St John the Baptist School in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); and Central High School and Queen’s

College in Georgetown.

He subsequently attended Columbia University in New York. He graduated with the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics, winning the

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger (first and second from left), Business Minister Dominic Gaskin (second from right), and other relatives at the funeral service. Minister Keith Scott is also pictured first from right

Mathew M Frydre Award for outstanding undergraduate work.

After studying and working abroad, the late Cesare Granger returned to Guyana where he joined the Works, Hydraulics and Supply Ministry as an Economist, conducting economic feasibility studies from 1969 to 1972. He then joined the Commonwealth Caribbean Regional Secretariat and from 1973, the Caribbean Community Secretariat as a Senior Economist, holding various positions until his retirement on October 4, 1997.

Cesare Francis Granger is survived by his sons and his siblings, Barbara Granger and President David Granger.

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Janette Patterson of Janette’s Handicraft Products: B

eautiful. Exquisitely crafted. From midway down an aisle of the Sophia exhibition area, a tan and purple basket captures the eye, its fanshape designs of deep and saturated colour acting like a beacon, drawing patrons to Janette’s Handicraft Products’ booth.

“Neat,” says the owner, Janette Patterson – snapping shut her cellphone – with the confidence of an artisan who knows well the quality of her products, as persons lingered over the exquisite, hand-woven items, enthralled by their elegance and colour combi-

nations. “It is neat work,” the mother of six adult children and grandmother of nine reiterates approvingly.

Her daughter Shereen, who first greeted the would-be customer with a smile as she arrived at the booth, nods in agreement.

Each piece represents hours of work by Patterson and approximately 16-

“You have to have determination...”

18 other “ladies” of Santa Aratak Village in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara). Shereen, who is also part of the group and described her mom as “in charge”, says “it is satisfying working” for her.

The items are made from ipe straw and the process of preparing the straw from the ipe palm is a laborious, three-day task: they go out into the forest, cut the leaves which they then strip, boil and sun dry.

“If you have no sun, it’s a problem,” Patterson, a 25-yearold veteran of t h e craft

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, September 13, 2017

Selling

USD

$205.98

$208.44

CAN

$166.26

$168.18

EURO

$ 245.43

$248.56

$268.56

$271.97

GBP

USD

$1327.55

Gross

$259,450

Net

$241,289

Indicators as on September 13, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$54.20

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$279.62/ton

London Sugar

380.60/ton

Live Spot Gold

Business Concept – Currency

Change %

+1.51 Change %

-0.08 +0.82 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1333.00

$1334.00

Low/High

$1330.90

$1342.40

Change

and hand woven into baskets, mats, fans, matapees, hammocks, bags, place mats, jewellery or any item a customer orders. Some of the items are purchased outright by Patterson and the others sold on commission.

The inspiration behind the artistry of the mother-and-daughter pair both comes from within, with

business, said.

The straw is then dyed if necessary with dyes purchased in Georgetown

Market statistics Cambio Rates

15

-0.50

-0.04%

Tokens used as money in a country. In addition to the metal coins and paper bank notes, modern currency also includes cheques drawn on bank accounts, money orders, travellers’ checks, and will soon include electronic money or digital cash.

What gives currency its value? Depending on the type of money, there are many different ways that value is assigned and handled. These are the types of currency.

Fiat Currency: Fiat currency is, at its core, money that is worth what the government and free market determine it is worth. Some examples of fiat currency include the American dollar, British pound, and Euro.

Asset Backed Currency: Sometimes, assets like gold and silver are used to guarantee the value of currency. Often, asset backed currencies are made out of a precious metal, but this isn’t always the case.

Commodity Backed Currency: Commodity backed currencies are largely a relic of history.

Commodities like tobacco were used to guarantee the value of currency.

Digital Currency: The final, and most modern, type of currency is digital currency. Digital currencies get their value through scarcity imposed on them by the need to solve difficult equations. (Business Dictionary)

Patterson saying “I am inspired because it’s my work.

This is my job and this is what brings in the money.”

Travelling to exhibi-

tions is a large part of the business, and the kind but stately matriarch, who understands profoundly the importance of marketing, is

well armed with her business cards, quality products, and a readiness to meet new people, which she said is the most crucial aspect of her enterprise.

Patterson explained that the most important characteristic of an entrepreneur was “being humble and your

personality – know how to meet people; know how to treat people”.

Her advice to budding business owners is “you have to have determination to work on”.

“Sometimes you have money, sometimes you don’t. Not all times it’s bright and beautiful,” the Essequibo resident said, later highlighting that entrepreneurs should be given help to access working capital. “But in all things I have learnt to give God thanks.”

For Patterson, who noted that God has brought her through the hard times, knowing and living her life for God and eternal life is the higher purpose to which she has set herself. “...To know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour and serve him”.

Contact: 610-4772, 653-4435, 650-5191

Investor’s Guide

Wall Street hits record high – without help from Apple

W

all Street edged up to a record high on Wednesday as gains in consumer discretionary and energy stocks offset losses in technology heavyweight Apple Inc. Shares of Apple dropped 0.8 per cent on concerns that the company’s newly launched iPhone X is too expensive and because its availability starting in November was later than expected. With the widely held stock up 37 per cent so far this year, some analysts said it was time to cash in gains.

“Apple to a certain extent is a ‘sell the news’ event,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities in New York. “A great deal of expectation has been built into the stock.”

Even with Apple’s losses, the S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial average and the Nasdaq all closed at record

levels, helped by other consumer stocks.

The S&P energy index rose after the International Energy Agency said that a global surplus of crude was starting to shrink.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 39.32 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 22,158.18 The S&P 500 .SPX edged upgained 1.89 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 2498.37, and the Nasdaq Composite added 5.91 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 6460.19.

The indexes have hit several records this year, despite setbacks caused by turmoil in the White House, the timing of US interest rate hikes, doubts about President Donald Trump’s ability to push through his pro-business reforms, and lately, tensions over a nuclear-weapons-capable North Korea.

The S&P 500, up 11.6 per cent in 2017, is trading

at 17.6 times expected earnings, expensive compared with its 10-year average of 14.3, according to Thomson Reuters Datastream.

Shares of credit score provider Equifax tumbled 14.6 per cent and hit a more than 1-1/2-year low after an apology by company Chief Executive Richard Smith for a massive data breach failed to appease investors.

“Of course it should be getting pounded and the situation is only getting worse,” said Ken Polcari, director of the NYSE floor division at O’Neil Securities in New York. “They have a huge problem on their hands. The fact the (CEO) has been so cavalier – it took him five days to write a response – it’s a disaster.”

Chevron Corp climbed 1.5 per cent, boosting the Dow, while a 1.7 per cent rise in Amazon.com Inc boosted the Nasdaq. (Reuters)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

Regional

French President promises to rebuild St Martin Climate change better than it was before Hurricane Irma pilot projects to be

F

aced with a mammoth recovery process and a repair bill expected to reach the millions in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild St Martin as a “model island.”

“I don’t want to rebuild St Martin as it was,” he said. “We have seen there are many homes that were built too precariously, with fragile infrastructure. The geography of the homes was not adapted to the risks.”

Macron arrived in the French territory on Tuesday morning and immediately hit the ground to get a first-hand look at the impact of Irma’s wrath, against the backdrop of complaints that France had deserted its own.

“What we have seen today are people determined to rebuild and return to a normal life,” Macron said at a news conference.

Eleven people were killed in St Martin during the passage of the Category 5 hurricane and thousands have been displaced, as Irma demolished homes, buildings, and infrastructure.

Macron announced plans to evacuate residents across French territories that have been displaced but assured

launched in Jamaica

T

French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with a resident of St Martin during his tour of the hurricane-ravaged French territory on Tuesday

that those who chose to stay would be provided with services and shelter.

He revealed that France was bringing in air-conditioned tents so children could return to school, and said a centre would be established to begin processing requests for financial help.

The French leader also expressed

concern about the housing stock and underscored that rebuilding would centre on ensuring that buildings there would be able to withstand storms.

Macron reportedly stayed overnight on St Martin and was expected to tour the island of St Barts on Wednesday.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

hree pilot projects set to test climate smart technologies and techniques in the parishes of Clarendon and St Ann officially came on stream at a major launch event in Clarendon on Wednesday. The project will target communities in upper Clarendon impacted by drought and poor water supply, select schools as well as rural farming communities in St Ann. The projects funded by the government of Japan under the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership are implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Jamaica in partnership with the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry of through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs; the Climate Change

Division in the Economic Growth and Job Creation Ministry; the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society (CPDCBS), and other local stakeholders Daryl Vaz, Minister without portfolio in the Economic Growth and Job Creation Ministry, with responsibility for the land, environment, climate change and investment addressed the launch event.

The Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership with a regional allocation of US$15 million was launched last year in Kingston and Bridgetown. The pilot projects mark a new and important milestone in regional implementation and are expected to enhance local capacity to adapt to and lessen the impacts of climate change, especially in target communities.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

T&T grandmother and St Lucia to accept prisoners Brazil’s ex-leader Lula appears in court grandson swept away from hurricane-ravaged island in corruption case by hurricane wave

S

t Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says his Government has agreed to house prisoners from the Turks and Caicos Islands, which was among the British Overseas Territories devastated by Hurricane Irma last week.

But he assured that local security officials as well as the British Government would ensure that prisoners would be safely transferred and would not pose a risk to the island’s population.

The British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands are facing dire circumstances with securing prisoners following the destruction of some prisons by Hurricane Irma and it is believed that over 100

criminals are on the loose in those countries.

“So the Government of St Lucia has agreed, at the request of the British Government, to take in three prisoners that will be coming in from Turks and Caicos,” Prime Minister Chastanet announced in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

“I have consulted with the Commissioner of Police and the Minister for Security, as well as with the staff of Bordelais [Correctional Facility]. The initial inventory is that if needs be on a temporary basis we have the capacity to house 50 prisoners. In this instance, we are only bringing in three prisoners at the first request.”(Ex-

cerpt from Caribbean360)

F

ormer Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is being questioned by a top anti-corruption judge over allegations he accepted bribes.

He is suspected of letting construction giant Odebrecht buy the land for his Sao Paulo institute and providing him with an apartment nearby.

Lula denies the accusation. He is being questioned

by Judge Sergio Moro in a court in the southern city of Curitiba.

Polls suggest he is the would-be front-runner for the 2018 elections. In July, Judge Moro sentenced Lula to nine and a half years in prison for accepting bribes

from engineering firm OAS in the form of a beachfront apartment in return for his help in winning contracts with Brazil’s state oil company, Petrobras.

Lula remains free while he is appealing against the sentence. Unless his appeal succeeds, he will not be able to stand for the 2018 election.

He is also fighting four other corruption cases brought against him.

Last week, he was also charged with forming a criminal organisation to divert funds from Petrobras.

Judge Sergio Moro is in charge of Operation Car Wash, the country’s biggest ever corruption investigation. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Puerto Rico opens arms to refugees from Irma’s Caribbean chaos

Melan Salvary and her grandson Oliver, who both died when a massive wave swept them away in St Maarteen during the passage of Hurricane Irma last Tuesday

M

elan “June” Salvary, 54, and her grandson, Oliver Gedio both died when they were swept away by a massive wave as they fled from their home which had been torn apart by Hurricane Irma’s heavy rain and powerful winds in St Maarten last week.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian on Tuesday, Salvary’s youngest sister, Emily Pasqual, said Salvary, Gedio and other relatives were at their home at French Quarter when the house began to fall apart. “A wall of the house they were in crashed down and the entire structure began ripping

apart. I heard that they attempted to go to another relative’s house that was close by and just before my sister reached a massive wave came up from the sea and swept she and her grandson away,” Pasqual said.

She added that over the past five years, Salvary has been frequenting St Maarten for vacations to spend time with one of her daughters, Daphne, and grandchildren who live there.

Gedio’s tiny body was found last Wednesday along the coastline while Salvary’s body was found on Friday.

Both bodies were said to be in a badly decomposed state.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

S

addled with economic problems and its own damage from Hurricane Irma, Puerto Rico is taking thousands of refugees from the US Virgin Islands whose homes were destroyed by the storm, with a cruise ship carrying up to 2000 more was due to set sail for the US territory on Wednesday.

Visibly shaken residents from St Martin and the Virgin Islands arrived on Tuesday on US military aircraft, bringing tales of terrifying winds and a breakdown of law and order.

Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas cruise ship was expected to depart the badly damaged St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on Wednesday evening

Residents walk in front of houses destroyed by Hurricane Irma during the visit of France’s President Emmanuel Macron in the French Caribbean islands of St Martin September 12, 2017

bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands commissioner of tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty said.

Irma skirted Puerto Rico last week, knocking out power to 70 per cent of the island, damaging buildings and killing at least three

people, but the destruction was not nearly as bad as elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Britain’s government said local authorities had imposed a curfew on the British Virgin islands, where locals complained of widespread looting and violent crime after Irma.

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited the islands on Wednesday, calling them a “scene of utter devastation” on Twitter as his government announced £25 billion (US$33 billion) in extra aid for its territories.

The nations all have launched military relief operations but locals and tourists have criticised the response for being too slow and not reaching everybody evenly.

Visiting the French Caribbean on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to quickly rebuild St Martin, a French territory shared with the Netherlands. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson met with security officials in Anguilla. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

UN urges Myanmar to Fearing Russia, Sweden holds end Rohingya violence biggest war games in 20 years

N

U

nited Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council has called on the Myanmar government to end its military campaign against the Rohingya Muslims.

The 15-member Security Council met behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Sweden and Britiain, to discuss the crisis for the second time since it began and agreed to publicly condemn the situation.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Antonio Guterres called the situation for the Rohingya refugees "catastrophic" and "completely unacceptable", acknowledging that the minority group was being ethnically cleansed in the Buddhistmajority nation.

Around 370,000 of Myanmar's minority Rohingya population have fled the country's western state of Rakhine into neighbouring Bangladesh in recent weeks, according to the UN. The violence began on August 25, 2017, after Rohingya fighters attacked Police posts, prompting a military crackdown. "I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military ac-

eutral Sweden has launched its biggest war games in two decades with support from NATO countries, drilling 19,000 troops after years of spending cuts that have left the country fearful of Russia’s growing military strength.

On the eve of Russia’s biggest manoeuvres since 2013, which NATO says will be greater than the 13,000 troops Moscow says are involved, Sweden will simulate an attack from the east on the Baltic island of Gotland, near the Swedish

The Security Council issued its first statement on Myanmar in nine years

tion, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognise the right of return of all those who have had to leave the country," the UN chief said at the press conference in New York.

The council "expressed concern about reports of excessive violence during the security operations and called for immediate steps to end the violence in Rakhine, de-escalate the situation, re-establish law and order, ensure the protection of civilians... and resolve the refugee problem."

British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said it

was the first statement from the Security Council on Myanmar in nine years.

This comes as Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi cancelled her trip to next week's UN General Assembly to deal with the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.

She is due to give her first speech on the situation in a televised address next week. Suu Kyi has been widely condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of the crisis, denting the Nobel peace laureate's reputation. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Child soldier recruits double in one year in Middle East and North Africa

T

he number of children recruited to fight in conflicts across the Middle East and North Africa has more than doubled in a year, UN analysis has found. The huge increase in child soldiers in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and other countries follows years of ongoing violence, displacement and a lack of basic services, which has reduced the coping mechanisms of families, according to UNICEF. Almost one in five children across the region – 28 million in all – now need immediate humanitarian assistance. More than 90 per cent of these children live in countries affected by conflict, and in some cases families are sending their children to fight.

The agency said in the past it had witnessed children working as porters, guards or paramedics, but it was now seeing them take on more active roles, carrying guns, manning checkpoints and being trained as paid soldiers. The number of children actively recruited into fighting rose from 576 in 2014 to 1168 in 2015, according to verified UN figures.

The situation in Yemen was particularly grave, with a fivefold increase in children recruited into armed

mainland.

“The security situation has taken a turn for the worse,” Micael Byden, the commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said during a presentation of the threeweek-long exercise.

Sweden, like the Baltics, Poland and much of the West, has been deeply troubled by Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula Crimea and its support for rebels in eastern Ukraine.

“Russia is the country that affects security in Europe right now with its

actions – the annexation of the Crimea and continued battles in eastern Ukraine – so it is clear that we are watching very closely what Russia is doing,” Byden said.

Around 1,500 troops from the United States, France, Norway and other NATO allies are taking part in the exercise dubbed Aurora.

Non-NATO member Sweden has decided to beef up its military after having let spending drop from over 2 percent of economic output in the early 1990s to around one per cent, and is re-introducing conscription. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Irma: 8 dead at Florida nursing home left without power

E

ight people at a Florida nursing home that was left without power for days after Hurricane Irma have died.

Police evacuated 115 residents on Wednesday from the facility, whose air conditioning was cut by the storm.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said three were found dead at the nursing home in the city of Hollywood. Five others died in hospital. Ten million people are still without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas after Hurricane Irma.

Irma earlier left a trail of destruction in the Caribbean, where nearly 40 people were killed. Hollywood Police Chief Tomas Sanchez said the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills facility has been sealed off and po-

Florida nursing home survivors evacuated

lice are conducting a criminal investigation.

State investigators from the Florida Office of Attorney General were also at the scene, city officials said in a statement. "It may be related to a loss of power in the storm," Mr Sanchez said, adding that officers were checking in on 42 other assisted living facilities and

nursing homes throughout the city.

Hollywood Fire Rescue found several patients "in varying degree of medical distress and immediately began treatment" when they arrived at the Hollywood Hills facility on Wednesday morning, according to the city's statement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

5 charged with murder of Briton Steven Weare in Barbados

F Yemeni children take part in a gathering in Sana’a organised

by Shiite Huthi rebels to mobilise more fighters to battle progovernment forces, June 2017

conflict in 2015 compared with the previous year. Such numbers were likely to be an underestimate, UNICEF said. Children were also being recruited as soldiers in Sudan and Libya.

Years of ongoing violence, displacement and a lack of basic services have hit children hardest and threaten to reverse child development gains, said UNICEF. (Excerpt from

The Guardian)

ive men have been charged with the murder of a British car salesman who disappeared in Barbados.

Steven Weare, 49, was working on the Caribbean island when he went missing 21 days ago. His body was found last Friday in a remote part of the parish of St George, seven miles east of the capital Bridgetown, police said.

Insp Roland Cobbler, a spokesman for the Royal Barbados police, confirmed to

the Guardian on Wednesday that five men had been charged with Weare’s murder.

Cobbler said he did not have any detail about the circumstances surrounding Weare’s death or how he died.

He said: “I can tell you that five men, between the ages of 26 and 35, were all charged with murder and they are going to court this morning.”

Cobbler confirmed that the men charged with Weare’s murder were Sunil Decourcey

Brome, 35; Keino Nakito Griffith, 30; Christopher Darnley Michael Clarke, 26; Torio Akiro Watson, 26, and Basil Alphonso Branch, 27. All of the men are from Barbados.

Weare, from Kirkham in Lancashire, had reportedly been staying at Newcastle plantation house in the St John area on the east of the Caribbean island, when he was reported missing on August 23, 2017.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

India rape: Uncle did not father child's baby – DNA test

P

olice in India have reopened the case of a 10-year-old girl after forensic tests revealed that her baby's DNA samples did not match those of her uncle who is charged with raping her.

After the Supreme Court denied her permission to abort, she gave birth to a

baby girl last month.

The 10-year-old was not aware of her pregnancy. She was told her bulge was because she had a stone in her stomach.

She alleges she was raped several times in the past seven months by the uncle.

The accused, who is in his 40s, was arrested and is be-

ing tried in a special court dealing with crimes against children. He is in prison and has made no statement so far. The BBC's Geeta Pandey in Delhi says the result of the DNA test has now led to questions over whether the girl was abused by others.

The girl's father had earlier told the BBC that the

accused had not denied the charges against him. Police said the uncle had admitted to the allegations, our correspondent reports.

The girl's mother has reportedly told the investigators that they do not suspect anyone else, so the case has taken a very strange turn, the official added.

On Tuesday, police and counsellors visited the family again to speak to the 10-year-old.

A senior police official told BBC Punjabi that they would ask for a re-check of the forensic tests to ensure there had been no error in the DNA report. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

ARCHIE

ARIES

Pressure will intensify if

(March 21- someone wants you to spend April 19) too much or isn’t willing to

contribute enough around the house or to a joint venture. Look for alternative options.

Taking a day trip, going TAURUS for an interview or signing (April 20- up for a course will all result May 20) in positive gains. Socializing will encourage new friendships and joint endeavors.

dilbert

Attending a reunion or reGEMINI (May 21- connecting with an old friend June 20) will rejuvenate old dreams.

If you share your ideas, a unique partnership will develop.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Compassion and understanding will speak volumes about the type of person you are. Your advice will be sought after and your popularity will grow. Address situations concerning friends and relatives.

An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience in a unique way should be looked at in detail.

Negotiate on your behalf to get what you want.

Set your sights on doing VIRGO something that brings you (Aug. 23joy.

Turn your passion into Sept. 22) a moneymaking endeavor.

Trust and believe in your talent, and strive to reach your goals.

Stick to the truth and use LIBRA (Sept. 23- common sense when dealing Oct. 23) with emotional matters at home or work. Situations will escalate quickly if you aren’t cognizant of other people’s feelings and expectations.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Let your creative abiliSCORPIO ty take the reins. No matter (Oct. 24what you are pursuing, take Nov. 22) a unique approach and do things your way. You have plenty to gain if you rely on your instincts.

Don’t fold under presSAGITTARIUS sure. If someone is being per(Nov. 23- suasive or demanding, back Dec. 21) away, consider your options and focus on taking care of your objectives.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

If you share your thoughts, CAPRICORN you will receive interesting (Dec. 22- feedback that will encourage Jan. 19) you to make certain changes.

Examine the way you deal with partners and how you handle legal, financial and medical matters.

Put more thought and creAQUARIUS ativity into whatever job you (Jan. 20- take on. Being unique will Feb. 19) help you draw attention to whatever you do. Try something new and live in the moment.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

An agreement or partPISCES (Feb. 20- nership can be formed if you March 20) make suggestions that will even out the playing field.

Equality will be important if you want to avoid dissatisfaction.

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

Windies not embarrassed to play World Cup qualifiers W

est Indies captain Jason Holder insists it would not be an embarrassment for the team to play in the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifiers, should they fail an automatic spot.

Taking part in the playoffs is a scenario that seems increasingly likely for the regional team, particularly after rain washed out Wednesday’s One Day International (ODI) against Ireland.

In order to secure a spot among the top eight teams in the world before the September 30 cutoff date, the ninth place Windies must secure a 4-0 or 5-0 win over third ranked England in the upcoming series be- Jason Holder tween the teams.

Despite insisting that the team is looking forward to the series, Holder seemed to accept that such a result was an unlikely scenario.

“England are a quality cricket side and they are playing at home,” Holder told

Wisden India. “We’re at the stage where we are looking to turn a corner and qualify for the World Cup, whether we have to go through the qualifiers or qualify automatically. We’re excited about the series and hopefully we can play some good cricket,” he added.

“It won’t be an embarrassment to play in the qualifiers. We are where we are and if we do have to play in them, we will take it one step at a time.”

Windies are expected to fly to England on Thursday ahead of a one-off Twenty20 International at Chester-le-Street on Saturday. The ODI series starts on September 19 and runs until September 29.

The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 will feature the bottom four sides from ICC ODI Team Rankings, the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two sides from ICC World Cricket League Division 2.

(Sportsmax)

Aguero reaches goals milestone as City thrash Feyenoord S

triker Sergio Aguero scored his 50th goal in European club competitions as Manchester City romped to a record 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in their Champions League Group F clash at De Kuip on Wednesday.

Defender John Stones bagged a brace of headed goals and Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus netted the other as City inflicted the heaviest-ever home defeat in UEFA club football on the Dutch champions and former European Cup holders.

Aguero reached his milestone with a typically clinical finish from Kyle Walker’s cross as City made a fast start to the game, scoring three times in the opening 25 minutes to stun their hosts and kill off the contest.

Feyenoord, playing in the Champions League group stage for the first time in 15 years, never seriously troubled City goalkeeper Ederson who had recovered sufficiently to play, albeit with a rugby-style scrum cap, after receiving a boot to the face from Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in a 5-0 Premier League win

on Saturday.

Stones had the visitors in front inside two minutes when he headed David Silva’s cross from a short corner through the legs of Feyenoord midfielder Tonny Vilhena at the back post.

Vilhena had scored when Feyenoord claimed a 1-0 victory over Manchester United almost a year ago to the day in last season’s Europa League group stages, but this time was left red-faced by his inability to keep the ball out of the net.

Aguero’s precise finish doubled City’s advantage eight minutes later as they peppered the Feyenoord goal with shots and starved the home side of possession.

They were rewarded with a third goal when in-form forward Jesus tapped home after Benjamin Mendy’s fierce drive from outside the box was only parried by Feyenoord goalkeeper Brad Jones.

The home defence stood like statues expecting an offside flag that was never lifted and replays showed the

Lakers to retire Bryant’s jerseys

T

Bryant wore the 8 jersey for the first 10 years of his Lakers career before switching to the 24 jersey

he LA Lakers are to retire both of fivetime NBA champion Kobe Bryant’s number eight and 24 jerseys.

Bryant, 39, retired in April 2016 after a 20-year career with the Lakers, scoring 60 points in his final game.

He finished as the Lakers’ all-time point scorer and third on the NBA’s all-time list with 33,643 points.

“I always dreamed of my jersey hanging in the Lakers rafters, but I certainly never imagined two of them,” said Bryant, who made his debut in 1996.

The jerseys will be retired at a half-time ceremony on 18 December when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors.

Bryant is the 10th player to receive the honour, after Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Gail Goodrich, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal,

(Reuters)

Sergio Aguero

James Worthy, Jerry West and Jamaal Wilkes.

“Kobe’s jerseys are taking their rightful home next to the greatest Lakers of all time,” said Lakers chief executive Jeanie Buss.

Bryant wore 24 while playing at high school, before switching to 33.

When he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Lakers in 1996, he could not take the number 33 as it had already been retired for Abdul-Jabbar and 24 was already taken.

He decided on number eight and won three NBA titles, before changing to 24 for the 2006-07 season, going on to win a further two titles.

Bryant said at the time he made the change as he wanted a new number for the second half of his career. (BBC)

Paris to host 2024 Olympic Games P

match officials h a d made t h e correct call.

19

a r i s and Los Angeles have been named as hosts of the 2024 and 2028 summer Games respectively by the International O l y m p i c Committee.

Both cities OC President Thomas Bach (centre) announces the 2024 and 2028 hosts with had wanted to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo (left) and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Los Angeles hosted it in The Californian city wanthost the 2024 ed the earlier Games because event, before LA agreed to 1932 and 1984.

Paris and Los Angeles of its readiness to host while wait an extra four years after the IOC made guarantees on had been the only two can- Paris said its prospective site didates for the 2024 Games for the Games would not be funding.

The Paris Games, which after Hamburg, Rome and available for redevelopment had fallen short with bids for Budapest withdrew from the after 2024.

IOC President Thomas 2008 and 2012, will mark 100 race.The IOC voted in June to years since it was last held in award the 2028 Games at the Bach said the votes for both same time as 2024. cities were “unanimous” (BBC) the French capital.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

Amla, Perera help World XI even Pakistan series

A

brilliant 72 not out from South African batsman Hashim Amla has helped the World XI even the three-match Independence Cup against Pakistan in Lahore.

Choosing to bat, Pakistan scored 174-6, but were overhauled by the World XI’s 175-3.

Pakistan were bolstered by a 59-run partnership between Ahmed Shehzad, 43, and Babar, 45, the two building on a 41-run opening stand that featured Fakhar Zaman’s 13-ball 21.

The Pakistanis, at one stage looked as if they were going to build another big total, similar to the 191 they scored in the first game, however, they were pegged back, despite Shoaib Malik’s 39 from 23 deliveries.

Windies spinner Samuel Badree was one of the chief orchestrators of putting the squeeze on the Pakistanis, eding his our overs for 31 runs, while taking the important wickets of Fakhar and Babar.

Thisara Perera also chipped in with 2-23 from three overs, getting rid of Wasim 15 from 11, and Sarfraz Ahmed for a duck.

Sohail Khan, 1, would join Hamla in the unbeaten col-

The result was a good turn around for the fortunes of the World XI, who were punished by Babar in the first game, the number-three batsman scoring 86 from 34 deliveries to lead the side to a massive 197-5.

The World XI were not able to match the big-hitting Babar and crumbled to 1777, as no batsman got into the 30s, with Darren Sammy’s 29 not out from 16 delivieries, the only batsman who looked like making inroads into a big total. (Sportsmax)

Hashim Amla steered the World XI chase with an unbeaten halfcentury © AFP

umn.

In reply, Tamim Iqbal got to 23 from 19 deliveries before Sohail Khan had him caught by Shoaib.

There was a wobble in the run chase as Australia’s Tim Paine went for 10 and skipper, Faf du Plessis, scored 20 from 14 deliveries.

Perera returned from his good outing with the ball to slam five sixes and put the run-chase back on track, scoring an unbeaten 47 from just 19 deliveries.

ICC plans to bring more Full Members to Pakistan in coming years

E

mboldened by the relatively smooth progress of the ongoing series against the World XI, Pakistan are hoping to attract a side for a full home tour next year. In the event of a Full Member refusing to come, the PCB will examine the possibility of organising further tours by a World XI side over the next two years.

That could be the upshot of a three-year investment the ICC has made in ensuring that security in Pakistan for tours, by international sides, is of a standard that allows teams to visit. The game’s governing body will pay $1.1 million over the next three years to two security firms - Reg Dickason as well as Nicholls Steyn and Associates - who will assist with security on tours to Pakistan.

David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, was in Lahore for the second T20I on Wednesday evening where he offered a slightly different view from an earlier statement by Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman.

On Tuesday evening, Sethi

had told the Guardian that a series with a World XI had been “planned for every year for the three years”.

SCOREBOARD Pakistan Innings Fakhar Zaman lbw b Badree 21 Ahmed Shehzad c Miller b Imran Tahir 43 Babar Azam c Miller b Badree 45 Shoaib Malik c Collingwood b Cutting 39 Imad Wasim c Imran Tahir b Perera 15 Sarfraz Ahmed (c) † c Imran Tahir b Perera 0 Sohail Khan not out 1 Extras 10 (lb 1, nb 1, w 8) TOTAL 174/6 (20 Overs) Did not bat: Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Rumman Raees Fall of wickets:1-41 (Fakhar Zaman, 4.5 ov), 2-100 (Ahmed Shehzad, 12.2 ov), 3-135 (Babar Azam, 16.2 ov), 4-156 (Imad Wasim, 18.4 ov), 5-157 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 18.6 ov), 6-174 (Shoaib Malik, 19.6 ov) Bowling: M Morkel 4-0-200, Cutting 4-0-52-1, Badree 4-0-31-2, Collingwood 2-0-18-

intention would be to bring more and more PSL matches to Pakistan, but also to bring [Full] Member countries to tour Pakistan - not a World XI tour. And that would be the ideal to have international cricket return to Pakistan in normal circumstances.”

David Richardson and Najam Sethi address a press conference in Lahore AFP

Richardson, however, said that the priority was to bring more Full Members to Pakistan. “The ICC has already agreed to invest in security and developing security capabilities for a three-year period.

“Whether years two and three include a World XI tour is not decided, maybe not. Certainly, I think the

If the ongoing series is organised without incident, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play one of their three T20s against Pakistan in Lahore on October 29. West Indies, too, are due to play three T20s in Pakistan in November.

“This is an ice-breaking event,” Sethi said. “We hope that by this time next year there will be a full-fledged

Munroe lone Guyanese in WI Women’s training squad T

he Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies has announced an 18-member Windies Women’s squad for a training camp to be staged from September 25 to October 4 in Trinidad. Fast bowler Subrina Munroe is the lone Guyanese selected.

All of the players who were chosen for the recent ICC Women’s World Cup in England, along with batsman Britney Cooper have been invited to the training camp which will be conducted under the direction of interim head coach Hendy Springer and interim assistant coach Gus Logie.

0, T Perera 3-0-23-2, Imran Tahir 3-0-29-1 World XI Innings (target 175 runs from 20 overs) Tamim Iqbal c Shoaib Malik b Sohail Khan 23 H Amla not out 72 T Paine †b Imad Wasim 10 F du Plessis (c) c Shadab Khan b Mohammad Nawaz 20 T Perera not out 47 Extras 3 (lb 1, w 2) TOTAL 175/3 (19.5 Overs) Did not bat: DA Miller, PD Collingwood, BCJ Cutting, S Badree, M Morkel, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets:1-47 (Tamim Iqbal, 5.3 ov), 2-71 (TD Paine, 9.2 ov), 3-106 (F du Plessis, 13.6 ov) Bowling: Imad Wasim 4-0-271, Sohail Khan 4-0-44-1, Usman Khan 1-0-10-0, Rumman Raees 3.5-0-36-0, Mohammad Nawaz 3-0-25-1, Shadab Khan 4-0-32-0

tour by at least one member country and in the absence of that, we will go back to the ICC in order to push this process. I have no doubt in my mind that we expect full support from the ICC.” The return of high-profile cricket in Pakistan has primarily been accented towards the shorter formats.

Barring Zimbabwe playing three ODIs in 2015 - though one couldn’t be completed because of rain - after a twomatch T20I series, all other games, including the PSL final in March this year, have been 20-over games.

Hosting a Test series remains, for now, a distant prospect, for there remain other priorities for the Pakistan board to attend to - such as moving outside of Lahore as a venue.

“It’s a long process,” Richardson said. “This is a stepping stone in the right direction. A Test series is, by its nature, much longer than three T20s. I think the next step is to grow capabilities, improve capabilities to areas and cities outside of Lahore itself to build the confidence of teams like Australia and England, and all other teams that it’s safe to tour Pakistan on a more regular basis and for much lengthier periods of time.”

(Cricinfo)

Subrina Munroe SQUAD: Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Subrina Munroe, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor and Felicia Walters.

Commenting on the squad, Chairman of the CWI Selection Panel Courtney Browne said: “Our women’s player pool in the Caribbean is quite small compared to other countries, and our regional tournaments do not always produce the kind of consistent batting and bowling aggregates and averages we would relish. Hence, we rely on using strategic camps like this to give our high performance coaches time to help the players with their development.

“Coming out of the camp, the Selection Panel expects keen competition for final selection, and will focus attention on players with a healthy attitude and willingness to work hard, improve fitness and team work, as we seek to restore confidence in our side following the disappointing results at the Women’s World Cup.” Browne also noted that the availability of Selman and Connell are subject to clearance from the CWI Medical Panel. The two Windies Women’s fast bowlers suffered tournament-ending injuries during the WWC. Selman was sidelined following a blow to the head while fielding against Australia Women at Taunton, where Connell also suffered a hip injury against India Women a few days later. The squad is preparing for an upcoming home series against Sri Lanka Women for which full details will be unveiled at a later date.

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sports

MSC Open League basketball

Records tumble as Royals rout Falcons 206-46

‒ Adams accumulates 111 points

I

t was total destruction Monday night as Harold Adams scored a record basketball score, at least locally, when he poured in an unmatched 111 points to rewrite at least recent history playing for Victory Valley Royals who steamrolled Bankers Trust Falcons with an unbelievable 206-46 tally, as the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Open League basketball championship continued with second-round play at the MSC hard court.

On a night when several records were arguably set nationally, Adams was awesome as he produced this incredible output, which was highlighted by this unimaginable ending.

The Royals trio of Adams, Chris Williams and Orlando Glasgow were again in harness as they marched to their seventh straight win to start their second-round campaign. In the process, Royals have maintained their grip on this

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T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has facilitated 33 transfers during the last transfer period from June 1-July 31, 2017; those transfers included five international transfers.

Among the international transfers were Lloyd Matthew and Denzil Crawford from the Grenades FC (Antigua and Barbuda) to Grove Hi-Tech FC; Murilo R Barbosa from Slingerz FC to Caledonia AIA (Trinidad and Tobago); Colwyn Adams from Caledonia AIA to Slingerz FC and Ralph Parris from Georgetown FC to Caledonia AIA. The period also saw 23 players transferred out of Elite League Clubs and six players transferred into these Clubs.

Additionally, two transfers were facilitated by the East Bank Demerara Football Association (EBDFA), 16 by the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) and 15 by the Rupununi Football Association (RFA).

The other Regional Member Associations (RMAs) reported no transfer activity for the pre-season. In a release to the media, GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves said the transfer period saw movement among clubs at both the Elite and Association level: “The 2017 pre-season transfer period reflected the usual trend of the late rush by clubs and players to complete transfers at the last minute, notwithstanding the notice being given at the very early stages of the two-month transfer window.”

He continued; “There were a greater number of transfers to and from Elite League clubs as compared to the number of transfers between Regional

just eight points to be ahead 149-27 before cutting loose in the final segment to complete the demolition 206-46 in what was the first such scoring feat in the history of basketball locally.

In this obliteration of the Falcons, the triangular offensive forces of the Royals were on display as Adams’s teammates Glasgow and Williams cashed in with 31 and 22 points respectively.

To add to the misery of the losers, past junior nation-

Harold Adams

Open League as Adams bettered his previous best of 46 scored earlier in this tournament, and blotted out the 76 points scored by his teammate Chris Williams a few years ago.

The stage was set from the opening whistle as the Royals were ahead when the first quarter was finished, leading 40-13 and they bettered that opening burst to run away with the second, 83-19. They tightened their grip scoring 66 points in the third stanza and allowing

33 transfers completed during GFF transfer window Classified

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21

Member Associations’ clubs.

There was also movement of Elite League players to RMA clubs as well as an influx of new players to Elite League clubs. Taken at face value, the transfers conducted should foster a more competitive climate amongst clubs for the upcoming season, which the football fraternity is looking forward to.”

The transfers will enable the respective clubs to prepare for the tournaments nation-wide and the third season of the Elite League, which is scheduled to commence in the latter half of the year.

al Marlon Pollydore added 16. Lawrence Simon and Stephan Duncan each had 13 points for the Falcons.

On the night also Retrieve Raiders, the Linden senior basketball champions, scored a close 57-55 win over Amelia’s Ward Jets as Neil Marks led them with 16 points and Duel Montrose had 10.

Parrish Cadogan was the leading player for the Jets with 20 points while A Williams had 16.

England quick Curran wary of ‘X-factor’ Gayle

E

ngland fast bowler Tom Curran is anticipating a fierce contest between himself and West Indies star batsman Chris Gayle as the teams prepare to face off in a fivematch One Day International (ODI) series later this month.

Gayle only recently returned to the West Indies squad following a long absence, as regulations previously enforced by the Chris Gayle sport’s regional governing board Cricket West Indies (CWI) had left the team’s senior player ineligible to represent the region. He is, however, expected to make a big impact as the team pushes for unlikely automatic qualification to the 2019 World Cup. Curran, who dismissed Gayle a few seasons ago in the NatWest T20 blasts hopes for similar results in the upcoming series and knows the scalp of

the 37-year-old destroyer, who he describes as the best T20 batsman ever, is still a prized one.

“There’s loads of batsmen who when you get out you realise it’s a big wicket but he’s right up there,” Curran told BBC Sport.

“He’s the greatest T20 batsman ever so regardless of his age he still clears the ropes with ease and has that X-factor,” he added.

The bowler managed to dismiss the big-left hander with a delivery that bounced short the last time around and hinted that the plan could be the same.

“I luckily enough got him out with a short ball when we played against Somerset a few years ago so that might be the plan.” (Sportsmax)

Massiah the star as Floodlights beat Parika Defenders S

ensible batting by Shawn Massiah led Floodlights XI to a convincing six-wicket win over Parika Defenders in a specially-arranged T20 match under lights at the DCC Ground last Friday night.

He got support in the batting department from Patrick Khan with 33 and an unbeaten 25 from Ricky Deonarine. In the bowling department, he got support from Anil Beharry with 3 for 10.

The visitors won the toss and chose to take first strike in excellent weather for cricket. They lost opener M Chatram for a duck and M Balgobin for 3. Jerome Basdeo joined the other

et.

Ricky Deonarine (left) and Shawn Massiah

opener, Dubraj Singh and together they put together a fine partnership of 103 runs for the third wicket. They blasted the ball all over the park and led their team to the eventual total of 149 for 6 off their allotted 20 overs.

Singh made 60 and Basdeo, 45. Bowling for Floodlights XI, Beharry took 3 for 10.

Surendra Nauth and Khalid Baksh took a wicket a piece while young Romeo Deonarine bowled economically without taking a wick-

In reply, the hosts lost both openers, Yusuf Uniss and Rabindra Singh, without scoring. Massiah and Khan then added a third-wicket partnership of 58 before the latter went for 33. Rakesh Arjune came and went quickly for 2. Ricky Deonarine then joined Massiah and took full control of the game, adding an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 68 to take their team home with 5 balls to spare. Massiah ended on 59 not out earning the man-of-the-match award and Deonarine, 25 not out.

Bowling for the visitors, Basdeo completed a fine allround performance taking 3 for 34 off 4 overs.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

Female hockey team setting high standards for Pan Am indoor tournament

By Michelangelo Jacobus

T

he Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) is set to host the Pan American Indoor Hockey tournament for the first time in the country’s history on October 14 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). With the tournament just five weeks away, the national women’s team are undergoing intense training in a bid to medal at the Pan American Indoor Championships.

Guyana Times Sport spoke to Coach Dwayne Scott at a training session, and he expressed pleasure with the way his charges were preparing for the tournament.

“We have been together for six months. I’m happy with the progress that we’ve had so far and I’m really encouraged with the improvement I’m seeing in the players, the commitment, and

the skill level that they’re demonstrating, they are where I expect them to be at this stage,” Scott revealed.

While Guyanese hockey players are accustomed to playing on the wooden surface of the CASH, which is typically slow and makes play challenging, the GHB, in an effort to be up to international standards and to give the home team every possible advantage that can be afforded, imported a removable plastic-tile surface on which the tournament will be played.

The male and female teams are now training on the surface and for the first time in their competitive histories, will be playing on the same surface that they would have been practising on.

According to Scott, the transition from the regular playing surface to the plastic-tile surface has been a

challenge, which the female hockey team have been able to get over with remarkable ease.

He pointed out, “It has been a challenge because the Gymnasium is a bit slow and they’ve also had some bad techniques they’ve incorporated into their game to deal with the Gymnasium surface. The Sports Hall is now way faster, way smoother, it requires total indoor technique and total indoor skill, and we have been working as hard as we can to see how best we can bring that into our game, thus far we’ve had some level of success. I’m happy with the success that we’ve had so far.”

The female hockey team will be buoyed by outstanding players such as Aliyah Gordon, Gabriella Xavier and Trisha Woodroffe. While those players will be relied upon to perform, there are also other players who bring

defensive strategies, counter-offensive strategies that include short corners and other tactical areas that will allow them to be competitive.

When asked about his team’s chances, Scott exuded confidence in them being able to medal: “I think we will medal, that is what we are working towards, that is what we are aiming for, I expect nothing else of them with the work that they’ve put in.” This year the competition will be one of the biggest ever in its history which dates back to 2002.

There will be eight nations contesting the women’s competition and seven contesting the men’s, with each tournament seeing participation from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Only the 2010 competition, held in Venezuela, was larger and by just one team.

Getting it right! Aliyah Gordon practising one of the plays on Tuesday evening at the Sports Hall

a combination of fitness and work ethic to the team as Scott noted that each and

every player is putting their best foot forward.

The team are working on

Ol Skool ballers, Future Stars to clash in Guinness ‘Cage’ final

T

he exciting Guinness Cage Indoor Futsal Championship has reached its final, and it will be Ol Skool Ballers facing Future Stars come this Saturday at the National Gymnasium.

Coming into their respective semi-final encounters, both Ol Skool Ballers and Future Stars made it clear that they were not intimidated by big names and Saturday’s results clearly justified their billing as the two best young teams in the indoor format.

Ol Skool Ballers first outlasted the experienced Back Circle in an enthralling slugfest that went right down to the final minute of play, with the final scoreline reading 3-2.

Captain Roy Cassou gave his team the lead in the 10th minute before Quason McAulay added another two minutes later to send shockwaves through the Back Circle band of supporters.

However, Back Circle

hit back through Stephon McLean, who netted a brace in the game, opening his account in the 17th minute.

The Ballers’ defensive tenacity repelled every attack, before they extended their lead when Fabian Crawford’s goal five minutes from full time gave them the

more intrigue into the electrifying encounter.

The other semi-final between the resurrected Leopold Street and Future Stars lived up to all expectations despite no goals being scored in regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout that the latter won 2-1.

Roy Cassou (with ball) about to give his team the early lead

The action was never-ending between Future Stars (green) and Leopold Street

cushion they needed.

Again Back Circle would not relent and McLean was in the act once again, netting a goal one minute from the final whistle to put some

The tournament’s leading goalscorer, Okanie Fraser was kept at bay all night as the Stars never lost sight of where he was, employing a two-man assign-

Ireland-West Indies ODI washed out

F

his supporting cast of Jamal Cozier, Akeemo Anthony and Jermaine Junior.

It promises to be a sizzling final, while the thirdplace playoff also has some amount of interest in terms of bragging rights.

The winners will receive $400,000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up, third and fourthplace finishers will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive a gold

ans hoping to see the likes of Chris Gayle were disappointed as Ireland’s one-day international with West Indies was abandoned.

Ireland’s one-day international with West Indies was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Wednesday as the Belfast weather intervened.

The skies were bright over Stormont for much of the morning but, due to a wet outfield the scheduled start of 10:15 local time was delayed.

Covers are brought onto the pitch Several inspections followed hoping to see the likes of Chris Gayle were left and, with lunch taken at 13:00, the rain started disappointed. to fall and put paid to any hopes of play in the For the tourists, it was hardly the ideal one-off contest. preparation ahead of their Twenty20 against It was a blow for Ireland in their first ODI England on Saturday, before a five-match ODI since becoming a full ICC member, while fans series with Eoin Morgan’s men. (Sportsmax)

ment whenever he had the ball and it worked effectively.

The same could be said for Leopold Street’s tactics against the likes of opposing Captain Keiron Solomon and

chain, compliments of YK Investments and Pawn Shop and a trophy from Trophy Stall. Among the other sponsors on board are: Star Party Rentals, Faye Joseph, Claude Geddes Recreational Sports Club, National Sports Commission, Windjammer International Hotel & Cuisine, E-Networks, Woodpecker Trophies & Sport, YK Investments & Pawn Shop, Henry Chase, Jai Signs, Trophy Stall, the Bike Shop and John Fernandes Ltd.

Essequibo maintain lead in Jaguars’ Franchise League

T

he third round of the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board Jaguars 3-Day League is approaching, and Essequibo remain on top of the points table with a big lead, having so far a total of 32.5 points, followed by Upper Corentyne with 23 points, West Demerara with 22.7 points and Georgetown on 19.1.

This means it will be a fascinating round of matches, as the competition stiffens and players from the eight franchises continue to

compete for places in the upcoming 2017/2018 CWI Regional 4-Day PCL, which commences on October 26, 2017.

Matches will continue on Friday, with East Bank versus Essequibo at Everest Ground, West Demerara facing West Berbice at Tuschen, East Coast battling Georgetown at Lusignan and Lower Corentyne going up against Upper Corentyne at Albion. All matches have a scheduled start of 09:30h.

Teams

Matches

Wins

Loses

OW

Aba.

BB

TBB

FBB

Total

Essequibo

2

2

0

24

0

NR 0

2

3

.3

32.5

Upper Corentyne

2

1

0

12

0

3

1

3

.2

23

West Demerara

2

1

0

12

3

0

4

3

.7

22.7

Georgetown

2

1

1

12

0

0

0

6

1.1

19.1

Upper Demerara/ East Bank

2

1

1

12

0

0

1

4

1.8

17.8

East Coast Demerara

2

0

0

0

3

3

2

3

.4

11.4

Lower Corentyne

2

0

2

0

0

0

0

6

1

7

West Berbice

2

0

2

0

0

0

0

6

.3

6.3

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, september 14, 2017

Griffith seeing positive signs

ahead of T regional season ‒ more opportunities in pipeline for youth players

How it’s done! Coach Rayon Griffith shows Academy player Kemol Savoury the correct technique during a net session on Wednesday at Everest

By Akeem Greene

R

eigning three-time champions Guyana Jaguars will open their title defence of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-Day Tournament against Jamaica Scorpions at the National Stadium, Providence on October 26.

In the quest for a fourth successive title, the champions have begun preparations early with their ongoing three-day franchise league and regular sessions with their contracted and academy players.

With preparations in full swing, Assistant Coach and Manager of the Guyana Jaguars, Rayon Griffith is enthused about the signs he has seen from the players.

“Plans have been going well for us. Since the competition finished [last year], we started training two weeks after until this day.

The guys were lacking cricket given the weather we have had over the last couple of months, but I am very happy they are back playing cricket now,” he told Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday at the Everest Cricket Club.

Last season, the Jaguars only suffered two defeats and to some, it could be considered a breakthrough seasons for the youths. Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Clinton Pestano, Bhaskar Yadram, Sherfene Rutherford, and Chandrapaul Hemraj all were given opportunities and responded with commendable performances.

More so, with the core of the squad possibly set to miss the early rounds owing to West Indies senior team and A-team duty and to some extent, West Indies Under -19 preparation camps, it opens the door for others to make their mark.

“Those youths have always been talented and they were given that opportunity, and they represented themselves well and the country.

A lot of guys will be missing the first two rounds, so a lot of youngsters will be given an opportunity,” the former First-Class player disclosed.

He added, “With the setup we have in Guyana, the door is open for these guys, we want to nourish them and maintain their presence in the regional programme.”

The litmus test for these players will be the current seven-franchise three-day league. While there are varying views on the level of cricket being produced, Griffith felt it essentially presents an opportunity for them to be actively involved in cricket.

“We can talk about the quality of the league. It might not be high as you want it, but it is still good enough.

They are playing and they will learn because the environment has been created for them,” the Coach contended.

One new player in the squad is Jamaican all-rounder and former West Indies Under-19 Captain Ramaal Lewis, who has just one First-Class match under his belt.

“I have known him [Ramaal Lewis] for the past couple of years. I think he has a good head in knowing cricket and is a good all-rounder. We are lacking of that off-spinning all-rounder, so he can bring something to the table,” the 38-year-old stated.

At the draft held in July, Jaguars retained Leon Johnson, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Anthony Bramble, Raymon Reifer, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, and Keon Joseph. Rajendra Chandrika, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ramaal Lewis, and Tevin Imlach were then selected.

These players would be joined by Cricket West Indies-contracted players Devindra Bishoo, Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetemyer.

Only Assad Fudadin opted out for a contract to join the Scorpions.

23

Battle lines drawn ahead of Corona Football final ‒ teams confident of producing thrilling match

he stage is being set for a highly competitive Corona Invitational Football final between home side Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Guyana Police Force FC on Sunday.

Speaking on Wednesday at a press briefing held at the GFC, Bourda, the management of both teams expressed optimism of producing a winning result in high-octane action.

GFC Manager Fizal Khan bluntly stated: “We have not come this far to come this far. We came this far to keep going.”

This is the first final in over 10 years for the club which celebrated its 115th anniversary last month.

Likewise, GFC Head Coach Vincent Cadogan stated, “We always say in remarks and football is the greatest teacher and superiority comes from the level of football played.”

He added, “We have been playing fairly well and we are preparing for Sunday and will continue playing smart football.”

Captain Shaquille Bowen disclosed it was a “humbling experience since being at the club from Under-15 level and to be in this final is a

Left to right: GFC Coach Vincent Cadogan, Captain Shaquille Bowen and Manager Fizal Khan with Organiser Troy Mendonca, Police FC Manager Keron Boston, Coach Dwayne Bobb and Captain Dwain Jacobs

great feat and [we] will work and continue to do our best”.

He further contended: “It is youth versus experience, but it is just football on the night.”

On the opposing side, the lawmen are cautious but confident of adding another title to their collection.

Manager Keron Boston explained that the team have been gaining success for about four to five years competing at all levels.

“They are not to be afraid of Police; we are friends. It will be competitive. We are not going to give it up easy. We are the superior and will expect to remain superior.”

With GFC holding the upper hand as they defeated Police 3-0 during the group stages, Coach Dwayne Bobb contended the victory was an “eye-opener” and they would be “cautious”.

Meanwhile, Co-Director of Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca remarked that he was happy with the response of the teams to the tournament, which began in July.

“We recognised some teams were rusty but and kudos to them all. Special mention must be given to Black Pearl and Eastveldt and their willingness to compete even after they

could not secure a spot in the knock-out rounds.”

Mendonca hoped the powers that control the sport would use this opportunity to help with its progression.

Giving special thanks to sponsors Top Brands under the Corona Beer brand, the organiser is hopeful for a fiery final.

The stakes will be high since the championship team will pocket $1 million and the championship trophy, while second to fourth place will respectively pocket $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 and the corresponding accolades. (Akeem Greene)

Banks DIH Veterans Football Tournament resumes today T he Banks DIHsponsored Veterans Football Tournament is set to resume today after a two-week hiatus with

four exciting matches lined up for tonight at the Tucville Ground.

In game one which starts at 18:00h, Rasta FC will take on Beacon, and Plaisance will battle Thomas United in game two at 19:00h.

Santos face Park Rangers at 20:00h, while Wales clash with Pele at 21:00h.

Many former national players will be on show with the likes of Anthony Stanton, Chris Barnwell, Gordon Braithwaite,

Floyd Cadogan, Mortimer Stewart, Terrence Lewis and Rawle Jones taking part.

The remaining dates that will close off the Banks Tournament are Saturday, September 16; Thursday,

September 21 and Saturday, September 23.

The Tournament is sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd, Guyana Football Federation, ABSAA Inc, Leading Edge and Star Party Rentals.

Listed below is the fixture for tonight:

Game 1: Rastas vs Beacon @18:00h (6:00 pm) Game 2; Plaisance vs Thomas United @ 19:00h (7:00pm) Game 3: Santos vs Park Rangers @ 20:00h (8:00pm) Game 4: Wales vs Pele @ 21:00h (9:00pm)

Former players, TTCB President believe Shamsi should face further sanctions

F

ifty per cent of his match fee, already gone, officials in Trinidad and Tobago are still asking for more sanctions of South African spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Shamsi was fined for a level 2 breach of the Hero Caribbean Premier League after an incident in Saturday's final.

Playing for the losing St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Shamsi had a leg before wicket appeal against Trinbago Knight Riders batsman, Javon Searles, turned down but continued to appeal before displaying his disgust with the decision of umpire Gregory Brathwaite. Former West Indies opener and Barbados captain Philo Wallace was not impressed with what he saw as slap on the wrist. "That display was very poor, I was on commentary and could not believe what I was

seeing, it was very embarrassing for umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

Now to hear that he has just gotten only a 50 percent fine it is disappointing. He should be banned for at least a couple games. We need to send these guys a message because I don't think he would have gotten on like that in South Africa, where he resides," said Wallace.

Ganesh Mahabir, another former cricketer agreed with Wallace, suggesting that Shamsi had been a little petulent on other occasions.

"This guy has not been getting on like a cricketer at all during the CPL. His actions in the final was really upsetting and he should have been dealt with. Even before this final I saw him looking as if he was cursing when things didn't go his way.

He definitely didn't get on like a

gentleman and he should have been dealt in terms of missing some games later on," said Mahabir. The behaviour and the wish for more sanctions have not been lost on Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath either, saying a message needed to be sent to players who feel they can get away with a little more in the Caribbean. (Sportsmax)

Tabraiz Shamsi

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Griffith seeing positive signs ahead of regional season

‒ more opportunities in pipeline for youth players

Pg 23

The Guyana Jagauars are reigning threetime champions and will soon begin the hunt for a fourth successive title

Female hockey team setting high standards for Pan Am indoor tournament Pg 22

Part of the women’s team practicing short corners, Aliyah Gordon (far left) looks on

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