Guyana Times Epaper - Thursday, October 24, 2018

Agriculture plays major role in reducing poverty – Food For The Poor

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Issue No. 3706

PPP files legal action against GECOM over fraudulent LGE list

Page 3

Albion Estate workers protest 75% wage reduction

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 wardens under probe for drugs in NA, Timehri prisons P7 Flying knives incident

2 Uitvlugt P2 Estate Managers sent on leave

Pensioner’s home destroyed P10 by fire

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Wages dispute

GTU calls for removal of Page 12 imposed arbitration …threatens to take Govt to court chairman for punishing striking teachers

City Hall CoI

M&CC reneged Page on tax 10 waiver for Giftland Mall

GRA seizes over 17,000 gallons of P2 smuggled fuel

P7 Minister promises salary increases for prison officers Emerging oil sector

Local businesses seek international certification P14

President greeted by protesters during Berbice visit Page 14

P9 Fast food franchise loses almost $30M ...“I would rather lose… than pay a cent in a bribe” – CEO to City Hall

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GRA seizes over 2 Uitvlugt Estate Managers sent on leave 17,000 gallons of …as investigations continue smuggled fuel M Flying knives incident

ore than one month after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) commenced its investigation into a flying knives incident at the Uitvlugt Estate, the report remains incomplete.

However, Guyana Times was reliably informed that two senior officials were sent on administrative leave on Monday. An individual familiar with the probe stated that the individuals sent on leave are the maintenance supervisor and engineer at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate.

In August, the Number Two Turbine encountered a mishap and several knives became loose and went flying through the air in the direction of factory workers.

This stalled cane production for over a week which resulted in losses and affected the Estate’s ability to achieve its target.

“The investigation on the Number Two turbine is not concluded but we have to know who’s at fault. It is either mechanical or human error,” a source close to the investigation updated.

Guyana Times was told on Wednesday that as the probe nears its end, some five managers were recently interviewed at Uitvlugt Estate, include the two senior operatives, who were reportedly sent on leave. Information

Uitvlugt Estate, West Coast Demerara (Agriculture Ministry photo)

recently disclosed revealed that these very managers were among those slated to be called into GuySuCo’s Head Office at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, to be part of the main investigator’s final assessment of the incident, wherein it could be determined if sanctions would be imposed. Though it has not been confirmed when that “final assessment” will take place, this publication was told that several Uitvlugt Estate managers were called to GuySuCo’s headquarters for a meeting on Wednesday morning.

“Every single manager is at LBI at a high [level] meeting; all the managers gone to the meeting... the estate manager, the agriculture manager, factory manager, finance manager, human resources manager, all deputies, about 10 persons gone there,” a GuySuCo functionary indicated.

This publication attempted to secure confirmation and clarification from Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) and Finance Director Paul Bhim on these reports but calls to his number went unanswered. However, an Uitvlugt executive attached to that very meeting claimed, on the condition of anonymity, that Wednesday’s gathering was geared for “training”. In the last several weeks, GuySuCo has had little to say on the mishap which posed a danger to the lives of many workers. When the investigation commenced, GuySuCo did tell the public that the probe was underway but observed that it was viewing the fault as an “engineering matter”.

The Sugar Corporation had also told the public that senior managers and several senior engineers will investigate the matter along with managers from the human resources

and health and safety departments. The original investigation which was initially set to last for about three weeks was crafted to determine just how the cane shredder became uncontrollable and 64 out of 70 knives went haywire.

As reported previously, workers ducked for safety when the knives hit the wall and the machine was immediately shut down for over a week. However, several tonnes were able to be salvaged after the estate’s turbine had to be replaced with one from the defunct La Bonne Intention (LBI) factory.

Nevertheless, the grains garnered were of a substandard quality, as the sugar was “grainy” as opposed to coarse crystals which are consistent with a higher quality of produce. GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager, Deodat Sukhoo, had been selected to head the probe into the flying knives incident.

There were initial inquiries by senior officers of GuySuCo who visited the Uitvlugt factory when it broke down and millions of dollars’ worth of cane was initially left to spoil However, several tonnes were later saved after Guyana Times reported the matter.

The damage to the cane shredder resulted in millions of dollars in losses, at the expense of the State via taxpayers’ dollars. (Shemuel Fanfair)

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GRA headquarters on Camp Street, Georgetown

captain and members of his crew are currently in custody following the discovery of more than 80,000 litres (17, 597.5 gallons) of smuggled fuel in their vessel.

The discovery was made by officers from the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The officers recently intercepted MV Plumrose with a quantity of liquid that was later tested and confirmed to be hydrocarbons in the form of diesel fuel.

During a search of the vessel, the officers discovered that even though the intended use of the vessel was for “fishing purposes”, MV Plumrose was converted for fuel transport.

The Captain and crew are assisting the GRA with the ongoing investigations, and charges are expected to be laid shortly. Meanwhile, representatives of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) were contacted by the GRA, and the two agencies were now collaborating on the investigation.

On the other hand, the revenue collection body said that it has seen a rise in fuel smuggling over the past few weeks, with the interception of more vessels, which will lead to a substantial amount of revenue being recovered.

In April, authorities had detained shipping vessel Jubilee after it was discovered with over 200,000 gallons of suspected smuggled fuel, when it entered the Georgetown port and its

officials failed to disclose that it had fuel to customs officials until checks were made. The company struck a deal with the GRA to pay $36 million in taxes.

Meanwhile, the GEA in April had said that it has seized in excess of 9000 gallons of gasoline and diesel in the first quarter of the year with its inspectors having visited 3191 sites and collected 8339 fuel samples.

As it relates to fuel smuggling statistics in 2017, a total of 11,000 gallons of illegal gasoline and diesel were seized in 29 discoveries in 2017 following 12,882 site visits and 33,891 samples collected.

This resulted in six convictions, while compensation was accepted from four individuals in the sum of $1,237,000.

The Authority said it has taken a relentless approach against smuggling and will be working in close collaboration with its sister agencies to minimise these activities.

Over the past year, the GRA has recouped billions of dollars in taxes from seizures and auctions not only from illegal fuel, but also from breaches in motor vehicle concessions and IDA’s, and commonly smuggled items which include alcohol, foreign imported chicken, and mosquito coils.

The GRA wishes to advise persons to cease and desist from smuggling activities, failing which, instead of accepting fines, the relevant charges will be instituted in a court of law.

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 4 – 13:30h-15:00h and Friday, October 5 – a night retraction at 01:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, October 4 – 12:45h-14:15h and Friday, October 5 – 13:40h-15:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with clear skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 12:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.24 metres.

PPP files legal action against GECOM over fraudulent LGE list T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) through one of its constituency candidates in Berbice has filed legal proceedings against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and another individual to have the names fraudulently affixed to the backer’s lists for Local Government Elections (LGE) in the Ancient County removed.

The court document seen

by Guyana Times names

they would benefit from better roads, jobs, better pension and rehabilitated playgrounds and were also deceived into signing,” he stated in court documents.

He said too that it was only after Nomination Day on September 21, 2018, that he learnt that the signature which was taken from him was unauthorisedly used as a nominator backing the AFC candidate in constituency Number 3.

According to him, at no

Low Tide: 05:54h and 18:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.90 metre and 1.00 metres respectively.

wednesDAY, october 3, 2018

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Shafraz Beekham as the applicant, along with the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and Orlando Christopher Persaud as the respondents. The document outlines that the challenge is seeking to have the names of 49 other electors appearing on list of backers in support of the Alliance For Change (AFC) constituency candidates removed.

It noted that the submission was made to Persaud on September 21, 2018, in Whim Bloomfield, Berbice Local Authority Area (LAA), for the LGE 2018. The PPP is challenging on the grounds that the said decision is unlawful, illegal, and unreasonable and is in violation of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act. The document also cites Persaud’s alleged refusal to withdraw the applicant’s name and the names of 49 other electors. It said unless the names are withdrawn, the election in the LAA would be tainted with “illegality and fraud.” It also noted that Persaud’s refusal happened before the expired deadline on September 26, 2018.

In a sworn affidavit, Beekham, who is a registered elector on the Official List of Electors for Constituency Number 3 in the Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) said he and others were “deliberately deceived into signing a document by an Alliance For Change representative who he claimed fraudulently represented that she was employed by GECOM and that he needed to sign a document to confirm that his name was on the voter’s list.

“I am informed and do verily believe by the other electors in the community that they were told that

time whatsoever was he or the other residents informed, or did they know that they were in fact signing a list of backers in support of the AFC candidate(s).

Persaud said on becoming aware of the fraud perpetuated against him and other electors, he immediately demanded that their names be withdrawn or deleted from the AFC lists.

He recalled that he and the other electors had affidavits to withdraw their names and support for the AFC candidate on the lists submitted. On Tuesday, September 25, 2018, Beekham and other elec-

tors visited Persaud’s office in Whim to submit the affidavits to have their names withdrawn.

According to his court document, “The first named respondent was not in office and there was no other representative present who would accept our withdrawals. I returned to the first named respondent’s office at 2:00pm (14:00h) on September 26, 2018, with the other electors to submit our withdrawals. It was made clear to Persaud that we did not knowingly or intentionally submit or affix our signatures to any lists in support of AFC candidates. The first named respondent initially refused to

accept our withdrawals erroneously, stating that the time has expired for us to do so.” The PPP candidate said he did not leave and persisted to demand that his name be removed from the list. He recalled making contact with PPP GECOM Commissioner and Attorney Bibi Shadick and sought her intervention and advice.

He was informed that at a meeting between GECOM Commissioners on September 25, 2018, it was confirmed that the deadline for the submission of the statutory affidavits was on 23:55h on September 26, 2018.

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018

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

Hearing the people’s cries

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n the USA, currently a process is unfolding to appoint a Supreme Court Judge. Justice Brett Kavanaugh is the nominee and a vote in the Senate for his appointment has been delayed at least by a week to allow for the FBI to investigate allegations of sexual assault made against him. Prior to that, President Donald Trump said he didn’t see the need for the FBI to investigate.

Around then Kavanaugh’s appointment might have been a done deal given the Republican majority.

As a matter of fact, just last Friday, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary voted along party lines, 11-10, in recommending the nomination to the Senate floor with an expected confirmation vote as early as the next day. The latter did not happen as the Senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, even though voting in the Committee in support of Kavanaugh, insisted on the FBI investigation before a vote to confirm in the Senate.

The Republican-majority Committee agreed fearing that Senator Flake, along with one or two others, may vote no on confirmation. In other words, they realised they may not have the numbers to confirm Kavanaugh if Flake’s demand was denied. It was a risk they could not take and they didn’t.

Noteworthy, is what may have led to Flake’s insistence. On the day, shortly before the Committee voted, he was confronted in an elevator by two women imploring him to listen. One said, “I was sexually assaulted and nobody believed me…. You’re telling all women that they don’t matter, that they should just stay quiet”. She insisted he looked at her during the exchange.

When asked afterwards, Flake said everything led to his position on the FBI involvement. While the elevator incident could not be linked specifically to his decision, it cannot be discounted and it must have had some impact on him given what transpired. For the women; Flake listened and the elevator doors were left ajar throughout the incident. They felt that their cries were heard since a confirmation, which should have been over with, is now delayed.

A few days ago, this newspaper carried a story in which a 25-year-old mother of four was quoted as saying, “Sometimes my children wake up in the night hungry and all I can do is cry.

Right now, I need a lot of help. I am punishing a lot, because it isn’t easy to raise four children without a job”. She and her thirtyfive-year-old husband were former workers at the Skeldon Sugar Estate which has been closed.

No mother or father can bear the cries of hunger from their children. Those cries are daggers to the heart which worsens when there is no means to offer them a morsel. Her heartshattering story is just a microcosm of the harsh and cruel reality hundreds of sugar workers are now forced to endure following the closure of some estates over the past two years. That reality may not have fully resonated or understood by others and maybe by those who made the decision to shut the estates.

Before and after that decision, workers and their families pleaded for it not to be implemented or reversed over fear of the devastating impact it would have on their lives and on thousands more who are indirectly affected. As time elapses, the cries have not gone away, for many are still forced to resort to protest action to receive what is rightfully theirs; severance pay.

That mother who has to hear the cries for food by her children will be broken and traumatised; rendered helpless and stripped of her dignity. It’s similar for others like her and for the fathers who become emasculated in such circumstances. That reality has telling effects on the mental state of those affected.

Enduring that daily exacerbates that very troubling mindset and the seeming hopeless situation.

How is this in anyway relevant to the Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation? Senator Flake listened. He also demonstrated a willingness to do his part in trying to mitigate the cries he heard.

Many here had spoken about the economic broadside the closure of estates would have on the workers and the surrounding communities of which many have been economically ravished.

Fears have since been realised as exemplified by the story of that 25-year-old mother.

The impact has not spared the social fabric of those communities as poverty, crime and depression rise. Many have decried the decision to close the estates without an impact assessment been conducted. It could have provided a similar voice to the ones Senator Flake heard in that elevator and which may have been the proverbial straw that precipitated the responsible position he took.

Senator Flake may be seen as one, but with his influence, it made a difference at that point. His action also exposes those here who boast of their concern for the welfare of sugar workers and who now have influence, but unlike the Senator, they close the elevator door to block the cries from reaching their ears; hence it is still painfully heard in the media.

What purpose does this tag serve? Newly minted Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, had his name tag checked out by this curious toddler while he was mid prayer during a church service commemorating the 24th anniversary of the Guyana Police Force’s Day Care Centre. Also in photo is Deputy Police Commissioner Maxine Graham (Adam Baksh photo)

Whistleblowers at City Hall may be scared of retaliation Dear Editor, The recent exposé by a vendor of being victimised after giving testimony before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the administration and operations of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) shows the length that some persons who have been placed in a position of influence would go, which is way beyond the pale, to protect themselves, their cohorts and their enterprise. These actions, though not totally shocking coming from where it did, was nonetheless abominable and just plain reprehensible.

Anyone familiar with the Law of Omerta, would realise that there are elements within the Council, like Kingpins, crime lords and mob bosses expect the code

of silence to be practiced by their subjects; whether staff, contractors, vendors, suppliers and soldiers under their control, remaining studiously silent irrespective of the punishment meted out to them. This code of honour places importance on silence, non-cooperation with authorities, and non-interference in the illegal actions of others.

They expect to have absolute or nearly absolute control over their subordinates, they expect to be greatly feared for their ruthlessness and willingness to do whatever is necessary to maintain their influence, and benefits from the endeavours they undertake.

It may have been surprising to some that the ‘Queen’ herself descended to get personally in-

volved in teaching the vendor a lesson by removing her from her spot, but one must understand the message that was being sent to other vendors, should they consider appearing before the Commission to report the poor administration of and unsatisfactory conditions within the municipal markets.

I am sure that the Local Government Commission realises that their best source of information about mismanagement, fraud, and abuse in the Council shall come from existing municipal employees who are committed to public integrity and willing to speak out. Such acts of courage and patriotism, which can improve the delivery of citizen services and often save millions upon millions of

taxpayer dollars, should be encouraged rather than stifled. We need to empower municipal employees as watchdogs of wrongdoing and to become partners in performance.

If the Commission is to receive more current employees of the Council, contractors and businesspersons at the hearing, then they will have to expand and improve the witness protection guarantees being offered, as persons are aware of how swift and ruthless the retaliation to whistleblowers at City Hall can be. One just has to be reminded of what was done to the witness of the sexual assault of a juvenile by a colleague a few months ago.

Sincerely, Anu Bihari

LGE electoral process is already perceived as flawed Dear Editor, In March this year, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) made an incredibly bold and outlandish statement in a vain attempt to remove the fear and dishonesty which is inherent in the People’s National Congress (PNC)run elections from the minds of the Guyanese people, especially the voting population. A Department of Public Information release had stated that GECOM has as one of its priorities the “tightening up on the slip-

page that would cause the elections process” to be perceived as flawed in the past.

This past is still fresh in the minds of the Guyanese populace and the fear still relevant since the fake Statements of Poll of the 2015 General Election are yet to be determined. Many Guyanese can vividly recall the blatant and barefaced rigging of the General Elections under the PNC from 1968 to 1985. These rigged elections were in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 and there was the massive-

ly rigged Referendum in 1978, all of which bear testimony to the innate ability of the PNC to hold fraudulent elections fully backed

by GECOM. In addition, the ascension of retired Justice Patterson to the chairmanship of GECOM is also done by a ‘rigged process’; likewise the employment discrimination of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GECOM which can be seen as a further step to set the stage for the rigging of elections in this country. Let us now look

at the electoral process leading to the Local Government Elections (LGE) to be held on November 12.

There has been evidence surfacing in many People’s Progressive Party supported areas of fraudulent activities by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and this is not about gerrymandering, it is the use of faked and forged signatures to support the nominations of their candidates.

Continued on page 5

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden Special Needs Centre tops Signing Bee Competition

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he Linden Special Needs Centre performed exceedingly well at this year’s Annual Signing Bee Competition.

The Centre won first place in both categories of the competition which was held on Wednesday at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

In Category One, Troy Scott from the Linden Special Needs Centre placed first, while Abigail Jairam and Samuel Foo from the New Amsterdam Special School placed second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, in Category Two, Ulancy Emanuel from the Linden Special Needs Centre placed first, with Satesh Rajkumar from the New Amsterdam Special School placing second and Tamar Klaus from the Diamond Special Needs School placing third.

The other schools which participated in the competition were the David Rose Special School and

The winners of the 3rd Annual Signing Bee Competition displaying their winnings in the company of Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson and other senior education officers

Harmony Secondary School.

According to National Special Education Needs (SEN) Officer, Savvie Hopkinson, the Signing Bee Competition is an incredible way for students who are deaf to demonstrate their academic progress, justify financial in-

vestment in an appropriate education and demand equitable treatment, having in the past suffered benign neglect.

She said the competition bears linguistic similarities with “Singing Bees” and “Spelling Bees”. She said the competition intends to stimulate the lan-

LGE electoral process...

It was reported that areas affected were Crabwood Creek, Corriverton, Fifty One Good Hope, Whim, Bloomfield, Number 63, Berbice; and La Grange, La Jalousie and Canal Polder, West Bank Demerara. Some blatant cases occurred at Number 51/Good Hope and Whim Village – the birth place of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. At Whim Village 51 persons disputed that they signed the backers list and swore to affidavits attesting that fact. At Number 51/Good

Hope, 18 persons claimed they never signed the AFC’s backers list, nine persons lived abroad, one woman is dead and one could not read and write but yet purportedly signed the list, affidavits were also signed to that effect. In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) alone, 151 disputed persons’ names appeared on various backers’ lists. What is supposed to be GECOM’s role in the above scenario?

Should GECOM allow these candidates who were fraudulently backed to contest

the LGE in their constituencies?

Instead of GECOM decisively addressing the case of the fraudulent lists a farcical comedy played out. The CEO, Keith Lowenfield, had stated that once affidavits for each individual was produced, the fraudulent ‘errors’ will be corrected. However, the DECO, Roxanne Myers, had issued instructions to the Returning Officers that the persons should bring the affidavits in person, contrary to the original statement that the leader

guage faculty of students by expanding their vocabulary and augmenting the stock of words they possess and can employ in their work and lives.

“This competition provides a platform for Special Schools to stage their educational quality, expand the capacity of stu-

dents to perform well in the curriculum while having fun. Through a decentralised approach, it permits students in regions to compete and prove themselves against their counterparts in Georgetown,” Hopkinson is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

She added that sign language is crucial to members of the deaf community since it is the means through which their ideas, imagination, creativity and achievements flow out to the rest of the society and among themselves.

Moreover, Hopkinson reminded those in attendance that Wednesday’s competition celebrates the education policy of inclusiveness and the education philosophy of the right to an appropriate education.

“It demonstrates that all students are valuable and must be empowered to see themselves and take their places in an emerging, expanding, competitive, glob-

al community”.

Marcel Hutson echoed sentiments shared by Hopkinson and added that the competition demonstrates that there are no boundaries to learning and achievement.

He said the Education Ministry is pleased to continue hosting the event by making it a feature as part of Education Month.

Hutson explained that over the years, the Education Ministry has sought many ways to provide inclusivity for children with special needs.

He said the participation of the children in the competition serves as an indicator of their academic achievement. Hutson enlightened the audience that SEN takes precedence in the Education Ministry’s Strategic Plan.

He said that a large part of the Strategic Plan has been dedicated to ensuring that there is movement in the SEN area.

for the 2018 LGE and he cited that as many as 42 out of 80 Local Authority Areas were affected by these fraudulent backers’ lists.

It is imperative to note that the Carter Centre Election Report had recommended that Government must continue to strengthen the professionalism and independence of GECOM to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Unfortunately, from what has transpired and the fact that the coalition Government has remained

deafeningly silent, is a clear indication that this recommendation has been aborted like so many others and will never see the light of day.

A final question: If GECOM has silently given approval to these fraudulent lists, what can we expect during the electoral process? The LGE electoral process is already ‘perceived as flawed’ Chairman!

From page 4

or deputy leader of the List can submit the sworn affidavits. It was claimed that the CEO never passed on this instruction in writing to the Returning Officers.

Conveniently, at the 11th hour, the CEO went missing in action! Is this not a clear indication that GECOM is not acting in the best interest of the electorate but in the interest of the ruling party?

It was only last Monday that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo revealed there were already several instances of electoral fraud

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

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By Marwa Azab ,PhD

W

hy are teens so dramatic? There are good explanations from neuroscience! In order to answer this question, I am going to reduce the brain to emotional versus logical systems.

The emotional system is the limbic brain structures, whereas the logical system is the frontal regions. The limbic system contains brain areas that are important for emotions, drives, reward and motivation. The frontal system contains areas important for decisionmaking, impulse control and inhibiting socially unacceptable faux-pas. These two systems have a different development schedule. Also, the connections between them mature throughout the teen years.

At any age, these limbic structures are intimately connected. But, there are some important differences in brain wiring between the adult and teen brains. These differences help explain why teens are sometimes seen as overly emotional. At the beginning of the teen years, the limbic system is underdeveloped and disconnected from the non-limbic rational brain areas, which develop much later. The CEO of the limbic system is the ‘amygdala’. During teen years, it helps to think of the amygdala as the “gossiper”. It loves to spread bad news and rumours. Of course, it has accomplices, such as the hypothalamus. This small but manipulative structure adds hormones to expedite the spreading of fiery rumours.

Growing extra ears

During teen years, the limbic system grows extra ears to listen to gossip and builds more buckets for the hypothalamus to pour in sex hormones such as testosterone (found in all teens, but much more in boys). So, a teen might end up misperceiving a benign ‘hello’ as ‘I am watching you’ or ‘I noticed that pimple’.

As teens get older (like in early 20s!), the limbic system listens to the more rational parts of the brain the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and less to the amygdala gossip. More importantly, eventually the PFC develops and extends fast communication lines to the

Foundation

limbic system, and functions as the ‘brakes’ or inhibitor of excessive gossip. Parenting, education and opportunities can guide and strengthen the connections between the limbic system and the PFC. While all roads lead to Rome (the amygdala), there are ones that are more dangerous than others. In the brain, many routes take you to the amygdala, but there is a safe one that we should try to take some of the time. Because, emotions and feelings are a part of our everyday life, we need to understand efficient ways to process them. Emotions are more than the salt and pepper our brains use to season our lives.

If excessive, life can be distasteful. If under seasoned, life can be tasteless. So, emotions are very important! We just need to befriend them, understand them, and harness their energy especially during the teen years to make the best out of the rest of the mind.

The first route to the amygdala is the fast one, really fast and outside our awareness.

Via our five senses, we see, hear, smell, or feel something in the world around you, then this information runs to the amygdala to give it first dips on the story. The amygdala gets activated and starts gossiping and tells the hormonal system to quickly release chemicals that spread in the blood circulation, so that all organs listen to the gossip. It also gossips with the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system, SNS. Here is what the SNS does to show alliance with the amygdala’s anger and fear: · The heart beat faster · The eyes dilate · Sweat glands produce more sweat, · Kidneys make less urine, and · Inhibition of the digestive organs and glands. Less saliva, and slower digestion.

At the same time, the amygdala activates emotional behaviours. The amygdala along with its accomplices, make sure that blood circulation is diverted to muscles consistent with the emotional responses and away from any muscles not necessary for the emotional response. It also diverts brain activation to brain areas important for confirming its biases. So, learning centres are not important for now, and shut down.

If teens don’t develop strategies to manage their emotions, they cannot learn at school.

The second route to the amygdala is slow, but information eventually gets to it.

So, information from the world around us comes through our five senses, but instead of going to the amygdala, it goes for a mini vacation up in the frontal cortex PFC- the more logical but slower part of the brain.

The information is processed for level of safety, compared to previous knowledge, assessed for future value. After it relaxes in the PFC and gets armoured with reason, past evidence, future goals, and then it is fed into the amygdala.

But why on earth would our brains have the fast reactive route to the amygdala? One simple answer: Because, the amygdala’s fast response is required to save you when you are in real danger. The brain reacts the same to the following two scenarios: a) You are being chased by a big hungry bear b) You interpreted Fatima’s neutral “hello” as a hostile intent to get you.

So, here is the thing whether the danger is real, imagined or exaggerated, your brain will react the same. The brain only hears “you are in danger, your safety is in question” and it will save you at all costs.

Because, of the super reactivity of the amygdala during the teen years, teens are likely to interpret neutral stimuli as threatening. MRI scans of teen brains when looking at pictures of neutral faces show activation in the amygdala more than adults and children. Teens interpret a neutral expression as negative. So, if the soccer coach is not overly smiling, a teen might interpret that as “my coach hates me”.

To summarise, teens are highly emotional because of a hyperactive amygdala that generates many danger false alarms. And, slow inefficient connections between the logical PFC and the emotional amygdala. I.e., a faulty inhibition system and loose brakes.

Your teen is not crazy! Their brains are going under massive remodelling. Our jobs as their parents, educators and mentors are to be their best advocates and to encourage healthy rewiring of their brains. (psychologytoday.com)

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think the most important thing for every family is to have a culture of accountability in your home. This means your child is accountable to you: how he talks to you, how he talks to his siblings, how he treats his family members. When he’s bullying his siblings, don’t get sucked into his excuses; just because he had a bad day at school does not give him the right to mistreat anyone in your family, for example. Let me say it again: Your child is accountable to you.

When a bully feels powerless and afraid, he’s much more likely to be aggressive, because that makes him feel powerful and in control.

Don’t forget, bullies often have cognitive distortions –they see the world in a certain way that justifies their bullying. So you’ll frequently hear them blaming others and making excuses for their behaviour. Most of the time, they really believe that stuff: they believe what they think, and that’s what you’ve got to challenge.

You can say directly, “It sounds like you’re blaming Jesse for the fact that you punched him. It is not Jesse’s fault that you hit him.”

Schools should also have a culture of accountability, and I think that many try. That’s what detentions, suspensions and expulsions are all about –if your child breaks the rules, he should be held accountable, and it’s very important that you let him deal with the natural consequences and not try to shield him.

The skills your child needs to learn

Plain and simple, a child who bullies needs to learn how to solve social problems and deal with their emotions without acting out behaviourally. Have conversations with your child where you ask, “What happens when other kids don’t want to play your games?

What do you do? What do you do when other kids have things you want and they won’t give them to you? How do you handle that?

How do you handle it when you think you’re right and they’re wrong and there’s nothing you can do about it?”

Your child has to learn how to resolve conflicts and manage his emotions. He needs to learn the skills of compromise, how to sacrifice, how to share and how to deal with injustice. He should also learn how to check things out, and to ask himself, “Is what I’m seeing really happening? Does Jonathon really hate me, or is he just in a bad mood today?”

Kids have got to learn how to manage their impulses. If their impulse is to hit or to hurt or call someone names, they have to learn to deal with that in an appropriate way. Many children and adolescents have the impulse to hurt others—they have impulses to do all kinds of things. But they need to learn to handle them, and kids who bully are no exception.

What to do if your child is bullying others in school

Kids who are bullying others should be held accountable at home – they should absolutely be given consequences for their behaviour.

And the consequences should go like this: your child should be deprived of doing something he or she likes. So, no TV or computer games or cell phone, for example. And they also should have to do a task: they should write an essay or letter on what they’re going to do next time they’re in the same situation or feel the same way – instead of bullying. It’s critical that they start thinking of other ways they can solve this problem. Understand that they may not have any ideas, and that’s where you have to interact with them and coach them as a parent. If your child is hurting or bullying others, he needs to have conversations that solve problems. He does not need or benefit from conversations that explore emotions. Bullies tend to see themselves as victims, so the conversation has to focus on them taking responsibility for their behaviour.

Remember that bullies don’t stop bullying when they get home – they often target younger or weaker siblings. You have to be very clear if your child is bullying –be very black and white; leave no grey areas. Don’t forget, your child is bullying because solving problems— talking to people and working things out—is very hard for him.

Again, your child is taking the easy way out. We all go through the growing pains of learning how to negotiate in social situations—in fact, we may work on this skill our whole lives. There should be no exceptions for anyone in your family when it comes to these skills.

For a child who is using bullying as a shortcut instead of developing these skills, you have to work even harder as a parent to coach them on what to do. (Excerpt from empoweringparents)

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 wardens under probe for drugs Minister promises salary increases in NA, Timehri prisons

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ays after it was revealed that some 28 prison officers have been dismissed so far this year for their involvement in contraband smuggling, two more ranks have now found themselves in hot water, following the discovery of illegal items at three prison facilities.

In Berbice, 1032 grams of suspected marijuana and 39 packs of cigarettes were found in the New Amsterdam Prison.

Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels disclosed on Wednesday that a prison officer is being investigated with regards to his involvement.

“From video evidence, he was seen in possession of the parcels that came over the prison fence. He then conspired with prisoners to secure same in the prison kitchen,” Samuels said.

The Prisons Director noted that the discovery was made after a middle manager, acted on information received, caused a search to be conducted during which the items were discovered.

“In my telephone interview with the suspect, he admitted his involvement.

According to him, the items were to be delivered to a specific prisoner,” he further stated.

The officer has been handed over to the Police along with the contraband found.

Meanwhile, another prison officer at the Timehri Prison was taken into custody after he was implicated by an inmate regarding the presence of 584 grams of marijuana in the compound.

It was reported that ranks of the Guyana Police Force, acting on information received, went to the East Bank Demerara peniten-

Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels

tiary on Wednesday morning, where a white 10kg butter bucket containing a quantity of ziplock plastic bags, two plastic juice bottles all contained a quantity of leave, seeds and stems suspected to cannabis were handed over.

The narcotics were allegedly found in possession of a 42-year-old inmate and former prison orderly, who is currently serving a 20year sentence for buggery and rape. The prisoner was observed in the prison compound at about 08:40h with the said bucket and when questioned by prison officials, he indicated that he received the cannabis from a prison officer, who is stationed at the said facility.

The inmate then took the officers to a storeroom, under the stairs of the Administrative Building where two plastic bottles containing cannabis were seen. The prison officer in question has since denied any knowledge of the cannabis; nevertheless he was taken into Police custody pending further investigations.

On the other hand, prison officers stationed at the Georgetown prison on

Wednesday at about 08:38h, discovered a white bulky plastic bag handing on the barb wire of the southern fence of the compound. The bag was retrieved and upon examination, a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, two packs of transparent ziplock bags, two packs of bamboo and a quantity of leaves were found.

The suspected cannabis was weighed 104 grams and has since been lodged.

Contraband smuggling has long been a perennial problem within the prison system and this compounded by the fact that both prison and police officers are facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be a “big business”.

While the authorities have been struggling to curb the illegal practice, there has been a breakthrough on the apparent network among rogue prison officers.

In fact, only last week, four prison officers were arrested after they smuggled a bottle of rum and a pack of cigarettes into the Lusignan Prison the weekend prior.

These officers were subsequently charged and inter-

PPP files legal action...

“The statutory affidavits to withdraw the names of electors from the lists could be submitted by the representative (head of the list) or deputy representative or in person by the elector. If the elector appeared in person, a letter addressed to the first named respondent would have sufficed to effect a withdrawal. The statutory affidavits were legal documents which the first named respondent would be duty bound to accept,” he added.

However, after 14:30h on September 26, the CEO was out of touch and was not in his office and could not be reached personally or by telephone to give any directions to Persaud. In the absence of the CEO, the Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers, was contacted in her office and indicated that she could not give

any instructions to Persaud without first conferring with the CEO of GECOM who she was also unable to contact.

Subsequently, Persaud informed Beekham that he will accept the statutory affidavits from him and the other electors only if the electors desirous of withdrawing (including himself) were present in person. Beekham and 49 other electors presented themselves to Persaud the same day.

But he later advised that “a confrontation had to be done between us and the AFC candidates” and further that the AFC candidates would be given time to rebut the allegations being made and fixed 10:00pm (22:00h) as the deadline after which a decision would be made.

When the time had reached, Beekham said that

Form page 3

he and the 49 other electors were all present. The AFC candidates were not present. Persaud then proceeded to accept all of the affidavits and in his presence signed and issued an acknowledgement of receipt to the representative of the PPP Himatee Latchman.

Beekham learnt on Friday, September 28, that Persaud had refused to withdraw his name and that of the 49 other electors from the lists submitted by the AFC. The proceedings were served on Wednesday. The matter is fixed for hearing before Justice Navindra Singh on October 11.

The attorneys representing Beekham are Adrian Anamayah, Ian Anamayah and Anil Nandlall.

dicted from duty.

Furthermore, five other prison officers were relieved of their duties back in July after they were fingered in an incident whereby a parcel containing cannabis had been thrown into the Lusignan Prison Holding Bay area.

Addressing a thanksgiving ceremony to commemorate the 35th Prisons Service Week on Sunday, Samuels disclosed that so far for the year some 28 prison officers have been dismissed. He explained that 11 of those ranks were dismissed for facilitating or directly smuggling contraband into the prison system. The Prisons Director added that there are 12 ranks currently interdicted from duty, nine of whom have been charged either departmentally or criminally for trafficking-related activities.

At that event, both Samuels and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan decried rouge elements within the prison service, who contribute to contraband smuggling within the system and called for ranks to speak out against wrongdoings by their colleagues.

for prison officers

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t a time where smuggling of contraband has peaked to its highest in recent days, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has given his word to increase the salaries of prison officers, in an effort to stamp out corruption in the prisons.

The Minister gave this applauded assurance at a recent ceremony at the heels of comments emanating from the Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels.

According to Samuels, prison officers are being disrespected.

“For too long the prison officers have not been given the respect they deserve, while the present remuneration package which can do with some improvement, honourable Minister, I thank Almighty God daily for all the good purpose-driven officers in our midst who continue to work against all odds,” he said.

When Minister Ramjattan took to the podium, he said he will make sure the issue of a proper remuneration for prison officers is raised with his fellow lawmakers in Parliament.

“There is a lobby, yes we

can do with a little bit more salaries, that’s a big lobby and I will behave like a politician here and say ‘yes I promise that will be done’. I must say that it’s (the prison service) probably the most difficult of jobs, especially in the context of salaries that you get. It is difficult…and rest assured, I will, I as Minister am going to make the lobby at the relevant places, Office of the Presidency and especially Minister of Finance, that we have a better day,” he said.

His statements come at a time where only recently, the PSC raised concerns about the low wages being received by not only prison officers, but Police Officers in Guyana.

According to that body, the low income being received by these Government workers, contributes to them participating in illicit acts to earn an extra dollar.

It was recently reported that some 28 prison officers were dismissed after being involved in the smuggling of contraband at the various prisons. A number of illegal weapons and substances have been discovered in recent days.

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Contractor, Linden man slapped with fraud charges

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Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) contractor was on Wednesday released on $100,000 bail after he denied two fraud charges when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Trevor Glasgow, 47, of Lot 9 Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), denied that between September 4 and 12, 2018 at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, with intent to defraud he forged a GWI gate pass to obtain several buckets owned by the

company.

Glasgow’s attorney, in a bail application, informed the court that there was no evidence to prove that his client’s handwriting was on the forged gate pass.

Magistrate Azore released Glasgow on $100,000 bail, and the case was scheduled to continue on October 31, 2018.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Cliff Ryan Jacobs of Lot 264 Low Creek, LindenSoesdyke Highway also made an appearance before Magistrate Azore and was also released on bail after he

denied a fraud charge.

Jacobs denied the charge which stated that on September 17, 2018 at the Central Immigration and Passport Office, Georgetown, he made a false statement by pretending to be Joseph Troy Gomes.

According to the Prosecutor’s case, on September 17 about 09:20h, Jacobs visited the Central Immigration and Passport Office with a completed passport form and a birth certificate in his possession purporting to be Joseph Troy Gomes.

Upon checking the documents, the immigration officer observed that the information was incorrect, and the charge was later instituted.

Jacobs’s Attorney, Paul Fung-A-Fat in his application for bail told the court that his client was willing to accept bail in a reasonable amount. The Police Prosecutor made no objections to bail, and, as a result, Magistrate Azore released Jacobs on $25,000 bail. The case will continue on October 2, 2018.

Men before court after Charlestown fight

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wo men found themselves before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they both faced separate charges of unlawful wounding.

Forty-two-year-old Troy Nedd of Lot 17 Broad Street,

Charlestown, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on September 27, 2018 at Broad Street, he unlawfully wounded Tenito Farley with intent to maim, disfigure, and cause grievous bodily harm.

Meanwhile, Farley was also charged for unlawful-

ly wounding Nedd at the said location with intent to maim, disfigure and cause grievous bodily harm.

Farley also denied the charge. Nedd informed the court that he did not wish to give evidence against Farley, while Farley informed the court that he

would be giving his evidence in the matter.

The Police Prosecutor made no objections to bail.

Magistrate Azore dismissed the charge against Farley and released Nedd on $35,000 bail.

The case will continue on October 24, 2018.

Security guard charged Illegal gun, ammo charges dismissed against miner for simple larceny

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34-year-old security guard attached to Kalibur Security Guyana made his appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged for simple larceny.

Jason Thomas, of Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD), denied the charge which stated that between April 1 and 30, 2018, at Palm Street Werk-enrust, Georgetown, he was

entrusted to unlock and return two Samsung Galaxy cellphones worth $100,000 along with one iPhone worth $60,000, property of Roger Farria, which he failed to do, but instead converted the said valuables to his own use and benefit.

Thomas denied the charge after it was read to him.

The Police Prosecutor made no objections to bail.

He was released on $65,000 and the case would continue on October 31, 2018.

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nlawful possession of firearm and ammunition charges against a 33-year-old gold miner of Mabura Landing, Upper Demerara River were dismissed when he made his final appearance before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court earlier this week.

Klaus Pearce had denied the charges when they were first read to him in March of this year. The first charge stated that on

March 10, 2018, he had 22 live .380 rounds of ammunition in his possession at Seaballi Backdam, Upper Demerara River. The second charge stated that on the same date at the same location, he had a matching .380 semi-automatic pistol in his possession without a firearm licence being in force at the said time.

According to Police information, Pearce was arrested by ranks about 09:45h on March 10, 2018 at Seaballi Backdam, Upper Demerara River with the weapon and matching ammunition.

However, in handing down the decision, Magistrate Nurse cited that there were misstatements of facts by a Police witness, which he noted created a difficulty for the court with respect to reliability.

He said based on the facts presented, the credibility of the witness could not be relied on and, therefore, the court could not rely on his evidence. The witness had indicated that Pearce acted suspiciously and had reached for the bag which contained the illegal items.

However, Magistrate Nurse also indicated that at the time of the incident, there was another person present at the location along with Pearce, but was never questioned in relation to the incident. He also pointed out that there was no evidence to show that the bag with the illegal items belonged to Pearce and the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was guilty of the charges.

Barking up…

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…the wrong (money) tree here’s a very wise saying attributed to Sherlock Holmes by his creator Conan-Doyle: “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” This is solid advise in almost every aspect of life – especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s going on. If, for instance, your girlfriend says she’s pregnant – but you know you haven’t touched her in a year – once you’ve eliminated the possibility of immaculate conception, then no matter how sweet she looks, you’ve gotta conclude she’s been messing around!!

And this brings us to the British sleuth Sam Sittlington, who’s been loaned to us by Her Majesty’s Government to advise the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to go after…well…organised crime! He and his High Commissioner read the riot act to a slew of investigators and prosecutors about them pussyfooting on prosecutions and just pointing their fingers at each other. From the tenor of the remarks from the usually understated Brits, it appeared it wasn’t just the accusatory index finder but also the scatological middle one being pointed!!

But this isn’t new, is it? We’ve been going around this particular black-sage bush for years without getting any closer to putting away “organised” criminals. Even the Junior Finance Minister had to blow his top a while back about the lack of convictions. After convincing their supporters that the PPP had “siphoned off billions and billions”, the entire PNC-led Government was getting quite livid about the matter. And this brings us to the point we know the Government just doesn’t want to accept: that they were just blowing smoke up their supporters posteriors to get them all riled up!!

But crack crime sleuth Sam Sittlington shouldn’t be worrying about saving the Government’s blushes, should he?? After all, as he reminded his audience, laundered money can fund terrorism and drug trafficking. He threw in purloined State assets for good measure because – we can only suspect – he suspects the PPP fellas he been valiantly trying to corral for three years have somehow parlayed their lands at Pradoville II into drug smuggling and money laundering!!

But if there were no convictions after all the Sturm und Drang of training and hectoring, shouldn’t the Brits accept it’s impossible because the accusations just ain’t true?? And then move on to accept – even though improbable by the Government’s proclamations – that the PPP didn’t steal anything as the truth?? But we know this ain’t gonna happen, don’t we?

Why? Well that Sam Sittlington isn’t siccing SOCU onto all the Government functionaries’’ massive siphoning of state FUNDS into their pockets is a clue!!

The whole operation is just to discredit the PPP!! …the (trust) tree Surprise! Surprise!! The IDB ran a survey about “trust” folks in the hemisphere have in their politicians.

And guess what? Guyana came in dead last!! That is, out of the 29 or so countries polled, we trust our politicians the least!! Now we know even under the best of times, politicians are seen as not must better than used car salesmen!! But imagine Americans trust Trump almost THREE times more than Guyanese do President Granger and his band of political charlatans?!?

Now some of you dear readers might say “what about the PPP?” But that point is moot, isn’t it? They’re not in charge of even the doghouse…so what’s to trust?? It’s the PNC that has hijacked the State and stacked it with geriatric ex-GDF squaddies and their friends that has betrayed the trust of the people. Ask the 10,000 teachers about politicians…no trust!! 17,000 sugar workers…no trust!! 15,000 public servants …no trust! 60,000 PNC youths… no trust!! 18,000 Amerindians – no trust!!

So what’s left?? The geriatrics in Government!! …the wrong (trust) tree Today, the GTU says they’ll be announcing their decision on the Arbitration Chairman the Government has foisted on them. Your Eyewitness has some advice for them: “Fool me once; shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!!”

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

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

MP calls for Auditor General Fast food franchise to investigate DPI’s spending loses almost $30M

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Opposition MP Juan Edghill

eeks after calls were made for a presidential probe into the operations and spending at the Department of Public Information (DPI), Opposition Member of Parliament and former Junior Finance Minister, Juan Edghill, is calling for the Auditor General to investigate the entity’s spending.

Concerns were raised by staff at the DPI about spending practices and the hiring of persons affiliated to political operatives. The staffers who requested anonymity told sections of the press that monies were being spent wastefully on regular retreats and other unnecessary things.

In describing DPI as an interesting outfit, the MP told Guyana Times that although staffers are hiding in the shadows due to fear of victimisation, they have called for a presidential probe but he feels such a probe would not yield any success and things could remain the same.

“Because what we have is an incestuous relationship. Who are the persons employed at the DPI? Only if they are a rivalry between the President’s press unit and DPI and there is some desire to shakedown DPI, you might get some justice,” Edghill explained.

An important observation made by the Opposition MP was the fact that DPI should have been serving the entire Government.

However, the President does not rely on DPI for his public relations and press, but has an office staffed by people to work with his press and publicity unit.

“So the people of Guyana are paying for DPI and the President who doesn’t trust DPI because it is headed by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and staffed mostly by AFC supporters. The Auditor General should go into DPI and audit their books,” he asserted.

“Don’t let a politician investigate a politician from the same party or grouping.

Look at what happened to the Sussex Street Bond. A sub-Cabinet committee investigated and said that it’s a bad deal, they had contin-

ued paying $14 million per month for the controversial drug bond.

Edghill noted that these are all tactics done to appease supporters but in the end, the conclusion is already known. “The Lindo Creek CoI is another example. You can see through this Government… what is needed is an independent office which is not controlled by the politics of the day to go in there get the facts and make it public,” he added.

In a letter to the media, DPI staff said, “We believe that the DPI is being bad-

Director of Public Information and DPI Head Imran Khan

ly mismanaged, and this has led to staff either resigning, being suspended, and the DPI being severely understaffed, and failing to attract newcomers, who, we believe, have gotten wind of the manner in which the DPI is being run. One of the main issues involves friends hiring friends of friends.”

Wastage

In addition to that, monies are said to be wasted on several retreats to at least two resorts, to discuss issues pertaining to the operations of DPI. It has been reported that one of those retreats saw some 20 staffers, with transportation costing some $12,000 for each staffer attending.

“We believe there has also been serious wastage

...“I would rather lose… than pay a cent in a bribe” – CEO to City Hall

A Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

of financial resources on the printing of several publications, which are sent to various regions. This has added to the massive workload of DPI staffers, many of whom work practically every day, without a day off,” staff highlighted.

Only recently, General Manager of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper, Sherod Duncan was sent on administrative leave one day after he decided to fire a senior member of staff, Finance Controller Moshamie Maraj-Ramotar, following the leaking of details on excess spending.

A full investigation was ordered into Duncan’s excessive spending and the circumstances of MarajRamotar’s dismissal. Some $5 million was reportedly spent by Duncan in less than three months of his probationary period. Duncan was appointed General Manager from June 1, 2018, just before the life of the Board of Directors expired. Duncan is an Executive of the AFC. “What happened at the Chronicle is just a reflection of the lesser minions seeing what the greater minions are doing and they are following suit. The good life in Guyana only belongs to a few elite politicians and leaders who can put their hand in the kitty and do whatever they feel like,” he said.

n operating restaurant franchise in Guyana has reportedly lost close to $30 million in just over three years after several proposals were not responded to by City Hall, which they said could have be easily resolved if a bribe was given.

Chief Executive Officer of Camex Restaurants Incorporated, Terence Campbell, testified on Wednesday at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into several applications that were submitted to the City Engineer’s Department at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) as it relates to properties in Georgetown.

However, one issue that was questionable was in respect to a property at Croal Street, Stabroek, which previously housed the Sino fast food restaurant. Campbell indicated that the intention was to establish another branch of the popular Church’s Chicken in 2016.

After agreements were signed with Sino fast food to take over the company and documents were finalised with the owner of the property to obtain a long-term lease, the CEO stated that the M&CC heard of the operations and he was visited by Town Clerk Royston King, Mayor Patricia Chase Green, and City Engineer Colvern Venture less than a week after. The businessman was told he had no permission to operate, even though that is not the standard procedures set out when obtaining a business place.

“The Mayor, the Town Clerk and the City Engineer turned up immediately to say that the building which previously operated as Sino fast

food for over two years had no permission to operate. What I find very strange is that for two years, this building operated as a restaurant but from the moment they heard that Church’s was going there, they turned up saying that you have no permission to operate,” said the businessman.

As per what he was told, Campbell proceeded to submit applications to the City Engineer’s Department, which were neither approved not acknowledged.

Consequently, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) was engaged and permission was given.

He noted that works would been done at the fast food joint to upgrade the facilities as well as a monthly rent of over $1.2 million was paid. One year of rent was paid and the business was never opened since no permission was given by the Council. Management was later forced to terminate the lease and was also sued by Sino fast food.

“We didn’t even operate for a day and I lost $20 million.”

‘Pure incompetence’ and ‘gross negligence’ were the words of the businessman as he commented on the operations at the Council. He noted that some businessmen in the city are also working in collu-

sion with the M&CC to stifle other businesses which may pose competition.

“I have been told by other businessmen that the matter can be easily resolved and they’re willing to take me to functionaries so that the matter can be resolved…. I would rather lose $30 million than pay a cent in a bribe.”

He further stated that since the new Council was elected with Colvern Venture serving as the City Engineer, none of his proposals were approved. He has been told that the matters could easily be fixed with a bribe, which he will never pay.

“I don’t believe that since Colvern Venture has become the City Engineer that we’ve had any permission for any work whatsoever…”

Interventions were taken by the then Deputy Mayor, Lionel Jaikaran, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce but there has been no resolution to the matter.

Some of the other proposals which were never approved include application for a South Ruimveldt property to commence construction, permission to extend an existing building on Camp Street and the documents for works on a residential property in Crown Street and Lamaha Gardens.

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall CoI

M&CC reneged on tax waiver for Giftland Mall

Pensioner’s home destroyed by fire

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he management of MCG Investments Incorporated, which spearheads the operations at Giftland Mall, has not paid any taxes to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the past four years, as the company states it was awaiting an agreement to carry out the demanded payments amounting to over $25 million.

MCG Investments Inc consultant Ray Hugh represented the Chairman of the company, Roy Beepat at Wednesday’s session of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the puzzling state of affairs at City Hall.

Being required to provide an explanation of a clash between Town Clerk Royston King and Beepat, the consultant indicated that a notice was sent to the company for a total of $44,255,183 in taxes in 2017. He said that a meeting was facilitated between the two parties on November 2, 2017, when it was decided that all rates and taxes, including penalties and interest, would be waived for the years 2015 and 2016.

“It was agreed at that meeting that taxes for the years 2015 and 2016, including interests and penalties, would be waived.

Interests and penalties for 2017 also would have been waived. The demand then [for 2017] would’ve been $11,467,500 and it was agreed that MCG Investments would provide a payment schedule to the Mayor and City Council,” Hugh told the CoI on Wednesday.

According to him, that was so since the company had carried out a private contractual bargain to fix the roads, drains and to install streetlights. Garbage collection was also done privately throughout the area and as such, the company was not benefiting from any services that were provided by the Council. As such, for 2017, the Giftland Mall was only required to pay the sum of $11,467,500 after the interests and penalties were waived.

He stated that King was required to respond via a letter after the engagement to confirm the agreements and a schedule would subsequently be sent by Beepat, verifying how the payments would be made.

However, King made no attempt to answer to the decision that was taken until April of this year,

The ravaged house at Ann’s Grove

A The Giftland Mall

when he indicated via a letter that the agreement “no longer stood” because of the lapse of time and “certain circumstances”.

An excerpt of the letter sent by the Town Clerk stated, “I must inform you that certain circumstances including the lapse of times from the time of our conversation in 2017 to today’s date and no follow-up actions by MCG Investments Inc in payments of rates and taxes to the City Council, our discussion is no longer relevant.”

The document further stated, “The Chairman of the Finance Committee had agreed to meet and discuss with you the way forward to settle your accounts...”

The Commission also heard that another letter was issued by the Town Clerk the following May, stating that the Council took a decision on April 28, to impose a fee of $25,263,750 instead of the previously agreed sum of $11,467,500.

The company has not paid any taxes since 2015, and is contending that City Hall has to come to the table with an explanation as to why the extra costs were attached to the initial sum. Hugh indicated that Beepat had written several letters to the Town Clerk, reminding him of the arrangement that was set but there was no reply.

When the matter was raised by the legal assistant, Sherwin Benjamin as to why the principal rates for the past four years were not paid, Hugh responded, “I don’t see without an agreement, just going ahead and paying something because they can say if you pay part of it, pay the whole thing. The agreement was that after we re-

ceived the letter [from the Town Clerk], we would send in a payment plan.”

Benjamin posited, “Every citizen of Georgetown can say that there isn’t an agreement so they’re not paying taxes. That would be a sad day for this town. At the very least, your company should pay the bare taxes for 2017.”

As a consultant by profession, Hugh was asked to

give a recommendation to the Council, and he stated, “I would say clean it up. It seems like everyone is doing their own thing at City Hall and we need someone to make sure that proper plans, structures, and an overview is put in place.”

To date, monies are owed by the Giftland Mall at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, for taxes dating back to 2015.

n unoccupied house located in Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), went up in flames early Wednesday morning.

The fire started about 05:00h at the Lot 34 Canal Dam, Ann’s Grove residence.

According to reports, the house belonged to an 80-year-old pensioner, Elaine Pollard, who is currently in the United States of America (USA). Her two-storey wood and concrete home was left in the care of a fellow villager, Safraz Baksh.

The 42-year-old vendor of Main Street, Ann’s Grove, said he was awakened about

05:30h, by a neighbour who informed him of the fire. He immediately went to the house, but upon arrival at the scene, he saw the entire building engulfed in flames.

At the time, the fire tenders from the Mahaica fire Station were there trying to douse the flames. However, they were unable to do so before the building was destroyed.

So far, the estimated losses are unknown, and it is unclear as to whether the house was insured. The owner has since been informed. Meanwhile, investigators from the Guyana Fire Service are currently looking into the fire, trying to determine its origin.

Agriculture plays major role in reducing poverty – Food For The Poor

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ecognising the importance of agriculture in decreasing the level of poverty, Food For The Poor on Wednesday donated agricultural tools to 81 farmers, as Agriculture Month is being observed in Guyana.

Among the items handed over to farmers at the organisation’s Festival City, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown location were spades, cutlasses, honey extractors, files and even land tillers.

The grave importance that agriculture plays in reducing poverty was pointed out by Senior Project Manager Andrea Benjamin.

According to her, “in terms of reducing poverty, agriculture is very important so Food For The Poor in our mandate to help to alleviate poverty will continue to support the agricultural sector”.

Further, she mentioned how grateful the organization was to be able to assist farmers. The organisation, Benjamin noted, has been supporting the agricultural sector for a number of years, since it is cognisant of its importance. “We have patterned our support in recognition of diversification hence we are working now

Food For The Poor Senior Project Manager Andrea Benjamin hands over the farming tools to farmers

to empower the beekeepers in Guyana. We want farmers to start looking at alternative sources of income other than cash crop cultivation,” she added.

The Project Manager disclosed that Food For The Poor was also “looking at mechanisation, equipping farmers with the necessary equipment that they can make farming easier”.

A few of the recipients which included six farmers’ groups from Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara Mahaica) noted how helpful the tools would be in lessening their workload.

Rhonda Boyce, a shadehouse farmer in Region Three, said the 10 farmers in that group would be very happy for the tools.

Jermain David, also from Region Three, said he was certain that the equipment would help to alleviate the workload and thanked the organisation for its continuous support.

Meanwhile, Linden Stewart of Region Four noted how happy he was for the donation, especially the honey extractor. According to him, the tool comes in a timely manner as this is the period when honey extraction begins. “Many beekeepers would have been

looking to borrow extractors from other beekeepers and having to wait their turn before they can get to extract their honey.”

Grace Williams, also of Region Four, who is part of a women farmers group, on the East Coast of Demerara explained, “We are going back to the land like the President (David Granger) would have advised. Food is important to all of us (and) we have the space, so we are going to work to get that done,” This year, Agriculture Month is being held under the theme “Shaping Agriculture for a Green Economy”.

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Albion Estate workers protest 75% wage reduction

Works on $123M Supenaam waterfront begin

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Works ongoing at the Supenaam waterfront Workers protesting at Albion on Wednesday, following GuySuCo’s decision to cut their wages

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group of enraged workers attached to the Albion Sugar Estate in Berbice on Wednesday protested their employer, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for its decision to reduce their earnings for canal cleaning by some 75 per cent. The workers expressed great frustration over the wages, having observed that to clean a four-foot canal, they are being paid $56 to clean each rod.

One of the operators, Gopaul Singh, told Guyana Times that the workers are being offered less money even though they are cleaning wider canals.

“The rate before was $225 per rod and somebody came from the office in Georgetown and set that

rate down. They cut it by 75 per cent without saying one word to us that they paying you that; no consultation,” Singh highlighted.

Singh added that management at the Estate promised that there would be full consultation in the future. However, the workers staged a two-day strike on Monday and Tuesday and when they informed management that they were going to resume work on Wednesday; they were reportedly told that the Estate had no work for them.

“We are contending that they should pay the $225 until they have such matters resolved as to a rate they want to pay,” Singh stressed.

Another worker, Nazir Hussain told this publica-

tion that what was done to workers was us unfair.

“They did not ask us anything. They just came to a conclusion at $56, which is wrong and we and management tried to discuss it but it going in a circle,” he said.

Meanwhile, security at the Albion Estate called in the Police when this publication met with the aggrieved workers. The security personal also allegedly threatened a private poultry farmer that they will stop him from using the estate dam if he allowed this news entity to use his private land to access the area.

The sugar industry has been encountering significant challenges over the last several years with European markets having shelved preferen-

tial payments for sugar.

Government after assuming office has implemented several austerity measures including the closure of several estates – Wales, East Demerara, Skeldon and Rose Hall. However, many of thousands of workers who lost employment say they have been finding great difficulty in garnering alternative employment.

For those who remain, they have been complaining about not seeing wage increases or Annual Production Incentives (API). The three estates that remain in operation are Uitvlugt, Albion and Blairmont. The others which were closed over the last two years have ceased operations to attract investors.

orks for the $123 million Supenaam W a t e r f r o n t Enhancement Programme has commence in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Councillor Arnold Adams, the project will be a boost for Region Two, with modern facilities such as a departure and arrival lounge, a ramp for persons with disabilities, a tourism booth, neatly built and organised stalls for vending, a car park, concrete drains and the resurfacing of roads in the area.

Councillor Adams, who is also the President of the Supenaam Speed Boat Association, said all arrangements are in place to facilitate the construction.

Passengers using the speed boat service are now using the Supenaam Market entrance to the farmers’ wharf to access the speed boat ser-

vice. Additionally, temporary arrangements are in place for hire cars and minibuses which operate in the area.

Adams noted that the road has now changed to accommodate only one-way traffic to avoid a traffic hazard and G Division (Essequibo coast-Islands) Police are controlling the smooth flow of traffic in the area on a daily basis.

A monitoring body was formed by the Regional Democratic Council to overlook the project, which is headed by the acting Regional Chairperson, Nandranie Coonjah, representatives of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Supenaam Speed Boat Association among others. Construction of the facility in being undertaken by Doodnauth Samaroo Contracting Service and is expected to be completed in December.

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Wages dispute

GTU calls for removal of imposed arbitration Chairman …threatens to take Govt to court for punishing striking teachers

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he Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on Wednesday called on its members to be on standby as it gears for another round of strike action; this time on a larger scale, if the imposed chairman for the arbitration panel – for the wages dispute between Government and the Union – is not withdrawn.

The Chairman of the arbi-

tration panel, Dr Leyland Lucas of the University of Guyana. He was named arbitrator last week and according to the GTU, they did not agree to the nomination but rather Lucas was imposed on them by the Labour Department.

According to the Union, it is also prepared to take the Education Ministry, and more so, the Government to

court, if any action is taken against teachers who will be going on strike.

This was related by the President of the Union, Mark Lyte. He told media operatives that he believes the ministers – both Education and Labour – have literacy issues, since at all times, in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the Education Ministry has GTU’s President Mark Lyte along with union executives during a press conference on Wednesday

File photo: Teachers protesting outside the Education Ministry on September 4, 2018

made reference to, the word “nominate”.

Additionally, Lyte also said the Union has not taken lightly the threat by the Education Ministry to penalise teachers, who are prepared to strike.

He was at the time making reference to the threat issued by the Ministry, after the Union announced its plans to head to industrial action for a second time.

The Ministry pointed to

GWI wells to alleviate water woes in Region 1 F ollowing the discovery of high levels of mercury in the Kaituma River, Region One (Barima-Waini), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has opted to drill a well and activate two others, to supply previously affected residents in the Region One communities with safe water.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles said the new well will be completed before the end of October. “We are presently drilling another well and in another three weeks that area will have about three wells and we will be pumping into the town so nearly all of the residents will have access to potable water,” Dr Van West-Charles explained.

The new well will work concurrently with two others which GWI also intends

to activate in the community.

Also, in Port Kaituma, works are underway for the completion of a new well at Arakaka and the installation of a C2 Lifesaver filter tank at the Port Kaituma Hospital.

Meanwhile, the plan for Mabaruma is to increase the hours of water supply for the residents, Dr Van West-Charles said.

“They are moving from pumping from two hours a day to six hours and it should extend, and we are preparing to drill a well in Mabaruma so they should move very quickly to about 24/7.”

The design works are ongoing for the construction of a catchment area and trestle at the Arawak Pond in Mabaruma. This will be equipped with storage tanks and a pump.

Works will also include the installation of an electro-mechanical system and distribution network along with the implementation of a chlorination system.

The sum of $3.2 billion has been allocated to GWI in the 2018 Budget, for the provision of safe and potable drinking water to all citizens. Last week, the report on the findings of an investigation into the mercury level in the waterways in Region One was released.

In the final report submitted by Environmental Officer Tamara Gilhuys, it was recommended that complaint officers ensure sample points at and near pump station are included in their routine water quality monitoring. The report further outlined that the environmental division should “lead investigations

to ascertain the status of rivers or creeks within mining districts” where Guyana Water Inc pump stations are located and where contamination from mining operations poses an imminent threat to the community.

Eleven river water samples were submitted but only 10 were analysed due to leakage of Sample ID ‘10’ during shipment

by Kaizen Environmental Services Inc. In the analysis, it was found that at all sample points, the concentrations were within the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Despite the generally low readings, it was however found that in Sample 4 at 125m upstream Pump Creek, there was 0.000219 mg/L of mercury. Meanwhile, the lowest concentration of 0.000016 mg/L was found in Sample 2 which was located on the Kaituma Canal downstream section of Pump Creek. The WHO guideline is 0.006 mg/L. It was explained that mercury is easily transported to bed sediments from the water column due to its high affinity for organic ligands.

The investigation revealed a variety of organisms live in or come into contact with bed sediments and therefore the sediments act as an important route of exposure to aquatic organisms which in turn has implications for human health. “Sediment mercury, therefore, is an indicator of the recreational safety and ecological health of a water source as it relates to wildlife and human health,” the reported observed.

the section of that agreement which stated, “during the consideration of the matter in dispute under the grievance procedure, there shall be no strike, stoppage of work whether of a partial or general nature, go slow, boycott, picketing, retardation of production or any other interference with the Ministry’s operations by the Union, nor shall there be any lock out or any other form of interference by the Ministry. Both parties shall endeavour to maintain a state of normal industrial relations”. This agreement was signed back in July 1983.

No breach

However, Lyte on Wednesday explained, “we do not see any breach as being committed if we call our members out because as far as we’re concerned, the arbitration panel and the Terms of Reference are the first two steps to setting arbitration… but arbitration, in our view, hasn’t started as yet so if that is to happen, the GTU would have no other course but to walk the steps of the court with them (Education Ministry) because we are prepared to ensure that our members do not suffer in any way, so we will be prepared to go to court as well”.

The Union on Wednesday gave the Ministry seven days to withdraw Lucas as the Chairman of the arbitration panel.

Lyte also noted that he believes Government has no intentions to address the issue at hand. It is because of this, he promised that this round of strike action would be much “bigger”, due to the support of its sister Unions, who sat beside them in Wednesday’s meeting.

The Union’s head said it believes Government has sinister plans, as it remains reluctant to appoint a neutral Chairman to head the arbitration panel.

“I am of the view that there is some sinister plan afoot to thwart the process and not to allow fairness and equity to prevail… we take note of the fact that strike action is always a last resort and we thought having given the Administration an ultimatum of seven days that we

would have had a favourable response instead the Minister with responsibility for Labour would have issued appointment letters to the nominee from the Ministry of Education and the Chairperson in the form of Dr Leyland Lucas,” Lyte said.

‘Imposed’ Chairman

Last Tuesday, Labour Minister Keith Scott, who is still currently acting in the capacity of a conciliator, took it upon himself to introduce the Chairman for the arbitration panel to address the ongoing teachers’ salary impasse.

The move was highly condemned by the Union as they did not get a chance to introduce their nominee for a Chairman to the panel.

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) as well as the Guyana Trade Unions Congress (GTUC) has since vocalised its support for the Union’s call for better wages of its teachers.

The GTU have in fact called for Minister Scott to apologise for his unilateral appointment for a Chairman to the arbitration panel and for humiliating the Professor.

The last nationwide teachers strike took effect on August 27 during schools’ pre-term activities and lasted for a little under two weeks, as the Ministry gave into the pressure and agreed to arbitration on September 6.

A 40 per cent salary increase for public school teachers was proposed for the year 2016. Over time, the percentage would be increased for all categories of represented teachers.

For the year 2017, the Union was hoping to have bargained for a 45 per cent increase, which would then increase to 50 per cent for the remainder of the years indicated in the agreement (2018-2020).

They recently changed their demands and said they were willing to accept a ‘substantial’ payout from the Government even after the GTU rejected Government’s request for teachers to agree to a debunching payoff of $200 million for 2018/19.

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Mercury exposure GPF celebrates 24th anniversary CDC/NIOSH visiting team of day care service submits findings to PAHO/WHO

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Some of the children at the Police Day Care Centre during the anniversary service on Wednesday

s the Juliet Griffith Day Care Centre celebrates its 24th anniversary, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday hosted a church service in celebration.

In attendance were Police Commissioner Leslie James and Deputy Commissioner Maxine Graham.

The Juliet Griffith Day Care Centre, also known as the “Police Day Care Centre”, is located at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary. The Day Care Centre caters for the children of Police Officers between the ages of one year six months

and five years.

The caregivers of the Day Care and members sang choruses while steelpan melodies filled the air. Reverend Donny Holder addressed the gathering and highlighted the great service the Day Care Centre has offered over the years. Additionally, Reverend Donny Holder commended the teachers and caregivers of the Police Day Care Centre for greatly caring for the children.

The Centre also caters for children enrolled in another school, who in many cases, are dismissed too early for the officers’ families to

take them home, hence they are often enrolled at the Police Day Care Centre to ensure that they are taken care of until it is convenient for the parents.

The Juliet Griffith Day Care Centre was established on October 3, 1994.

This Centre was named after the late Juliet Griffith, who was the wife of Senior Superintendent Joseph Griffith. The couple were both born and raised in West Berbice. Juliet Griffith is the founder of the Police Wives Association of Guyana which is the first organisation of its kind locally.

Hinterland Green State Development consultations end

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egional consultations on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), which were being held to raise awareness of Guyana’s GSDS and to encourage meaningful participation from communities by identifying and prioritising the needs and expectations they have for their region, last week concluded with the final consultation being held in Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

During the six-month awareness campaign, which began in April, 2018, 33 consultations were conducted in the 10 administrative regions. These sessions were conducted by expert teams from the Government of Guyana’s Department of Environment and United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), with assistance from the World Wildlife Fund Guianas (WWF).

Meetings were held in the following cluster ar-

eas; Aishalton, Annai, Anna Regina, Bartica, Belladrum, Bush Lot, Charity, Corriverton, Diamond, Georgetown, Kamarang, Karasabai, Kato, Klien Pouderoyen, Kwakwani, Lethem, Linden, Mabaruma, Mahaicony, Mahdia, Matthew’s Ridge, Moraikobe, Moruca, New Amsterdam, Orealla, Parika, Port Kaituma, Rose Hall, Shulinab, Soesdyke, St Cuthberts and Number 8 Village.

Participants of the sittings were requested to share their ideas and vision for how they would like to see development in Guyana over the next 20 years, as their inputs from these consultations will influence and guide the final Strategy submission.

Among the priority areas need to be addressed in both hinterland and coastal consultations were the improper management of solid waste, inadequate infrastructure, lack of health and educational services

and lack of suitable facilities. Domestic violence and substance abuse were also on the list of things to be addressed.

The Green State Development Strategy is Guyana’s national development plan that sets out investment priorities for economic and social development over the next 20 years. It is based on the principles of a ‘green economy’ which aims to improve standards of living, ensure social equity and reduce reliance on resource-intensive sectors and open new and sustainable income opportunities for Guyanese citizens.

The Green State Development Strategy will focus on guiding Guyana along a path of development that delivers a clean and healthy environment that provides opportunities to earn a decent wage and enjoy standards of living that promote happy, healthy and wholesome individuals, families and communities.

ollowing a request made to the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation representative’s office in Guyana by the Natural Resources Minister for further technical support, the United States Department of Health and Human Services of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has submitted a preliminary summary of their findings and recommendations following a visit to Guyana from September 11-14, 2018.

The visit was facilitated through ongoing collaboration with the PAHO/WHO Guyana Country Office and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) following reports of concerns raised earlier in the year about overexposure to mercury emissions.

The team consisted of two engineers: Duane R Hammond MS, PE; and Kevin H Dunn ScD; CIH from the Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch, Division of Field Studies and Engineering.

During the visit, the team met with Ministers Trotman, Lawrence, and Scott, as well as representa-

tives from the Guyana Gold Board and local PAHO/WHO representatives. Dr Dunn and Captain Hammond observed gold burning and smelting operations at the Guyana Gold Board’s temporary location on Crown Street. They also spoke with employees and managers, as well as the contractor.

The team used a top-of-theline and highly recognised reading instrument to evaluate mercury vapour concentrations throughout the Guyana Geology and Mines complex, the Public Health Ministry’s complex, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Guyana Gold Board’s burning and smelting rooms, and in surrounding offices and outer areas.

The team said that almost all of the readings taken throughout the GGMC, MoPH and GTT compounds were below the analytical limit of detection. They confirmed also that while a few areas had detectable results, no area exceeded the lowest applicable eight-hour time weighted average occupational exposure limit of 0.025 mg/m3. In other words, what is considered safe and acceptable.

With specific respect to

the GGB (Crown Street), the report stated, “We collected 80 direct reading measurements for mercury [vapour] in the burning room during and after burns (six burns total) at the GGB. We found none of the reading measurements were above the NIOSH ceiling limit of 0.1 mg/m3 [NIOSH 2018].”

The team of experts defined a ceiling limit in the report as, “a level that should never be exceeded at any time during a shift.” Very specifically, the report noted that, “Measurement results ranged from 0.000-0.041 mg/m3.” Again, safe and healthy, which bring much comfort.

Among the team’s recommendations were that the GGB: 1) install an air velocity monitoring device; 2) monitor mercury vapour concentrations in the burn room and waiting areas during burning on a daily basis; 3) develop standard operating procedures to incorporate mercury monitoring as part of the daily systems evaluation; 4) ensure adherence to procedures; and 5) maintain the facilities following a strict regime of oversight.

Linden youth group spreads breast cancer awareness

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s part of the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Connection Youth Group, based in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has embarked on a number of activities in the mining town, which are aimed at educating persons on cancer prevention.

On Wednesday, the Group launched its 'Making Linden Pink' initiative, which is being executed in collaboration with the GTT 'Pinktober' event. The initiative aims at promoting the wearing of pink as a symbol of breast cancer awareness. Speaking at the launch which was held at the Lichas Hall, Mackenzie, Linden, Dr Salome Henry spoke to women and girls on the importance of breast cancer prevention as she stressed the need for women to take charge in learning simple steps to cancer prevention and detection. She focused on how to conduct a selfbreast examination, which was complete with a live demonstration. Dr Henry also explained how abnormal lumps can be detected in the breast. As a precaution, she encouraged those

Dr Salome Henry

present to perform selfbreast examinations every month and for women over 40 years to have a mammogram done at least once every year. "If you feel a breast lump, tell someone... So you can identify it early and have treatment early... For those who are 40 years and over, you can have a mammogram done at least once a year. For the younger ones, those that are menstruating and are just below 40, you can have an ultrasound done", Dr Henry explained.

She urged those present to spread the word, as she not-

ed that breast cancer is on the rise. October 12 is designated 'Pink Friday' by the Group, aimed at spreading awareness of breast cancer and showing support for survivors. An Inter-Primary Spelling Bee competition is also scheduled to take place, where schools will compete for prizes to be won. A youth walk/run is also being planned for October 13.

Lindeners participating in the activities will also get the opportunity to be registered for the 'Pinktober' event in Georgetown on October 20.

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Carpenter murdered, dumped outside Magistrates’ Courts

Dead: Shafiyq Forrester

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olice in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) are investigating the murder of an East Bank Demerara (EBD) carpenter whose body was dumped in a gutter outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Dead is 28-year-old Shafiyq Forrester of Lot 197 Sarran Street, Grove Squatting Area, EBD. According to Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan, Forrester’s body was discovered in a drain outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts about 07:00h on Sunday. His body was subsequently identified by relatives.

While details surrounding Forrester’s death are unclear, a post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday morning by State Pathologist,

Dr Nehaul Singh revealed that the father, who was soon to be a father, died from asphyxiation due to drowning, compounded by compression injuries to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

The Police said a ‘person of interest’ is currently being sought for questioning into the carpenter’s death.

Meanwhile, relatives of the now dead man were too distraught to speak in detail with reporters but managed to relate that Forrester was last seen on Saturday.

Guyana Times understands that after the man did not return home that night, they became worried and begun to search for him on Sunday morning.

Forrester leaves to morn his wife of one year, who is currently five months pregnant with their first child.

Emerging oil sector

Local businesses seek international certification A s the time draws closer to first oil in 2020, the need for critical services in this sector continues to increase daily. As such, local companies are tapping into the industry and are making strides to have their businesses meet international standards.

One such company making headway in preparing itself for the new industry is Guysons Group, which has received international certification of quality for the services they offer.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guysons, Faizul Khan spoke about this at a simple ceremony to celebrate the achievement on Wednesday at ExxonMobil’s Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).

Khan was elated to share with the small audience of mostly business executives and managers that Guysons Oil and Gas Services and Guysons Engineering have met the stringent ISO 9001:2015 certification requirements by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) having received the first ISO 9001:2015 global certification from the ISO. The CEO reflected on the rigorous procedures they went through before acquiring certification. According to him, the process took

From left: CLBD Project Director Patrick Henry; Chief Executive Officer of Guysons, Faizul Khan; and ExxonMobil’s Operation Manager Mike Ryan pose with a portrait of the ISO certification that the company recently acquired

some six months to complete and cost the company well over $10 million.

“In the opinion of the Guysons executives, meeting ISO requirements was an achievement well worth the investment of time, effort and funds because it has cemented the companies’ standing as internationally approved suppliers of goods and services,” the company said.

Khan said he plans to travel soon to the United States to seal a deal with a company in a joint venture opportunity. “For the first time, because of our quality management systems are tendering for interna-

tionally-based tenders so we are currently going through tenders for companies in Brazil and in Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.

Faizul encouraged other local companies that are interesting in providing services to oil companies, to get certified so that it may be given the opportunities to lend its support.

M e a n w h i l e , ExxonMobil’s Operation Manager Mike Ryan congratulated the company for its achievements and said this is a positive story coming out of the Local Business Development Centre.

The achievement means that the group is interna-

tionally recognised as being able to deliver products and services to meet customers’ expectations.

They Guysons companies are now officially qualified to be suppliers to extraction companies in Guyana’s oil and gas sector, and are on record as well as being well equipped to meet complex data integration and ecommerce needs of such customers.

CLBD Project Director Patrick Henry also joined others in commending Guysons and revealed that four other companies have signed up to go through the process of acquiring ISO certification.

“Those companies will over the next few months – some of them will be going forward to their audit stage so that’s started and then we have a list of other companies that are interested” he said.

Guyson’s engineering, which is located in West Ruimveldt Georgetown, was established about 32 years ago and offered a large and diverse range of products and services. Though its new company focused on oil and gas activities, Guysons will now provide services such as freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing facilities, and ship chandlery, among others.

President greeted by protesters during Berbice visit P resident David Granger was on Wednesday greeted by protesting former sugar workers as he arrived in Corriverton, Berbice to deliver an address on Local Government Elections (LGE).

The dismissed workers were protesting for their severance pay without further delay. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) closed the Skeldon and Rose Hall Sugar Estates in December last year and has since only paid the workers half of their severance.

The disgruntled former workers, who were also supported by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) re-

gional representatives, also used the opportunity to protest over the poor performance of the Skeldon Hospital.

“The hospital is not functioning as it should, it doesn’t have drugs. People go there and are given prescriptions to go to private pharmacies to purchase the drugs that doctors at the hospital are prescribing,” Regional Party Chairman Zamal Hussain told Guyana Times.

Meanwhile, he called on President Granger to intervene as it relates to the perceived position of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the upcoming LGE. “There is a lot of fraud.

Corruption reeks at GECOM. We have been saying that this will happen from the time the President unilaterally elected [Retired Justice James] Patterson as the Chairman,” Hussain said.

He added that the PPP has always expressed its concern over the unilateral appointment of the 84-year-old Patterson.

“In fact, we are against this constitutional dictatorship attitude of the President whereby he has appointed this 84-year-old man to take up that position at GECOM… The GECOM Chairperson is the key in how the 2020 elections will be run,” Hussain said.

Hussain spoke on behalf

President David Granger and PNC General Secretary Amna Ally at the Berbice meeting on Wednesday afternoon

of some ex-estate workers, who were present at the protest. Their severance, he said, should be the full payment and not 50 per cent. Hussain called on the Government to provide transportation for children in the various areas, whose parents are now jobless.

LGE meeting

Protesters lined the road as President David Granger arrived in Berbice on Wednesday

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering at Corriverton Primary, the Head of State said there was more progress and greater productivity when more persons participated in Local Government Elections.

He said LGE were a constitutional right of each citizen.

“You now have a chance to exercise that right for the second time since the APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] came into office,” the Head of State noted. According to Granger, Corriverton is a fundamental part of the country since it is the base of Guyana. “You are the commercial capital of Berbice.”

Granger said the town has all of the ingredients to become a striving community. “What is holding you back is the administration that you have here. You have to go out to the polls and change that.” He added that the town needed strong leaders to direct its 12,000 residents in the right direction.

“We need people with a vision…This prosperity is not for persons of one party, it is for everyone and their children,” the Head of State said to loud applause.

The President urged that a massive mobilisation exercise be carried out on LGE Day, saying that it should be done on a house to house basis. “So that every adult is brought into the web of Local Government Elections and understand the need for Local Government Elections.” The Head of State also noted that community members needed to form themselves into organisations as they prepare for the November 12 LGE. (Andrew Carmichael)

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Savannah Park residents block road in protest over $700,000 house lots

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esidents of Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) who have been squatting on the Council’s land for more than two decades and were recently told that they will have to pay $700,000 for a plot of land, on Wednesday blocked the access road to their dwellings, preventing Council officials from accessing the area.

On Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Compton Grant had promised that he will head a delegation to the community to meet with the residents at 10:00h to discuss the concerns the residents have. However, at 07:30h, Mayor Winifred Yearwood, the Deputy Mayor Grant, Councillors and Council workers arrived at the entrance to the squatting area but could not access the community. The residents had placed large obstacles at the entrance preventing access.

After a confrontation between the two sides, the Police were called and initially tried to remove the barricades but as they learnt of the issue, they acted as bystanders and remained there to ensure that peace prevailed. The residents said they were waiting until the appointed time before addressing the delegation. However, Grant asked for a delegation of four to go to the Council’s Chambers for the meeting. After the four persons were identified, the municipal officials left. At 10:00h the residents decided that since the Deputy Mayor was not there as promised, they were going to the Chambers to meet with him.

“It is all of us, not just four. They want to separate us. I want to represent myself,” one resident said, as they boarded vehicles on

Miner found in Puruni died from chop wounds – autopsy

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Residents of Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, blocking the entrance to their community on Wednesday their way to the Mayor’s of- alogue. fice where they were told The residents were also that the house lots in the represented by People’s area, which are covered Progressive Party (PPP) with thorny vegetation, Regional Party Chairman has been values at $2 mil- Zamal Hussain. During the lion each. meeting, she denied allegaTown Clerk Sharron tions that some Councillors Alexander, told the resi- have purchased land for dents that the house lots $100,000. Some of the land were valued between $1.5 is situated in close proximmillion and $2 million each. ity to where the squatters However, when asked who are. Deputy Mayor Grant was the evaluator, the res- explained that the cost was idents received no answer. so because the land will be There are 24 homes developed and have wawith more than 150 res- ter and electricity. Grant idents. The size of each said in time to come, there house lot is 48 feet by 75 will be roads erected there. feet. The residents claim Meanwhile, Councillor the price the Council is Kirk Fraser explained that asking is too high. They the Council is a caring one are using Angoy’s Avenue and puts its people first. He as the base for their argu- noted that the Council has ment. Recently, land occu- given a section of the land piers were being asked to to the Housing Minister pay $79,000 and $98,000 to construct Duplex housat Angoy’s Avenue. While es. Fraser noted that the prices were determined Councillors do not want by the size of land, none to have to appear before were sold for as much as SOCU for under selling $200,000. Addressing the property below the market issue, the Mayor said the value. land in Angoy’s Avenue beThe residents left the longs to the Government meeting dissatisfied as which is in the process of the Council maintained regularising the communi- that they had to pay the ty. “The Government can- $785,000, initially startnot come and give it to ing with the $25,000 proyou at that price simply cessing fee. The residents because it belongs to the say they are willing to Council and the Council is pay $100,000 for the plots an autonomous body.” of busy which they occuShe said there is need py when they got there. for the two sides to have di- (Andrew Carmichael)

post-mortem examination (PME) conducted on the body of 51-yearold Kelvin Daly revealed he died from the multiple chop wounds he sustained.

The PME was conducted on Wednesday morning by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as multiple incised wounds.

Daly, a miner of Ann’s Grove Village, East Coast Demerara, was found dead along a trail located about a mile from Puruni Landing, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), by one of his colleagues who was on his way to their camp on Monday morning.

His body bore wounds to his head, back and throat and it is believed that he was killed sometime between Sunday and Monday.

Meanwhile, family members of the father of six are shocked at the incident and are calling for a thorough investigation to be launched by Police.

Dead: Kelvin Daly

The dead man’s wife, Shonette Andrews, told Guyana Times earlier that the family is still trying to come to grips with the shocking revelations surrounding her husband’s gruesome death.

According to Andrews, it was the first time that her husband spent more than eight months away from his family. She said she is not sure of what transpired but

was only told of his death after her son received a text message from a friend informing him of his father’s death.

“I was sleeping when my son wake me up and told me how someone send a text and tell him how his father got chopped up after that I saw the picture of him laying with chops all over his body. I don’t know what happened, I can’t say,” the grieving woman said.

Andrews noted that her eldest son, who was also in the interior with his father, had returned home two days prior to the incident.

“When my son came out, I asked him for his father and he told me that he will be coming out in two days’ time since he wanted to make some more money before he comes out.

However, after the two days pass, my children started asking for him and we tried calling but we didn’t get him.”

So far, no arrests have been made. Nevertheless, the Police are continuing their investigation.

China slams 'irresponsible' United States over shelved security talks

FILE PHOTO: A worker places US and China flags near the Forbidden City ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to Beijing, in Beijing, China (Reuters/Damir Sagolj)

C

hina’s foreign ministry criticized the United States for suggesting that Beijing was behind the cancellation of sensitive security talks planned for this month, underscoring the severity of trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.

China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement late on

Wednesday suggestions made by a US official that China had delayed the talks “completely distorted the facts, had a hidden motive and were extremely irresponsible”.

A senior US official told Reuters on Sunday that China had canceled a security meeting with US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis that had been planned for October.

“China is extremely dissat-

isfied with this. The facts are that the United States a few days ago told China it hoped to postpone the second round of the China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue,” Hua said.

“We request related parties stop this sort of behavior of making something out of nothing and spreading rumors,” she said.

Beijing and Washington are locked in a spiraling trade war, with frictions between them threatening to move beyond trade.

The meeting of the US China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, which first took place in Washington last year, was due to be held with Mattis and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

China said on Tuesday it had postponed the talks with the United States at the request of Washington. Reuters reported last week, citing sources briefed on the matter, that the key diplomatic and security meeting may not take place due to tensions in relations. (Reuters)

Australia sends 50 medical professionals and US$3.6M in aid

T

he Australia's Government says it will send more than 50 medical professionals to Indonesia to help with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and tsunami as part of a five million Australian dollar (US$3.6 million) aid package.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne told reporters in Washington: "We will be working very closely with the Indonesian Government to make sure that the support we are providing is highly targeted."

Payne says she has been in contact with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi and Australian Prime Minister

Scott Morrison is continuing talks with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo about possible further support.

UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Tuesday that UN and relief agencies are on the ground or en route. He said the agencies are working closely with the Government to provide technical support. Haq told reporters at UN headquarters in New York that water is the main issue because most of the water supply infrastructure has been damaged.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said 500,000 Australian dollars (US$360,000) in ini-

tial funding was given to the Indonesian Red Cross for the most obvious emergency aid needs, such as tarpaulins. Morrison told reporters in the west coast city of Perth that Australia was looking at how to best fit the needs of its neighbours in their time of need and that Australia's support wouldn't only be in the short-term.

Indonesia is a vast archipelago stretching a similar distance to that between New York and London. It is located on the seismically active "Ring of Fire" and is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

(Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018

Regional

Peru annuls ex-leader Fujimori’s T&T’s Finance Minister unveils TT$51B pardon and orders his capture turnaround package A Peruvian Judge on Wednesday annulled a presidential pardon granted to former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori late last year and ordered his immediate capture and return to prison.

Fujimori, 80, had been cleared of convictions for human rights abuses by former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on Christmas Eve, three days after Kuczynski narrowly survived an impeachment vote with the help of Fujimori’s supporters.

News cameras waited outside the sprawling house in Lima where Fujimori has

Former President of Peru, Alberto Fujimori attends a trial as a witness at the navy base in Callao, Peru March 15, 2018

been living since becoming a free man, less than halfway

into a 25-year sentence for commanding death squads

that massacred civilians under his 1990-2000 rightwing Government.

Fujimori’s lawyer and his daughter, Opposition Leader Keiko Fujimori, said in broadcast comments that Fujimori would appeal the decision. Kuczynski had cited Fujimori’s ailing health for the pardon, saying he did not want a former President to die in prison.

But the pardon has been widely seen as part of a political deal and the family members of the victims of the death squad killings argued it had been granted illegally. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Gas prices raise in Jamaica M

otorists should see an increase at the pumps in the price of gasoline and diesel, effective Thursday, October 4, according to the latest ex-refinery costs from PetroJam. Eighty-seven and 90-octane gasoline will be sold for Jm$142.02 and $144.86 per litre, respectively, up by $1.98 each.

Automotive diesel fuel will be sold for $144.92 per litre following an increase of $3.15 while ultra-low sulphur diesel is up by

Propane liquid petroleum will be sold for Jm $58.08 per litre, down by $0.08 and butane liquid petroleum will be sold for Jm $66.25 per litre after an increase of Jm $1.19.

Movements in Petrojam’s product prices are reflective of changes in the prices of the relevant petroleum products within the US Gulf Coast (USGC) region.

Marketing companies and retailers will add their respective mark-up to these prices. (Jamaica Observer)

M

otorists using Super gasoline began paying TT$1 more immediately after Government’s 2019 Budget presentation on Tuesday.

But offsetting that, the Keith Rowley Administration, after three years of stiff budgets, also presented a “turnaround” package of measures to assist major vulnerable groups and public servants, plus job potential for soon-to-be displaced Petrotrin workers.

During a three-hour presentation, Finance Minister Colm Imbert explained that Government was able to present the mixed bag due to economic progress.

The Budget stands at TT$51.7 billion – TT$1 billion larger than the 2018 Budget of TT$50.5 billion.

In announcing an increase in Super gasoline from TT$3.97 per litre to TT$4.97, Imbert said diesel gas would remain at TT$3.41 per litre.

He said the increase was necessary since current oil prices (US$73.43) mean the fuel subsidy in 2019 would cost Government TT$1.5 bil-

lion, “... money we simply don’t have. Painful as it is, we must reduce this cost.”

Imbert warned that if oil prices remain above US$70 in 2019, the fuel subsidy will exceed TT$1.5 billion if there’s no adjustment to fuel retail prices.

Reiterating the case for Petrotrin restructuring and closure of its refinery, Imbert said 1400 employees would be eligible for early retirement, 800 employees will be recruited for the planned new Exploration and Production Unit and 200 for the planned Terminalling Business Unit, part of the company’s new core function.

“We’re acutely aware of the traumatic effect of this development on all workers, their families and the wider fence-line…,” Imbert said.

He added, “Terminated permanent, temporary and casual employees will be provided with attractive termination packages. Early estimates put this termination payment at approximately TT$2.6 billion. (Excerpt

from Trinidad Guardian)

Grace Kennedy pulls out, leaving WU in Caricom Heads recommit to combating NCDs Antigua and Barbuda with launch of ‘Caribbean Moves’ campaign Jm$2.83 and will be sold for Jm$148.82 per litre.

Meanwhile, kerosene

increased in price by Jm $2.52 and will be sold for Jm$125.32 per litre.

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) leaders attending the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York met on Tuesday to assess the progress made in combating NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in the region, and to recommit their support for innovative approaches for addressing the NCDs problem.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris; saw participation from Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness; Prime Minister of St Vincent and Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves; and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

The breakfast meet-

Caricom Heads at the breakfast meeting where they assessed the progress made in combating NCDs in the region

ing, which lasted close to an hour, also doubled as a celebratory event to mark the 11th year anniversary of the signing of the 2007 Port of Spain Declaration on NCDs signed by the Prime Ministers of Caricom countries, which highlighted the

gravity of the regional epidemic of these conditions on member states. The declaration called for a coordinated and strategic response by English-speaking Caribbean countries to control these diseases as well as the factors that put the population

at risk for NCDs, namely, increased blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated cholesterol and obesity.

Addressing his regional colleagues at the meeting, Prime Minister Harris expressed his appreciation to the efforts of his predecessors who had the foresight to take action against the challenges of NCDs through the signing of the declaration, noting that their actions ultimately led to the first UN High Level Meeting on NCDs in 2011.

At the end of the presentations, the Caricom leaders endorsed and launched the Caribbean Moves campaign, under the tagline ‘Step it Up’. The campaign is an initiative to raise awareness to NCDs and ways to combat the diseases. (Excerpt from Caribbean

News Now)

Jamaica seeks to increase voice on C’bean financial matters

M

inister without portfolio in the Finance and the Public Service Ministry of Jamaica, Fayval Williams, says Jamaica is taking steps to increase its voice in the Caribbean on matters relating to the financial sector.

In that regard, Williams is to head a Jamaican delegation to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to

accelerate the country’s representation to the body.

The CFATF is an organisation of 25 States of the Caribbean Basin, Central and South America that have agreed to implement common countermeasures to address money laundering.

Addressing the opening of the 7th Annual AntiMoney Laundering/CounterFinancing of Terrorism

Conference, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday, Williams informed that Jamaica has sought and obtained a seat on the CFATF’s influential Steering Committee to increase its participation in the work of that body and, consequently, the wider Financial Action Task Force (FATF) global network.

The FATF is an inter-

governmental organisation based in France, which was established to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. In the meantime, the minister said the Government is continuing its work to reform and strengthen Jamaica’s anti-money laundering/counter-financing of terrorism framework to comply with global standards.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

A

ll operations of Western Union (WU) Caribbean money transfer agency ceased on Wednesday at the five subagent outlets in Antigua and Barbuda, leaving over 30 workers uncertain about their future even in the face of a promise of a new agent taking over some time soon.

The development comes as Grace Kennedy Money Services (GKMS) has given up the operation of the franchise in Antigua and Barbuda after having operated it for 12 years.

In a notice posted inside the sub-agents offices across Antigua, the agency announced, “SERVICE NOTICE. Dear Customer, Please be advised that as of September 28, 2018, Western Union will no longer be able to facilitate outbound (send) transactions from Antigua and Barbuda.

Additionally, as of October 3, 2018 Western Union will no longer be able to facili-

tate pay-outs for inbound (receive) transactions.”

Grace Kennedy issued a press statement on the matter last evening, but this was after customers of Western Union had already begun to experience difficulties with the sudden end to at least the ability to send money.

GKMS was the lone agent for the franchise, and while it has given up operations here, it will continue to operate in about a dozen other markets. A source close to the matter said that the five/ six sub-agents, which employ about 30 workers, were asked to retain the staff at the expense of Western Union which plans to resume operations by monthend, under a new agent.

But, the source said the negotiation is still ongoing, making some workers uneasy about if or when operations would resume and their future with the company. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Senate moderates criticise Trump for mocking Kavanaugh accuser T

hree moderate Republicans who could be pivotal in determining whether the Senate confirms US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh criticised President Donald Trump on Wednesday for mocking a woman who has accused the judge of sexual assault.

Senators Jeff Flake, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski were among the lawmakers who objected to Trump’s comments regarding Christine Blasey

Ford, a university professor from California who detailed her sexual assault allegation against Kavanaugh at an extraordinary Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week.

The Number Two Senate Republican, John Cornyn, said the FBI’s report on sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh could be given to senators as soon as yesterday, amid concerns among Democrats about the thoroughness of the probe.

The Senate’s Republican

US President Donald Trump addresses supporters during a Make America Great Again rally in Southaven, Mississippi, October 2, 2018

leaders are planning a vote on Kavanaugh this week.

At a political rally in Mississippi on Tuesday night, Trump mocked Ford’s testimony about the alleged assault in Maryland in 1982 when she was 15 and Kavanaugh was 17.

Flake told NBC’s “Today” show that “there’s no time and no place for remarks like that, that discuss something this sensitive at a political rally.” “I wish he hadn’t ... done it. I just say it’s kind of appalling,” Flake said.

Collins told reporters, “The president’s comments were just plain wrong.” She did not respond when asked if his comments would affect her vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Asked whether Trump’s comments would affect her vote, Murkowski told reporters, “I am taking everything into account. The president’s comments yesterday mocking Dr Ford were wholly inappropriate and, in my view, unacceptable.” (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Putin calls poisoned ex-spy Saudi Arabia, Russia Skripal a scumbag and traitor agreed in September

P

resident Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent poisoned in Britain, a scumbag who had betrayed Russia.

Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a public bench in the English city of Salisbury in March. Britain says they were poisoned with a nerve agent administered by Russian intelligence officers.

Russia denies involvement in the affair, which has deepened its international isolation. “I see that some of your colleagues are pushing the theory that Mr Skripal was almost some kind of human rights activist,” Putin said at an energy forum in Moscow when asked about

the case.

“He was simply a spy. A traitor to the motherland.

He’s simply a scumbag, that’s all,” Putin added, in remarks that drew applause from parts of the audience.

The Russian leader, a former intelligence officer himself, said the Skripal scandal had been artificially exaggerated, but said he thought it would fade from the headlines at some point and that the sooner it quietened down the better.

Putin said Moscow was still ready to cooperate with Britain when it came to investigating what happened, an offer London has so far declined to take up.

British officials say the poisoning was carried out by Russia’s GRU military intel-

ligence agency almost certainly acting with the approval of Russian officials.

Russia has denied that.

Putin also dismissed the allegation that Russia was responsible for the accidental poisoning of Dawn Sturgess, a Salisbury-area woman who British police said died after coming into contact with the nerve agent Novichok which her partner had found in a discarded perfume bottle.

Skripal had served time in a Russian prison for selling information to Britain, and Moscow had agreed to release him as part of a spay swap, said Putin, suggesting Russia therefore had no motive to kill him. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

EU considers trade sanctions on Myanmar over Rohingya crisis

Rohingya refugee women hold placards as they take part in a protest at the Kutupalong refugee camp to mark the first anniversary of their exodus in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, August 25, 2018

T

he European Union is considering trade sanctions on Myanmar over the Rohingya crisis, potentially stripping the country of tariff-free access to the world’s largest trading bloc, three EU officials said.

The sanctions, under discussion at the European Commission, would include Myanmar’s lucrative textile industry and potentially put at risk thousands of

jobs there but would not come into effect immediately, giving the EU leverage to stop what the West says is ethnic cleansing of Muslim Rohingya.

Even by triggering a sixmonth review process on whether to impose trade sanctions, which could be reversed if Myanmar met humanitarian and democratic targets, the bloc would mark a significant shift in policy.

Until now, the EU has

imposed travel bans and asset freezes on several members of the Myanmar military, but has shied away from slapping sanctions on Myanmar’s Commanderin-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who the United Nations said should be prosecuted along with five others for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Myanmar has rejected the UN findings as “one-sided”. It says military action which followed militant attacks on security forces in August last year was a legitimate counterinsurgency operation.

EU officials believe the formal threat of losing tariff-free access would quickly hit foreign investment in the apparel industry, where European manufacturers take advantage of relatively low labour costs in Myanmar.

The European Parliament last month called for the Commission to review Myanmar’s trade preferences. (Excerpt from Reuters)

to lift oil output

R

ussia and Saudi Arabia struck a private deal in September to raise oil output to cool rising prices and informed the United States before a meeting in Algiers with other producers, four sources familiar with the plan said.

US President Donald Trump has blamed the organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for high crude prices and called on it to boost output to bring down fuel costs before the US congressional elections on Nov. 6.

The deal underlines how Russia and Saudi Arabia are increasingly deciding oil output policies bilaterally, before consulting with the rest of OPEC. The sources said Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih and his Russian

counterpart Alexander Novak agreed during a series of meetings to lift output from September through December as crude headed toward $80 a barrel. It is now over $85.

“The Russians and the Saudis agreed to add barrels to the market quietly with a view not to look like they are acting on Trump’s order to pump more,” one source said.

“The Saudi minister told (US Energy Secretary Rick) Perry that Saudi Arabia will raise output if its customers asked for more oil,” another source said.

Originally, the two countries had hoped to announce an overall increase of 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) from Saudi-led OPEC and non-OPEC Russia at a gathering of oil ministers in Algiers at the end of September.

But with opposition from some in OPEC, including Iran which is subject to U.S. sanctions, they decided to defer any formal decision until a full OPEC meeting in December.

“Saudi is trying to thread a needle with a rope by satisfying customer concerns about higher oil prices, but also wanting to keep prices from falling and sending the wrong price signal to industry which absolutely needs to continue to invest to prevent a supply crunch,” Yasser Elguindi, energy market strategist at consultancy Energy said.

Executives at the world’s biggest oil and gas companies are under growing pressure to loosen the purse strings to replenish reserves and halt declines in crude production after years of austerity. (Reuters)

US pulls out of 1955 treaty with Iran, says measures long overdue

S

ecretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that the US is withdrawing from a 1955 treaty with Iran, just hours after the UN's highest court ordered Washington to ease sanctions against Tehran.

"I'm announcing that the US is terminating the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran.

This is a decision, frankly, that is 39 years overdue," Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday, referring to the date of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Earlier in the day, Iran welcomed the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling, stating that "the decision proved once again that the Islamic Republic is right and the US sanctions

against the people and citizens of our country are illegal and cruel".

The UN court ordered the US to lift sanctions linked to humanitarian goods and civil aviation. The ICJ's rulings are binding, but the tribunal has no power to enforce them.

The little-known treaty, signed in August 1955 – roughly two years after the US-sponsored coup against Iran's first democratically elected Government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh – stipulates that issues pertaining to both countries' bilateral relations fall under the ICJ's jurisdiction.

Iran took the US to the ICJ twice; first in 1988 over

the downing of Iran Air flight 655 and the killing of all 290 people on board and in 1992 in relations to US attacks on Iranian oil rigs in 1987 and 1988.

Tehran has argued that fresh sanctions imposed since May by President Donald Trump's Administration violate the terms of the 1955 treaty.

Washington says that Iran's request is an attempt to misuse the court.

US State Department Legal Adviser Jennifer Newstead argued during oral hearings last month that the treaty specifically rules out using courts to resolve disputes. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

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ARCHIE

Don’t let anger take charge when positive change (March 21- is what’s needed. Refuse to April 19) let anyone play mind games with you. Protect your interests and do so with a smile on your face.

ARIES

Take a break from people TAURUS you deal with daily. It will (April 20- give you a chance to rethink May 20) what’s best for you and how you should go about making it happen.

dilbert

Work hard, play hard and GEMINI (May 21- don’t get caught up in what June 20) others do. Gossip could lead to a costly mistake that will disrupt your relationship with someone in charge.

A steady pace will lead to victory. Settling a matter (June 21- that has been causing you July 22) grief will ease your stress and give you the courage to move forward.

CANCER

Peanuts

Keep your life simple and LEO do your best not to overreact.

(July 23- Too much of anything will Aug. 22) lead to trouble. Don’t make waves, indulge or let aggressive behavior dominate.

Personal improvements VIRGO will pay off. Getting along (Aug. 23with peers, friends and family Sept. 22) will get you the help you need to accomplish your goals. Be smart and you’ll gain favors and stability.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep your emotions in LIBRA (Sept. 23- check to avoid missing out on Oct. 23) something you should be doing. Distress will lead to immobility. An open mind will help you avoid a stalemate.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — INSTEAD

SUDOKU

You’ll make headway if SAGITTARIUS you stick to the script and fol(Nov. 23- low through with your plan.

Dec. 21) Your enthusiasm will outshine anyone trying to compete with you.

(INSTEAD: in-STED: In place of.)

Average mark 35 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 49 or more words in INSTEAD? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — DIAGONAL danio dial dialog ding dingo doing doling dong idol again agnail agon alga algid align

along analog anil gain gala gild glad gland goad goal gold gonad nail nodal noil

lading lagan laid lain lanai land ling lingo lion load loading loan loin long

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

Choose to take the high SCORPIO road, regardless of what (Oct. 24someone else does. Anger Nov. 22) will only magnify a situation you are trying to defuse.

Kindness, love and appreciation will help.

solution for last published puzzle

Being a good listener CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- will help you win the confiJan. 19) dence and help of new allies.

Understanding what’s behind others’ actions will give you the edge when it comes to negotiating.

Focus on saving, not on AQUARIUS spending. You don’t have to (Jan. 20- keep up with someone or folFeb. 19) low that person’s lead, especially if he or she is a bad influence. Do your own thing.

Something good is headPISCES (Feb. 20- ing your way. Make sure you March 20) have all your paperwork in order and are prepared for what’s coming down the pipeline. Readiness will make a difference.

thursdAY, october 4, 2018

19

Brooks “not under pressure” as Regional Super50 begins today A

Shamarh Brooks

…Brathwaite excited to be back

head of the 2018-19 Windies Super50 Cup bowling off today, Group B Captains Shamarh Brooks of Barbados Pride and Carlos Brathwaite of Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners have disclosed that they are ready and highly anticipating the regional tournament.

The tournament will be contested between 10 teams equally divided into two groups of five. Group A will feature Windward I s l a n d s Volcanoes, G u y a n a J a g u a r s , Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Windies B and Canada.

Group B holds Barbados Pride, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Jamaica Scorpions, Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners

and the United States.

In a pre-competition interview, the young Brooks noted that he was fact not under any pressure, highlighting that he would have the backings of a strong team.

“I wouldn’t say it’s more pressure to get into the final. I guess we always enjoyed playing at home, majority of us are at home, so I guess it’s just continuing in that vein, playing good cricket and starting the tournament with a win,” Brooks said.

Brooks went on to note that he was excited about the large number of youth players in the regional tournament.

“As you rightfully said we have some teams that can put up a fight. When you look at some of the teams on paper they are very strong teams. We’re mixing the

youth with experience and we are excited to see some of our young players get out there and get an opportunity to play against some of the better players in the Caribbean,” he stated.

On the other hand, opposing Captain Brathwaite stated that “it’s good to be back” in the regional competition.

“I thought that the time was right to make a sacrifice playing franchise cricket and come back and play regional cricket and play a bigger role with bat and ball.

You know I asked Floyd if the opportunity was available and he welcomed me with open arms, so hopefully I could pay back his faith with performances on the field,” Brathwaite disclosed.

Speaking on his new team, the all-rounder stated that

he was confident in their abilities, having seen them in action on many occasions.

“As a team I’ve seen CCC up close and from afar and they always plan well and the next step is to put in performances of runs and wickets and eventually get over the line and start winning some games.”

All matches will consist of one innings a side – each innings being limited to a maximum of 50 overs – and are scheduled to be of one day in duration. The first phase of the competition will be the Group Stage which will comprise a total of 40 matches with the teams playing under a non-elimination format. Matches will be contested in Trinidad (at Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy) and Barbados (at Kensington Oval, Three Ws Oval and Windward Cricket Ground). Each team will play eight matches during the group stage. Each team in Group A will play each of the other teams in Group A twice, and each team in Group B will play each of the other teams in Group B twice. The winners of the semi-finals will contest the grand final on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Kensington Oval.

Neymar scores hat-trick as PSG thrash Red Star

A

Neymar hat-trick inspired Paris St-Germain to an emphatic Champions League Group C 6-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade at the Parc des Princes.

In a one-sided contest, Neymar set the hosts on their way with an exquisite free-kick which found the bottom left corner from 25 yards out.

The Brazil forward doubled PSG’s lead less than three minutes later as the visitors attempted to regroup – guiding a close-range effort into the roof of the net after exchanging passes with Kylian Mbappé.

Edinson Cavani’s deflected strike made it three and Angel di Maria flicked Thomas Meunier’s cross in for a fourth goal before half-time.

PSG began the competition with a narrow 3-2 defeat at Liverpool, but back in Paris, and with Italian midfielder Marco Verratti restored to their starting XI after suspension, this showing was a reminder of the firepower at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal.

Despite a determined start, Red Star manager Vladan Milojevic was forced into changes of personnel and tactics at the interval in an attempt to avoid embarrassment.

However, the second period continued in the same fashion as the first.

Visiting goalkeeper Milan Borjan superbly saved a succession of shots as

Neymar’s hat-trick ensured he became the joint highest-scoring Brazilian in Champions League history, level with Kaka on 30 goals

the French Ligue 1 leaders repeatedly carved Red Star open down the left.

On his 50th appearance for PSG, Mbappé received his reward for a fine individual performance by finishing off a sublime move involving Neymar and Juan Bernat to record his 27th goal for the club.

Former Germany international Marko Marin got the Serbian side on

the scoresheet with a powerful drive, but Neymar had the final word with another superb free-kick.

It ensured he completed his second-ever Champions League hattrick, after one for Barcelona in their 6-1 group stage home win against Celtic in December 2013, and also became the joint highest-scoring Brazilian in Champions League history,

level with Kaka on 30 goals.

completion rate.

Verratti the conductor While the story of this match could easily focus again upon the exploits of Neymar and Mbappé, the two most expensive players on the planet with combined fees of £365.7 million, the influence of Verratti on Tuchel’s team should not be overlooked.

The 25-year-old Italian was missing as PSG lost at Anfield, but back in the starting XI for this fixture, his influence shone through as he laid the foundation for a dominant display.

The diminutive Italian set the tone in the opening half-hour, encouraging his team-mates to press high up the pitch and retrieving possession more than any other player.

While Red Star attempted to deploy the same tactics, Verratti’s calmness on the ball and ability to pass his way out of tight situations neutralised that tactic.

The Italian also played his part in PSG’s first goal, scampering through midfield and setting Neymar away to earn the free-kick from which he scored.

And his range of passing was evident throughout as he played the role of midfield conductor, making more passes and taking more touches than any other player while maintaining a 92.3 per cent pass

Red Star outclassed Red Star had arrived in Paris with a seven-point lead at the top of the Serbian SuperLiga and boasting an unbeaten record stretching back 34 games to a 1-0 defeat by CSKA Moscow in last season’s Europa League. This assignment, however, proved a step up in class.

The Serbs earned their place in European football folklore by winning the competition in 1991, when they beat Marseille in the final on penalties.

But while that team were blessed with supremely talented individuals like Vladimir Jugovic, Robert Prosinecki, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Dejan Savicevic, current boss Milojevic is unable to call on stars of that calibre.

Marin – persuaded to join the club by their first appearance in the group stages since the Champions League rebrand in 1992-1993 – is their most recognisable player. And the draw they earned against Napoli in their opening game in Group C was a resolute, collective effort.

Here, once Neymar’s first freekick of the evening had given the advantage to PSG, the visitors’ gameplan largely fell away as they simply lacked the discipline to keep Tuchel’s side at bay. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, october 4, 2018

Messi scores twice to Hopman Cup: Serena Williams to face Roger Federer in mixed doubles hold off Spurs’ comeback S

erena Williams is set to face Roger Federer in her first event of the 2019 season when the USA play Switzerland in the mixed doubles at the Hopman Cup. Williams, 37, has not played since her controversial US Open final defeat by Naomi Osaka in September.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion partners Frances Tiafoe, while 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer and Belinda Bencic will seek to defend their title.

Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter will represent Great Britain in Perth.

“The Aussie fans are always so warm and supportive and the Hopman Cup has always given me a great start to the season, especially ahead of the Australian Open,” said Williams, who pulled out of this month’s China Open.

Williams will be playing in Australia for the first time since winning the 2017 Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant, having missed last year’s

tournament as she was not fully fit to return following the birth of daughter Olympia.

The Hopman Cup runs from December 29 until January 5, with the 2019 Australian Open taking place from January 14-27.

The mixed team event features eight nations split into two groups, with teams facing each other in sessions that consist of a men’s and women’s singles match and a mixed doubles match.

Each team play the other three in their group, and the top teams in each group then meet in the final.

The USA are due to meet Switzerland on New Year’s Day in Group B, which also features Great Britain and Greece.

Group A consists of France, Spain, Germany and hosts Australia.

Federer, 37, and Bencic, 21, won Switzerland’s first Hopman Cup since 2001 earlier this year. (BBC News)

Teams

Group A France – Lucas Pouille and Alize Cornet Spain – David Ferrer and Garbine Muguruza Germany – Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber Australia – Matt Ebden and Ashleigh Barty Group B Great Britain – Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter Greece – Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari Switzerland – Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic USA – Frances Tiafoe and Serena Williams

L

ionel Messi produced a Wembley masterpiece to condemn Tottenham to their second successive Champions League defeat as they were beaten by Barcelona at Wembley.

Messi was the magnificent orchestrator behind a superb attacking display from the Catalans that eventually proved too much for the spirited Spurs, who also lost their opening Group B game to Inter Milan in Italy.

Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, back from injury, gifted Philippe Coutinho Barcelona’s opener inside two minutes with a reckless dash from goal before Ivan Rakitic put them further in control before half-time with

a spectacular 20-yard strike.

Messi hit the post twice before Harry Kane gave Spurs hope with a clever low finish before the Argentine superstar slid home from close range to restore Barcelona’s advantage.

Erik Lamela’s deflected effort set up a grandstand finish, but it was fitting that the peerless Messi had the final word with a simple strike after Luis Suarez’s brilliant dummy.

The defeat leaves Mauricio Pochettino’s side third in the group, six points behind leaders Barcelona and second-placed Inter Milan and facing a difficult task to progress to the knockout stages. (BBC Sport)

Regal dominate Farm XI, Mike’s Pharmacy and Clear Waters continue to show support Fishermen take loss

Guyana Softball Cup 2018

Members of the GFSCA and sponsors at the launch

T

he Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) has this past week officially launched the Guyana Softball Cup 2018, which is slated to be played under floodlights during the period October 26-28 at venues in Georgetown and along the East Coast of Demerara.

Deemed one of the biggest softball tournaments in the world — bigger than the Orlando Cup, the Fort Lauderhill Cup, the New York Cup and the Canadian Cup — the tournament has attracted the support of Mike’s Pharmacy and Clear Waters.

Clear Waters representative Ravil Seares expressed gratitude that the water company has been supporting the Guyana Softball Cup for the past seven years and hoped that whatever was

contributed towards the tournament has benefited it as much as the tournament has benefited Clear Waters.

Seares went on to state that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Clear Waters has made a promise to the Guyana Softball Board that as long as the tournament continued, Clear Waters would continue to support it. In closing, he urged fans to come out and support the tournament and support Clear Waters.

Mike’s Pharmacy representative Colin Europe was elated in his presentation.

He said Mike’s Pharmacy has been a main sponsor for many years and has always kept the players and softball fans well-hydrated.

“Mike’s Pharmacy is indeed happy to be associated with this tournament as we have been a sponsor for the past seven years and

we are now in our eighth year, having been composed of international teams and host team Guyana, we at Mike’s Pharmacy are satisfied as this tournament has been organised in a professional manner and we have pledged our continuous support,” Europe said.

In closing, he urged cricketers to continue to support the game and play it in a healthy and clean manner as was intended.

Some of the other sponsors on board for the staging of this tournament are: ANSA McAL, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Survival Group of Companies, A and R Jewanram Printery, Rohan’s Auto Spares, Steve’s Jewellery, Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Busta, WJ Enterprise, and Nand Persaud & Company Limited.

T

The successful Regal Masters after one of their clashes

he action continued last weekend as Permauls’ Trading, Khan’s Trading, Back to Eden and Trophy Stall softball tournament got underway as the players were ready and poised for action.

The matches were held at various venues such as Ogle, Albion and GNIC Grounds.

In the first match at the GNIC Ground, Regal Masters made light work of Fishermen as they chased down their target in 19 overs. Sent in to bat first, Fishermen made a defendable total of 161-8 off their allotted 20 overs, as Danny Thomas held the fort down and made a blistering 42, the highest individual score of the match. He was later supported by Stanley Mohabir

who made 34. They were the only two Fishermen batsmen with substantial scores.

Bowling for Regal Masters was Tyrone Sanasie who bagged 3-29, Mohendra Arjune with 2-5, David Harper 2-15 and Saheed Mohamed 1-14 as the Masters now required 162 for victory. As they returned to bat, Regal Masters showed what it meant to play as a unit as they demolished the target with ease.

Leading from the front was Eric Thomas, who made 42, backing him up was David Harper, who made 33, while Saheed Mohamed chipped in with 32 as the match ended with the Masters securing victory in the 19th over with the score at 164-7. Bowling for Fishermen were Stanley

Mohabir, who snagged 3-26, and Thomas, who contributed 2-28.

In the other match, the Regal All-Stars pummelled Farm XI, after deciding to bat first on a wicket that is known for its run-scoring.

Regal All-Stars made 1539 in their allotted 20 overs, with Khalid Haslim top-scoring with 36 off 21 balls while Patrick Rooplall made 22 off 11 balls. Picking up two wickets a piece for Farm XI were Keisho Ramsarran, Quazim Yusuf and Ajay Kishun respectively. In response, Farm crumbled under the pressure of the AllStars as they made 74-8.

Sachin Singh and Rickey Sargeant grabbed two wickets apiece to round off the exciting day of softball cricket.

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21

Omesh Danram selected for CGI E

xcelling at the top of his level representing the University of Guyana cricket team, Omesh Danram has continued to prove that he is a dangerous factor and should not be taken lightly as his hard training is now a testament to his success as he has earned a spot in the Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) franchise.

In 2014, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) set up the CGI; this body would now oversee the smooth operations of the franchise system on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board now known as Cricket West Indies (CWI), thus more players were exposed and given the opportunity of playing competitive cricket and getting a chance for selection to the national team.

In the recently-concluded New Building Society (NBS) Second-Division 40-Over tournament, Danram batting at number four finished with an impressive 285 runs at an average of 40, thus placing him on the radar for selection.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport when asked what this opportunity would create for him, Danram said, “I’m really delighted to be selected and showcase my ability amongst Guyana’s best players in the country. I am

Omesh Danram scores 59* against MYO in the NBS Second-Division 40-Over tournament

able to be placed on a platform where I can gain more knowledge from experienced players and that is really invaluable. It will help me to test my cricketing abilities in all areas, plus it’s a major boost to know that you are being viewed by all members of the cricketing fraternity, and people will see you and recognise you.”

He also stated that when he entered the NBS Second-

Division 40-Over tournament, his goal was to be the top runs scorer as that was his personal goal. He noted that he started off the competition with 49* against Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and then he went on to make 131 against Police and even 121 against GDF in the First Division tournament as runs were now coming easier. In his closing remarks, Danram stated that

he would like to thank his coach and parents because they have always been there supporting him from day one.

Thus far Danram has played one match so far representing Georgetown in the CGI on September 27, 2018, and made a well-played 59*; therefore, climbing the ladder as he aims to make his name known and be selected for the national side.

Demerara Bank sponsors educational programme for RHTY&SC cricket teams T

he Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and its 10 cricket teams, for the fifth successive year, have received complete sponsorship from Demerara Bank for the hosting of a Spelling Bee Competition for students of the Rose Hall Primary School.

The Bank on Wednesday last handed over its 2018 sponsorship to RHTY&SC Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster during a simple ceremony at its Public Road, Rose Hall Town branch.

Foster lauded Demerara B a n k as a friend of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation and hailed the support the Bank has extended over the years. The long-serving Secretary/CEO, who in 2011 became the only club official in Guyana’s history to ever receive the prestigious Sport Personality of the Year award, stated that the Say Yes to Education programme was one of the Club’s most important programmes along with its successful cricket structure.

The RHTY&SC since its formation in 1990 has hosted a Say Yes/Say No Campaign which promotes the saying of yes to education, culture, sports, religion, life and no to drugs, suicide, alcohol, tobacco and crime.

Under the Say Yes/Say No Campaign, the Club’s 10 cricket teams have successfully completed over 250 activities for 2018 so far, with the organisation completing 624 of the 700 total it has set itself for 2018.

The 2018 RHTY&SC /Demerara Bank Spelling Bee Competition would be for fifth graders of the Rose Hall Town Primary School. It would be coordinated by the cricket teams and conducted by the staff of the school.

The top three winners would receive trophies, medals and special prizes from the organisers.

The cricket teams of the Club – King Solomon Logistics Under- 12, P o o n a i Pharmacy

Under-13, F a r f a n & Mendes U n d e r - 1 5 , Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets

Under-21 and First Division – have been dominating cricket in the Ancient County and have to date won four major titles. The teams have also produced 15 players for Guyana at the different levels: Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Jonathan Rampersaud, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Uma Matadin, Rushanna Lynch, Plaffiana Millington, Shabika Gajnabi, Shaneeta Grimmond, Melanie Henry, Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings. Assad Fudadin also played for Jamaica during 2018. Ten of RHTY&SC’s senior players also recently participated in the just-concluded Guyana Cricket Board One Day Franchise Tournament.

Demerara Bank Branch Manager Mandrekar Khemraj stated that the Bank was pleased to sponsor the Spelling Bee Competition as it supports the Say Yes to Education message.

The Bank, he stated, fully understands its corporate responsibilities and as such, makes investment in sports, culture and educational projects. He expressed confidence that the Spelling Bee Competition would be a success.

22

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thursdAY, october 4, 2018

Matthews feeling confident ahead of ICC WWT20 W

indies opener Hayley Matthews has a good feeling about the upcoming, first stand-alone International Cricket Council (ICC) World Women’s T20 Championship.

“Playing in front of our home crowd, on such a momentous occasion, will be amazing!” Matthews said in excitement, referring to the tournament, which will be played in Guyana, St Lucia and Antigua November 9-24.

Considering her most recent innings in the same competition (India, 2016) was a match-winning 66 (45 balls) in the final against a strong Australia team, who can blame her?

For the past five months, the Windies Women have been involved in high performance camps in Antigua. Matthews not only sees

the hunger for success in her fellow players’ attitudes, but she has also watched their (and her own) skills develop immensely over that period.

“With the high level of technical training we received at Coolidge (Cricket Ground), the ladies have all had a chance to directly address

the negative aspects of their game,” Matthews said. “The aim is to peak at the right time and put our best foot forward in this tournament.”

The Windies Women are currently involved in the Sandals International Home Series versus South Africa Women. After drawing the ODI segment of the series 1-1 in Barbados, the ladies managed to win the first T20 there, before moving on to Trinidad and winning the second. The third T20I was abandoned at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (Trinidad), owing to the outfield being soggy in critical areas.

The ladies will be looking to end the possibility of a draw in the five-match series today (Thursday, October 4), when both teams meet again at the same venue. (Sportsmax)

Hayley Matthews

Windies

Steyn's all-round show, Tahir hat-trick flatten Zimbabwe focused on playing I patient cricket mran Tahir became the fourth South African bowler to take a one-day international hat-trick as Zimbabwe folded for just 78 in the second ODI in Bloemfontein. Tahir removed Sean Williams, Peter Moor and Brandon Mavuta with successive deliveries over two overs to derail Zimbabwe's chase and finished with a 6 for 24, taking full advantage of a batting line-up softened up by the alarmingly variable bounce extracted by Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi earlier in the evening. Steyn provided a particular fearsome challenge, bowling well above 140kph to rattle the top order. He picked up 2 for 19 on his return to ODI cricket, capping a day in which he also top scored with a careerbest 60 to boost South Africa to a total of 198.

That already looked like it could be enough when Tahir was brought on in the 14th over, thanks in large part to a pitch that misbehaved all day and became particularly capricious when Dale Steyn opened the bowling under lights. The Willow End, in particular, exhibited variable bounce that made the prospect of chasing look very difficult.

Craig Ervine was struck on the glove and the grille by consecutive deliveries from Steyn, while both Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza were made to fend at brutal lifters that reared off a length. With Solomon Mire undone third ball by a full one from Steyn, none of the rest of the top were able to build partnerships and Zimbabwe entered the Powerplay teetering at 28 for 2. The visitors' last hopes evaporated when Masakadza fell for 27, indecision sewn by the irregular bounce bringing a flatfooted poke to slip off Ngidi.

Tahir had, by this point, already started to weave his magic at the other end. Taylor swept a four but then misread a googly to be lbw for 10, Tahir setting off in celebration even as he turned to appeal the wicket. From

Imran Tahir is overjoyed after becoming the fourth South African to take an ODI hat-trick

then on, although the pitch levelled out, Tahir's variations simply proved too much for Zimbabwe. Williams was drawn out of his crease by one that spun away from him to be stumped off the last ball of Tahir's third over, while Moor played outside a slider to be lbw to the first of his fourth. The next ball zipped in off a length, right between Mavuta's bat and pad to spark Tahir's trademark celebration.

Zimbabwe slumped to 59 for 8 with the hat-trick, and the result was now a foregone conclusion. Jarvis slogged across the line at another googly to be bowled for 1, and fittingly it was Steyn who held the final catch to bring the game to an end when Chatara heaved a slider into the deep.

The catch completed an almost perfect comeback for Steyn, whose two wickets came after his maiden ODI fifty had carried South Africa out of the depths of 101 for 7. South Africa picked him to bowl, but in his first

one-day international in almost two years Steyn's plucky batting rescued his team. Thirteen years since his ODI debut, and batting for the 48th time in the format, Steyn put on 75 with Andile Phehlukwayo, a new South African record for the eighth wicket against Zimbabwe.

South Africa were tottering when Steyn got to the crease, but the mantra being drilled into them is to play positive cricket regardless of the situation and the shots kept coming. Steyn was off the mark with an edge through the vacant second slip, and while he swung merrily Phehlukwayo shrugged off a strong lbw shout to drill Williams over long on for six.

An outside edge over slip took Steyn to his highest score in ODIs, and he motored into the 40s with a heave to midwicket - his seventh four. He had scored the bulk of the eighth-wicket stand that rebuilt South Africa's innings when Zimbabwe finally broke through, Chatara strangling Phehlukwayo down the leg side.

Steyn brought up his fifty with a crisp strike down the ground for six off Donald Tiripano, becoming the fourth South African after Lance Klusener, Andrew Hall and Richard Snell to score an ODI half century from no. 9. It was an effort that was desperately needed after three of the top five fell for single figures.

Zimbabwe, too, had had some assistance from a pitch that captain Masakadza described as "up and down", but they had also been rewarded for disciplined application with the ball. The wickets were shared around by their seamers and spinners and Jarvis was particularly probing in his opening spell.

Once again, South Africa's unproven top order stumbled under pressure, and it was left to the two of the oldest men on the field - Steyn and Tahir - to secure the match and the series. (ESPNcricinfo)

O

n the eve of the first Test match versus India in Rajkot, the Windies are focused on playing a patient game against the hosts and number one-ranked Test team, India.

The Windies arrived in India a week ago and has since played a two-day warm-up match against a BCCI XI which ended in a draw.

The team had solid batting performances from centurion Sunil Ambris, with

half-centuries from Vice Captain K r a i g g Brathwaite and Shane D o w r i c h .

Devendra Bishoo also had a decent bowling spell, picking up three wickets.

Windies Captain Jason Holder complimented the patient style of play during the warm-up match, indicating that the team will remain focused and play a complete and patient game

without looking at the names in the Indian team’s line-up.

Holder indicated that the team is ready for the challenge and that they all share the same mindset – of solid performances and playing good cricket.

Windies Captain Jason Holder

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, october 4, 2018

23

ANSA McAL onboard inaugural Guyoil U-18 tournament this Sunday when the first match will kick off.

ANSA McAL’s sponsorship was officially announced at a small briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

At the gathering, ANSA McAL’s Non Alcoholic Brand Manager, Errol Nelson spoke on the Petra Organisation’s knack for producing commendable competitions. Given the worth of the tournament, ANSA McAL saw it fit to come on board, noting that youth development was important to the company.

“ANSA McAL have been involved and committed to football in Guyana for many years. This is seen from our involvement and sponsorANSA McAL’s Non Alcoholic Brand Manager Errol Nelson hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Jackie Boodie

T

he Petra Organisation, in collaboration with Guyoil and Tradewind Tankers, is ready and raring to get its inaugural Under-18 football competition, the first of its kind, underway this weekend.

As kick-off draws closer, ANSA McAL seemed to have picked the perfect time to get onboard with the action.

The invitational competition is the brainchild of the Petra Organisation, and is primarily sponsored by Guyoil. It will see the exclu-

Fixtures: sion of private institutions and lessons, the first time this has been done in such tournaments. The 12 teams hailing from Georgetown, Linden, the West and East Coasts of Demerara, East Bank Demerara and Berbice are expected to get into competition mode

ship of numerous tournaments from the grassroots level right up to the national level. Our sponsorship of this school league is just another demonstration of our steadfast commitment to football in Guyana,” Nelson stated.

As such, he thanked the Petra Organisation for affording them this sponsorship opportunity, and also took the time to detail the line of products that will fall under the sponsorship’s branding and be sold at the event.

“I would just like to thank the Petra Organisation for having ANSA McAL’s Smalta and the Lasco portfolio of brands which con-

sists of the iCool juice and water and the Lyrics soft drink on board as the official beverage sponsor of the school league,” he said.

The action is slated to begin on Sunday, October 7. The matches will be played on Sundays and Mondays with six matches in each round. The competition is expected to be a great display of young talents and the hunt to end up in the top two spots is understandable given that those two teams will be given a chance to compete in the KFC Goodwill Tournament in December.

The matches will be played at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

0/7/2018 11:30h 13:15h 15:00h 16:45h

Round 1 Day 1 Annandale v Vergenoegen Uitvlugt v Wismar Christianburg Friendship v Marian Academy Queen’s College v Queenstown Secondary

Match # 1 2 3 4

10/8/2018 15:30h 17:15h

Round 1 Day 2 Bishops’ v St Rose’s Dolphin v Lodge Secondary

Match # 5 6

Pouderoyen, Police promise BCB begins distribution of raincoats to nail-biting Limacol final

Pouderoyen Captain Marvin Griffith

A

fter making their way into this year’s Limacol Knockout Football final, both Police and Pouderoyen FC have promised that they would play hard enough to make this year’s final one to remember. With both teams netting just one goal to make it past the semi-final round and into their most crucial match, both teams are confident that they have what it took to take home the win, given that they have put in the right amount of work.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Pouderoyen Captain Marvin Griffith stated that his team was happy with their performance, and also stressed on the fact that they did not

concede any goals.

“We all are happy; we planned for this and we executed our plan,” Griffith proudly stated.

But Pouderoyen were also aware that they would have to go to the drawing

board to identify and improve their weak areas.

“I can’t really say right now, but when we go back for our recovery, the coach and the management body will decide that based on how they saw the team play,” Griffith said.

Meanwhile, Police Coach Dwayne Bobb has already pointed out the areas that would need work in order to overcome their opponents.

“Well, when I watched them, I saw them moving the ball quite well and we would really have to work at practice. Practising the moves, getting behind the defenders, strikers coming forward with the ball, you know, disrupt them a bit because they’re looking sound,” he explained.

In talking strategy for his side, Griffith boasted that his team were ready for the final. He noted that they were not afraid or intimidated by their opponents, and the team’s focus was set on bringing home the grand prize.

“We don’t watch face when we’re playing football: whoever challenges us, that’s how we play. We put our best foot forward in hoping for a big victory.”

Expressing similar sentiments, Bobb is also keen on walking away with the $600,000 cash prize that is reserved for this year’s winner.

“Come Friday’s finals, we have to definitely put in the work ‘cause tonight’s game could have been better for us, but as I will say again we have to come and put out the work.

Because we always try to get the players to work together, so that the games will be better,” Bobb said.

groundsmen in Berbice G

roundsmen across Berbice would now be in a better position to prepare venues across the Ancient County as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday last started the distribution of raincoats to clubs.

The BCB had received 40 raincoats from The Hardware Depot’s Managing Director Bonny Singh, valued at $100, 000.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, along with Executive Member Lakeram Latchman, handed over 12 of the raincoats to the Number 69 Vikings, Number 73, Crabwood Creek, Skeldon, Cut and Load and Number 70 during a simple ceremony at the Number 69 Vikings Ground.

Foster stated that the BCB under his leadership was fully committed to assisting clubs as much as possible to fulfil their mandates to their membership. The donation of the raincoats followed similar donations of $1.3 million worth of cricket balls and $2 million worth of cricket gear, stumps and scorebooks. The Cricket Board with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has also assisted numerous clubs with trophies and med-

als. Every club in the Ancient County benefited from the Cricket Balls Project, which was spearheaded by former BCB President Anil Beharry. Foster also disclosed that plans are in place to assist clubs with white cricket t/shirts and the First-Division Clubs with coaching kits. The BCB President also stated that every effort was being made to obtain some proper pitch covers that would be used by the Board across the county.

The energetic President stated that all Berbicians should be pleased at the current status of the game in the county and he urged all Clubs to dedicate themselves to lifting their standard even higher.

Cricket, Foster stated, is being played at every level while numerous developmental programmes have been put into place to assist the younger generation of players to develop quickly. Clubs were urged to use the raincoats for the intended purpose and not for personal use.

Representatives of the six clubs expressed gratitude to the Board and The Hardware Depot for the donation, and hailed the outstanding work of the BCB over the past seven months.

thursdAY, october 4, 2018

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

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Pouderoyen, Police promise nail-biting Limacol final

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