Guyana Times Friday December 6, 2019

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PAC, GTA sign MoU to promote conservation of protected areas Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4129

THE BEACON OF TRUTH friday, december 6, 2019

Granger misrepresents Guyana’s dire reality – Opposition Leader Page 3

...says crime continues to rise, unemployment rate soars

Chicken smugglers, Police exchange gunfire on ECD

– over 800lbs of chicken seized, 1 arrested

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner receives ‘short end of stick’ after P12 allegedly raping teenage girl — victim’s mother, older sister team up, take matters into own hands

Businessman charged for attempting to bribe CANU P10 rank

Page 13

Taxi driver gets 3 years for stealing woman’s P10 underwear

Berbice P11 sisters in viral social media video slapped with 10 charges Several members of the Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry Limited (GBTI) donated generously to the “Wreath of Smile” initiative spearheaded by the Guyana Red Cross Society. In photo, staff members and officials of the Red Cross Society pose with some of the gifts

Guyanese wanted for crime in Canada nabbed at GRA See story on page 14

6-year-old boy allegedly sodomised in school’s washroom See story on page 12

– Police, Education Ministry, CCPA launch probe

Pre-election dissolution of Parliament

No need to make announcement now – Granger See story on page 9

Berbice man jailed for 4 P8 years, fined $27M for ganja possession

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FRIday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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FRIday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Friday, December 6 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Saturday, December 7 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, December 6 – 12:45h – 14:15h and Saturday, December 7 – 13:10h – 14:40h.

Granger misrepresents Guyana’s dire reality – Opposition Leader

...says crime continues to rise, unemployment rate soars

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers are expected throughout the day. These conditions continue at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 12:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.20 metres.

Low Tide: 05:48h and 18:21h reaching minimum heights of 1.02 metres and 1.02 metres.

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has called out caretaker President David Granger for purporting achievements in many sectors under his Administration when reality paints a different picture.

The Head of State would have been called on several interviews in recent time, where he shared his position on trending matters.

According to the Opposition Leader, the issue of unemployment, a high crime rate among other issues continue to pervade Guyana, even as the President claims differently.

“The reality doesn’t factor much in the things he says. It is something which I’m sure people across Guyana, by now, would have recognised…You know the reality of Guyana – high taxes, people lost jobs, there is an era of hopelessness, crime [and] other things are rampant. None of what he thinks is happening is really happening on the ground”.

The President would have further emphasised that he must be re-elected at the 2020 elections to carry out their “decade of development”.

Jagdeo, however, commented on these promises by asserting that there are no plans to execute this declaration. A similar posi-

tion was shared on the coalition administration’s Green State Development Strategy.

“No policy to achieve that. No plan to achieve that. Not an iota of a strategy to achieve this decade of development…Secondly, he states in that context that ‘We have a green state strategy’. Now the Green State Strategy, we all know it’s an absolute waste of time. It’s just a declaration of intent grouped together. No plan there”.

The former Head of State added, “This just shows you how aloof again, how distant he is from the reality of what is really happening in the country and in his own Government. He speaks about plans that are non-existent and he believes that the people of this country must re-elect him simply because he has made certain declarations”.

Jagdeo also disagreed with the President’s opinion of the incumbent Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo.

“He says the PM is the principal assistant to the President. In fact, the PM Office is under the Presidency. There is no separate ministry for the PM… This is his view of the Prime Minister of Guyana.

We have a totally different view. We believe that the Prime Minister has to work, first of all, can’t be in a sinecure position just to survive at the beckoned call of the President”.

In fact, the Opposition Leader compared the role

of former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds under the PPP/C Administration, who was tasked with key developmental sectors.

“He has a separate ministry, separate staff. He had a portfolio. He discharged the responsibility as Prime Minister, as well as a Minister with a substantive portfolio. It used to be mining, then energy, telecommunications,” he shared.

Broken promises

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader pointed his attention to the President’s claims that all aspects of the Cummingsburg Accord were fulfilled and abided, by outlining sections in their agenda which never happened. One key detail was the role of the Prime Minister in chairing Cabinet and aiding in ministerial appointments.

“He says they have fulfilled the Cummingsburg Accord, that they have maintained it and abided by it. It says that the Prime Minister shall be responsible for domestic affairs and chairing the Cabinet. That has not happened. Yet, they have abided by it and the Prime Minister is just his assistant. The Prime Minister would have been responsible for recommending ministerial appointments and providing organisational structure of Ministries…That has not happened”.

Meanwhile, key elements which were to be fulfilled, including the liberalisation of the communications sector, were never achieved.

President David Granger

According to Jagdeo, the President should be questioned about these failures from the Government.

“They broke all the promises. They broke every single one of these promises but either way, the people of this country are getting shafted. That’s it. What bothers me, though, is that he’s not pressed on issues”.

Most recently, sugar workers came after the coalition administration for failing to raise their salaries, which was a promise made in 2015 during the elections campaign. President of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, stated that the APNU/AFC coalition, since it took office five years ago, has done more harm than good to the thousands of persons employed in the sugar belt and that many persons continue to suffer as a result of the Administration’s actions or lack thereof.

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friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019

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

Purpose of Social Cohesion Dept?

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pon taking office in May 2015, the APNU/AFC coalition Government immediately established the Ministry of Social Cohesion (MOSC). It seemed a substantive entity, and was initially headed by a long-serving, strong-arm member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), the largest Party in the coalition and, in reality, the Government.

Many welcomed it, and given its perceived role, it was seen as vital to the building, or rebuilding, of unity among Guyanese. This was on the heels of an apparent divisive elections, in which the coalition acceded to power by less than five thousand votes, seemingly less than what was required for a seat in the National Assembly.

Despite some crossover voting to the two major political parties, both with solid ethnically-based support, the results of the May 2015 elections may have also revealed a voting pattern that is generally along ethnic lines.

That may have rendered the establishment of the MOSC more relevant, especially when the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was not constituted since 2011. Expectations of the MOSC were therefore naturally high, as Guyanese in general desire genuine efforts to help heal the divide. In addition, a sense of belief was created that the APNU/ AFC Government was serious about genuinely working towards building national unity.

The fact that a Ministry was actually established and would receive a budgetary allocation, its intention would have been difficult to doubt.

Therefore, the idea of a sustained national effort within the context envisaged must be lauded. However, unfortunately, or unsurprising to some, the MOSC has seemingly failed to deliver what is believed to be its mandate.

For one, its importance seems to have been reduced following what appears to be a downgrading from a standalone Ministry to that of a Department within the Ministry of the Presidency. That aside, gauging from many of its public events, it seems as if the now Department of Social Cohesion (DOSC) is more occupied with providing handouts in areas believed to be supportive of the coalition, or those in which such actions can help to coerce voters in its favour.

With more than four years since its establishment, an argument could be made that nothing tangible within the realms of forging unity has been achieved, despite the hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars spent, assumingly for that purpose.

This seeming lack of expected results could be as a result of the actions of the APNU/AFC coalition itself.

Almost immediately upon taking office, it began what was seen as a witch-hunt against many public servants who were, by in large, of one particular ethnic group, and who were suspected to be supportive of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) administration.

As if that were not enough, numerous forensic audits were seemingly used as mechanisms to disparage and discard trained professionals.

They were replaced reportedly by Government supporters believed to be less skilled and overwhelmingly from one particular ethnic group; a group seen as the support base of the PNC. Those actions were described as political vendetta and wholesale cleansing of one particular group of Guyanese. It didn’t end there, for a number of them were charged and placed before the courts. Those charges were described as trumped-up, with the sole intention to embarrass.

Over the past four years, records would show that the APNU/ AFC Government fired, and thereby caused thousands of Guyanese to be deprived of their livelihoods. That includes some two thousand indigenous citizens and thousands of sugar workers.

In addition, due to its poor fiscal policies, some industries and businesses were forced to close, causing many workers to be unemployed.

Those said fiscal policies also resulted in a plethora of new and burdensome taxes being unleashed on ordinary Guyanese. Vendors’ licences and rentals for farmlands were also vastly increased, bringing further hardships to the citizenry.

With many made to be embarrassed, with thousands humiliated by being fired and made incapable to provide for their families, the priority focus would be to survive. That is itself would more than likely evoke resentment in the Government. With such unavoidable resentment resulting from APNU/AFC’s highhandedness, it therefore becomes virtually impossible for the said Government, under the guise of the DOSC, to even contemplate any semblance of success at social cohesion.

In other words, the Government seemingly divides the nation while at the same time appearing to wanting to build unity.

It’s hypocritical and insulting to intelligence. That is compounded by the Department seemingly prioritising its focus on the coalition’s strongholds, and reportedly engaging in coercion for support in others.

While the DOSC might have done some work in relation to its intended mandate, its overall achievement within that said context remains far from desired.

APNU/AFC’s disregard for the Constitution since December 2018 has continue to widen the division and exacerbate resentment. With that disrespect ongoing, and with no indication of the DOSC instituting that necessary paradigm shift, its existence would remain questionable, seen as a medium for mass mobilisation for the coalition, and disingenuous to the point of a failed promise; probably one never intended.

Continental Group of Companies on Thursday rewarded the winners of the recently concluded “Ride with Sujata” promotion which saw persons winning 3 motorcycles, 2 one-year free subscriptions for E-Networks TV service, 5 gift cards and 2 hampers. The presentation was done at the company’s head office in Industrial Estate, Greater Georgetown

Granger is seeking to avoid sugar industry, workers Dear Editor, We now find ourselves in what many have described as the “most wonderful time of the year”. In a matter of days, our people will celebrate the Christmas and the New Year holidays. It is a time of the year when generally everyone seeks to spend some time with their loved ones. It is a time when we look to enjoy a special meal and the niceties of life.

It is a time when the little ones in our lives look forward to a special treat and receiving even small tokens of joy.

Today, while many Guyanese look forward to this season of merriment, joy and happiness, for thousands in the sugar belt, they face yet another season of grim, sadness and despair. This year, like the previous four Christmases, President Granger and his Government, like the Grinch, have stolen the joy from the children, put households in despair and depressed entire communities.

The President, during an interview with Mr Neil Marks recently, was asked pointedly whether his Government could intervene to grant sugar workers a pay rise taking into account that the workers’ last pay adjustment was since 2014. Rather than addressing the question specifically, Mr Granger, like many of his colleagues, went out on a tangent. He said that his Government had given the industry $1B per month for some months and that was all it could do. This is utter nonsense from Mr Granger, who continues to repeat this drivel over and over, apparently, without any shame.

But let’s consider what the President told Mr Marks. In the life of the Granger Administration, his Government allocated to spend, using the National Budget estimates, $1,239,743,900,000. Of that

magnificent sum, the sugar industry was allocated $36B or 2.9 per cent of all expenditure.

We should not forget that the industry, at that time, had employed some 17,000 persons.

Directly and indirectly, sugar benefitted approximately 100,000 Guyanese. In other words, Mr Granger is saying that all he could afford to give 13.3 per cent of the population was less than 3 per cent of all the monies his Government spent. The inequity is glaringly blinding.

But while the President seems to decry the monies the Government has provided to the sugar industry, it is important to know that the Ministry of the Presidency has an astounding budgetary allocation of $12.4B this year.

That is, coincidentally, over $1B per month. We ask, does the President’s Ministry have as great of an impact as the sugar industry? But here is another dose of reality, under Mr Granger’s leadership, the cost of Central Government has ballooned by 64 per cent between 2015 and 2019. In other words, it costs us – the Guyanese people, about $200M per day or $8M per hour to run the Government.

In the tenure of the Granger Administration, the Guyana Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) in considering the 2019 Budget concluded that the coalition has unleashed a “fiscal assault on agriculture”.

The Institute pointed out that the closure of estates has seen many falling “...into poverty or deeper poverty and are struggling to feed their families on subsistence activities.”

The GBPI concluded that the ‘assault’ waged has more political rationales than economic or social considerations. The organisation recognised that “…the [agriculture] sector is the largest source of income for poor and low-income families and is vital to ending pov-

erty and realising ‘the good life’”.

The President, in the interview, reminded of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established by his Government in 2015. What Mr Granger didn’t say was that his Government ignored many of that Commission’s recommendations to make the industry viable. The Administration even ignored a fundamental recommendation not to close any estate. So for President Granger to speak about the CoI is sheer poppycock. He also spoke about the State Paper on sugar. Apart from the closure of estates, what else has the Government implemented?

Mr Granger unbelievably said many of the 7000 sugar workers his Government displaced have been re-employed. We wonder where he got that information from.

Whoever may have shared this information with him has obviously misinformed the President. We are aware that some workers have secured jobs, although their pay levels and conditions-of-work are inferior to what they enjoyed in the sugar industry. But for too many, they remain right where Mr Granger put them, on the breadline.

Some from their ranks survive undertaking odd, one-off, menial jobs where job security is absent and their NIS contributions remain at a standstill.

They are literally left to be exploited and are at the mercy of the good Lord. Our Union knows of instances where qualified, skilled workers have been reduced to labourers and porters. Is this the ‘Good Life’ that Mr Granger promised us all?

The President also informed that lands not retained for use by Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates would be privatised through the State Land Sales Commission.

This is a stark departure by

the Granger Administration.

September 5, 2018, Kaieteur News reported that the President said: “it is unlikely that Government will contemplate selling sugar lands at the closed estates that are up for privatisation in any wholesale manner”.

The newspaper quoted the President as saying “the idea is that we will not sell off the family jewels…” It seems that Mr Granger is indicating that his Government’s planned privatisation of three of the closed estates is off the table and he is preparing to sell the ‘family jewels’ as he puts it. Such a policy we contend is not in the interest of Guyanese now and in the future.

Mr Granger also said that newer forms of sweeteners are displacing sugar consumption globally and, thus, the necessity to move away from sugar production. Again, it appears the President is not au fait with the facts. The trend has indicated that global sugar consumption has been rising over the years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has indicated that it estimates global sugar consumption to rise to 176.6 million tonnes next year up from 169.4 million tonnes in 2016. Moreover, Mr Granger should know that the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) informs that “sugarcane, on average, accounts for nearly 80% of global sugar production.” The ISO also tells us “sugar crops offer production alternatives to food, such as livestock feed, fibre and energy, particularly biofuels (sugar-based ethanol) and co-generation of electricity (cane bagasse)”. It appears that the President is limited in his views on sugar though the Sugar CoI had recommended the Guyanese industry take a similar path. Maybe it is he wasn’t clear on what the CoI said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019

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

Double standards on corruption Dear Editor, In the last decade of the PPP’s Administration, there was a heightened drive for transparency, accountability, good governance and adherence to the rule of law in Guyana. The Government and those deemed connected to the administration were constantly being skewered in the news and visas of the former were being revoked as a matter of routine. Media houses exhibited great power and the diplomatic community was very assertive in its stance against corruption.

The charge in the local media was led by numerous accountabilities, governance and constitutional experts.

The Government faced accusations left, right and centre about corruption, financial mismanagement – particu-

larly as it concerned the consolidated fund, conflict of interest and nepotism. Even those in the capitalist private sector were beginning to feel guilty about making profits.

Around the same time, the PNC had managed to re-invent itself despite its own history of corruption and election rigging. Soon after the coalition got into office, it immediately launched over 50 forensic audits, CoIs and enquiries costing hundreds of millions.

Several of those audits were awarded, without tender no less, to auditors who had been staunch PPP critics. Notwithstanding, nothing of substance came from the audits which means the PPP was effectively thrown out of office on a fake

trumped upcharge.

In a similar vein to the sole sourcing of the auditors, the APNU/AFC coalition very early on recruited and thereby neutralised many of the former advocates of good governance. These folks are now busy promoting and defending corruption, bad governance, nepotism, a blatant conflict of interest and violation of the Constitution.

Others have gone silent, perhaps ashamed of what they have birthed. The result is a media today which has lost its zest for transparency and accountability giving meaning to the old adage, “monkey know which limb to jump pon.” But while the actions of the former transparency advocates can be explained by the fact that many are really propagan-

Give Police Officers their dues Dear Editor, Over the years, there have been numerous complaints against Police. As a result, the public has developed a negative attitude against everyone within the force and unless a favour is needed, they are being avoided at all cost.

Whilst some could be seen giving the Police Force a bad name whilst performing their duties, recently, videos have been surfacing of Police showing their politeness/courtesy whilst performing their duties, which is very commendable and proves that not all members of the Force should be judged wrongfully.

Although a Police salary is not expected, they always leave their homes to risk their lives to protect us and many, along the line, stray away. I would only assume that the stress from the work affects a few tremendously, and some years back, I penned a letter requesting that they get a psychological session on a regular basis.

Editor, over the years, I’ve been in numerous incidents that involve Police, and along the line, I’ve met with numerous Policemen/ women and had interactions with them. Despite the public perception of them, I was amazed at the cooperation I’ve received from some of them.

Notable names are ASP Johnson, Constable McIntyre, and Constable Lewis, whom I had met on different occasions. Police do their work and many expect rewards, either monetary or by promotion and

sadly, I’ve seen many remain constables until retirement.

Johnson is one who does not take any nonsense from junior ranks and if you’re not satisfied with the way your matter is being handled, pay him a visit and he will personally deal with your matter or ensure its properly dealt with.

There’s a rumour that he causes some to be dismissed for their actions towards work but I never verified that. McIntyre was a constable until he reached retirement and knowing him, I find a great injustice has been done against him.

Many people who interact with him whilst in custody would testify. He would go to the holding area/cell/ lock up and question their presence. Based on nature, he would always advise them on way of life, give examples of his and even beg for some release. Should anyone need anything, he would go personally and buy for them, sometimes putting his own money. Police would verify that he always has pens to lend or give others or would be writing statements for others, etc.

He would even advise others on courses of actions to take, even seniors. After some thirty-odd years, he retired as a constable. I was also privileged to meet Constable Lewis at Leonora Police Station and I found him to be very courteous, helpful and always bright. Years after, I saw him as a constable still, but in the Traffic Department.

Travelling with a friend one day, I saw him at Vreed-en-

Hoop directing traffic and I mentioned him to my friend who doesn’t like him because he refuses to take a bribe to allow a matter to slide and someone else did.

Even though I’ve never had the excuse to reach that extent, I’ve always admired the way he performs his duties. Like them, there are many others who are similar and you would see corrupt persons being promoted. I know of officers who are dedicated to their duties become frustrated and resign.

The corrupted ones seem to be getting all the recognition/promotion. One such was mentioned in numerous incidents including shooting a fellow officer, involved in licence scam and today, he’s the 2nd in command at Linden. Now, I am wondering what sort of method is being used for promotion and if those responsible for the promotion or recommending promotion are being bribed.

For too long, decent officers are being side-lined and it’s time members of the public have a say of some sort in the method being used for promotion to be reviewed.

Respectfully, Sahadeo Bates

dists, the withdrawal of the diplomatic community from the corruption issue raises a major question.

There is no doubt that corruption has risen to astronomical levels since this Government has risen to power. For example, there is the D’Urban Park project, the never-ending airport and road projects – where more is spent for less— pharm agate scandals, land and concessions giveaways to politicians and friends, deals which were made while the Government under caretaker status, the scandalous 99 year parking meter contract, GECOM radios deal, the

fritter on overpriced drones – announced only two days ago and the most egregious of them all: the incomparable US billions oil giveaway for a measly 2% and the secret stash/ pittance of a bonus.

On top of all that, the Government continues to occupy office illegally one year after it was easily defeated in a No-Confidence Motion.

Then, there is GECOM, a study in deception, seemingly doing all it can to facilitate this caretaker Government remaining in office indefinitely by delaying and preventing free and fair elections. Suddenly, it is

clear that there is one standard for the PPP and another for APNU/AFC. And that accusation could be levelled against the diplomatic community as well. Why is the diplomatic community which was so assertive against corruption and keen on rule of law so quiet in the face of all these violations?

The answer to that question is perhaps most troubling. It perhaps also explains the arrogance and disdain of this caretaker Government and GECOM for the Guyanese people.

Dear Editor, With all these excuses by Republic Bank on its new banking platform, supposedly making it easier for its customer to do banking and all that hocus pocus, the Bank needs to make it easier for customers who do online banking.

In the past, to access your online banking account,

they used the Republic ID-Secure card with numbers which were issued by the bank which I paid over US$15 to courier to me in the US. Now that card has become useless with the introduction of Republic Bank Guyana’s mobile app which has to be downloaded only on an iPhone or

iPad, which I do not have.

All my online banking is done with my Dell Inspiron Windows 10 laptop computer; therefore, the Bank must accommodate the use of computers if they want to keep their customers.

Sincerely, Ravi Ram

Republic Bank mobile app

Sincerely, Albert Persaud

Granger is seeking to...

Mr Granger went on to speak about the NICIL $30B bond for the industry which, he said, is aimed at re-balancing the industry.

On this matter, he should be the last to speak. The President, in June this year, during his visit to Albion Estate, said: “We are going to ensure that that money comes in a timely manner and in sufficient amounts.”

It is now December and the money has stopped coming altogether according to GuySuCo. Mr Marks indicated to the President that the bond proceeds were not intended for wages and salaries.

Again, President Granger averted the question and spoke about the Management of the industry which our Union has some concerns about.

Mr Granger is seeking to avoid, like the plague, the sugar industry and the situation of the sugar work-

ers. Prior to the election as President, in an interview, he said: “…we want to save the sugar industry, we want to save the livelihoods of sugar workers…” Today, he is in the driver’s seat and his actions are much louder and clearer than his words.

Indeed, his deeds speak a mouthful.

Today, while he refuses to even answer whether his Government could assist the sugar workers, his response is unequivocal. He has not a care for the sug-

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ar workers, their families and their communities. This year, while he and his big wigs will have a happy and jolly time, the workers and their families and their communities will once again be darkened. Their hopes of a bright season dashed as the Grinch, Mr Granger, has once again stolen Christmas from them.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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arenting by lying might seem efficient. We’ve all heard parents say things like: “I’m not getting dressed up to go out, just go to bed.”

“We can’t buy that chocolate; the store doesn’t let us.”

“That won’t hurt a bit!”

But we may be better off resisting the temptation to lie.

Here's why:

Recently published research conducted via a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University, the University of Toronto, the University of California, and Zhejiang Normal University demonstrates that although parents are tempted to lie to elicit short-term compliance, the harm may outweigh the benefit. The research team surveyed 379 Singaporean young adults, asking whether their parents lied to them when they were children, how much they lie to their parents now, and how well-adjusted they are in adulthood.

The researchers found a strong direct correlation between participants' recall of being lied to by their parents and their subsequent likelihood of lying to their parents. Lying to parents was indirectly correlated with psychosocial maladjustment, internalising problems, and psychopathic attributes.

Reported parental lying also had strong direct and indirect correlations with externalising behaviour, meaning that even after controlling for “lying to parents,” parenting by lying was correlated with externalising be-

Foundation

haviour.

This study is consistent with previous research indicating that frequent lying in children and adolescents is associated with disruptiveness, conduct problems, and a lack of self-regulation.

By modelling lying behaviour to their children, parents may be implicitly teaching their children that dishonesty is acceptable. In addition, parenting by lying may erode trust in parents, and trust is an important component of attachment. Poor attachment is a strong predictor of future psychopathology.

Limitations:

This is a correlational study, so we can’t definitively say that parenting by lying causes the problematic outcomes noted above. In addition, the retrospective self-report design m i g h t h a v e elicited overor under-reporting.

Habitual l i a r s m i g h t also have a bias toward recalling more incidents of parental dishonesty. Face validity is a problem as well:

Parenting by lying sacrifices longterm psychological adjustment or short-term efficiency.

Honestly, it's a really bad idea

We're asking liars to report honestly about their childhood. In addition, the type of parent who frequently lies may engage in other maladaptive parenting practices that have some relationship to a child's future adjustment.

Don't lie to a child: T h i s has been a rule of every parenting class I have ever taught. We don’t need independent research verification to know that lying erodes trust, and that trust underscores attachment. If you can’t trust your parents, that’s terrifying.

Lying is efficient, and sometimes, parents are desperate. I get that. But consider this scenario: It was stupid. I shouldn’t have done it. Miriam fidgets with her keychain as she talks. I promised my daughter I wasn’t going out, that she wouldn’t have a babysitter. I knew that she wouldn’t go to sleep, and I really needed to get ready for my date. I had promised the babysitter that Sarah would be asleep by the time she came, and I really needed her to be. It’s hard enough finding a sitter when you’re a single mom!

But when Sarah woke up a few hours later, and saw the babysitter, she freaked out.

Now she is constantly asking me “Are you going out tonight? You promise?!” and wakes up a few times, just to make sure I’m there. How can I fix this?

When we say “Yes, I am

going out,” we are doing two things. We are demonstrating our trustworthiness. We are also helping them establish their internalised rules of how the world works. Little Sarah’s thought process might have gone like this, Mommy is putting on makeup and her fancy dress. I know what that means. She is going out. But she’s not dressing me up, so I’m not coming with her. Let me ask her.

Wait, she says she’s not going out. That’s weird. I have a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach, but my Mommy told me to go to sleep, so I’ll go to sleep now.

Of course, that funny feeling leads Sarah to wake up later and face the ultimate betrayal – Mommy lied to her, and Mommy made her doubt her own instincts. Do we really want to interfere with our children’s ability to understand the world and infer cause-and-effect relationships? Do we really want our children to think that they can’t trust their parents, or that it’s OK to lie?

But be developmentally appropriate with the truth:

When talking to children about potentially uncomfortable truths, it’s best to be honest but developmentally appropriate. Children don’t need to know all the details to feel that their parents are being honest. For example, a child who is undergoing surgery needs to hear that the shot might hurt, that they will wake up with a funny taste in their mouth, or that they will be wheeled into the surgery room alone. They don’t need to hear about the two per cent chance of death from anaesthesia. They need to hear the truth, but within their ability

to comprehend it.

How to fix it:

If you have lied to your kids in the past, don’t stress.

Repair with honesty. By owning up to her lie, apologising, and making a new plan for how to handle babysitter-in-

By Ariane de Bonvoisin, MBA

I

went to see a Broadway play earlier this week and met a wonderful retired school principal from Florida, Bonnie. She was the one called in to fix schools that were failing. She mentioned a term to me I had never heard before: Nature Deficit Disorder, (NDD).

When I researched it, I saw it has been around for more than a decade. The term was coined by Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods.

Nature Deficit Disorder is the idea that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors and the belief that this change results in a wide range of behavioural problems. It seems we live more and more in a culture that favours safe sports and activities over imaginative outdoor play. Reasons for this include parental fears, safety issues, restricted access to nature, and of course the addiction and pull of electronic devices.

What surprised me most about the conversation with Bonnie, was that she was talking to me about kids who were living and at school in Florida, a state I would certainly associate with nature.

And yet, no, she was adamant that even those kids needed way more outdoor time than they were getting daily.

It made me think about my own childhood. I grew up in five cities: New York, Brussels, Paris, Hong Kong, and London. My parents did a good job of making sure I was outdoors over the holidays, but during the school semesters, I remember being in swim training, dance class, French class, tennis, more than being in just pure and simple nature doing nothing.

Fast forward a few decades and I now have a child of my own, Everest, a sixyear-old adventurous boy.

He was born in Cape Town, at the bottom of the African continent. Nature there is all around, from the giant sky to two oceans that meet, to animals big and small. Nature is much more dominant than

duced stress, Miriam was able to repair the relationship.

Sarah is sleeping through the night again, and Miriam has learnt a valuable lesson.

The truth may be inefficient, but it’s better than losing her child’s trust. (psychologytoday.com)

people or shops. You feel you are living within nature, as opposed to finding pockets of nature within a city.

Everest was barefoot until he was three. He climbed trees, learned to swim as a baby, ate his share of dirt, got stitches a few times as a toddler, played at the beach, became good at climbing rocks, was always around animals and his first school was an outdoor Montessori environment.

We now live in New York.

I’ve had my share of hearing: Why on earth would you do that? Leave Cape Town, go to a busy city where there is no nature?’ That’s a whole other story.

When you think of New York City or any major city, you don’t say: Wow, nature is all around. That was certainly one of my fears as a parent. And yet, there is always a way. When you make something important, you find a way to experience it.

Here is how I define nature: dirt on the ground, moving water either in the form of a lake, river, sea, more than one tree, dirt, animals, bugs, paths not made of concrete, signs of seasons changing, seeing the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, unstructured outside environments, flowers, plants, gardens, seeing food grow (even in a small potted plant), lack of goals or destination and very importantly, not being on your clock but on nature’s.

I asked parents I know how much nature their kids got daily. For many of them, according to the definition above, it was close to none.

And yet, many of these ways of connecting to nature can be experienced in any city, anywhere in the world.

Bonnie, shared with me her proven techniques for improving academics and student behaviour. Not one of them had to do with different ways to teach reading, more homework, or disciplinary measures. Top of her list was outdoor time, nature, and more unstructured play areas in classrooms. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

NEWS

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friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Road carnage is “not a political issue” – Opposition Leader

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ith the significant increase in deaths on Guyana’s roadways in recent time, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the situation is not a political one in nature and recommended that all stakeholders should contribute towards finding a comprehensive solution.

For the month of November, 21 persons, including three children, died from road accidents. A closer review showed that for last week, 12 persons lost their lives in a matter of 7 accidents and the fatalities have continued into this week. As such, the Opposition Leader stated during his press conference on Thursday that an integrated approach is needed to effectively bring this number down.

“This is not a political issue. We have to work… everyone on this matter – Government, Opposition etc. There is carnage on our roads and we have to find a way of stopping it. We don’t have all the answers and I’m sure they don’t too,” he positioned.

He also asserted that those culpable must take responsibility for their actions. Meanwhile, Jagdeo clarified that if any political party promises to lower these statistics, it is untrue since a collective approach is required.

“It’s a combination of education, strong regulations, taking tough actions and people have to take responsibility too. People have to take personal responsibility for these issues because sometimes, you have one crazy person. Any [political] party that says to you that they can stop this will be lying to you,” he expressed.

His comments come in light of President David Granger’s response to the increased carnage, outlining a three-point approach for road safety. Road users were urged to observe the Guyana Police Force’s code of behaviour.

The caretaker president further pointed out that the “insane increase in road fatalities” was due to persons driving at excessive speeds, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without

should not be addressed by draconian measures.

Earlier this week, the Education Ministry put a ban on the annual Christmas parties for public schools and replaced them with a luncheon. However, Jagdeo posited that this is not the correct approach.

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand also condemned this decision by the Ministry, stating that it is a form of social develop-

ment.

“School violence is another one of those issues that we should not politicise too much. These are our kids. We have to find a way, not draconian measures like taking away their parties but finding a way of ensuring that these activities are done in a manner that they’re set up for,” the Opposition Leader identified.

The issue of violence in schools, especially at the secondary level, became more evident in recent time with students turning to violence against each other.

Commenting on one of the incidents was Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who came under immediate backlash for saying that these incidents are “normal” in schools countrywide.

She was asked to respond to a video on social media, which showed a male student of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School hitting a female schoolmate continuously while pinning her to the ground in the school’s compound.

But Henry was quot-

ed as saying, “Well usually students fight. It’s nothing unusual as you would know, you’ve gone to school yourselves and we all would’ve seen…so those would have to be addressed by the welfare department. There’s a standing operating procedure and they will effect that procedure, and they have already begun the process they will address that”.

In a separate incident at the Mon Repos Primary School, an eight-year-old Richard Boodram and sixyear-old Fawaz Asgar were attacked by their classmates.

Boodram was hospitalised for several days after being hit to his head, while Asgar ssuffered a slashed hand. In October 2019, a female student in Berbice was badly beaten and her hijab ripped off by other students.

In another incident, a student who attended the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), also in Berbice, was viciously attacked by a group of other students, who were beating him with a belt.

dent of the Latchmansingh Primary School, was fatally struck by the speeding motorcar, while his sister, Asriya Nezamodeen, 8, his mother, Ameena Diaram, 25, and 45-year-old Parvatie Babulall were critically injured.

It was reported that Diaram went to collect her two children from school and was standing in the corner along with Babulall, her child, and others when they

were struck by a speeding car.

Little Nezamodeen was reportedly dragged for some distance and ended up under the vehicle.

It was further reported that the car was driving at a fast rate when it suddenly swerved from the southern side of the road to the northern side.

The car came to a halt partly submerged in a

trench. The lad was pulled from under the bumper and was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

On the other hand, Babulall’s daughter, Tahera Kublall, 8, and Alyana Arokium, also 8, were admitted as patients at the Fort Wellington Hospital.

They were subsequently discharged.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

due care and attention and driving on roads which are congested or unsafe for other road users, particularly pedestrians.

School violence

On another trending topic, the Opposition Leader pointed out the alarming rate at which students are involved in violence at their respective schools. This, he noted, is also another non-political matter which

Driver in fatal accident released on $500,000 bail for fatal accident

The accident scene and the now-dead Nirfan Nezamdeen with his sister

A

Corentyne driver was on Tuesday charged and released on $500,000 bail by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh when he appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate’s

Court for causing the death of a 7-year-old schoolboy.

Ramesh Sewlall, 21, of Lot 53 Bushlot Farm, Corentyne, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stat-

ed that on November 27, 2019, he drove motor car PPP 7721 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Nirfan Nezamodeen.

Nezamodeen, a stu-

8 NEWS

friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice man jailed for 4 years, fined $27M for ganja possession

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hirty-five-year-old Jairam Lalman, of Fort Ordnance, Housing Scheme, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who was busted with over 100 pounds of marijuana in his car trunk, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $27 million.

Lalman appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday and admitted that on December 2, 2019, at Mandela Avenue, Greater Georgetown, he had in his possession 46 kilograms/59 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Facts presented by Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Narissa Leander stated that on the day in question, drug enforcement ranks, acting on

National Security…

E Jairam Lalman

information, intercepted motor car PFF 3516, which was driven by the defendant in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens.

A search was carried out and the narcotics were discovered. He was arrested and the charge was instituted.

The court heard that

The large amount of ganja found in the car trunk

Lalman told the ranks that he received a call from his cousin, “Truck”, to do some work. As such, he borrowed his brother’s car and travelled to Abary (Region Five) where he met two men who handed over the narcotics to him.

The Prosecutor stated that Lalman then returned to Georgetown where he met with his cousin and was instructed to follow his vehicle; however, he was intercepted by CANU ranks and arrested.

…at UN? ven diplomats have to defend themselves from the PNC’s brutish displays of power. And so the facts behind the night of the long knives in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs are inevitably oozing out – albeit anonymously, because even in self-defence, diplomats will be diplomats! As your Eyewitness mentioned cryptically yesterday, the shakeup arises from the ambitions of our Permanent Representative to the UN, who wants to become Chair of G-77 or Group of 77.

So the questions arise: Who’s this Rep? What’s G-77?

And what’s in the Chair for us?? The fella’s name is Rudolph Ten-Pow, and while he started out in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he absconded over thirty years ago, and served in language/ translation services in the UN and affiliated bodies since 1986. Lest your Eyewitness is accused of hiding other diplomatic “light” possessed by Ten-Pow, he quotes from the Ministry of Foreign Service’s website: “Ambassador Ten-Pow began his career in the Foreign Service of Guyana in 1980 as Desk Officer for Venezuela and later Head of the Frontiers Division. He joined the UN in 1986 as a Translator from French and Spanish and served for a number of years at ECLAC in Santiago, Chile.

Upon his return to UN HQ in 1991, he served successively as Reviser, Training Officer, Chief of the English Translation Service, and Acting Director of the Documentation Division of the United Nations.

During the period from 2013-2015, he joined the World Bank in Washington DC as Senior Programme Manager for Conference Services, returning to the United Nations in 2015 as Acting Director of the Documentation Division, and later as Special Adviser to the United Nations Coordinator for Multilingualism.”

And this glorified translator was appointed our UN Rep in 2016 by Granger!! As with the “old boy” network he’s established since 2015, once someone ferrets around, the PNC connection’s sure to be found. Like Ivelaw Griffith at UG, who’d been fired from his last job in Georgia!!

And G-77? This, like the mini-skirt, is from the 1960s and harks back to when the Third World had the grand idea that there was strength in numbers for economic advancement, and 77 of them got together. Burnham became an enthusiastic member, and hosted the foreign ministers of the affiliated Non-Aligned Movement meeting here to boost his “radical” credentials. Even before NAM collapsed, G77 crippled itself when it changed its rules to require consensus rather than majority decision-making.

This gives extremists the edge in the largest voting bloc in the UN, and inevitably sets it up against the US - the single most important member.

What’s in the G-77 Chair for Guyana? Nothing, but boosting the libido of a faceless, faded bureaucrat!! …and sugar So GuySuCo’s CEO confirmed they’re looking to establish a PLANTATION WHITE SUGAR PLANT at Albion. Hope GAWU’s listening. Now, let’s get something straight: Plantation white sugar is a DIFFERENT product from REFINED white sugar.

The impurities from brown sugar aren’t REMOVED, as in the former, but are simply BLEACHED. Hence manufacturers of various condiments and other products that use refined white sugar claim PLANTATION white sugar changes the marketability of their product.

And that’s the stance of the T&T manufacturers as well as most others in Caricom. Even with Plantation White, the extra cost of production can only be justified if the 40% CET is applied on imports. Which, not so incidentally, COTED isn’t even requesting until production of Plantation White will satisfy total Caribbean demand!!

So, is the local GSMA, which has backed GuySuCo’s venture into Plantation White, saying they’ll purchase Albion’s projected 57,000 tons even if the CET isn’t applied?

And extra-regional refined white’s cheaper?

Do these people even know what they’re doing, as they gamble with sugar workers’ livelihood?? …and drones Ramjattan and the army brass have been pinned to the wall on their astounding decision to purchase 5 drones for $180million. For surveillance of our borders, they say!!

What about “surveillance” of the bid??

They can’t reveal more. “National security”!! Right!!

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

NEWS

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friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pre-election dissolution of Parliament

No need to make announcement now – Granger W

ith pressure mounting for President David Granger to dissolve Parliament in preparation for the March 2, 2020 elections, the President has contended that he is not obligated to do so at this time.

“I am not required to make an announcement at this stage. I will be advised by my Cabinet when an announcement could be made. I am aware of the constitutional requirement and right now, we are not in default, when the time is right, I will make such an announcement but right now, I am not in default, the Cabinet is not in default, the Government is not in default,” he said during an interview on local radio programme “Hot Seat” with Stan Goveia.

The Head-of-State further stated that when the time is right, he will make such an announcement but for now, he is not in default, neither is his Cabinet or the Government.

The APNU/AFC coalition government had previously contended that it will not dissolve Parliament in case the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

needs more money to prepare for the polls.

The President, however, once again maintained that the Parliament will not be closed in case an emergency arises. “We need to keep the Parliament open in the case of an emergency. If funding is needed, we need to go back to the Parliament so I know what I am doing. I know what I am doing,” the President stated.

However, GECOM has already indicated that it has enough funds to hold the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

On Tuesday, Commissioners from both the Government and the Opposition side confirmed that GECOM has enough funds to cater for the expenses that would be incurred in hosting the elections on March 2 next year.

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

“As far as I am aware, yes. GECOM has $8 billion

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had long thrown cold water on any expectation that his party will return to Parliament. In fact, the Opposition had not attended any parliamentary sitting since January when House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, had refused to overturn the December 21, 2018, passage of the No-Confidence Motion as requested by Government and directed them to seek

Caretaker President of Guyana, David Granger

at its disposal,” Gunraj said, though he could not say whether all the money has been released to them.

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

“We do not have a problem with funding, as far as I know… If perchance, we don’t have enough funds, I think we still have some time to approach Parliament,” Alexander informed the media.

Since announcing March 2, 2020, as Elections Day, and subsequent issuance of the election’s proclamations, calls have been mounting for President Granger to now dissolve the 11th Parliament.

But Attorney General Basil Williams earlier this month said the coalition is still hopeful that the parliamentary Opposition – People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – will return to the National Assembly to extend its life; otherwise, he foresees a “crisis” situation in Guyana.

redress in the courts.

If elections are to be held on March 2, 2020, as announced, then President Granger would have had to dissolve Parliament by December 3, 2019.

This is in keeping with Article 61 of the Constitution, which states that election of members of the National Assembly should be done within three months after every dissolution of Parliament.

10 NEWS

friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Businessman charged for attempting to bribe CANU rank

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businessman who was intercepted on November 25 while attempting to export $7.3 million in raw gold via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri was on Thursday slapped with a bribery charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Forty-four-yearold Vibert Marks of Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank

Demerara (WBD), appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the charge which alleged that on November 18, 2019, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he offered Dominic Smart, a CANU agent, $100,000 as a reward for forbearing to investigate him.

Marks was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Glenn Hanoman, who asked that

his client be released on reasonable bail.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that on the day in question, the defendant, who is a permanent resident of the United States of America, was an ongoing passenger at CJIA destined for the USA when he was intercepted with a large quantity of raw gold.

However, at the time, he attempted to bribe the agent but was unsuccess-

ful and as such, he was arrested and subsequently charged.

The Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Marks on $100,000 bail.

The condition of the bail is that he reports every week to the headquarters of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). He will make his next court appearance on January 6, 2020.

Marks was previously

Vibert Marks

charged for being in possession of raw gold weighing 974.13 grams valuing $7.3 million without an

export licence. He denied the charge and was granted $200,000 bail.

Taxi driver gets 3 years for Farmer arraigned for stealing woman’s underwear murder of boat Captain

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wenty-six-yearold Yudhister Samjawan, of Third Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess after the prosecution proved he broke into the house of Yanti Stephens and stole a number of items.

The young man who

was on trial initially pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated the on October 4, 2019, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he broke into the dwelling house of Stephens and stole one phone, a pair of female underwear and $50,000 in cash.

The court was told that on the day in question, the

woman was awoken by a noise and as such, she got out of her bed to investigate when she found Samjawan crawling on her floor.

She immediately raised an alarm and the man fled the scene via a nearby trench.

According to the Prosecutor, the Police were summoned and the accused,

who was found hiding in a trench alongside the street, was arrested.

The items were found in his possession. The defendant was subsequently charged.

After finding sufficient evidence against Samjawan, Magistrate Bess ruled that he be sentenced to three years behind bars.

A

farmer who allegedly beat a 47-yearold boat Captain to death at Kumuka wharf, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini) was on Thursday arraigned for the capital offence of murder when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Twenty-six-year-old Marcus Joaquin, a farmer of Mabaruma, NWD, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty and was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on November 30, 2019, at Kumuka Waterfront, NWD, he murdered, Cleveland James.

According to the Prosecutor, both men were known to each other and it is alleged that on the day in question, James was sitting at a boat landing in the company of his wife and

three-year-old son.

However, shortly after, the accused exited his yard using a series of expletives.

The man then threw a beer bottle at the couple and an argument ensued.

As a result, James and his wife walked away and the defendant pushed James twice.

The court heard that the accused then picked up a plank of wood and dealt James one blow to his neck after which he fled the scene.

The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Mabaruma hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Hence, the matter was then reported and Joaquin was arrested and charged for the offence.

He will make his next court appearance on February 18, 2020.

news

11

friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice sisters in viral social media video slapped with 10 charges T he two Berbice sisters who were caught on video insulting and assaulting Police ranks at the Rose Hall Police Outpost were on Thursday slapped with 10 charges altogether when they appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Twenty-eight-year-old Hemwattie Singh, known as “Mona”, and 22-year-old Yasminie Ramsew, known as “Tina”, of Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ramsew was charged and granted $30,000 bail for dangerous driving, $10,000 bail for resisting arrest, $10,000 for disorderly behaviour and

she was released on her own recognisance for the other charges.

Ramsew allegedly drove motorcar PTT 5628 in a manner that was dangerous to the public on the Rose Hall Public Road, she failed to report an accident, failed to stop at the accident scene, resisted arrest, disorderly behaviour and assaulted a peace officer.

Singh, on the other hand, was charged with damage to property, assaulting Peace Officer Umkar Sukhnanand on the Port Mourant Public Road, resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour.

She was placed on $30,000 bail for the damage to property charge, $10,000 for assaulting the cop, $10,000 bail for resisting arrest and was released on her own recogni-

18 months’ jail for man who assaulted stepson

N

ineteen-year-old Navindra Lall appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts on Wednesday to answer to an assault charge.

The defendant, of Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is said to have abused his stepson while he was under the influence of alcohol.

At the first court appearance, Lall pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on October 29, 2019, he assaulted the lad so as to cause him actual bodily harm.

Lall was placed on bail by the Magistrate but he could not have afforded to post same and as such, he remained on remand until the hearing and determination of his trial.

The State Prosecutor called five witnesses to testify in the matter. They included the victim’s mother, two neighbours, a probation officer, and a Police Officer.

According to the mother of the three-year-old victim, she has two sons, one of whom Lall fathers.

The woman told the court that throughout her relationship with Lall, he always had an issue with the 3-year-old child making noise.

The woman added that on October 29, 2019, she left the two children in the care of Lall and went to work.

However, she later received a telephone call that Lall had locked the children outside and that they were crying.

Upon reaching home, she indicated that her two sons were outside along with the Police and her neighbours.

Lall later stated that he had fallen asleep in the veranda.

The mother of two told the court that her son’s eyes had bloodshot. Upon enquiring, she was told that Lall had beaten him. However, the accusation was denied by the defendant, the mother testified.

As such, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) was contacted by neighbours who visited the home the following day.

Lall was subsequently charged for assaulting the child who was taken into custody of the CCPA. Meanwhile, Lall told the court that he was imbibing with his landlord and another man on the day in question. He said that he later became intoxicated and fell asleep on the veranda, leaving the children unattended.

Lall was being cross-examined by the Prosecutor and told the court that he could not recall if he hit the child since he was drunk.

According to Magistrate George, there is sufficient evidence against the accused of the offence with which he was charged.

She pointed out that since he was left to care for the two children, the court would not be lenient with him.

In imposing the custodial sentence, the Magistrate took into consideration the prevalence of child abuse in society and the fact that Lall was under the influence of alcohol.

sance for behaving disorderly.

Police Prosecutor Rudolph Poliah had objected to bail being granted to the two women.

When asked by the Magistrate to give one reason she should grant them bail, the sisters claimed that they were beaten by a female Police Officer at the same Rose Hall Police Outpost.

Taking into consideration the reason, the Magistrate granted bail and they will make their next court appearance on January 6, 2020. The matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

The video with the two sisters being detained went viral on social media on Wednesday evening. In the video, the women can be heard uttering expletives along with racial remarks at Police Officers.

The release of the video

Hemwattie Singh and Yasminie Ramsew

purportedly by a police officer has clearly violated the privacy of the two women while in police custody.

One of the sisters allegedly pushed a Policewoman who was warning her about her conduct.

Police on Wednesday said that the incident occurred on December 2, 2019, and the women were released on bail.

They were required to appear in court after legal advice was obtained in respect of “certain utterances/ remarks” against the ranks as expressed in videos.

Police also stated that shortly before the incident at the Outpost, Ramsook was driving motorcar PTT 5628 when she reportedly struck a parked vehicle on the Rose Hall Public Road and drove away.

Police said that the vehicle with the women was intercepted at Port Mourant, Berbice by a Police patrol shortly after which they were escorted to the Rose Hall Outpost. Both sisters were reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

12 NEWS

friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Miner receives ‘short end of stick’ after allegedly raping teenage girl — victim’s mother, older sister team up, take matters into own hands

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By Kristen Macklingam

n alleged rapist had the tables turned on him after the sister of the underage female with whom he forcefully had anal sex teamed up with her mother to teach him an unforgettable lesson.

The 28-year-old suspect, a miner by occupation, is the boyfriend of the young girl’s sister and would usually visit their home in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on a regular basis.

Reports are that in the wee hours of Tuesday, the alleged rapist was at the home with the 15-year-old girl consuming alcohol.

The teenager, who ended up sitting at the edge of her bed at some point, became intoxicated and it was then the miner reportedly took advantage of her. He reportedly took off her clothing and performed anal sex on her despite her objections.

Hours after the traumatising ordeal, the distraught female contacted

her mother via telephone and notified her of what took place. The mother, according to reports received, ordered the victim and her other daughter to meet with her at the address she was staying at the time.

The alleged rapist was also requested to meet them. As he turned up at the address, he was invited to sit on a chair.

Guyana Times understands that the 15-yearold’s mother bluntly asked the suspect if he engaged in anal sex with her younger

daughter and the man denied having done so.

This was when his girlfriend left her seat and dealt several punches to his face before lashing him repeatedly about his body with a mop stick that was nearby.

While this was happening, the aggravated mother went to her kitchen, retrieved a knife from the cupboard and dealt the miner several chops about his body.

After the beating, the suspect confessed to having

sex with the 15-year-old but claimed he had “oral” sex with the girl and not anal sex.

The man’s girlfriend then left the room and quickly returned with a hammer, which she used to deal several lashes about his body.

Not satisfied, the girls’ mother threatened to kill him. Less than a minute later, the woman and her older daughter teamed up to rip his clothes off and forcefully insert the wooden part of the hammer

(handle) into his anus.

Police ranks were then summoned to the scene about an hour and a half after and both the alleged rapist and the 15-yearold girl were taken to the Bartica Hospital.

The alleged rapist was admitted at that health facility in light of wounds he received while the teenager was treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, the man’s girlfriend and her mother are in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.

6-year-old boy allegedly sodomised in school’s washroom

—Police, Education Ministry, CCPA launch probe

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six-year-old primary school pupil is now traumatised after he was allegedly sexually assaulted in the washroom of his East Coast Demerara (ECD) school.

Police Commander of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Subdivision C (East Coast Demerara), Assistant Police Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor, confirmed that investigators are currently probing the incident, which was reported to law enforcement authorities earlier this week.

He stated that at this

point, there are no suspects in custody since the Police have not been able to obtain a statement from the victim about the allegations.

The Commander explained that in matters relating to child abuse in any form or manner, there are channels which have to be followed and that the first step is to ensure that the child (victim) receives the medical attention and counselling he/she may need before the Police take a statement.

As such, the Social Protection Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency

(CCPA) is currently playing their part of the investigation before the child speaks to Police ranks.

However, the Police Commander noted that the complaint was filed by the victim’s mother after her son told her and his father about the incident when he returned home from school.

It is expected that early next week, investigators will be able to speak with the child about the details of the incident. Once this is done, he added, the Police will have a lead to follow-up especially as to who is involved.

Police Commander of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Subdivision C (East Coast Demerara), Assistant Police Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor

He added that at this juncture, the most important part is that the child is taken care of and receives the care he needs in order to recover as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry, in a release to the press Thursday evening, stated that it has been made aware through social media (Facebook) about a post which read” “East Coast Demerara primary school student beaten and sodomised by more than six students in school toilet”.

According to the Ministry, a probe has been launched from its end.

“The Ministry of Education wishes to advise that an incident involving students is actively being investigated and a number of stakeholders are involved in the matter. The Ministry of Education is appealing to individuals to desist from sensationalising issues related to minors and to engage in responsible reporting,” the Ministry’s statement added.

(Kristen Macklingam)

Teenager stabbed during argument at school lessons

A

15-year-old boy is now nursing stab wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was stabbed during a scuffle with other teenagers at a private lesson at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Police sources confirmed that the stabbing stemmed from an altercation between the young man and a group of boys on Friday last.

Based on reports received, the teenager was standing along the Enmore Public Road awaiting public transportation to go home when he was attacked by the group of students.

The source told <<< Guyana Times >>> that the teen was dealt several stabs across his body with broken glass bottles.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident stemmed from a previous confrontation on Wednesday between the 15-year-old and one of the suspects.

It was reported that the 15-year-old confronted another teen on how his hat was turned, saying “you ain’t no bad boy”.

Meanwhile, on Friday, based on what the witness said, the outraged teenager turned up with a group of his friends to take revenge, claiming that he was humiliated.

“He came back with like

20 boys which are a gang on Friday. They had cutlasses, broken glasses and one of them had a gun. They beat him up and stab him like seven times,” one eyewitness stated.

It is unclear if the persons involved in the stabbing incident were taken into custody. However, Commander Junor, when contacted, told <<< Guyana Times >>> that Police are unclear at this point about the reason and they are not aware of any prior incident involving the two students.

“We know that the child was admitted in conditions stable, enquires are still in progress. The matter is still under investigation”.

Nevertheless, only recently, Education Minister Nicolette Henry said that fights are “normal” in schools countrywide in response to a question posed by a reporter about the beating of a female student at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School.

In a video that was circulating on social media, a male student was seen hitting a female schoolmate continuously while pinning her to the ground in the school’s compound last Wednesday morning.

Minister Henry, whilst engaging the media, noted that such matters are dealt with by the Welfare Department.

NEWS

13

friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chicken smugglers, Police exchange gunfire on ECD Man killed by speeding … over 800lbs of chicken seized, 1 arrested truck identified as Sophia resident G unshots rang out in the quiet, close-knit village of Belfield, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday morning when Police swooped down on several chicken smugglers.

Based on information received, after realising that the law enforcement officials were in the area and closing in on them, the smugglers retaliated by opening fire which prompted the ranks to follow suit.

It is unclear as to how many men were involved in the shootout as they tried to evade arrest.

Police Commander Royston Andries-Junor related that the Police managed to seize over 830lbs of chicken and were also able to nab one suspect who is assisting with investigations.

Meanwhile, the chicken, which was parcelled off in 83

red coloured packets weighing 10lbs each, were handed over to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which has also launched a probe into the incident.

Another Police Officer investigating the crime stated that at present, it is believed that the large quantity of chicken was smuggled into Guyana from neighbouring Suriname.

It was then transported/ brought to the ECD to be distributed/sold to outlets, specifically during the Christmas season when there is usually a high demand for the product.

Less than three weeks ago, an officer of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) was shot while on an anti-smuggling operation.

It was reported that the officer was shot while on a joint

exercise with the Police and Customs.

The team had been in the Mahaica area when men said to be working with a wellknown smuggler opened fire resulting in the CANU rank being hit in his shoulder with a bullet.

Minutes prior to the shooting, the team had intercepted a boatload of suspected contraband.

Again, in July last, an operation spearheaded by the Customs Department of the GRA, in collaboration with ranks in Berbice and the ECD led to the seizure of some 400 boxes of smuggled chicken and 60 boxes of assorted liquor and beers, according to reports.

The Customs and GPF ranks had swooped down at a location in Mahaicony, ECD, as several men were in the

process of offloading the items onto waiting vehicles. While it was said that the men had escaped, the GRA officials seized two boats, three engines, two buses and two cars.

It was reported that the items were being smuggled for a known smuggler who resides at Annandale, ECD. GRA has been clamping down on smuggling in Guyana.

CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia earlier this year said that it is costing the economy millions of dollars through revenue losses.

Additionally, he had also said that millions of dollars in revenues have been recouped from seizures of illegal fuel over the past three years, as the GRA continues to dent the ‘Black Market’ with support from its sister agencies.

(Kristen Macklingam)

Police beat man with handcuffs to get him into vehicle

The Police rank in casual wear using the handcuffs to hit Little’s hands

A

pregnant woman was left confused and in a state of panic on Thursday morning after learning that her husband was arrested at the Meadow Bank Wharf, Georgetown, after being allegedly assaulted by Police Officers.

In fact, the woman, who visited Guyana Times and identified herself as Wanda Little, produced a video that had been sent by someone who recorded the arrest of her spouse, 32-year-old Quincy Little, shortly after 07:00h on the day in question.

She explained that Little was working at the wharf for over two years where he would ‘clean fish’ that customers bought from that location and that his brother also did the

The Policeman dealing a hard blow to Little’s face with the handcuffs

same job there.

He, along with his brother, left their homes around 03:00h on Thursday to go to the wharf.

However, the woman explained that when she received the video she was left in a state of shock. Her husband was seen trying to find out from the Police the reason for his arrest but instead, he was tackled to the ground by a cop attired in his uniform.

But, another Police Officer, who donned casual wear, used handcuffs to beat the man to his face while he was still pinned to the ground.

Later in the video, the man had gripped onto the edge of the Police vehicle and the rank who had assaulted him used the handcuffs once again to hit his knuckles repeatedly.

Despite the public outcry, the Police continued trying to get Little into to vehicle and the rank with the handcuffs repeatedly struck him to his body with the handcuffs.

Eventually, the rank left Little with his colleague, ventured to the Police vehicle and retrieved his gun which he returned with and pointed it to Little’s face.

While Little was trying to resist and received the beatings, his pants came off and the Police eventually pushed him into the Police vehicle and took him to the Police station.

According to the man’s wife, when she, along with the other females, arrived at the Police station, they were told her husband was at the hospital and that she should “come back in

an hour or two”.

The woman told this publication that she enquired the reason for his arrest but did not get an answer.

She then told them she had a video of the assault and claims that it was then that the cops told her to “delete the video and we will release him”.

Meanwhile, attempts by this newspaper via telephone to contact the new Commander of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Subdivision A (Georgetown), Assistant Police Commissioner Edgar Thomas proved futile.

However, an officer attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated that the matter in question is currently under investigation.

—driver likely to be charged today

Thirty-nine-year-old Romel Carter who was killed on Sunday when an allegedly speeding truck struck him down at the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara

T

he pedestrian, who was killed on Sunday afternoon after being hit by an alleged speeding truck along the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), has been identified as 39-year-old Romel Carter of Lot 498 D Field South Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The dead man’s siblings, Kempton Carter and Karen Carter, visited the Police on Thursday and were taken to the funeral home where they positively identified the man.

The identification was made after the Police released the photo of the deceased for members of the public to assist in identifying him; the siblings were made aware that the person in the photograph appeared to be their brother.

It was reported that the accident occurred around

13:30h on Sunday, in close proximity of the Leonora Police Station, WCD. After the accident, the driver of the truck reportedly picked up the injured man and took him to the hospital for treatment but after realising that the pedestrian was dead, he attempted to flee but was arrested by the Police.

It was further reported that at the time of the accident, there were two other occupants of the truck who made contact with Police to notify them of the accident Additionally, an ex-Police Officer who was passing the area when the fatal accident took place gave the Police enough information that led to the truck driver’s arrest.

He remains in Police custody but is expected to be charged today.

14 NEWS

friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

GBTI donates 150 gifts to “Wreath of Smile” initiative

O

ver 150 less fortunate children will now be smiling for Christmas following a donation by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) to the Red Cross Society.

The company, through the Guyana Red Cross Society’s “Wreath of Smile” project, saw members of staff donating handsomely to the initiative.

Marketing and Communications Officer of GBTI, Nadia De Abreu stated that Red Cross has been reaching out to the Bank for the past years with this special project.

“Every Christmas

around this time they reach out to us and so we respond likewise. It is actually heart-warming, every year Red Cross sends approximately 150 cards with names of children between one year and 14 years; it is really heart-warming to see the staff of the Bank open up to these less fortunate children voluntarily…” she explained.

She further added that there is no Christmas without children and GBTI is elated to be a part of the Red Cross’ Initiative.

De Abreu further stated that they hope that the selfless contributions by the staff will help those chil-

dren who are less fortunate and who may not be as privileged as other children at this time.

Nevertheless, she noted that the items given to the children are not violent toys since Red Cross was very specific on the kind of toys the children should receive.

“There are a lot of educational items, toys, of course, Red Cross also makes their recommendations in terms of no guns, no violence... and so we try to adhere to those rules,” she further added.

Samesta Martin-Forde Field Officer of the Guyana Red Cross Society ex-

GBTI staff and Red Cross representatives

pressed her pleasure in receiving the gifts since they will be able to provide for the less fortunate, especial-

ly around this time of the year.

“The gifts would not only bring warmth but it

also helps a child to tap into their creative sides. Most of the toys, whether it’s a car or a doll, or a tea set… it is an opportunity for them to tap into their creative side.

It is an opportunity for them to enjoy playing, as we grow older, we become adults and mature and we move away from certain things; it’s an opportunity for them to enjoy their childhood,” she said.

Last year, the staff of GBTI also opened their hearts to the children of Hararuni on the SoesdykeLinden Highway by gifting them over 100 presents which were distributed at a special party in the village.

Guyanese wanted for crime in Canada nabbed at GRA

A

2 8 - y e a r - o l d Guyanese national who is wanted in Canada for attempted murder among other crimes and had been placed on the Interpol’s “Wanted” list was on Thursday arrested at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) while trying to secure a driver’s licence.

Benvolio Francois Caitanya was reportedly

at the GRA’s Camp Street office location and in the process of securing a licence when the computerised security systems picked up the alert that the man had been on the Interpol list and was ‘redflagged’.

Interpol’s site, which contains a “Wanted” list, has Caitanya’s birthday documented as December 21, 1991, and Georgetown, Guyana as

his place of birth.

Canadian authorities also issued a wanted bulletin for the man in relation to “unauthorised possession of a firearm, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon, use firearm during commission of an indictable offence, discharge firearm with intent to wound, endanger life, conspiracy to commit murder, occupy motor vehicle with a fire-

arm, attempted murder and failure to comply recognised”.

In September, he had been charged with another man for conspiracy to forge documents and uttering forged documents but Caitanya was charged under a different surname.

The Court was told back then that in February and September of 2019, the two conspired to forge a driver’s licence in the name of “Benvolio Valenski”.

He, along with his co-accused, was also charged with forging a Guyana national iden-

Benvolio Francois Caitanya was arrested at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)

tification (ID) card and was also charged with presenting false documents to an officer at the Central Immigration and Passport Office in order to obtain a new passport

under a new name of Roy Anthony Sewnarine.

Caitanya was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 while his co-accused was granted bail in the sum of $200,000.

However, at the time that he was charged and placed before the Court and also had his pre-trial liberty granted, local law enforcement officials were unaware that he was an international fugitive.

According to a source in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Caitanya is presently in the GPF’s custody as investigations continue.

news

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friday, DECEMBER 6, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PAC, GTA sign MoU to promote conservation of protected areas Brian Mullis stated “The PAC and GTA’s aims are closely aligned. Both agencies support conservation tourism and are focused on biodiversity conservation and maximising the related benefits to local communities. We can achieve more

PAC Commissioner Denise Fraser and GTA Director Brian Mullis signing the MoU in the presence of PAC Board Chair, Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar; PAC Administrative Director Denise Bentinck, THAG President Mitra Ramkumar and Senior Protected Areas Officer Sara Henry

T

he Protected Areas Commission of Guyana (PAC) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that tourism continues to meaningfully contribute to promoting conservation values of Guyana’s protected areas, supporting biodiversity conservation and improving the well-being of local people.

The agencies have pledged to secure the necessary financing to realise the

purpose of the MoU. This includes developing and implementing tourism business plans that support the core conservation goals for Kaieteur National Park and the other Protected Areas to maximise the revenue opportunities related to conservation tourism development within the National Protected Areas System.

Conservation tourism is an evolution of the concept of ecotourism and is defined as a form of tourism that makes net positive contributions to the conservation of

biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The PAC and GTA will also work with communities within and adjacent to protected areas to support community-led tourism enterprise development and improve livelihoods.

In addition, the GTA will provide licensing and training services to tour guides and tourism businesses operating within and adjacent to protected areas to help to raise quality and sustainability standards.

Director of the GTA,

Miner to spend 2 years in jail for cannabis in long boots

A

54-year-old miner who was caught with a quantity of cannabis inside two pairs of boots will now be spending the next two years in jail.

Abel Simon, of lot 7 Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was arraigned for trafficking in narcotics.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, November 4, 2019, Simon was travelling in motor vehicle GEE 1130 with several other occupants when it was stopped at the Number 70 Police Outpost and a search was conducted.

It was at that time, the

Police discovered a number of cannabis leaves and stems concealed in two pairs of Simon’s long boots.

The illicit substances, which were weighed in his presence and amounted to 488 grams, had been wrapped with black plastic bags.

He was immediate-

ly escorted to the Bartica Police Station, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where he was kept in Police custody until his court hearing on Thursday.

Simon, when told of the charge laid against him in the Court, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

through collaboration”.

PAC Commissioner Denise Fraser pointed out that there is a tourism component in the management plan of each of the protected areas.

This, she noted, is because the PAC is of the view

that well-managed tourism can contribute to the management of our national protected areas. Collaboration between the PAC and tourism managers is important to ensure the objectives of conservation and sustainable development are met.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, december 6, 2019

Around the World

Pelosi pursues articles of impeachment against Trump, says democracy at stake W arning that American democracy is at stake, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday she has asked a House committee to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, a historic step that sets up a fight over whether to oust him from office.

Speaking in sombre tones in a televised statement, Pelosi accused the Republican President of abusing his power and alluded to Britain’s King

George III, the monarch against whom the American colonies rebelled in forming the United States in 1776, saying in the United States “the people are the king”.

“Our democracy is what is at stake. The President leaves us no choice but to act because he is trying to corrupt, once again, the election for his own benefit. The President has engaged in abuse of power, undermining our national security and jeopardising the integrity of our elections,” said Pelosi, the top

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) discusses the status of the impeachment inquiry into US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, US

Biggest IPO in history: Saudi Aramco shares priced

S

tate-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco's initial public offering (IPO) will be the biggest in history, but will still fall significantly short of the towering $2 trillion valuation long sought by Saudia Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Aramco priced its IPO at 32 riyals ($8.53) per share, the top of its indicative range, the company said in a statement, raising $25.6B and beating Alibaba's record $25B listing in 2014.

At that level, Aramco has a market valuation of $1.7 trillion, comfortably overtaking Apple as the world's most valuable listed firm. But the listing, expected later this month on the Riyadh stock exchange, is a far cry from the blockbuster debut originally envisaged by the Crown Prince.

Saudi Arabia relied on domestic and regional investors to sell a 1.5 per cent stake after lukewarm

Two people knowledgeable about the process said the panel could draft and recommend the articles of impeachment to the full House as early as December 12. Democrats said lawmakers would be working through the weekend to get them written.

The charges against Trump could include abuse of power, bribery, obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice.

If the House passes articles of impeachment as expected, that would lead to a trial in the Senate on whether to convict Trump and remove him from office. Trump’s fellow Republicans control the Senate and have shown little support for his removal.

Trump, who has denied wrongdoing, reacted to Pelosi’s announcement on Twitter by writing, “The Do Nothing, Radical Left

Democrats have just announced that they are going to seek to Impeach me over NOTHING.” “The good thing is that the Republicans have NEVER been more united.

We will win!” Trump said.

Pelosi’s announcement was a clear signal that she believes that the Democrats have the votes in the 435-seat House to win passage of articles of impeachment. She acted after receiving overwhelming support in a meeting with House Democrats on Wednesday night, a source familiar with the meeting said.

The impeachment drama is unfolding at a time of deep partisan divisions in Washington and across the United States that have widened during Trump’s tumultuous presidency.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Macron pension reform: France paralysed by biggest strike in years Investing in Aramco is a bet on the price of oil and growth in global demand for crude, which is expected to slow from 2025 onward as steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions are rolled out and the use of electric vehicles increases [Photo by: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters]

interest from abroad, even at the reduced valuation of $1.7 trillion.

Sources told Reuters earlier that Aramco may also exercise a 15 per cent "greenshoe" option, allowing it to increase the size of the deal to a maximum of $29.4B. The pricing comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is gearing up to deepen oil supply

cuts to support prices, provided it can strike a deal later this week with allies such as Russia.

Climate change concerns, political risk and a lack of corporate transparency put foreign investors off the offering, forcing the kingdom to ditch ambitions to raise as much as $100B via an international and domestic listing of a five per cent stake.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

German WWI wreck Scharnhorst discovered off Falklands

T

he wreck of a World War One German armoured cruiser has been located off the Falkland Islands, where it was sunk by the British navy 105 years ago.

SMS Scharnhorst was the flagship of German Vice-Admiral Maximilian Graf von Spee's East Asia Squadron.

It was sunk on December 8, 1914, with more than 800 men on board, including Vice-Adm von Spee himself.

The leader of the search for the wreckage said the moment of discovery was "extraordinary".

We are often chasing shadows on the seabed, but when the Scharnhorst first appeared in the data flow, there was no doubt that this was one of the

Democrat in Congress.

At the heart of the Democratic-led House’s impeachment inquiry that Pelosi opened in September is Trump’s request that Ukraine launches an investigation targeting Joe Biden. The former Vice President is a top contender for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 US presidential election.

“Sadly, but with confidence and humility, with allegiance to our founders and our heart full of love for America, today I am asking our chairman to proceed with articles of impeachment,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi was referring to Jerrold Nadler, whose House Judiciary Committee has the responsibility of drawing up the formal charges that would later be voted upon by the full House.

F

rance's largest nationwide strike in years has severely disrupted schools and transport.

Workers are angry about planned pension reforms that would see them retiring later or facing reduced payouts.

More than 800,000 workers from a wide range of professions demonstrated against the changes.

Some cities saw clashes between protesters and police.

President Emmanuel Macron wants to introduce a universal points-based pension system.

That would replace France's current system, which has 42 different pension schemes across its private and public sectors, with variations in retirement age and benefits.

"What we've got to do is shut the economy down," said union official

There have been clashes between Police and protesters in Nantes

Christian Grolier of the Force Ouvrière (Workers' Force). "People are spoiling for a fight."

Since coming to power, Mr Macron has pushed through other reforms including relaxing labour laws and cutting taxes for businesses.

More than 800,000 people had joined demonstrations in more than 100 cities across France, the interior ministry said. The CGT union said 1.5M peo-

ple had turned out, including 250,000 in Paris.

The CGT also said workers had blocked seven of the country's eight oil refineries, potentially causing fuel shortages if the strike continues.

In Paris, popular tourist sites including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay and the Palace of Versailles were shut for the day. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Chileans get on their bikes as protests hobble public transport The wreck was found 98 nautical miles south-east of Port Stanley

German fleets," Mensun Bound said.

Film production company TVT recorded the search.

"Suddenly she just came out of the gloom with great guns poking in every direction," Mr Bound said.

"As a Falkland Islander and a marine archaeolo-

gist, a discovery of this significance is an unforgettable, poignant moment in my life," he added.

The search for SMS Scharnhorst began five years ago, on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Falkland Islands, but was not successful at first.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

C

hileans are increasingly turning to bikes to get to work after weeks of rioting have hobbled Santiago's metro system, destroyed hundreds of stoplights and left broken glass and debris littering its once-orderly streets.

The unrest, the worst faced by Chile since it emerged from dictatorship in 1990, has left at least 26 dead and caused more than $1.5 billion in business losses, devastating the economy.

Though protests have simmered down in recent weeks, the damage to streets, squares and the metro remain. Traffic is regularly snarled at downtown intersections that now have no stoplights and where motorists must fend for themselves.

Cycling has emerged as the obvious solution, says Tomas Echiburu, a researcher with the Urban Development Center at Chile's Universidad Catolica.

"Before the crisis ...

450 cyclists per hour passed through here at peak commute," he said.

"Immediately after the crisis, that quantity has doubled, to 900 per hour."

Bikes now outnumber cars at many intersections during rush hour, and cyclists in shiny new Spandex gear and fluorescent helmets are seen zipping down tree-lined bike lanes throughout much of the business district. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

T

he High Commission of India in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) presents that “Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance” of India

by Project Chhauni from Thursday, December 5 to December 9, 2019 in Guyana.

The dance group will perform December 6 at Bal Nivas, Berbice commencing at 18:00h and on December, 7 at Dharmic S a n s k r i t i k Kendra, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown at 19:00h.

The group will also conduct a workshop and performance on December 7 at 13:00h and on December 8 at 13:30h at Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra.

The public is hereby invited to attend the events.

This is an important

step taken by the High Commission towards cultural exchange between India and Guyana and also to provide an opportunity for the friendly people of Guyana to witness this popular Indian dance from.

Project Chhauni, an initi ative of District Administration of Mayurbhanj in India to revive the lost glory of dance form Mayurbhanj Chhau, was to facilitate the artistes of Mayurbhanj chhau with

an apt scope of training and subsequently leading to a respectable livelihood.

It was launched on May 19, 2016 by Sri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil (Collector and District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj) at Baripda, Mayurbhanj in Odisha State.

The Project Chhauni was prepared by Subhasree Mukherjee, a well-known chhau dancer and resident of Mayurbhanj, who has also worked closely with chhau artists and organizers in the past.

The Mayurbhanj District of Odisha State is famous for many a thing, which gives it a prominent place in the discussion of nature, art and culture of India.

Among those many things Mayurbhanj Chhau is one of

friDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019

the most unique art forms which gave Mayurbhanj its worldly identity.

As far as the origin of this style of dance and music is concerned, there are many theories, historical anecdotes, some say it has come from the word ‘Chhatak’ or ‘Chhaii’ and some say it has been derived from the word ‘Chhauni’.

Guru Shri Pagulu Jena is the leader of the group and he belongs to traditional Chhau artist family. Currently he is work-

ing as Guru in performing unit and Mayurbhanj Chhau Academy with “Project

Chhauni”.

He is recipient of various awards and honour for his valuable work towards the promotion of Chhau dance.

He is awarded as an ‘A ‘grade artist of Mayurbhanj Chhau

by Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi.

He received junior and senior Fellowships from Government of India. He is recognized as a scholarly expert of Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj by the Centre for Cultural Resource and Training, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. He has given performances and lecture-cum-demonstrations in leading dance festivals of India and abroad.

G

uyanese artistes have been moving up the charts over the years with their quality of music. Melissa "Vanilla" Roberts is one such artiste. She has proven herself, with her most recent hit song "One Voice", a song which speaks to unity of the Guyanese people.

This could not have been possible without her fans. Fans who feel she have been neglecting them for some time now as a result of her busy schedule.

However, she has decided that her fans must also play a part in her life and has concluded that she must give back to them in a special way.

Come January 5, 2020 four lucky fans, whether they are from the Hinterland or the Coast, will have a chance to win a Breakfast date with Vanilla at the Kosmos Grill and Lounge. This promotion ends at Midnight on January 4, 2020.

This will give her fans an opportunity to be part of her world allowing them a chance to connect with her to learn a little of what she has been up to lately, especially in the world of film and music and to let them know that there are opportunities right here in Guyana within the arts industry if they work hard for what they want.

To be eligible to win a chance for that special moment with the Guyanese Soca Queen requires just three steps, follow Vanilla on Instagram (@iamvanillagy), tag three friends and include (#iam592) in your posts.

The #iam592 for Vanilla reminds her that she has and will always be a proud Guyanese and that you should be a proud Guyanese too. In the words of Vanilla "Always shout to the world who you are, A PROUD GUYANESE" Melissa "Vanilla" Roberts shot to fame back in 2005 with her single “Koc It Up” and “54321” which featured Ice under the Kotion Rythym Medley video attached to Kross Kolor Records label and continues this day.

Fast forward to 2019 she has released five songs, is all set to release new music videos for her singles "Goodie Goodie" and "Lang Time". As the 2020 Mashramni season approaches she asks that her fans, stay tune for big things.

T

he second installment of “The Model Image... fashioning the future you” came to a climax at the Tower Hotel with a dinner, to showcase the skills of table etiquette learned during the programme.

Special guest at the dinner was Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes who presented two tablets to two outstanding participants, Cleon Rayner and Maheda Portsmouth.

The programme led by Sonia Noel and Richard Young is designed to boost self-confidence, cultivate communication skills, instill respect for others, improve deportment and promote imaging consciousness among young young men and women including those from the orphanage.

To culminate the programme at the dinner, two young persons who have

benefitted from the process of Ms. Noel and Mr. Young spoke to the participants of their progress and elevation as a result of the implicit training. Mariska Fiedtkou and Colwyn Abrams spoke of the success of their involvement and how the benefits have impacted on their career paths.

These two comprehensives and concise programmes are introductory and serve to sensitize young individuals to a more improved life chance. In addition to the hands-on contact, the participants were fortunate to have had the instructions from international etiquette and protocol expert, Guyanese-born New Yorkbased, Phillipa Moorish.

Further, the young enthusiasts were afforded opportunities to demonstrate their acquired confidence techniques, by speaking before the camera, directed by

Rudy Saul.

The parents were invited to observe and they shared the impact this program had on their children and can wait for the next level programme to commence.

“A great sense of gratitude consumed me as I listened the testimonies of the parents and children. I am thankful to be part of a team that is assisting in the grooming of our future leaders. I can feel in every fiber in my body that 2020 will be a year of transformation beyond out imagination. My gratitude to everyone who made this possible”, Noel stated.

In the New Year, another introductory workshop would be commenced as well as intermediate programmes for the follow-through of these former inductees.

Tower Suites was a main partner making the initiative a reality.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, december 6, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

dilbert

(April 20May 20)

Peanuts

Charm will help you persuade others to see things your way. Choose your words carefully and offer reasonable incentives. Make sure your motives are honorable.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Choose the people and projects you take on carefully. The right combination will lead to victory; the wrong choice could lead to an emotional meltdown.

Choose peace over chaos.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Keep moving, as less talk and more action will be to your benefit. A life-altering incident will help you head in a better direction. Listen to the small voice within you.

VIRGO

SUDOKU

Make plans for some relaxation with friends or family. A discussion will open your eyes to new possibilities. A relationship will be enhanced if you share your feelings and intentions.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Channel your energy into something useful. Keeping busy will eliminate tension and stress. Do something that will encourage you to relax. Focus on the positive and spend time with someone uplifting.

Focus forward and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t downplay what you want to pursue. Be bold, lighten up and go after what you want.

A positive change will help you tie up loose ends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Lots can happen in a day.

Talk to people you trust, get the answers and stay in control. Relationships will take a positive turn if you are honest about your feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Accomplish what you set out to do. Actions will lead to advancement. Your dedication and determination will be what counts and what will get you ahead.

Focus on people in need SAGITTARIUS of help. Get involved in (Nov. 23what everyone else is doDec. 21) ing. Physical activity will be good for your soul. If you are very responsive, you will be greatly rewarded.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Rethink your plan, as there may be more going on than you realize. Observe what everyone else is doing and how they respond to events. Gather facts, make a decision and take action.

Discussions, travel and gathering information are encouraged. Waiting for people to come to you will not be productive. Be the one to make the first move. Control instead of being controlled.

Take care of your responsibilities first. A change you make will turn out better than anticipated. A change of job or career may be needed. Review your finances and make a long overdue adjustment.

friday, DECember 6, 2019

19

round-up:

Bucks' win streak hits 13 G

iannis Antetokounmpo poured in 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 28 minutes, and the visiting Milwaukee Bucks extended their winning streak to 13 games by rolling past the Detroit Pistons 127-103 on Wednesday.

Khris Middleton had 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists while Eric Bledsoe contributed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Robin Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova each had 10 points off the bench for the Bucks.

Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 23 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.

Langston Galloway scored 20 points, and Blake Griffin had 16 points and 10 rebounds but shot just 4-for-17 from the field. Derrick Rose added 14 points.

The Bucks won their 10th consecutive matchup against their Central Division opponent. Milwaukee swept the four-game regular season series and a first-round playoff series against Detroit last season, and the Bucks have won the first two games of this season’s four-game series.

Magic 128, Suns 114

Aaron Gordon scored a season-high 32 points and hit all five of his 3-point attempts, and host Orlando continued its offensive roll in beating Phoenix.

Reserve Terrence Ross had 22 points and three threes, Evan Fournier had 21 points and three threes, and Markelle Fultz added 13 points for Orlando. The Magic posted a season-high point total for the second night in a row and have won for the fourth time in five games.

Frank Kaminsky had a season-high 23 points, and Devin Booker put up 17 points for the Suns. Phoenix, which has lost four of five, will play the second of back-to-back games in New Orleans on Thursday.

Celtics 112, Heat 93

Jaylen Brown scored 22 of his 31 points in the second half, Kemba Walker added 28, and Boston cruised past visiting Miami.

Jayson Tatum had 19 points, and Robert Williams III came up with 10 rebounds as the Celtics won for the fourth time in their past five games.

Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 37 points, and Kelly Olynyk chipped in 12 for the Heat, who had a three-game winning streak snapped.

Lakers 121, Jazz 96

Anthony Davis scored 26 points, and LeBron James added 20 points as Los Angeles got off to a fast start and held off Utah in Salt Lake City.

James, who leads the NBA in assists, added 12 more to his season total. Rajon Rondo contributed 14 points and 12 assists for Los Angeles.

Donovan Mitchell had 29 points, and Rudy Gobert added 13 points and 10 rebounds as the Jazz lost at home for just the second time in 10 games. Bojan Bogdanovic had 23 points for Utah.

Pacers 107, Thunder 100

T.J. Warren scored 24 points to lead Indianapolis host Oklahoma City. He was one of seven Pacers to finish in double figures, a continuation of the balanced scor-

ing that has helped the Pacers win seven of their past eight games.

Three former Thunder players were among those scoring in double figures for Indiana: Domantas Sabonis (17 points), Doug McDermott (14 off the bench) and Jeremy Lamb (13).

Steven Adams led the way for Oklahoma City with 20 points, making all eight of his shots from the field. He also grabbed nine rebounds, five on the offensive end. Danilo Gallinari and Dennis Schroder each had 18 points.

Nets 130, Hawks 118

Veteran Garrett Temple scored a season-high 27 points, one of four Brooklyn players to tally 20 or more, as the Nets won at Atlanta.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 24 points and added six rebounds and five assists, former Atlanta player Taurean Prince scored 23 and Jarrett Allen added 20 points and 13 rebounds. It was the sixth win in the last eight games for the Nets.

Atlanta was led by Trae Young with 39 points and 10 rebounds. Young shot 13-for23 from the field and made five 3-pointers.

Rookie Cam Reddish scored a career-high 25 points, and center Damian Jones set a career high in scoring for the second straight game with 20.

Trail Blazers 127, Kings 116

CJ McCollum scored 33 points and blocked a career-high four shots to lead host Portland past Sacramento. Damian Lillard added 24 points and 10 assists as the Trail Blazers won for the fourth time in the past five games.

Hassan Whiteside scored 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, grabbed 16 rebounds, blocked three shots and delivered a career-best seven assists for the Trail Blazers.

Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points, and Kent Bazemore had 15 off the bench.

Richaun Holmes scored a career-best 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting and collected 10 rebounds for the Kings. Buddy Hield recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Sacramento, which dropped its 12th consecutive game in Portland.

Bulls 106, Grizzlies 99

Zach LaVine scored 25 points on 7-for-13 shooting, and host Chicago never trailed en route to sending Memphis to its eighth loss in nine games.

Wendell Carter Jr. scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the season. Lauri Markkanen finished with 15 points, and Tomas Satoransky added 13 to go along with eight assists. The Bulls won consecutive games for the first time this season.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 32 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Jae Crowder and Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 15 points apiece.

Hornets 106, Warriors 91

Devonte’ Graham matched a single-game franchise record with 10 3-pointers and racked up 33 points as host Charlotte defeated Golden State.

Backcourt mate Terry Rozier added 25 points as the Hornets won for just the third

Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon goes up with an exclamation against the Phoenix Suns (USA Today Sports)

time in the last 10 games. It marked the first time since Graham joined the starting lineup that he and Rozier each reached the 20-point mark in the same game.

D’Angelo Russell, returning from a ninegame absence caused by a thumb injury, had 18 points. Eric Paschall added 16 and Alec Burks had 15 for the Warriors, who have lost on the first four stops of a fivegame road trip and 14 of 16 games overall.

Mavericks 121, Timberwolves 114

Red-hot shooting from 3-point range in the fourth quarter powered Dallas to its ninth win in the last 10 games as it outpaced visiting Minnesota.Dwight Powell buoyed the Mavericks before the late-game push, scoring 24 points. Luka Doncic scored 22 points, and Jalen Brunson gave Dallas a spark off the bench with a career-high 16.

Robert Covington added 22 points for the Timberwolves, and rookie Jarrett Culver added 11 points. (Reuters)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friday, DECember 6, 2019

Pollard wants to create nurturing environment for West Indies’ young talents

Brandon King

H

yderabad. It’s where the Kieron Pollard story burst to life a decade ago, when he smashed an unbeaten 18-ball 54 for Trinidad & Tobago against New South Wales in the Champions League. That innings changed his life, and it changed T20 too, setting him on a trailblazing path towards becoming the format’s first globetrotting freelancer.

Hyderabad was also the scene, more recently, of Pollard’s fourth IPL title win with Mumbai Indians, in May earlier this year.

Pollard is back at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium now, as the captain of a West Indies team that is preparing to defend its T20 World Cup title next year. He has fond memories of the ground, and hopes his vast experience of playing in India will benefit a revamped West Indies team that includes some new faces as well as old ones like Lendl Simmons.

“It is common knowledge. We have played a lot of cricket around the world, we play a lot of cricket here in India,” Pollard said on the eve of the T20I series opener against India. “Fond memories of this ground, going all the way back to 2009, with Trinidad & Tobago. So, it’s just a matter of trying to use that experience and enlightening our group. Hopefully, that experience can hold us in good stead. We are here to play some good cricket and we are prepared well. Hopefully, come tomorrow, we will hit the ground running.”

Opening batsman Brandon King and legspinner Hayden Walsh are among the new faces in the T20I and ODI sides.

King torched the CPL with his blistering strokeplay, but his form cooled off against Afghanistan in Lucknow, where he managed a mere 17 runs in three T20I innings at an average of 5.66 and strike rate of 73.91.

Walsh, who was the leading wicket-taker in the CPL despite playing only nine games for the champion team Barbados Tridents, hasn’t yet posed the same kind of threat in international cricket. Pollard has backed the newbies, urging the public to not be too critical of them after just one or two international series.

“We’re excited to be here [in India] and represent the West Indies and yes, again, scores and wickets haven’t shown their ability yet,” Pollard said. “But, you can’t judge people on a couple of games and I think that’s the problem we have as individuals. We try to judge people too quickly.

We need to give people time in everything we do.

“In order for guys to invest in what they do, they need experience and we as the management team want to back these guys and see how far we can go because we have seen their talent and attitude and that’s some of the things we look at.”

Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran have been around the set-up a little longer than King and Walsh, but though they were both part of West Indies’ 50-overs World Cup side, they’re still easing their way into international cricket. Pollard said the team management is focused on protecting West Indies’ bright, young talents from “vultures”.

“There are a lot of young talents coming through,” he said. It’s just a matter of trying to reach them and ease them into the world of international cricket, which we know is a very, very tough place. Again, the most important thing for the management is to have patience and yes at the end of the day you want to have results but sometimes you need to be honest with yourself.

“And that’s something we’re trying to do in every aspect of our game as well - just try to be honest, assess and improve. So, look forward to these talents to show the world what they can do. Sometimes, you need to have that umbrella over them and try and protect them from the vultures that are out to take down their careers pretty quickly.”

Pollard was also pleased with West Indies’ preparation in the lead-up to the limited-overs series against India. Pollard led West Indies to their first ODI series victory in five years, against Afghanistan, and although they lost the subsequent T20I series 2-1, they got a feel of Indian conditions.

The likes of Pollard and Pooran - who is not available for the series opener against India because of his ball-tampering ban then jetted to the UAE for the T10 league.

In addition to these stints, some of West Indies’ players were part of a camp in Mumbai before heading to Hyderabad.

“Couple of the guys had a couple of days off, couple of the guys went to T10, couple of the guys played in the Test matches against Afghanistan,” Pollard said. “We didn’t leave from this part of the world.

Eleven of us were there in Mumbai for fivesix days. We had good practice. Then we came here on the second [of December] and had three full days of good practice. So, for

us it’s just a matter of getting acclimatised [to the conditions].

“We’ve been here for a while now, since November. It’s about putting the pieces of the puzzle together. There are instances where we know we faltered, in that last series. We’ve spoken about it and hopefully come this series, we can put these things right.”

Pollard’s aggression and in-your-face captaincy style has worked for him in the CPL, where he nearly carried Trinbago Knight Riders to the final in October. He hopes to lead by example for West Indies too, and set up victories for them. During the T10 league as well, Pollard had spoken of how his “will to win” drives his career.

“Things have been going pretty decently for me and I just want to continue doing that, continue scoring runs for the team, and hopefully my contribution to the team is going to hold it in good stead and put us in a winning position.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Boxing: I will die trying to defend my title against Joshua, says Ruiz Jr

W

orld heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has said he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he triumphed over Britain’s Anthony Joshua in June and he would “die trying” to defend his belts in the title rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Mexican-American Ruiz produced one of boxing’s biggest upsets when he dethroned the previously undefeated world champion Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

“I have been doing this since I was six and it is finally paying off,” Ruiz told the BBC. “There is no way I am going to let these belts go, I will die trying.

“It has been a roller-coaster and now that I made the dreams come true there is no way I will let these go.”

Joshua has trimmed down ahead of the second WBA, IBF and WBO title showdown with an eye on taking the contest deep into the latter rounds, saying he expects a “marathon, not a sprint”.

The Briton has also been taking advice on his training regime and diet from former world heavyweight cham-

The heavyweight throne currently sits Andy Ruiz Jr ahead of his Anthony Joshua rematch

pion Wladimir Klitschko in his bid to reclaim the title at the fight dubbed the ‘Clash on the Dunes’.

“I may be less than 17 stone (107.95 kg),” Joshua said. “I’m punching loose and heavy — rhythm and flow.

“Before I was trying to bench-press a house. I used my body to get where I needed but then I started realizing the sweet science of the sport. I am punching like a horse kicking backwards right now.”

Ruiz, however, said he would not ‘underestimate’ Joshua and that he had his own strategies to counter the former Olympic champion.

“I know he lost weight and that he will try and box me around,” Ruiz added. “So it’s my job to prevent that. “(In the June bout) I was the one who had the strength, the one backing him up. When I jabbed I pushed him away.”

Joshua believes this will not be the last time the two fight each other and predicted a third bout in the future if Ruiz was up for it.

“This ain’t going to be the last time I see Ruiz in the ring,” Joshua said. “We make for good fights.

“I think there’s definitely gonna be a knockout and that is what people want to see, bloodshed and knockouts.” (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, DECember 6, 2019

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

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For further info, Call: 694-6606.

21

GFF Super 16 Tournament…

NAMILCO covers third-place prize money ($500,000)

T

he National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) has been inscribed on the roster of prominent sponsors for the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) “Super 16” year-end tournament, alongside such outstanding business entities as the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) and the Pegasus Hotel.

In this 50th anniversary of its establishment, NAMILCO is continuing its rich tradition of investing in, and empowering, Guyana’s sportsmen and women. In this latest gesture of tangible support for sport, NAMILCO Managing Director Bert Sukhai has committed this company to sponsoring the prize for the third-place finisher in the GFF’s “Super 16 Cup”, which is set to kick off on Sunday December 15 at the Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary with a double-header.

NAMILCO is putting up $500,000 for this prize

At the NAMILCO Head Office at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, Mr. Sukhai handed over a cheque to cover this third-place prize to President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne

Forde, in the presence of Finance Director Mr. Fitzroy McLeod and Chief Engineer Mr. Ralph Hemsing.

While presenting this cheque, Mr. Sukhai expressed that NAMILCO, one of the main partners of the GFF, was more than delighted to again be making a tangible donation to the GFF, which is continuing its efforts to build a solid foundation for the sport.

Sukhai readily pointed out that this sponsorship is a continuation of the NAMILCO multi-million-dollar, five-year NAMILCO Flour Power Under-17 IntraAssociation League, which is in its second year.

“There’s no doubt in our minds that the sport continues to make tremendous positive strides under the Wayne Forde-led administration. We continue to see more than enough positive and tangible signs (in this regard). So, therefore, it was without hesitation that we have once again committed to sponsoring the third-place prize of $500,000 for the GFF “Super 16” Cup. “We know that the teams will be coming out strong to give themselves the best possible chance of winning this prestigious competition, and

we at NAMILCO wish each team the best.

“We would also be discussing with the GFF other ways of collaborating to make the experience on each game day during this tournament a memorable one for the fans also,” he declared.

Responding on behalf of the GFF, Forde expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Sukhai and his team for their unflinching and committed support towards empowering citizens of Guyana.

He also noted that the reach of NAMILCO is far beyond the field of play.

“As a Corporate citizen, NAMILCO is truly a fine example of the tremendous impact Corporate Guyana can have on the lives of young people. They have made the largest financial commitment to Guyana’s football development in the history of the sport.

“In 2016, the National Milling Company signed a thirty-million-dollar agreement with my administration for the Flour Power National Intra-Association U-17 Annual Boys’ League, (and) I would like to express my heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to Mr. Bert Sukhai and his hard-working team for their generous and continued sup-

Managing Director of NAMILCO, Bert Sukhai (2nd left), handing over the cheque to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of NAMILCO’s Ralph Hemsing (left) and Fitzroy McLeod (2)

port for the work of the GFF,” he said.

Sixteen clubs (the top eight GFF Elite League clubs and the top eight Regional Member Association clubs) will participate in this year’s competition. The defending champion is GFF Elite

League club Den Amstel.

The opening double-header will see Milerock taking on Pele from 18:30hrs on December 15, with the main clash between the Guyana Police Force and Timehri Panthers being from 21:00hrs.

Chase joins Top 10 Test All-Rounders Everton boss faces the sack after derby while Holder remains Number 1

W

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est Indies captain Jason Holder has maintained his position as the Number 1 allrounder in Test cricket, while Roston Chase has joined him in the Top 10.

Holder continues to sit on the top spot – a position he has held all year – while the fast-improving Chase earned a place at Number 8.

However, it’s the spectacular rise of two team-mates that have caught the headlines as the ICC released the latest Test table for batsmen, bowlers and allrounders. Rankings available on the ICC website https:// www.icc-cricket.com Shamarh Brooks, the classy middle-order batsman, made his first Test century against Afghanistan last week and in doing so helped the West Indies to a comprehensive nine-wicket win in the one-off Test. His brilliance with the bat was complemented by a herculean bowling performance from Rakheem Cornwall who took 10 wickets in the match including a record 7-75 in the first innings at the Ekana International Stadium in the city of Lucknow.

Brooks the 31-year-old was playing in his third Test match, moved up 68 places and is now at Number 62. Cornwall was in just his second Test and like Brooks playing his first outside the Caribbean. According to the ICC the 26-year-old went

thrashing at Anfield

E

Roston Chase and Jason Holder

into the match at position 110 and jumped a whopping 63 places to be presently posted at Number 47.

Earlier this week it was reported that West Indies leapfrogged Pakistan to move up one place in the team rankings from eighth to seventh.

Head Coach Phil Simmons complimented his players and said it was good to see the progress being made as individuals and as a group. West Indies played six Test matches this year. They beat England 2-1 at home to retain the prestigious Wisden Trophy, but lost 2-0 to India in the Caribbean, before overcoming Afghanistan on neutral turf.

“Rahkeem showed his quality. He’s a very good bowler and seven-for is excellent in any conditions. He returned to get three more in the second innings and that was great. He played Afghanistan at their own game and he beat them.

Brooks, is a very classy batsman and it’s good to see him seize the moment and take ownership in a very mature way. It took him a while to break into the Test team, but he has shown his worth.

It was good to see that we move up to seventh. That part of parcel of the game and hopefully we can continue that kind of progress when we play in England next summer.” (CWI)

verton manager Marco Silva faces the sack, with the club's board expected to decide his future on Thursday - and former boss David Moyes under consideration as an interim replacement.

Toffees majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri was scheduled to arrive in Liverpool on Thursday afternoon to confirm a decision on the future of the 42-year-old Portuguese after the 5-2 thrashing in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield left them in the relegation places.

Silva has already survived one round of emergency talks among the club's hierarchy after the home loss to Norwich City on 23 November but it is increasingly unlikely he will be spared a second time.

He was asked about his future in the aftermath of Everton's eighth defeat in 11 games and said: "I am not the right person to talk about this situation. You are asking me and I don't have the answer."

The answer may be delivered on Thursday, with Silva, who has been at Everton since May 2018, not expected to be in charge for Saturday's game against Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Former Everton man-

ager David Moyes has been considered as a potential interim successor, but the suggestion has sparked a largely negative reaction from supporters and it remains to be seen whether Moshiri and his boardroom colleagues ignore that and invite the 56-year-old Scot to return.

Football Daily: Divock's derby delight & Rashford ruins Mourinho's night Moyes spent 11 years as Everton manager, and his return has been seen by fans as a retrograde step given his lack of success since leaving for Manchester United in 2013.

He was sacked at United and Real Socieded and was in charge of Sunderland when they were relegated from the Premier League before having a short spell at West Ham. It has been suggested that if Moyes does return he could bring another Everton old boy Tim Cahill back as his assistant.

Silva escaped the sack after the Norwich loss because Everton's hierarchy appreciated he has worked tirelessly and suffered injuries to key midfield players Andre Gomes, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph.

(BBC Sport)

22

friday, DECember 6, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

T&T RMSL Super Singles Men’s Table Tennis Championships…

Guyanese wins title!

G

uyana’s Shemar Britton secured a hard-fought win in the 2019 edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Reliability Maintenance Services Limited Super Singles Men’s Table Tennis Championships, played from November 30 to December 5 (yesterday) at the National Racquet Centre at Orange Grove Rd, Tacarigua, Trinidad & Tobago.

These championships, which attracted more than sixty players, commenced with the group and knockout stages, which lasted from November 30 to December 2; and climaxed on the evening of Wednesday December 4th with the top six (6) players competing against each other on the basis of results of tournaments held in 2019 and advancement from the group and knockout stages.

Such eminent players as Aaron Wilson, who had just returned from a sojourn in Spain; the young and talented Derron Wilson, who also had just returned from a training stint in Germany; the clever and tenacious Arun Roopnarine; new emerging talent Jessie Dookie; the crafty and experienced Aaron Edwards, and the athletic and scholarly southpaw Shemar Britton had all

Shemar Britton in action

made it through the group and knockout stages, and were each eligible to win the championship.

Competing for the crown was done in a round-robin, gladiator-style format, wherein the last six players each had to play five matches in one evening, with minimal rest for any player.

With each player eager to stamp their authority on these year-end championships in order to end the season on a high, the contest saw some very close, tense, exciting, gruelling and thrilling matches.

Britton entered this competition fresh off a victory in the WASA Open Team championships, having produced a silver medal performance with Guyanese team mate Joel Alleyne, and he had been crowned champion in the Trinbago Men’s Singles Open in October 2019.

A Tokyo 2020 Olympic prospect, Britton described the victory in these championships as one of his hardest ever earned, given the physical limits to which he was stretched in securing a ratio of four (4) wins to one (1) loss to finish as the player with the highest aggregate.

En route to victory, Britton defeated Derron Douglas 3-2, Edwards 3-0, and Dookie 3-0; then lost to Aaron Wilson 2-3, before

defeating Arun Roopnarine 3-2.

Britton is carving a name for himself in the annals of Caribbean table tennis history. He has several titles to his name: Caribbean under 21 Male Champion 2018; Caribbean Bronze Medalist Men’s Team; Men’s Singles Champion, and Silver Medalist.

He plans to take a break from his studies with effect from December 18, to return home to Guyana for a short break, before recommencing training and playing in highlevel competitions in either Germany or China with a view to preparing for qualification in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Latin American qualification event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is scheduled for April 2020.

Inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championships…

Bartica stakeholders Quarterfinals on tomorrow! welcome 1st Super 16 game ꟷ 1 step closer to the million…

C

oordinators of the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championships, Three Peat Promotions, have declared that all systems are in place for the staging of quarter-final action tomorrow at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

An official release has said, “All systems are in place and structures have been improved for a thrilling quarterfinal section which is expected to set the trend for the re-

ants Beterverwagting [BV] at 22:00hrs.

This will be followed by the feature clash between the formidable Back Circle and futsal heavyweights Bent Street, from 23:00hrs.

In regard to the objectives of the tournament, the correspondence further stated, “The tournament has certainly elevated the standard and the manner in which streetball is viewed. The intention is for several other tournaments to be staged in a similar light, which will add to the growing phe-

GFF President Wayne Forde (left) during the meeting with Bartica's stakeholders

K Unrelenting action is expected when the quarterfinal matches commence

mainder of the elimination round, and will, without a doubt, captivate the large crowd that is expected to descend on the venue.

“The excitement and anticipation for the knockout section is at a fever pitch.

Although the tournament is in its maiden campaign, it has been very competitive, with several teams more than capable of securing the coveted title and the one million (dollars’) first prize, which is the largest ever to be awarded for a community streetball championship”.

The quarterfinal match which pits Rio All-Stars against Future Stars promises to be a titanic clash. This will open the evening’s proceedings at 20:00hrs. The second match, wherein Leopold Street opposes Gold is Money, is another chapter in the storied rivalry between these established giants.

This match commences at 21:00hrs.

In the third match, prolific team Sparta Boss will oppose East Coast Demerara gi-

nomenon. This is the only way for the quality to be sustained and eventually improved.

At the moment, the quality is at an all-time high, and the players, sponsors and fans are directly responsible for such a realization.

After all, this format is fixated and focused on the players (and) fans, (and) the communities that they emanate from.”

The organizers have also noted: “We are imploring all fans and teams to work together to continue to make the championship an incident- free and thrilling spectacle. We must also thank the lawmen for their contributions. They have carried out their respective duties with aplomb, and are also vital in staging an incident-free competition by providing the necessary security, which creates a welcoming environment for all and sundry.”

The grand finale of this tournament takes place on December 14th at the same venue.

ey stakeholders in Bartica, Region 7, are all in unison with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) even as a train of events has already been set in motion to facilitate the grand return of competitive football to that riverine township later this month.

A terrific match is anticipated when Bartica top team River’s View Football Club engages in a head-tohead battle with GFF Elite League team Western Tigers on Saturday, December 21st, at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

This match signals the GFF “Super 16 Cup” tournament touching down

in that riverine community; and to ensure that every ‘I’ is dotted and every ‘T’ crossed to facilitate this epic encounter, GFF President Wayne Forde has led a GFF team to meet with Region 7 Chairman Gordon Bradford, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Erwin Ward, Bartica Mayor His Worship Gifford Marshall, and President of the Bartica Football Association Alden Marslowe, among others.

In a meeting that took place in the office of the REO, these regional officials expressed delight at Bartica being selected to be one of the venues for the staging of the GFF Super 16 Cup, and promised to pull out all the stops to make the experience a re-

sounding success.

They also articulated their appreciation to the GFF President for bringing football back to Bartica, and assured him of their support in making this event a memorable one. Specific areas of responsibility were also discussed.

Moreover, BFA President Alden Marslowe assured the GFF President that both the association and community would do all that is needed to ensure that River’s View FC is ready to deliver a spectacular performance on December 21st.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, DECember 6, 2019

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Can the West Indies defy India?

I

ndia come into this opening game of a three-match T20 series against the West Indies with form on their side having won their last six T20 matches played against the Caribbean side in the last 13 months.

Their last T20 series came against Bangladesh in November which they won 2-1 and though it was far from comfortable against a side they would fully expect to dominate against, skipper and star man Virat Kohli was rested for that series and he returns to lead the side once again here.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar also returns to the fold to bolster the bowling attack for this series as does Mohammed Shami so while they remain without Jasprit Bumrah, they have named a team much closer to their strongest possible line-up after various rotations in recent series.

Windies

West Indies lost 2-1 to Afghanistan in the T20 series prior to this clash with India and despite winning their first ODI series in five years, that series defeat will dent the confidence of Kieron Pollard’s men ahead of this tough test.

They are able to count upon Fabian Allen who has recovered from a knee injury but

Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo remain out due to fitness concerns so they retain a number of young talents like Brandon King, Hayden Walsh Jr., Romario Shephard and Khary Pierre.

Their batting let them down badly in the series against Afghanistan as they struggled in the conditions against pace and spin, which does not bode well when coming up against arguably the best bowling attack in the world, so Shai Hope, Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran will need to be at their very best.

India T20I Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan (replaced by Sanju Samson), KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

West Indies T20I: Fabian Allen, Brandon King, Denesh Ramdin, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Khary Pierre, Lendl Simmons, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard (C), Hayden Walsh Jr, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Kesrick Williams.

Match time today is 9:30 hrs (local time).

Edghill seeks Finland experience ꟷ in Olympic qualification preparation

Mohammed Shami and Virat Kholi celebrate the dismissal of Sunil Ambris

LABA/YBG U-19 Championships…

Raiders, Royals win again T

he unbeaten runs of the Retrieve Raiders and the Victory Valley Royals in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association/Youth Basketball Guyana Under 19 tournament continued on Wednesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court when these teams each won their respective games, against Kings and Amelia’s Ward Jets.

Retrieve Raiders looked superb in winning their second straight game with a 41-29 thumping of Kings, following their 17-10 lead at half-time. Kareem Roberts was again their spearhead, with

Chelsea Edghill

N

ational Table Tennis player and Olympic prospect Chelsea Edghill, the current National Sportswoman of the Year, will be participating in the Finland Open Table Tennis Championships as part of her Olympic qualification preparation.

These championships, which are an ITTF World Circuit event, are scheduled for the period December 5–9 (yesterday to Monday), and many players from Europe will be participating therein.

Having recently qualified to, and participating in, the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima Peru, Edghill is seeking to qualify for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

She will be travelling with Coach Tony Rato to Portugal, and will compete in the women’s singles events in Helsinki. This is the first time that a player from Guyana will be participating in a senior World Circuit event.

Following her participation in these Championships in Finland, Edghill will travel to Romania to train and play in competitions, before returning to Portugal to prepare for other key engagements.

This tournament is also geared at assessing progress made in the implementation of several new elements of her game in a high-

level and competitive environment. In this tournament, she will be picking up valuable ranking points.

Part of her identified road march for Olympic training and possible qualification based upon a limited budget entails participation in the German and Portugal Open tournaments. Continued training in Portugal, training in China, participation in the Caribbean Championships leading up to the continental qualification event to Tokyo 2020 entail competition Teams Singles and Mixed qualification, and are scheduled for April 2020.

A former junior Olympian and recent student of the Lindenwood University, from where she graduated with a degree in chemistry, Edghill has an extensive resume with several junior sportswoman titles; such as National Champion, Caribbean Women’s Under 21 Champion 2018, Caribbean Women’s Doubles’ Champion; Caribbean Women’s Bronze Medalist 2019; several collegiate tournament wins; Caribbean Cadet and Junior Champion; and Caribbean Women’s Team Silver Medalist 2018-2019 as a member of the Lusitania de Lourosa Table Tennis Club of Portugal.

The Guyana Table Tennis Association hereby extends its gratitude to the Guyana Olympic Association for assisting Edghill in her quest for possible Olympic qualification.

Kareem Roberts

12 points, while T Grannum supported with nine points.

For the Kings, Jaden Rose

shot 10 points, and Tevin Belle shot seven.

Victory Valley Royals continued their running game with a 54-16 blowout of Amelia’s Ward Jets. Emmanuel La Rose led the rout with a game-high 14 points, while Kobe Tappin maintained his good form with 12.

For the Jets, L. Benjamin ended with four points to be their best scorer.

Due to the international series involving Grenada and the National Men’s Team in a goodwill series this weekend, this LABA/YBG tournament will temporarily be suspended.

friday, DECember 6, 2019

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

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Can the West Indies defy India?

Edghill seeks Finland experience Page 23

ꟷ in Olympic qualification preparation

Page 23

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