Guyana Times - Friday February 21, 2020

Sir Shridath Ramphal calls for unity ahead of elections, P12 GuyanaVenezuela border case hearing Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4203

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

PRICE

Reduction and placement of polling places

“GECOM displaces voters to create confusion on Election Day” – PPP/C

See story on page 5

Vote for party that looks out for you – Jagdeo tells Joint Services

Page 3

– reminds of mistreatment under coalition Govt

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P13 Cuban national shot dead on way to work

Prosecution files statements in Bisram P8 murder trial

Miner wanted for 2017 P16 murder nabbed in Bartica – confesses to killing welder

Ramphal House recommissioned to house Foreign Services Institute

Page 16

Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Commonwealth Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Minister, declares open the building named in his honour as he cuts the ceremonial ribbon with the aid of current Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings and President David Granger (Shaconeil Burnette photo)

Govt continues to splurge lands to private investors Page 11

…nothing for sacked sugar workers

GAWU protests Page 9 “inability” of Labour Dept to address concerns

Revised Cummingsburg Accord does not specify P13 “AFC’s Ministries” – admits Ramjattan ...Accord's details still embargoed

Survivor of P16 deadly crash urges drivers to slow down

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, February 21 – 04:00h – 05:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Saturday, February 22 – 04:00h – 05:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, February 21 – 15:20h – 16:50h and Saturday, February 22 – 16:00h – 17:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Vote for party that looks out for you – Jagdeo tells Joint Services …reminds of mistreatment under coalition Govt

A

s members of the Joint Services turn up to cast their votes across the country today, General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo is urging ranks to support the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) as the party

if there was any instruction given to them to suppress Guyanese,” he posited.

According to Jagdeo, who had initiated the one-month bonus during his presidential tenure as a recognition of their service, it will be rein-

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail throughout the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 0.89 metre and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 03:18h and 15:31h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.43 metres.

Low Tide: 09:05h and 21:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.92 metre and 0.76 metre.

light another issue which has impacted the Joint Services, that is, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) conducted in 2018 into the 2008 Lindo Creek massacre. That probe, he noted, was aimed at implicating ranks of the Joint Services.

“They only held a Commission of Inquiry to absolve ‘Fine Man’ and implicate the Joint Services… So the Joint Services put their necks on the line for people and to get rid of these people who were terrorising the country, and then this Government – all they can do in five years, after they made claims about PPP involvement with phantom squads and everything else – say they don’t have evidence.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

But then they had evidence to hold a CoI to implicate the Joint Services. The Joint Services should understand now who are their friends.

They should remember that,” he contended.

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that will look out for them.

“We hope that the Joint Services will support a party that looks out for them…

Think carefully, you’re voting for yourselves and your families,” Jagdeo stated at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Among the Party’s plans for the development and enhancement of the security sector are training, adequately equipping each entity and using resources from the oil and gas sector to modernise the Joint Services.

He added that there will be no political interference and abuse of law enforcement officers under a PPP/C Administration – which will be led by Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali and Prime Ministerial Candidate (retired) Brigadier Mark Phillips, a former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force.

Jagdeo took the opportunity to remind the Joint Services of the treatment meted out to them by the incumbent APNU/AFC Administration, with the most recent being the removal of the one-month tax-free bonus.

“They took away the Joint Services bonus with some disingenuous arguments, one that ‘oh, we don’t have money’… Then [Finance Minister Winston] Jordan had the gall to say it was a bribe to the policemen and the soldiers and the firemen and the others – paid by the PPP to suppress Guyanese. Ask any policemen or soldier or firemen

troduced if the PPP gets back into office.

“The one-month bonus was a recognition of the unusual, sometimes dangerous work that this group of people have to pursue, it was a recognition of that,” he asserted.

The PPP General Secretary went on to high-

Indicators

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Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

$1620.20 $1603.40 +1.00

Change % +0.91 +0.05 0.00

USD Per Ounce $1621.20 $1624.20 +0.06%

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

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

Sexual violence

S

exual violence in any form is an indictment of the society in which it occurs, but none moreso than when it affects children.

Recently, a number of cases involving children being sexually assaulted, even more horrifyingly, children whose ages remain in the single digits, engaged the attention of the courts here. A society is judged not on how it treats its ablest members but its most vulnerable – the young, the elderly, the disabled, etc. Children, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, cultural or social backgrounds, deserve to grow up in an environment where they feel safe and are part of loving and nurturing families.

Sexual violence against them is considered to be a gross violation of children’s rights. According to UNICEF, sexual violence can take the form of sexual abuse, harassment, rape or sexual exploitation in prostitution or pornography. It can happen in homes, institutions, schools, workplaces, in travel and tourism facilities, within communities. Increasingly, the Internet and mobile phones also put children at risk of sexual violence, as some adults look to the Internet to pursue sexual relationships with children. There is also an increase in the number and circulation of images of child abuse.

The 2014 UNICEF study, “Hidden in Plain Sight”, estimates that worldwide, around 120 million girls under the age of 20 (about one in 10) have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point of their lives. Boys also report experiences of sexual violence, but they do so to a lesser extent than girls.

Evidence shows that sexual violence can have serious short- and long-term physical, psychological and social consequences not only for girls or boys, but also for their families and communities. These include increased risks for illness, unwanted pregnancy, psychological distress, stigma, discrimination, and difficulties at school.

In Guyana, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has been on the frontline in bringing some of these cases to light. The Agency must continue to work diligently to ensure that all such cases are brought to the fore, where they could be properly investigated and prosecuted.

Stakeholders must seek to obtain empirical data about the incidence of these crimes against children, especially in the geographical areas in which it is known to occur and put systems in place to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. Sexual violence against children is not a new problem, and indeed, the increased reports point to our failure as a society to wipe it from existence, so a holistic prevention plan involving all must be developed based on the data gathered.

The Guyana Police Force is also a key partner in the fight against child sexual violence. The Force must continue to provide the necessary training to its officers to properly investigate sexual crimes against children.

Our children need to be assured that when violence against them is reported, the law will act quickly to prosecute the perpetrators, and that our judicial system will function efficiently and equitably to bring such criminals to justice.

Importantly, too, is that all the necessary support systems must be put in place to ensure victims and their families are provided with the counselling, etc, to overcome the trauma of sexual violence.

Guyanese foreign service icon, Sir Shridath Ramphal and current Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings cut the cake made in the image of Ramphal House at the recommissioning of the building on Thursday (Shaconeil Burnette photo)

APNU/AFC in 5 years spent more than PPP did in 23 years, but medicines still short Dear Editor, Unbelievable – APNU/ AFC has no plans to address the broken medicine and medical supplies disaster that Guyana faces today.

Hundreds of thousands of Guyanese have suffered from the lack of availability of medicines and medical supplies and APNU/AFC has totally ignored this life and death issue in their manifesto, not a single word.

Two days ago, I met a woman struggling with her walking stick outside of the Leonora Hospital. She complained she just left the pharmacy where she was told there is no metformin, a critical medicine for diabetics. Such shortages of critical medicines and medical supplies have become daily experiences for citizens across Guyana the last five years.

Her husband died last year of kidney failure. He often could not get his medicines for high blood pressure and diabetes. They could not afford to buy their medicines from private pharmacies.

This seventy-five-year-old woman explained to me she has voted in every election since 1968 for the PNC (now APNU/AFC). She decided not to vote this year.

Not finding any reference under health sector in the APNU/AFC manifesto, I looked under disaster management for proposals regarding the procurement, storage, distribution, the overall supply chain in the health sector because medicine and medical supply in the public health sector over the last five years have been disastrous.

But not a word in their manifesto addressing one of the major lives and death issues facing citizens in Guyana. Medicines and med-

ical supplies in the public health sector has been an unequivocal failure for APNU/ AFC. They have been forced to acknowledge this failure.

One would have thought, therefore, APNU/AFC ‘s manifesto would address this matter frontally. Instead, APNU/ AFC has totally ignored this matter, not a word on it.

APNU/AFC spent in five years as much as the PPP did in 23 years on medicines and medical supplies, $36.7B vs. $36.4B, but shortages at hospitals and health centres have become routine. Children in need of insulin must purchase from the private sector. Hypertension and diabetic patients frequently are told no medicines are available in the public sector. There have been too many instances of HIV, TB and Malaria medicine unavailability.

Operating theatres have been closed because of lack of supplies. Port Mourant Ophthalmology Center has remained largely closed for five years because cataract kits were unavailable. There have been instances of blood bag, HIV test kits shortages.

Laboratory tests have often been referred to the private sector because reagents are not available. Vaccines have been in short supply. This is just a short list of the litany of medicine and medical supplies horror story over the last five years.

All three ministers – George Norton, Karen Cummings and Volda Lawrence – forced to acknowledge procurement and distribution disasters, promised to fix the problem. As elections loom, there are major shortages in the sector. What makes the shortages annoying is that APNU/AFC spent more than $36.7B in the last five

years, compared to $36.4B the PPP spent in 23 years in government.

APNU/AFC ‘s track record of squandering taxpayers’ money has no better example of squandermania than the procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and medical supplies. One of the most corrupt deals in the last five years was the drug bond scandal which started under the then Ministers, George Norton and Karen Cummings, and continued under Volda Lawrence.

An old house on Sussex Street was rented for $12.5M but was actually $15M per month because the government paid for security, air conditioning, electricity, water and VAT on behalf of the client. They expended more than $400M on this so-called drug bond and throughout the whole period, all that was stored there were expired condoms and an old CT machine.

APNU/AFC granted a number of contracts that flouted all the laws of Guyana.

There is the example of an emergency order for $605 M for medicines which Guyana had procured before 2015 at a cost of about $200M and which at the International Reference Price Index at the time of the $605M procurement was $191M. As examples, GPHC paid $6,880 for Aciclovir injection when the average price was $614, and $1,175 for Cefotaxime injection, when the average price was $125, paying ten times more. Why did the government pay ten-times more for emergency supply that then arrived more than six months after?

Right at this moment, the Regions are playing “follow-the-leader”. These regions are violating tender

laws and have been procuring medicines for between 20 and 100 times the actual cost.

There is a medicine, for example, that one can buy at the private pharmacy at a cost of $13 per pill; the Region 6 health department paid more than $300 per pill. In the auditor general’s latest report, he has documented examples after examples of overpayment for medicines.

Violation of the tendering laws, over-priced medicines and medical supplies explain why Guyana has spent five times what it used to spend on medicines and medical supplies, but receive less. In addition to the sordid procurement of medicines, a system that raises suspicion of rampant corruption, there is the total mismanagement of the warehousing of medicines and medical supplies and the collapse of the distribution system.

The international standards established at one of CARICOM’s largest medical supplies warehouse, the one located at Diamond, built by the PPP, has collapsed. The development of a full-scale dedicated GPHC warehouse which started under my term as Minister and which gradually evolved came to a halt in 2015. The money spent on the Sussex Street drug bond could have catapulted the development of the GPHC warehouse. The New Amsterdam Medical Bond has essentially collapsed. None of the other Regional Medical Storage facilities has benefitted from any investment. So where is the money, $36.7B? Something smells and it stinks all the way to Timbuktu. Yet not a word in their manifesto.

Regards, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reduction and placement of polling places

“GECOM displaces voters to create confusion on Election Day” – PPP/C T he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is deeply disturbed by the recent decisions of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to reduce the number of polling places, especially in PPP strongholds.

See full statement below…

We consider this latest development as yet another attempt by GECOM to frustrate voters, suppress and hinder voting and create possible confusion on Elections Day. The Party belatedly received the revised list of polling stations on Monday 17th February 2020, after its Elections Agent Zulficar Mustapha wrote to the Chief Elections Officer requesting same. Upon receipt, the Party made a number of objections and proposals and also met with Keith Lowenfield to express our concerns and to explain

in great details the unnecessary hardships which these decisions will cause.

At this meeting, a commitment was given by Lowenfield to consider our proposals with a view to make the necessary adjustments. To our utter disappointment all, except one of our proposals, were rejected by the GECOM without any proper reason or explanation.

GECOM proposes to use 2339 polling stations in 2020, a mere increase of forty Polling stations, in comparison to the 2299 polling stations used in 2015, even though there is a significant increase of almost 90,000 electors in 2020 when compared to 2015. We consider this to be an undue fetter imposed upon the rights of the Guyanese voters to exercise their franchise freely and it constitutes a hindrance to the expression of the Guyanese electorate to exercise their democratic

right to vote in a comfortable manner and in an accommodating environment.

Further, the decision to discontinue the use of private residences is being applied discriminatorily and not fairly by GECOM, since there are many private residences being used in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara as polling stations. However, in areas such as: 1) Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, with almost 7000 electorates, GECOM has reduced the number of polling places from ten to two, eliminating completely all private residences, while cramping all the polling stations into two schools situated at the same location – this will definitely result in confusion, frustration and will keep voters in lines for several hours. In addition, voters would have to travel miles to arrive at these polling places.

2) Lusignan, East Coast

Demerara, one polling place is located at the Lusignan Prisons, located over a mile in the deserted backlands from where the closest voter resides.

3) Annandale, East Coast Demerara, again no private residences are used and the entire community would have to vote at three schools, adjacent to each other, at the northern end of the village.

4) Chesney Village, Region 6, residents will have to traverse over two miles to the polling station instead of voting in their own community as was the case in previous elections.

Yet there is a public building in Chesney Village but the place where they now have to vote, two miles away, is a private residence. This simply does not make sense.

5) The decision to use tents on the Railway Embankment at Foulis, East Coast Demerara is

preposterous, since it will lead to traffic congestion and can excite security concerns.

6) There is no polling place in La Grange, a very populated community and the residents are expected to vote in the neighbouring village Bagotville, which is known to be an APNU stronghold.

The above is not an exhaustive list but amounts to sufficient evidence for the Party to conclude that there may be a deliberate strategy

by GECOM to displace voters and create confusion on Election Day. Additionally, the GECOM website is misleading voters with regards to their polling stations.

Residents of Felicity, East Coast Demerara, are now informed via the GECOM’s website that they are voting at MMC Parking Lot (Tent).

This polling station is not on the list of polling places that were given to the PPP, it was never iden-

tified to be a polling station.

The Party is concerned because this is just one such case that was brought to our attention but there could be many more such instances which will create chaos and confusion.

We call upon GECOM to eschew its current posture and to adopt one which facilitates and encourages smooth and peaceful voting by the electorate in an environment that is safe and comfortable. We take this opportunity to call on the technical advisors from the Commonwealth, IRI and Canada, all the election observer teams in Guyana, the diplomatic community and civil society organisations to note our concerns and to join us in our efforts to ensure that the Guyanese electorate gets a free and fair opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote on March 2, 2020.

APNU spent $36B on drugs and we still have shortages Dear Editor, This is no joke when I tell you that APNU spent $36.4 billion dollars on drugs and medical supplies over the last five years. To put this into perspective, the PPP/C spent $36.7 billion from 1992 to 2014 and we managed a better supply chain while APNU has broken the system in procurement to storage and distribution. To make matters worse we have severe shortages on basic medicines and supplies such as diabetic, malaria and hypertension drugs.

Further comparison shows that PPP/C spent an average of $4.7 billion per year on drugs from 2012

to 2014 while APNU spent an average of $8.2 billion from 2017 to 2019. That is an increase of 43% that then correspond with an increase in shortages. How can this be? APNU must give answers.

In two short weeks, I received multiple complaints of patients forced to purchase medicines that they are normally used to getting when the PPP/C was in government. This then begs the big question, how is it that APNU spent over five times more than the PPP/C on drugs and still have chronic shortages and broke the supply chain at the same time? To answer this question, we must look

at the evidence that the AG report brought to light a few weeks ago.

The AG report showed that APNU paid $306 million for drugs and supplies from 2015 to 2017 and have not received the items as of the end of 2019. This means companies got free money to invest for themselves. The Government seems to be illegally financing companies by giving away taxpayers’ money interest-free. Therefore, it would be fair to ask what APNU’s motivation for breaking our financial laws is.

We must also understand that APNU does not show much care for the average Guyanese as you can

see through their actions. They lack the ability to assess the impact of their decisions. At a minimum we expect a Government to make decisions that understand the wider impact on the nation. Therefore, when the decision to victimise the established suppliers of medicines in favour of unqualified shell companies, they caused us all to suffer from that.

APNU has always operated from a position of self-interest that caters to a small group of Guyanese consisting of business, friends and close allies. However, they preach a different message to the people of Guyana. This strategy has shown

their ability to be heartless towards their fellow Guyanese.

The PPP/C have a proven track record to manage a better drug supply chain system more efficiently with the Guyanese people in mind. We are a socially driven party that makes decisions for the people and by the people.

Come March 2, we will rebuild our healthcare systems and ensure drugs and supplies are 100% available in all health facilities nationwide.

Regards, Malcolm Watkins

Why reduce the number of polling places when there will be more voters?

Dear Editor, The GECOM has decided to reduce the number of polling stations in certain areas of our country in what they would now flaunt as “security reasons”. They have decided that they will only use public buildings for places of poll, cutting out the use of private residences.

At face value, this reasoning sounds good, judging from the fact that public buildings and not private ones are for public use and this should eliminate the incidence of fraud or tampering of any kind. It also lends credence to the idea that all elections should be free, fair and transparent, so stop the use of private residences for voting, but are the foregoing factors the real reason?

I would, therefore, ask the question whether this is the real agenda of GECOM. Is this the motive of the commission, that is, to conduct a free, fair and transparent system of election on March 2nd and the answer comes back with a resounding no!

It cannot be that this is their real motive, for the simple fact that this election will see a massive turnout of voters and a massive turnout of voters means that there should have been an increase rather than a decrease in the number of polling areas. Common sense dictates that on an anticipated increase at least there should have been an enhancement of that which exist, rather than a reduction.

This tells anyone, even if you had half a brain, that GECOM is on a course to disenfranchise voters or cause massive confusion on Election Day. This hideous decision by GECOM to arbitrarily reduce the number of polling stations bears all the hallmark of a commission that is conjoined with a desperate government to disenfranchise voters of The Opposition. The plan is as clear as the noonday sun.

So, this is the situation that confronts us: 1. Persons are going to turn up at their usual places

of poll only to find that their names are not on the polling register there.

2. The old and physically challenged persons would have the most nightmarish of experiences come voting day.

3. In the rush to find polling places many would become disillusioned and afraid and decide to call it a day 4. There would be no extension to the polling hours after the royal runaround to locate the place to cast your ballot, hence a large number of persons would be left out of the voting process.

5. Riverain and other far-flung interior communities who have to travel long distances (some of these taking an entire day) to get to their usual places of poll would be turned away and told to go someplace else.

Those persons will find it difficult to do so hence missing their God-given opportunity to vote.

6. The Government controlled GECOM would

have fulfilled its agenda in siphoning off a huge chunk of Opposition voters while, as it were, strengthening those in the incumbent’s strongholds.

7. Thus, the hidden agenda of engineering a socalled close election would have been achieved, which means that the Granger Government remains in office.

As common-sense dictates that those persons fired by The PNC Controlled Government would not, and I repeat, would not vote for them so it is that with a massive turnout of voters a reduction of polling places will spell doom for the electors on election day. It is also clear that with the reduction of polling stations means that many will be disenfranchised. I call on The International Community to so intervene and stop this violation of our constitutional right to vote.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Page

Foundation

By Kathy McCoy, PhD

be the first to speak up, reach out and express your desire to build new closeness.

Respect each other’s differences. Even though you grew up in the same family, you and your siblings may be very different people.

And you may have quite different perspectives of those childhood years. Instead of arguing about which one is correct, it’s important to understand that each one is correct. No one has quite the same experience — whether it’s in relationships with parents and other family members, or experiences in school or in the passage of adolescence.

You and a sibling may have very different ways of viewing the world, relating to others, handling money or raising children.

Instead of judging, imagine life as they have seen and experienced it and find ways to admire them whatever their challenges may have been.

Respecting each other’s differences in experience and perspective can go a long way toward forging stronger sibling bonds.

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

I

n adulthood, sibling relationships can be close and loving, pleasant but distant, or troubled. Adult sibling issues can take many forms, with rivalries and resentments carried from childhood forward.

My friend Lisa has been estranged for years from her older sister Dee whom she feels has always been bossy and judgmental, always making comparisons, with Lisa coming out the loser. Even though both are currently battling cancer, silence prevails. “I can’t imagine us having a good conversation,” Lisa insists. “Unless, of course, she changes.”

A client who I’ll call Denise limits contact with her two older brothers because she finds herself regressing when she gets together with her sibs. “The teasing, which started when I was little, is just relentless,” she says. “I feel sucked back into my less than ideal childhood when we get together. They treat me like they always did – like a pesky little sister they’d rather not be with.”

My neighbour Don hasn’t seen his only brother in decades.

“We tolerated each other growing up, helped by an eight-year age difference that made our daily worlds quite separate,” he says. “But once we were grown up and that age difference didn’t matter so much, I realised that I really didn’t like him much as a human being.

I suspect that he feels the same way about me.”

Indeed, there are some sibling relationships that are beyond repair. Sometimes there does need to be distance – temporary or permanent – between siblings who can’t agree or when one or the other is abusive and unmotivated to change.

Other sibling relationships, however, are – or could be – loving and supportive.

Forget the old roles and patterns of childhood. That was then. This is now. Being the eldest doesn’t entitle one to be bossy or judgmental or prescriptive with younger siblings. Being the youngest doesn’t mean that shirking responsibility is okay. You’re all adults and there are moments when you need to come together with love and commitment and maturity to handle serious family matters, such as aging parents or estates that need to be settled.

These family crises are prime fodder for fights over which sibling does what or which one doesn’t step up to the plate, who is more entitled, most supportive, least responsible. In so many of these scenarios, the subtext behind the family drama remains much the same as it was in the early years: someone was loved most, someone felt left out, someone did much without praise, someone was lauded just for being.

The challenge is to find an emotional path past the old hurts to a new understanding — that we all handle crises and grief in our own ways, that people do the best they can at the time, even if it feels woefully inadequate to others, that everyone wants to feel cherished. Reaching out to siblings, in times of calm as well as crisis, with love and understanding can help to begin to heal some of those old wounds.

Be the first to reach out. This may mean being the first to apologise (even if you feel your sibling should be the one to

apologise first!) It may mean being the first to say “I would like us to be closer.”

We have no control over whether or when a sibling will reach out to us or change his or her behaviour. So, rather than waiting until a sibling changes – as my friend Lisa hopes that her judgmental, bossy older sister will – try initiating change in your own way and your own time.

This can mean reacting to old behaviour patterns in a new way, like refusing to react with outrage to teasing or revisiting and rehashing old arguments that lead to nothing but heartbreak. It can mean calling a truce, agreeing to disagree, letting go of old hurts.

It can mean expressing a need for closeness and connection. Or it can mean overlooking the sibling trait that has led, in the past, to arguments and hurt feelings. It can mean speaking up for yourself or laughing along with stories of your childhood foibles or changing your way of being with your family of origin.

My husband Bob grew up in a family that was loving, but a bit distant and non-demonstrative. When he was 30 and in therapy for the first time, he realised his need to express his love in more physical ways. That Christmas, he stunned his family by greeting them with warm hugs and expressions of love. As he looked around, his entire family, even his brother – who often kept others at a distance with barbed humour – was smiling through tears. From then on, hugs and kisses added warmth to each family gathering.

So in looking to change the dynamics of a sibling relationship,

T

he people who live in communities are usually the best source of information about these communities.

Making a community guide is a great way to share your community.

Here are some tips to make your own community guide.

Make a master list From your favourite ice cream shop to your favourite bookstore, your favourite houses or architectural buildings... list everything out.

No need for organisation. The first step is always to make a master list of your absolute favourites.!

Section it by unique categories Think like a stranger in your community. What are some unique experiences they should have while they explore? Some ideas might be: The sweet tooth: a list of all your favourite ice cream shops, sweet shops, coffee spots and more An Instagrammer’s Guide: a list of your most “instagrammable” spots The bookworm: a list of bookstores, libraries and cafes perfect for writing/reading Shop small: a list of familyowned shops, restaurants and more Wanna workout: a list of gyms, great places to run, hiking trails and more Make a loose schedule for guests Another great idea is to create some schedules for your guests to loosely follow.

A Quiet Morning: a schedule of slow, peaceful

morning activities like your favourite coffeeshop, a visit to your library, a walk around your favourite couple of blocks An Afternoon Window Shopping: a schedule of shopping spots that are not to be missed, from kitchen knickknacks to shoes to women’s clothing and more E x p l o r i n g Neighbourhoods: choose your favourite neighbourhood (or even a couple blocks of your town) and make a loose schedule of must-dos in the area A Historical Afternoon: a schedule of your town’s most historical finds Be choosy with your images When deciding which photos to include... be picky!

Be sure to take the time to capture photos that truly emulate the mood/feel of your town.

Collage your favourite images, choose the best images to print on a full, empty page and have fun with it!

Show the love What you love most about your community? It’s a hard question, but it brings the best answers. Write down a paragraph or two explaining your love for your town. By including a simple closing thought or two about your community, you will show your love and totally inspire others to discover the best of what’s around!

More than anything, making a community guide is a great exercise in appreciation. (roamandgolightly.com)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Carter Center urges politicians to stay away from provocative speech ꟷ says election preparations on track

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nited States-based Carter Center is calling on local political leaders and other party members to stray away from using provocative speech during public engagements, especially at rallies and meetings.

The Center issued a statement on Thursday outlining its assessment of Guyana’s preparations for the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

In the missive, the Carter Center expressed concerns over the elevation of rhetoric on the campaign trail, including the use of language which it said some have alleged is inflammatory.

“It is the Center’s hope that the upcoming election will be peaceful, inclusive, and credible… The Center encourages political parties and candidates to refrain from the use of provocative speech to help guarantee a peaceful polling process,” the statement detailed.

In fact, the Carter Center noted that the recent introduction of a code of conduct by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was a welcome initiative and one that drew on the existing legal obligations of parties to comply with the Representation of the People Act and the Racial Hostility Act. The code calls on all parties to refrain from using any words or engaging in actions that might stoke tension or be offensive.

The Center commended all 11 of the political parties contesting the election for committed to abide by the code at a signing ceremony last week.

According to the missive, the freedoms of opinion and expression, of association and assembly, are essential elements of political participation rights, which are protected when candidates and supporters are free to cam-

paign without hindrance.

Having observed 23 rallies and meetings in various regions, the Center noted that campaigning has largely been peaceful during this sensitive period, with strong participation by women and youth.

However, the Center’s observers have reported that they have heard of isolated incidents of harassment of supporters of both the ruling APNU/AFC coalition and the Opposition PPP/C, as well as of destruction of campaign posters.

The Carter Center’s missive was acknowledged by

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during his weekly press conference on Thursday. But he noted that it failed to highlight other critical issues such as the unfair use of state resources for campaigning.

“We all recognise the partisan role played by NCN (National Communication Network) and the government radio stations, and Chronicle [Newspaper] and DPI (Department of Public Information).

These are all tools of APNU. Now they’re funded to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money but their programmes have no balance, their articles have no balance and they just blatantly, openly pedal the APNU’s propaganda,” he contended.

According to Jagdeo, observer groups in most countries around the world will comment on this since their remit is free and fair elections.

“I would hope that the observers would also comment on this because this is part of their remit. I have led observer groups too before and part of our remit was to look at the state resources and how they were being used,” the former Head of State noted.

The Center deployed a team of four electoral experts (the core team) in early January. Six long-term observers (LTOs) arrived in Georgetown in mid-January and were briefed before deploying to the various re-

gions of the country.

The LTOs, in teams of two, have visited, and continue to visit, all of Guyana’s 10 regions. Both the core team and the LTOs are observing electoral preparations, following the electoral campaign, and engaging with stakeholders – including electoral authorities, government officials, political parties, civil society, and the media, among others.

The statement on Thursday says “So far, The Carter Center notes that electoral preparations are on track and adhering to the established timetable, both in Georgetown and in the regions.”

The Center is encouraging eligible voters to exer-

cise their right to vote and to contribute to the consolidation of sustainable democratic institutions. It also calls on all political leaders to work together to ensure full respect for the electoral process, in which all eligible voters – no matter their ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or other facets of their identity – are able to express their preference for the country’s future.

“The Center encourages all parties to act in a responsible manner during and after the announcement of the results,” the missive detailed.

However, the periodic assessment also highlighted issues such as tabulation and constitutional reform.

The US organisation is calling on the Guyana Elections Commission to widely distribute its tabulation Procedures so that stakeholders can better understand the process.

It also encourages local leaders to commit to completing constitutional reform in a time-bound period well before the next general elections.

“The Center hopes that Guyana can set a global example of inclusive democratic governance, renewed commitments to fighting corruption, and efforts to ensure that all citizens benefit from what promises to be a bright future,” it noted, recognising Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

Vote for party...

Jagdeo further reminded Police Officers that it was this coalition that halted promotions in 2017 and politicised the system with the appointment of Paul Slowe as the Head of the Police Service Commission (PSC) – the body responsible for promotions of senior ranks in the Guyana Police Force.

The PPP General Secretary added too that the incumbent Administration had initially removed retirement benefits for army members who retired early after serving a number of years.

He noted that it was only reintroduced after the intervention by the PPP. According to Jagdeo, the ranks need to think carefully when casting their votes today.

As customary during any

elections, members of the Disciplined Services are required to cast their votes ahead of the polling day so that they are available for posting at the various polling stations and other strategic locations as required by law without disenfranchising them.

Ballot papers and statement of polls for the upcoming General and Regional Elections arrived in Guyana from Canada on February 7, and a total of 10,226 ballots were extracted for members of the disciplined services.

Those qualified to vote today include 6702 ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 3036 from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and 488 from the Guyana Prisons Service (GPS).

Of the total ranks from

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the entire Disciplined Services, there are 47 from Region One (BarimaWaini), 282 from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 1482 from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 5324 from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 976 from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 1328 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 61 from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), 17 from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 29 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and 680 from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

A total of 86 polling stations have been identified at various locations in all the regions for today’s D-Day voting.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Prosecution files statements in Bisram murder trial

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he prosecution in the Marcus Bisram Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on Thursday filed statements, but the defence has objected to some, stating that the persons listed could not appear for the prosecution.

The prosecution, led

by Attorney-at-Law Stacy Goodings, submitted statements for 39 witnesses. Also submitted as evidence were photographs and videos.

However, defence counsel Sanjeev Datadin objected to some of the statements. Those statements include those from the five persons who were initially charged along with Bisram for the murder of Fayaz Narinedatt of Number 70 Village, Corentyne. The five are Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob.

According to the defence, the evidence of the co-accused is not admissible as the statements were taken while the men were being interrogated for the murder.

“Basically, the Police was trying to get them to incriminate each other,” Attorney Datadin and as such, he asked that the statements which do not relate to the charge be excluded.

Bisram, Datadin reminded, was charged with procuring. He further said that the prosecution was also trying to get the caution statements taken from the five men ten-

Murder accused Marcus Bisram at the court on Thursday

dered as evidence.

“There is no possibility of the State relying on the five to build its case…They are still to be tried in the High Court. How can the State get compellability?”

He argued that the Constitution gives one the right to remain silent.

Datadin told the court that the five men were not asked whether or not they wanted to offer evidence against Bisram in the matter.

However, Goodings pointed out that it was the duty of the prosecution to present all of the evidence in its possession.

She noted that when Chaman Chunilall took the witness stand last week and gave his evidence, he made mention of the five men who were currently awaiting trial in the High Court.

Goodings noted that one of the Police witnesses was out of the jurisdiction and

requested one week to report on whether they would be available to testify in person.

But Datadin objected to the prosecution being allowed to use any of the five Police witnesses.

He reiterated that “The statement of the five are not relevant. Hence, the carefully worded statements by the

Police are also irrelevant as well as the other statements about the five accused.”

After listening to the arguments put forward by the defence, Magistrate Renita Singh asked Goodings whether the State was going to withdraw all evidence related to the five men, but she indicated that she has to seek advice on the matter. The matter was adjourned for one week.

The trial continues on Thursday, February 27 at the Whim Magistrate Court.

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

His death was initially reported as a suspected hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram made sexual advances to Narinedatt, who objected.

Mother of 2 gets bail on cocaine trafficking charge

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mother of two was on Thursday released on bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a cocaine trafficking charge.

Thirty-three-yearold Claudia Hussain of Waterfront, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD),

Claudia Hussain

Region One (Barima-Waini) appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge when it was read to her.

Particulars of the charge stated that on February 18, 2020 at Waterfront, Port Kaituma, she had 3.2 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney-at-Law Tameka Clarke, who represented Hussain, asked the court to release her client on reasonable bail.

Clarke told the court that the alleged drug was not found in her client’s yard.

However, the Police Prosecutor told the court that on the day in question, upon seeing the ranks, the woman threw a bottle through a window. The bottle was later retrieved and the suspected cocaine was found inside.

The Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the woman on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge and the penalty it attracts.

Chief Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, released the woman on $70,000 bail and ordered her to report to the Port Kaituma Police Station every Friday until the hearing and determination of the matter.

The case was adjourned to May 7, 2020, at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Voting…

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…and the Disciplined Services oday, our Disciplined Forces go to the polls. We were informed that this year, there are 10,226 members eligible to vote. In the 2018 Local Government Elections – the last elections held – we were informed that 7918 members were eligible. So this means in the intervening less than a year and a half, the Disciplined Forces were increased by 2308!! That’s some heavy recruitment!! Unfortunately, there’s no breakdown in the numbers from the different Services this year to get an idea where the bulk of that 2308 members ended up.

But in 2018, according to the GECOM PRO, the Police contributed more than half of the 7918 with 4693 members, the GDF with 2773, and 451 Prison Officers. We’d always been told that the Police were never up to their authorised strength of 3500 – which rather confusingly in 2014 the official Guyana Police Force Report showed a roster of 3353 personnel. By 2018, they were way past this figure if GECOM numbers can be trusted. So they couldn’t have contributed to that increase of 2308, could they??

Well, maybe 700 at max, cause as of July 2018, according to the Government, 1608 persons had been recruited into the resuscitated Peoples Militia – interestingly, the most in the Regions, being from Reg 6!! But the LGE had been conducted in November, long after the peoples’ Militia figures had been announced.

So, was it that since they’re not in active service and were already in their homes and districts, they didn’t have to vote separately? And they’ve they been mobilised for elections duty this go-around on March 2, and as such have to vote along with the rest of the Disciplined Forces?? But with all the concerns raised about Security at the Places of Poll, shouldn’t the government have announced this deployment?? We hope the powers-that-be will clear up the discrepancy since it means for sure there’s no need for a “nightshift”!!!!

Because we tend to forget by looking at only the uniforms of the men and women in those forces their voting reminds us they’re just like the rest of us. They may be trained in particular skills to perform specific jobs – focused on protecting the country and the rest of us from external and internal threats – but they have fears and concerns like the rest of us.

And some of those fears and concerns also have to do with the political choices that face us as we make our choice as to which party will form the next government.

It used to be that their votes were counted separately and announced…but no more.

It confirmed, however, that like the rest of their compatriots, they voted ethnically!! …with their placards The PNC Government’s gone on a full-court press to convince the nation that they fired the 7000 sugar workers by closing 4 estates, for “their own good”!! They had to be sacrificed for the survival of the still employed 10,000: Bentham’s utilitarian principle at work and all that!! But it doesn’t look like the “sacrifice” has benefitted those 10,000. First of all, sugar production keeps plummeting and yet the Government just keeps making unrealistic production projections, while holding wages stagnant!!

Unfortunately, the proof of the production is…erm… in the production!! And with this keep heading south, the remaining 10,000 are understandably sceptical of being around for the promised “turnaround”!! Their union has finally realised they must take some action against the Government and GuySuCo which just keeps saying “manana”!! So the workers at two of the estates are out on strike and have thrown the risible 5% wage “rise” back in management’s face!

Might as well, go down with some dignity!! …and pumping oil The environmentalist-who-is-in-charge-of-petroleumproduction just announced that, for the entire 2020, Guyana will get 5M barrels of oil. Meaning at @US$55pb ,we’ll collect $275M. He didn’t say how much the oil companies will get, thanks to the generosity (?) of Raphael Trotman!!

Nassau on my mind!!

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

9 GAWU protests “inability” of Labour Dept to address concerns NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Thursday protested the Social Ministry’s Labour Department for its inability to address concerns raised.

General Secretary of the Union, Seepaul Narine, who

was at the picket line on Brickdam, Georgetown, explained that more than a dozen concerns that were raised over a two-year period are yet to be addressed by the Ministry while noting it has been quite frustrating.

He noted that these matters are pertinent not only to several persons who are directly affected but also other workers who are still employed at the aggrieved companies.

However, despite repeated attempts by the GAWU to solicit the timely intervention of the Labour Department, to date, everything remains at a standstill.

“We have had those matters and we have continued to write letters after letters.

We have been speaking to the Chief Labour Officer on many occasions and he has complained that he doesn’t have staff, and he cannot get people to address it, and he has

Welder arraigned for illegal gun, ammo

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welder who was allegedly found with an illegal firearm and matching ammunition at the check-in counter at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was granted bail by Magistrate Rushel Liverpool on Thursday.

Terrence Baker, 32, of 3715 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court to answer to the firearm and ammunition offences.

The first charge stated that on February 17, 2020, at the Trans Guyana check-in counter at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, he had in his possession one .32 pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The second charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, he had in his possession two rounds of .32 ammunition, without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Baker pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, who, in a bail application, told the court that his client was the sole breadwinner for his family.

However, the Police Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds of the seriousness of the offences and the penalty they attract.

Baker was released on $300,000 bail, and the matter was adjourned until March 13, 2020.

asked his officers to address the matters. But I think we are tired now and the workers are frustrated and you know, people must do the jobs that they are being paid for.”

Narine reminded that in collective agreements between companies and the Union, once a breakdown occurs then the next process is that of conciliation. This process is facilitated by law but the Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department continues to neglect to handle those matters, he noted.

“This is disturbing because they are rendering the collective agreement useless.

If we were to go and strike at these places, they will say look we are not going through the procedure, the Ministry is not finished with the matters.

So, we wrote the Minister,

Some of the protesters peacefully picketing the Labour Department of the Social Protection Ministry on Thursday for delayed action in labour disputes

the Minister responsible for Social Protection (Amna Ally) and we have not had any reply so this is most disturbing and we are calling on them to stop sleeping, wake up, get up and deal with the matters you have an obligation to.”

According to the GAWU General Secretary, the outstanding matters range from dismissals of staff to violation of agreements between employees and their companies.

Almost six weeks have passed since the Union has written to Social Protection Minister Amna Ali seeking speedy intervention but to date, no response from the Minister has been solicited.

“Some of them might be related to one person if it is a dismissal but even though it is one person, others are looking on. Then some of it, even if it might be related to two or three persons it had prin-

ciples that goes with it so it could be quite a number of people that are being affected. It is justice being delayed and justice being denied, there is no social protection and that is what this ministry ought to do,” he added.

In the recent past, several other workers’ unions would have criticised the Labour Department of its inability to address issues brought to its attention.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt continues to splurge lands to private investors …nothing for sacked sugar workers

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hile retrenched sugar workers are still on the breadline awaiting lands to re-establish their lost livelihood, Government has continued to release these assets to private investors.

On Thursday, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) announced the opening of some 200 acres of lands once used by the Wales Estate to Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated for the development of a cold storage unit and agro-industrial park.

Since the closure of the estate some three years ago, private stakeholders have scooped up hundreds of acres of prime land without any opportunity for those who served under the sugar belt.

During the engagement, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Edmon Braithwaite, detailed some of the plans under consider-

ation, through collaboration with local and foreign stakeholders. They are primarily looking to process and ship

Marketing Enterprises Inc (CMEI), Mike Elliot also said, “It is our vision to create an industrial park that will have

The closed Wales Estate

local produce out of the country.

“The engagement was about a cold storage facility and agro-processing unit. It then evolved into an industrial park that encompasses everything. We have some models that we’re looking at,” he said.

Executive of Caribbean

the cold storage and food processing components and then work with locals and international companies.”

Business Development

Officer at NICIL, Rachael Henry stated that leases were granted to a few farmers to have them integrated into the operations. However, the investment solely belongs to CMEI. “It’s their investment…

They have had discussions about the distribution of end products from Guyana…The investors are coming with the cold storage and NICIL wants to partner with the private sector with grant funding agencies with respect to having the agro-processing centre,” she indicated.

While these lands are being used up for other investments, the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition is still making promises to the fired workers that lands

will be granted should they win the elections. It is a promise which was made in the past but the Administration never kept its word.

In their manifesto launch, the coalition mentioned the creation of a State Land Resettlement Commission to “enable former sugar workers to access land for housing and agriculture”.

This comes on the heels of the fact that large fractions of properties from the estates have already been portioned off to private investors, while former workers in the estates are still in the waiting line with only hopes of regaining a stable livelihood.

Given the track record of Government to open these lands, even the Guyana Agricultural and General

Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Inc CEO Edmon Braithwaite

Workers Union (GAWU) had referred to the offer as an “electioneering gimmick” when it was announced on the campaign trail a few weeks ago.

TURN TO PAGE 16

12 NEWS Sir Shridath Ramphal calls for unity ahead of elections, Guyana-Venezuela border case hearing W FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ith the upcoming General and Regional Elections and the hearing of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case, longstanding statesman Sri Shridath Ramphal has called for unity to prevail.

He was at the time speaking at the commissioning ceremony of a new building under the Foreign Affairs Ministry, titled Ramphal House.

Shortly after the electoral season is over, the

International Court of Justice (ICJ) will commence public hearings on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case.

With the possibility of tensions rising during the polls, he reminded that while there will be a greater magnitude of observation from the international community. As such, is need to practice what is emblazoned in the national motto.

“The eyes and ears of the global community will

Sir Shridath Ramphal

be upon us in a few weeks’ time. The closing days of a national election and the immediate days after when it pronounces its democratic decision, those days are fractious ones in any democracy and Guyana is not immune from this but we do have a greater need than usual to demonstrate to the world that our national motto does describe us,” he expressed.

Ramphal, who is one of the legal minds on Guyana’s team throughout the case, further contended that Venezuela’s claims of twothirds of Guyana’s territory are simply ‘baseless’. During this trial, it was highlighted that Guyanese should mobilise themselves in a unified way to ensure that the country gains justice.

“Guyana speaks to the world at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, speaks to the world in our efforts ever since the Republic breathe life to put an end to what we regard as a baseless claim…On this matter, all of Guyana will be united in our quest for justice,” he asserted.

Positing that Venezuela has no grounds to claim Guyana’s land and maritime zones, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth appealed, “The proceedings on the 23rd of March in The Hague will be about that destiny. It is my plea to all our fellow Guyanese that between now and then, we do nothing to impair that destiny”.

The claim, centred in the Essequibo region, is rich in resources that have driven some key economic sectors in Guyana over the years.

On March 29, 2018, Guyana filed an application requesting the ICJ to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding its boundary with Venezuela.

Giving an insight into Venezuela’s challenge of Guyana’s sovereign lands, he shared that it was a vulnerable time for the country when much was at stake.

Moreover, it was a time when the value of foreign affairs and support from other nations were highly valued.

“That challenge from Venezuela was in fact to be the making of Guyana.

As we saw it, our very existence was on the line. We needed the international community. We needed their understanding, their support. Foreign Affairs for the young Guyanese diplomats was not about getting to know you and cocktail parties. We had to find our feet quickly. We had to win friends and above all, we had to earn respect,” the former Foreign Affairs Minister recalled.

Venezuela did not sub-

mit a response signalling their participation in the proceedings. The hearings will be held at The Hague in the Netherlands.

In June 2018, the Venezuelan Government issued an official statement outlining its decision not to participate in the United Nations Secretary Generalchosen procedure regarding its claim over the Essequibo region.

This announcement followed several months after the decision was made by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to refer the matter to the ICJ as a means of resolving the ongoing controversy.

According to Guyana’s application to the World Court, for more than 60 years, Venezuela had consistently recognised and respected the validity of the binding force of the 1899 Award and the 1905 Map agreed by both sides in furtherance of the Award.

“Venezuela had only changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the independence of British Guiana and had threatened not to recognise the new State, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and cede to Venezuela all of the territories west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some two-thirds of Guyana’s territory,” Guyana submitted in its application to the World Court.

The court document further noted that while Venezuela has never produced any evidence to justify its belated repudiation of the 1899 Award, the neighbouring country has used it as an excuse to occupy territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development, and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.

In filing the application, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who will serve as Guyana’s agent in the proceedings before the ICJ, said: “… Guyana has respected the Secretary-General’s decision and placed its faith in the International Court of Justice to resolve the controversy in accordance with its statue and jurisprudence, based on the fundamental principles of international law, including the sanctity of treaties, the maintenance of settled boundaries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.”

The UN SecretaryGeneral’s authority to choose the ICJ as the means for resolving the controversy is rooted in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, negotiated just before Guyana attained independence.

NEWS

Cuban national shot dead on way to work A

n employee attached to the Rossignol Butchery, Church Street, Georgetown, was on Thursday morning shot dead on his way to work by two men on a motorcycle.

Dead is 34-year-old Otredis Duarte Gonzales, a Cuban national, of Lot 321 East Street, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, Golsalves was shot about 06:44h along Cummings Street between Middle and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, by the men – one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Reports are on the day in question, Gonzales left his home about 06:30h and was heading towards his workplace when the duo on a red and white “XR” motorcycle approached him.

The duo allegedly stopped in front of Gonzales and a confrontation ensued between the now dead man and the pillion rider.

However, during the argument, the suspect whipped out a handgun and shot Gonsalves thrice about his body after which they fled the scene.

Police later confirmed that he was shot to his right

wrist, upper chest, and under his chin.

Public-spirited persons ran to the aid of the injured man, and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police have launched an investigation into the fatal shooting.

No arrests have been made.

Revised Cummingsburg Accord does not specify “AFC’s Ministries” – admits Ramjattan

...Accord's details still embargoed

AFC Leader and Prime Ministerial Candidate Khemraj Ramjattan

D

espite signing onto a revised Cummingsburg Accord with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on December 24, 2019, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is still unsure of what Government Ministries it will have control of if the coalition remains in office after the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

While the details of the agreement inked in December have still not been released to the public, there will be a major shake-up of current AFC Ministers.

AFC Leader and Prime Ministerial Candidate Khemraj Ramjattan, who is also Public Security Minister, on Thursday during a press conference admitted that he was unsure whether his Ministry would be retained by the AFC. In fact, he stated that to date, no decision has been made as to which

Ministries the AFC would control although the revised Cummingsburg Accord was inked almost three months ago.

“The portfolio of the Ministries will be decided by the President and myself in consultation after the March 2nd victory. It is five Ministries that the AFC will get. But it will be decided by myself and the President,” he said.

The number of positions being offered to the AFC, once this Administration remains in power, is less than it was given with the first Cummingsburg Accord signed between the party and APNU. Last year, the ministerial appointments aspect of the revised Accord was one of the main obstacles that prevented an earlier signing of the agreement. It was only on December 24, 2019 (Christmas Eve) that APNU and the AFC, after much deliberation and dis-

cussion, were able to ink the deal.

The hurdles occurred owing to the fact that both sides had agreed to a 70/30 split of Ministries to the APNU and the AFC respectively in the 2015 Accord, but were at a stalemate over that and the AFC’s push to retain four specific portfolios in the revised Accord.

Prior to the signing of the revised Cummingsburg Accord in December, there was much speculation in the public domain on whether the AFC would have been able to reclaim its previous Cummingsburg Accord concessions after its poor showing at the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Before the revised Cummingsburg Accord was signed, there was much back and forth between APNU and the AFC about the smaller party’s nomination of Ramjattan as the Prime Ministerial Candidate.

In October 2019, President David Granger had told reporters that Ramjattan had not been given the green light by APNU and the prime ministerial candidate would have been determined only after negotiations between the two parties.

“The APNU and the AFC are now discussing the Cummingsburg Accord of 2015 and this is one of the issues that will have to be discussed. But I cannot say now who I will be running with,” Granger had previously said.

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NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bartica Massacre 2008…

Govt ignored call for CoI into murders of 12 Bartica residents ꟷ several unanswered questions remain unanswered T welve years ago, on February 17, a massacre at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) claimed the lives of 12 people and to date, a number of questions by residents about those senseless killings remain unanswered.

This year, in remembrance of those who were murdered on that fateful night, a simple but significant ceremony was held by the Regional Town Council of Bartica along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Region Seven Division and the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Bartica.

Residents in the mining community turned out to pay tribute and gave their respect to the murdered 12, whose deaths still haunt their families and loved ones.

Stakeholders, along with villagers, laid several wreaths at the Monument of Hope, a structure built in memory of those killed on February 17, 2008.

Last year, Region Seven’s Chairman, Gordon Bradford, had issued a call for the APNU/AFC coalition government under the leadership of President David Granger to establish a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Bartica massacre.

“We need answers and that is the only way we can get closure. Despite the conviction of two persons (in 2017) for the crimes, we did not call on the President before because…it was being heard in the Court but now the matter has been concluded. The Government inquired into Lindo Creek massacre and some of those relatives were able to receive some closure, we at Bartica, we are left hanging and we don’t know why,” he had declared in front of a large crowd last year.

On that fateful and tragic day in 2008, a group of about 20 gunmen attacked the mining town of Bartica,

The Monument of Hope that was established in Bartica, Region Seven, in remembrance of the 12 persons that were murdered on February 17, 2008, by almost two dozen gunmen

However, to date, no such CoI has been established.

Bradford, during the ceremony, stated that the coalition government should have mounted an inquiry into “what really happened” on that night in his Region.

killing 12 residents and injuring several others.

The large group of murderers had arrived at Bartica by speedboat and had landed at the Transport and Harbours Wharf around 22:00h on February 17, that year.

Upon their arrival, the armed gunmen attacked the Bartica Police Station, where they killed Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constable Shane Fredericks and Constable Ron Osbornes.

After murdering the three Police Officers, the gang stole over $64,000 in cash, arms, ammunition and a vehicle from the Police station.

They used the stolen Police vehicle to drive through the streets of Bartica shooting at civilians, fatally wounding Irwin Gilkes.

The perpetrators then proceeded to CBR Mining, where they killed Irving Ferreira, stole arms and ammunition, and removed two safes containing cash and gold.

Next, they shot and killed Dexter Adrian before returning to the wharf.

While at the wharf, the gunmen executed Abdool Yassin Jr, Deonarine Singh, Errol Thomas, Ronald Gomes, Baldeo Singh and Ashraf Khan and then departed Bartica by boat after their one-hour rampage.

During June 2008, the Joint Services attacked a number of gang members at a camp near Christmas Falls, killing one and recovering weapons and ammunition. One month later, two alleged members of the Rawlins’ gang were killed by Police Officers near Aroiama after hijacking a bus travelling from Aroaima to Linden. Police

Officers recovered weapons, ammunition, literature and the personal property of slain Agriculture Minister Satydeow Sawh.

They also arrested a teenage member of the gang.

On August 28, 2008, Rondell Rawlins and another gang member, Jermaine Charles, were shot and killed by the security forces.

Rawlins and Charles were

killed after a seven-hour standoff, which left one other person dead.

During March 2011, five men were committed to stand trial for the murders at Bartica. One of the accused, Clebert Reece, implicated three of his fellow defendants, along with Rawlins and other dead gang members.

Dennis Williams, called

“Anaconda”, who was also a member of their gang, was convicted for possession of a mobile phone and attempting to escape.

Back in February 2017, Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie”, and Williams were sentenced to death after being convicted for seven of the 12 counts of murder at the Bartica Massacre.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Survivor of deadly crash Ramphal House recommissioned to house urges drivers to slow down Foreign Services Institute

Seventeen-year-old Parmanand Arjune

less way his now dead cousin was driving on their way home from a game of pools.

Even as he and his friend asked his cousin to slow down, he accelerated and eventually lost control of the vehicle.

Arjune’s cousin, Dhaniram Dhanraj was the driver at the time. After losing control of the vehicle, he attempted to regain control, but the vehicle veered off the road, crashed into a coconut tree, and immediately burst into flames.

Arjune, who worked in the rice industry, suffered third-degree burns and had been unable to work since.

The first three months following the accident, he experienced excruciating pain.

Now he is worried about drivers who take the wheel on a daily basis.

“They have to drive slowly, because when they drive fast, they can lose control,” he noted.

The mangled vehicle remains on the roadside eight

T

T

Newly-recommissioned Ramphal House

he Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday commissioned a building extension in honour of Sir Shridath Ramphal, which will contain Protocol and Consular Services and the Foreign Services Institute.

The building, called Ramphal House, is the third of three buildings now associated with the Ministry's function of establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations with foreign countries.

In 1983, the building was commissioned in the name of Sir Shridath, an exceptional diplomat who was once the Commonwealth Secretary General. Today, after renovation work, it was reopened in celebration of Guyana's Republic Day. According to Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, there was need for a separate building to

house Protocol Services.

"It was soon recognised that there was need to place the Protocol Section of the Ministry in a separate location...It was further decided to dedicate this building in honour of Sir Shridath Ramphal for his outstanding services to this nation, in particular for the development and evolution of its diplomacy," she indicated.

Sir Shridath, who was present at the commissioning, reflected on moments of his life during his service to Guyana. Reflecting on the country becoming a republic, he reminded of the challenges which ensued subsequently to establish diplomatic relations.

“We had a cause to pursue and because that cause was existential, we had to be effective on all fronts and our new ministry had to lead Guyana’s response. Over the years,

it did respond to the challenge, responded at the United Nations, in the Non-Aligned Movement, in the councils of the South, in the negotiations with the European Union, in the Commonwealth, in the anti-apartheid struggle, in ending the diplomatic embargo of Cuba.”

Meanwhile, President David Granger shared his expectations of the entity by saying, “There is no place for mediocrity in the Foreign Service. The institute will have to equip our young cadets in the art or craft and skills expected of the country’s diplomats.”

Sir Shridath has served in the capacity of Commonwealth Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Minister among other titles. The new extension comprises three floors and also houses a library.

he lone survivor of a fatal car accident that left two dead who is now confined to a wheelchair is calling on drivers to stop the speeding.

On June 20, 2019, along the Naarstigheid Public Road, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), the driver of a motor car lost control and slammed the vehicle into a tree after which it exploded. The driver and one of the two passengers were instantly killed.

To date, 17-year-old Parmanand Arjune of Bratania still cannot work, but remembers the reck-

Some of the scars on Arjune’s body

Arjune was saved from the inferno after he flung himself out of the vehicle as it toppled. The teenager cannot remember anything after the car crashed into the tree. He only remembers regaining consciousness at the hospital.

months after, with the owner saying that the Regional Democratic Council should remove it.

“Every time I pass, I look at the car and I remember everything. It is not too good,” Arjune told Guyana Times.

Miner wanted for 2017 murder nabbed in Bartica – confesses to killing welder

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23-year-old murder accused who was on the run from the Police for the past two years was arrested in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Wednesday evening.

The suspect, who was only identified by his alias “Meaty”, was wanted for the murder of Darnell Pompey, a welder on December 16, 2017.

The suspect has since confessed to the heinous crime by providing the Police with a caution statement. He was transported to Georgetown and handed over to ranks of the Sparendaam Police Station

The arrest, according to Police, was as a result of intelligence gathering.

Pompey, a 25-yearold Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident died on Christmas Day (December 25, 2017), more than one week after he was stabbed in his neck during an altercation with the suspect.

It was reported by residents in his village that “Meaty” was a member of a gang who had targeted Pompey before murdering the man.

Pompey had succumbed to his injuries on December 25, 2017 while receiving medical attention in the

Murdered: Darnell Pompey

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The now dead man never regained consciousness.

The suspect is expected to make his court appearance today.

Govt continues to...

FROM PAGE 11

The David Granger-led Administration had taken the unilateral decision after entering Government to close operations at four major estates in Guyana – Wales, Enmore, Skeldon and Rose Hall.

Over 7000 individuals would have lost their jobs, creating grave economic hardships in these communities. Many were hopeful for the lands over the past two years to supplement their lost income. But the incumbent Government failed to keep its word.

While Government had announced its intention of opening the lands in the past to workers, it was bracketed in the list of unfulfilled promises made throughout the years. In fact, a huge chunk of property from the Guyana Sugar Corporation – once used in its operations – has been granted to private investors and other stakeholders.

The most recent was the announcement to construct a new Marriott Hotel at Ogle, East Bank Demerara, on these State lands. And

shortly after, it was announced that Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Inc had secured some 20 acres on GuySuCo lands for another hotel. Both deals were facilitated through NICIL. With Wales Estate being closed, there had been much interest in the land left behind, particularly for farmers. However, in 2018, land from the Wales Sugar Estate was snapped up by local and overseas farmers and over a thousand acres of that land was put under rice cultivation.

guyanatimesgy.com

OILNEWS Oil rallies on small crude inventory build

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s the effect of the coronavirus epidemic begins to recede and oil prices start to recover, the Energy Information Administration reported a crude oil inventory build of 400,000 barrels for the week to February 14, hardly affecting the tentative bullishness.

A day earlier, the American Petroleum Institute reported an estimated inventory build of 4.16 million barrels, which made prices falter. Analysts, for their part, had expected the EIA to report an inventory build of 3.767 million barrels, adding to a hefty 7.5-million-barrel increase reported for the previous week.

For the week to February 14, the EIA also reported a two-million-barrel decline in gasoline stockpiles, with production averaging 9.5 million bpd. A week earlier, gasoline inventories shed a modest 100,000 barrels, with production averaging 9.2 million bpd.

In distillate fuels, the EIA reported a decline of 600,000 barrels, with production at 4.9 million bpd. This compared with an inventory draw of 2 million barrels for the previous week and a production rate of 4.8 million bpd.

A day before its weekly petroleum status report, the EIA revised down its forecast for global oil demand for this year, adding pressure to prices. It was not a small revision, either: at 378,000 bpd it beats both OPEC’s and the International Energy Agency’s downward demand outlook revisions.

Brent crude was trading at US$59.33 a barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at US$54.39 a barrel both up by more than a percentage point from Wednesday’s close.

The international benchmark has hit a seven-day streak of gains, propped up by reports that suggest the coronavirus epidemic may have begun to ebb away.

On Wednesday, an announcement of US sanctions against the trading arm of Russia’s Rosneft for its business ties to Venezuela also helped oil prices. Yet the situation remains precarious: any news of more production anywhere in the world could depress the benchmarks again. (oilprice.com)

Brazil’s oil production jumps 20% to new record in January

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razil’s oil production jumped by 20.4 per cent on the year to set a new production record of 3.168 million barrels per day (bpd) in January, thanks to the prolific pre-salt basin, oil regulator ANP said on Wednesday.

Last month, Brazil’s total oil and natural gas production also set a new production record, exceeding 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) for the first time ever, the regulator said, noting that combined oil and gas production stood at 4.041 million boe/d.

Oil production in January 2020 rose by two per cent compared to December 2019 and by 20.43 per cent compared to January 2019, ANP said.

In January 2020, Brazil’s production in the pre-salt area totalled 2.682 million boed, accounting for 66.37 percent of all oil and natural gas production. Oil output in the presalt area hit 2.150 million bpd last month, the regulator said. The pre-salt oilfield Lula was the single biggest oil producer in the country, pumping on average 1.052 million bpd.

Earlier this month, state oil firm Petrobras announced that it had set another production record in the last quarter of 2019, producing more than 3 million bpd of oil equivalent throughout the period. (Excerpt from oilprice. com)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

17

Around the World

Caricom Heads reiterate concerns about US sanctions on Cuba H eads of Government from the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) have reiterated their concern over the enhanced sanctions announced by the US Government under Title III of the HelmsBurton Act which strengthen the US economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.

In a communiqué issued following the inter-sessional Caricom meeting in Barbados, the leaders from the 15-member regional grouping denounced as unjustifiable the application of laws and measures of an extra-territorial nature that are contrary to internation-

The Heads of Government meeting

al law.

The Heads of Government also expressed their appreciation for the medical assistance provided by Cuba to the Member States of the Community over the years that helped build their health sectors to the benefit and well-being of their people.

They acknowledged

that, of their own first-hand knowledge, the people sent had added tremendous value to helping their citizens.

Concerning Cuba’s medical programme, that has come under renewed fire from the US Administration based on several allegations, the CARICOM Heads dismissed claims that medical programme was a form of

human trafficking The medical mission was founded more than half a century ago in the aftermath of Fidel Castro’s revolution, in part to enhance the country’s international influence.

Currently active in over 60 countries, the scheme has provided healthcare across the globe. (Excerpt from CMC)

South Korea city deserted after coronavirus ‘super-spreads’ through church

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he streets of South Korea’s fourth-largest city were abandoned on Thursday, with residents holed up indoors after dozens of people caught the new coronavirus in what authorities described as a “super-spreading event” at a church.

The deserted shopping malls and cinemas of Daegu, a city of 2.5 million people, became one of the most strik-

ing images outside China of an outbreak that international authorities are trying stop from becoming a global pandemic.

New research suggesting the virus is more contagious than previously thought added to the alarm. And in China, where the virus has killed more than 2100 people and infected nearly 75,000, officials changed their meth-

odology for reporting infections, creating new doubt about data they have cited as evidence their strategy is working.

US stock indexes fell about one per cent on Thursday, dragged down by technology heavyweights, as investors fretted over the coronavirus’ economic impact. US manufacturers are scrambling for alternative sources as supply

chains in China, the workshop of the world, dry up.

In South Korea, Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin told residents to stay indoors after 90 people who worshipped at the Church of Jesus the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony showed symptoms of infection and dozens of new cases were confirmed.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Roger Stone: “Disgusted” Judge jails Trump ally

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oger Stone, a longtime adviser and ally to US President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 months in jail.

Stone, 67, was found guilty in November on seven counts of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering.

Trump responded by saying he would love to see Stone exonerated.

Stone is the sixth Trump aide convicted in a criminal case resulting from a Justice Department investi-

gation that detailed Russian attempts to boost Trump during the 2016 election.

Stone was found guilty of lying to the House Intelligence Committee about his attempts to contact Wikileaks, the website that released damaging emails about Trump’s 2016 Democratic election rival Hillary Clinton.

US intelligence officials have concluded the messages were stolen by Russian hackers.

Stone will serve two years’ probation after his

Roger Stone has maintained all along that the case against him is politically motivated

custodial sentence. He has also been fined US$20,000 and must serve 250 hours of

community service. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Lesotho’s PM to Fighting rages in northwest Syria; 2 be charged with Turkish troops killed murdering his wife

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wo Turkish soldiers were killed and another five wounded in Syrian Government air raids on Thursday near the northwest region of Idlib.

More than 50 Syrian forces were killed in retaliation, Turkey’s Defence Ministry added.

The attacks came a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned of an imminent Turkish military offen-

sive in Idlib, where Syrian forces, backed by Russia airpower, mounted an operation to capture the region.

T u r k e y ’ s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said the soldiers – who were in Idlib to “establish peace and manage humanitarian aid operations” – were killed by “an attack carried out by the [Syrian] regime”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

L

esotho’s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, 80, is to be charged with the murder of his estranged wife Lipolelo Thabane, Police have said.

Thabane announced he would be stepping down in July because of old age, without commenting about the case.

His current wife Maesaiah Thabane has already been charged with the murder.

He would be the first African leader to be charged with a domestic murder while in office, in a case that has shocked the tiny mountain kingdom.

Lipolelo, 58, was shot dead two days before Thabane became Prime Minister in 2017.

At the time, he described her killing as “senseless”, but Police now accuse him of being involved in her killing.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

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Ron Robinson and Simone Dowding

Mark Kazim and Sean Budnah

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Chicken.

The annual satirical review, now in its 35th year, the longestrunning theatre production in the Guyana’s theatre history,

has a team of very experienced cast to present this production, ranging from the versatile Michael Ignatius, Chiney-man Mark Kazim, President Granger lookalike Mark L u k e Edwards, S e a n Thompson, Sean Budnah, Nelan Benjamin, Stephen Mohamed, Yohance Koama, Lee Leung, Joshua Persaud, Rovindra Persaud, Travis McKenzie and “veteran linker” Andre Wiltshire who was in the first Link Show in 1981 and many others before migrating.

He was famous in the Link Shows for portraying Hamilton Green.

In the link up for the females are Sonia Yarde, Simone Dowding, Colleen Humphrey, Nirmala Narine, Simone Persaud, Makini Thompson, Zoya Moore and Alicia D’Abreu.

sell the 592 beer and can be found with the bright 50th logo attached to the bottle.

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Simone Persaud and Nirmala Narine

he Theatre Company in collaboration with GEMS Theatre Productions is making sure that the public gets a taste of Link Show 35, compliments of Kentucky Fried

NSA McAL Trading Limited (AMTL) under its 592 Lager Beer Brand is getting even more patriotic for the Golden Jubilee Celebration with a special edition form of the 592 Beer.

As Guyana celebrates 50 years of being a Republic, 592 Beer saw it fitting to repackage the beer for a limited amount of time to celebrate Guyana’s rich history as a republic.

Brand Coordinator of 592, Seweon McGarrell, believes that the 592 brand represents all Guyanese, “I think it is important that we celebrate our nation as a people, 50 years of being a Republic I believe is an extraordinary feat and as we know, our country will only continue to grow and develop and we want to grow with our people”.

“592 Beer, I think, represents all Guyanese and the re-packaging for this celebration is just one gesture of our patriotism to Guyana. So we hope that all can really enjoy a 592 beer as we celebrate Guyana’s 50th,” McGarrell noted.

The beer is currently available at all outlets that

he most anticipated 50th-anniversary event for the mining town of Linden is the Miss Linden Republic Pageant, where five young beauties are vying for the inaugural title under the theme “Embracing our culture through unity”.

The Pageant is more than the beauty, glitz, and glam, it is about the history of Linden where the delegates will use the landmarks of the Linden as their platforms.

The delegates are undergoing training under the watchful eyes of trainer and former pageant contestant Keisha Bruce as they prepare for the sashing ceremony on Saturday, February 22 with a simple ceremony.

The contestants for this year’s pageant are Aliessa Daw, Kady Sears, Keiana Ward, Rayanna Rogers and Shemiah Brumell.

This event will see the young ladies competing in six categories: the introduction, the intelligence, talent, sportswear, evening wear and the question and answer segment as they compete for the coveted crown and several attractive prizes.

Early bird tickets for the event will be just $1000 for adults and children under 10 – $500.

Over $500,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs. The event is promoted by Sherwin Entertainment and Friends

The production is directed by veteran director Ron Robinson and produced by Gem MadhooNascimento.

Link Show is Guyana’s number one annual satirical review that pokes fun at political situations, politicians, current affairs, social issues and outspoken personalities in our society who make the news.

This 35th production will run for two nights on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29 from 20:00h. Tickets for the show cost $3000, $2500 and $2000 and are now available at the National Cultural Centre.

O

n Saturday evening, the Better Hope Community Centre Ground will come alive as the finals of the Chutney competition is being held.

Presently, 10 well-versed artistes are expected to take to the stage, bring their A-game.

T h e semifinals of

the competition were held two weeks ago and based on their performances, 10 of the best were given the green light to move ahead.

Those advancing are Arjit Singh with “Sangeet Bhagee”; Pooran Seeraj – “Roti and Dhall”; Young Bill Rogers – “A tribute to chutney”; Tony Cutt – “Neighbour Roti”; Christopher Ramphal- “Sweet Bai Talk”; Bunty Singh – “She Want me be she Raja”; AW Lyrical – “Seven Curry”; Vicadi Singh -“Mousee and She Tassa” and the lone female, Vanita Willie – “A Mother’s love”.

These artistes will compete against reigning Chutney Monarch, Steven Ramphal, who is ready to defend the title. He will be performing “Jo

Sangeet Main Gaata”— a song that promotes love and unity.

The competitors will be backed

by Shakti String Orchestra.

Apart from the actual competition, patrons will be treated to some first-class acts by Trinidad’s Chutney sensations, Adesh Samaroo and Saleem Beharry.

Both artists are known for their energetic performances.

The action gets underway at 20:00h.

Admission is $1000.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

19

Jermine & Family Linden Mash Cup Football Tournament…

Bakewell Topp XX to battle Coomacka Mines in grand final -Botafogo, Haynes & Lewis WC to play for 3rd place honours

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he Bakewell Topp XX Team will have to be at their very best when they face Coomacka Mines in the grand final of the inaugural Jermine and Family Linden Mash Cup Football Tournament, to be played tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Up for grabs is the substantial sum of $600,000 and bragging rights, along with a trophy; and for that reward, neither team would be willing to concede defeat, especially since this match is considered a virtual replay of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA’s) Christmas tournament in which Topp XX gained the edge over Coomacka Mines by two goals to one.

Coomacka Mines certainly feel they can capture their first ever major football title in the mining town, literal haven of the Bakewell Topp XX. Their coach, Korak BobbSemple, is very confident that, with the return of for-

Kellon Major

ward Lionel Peters and defense player Kursten Thom, the team can pull off this win despite a few niggling injuries being suffered by other members. Bobb-Semple’s confidence was expressed in his saying that it would be an easy win for Coomacka, since his side usually play to their true potential, although he considers the semifinal win over Botafogo -- by a 7-6 pen-

alty shootout -- their worst game to date.

Coomacka’s brilliant goalkeeper Kellon Major had played a big hand in that win: by thwarting a penalty shot during regulation play against a running Botafogo side; pulling off three saves, and scoring in the sudden death penalty shootout.

However, the Topp XX coach, Troy ‘Boy Blue’

“Hit It for 50” schools’ windball cricket competition…

Central, L'Aventure, Camille’s, Mae’s Secondary record wins

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n the “Hit It for 50” schools’ windball cricket competition ongoing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, action over the weekend produced notable wins for Central High, L'Aventure Secondary, Camille’s Academy, and Mae’s Secondary in the male and female categories being contested.

In the Boys’ category, the first matchup involved The New Central High School and Saint Roses High.

Central accumulated 1221, with D Tiwari top scoring with 64. Saint Roses, in reply, could muster only 93-3, of which Kevie Chamaideen scored 48.

In game two, L'Aventure Secondary played against Richard Ishmael Secondary and posted 176-2, with J Samaroo top scoring again with 39 and receiving support from Mohan La Cruz’s 34 and Anail Zamal’s 31.

The Richard Ishmael innings came to an end on 92-7, with M. Joseph be-

ing the only player to exert effort in scoring 22. J. Samaroo was again dominant with the ball, capturing 4-6, while A. Zamal chipped in with 2-16.

Camille's Academy raced to 153-0 against

Camille’s Ronaldo Blair scored 100 and took 6-16

Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, with Ronaldo Blair scoring the first century for 2020 and being able to bag 6-16, while Nkosi Morris chipped in with 34. In reply, Vreed-en-Hoop fell for 97-3, with Devindra Persaud scoring 31.

Play in the Girls’ category saw St Roses High mustering only 48-6, with Madassa Punnusam scoring 16. Camille’s Tarnica Simon was the chief destroyer with returns of 5 wickets for 8 runs.

Camille's Academy made light work of the total, ending on 51-0. Shani Jackson led the way with 22.

The final match of the day saw Mae's Secondary registering a dominant 146-5, with Christine Ramdial leading the way with 77, and receiving support of 38 from Krystal De Souza. Abigail Corbin bagged 4-36. In reply, L'Aventure Secondary mustered 127-0, with Kezie Nethland scoring 43, and A. Corbin 30.

Nelson, is a man who knows about winning, as he was there when that side dominated play not only in Upper Demerara, but also at the national level.

Nelson has said his team had emerged successful against a determined Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection (H&LWC) when the young players of Coomacka were trying to prove themselves after the team had just suffered the loss of two key players up front in Marmalaque Davidson and Shaquille Frank.

He said team members are now in training, as they were granted some time to use the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Thus he scoffed at the fact that Linden champions Eagles United are not in this tournament, and were also absent in the year-end championships; but he has predicted that, by the end of this year, regardless of which team is in or out of any tournament, his team will be the force to be reckoned with in Linden and in national football.

He has reminded that he gave praise to God for what his team has achieved thus far, and he has predicted that once they remain com-

Keon Hall

mitted to training, they will prove that this is their year.

Nelson opined that Topp XX will be the team to beat, not only in Linden, but at the national level, as the team is a united one and the players have shown him great respect, which augurs well for this new breed of players.

Nelson has therefore predicted that Coomacka will be soundly beaten in tonight’s match.

Topp XX forward Keon Hall had scored the lone goal in the semifinal match in which the team qualified to play in the final. That goal came from a shot on top of the penalty area taken in the 85th minute. Both sides had played tough football, but

Topp XX’s experience had proved decisive.

While the winner’s purse in this grand final is $600,000, the loser would get $300,000, while the third and fourthplaced teams would respectively get $200,000 and $100,000. The game to decide third and fourth positions is set for play at 19:00hrs, and the contestants are Winners Connection and Botafogo.

There are other individual prizes that would be awarded: for the most goals scored; the person adjudged best goalkeeper; the youngest player in the tournament, and the person adjudged most valuable player in the tournament, among others.

Tour de France winner has 'second chance' after serious injury

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our-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome says he feels like he has been given a "second chance" following his serious crash last summer.

The 34-year-old has been out for eight months after being badly injured in a Criterium du Dauphine practice ride.

Speaking before his return to action at the UAE Tour on Sunday, the Team Ineos rider said: "It's all I've thought about for months: being back racing."

Froome, who broke a hip and fractured his right femur, elbow and ribs last June, added: "It feels like I've been given a second chance to come back to pro racing after a crash like that. I'm definitely not taking that for granted."

Froome became the first British rider to win the Giro d'Italia in 2018, and was preparing for the 2019 Tour de France before his crash.

A month after crashing, he was belatedly declared the first British man to win a Grand Tour when he was awarded the 2011 Vuelta a Espana, after Juan Jose Cobo was banned for doping.

Froome, who will chase a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title in 2020, added: "The year's gone incredibly well so far; but, having said that, I do still need to manage expectations. It's going to take me a while to get back to that [race-winning] shape."

Froome's four Tour de France victories came between 2013 and 2017, while only four riders have won

Chris Froome will make his return to competitive cycling at the UAE Tour this weekend (Getty ImageS)

the Tour five times.

The seven-day UAE Tour begins on 23 February.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

WI tour to Sri Lanka…

Chase, Hope help Windies win final warm-up game, level tally

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fter losing the first warm up match in their tour to Sri Lanka, the West Indies bounced back to reclaim some glory in winning the second such match and levelling the tally at 1-1 ahead of the official start of their ODI Series against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

The West Indies won the match against the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI by 6 wickets after a brilliant century was recorded from all-rounder Roston Chase.

The Sri Lankans opted to bat first at Katunayake, and soon found themselves in trouble, with their first wicket falling when the score was just 21. Things took a turn for the worse when they lost key

batsmen at integral moments and were reduced to 74-4. Despite Pathum Nissanka scoring 41, senior players such as Thrimanne and Chandimal did not trouble the scorers.

Asela Gunaratne, however, produced a brilliant 47 to keep things ticking after the mini collapse, but the Sri Lankans kept things going at just five runs per over.

What highlighted the day were the contrib u tions of

Shai Hope found some form in scoring a handy 85

Minod Bhanuka (69) and Ramesh Mendis (64), which frustrated the bowlers.

In the end this partnership was able to take the Board XI side to a respectable total of 276-8 in their allotted overs.

Bowling for the West I n d i e s , Keemo Paul returned figures of 2-45 and Chase returned figures of 2-57, while Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh Jr and Fabien Allen each bagged a wicket.

Needing 277 for

victory, Windies opener Brandon King got off to yet another poor start, falling for 7. Darren Bravo, also, was unable to follow up his form from the last game, and fell for just 3. Nevertheless, the target was always in reach of the Windies, and Shai Hope played a classy innings of 85 off 102 balls, which included 11 crisp boundaries.

When Chase came to the crease, he dominated the entire game, scoring a belligerent 136 off 113 balls, which included 16 boundaries and one maximum.

Chase absolutely took the game away from the Sri Lankans; and after he fell, Sunil Ambris (34*) took the Windies across the line to end the game on 2774 in 46.3 overs.

Bowling for the Board XI, Vishwa Fernando returned figures of 2-56, while Asitha Fernando Amila Roston Chase scored and Aponso each took 136 and bagged 2-57 one wicket.

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka Board President's XI Innings (50 overs maximum) P Nissanka c & b Chase 41 HDRL Thirimanne (c) c Pollard b Holder 4 LD Chandimal b Paul 5 DAS Gunaratne c †Hope b Allen 47 PBB Rajapaksa c Bravo b Chase 5 M Bhanuka † c †Hope b Paul 69 RTM Mendis not out 64 MA Aponso lbw b Walsh 1 CAK Rajitha run out (Paul/Shepherd) 6 MVT Fernando not out 3 Extras 31 (lb 3, nb 2, w 26) TOTAL 276/8 (50 Overs, RR: 5.52) Did not bat: AM Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 7.2 ov), 2-47 (Dinesh Chandimal, 10.6 ov), 3-62 (Pathum Nissanka, 13.2 ov), 4-74 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 17.2 ov), 5-143 (Asela Gunaratne, 29.4 ov), 6-226 (Minod Bhanuka, 45.1 ov), 7-239 (Amila Aponso, 46.5 ov), 8-246 (Kasun Rajitha, 47.4 ov) BOWLING R Shepherd 9-062-0 JO Holder 8-1-34-1 KMA Paul 9-0-45-2 RL Chase 9-1-57-2

HR Walsh 7-0-44-1 FA Allen 5-1-17-1 KA Pollard 3-0-14-0

West Indians Innings (target: 277 runs from 50 overs) BA King c †Bhanuka b AM Fernando 7 SD Hope † lbw b Aponso 85 DM Bravo c †Bhanuka b MVT Fernando 3 RL Chase b MVT Fernando 136 SW Ambris not out 34 FA Allen not out Extras 12 (lb 3, w 9) TOTAL 277/4 (46.3 Overs, RR: 5.95) Yet to bat: JO Holder, KMA Paul, R Shepherd, HR Walsh, KA Pollard (c) Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Brandon King, 4.3 ov), 2-35 (Darren Bravo, 7.6 ov), 3-168 (Shai Hope, 30.5 ov), 4-276 (Roston Chase, 46.3 ov) BOWLING AM Fernando 7.2-039-1 MVT Fernando 8.3-056-2 CAK Rajitha 10-0-66-0 MA Aponso 10-047-1 RTM Mendis 4.4-025-0 DAS Gunaratne 6-0-41-0

GFF Elite League…

Clubs participate in pre-season technical preparation “Pre-season is a great opportunity to overload the players, to give them a superior base of fitness. You have six weeks to get everyone in shape; each individual is different, so they need bespoke training plans and diets that progress at the right pace,” Greenwood explained.

“Running that extra yard during a game could be the difference between winning and losing. A poor

pre-season could see a team make a slow start, because they won’t be up to speed fitness-wise,” Greenwood further explained.

“Successful managers set expectations and clarify their vision during pre-season,” he continued. “It’s an opportunity for them to establish relationships and build understanding, so when the going gets tough, everyone understands their

jobs and has a solution to combat and overcome (the difficulty). All of this provides a road map for future success,” he concluded.

Greenwood has made the case that developing a strong pre-season culture in Guyana is vital to improve the quality of the Elite League on and off the pitch, and that the overall product of senior men’s football starts there.

3rd annual Inter-Guiana Games…

GVF boss hopes for good performance for Guyana

Referees who participated in the refresher course

I

n preparation for restart of the Elite League -- Season V, scheduled for March -- the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has held a one-day refresher workshop for referees, while the Technical Department of the GFF has held an information session for Head Coaches and representatives of Elite Clubs.

The refresher workshop for referees, held last Saturday at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, had 21 referees in attendance. The session was facilitated by Member Association Instructors Ingram Johnson, Addullah

Hamid and Tyrone Tyrell respectively; and the areas covered included changes to the Laws of the Game, understanding the Offside and Misconduct rules, and the importance of fitness.

The information session facilitated by the Technical Department on February 7 addressed the importance of a pre-season programme.

It was adverted that a strong pre-season programme is geared towards ensuring that players are in the right shape to maximise their chances of avoiding injury when the season starts.

Participants were told that injury prevention work

is crucial and should form a large part of club training, especially early in the pre-season.

In a comment invited by this publication, Technical Director Ian Greenwood said the Head Coaches were briefed on the types of high-intensity interval training and workouts that challenge players to perform short, sharp explosive actions like sprinting, jumping and shooting repeatedly.

He said this kind of work enables the players to do their job with the same level of efficiency in the 90th minute as they do in the first minute.

T

he Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) will be participating in the 3rd Annual Inter-Guiana Games’ U21 Male and Female tournaments, which are again scheduled to be served off in French Guiana from February 25 to March 1, 2020.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, GVF President Levi Nedd said, “This year, we are hoping the male team goes all out to regain that title. In 2019 we had some bad officiating, and that (prevented) the team from winning. I do fear a bit for the females, as compared to the males, who are in good stead.

We are currently working hard, training single-handed-

ly; it is more mental preparation than physical.

“In terms of us medalling at the event, that would be good for us in terms of volleyball in Guyana, as we find that we are always the step-children in terms of (having) sponsorship and sponsors to support the game. So a win would take us out of that stepchild category, and it would further develop the sport and be better for the upcoming generation.”

Nedd noted that Guyana’s female side still has a lot of work to do, because when it comes to selecting a side for overseas tournaments, there is not much to select from. He relayed that in terms of inter-

national exposure, he is looking forward to the players lifting their game on that big stage.

The Guyana squad to the IGG would consist of 10 female players and 12 male counterparts, a Chaperon & an Assistant Female Coach, Odile Brooms and Coach Errol Fingal. Nedd has said he would be in charge of the male squad.

Nedd has also disclosed that the teams would continue to do their separate training in Berbice and in Georgetown, as they prepare to fly out for French Guiana next week, ahead of the tournament which ends on March 1.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

21

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County tournament…

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Salim Khan leading Berbice off the field after his dream spell

oung Berbice Under-15 spin ‘king’ Salim Khan continued his dream inter-county tournament by picking up 7-16 against a jaded Essequibo team in the third round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County tournament at Lusignan.

Khan’s brilliant off-spin bowling set up a 10-wicket win for Berbice -- the third in as many matches for the boys from the ancient county.

Essequibo won the toss, and elected to bat first in a decision that proved unfortunate for them, as they were

bowled out for 42 in 25.3 ed his sharpovers. Only Adesh Dass ness behind reached double figures, the stumps. scoring 14 as the off-spinTwice in the ner Khan spun webs all day Khan found over the Essequibo team. himself on a hat He ended with 7-16 in 7.3 trick, but did not overs that included four cap off the job. maidens.

In reply, Berbice He was well supported reached the total by the Guyana U-15 player without hiccups, Matthew Pottaya, a fellow ending on 44-0 in off-spinner who ended with 5.2 overs.

3-10 in eight tight overs.

Berbice captain, Berbice were clinical West Indies U-16 in their performance, and batsman Rampertab backed Khan with some good Ramnauth, sealed the fielding. Their wicket-keepmatch in style with a er Damion Cecil was equal sweet pull shot that went to the task, as for a he demonstrat- Matthew Pottaya bowling six over

Salim Khan in action (Brandon Corlette photos)

square leg. Ramnauth was unbeaten on 19, while Nyron Hicks was unbeaten on four.

Essequibo bowlers were wayward in their approach, bowling 21 extras.

Berbice completed a clean sweep of all three matches, and will be heading into the final on Saturday as favourites against Demerara.

Meanwhile, Demerara won the other match at GCC Bourda by 117 runs, af-

ter crawling to 163-9 in 50 overs. Hemraj Harripersaud top-scored with 29, and Romeo Deonarine made 20.

Tularam Ramkaran had 3-29, while Stephon Sankar had 2-18.

In reply President’s XI were bowled out for 46 in 23.4 overs. Joshua Alves starred the show with 6-1 in six overs, while Riyad Latif took 3-4. (Brandon Corlette)

Mathura wins RHTY&SC/Demerara Bank Spelling Bee Competition ꟷ Paying It Forward programme assists RHT Primary School

T

he ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, last Thursday hosted a Spelling Bee Competition at the Rose Hall Town Primary School as part of their ‘Say No/Say Yes’ Campaign which targets school children in Berbice.

The event, sponsored by the Rose Hall Town Branch of the Demerara Bank Limited, saw H e m r a j Mathura of the Rose Hall Town Primary S c h o o l emerge as the champion, while Kaydean Lord and A d e m i c Munroe were the runners-up.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has said the spelling Bee is just one of over 250 activities that will be organised by the RHTY&SC, MS, and its ten cricket teams.

Those teams are: Poonai’s Under 12 and 13; Farfan and Mendes Under 15; Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division; Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate; Metro Female; Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Under 21, and First Division.

The main objective behind the activity is to target school children in all

of the Berbice schools to Say No to drugs, crime, suicide, alcohol, tobacco, pre-marital sex, and Yes to education, sports, culture, life and religion.

Among the main programmes to be hosted in 2020 are Children’s Mash Parade, Youth Job Fair, Youth Information Booklet, Summer Camp, Youth Inspiration Forum, Top Ten Awards Ceremony, and educational poster, among numerous others.

T h e Club’s A s s t Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu has expressed gratitude to Demerara Bank for their continued investment in the club’s most successful programme. The bank has been sponsoring this event for seven years, and Naidu noted that students eager-

ly looking forward to the event on an annual basis.

Chanderpaul Govindhan of Namilco Thunderbolt Flour hands over the donation to RHT Primary School Head Mistress Hollis Schwiers

Each of the top three winners of the Spelling Bee Competition collected a trophy and a supply of educational materials.

Demerara Bank, as part of its corporate duty, invests heavily in the development of Guyana via sports, education, community development, youth development, and culture. The Rose Hall Town branch is currently celebrating its 16th anniversary.

Additionally, the Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour First

Division Under 21 team handed over a collection of sports gear and a financial donation to the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The team made the contribution under its Paying It Forward programme, which is an inspiration from popular American TV hostess Ellen De Generes.

The teams under the programme strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others as a way to say thank you to the God they serve for all the blessings they have received on and off the cricket field.

The financial donation will be used by the school’s management to upgrade its daily operation, while Naidu has said that the sports equipment was donated in an effort to promote the importance of sports to youths.

Sports, he stated, bring discipline into people’s characters and get them to work as a collective unit.

He also committed the club to assisting the school on a regular basis, as most of the club’s membership were once students.

22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Golden Republic T20 Bash…

Let the games begin! Hetmyer, Rutherford raring to go

O

By Brandon Corlette

n the eve of the much-anticipated Golden Republic T20 Bash, the captains of the respective teams, Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer, have promised to play an intense brand of cricket despite the exhibition nature of the match.

The two teams lock horns at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence today (February 21) from 18:00h.

In the press conference held yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Office, Rutherford said his Renegades would be aiming to upset Hetmyer’s

Hurricanes.

“First of all, I want to thank the GCB for having me. We are excited to go out there and play some good cricket as we celebrate the 50th anniversary,” Rutherford disclosed.

Hetmyer has said it is a pleasure to be involved in this initiative. “I am just really looking to enjoy it as much as possible. It’s always nice to represent your country, but it is even more a better feeling playing in Guyana. My team will be aiming to give it our best, and may the best team win, Hetmyer posited.

This West Ravi Bharat, Parmanand Persaud, Andrew Tyndall, Anand Sanasie, Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer

Captains Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer at the press conference on the eve of the match (Brandon Corlette photos)

Indies batsman has said he hopes this match brings out a good crowd to witness the players trying to steal the spotlight. “It will be nice for the guys to go out and enjoy themselves, and this cricket is a great initiative,” he declared.

GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie has said that cricket has always been the highlight of social cohesion; and he disclosed that Hetmyer Hurricanes and Rutherford Renegades will be playing for one million dollars.

At the press conference, Ravi Bharat, captain of the Ariel Speedboat, and Parmanand Persaud, Manager of Regal All Stars, shared positive sentiments.

Most of the players participating in this match have not experienced playing at

the National Stadium, thus excitement is at its peak for them. The softball match will bowl off from 14:00h and the cash prize therein is $200,000.

Meanwhile, Mash Coordinator Andrew Tyndall has said that cricket was the first event that came to mind when activities to celebrate the Golden Jubilee were being considered. Tyndall posited that cricket has always been meaningful to the Guyanese population.

“This celebration will promote peace and harmony for the Guyanese people,” Tyndall noted.

Tyndall noted that due to the large fan base softball cricket has, the committee saw it fitting to host a soft ball match.

With Lendl Simmons and Rayad Emrit set to turn out for the respective teams, Caribbean Airlines has been a huge supporter of the event.

Hetmyer Hurricanes is comprised of: Shimron Hetmyer (Captain); Trevon Griffith; Lendl Simmons; Raymond Perez; Kevlon Anderson; Kemol Savory; Christopher Barnwell; Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed; Ashmead Nedd; Gudakesh Motie; Nial Smith; Qumar Torrington; Richie Looknauth; Vishal Singh; Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Technical Director); Steven Jacobs (Coach); Akshaya Persaud (Manager) and Neil Barry Jr (Physiotherapist).

The Rutherford Renegades are comprised of: Sherfane Rutherford

(Captain); Chandrapaul Hemraj; Jonathan Foo; Anthony Bramble; Leon Johnson; Raymon Reifer; Tevin Imlach; Kevin Sinclair; Rayad Emrit; Quintin Sampson; Joshua Jones; Ramaal Lewis; Keon Joseph; Ricardo Adams; Esuan Crandon (Technical Director); Veerasammy Permaul (Coach); Devendra Bishoo (Manager) and Ernest Campo Gonzalez (Physiotherapist).

The gates will be opened from 13:00h, and the rules will be relaxed so that the ICC regulations would not be strictly followed. Security will always be a priority, and the regular methods will be in place for this event. Tickets are $2000 for any stand, and vehicle parking passes are $1000 each.

CONCACAF empowers GFF through Executive Mentorship Programme

T

he CONCACAF has implemented an Executive Mentorship Programme (EMP) In its efforts to professionalise and strengthen the operations of its 41 Member Associations (MAs), and last Saturday and Sunday, GFF Executives were beneficiaries of this training at the Pegasus Hotel.

The two-day EMP, which commenced last year, was facilitated by Jamaican Howard McIntosh, who is also in charge of the One CONCACAF Programme and Special Projects within the Caribbean; and David Sabir, General Secretary of the Bermuda Football Association.

No stranger to these shores, McIntosh informed that CONCACAF has been investing a lot in coaches’ education and referees’ training, which have a direct impact on the field of play, and he said the time is right for the focus to also involve offthe-field happenings where the level of operations at the respective executive levels is more professional and in ad-

herence to the rules, regulations and statutes of FIFA and CONCACAF… “We designed this programme last year, which is now bringing about a focus on administration and governance, and we’re very happy to be here. We’re doing it in all 41 countries in CONCACAF; Guyana is one of our very respected MAs (member associations) and we’re happy to see the progress that is being made with the GFF in relation to football generally, and even in the areas of administration and governance,” he said.

McIntosh indicated that, normally, programmes would have been held for the respective presidents and secretaries of the MAs only, but they have now individualized the workshops to meet with all the MAs, Executive Committee members or board members, to spend time with them to expose them to best practices from across the region and the globe.

The experienced McIntosh said the response garnered from the GFF is by

no means a surprise to the facilitating team, and by extension CONCACAF. “It’s consistent with our expectations actually, in terms of the GFF, because of the significant progress that has been made on and off the field. We‘re looking forward to the follow-up that comes from it in terms of the various areas of administration, strategic planning, and working with the Federation to ensure that the best practices are implemented in those areas where it may not be (the case), and continue to work with them in terms of improving the things that they have and, of course, the things that they may want to do in terms of the strategic objectives of the Federation.”

It was also disclosed that the Executive is meant to educate and expose the other members of the GFF family to the knowledge they acquired.

“But the hope is that the information that would have been delivered at the workshop would be disseminated and communicated to the

Members of the GFF Executive take time out for a pic with the facilitators Howard McIntosh and David Sabi

other members of the football family in Guyana. It is important that we understand that good administration and good governance (are) fundamental to the success that we have on the field.”

He also shared that it is important for the members

of the GFF to understand their rights as members, as well as their obligations to the GFF. “It is to bring about a better understanding within Guyana; in this instance in terms of how football should be administered and how it should be governed.”

The EMP, commenced in late 2019, would be done over a two-year period. McIntosh has said they would be very aggressive this year in terms of the number of MAs that would be targeted. The next EMP for an MA would be in two weeks’ time.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Sports is no longer our game, i sports t’s our business

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CONCACAF empowers GFF through Executive Mentorship Programme Pg 22

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County tournament…

King Khan’s 7-for rocks Essequibo Pg 21

Pg 22

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