Guyana Times Friday May 24, 2019

$700M approved to develop 4000 house lots P

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

Issue No. 3933

THE BEACON OF TRUTH friday, may 24, 2019

PRICE

PPP crafts manifesto, “bi-partisan” management of oil and gas sector promised

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner feared dead after mishap in P13 Cuyuni River

Page 2

– industry will not be used as political football – Opposition Leader

Govt approves $3.4B for elections preparations

$80 vat included

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P12 GNYC Chairperson slams Govt for harsh requirements to access business loans

Trinidadian who faked kidnapping to know fate P8 soon

Malnutrition still exists in Region 6 – P14 ROC

People’s Progressive Party/Civic Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali is greeted by residents of Manawarin, North West District, Region One during an outreach to the region earlier in the week

Govt spends $40M on Buju Banton tickets for supporters – Jagdeo ...”it is not Govt’s money, it is PNC’s money” – Amna Ally

P11

Miner stabbedP to Teen dies after allegedly death for tearing jumping into See story on Page 13 colleague’s shirt path of moving car 13

Police hunt persons of interest in “Gun Youth” execution

P10 …Crime Chief urges witnesses to come forward

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friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, May 24 – 09:00h-10:30h and Saturday, May 25 – 09:30h-11:00h.

PPP crafts manifesto, “bi-partisan” management of oil and gas sector promised – industry will not be used as political football – Opposition Leader

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 24 – 07:40h-09:10h and Saturday, May 25 – 08:35h-10:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

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s plans are moving apace to complete and ultimately presents its manifesto for the upcoming elections in Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) already has major plans for the oil and gas sector.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, at his weekly press briefing on Thursday explained that the PPP, as part of ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of the country’s oil and gas sector, will guarantee that members of other political parties be a part of its management once the party gets back into of-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

High Tide: 07:45h and 20:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.21 metres respectively.

by all people wherever they live. Benefits should not be just for a few folks or for those who are wealthy but should benefit everyone from every sector... every ethnic group, every class,”

Low Tide: 01:18h and 13:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.95 metre and 0.86 metre respectively.

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

fice.

“So we have been looking at the oil industry and the oil and gas sector and we have been exploring models as to how this sector will be transparently managed.

In fact, we would like to see the sector, even with a PPP Government in office, managed in a bi-partisan way where it rises above politics.

That is the oil and gas industry and that the resources are used to benefit all Guyanese.”

According to Jagdeo, the PPP has been exploring various models for the oil and gas industry that it will be implementing, should that party be returned to Government following the upcoming general elections that are to be held in the country.

He noted that despite whatever advice it would receive from persons outside of the country with regard to the operations, management, and best practices for the future of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the buck stops with Guyanese managing it.

“We are not slaves to consultants who often work for the oil companies. We have been exploring ourselves, in house, using and studying a lot the experience of various countries, of course seeking technical advice and we will seek advice but the final decision will be made by the Government of Guyana.

A decision that is appropriate for our country and that would benefit our people and not something that any consultant will come in, cut and paste, and hand over to us.”

He stated that more often than not, in such situa-

tions the advice by consultants reflect the interests more in the favour of foreign companies than citizens of that country so the PPP will ensure that this does not occur in Guyana.

The Opposition Leader also pointed out that his party has been working extensively on preparing several features of a local content policy in relation to the oil and gas industry that can be implemented once it is returned to power.

“Benefits must be felt

he added.

Presently, a Department of Energy is being established at the Ministry of the Presidency to handle the pending oil and has sector. The department is being overseen by Dr Mark Bynoe who in turn reports to his superiors, including Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and President David Granger.

Come 2020, ExxonMobil is expected to pump millions of barrels of oil from the Stabroek Block – a phenomenon that can make Guyana one of the richest oil nations in the work.

But since the announcement of the find, there have been concerns with respect to the management of the country’s wealth with the recommendation of setting up the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to manage its impending revenues.

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friday, may 24, 2019

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

Drug treatment and the justice system

T

he issue of how best to treat and deal with drug addicts has always been a major challenge for regional governments, especially here in Guyana where many abusers of illegal drugs have taken to the streets as their permanent homes, thereby creating an additional burden to the health sector and society as a whole. A walk around Georgetown and other towns and commercial areas in the country will show the extent of the problem we currently face.

While some regional governments have been dealing with the matter from a legal standpoint, which focuses more on using the courts to punish offenders, and so on, some countries are still yet to holistically address the matter of treatment of drug addicts.

Drug dependence is partly regarded as a disease and should be treated as such. Treatment of the disease is important, since leaving it untreated almost guarantees that the drug-dependent person will relapse into drug use. Further, not only will it result in the drug-dependent offenders re-offending, it will certainly lead them to commit other crimes in order to feed their drug habits.

In Guyana there is need for better strategies and programmes to deal with the rising numbers of victims of substance abuse; this includes alcohol addicts. At the moment, opportunities for treatment and counselling and other forms of assistance are very few. Added to this, of the few that are available, their services are also costly.

It is important that strategies aimed at reducing the social and health consequences of persons, particularly those living on the streets, who suffer from substance abuse disorder be put in place.

The cost of drug abuse and related problems to our society is very significant at a time when many economies in the Region are faltering. These costs lie in law enforcement actions against drug traffickers and street dealers. While the costs to the health and welfare systems are only now being quantified, various studies on the subject show that drug abuse places significant additional strains on already overburdened health care systems.

Perhaps regional governments that have not yet explored the concept of having drug treatment courts could explore this option. Court-supervised treatment of certain types of drug-dependent offenders as an alternative to incarceration is a concept that has proven its value across different cultures as a means of reducing crime, reducing repeat offenses, reducing relapse into drug use, and reducing the prison population.

Jamaica recognised this in 1999, with the passage of the Drug Court (Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act, and the establishment of two drug treatment courts in the country which has proven to be effective. It is encouraging to see that Guyana will now be moving in this direction.

Certainly, this new system will provide rehabilitative services to offenders rather than have them incarcerated. Many experts have concluded that jailing offenders does not help them in any way, but rather pushes them to graduate into “bigger things”.

In many Caribbean territories, especially Guyana, there is a high proportion of prisoners incarcerated for drug-related crimes. While it is still difficult to quantify the drugs/crime relationship, there is sufficient evidence to connect drug users to crime and lack of citizen security.

It should be mentioned that the heart of success of drug treatment courts is the combination of treatment with judicial supervision and oversight. Without treatment, there is no drug treatment court. And without the power of the bench, the offender’s adherence to an often-lengthy course of drug treatment would probably be much harder. Drug treatment and the justice system therefore go hand in hand.

We are not saying that drug treatment courts are the magic bullet that will help all drug-dependent offenders, but certainly they offer a way out of the cycle of drugs and crime, since they are one sure way of addressing drug addiction and crime in our communities. The courts and the law can be more than instruments of deterrence or retribution, they can also help to improve the lives of offenders since the society as a whole is more than likely to reap the benefits. The authorities here must therefore move with haste in setting up the drug treatment court as promised.

Jamaican dancehall artiste Shenseea performing at UG Fete held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal on Tuesday evening. The event was planned as part of Guyana’s Independence celebrations organised by the Guyana Carnival Committee (Akeem Thomas photo)

Top US Commander warns Maduro ‘mafia’ poses threat beyond Venezuela

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he ongoing crisis in Venezuela is boiling over and aggravating security concerns throughout the Western Hemisphere, according to the top US military commander for South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Navy Admiral Craig Faller, head of US Southern Command (Southcom), told The Hill this week that he views embattled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s influence in the region as a "significant threat" to democracy and stability.

"I don't think I'd even call them a regime – it's a mafia. It's an illicit business that he's running with his 2000 corrupt generals.

It's ruining the country," Faller said in an interview Tuesday.

"And the effects of that are compounding every other security problem in our neighborhood. Every security problem is made worse by Venezuela," he added.

As head of Southcom, Faller oversees US military forces in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the exception of Mexico, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.

The region has long been plagued by instability.

Political violence, often in the form of communist-inspired insurrections, dominated the mid-20th century before democratic governments gained a stronger footing.

"When we look back at the number of democracies just within a generation from when I came in and applied to the Navy in the late 70s, it's been a signifi-

cant turnaround from dictatorships [to] democracies and coups and civil wars to where we are today," said Faller. "But it's fragile.”

In recent decades, the bigger threat to the region has been drug-related violence.

Maduro, besieged by US economic sanctions, has been forced to seek other sources of revenue in recent months. In addition to the illicit sale of gold, the Venezuelan military is also allegedly controlling transatlantic cocaine smuggling routes.

That cocaine trade, Faller said, is helping fund the remnants of Colombia's communist guerrillas, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

"The data and statistics show that their numbers have increased because of what they can gain in terms of freedom of maneuver and the economic opportunity that they get from illicit trafficking and partnering with the Maduro regime," said Faller. "Illicit narco-trafficking through Venezuela is up some 40 per cent.”

Under Maduro, Venezuela’s economy has declined at a faster rate than any other peacetime economy worldwide.

That collapse has compounded a drug smuggling problem with a refugee crisis, as more than three million Venezuelans have fled economic despair and repression.

More than a million Venezuelans have sought refuge in Colombia, the closest US ally in the region, and millions more are ex-

pected to flee their home country unless conditions improve.

The unrest comes amid a power struggle between Maduro and Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who as head of the National Assembly claims to be the legitimate President of the country. He was declared interim President by the Opposition in January, and has so far been recognised as such by more than 50 countries, including the United States.

Intervention by US rivals outside the Western Hemisphere, namely Russia and China, is also raising eyebrows among commanders such as Faller, who said his biggest “aha!” moment was when he recognised "the extent to which other great powers see the opportunity here."

Faller said the American competitive advantage in the region rests on common cultural understanding of democracy, human rights, rule of law and sovereignty.

But despite the political influence the US military wields in Latin America, Faller said he avoids participating in policy discussions. "I don't set the policy,” he said. “I plan to whatever policy and provide options based on what that policy is.”

Faller, speaking aboard the USS Sioux City near Jacksonville, said the Venezuelan crisis has prompted better intelligence sharing with partners in the region and drawn attention to the importance of the Western Hemisphere.

"But we do have gaps," he said. "We have a handful

of ships in any given day – six to 10 Coast Guard. We'll now have a Navy ship in the fall to cover an area the size of the United States," he added.

The United States 4th Fleet – Southcom's naval component – is scheduled to deploy a littoral combat ship (LCS) to the Caribbean this year.

But the fleet, along with other Southcom operations, is often overlooked when assigning naval resources in favor of forces in global hot spots such as the Persian Gulf and the South China Sea. It’s a situation Faller is all too aware of. When Rear Admiral Donald Gabrielson took command of the 4th Fleet on Tuesday from Rear Admiral Sean Buck during a ceremony in Mayport's officers club, Faller joked that Buck could not hold his going-away ceremony aboard a ship because "as the 4th Fleet Commander, Sean has no ships assigned to him."

Still, Faller said the US maintains a number of options to act in Venezuela if necessary. But in the meantime, the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship, is slated to deploy to the region next month to aid humanitarian relief efforts. That deployment, along with a contingent of US and international crew members, is an example of American soft power in the region, Faller said.

"We do handshakes, and handshakes are a good way to move things forward in the world," he said before making a fist. "But we also have demonstrated that we know how to use power pretty well." (The Hill)

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, may 24, 2019

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

GECOM: A legal enigma Dear Editor, It must by now be excruciatingly clear that the Government-nominated members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Chairman harbour no qualms about exposing their political partisanship, and are decidedly determined to execute political directions even if it results in unconstitutional and irrational actions.

GECOM is a creature of the Constitution, and is legally tethered to the four corners of that instrument; it has no jurisdiction or power to act outside of its parameters. The plain language of the Constitution indisputably establishes that the raison d’être of GECOM is the holding of elections. Every other function devolving upon it is an accessory to aid and abet it in discharge of this ultimate mandate. The functional responsibilities of GECOM are enumerated in Article 162 of the Constitution.

In the discharge of these tasks, the Constitution expressly commands GECOM “to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament…”

It is now public knowledge that GECOM was made a party by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to the appeals recently heard by that Court arising out of the NoConfidence Motion passed in the National Assembly

on December 18, 2018.

One needs not be a lawyer to conclude that GECOM was joined to those proceedings because the CCJ apprehends that it may make orders and give directions which would impact upon GECOM if it rules that Article 106 of the Constitution has been violated, in order to give effect to the intendment of the framers of that Article. The framers of that Article undoubtedly intend early elections as one of the consequences of the passage of a No-Confidence Motion. In our constitutional matrix, it is GECOM that is the dominant player in the execution of this intention.

Indeed, at the hearing of the appeal, almost every one of the judges expressly alluded to this eventuality. I am fortified in this regard by the fact that the Court indicated that, depending on how it rules, a hearing will be facilitated for the lawyers to address the Court on the consequential orders which are to be made. Ineluctably, these will include specific edicts to GECOM in respect of the holding of elections.

On multiple occasions, the judges of the CCJ reiterated not only GECOM’s servitude to the Constitution, but emphasised its undisputed duty to comply with both the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

In the High Court, pending before the Chief Justice are legal proceedings that seek to declare the house-

to-house registration, upon which GECOM plans to embark, as unlawful and unconstitutional. GECOM has filed a defence to those proceedings. The court has ordered all parties to submit their legal arguments in writing within timeframes specified.

In the interregnum, GECOM’s legal adviser has rendered a written opinion, which fortunately has been made public. In that opinion, learned counsel advised that not only is the proposed house-tohouse registration unnecessary, but significantly, that it would be violative of the law. It is no coincidence that this opinion espouses the identical legal premise upon which the challenge in the High Court is predicated. At the end of the day, the law remains the law, irrespective of who reads it, once it is done professionally.

Unsurprisingly, this opinion from a professional was crassly and uninitiatedly deprecated by Commissioner Desmond Trotman, himself unlearned in the law. He further descended to attribute to this lawyer ulterior and illicit motives. This uncouth and unwarranted attack on a professional for simply discharging her duties, but which does not meet a political expectation, must be condignly condemned.

Commissioner Vincent Alexander followed suit. He accused this legal officer of misrepresenting GECOM’s

position to the CCJ. These are professionally grave and reputationally damaging allegations to be made against any professional.

I am not privy to the instructions imparted to counsel, and will therefore refrain from further comment. Hopefully, counsel will respond. I have no doubt that her current silence is tied to her continuous employment. We will have to await her dismissal or resignation before a response is forthcoming.

This has become the hazardous reality of every professional working with the Government. One only needs to read a letter currently in circulation which appears to have been inked by self-proclaimed victims of the Attorney General.

In a normal democratic society governed by a Constitution, which is the supreme law and one in which the rule of law prevails, having regard to the circumstances expatiated above, an institution akin to GECOM, would -in deference to the constitution and out of reverence for legal proceedings pending both before the highest Court in the land and the Chief Justice of the country, coupled with the guidance adumbrated by its own legal officer, presumably in whom it reposed confidence to hire and retain in the first place -- at a minimum, stay any proposed actions whose legality and constitutionality are the subject of the pending

legal proceedings and advice.

Not our GECOM

As if to intentionally demonstrate to the judicial arm of the State that it has no regard and respect for either its processes or the Constitution or the law, GECOM is galloping ahead like an unruly horse with houseto-house registration, in order to execute its political party’s directions.

This is not only conduct which is contumacious of

the process of the Courts and the Constitution, but it is clearest illustration in recent times of the return of party paramountcy.

Against such factual tapestry, how can GECOM enjoy public confidence and public trust in its integrity and independence when it has been so demonstrably partisan and politically toxic?

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

Stop charging fees to fish

Dear Editor, I was employed at the Skeldon Estate until that estate closed in 2017. Life for me and my family has since become very hard and difficult.

I am unable to find fulltime employment since I lost my job at the estate, and I survive by the few days of work I get occasionally.

Life is hard for me and my fellow workers. Since the estate closed, some of us are barely surviving. Because of the situation, we are forced to catch fish in the estate’s conservancy in order to provide for our families, but to do that we have to find $500 to pay the Special Purpose Unit every time we go to

fish. This is a sum that for many of us is hard to find, and that is only more punishment for us.

I remember that, not too long ago, this matter was reported in the news, and we had hoped that the situation would have changed. But this did not happen, and we have to pay.

On behalf of my fellow workers, I am asking the SPU to have a heart and stop charging us to feed our families. We already are punishing very much, and we need every help we can get.

Yours faithfully, Anthony Carter Ex-Skeldon worker

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friday, may 24, 2019

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H

arry Potter was rejected.

So were Bella and Edward.

If authors JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer hadn’t kept trying with publisher after publisher, we’d all have missed out on some great adventures.

Life is about going for things. And when we do, rejection is always a possibility.

Big or small, rejection affects us all

Rejection doesn’t have to be about the big stuff like not getting into your top college, not making the team, or not getting asked to prom.

Everyday situations can lead to feelings of rejection, too, like if your joke didn’t get a laugh, if no one remembered to save you a seat at the lunch table, or if the person you really like talks to everyone but you.

Rejection: How do you deal?

Feeling rejected is the opposite of feeling accepted. But being rejected (and we all will be at times) doesn’t mean someone isn’t liked, valued, or important. It just means that one time, in one situation, with one person, things didn’t work out.

Rejection hurts. But it’s impossible to avoid it altogether. In fact, you don’t want to: People who become too afraid of rejection might hold back from going after something they want. Sure, they avoid rejection, but they’re also 100 per cent guaranteed to miss out on what they want but won’t try for.

How to cope

The better we get at dealing with rejection, the less it affects us. So how can you

Foundation

build that ability to cope?

Here are some ideas:

the people who like you and support you.

Give yourself credit for trying. You took a risk – good for you. Remind yourself that you can handle the rejection. Even though you were turned down now, there will be another opportunity, another time. Get philosophical: Sometimes things happen for reasons we don’t always understand.

Be honest

Coping well with rejection involves working with two things: how you feel and what you think.

Let’s start with feelings: If you get rejected, acknowledge it to yourself. Don’t try to brush off the hurt or pretend it’s not painful. Instead of thinking “I shouldn’t feel this way”, think about how normal it is to feel like you do, given your situation.

Notice how intense your feelings are. Did this rejection upset you a lot? Or just a little? Cry if you want to – it’s a natural way to release emotion.

Now, move on to name what you’re feeling. For example: “I feel really disappointed that I didn’t get chosen for the school play. I wanted it so badly, and I tried so hard. I feel left out because my friends made it and I didn’t.”

If you want, tell someone else what happened and how you feel about it. Pick someone who will listen and be supportive.

Telling someone else can help for two reasons: It can be reassuring to know that someone understands what you’re going through and how it feels.

It forces you to put your feelings into words.

Whether you decide to share your feelings with someone else or simply think about them yourself, acknowledging feelings can help you move beyond painful emotions.

Be positive

When you’re dealing with a painful emotion like rejection, it’s easy to get caught up

Use rejection to your advantage

in the bad feeling. But dwelling on the negative stuff can feel like living the experience over and over again. Not only does it keep hurting, it becomes harder to get past the rejection.

So admit how you feel but don’t dwell on it. Avoid talking or thinking about it nonstop.

Why? Negative thinking influences our expectations and how we act. Getting stuck in a negative outlook might even bring about more rejection. It certainly doesn’t inspire a person to try again.

Examine your thought soundtrack

Now on to what you think: Consider how you’re explaining the rejection to yourself.

Are you being too hard on yourself? It’s natural to wonder, “Why did this happen?”

When you give yourself an explanation, be careful to stick to the facts.

Tell yourself: “I got turned down for prom because the person didn’t want to go with

me.” Don’t tell yourself: “I got turned down because I’m not attractive” or “I’m such a loser.” These aren’t facts. They’re imagining a reason, reading too much into a situation. If put-down thoughts like these start creeping into your mind, shut them down.

Self-blaming or put-down thinking can exaggerate our faults and lead us to believe stuff about ourselves that simply isn’t true. This kind of thinking crowds out hope and a belief in ourselves – the very things we need to get past feeling bad and want to try again.

If you start blaming yourself for the rejection or put yourself down, you can start believing you’ll always be rejected. Thoughts like, “I’ll never get a date” or “No one will ever like me” amplify a simple rejection to disaster level.

Rejection can hurt a lot and can be terribly disappointing, but it’s not the end of the world.

Keep things in perspective

Tell yourself: “OK, so I got rejected this time. Maybe next time, I’ll get a ‘yes’” or “Oh, well. This is what happened.

I don’t like it. It’s not how I wanted things to work out.

But everyone gets rejected – and I can try again.”

Think about what you’re good at and what’s good about you. Remember times when you’ve been accepted, when you made the cut, when someone told you “yes.” Think of all

A rejection is a chance to consider if there are things we can work on. It’s OK to think about whether there’s room for improvement or if your goals were higher than your skills.

If your skills weren’t strong enough this time, maybe you need to work on your game, your studies, your interview technique, or whatever it takes to improve your chances of getting accepted next time. Use the rejection as an opportunity for self-improvement.

Sometimes a rejection is a harsh reality check. But if you approach it right, it could help nudge you in a direction that turns out to be the perfect fit for your talents, personality, and all the really great things that make you who you are. (kidshealth.org)

Positive affirmations to

empower

O

ur thoughts have a lot of power. The thoughts you have about yourself become internal talk, which forms your beliefs about yourself and your place in the world. One way you can help learn how to harness the power of your thoughts is by using affirmations.

Affirmations are positive, concise statements that help you visualise and believe in the truth of what you’re declaring.

Positive affirmations can offer many different benefits, including: overcoming negative self-talk, building self-esteem and helping to build the belief that you have the power to create the life you want.

Here’s a list of positive affirmations:

Self-esteem and confidence

*I am strong *I am confident *I believe in myself *I am important *I am brave *I am safe and secure *I am awesome! *I am allowed to feel

proud of myself *I trust myself *I listen to my heart

Self-love and acceptance

*I love myself *I accept myself *I am worthy *I deserve to be happy. *I don’t need to be perfect. *I don’t need to be perfect to be accepted *I accept my flaws *I love and accept all parts of myself *I forgive myself for my mistakes *I think positive thoughts about myself *I speak to myself with kindness

Kindness, compassion and gratitude

*I am kind *I am grateful *I am happy with what I have *I am compassionate * I forgive others for their flaws *I help others * I include others *I consider other people’s feelings *I am generous (adapted from innerrainbowproject.com)

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friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt approves $3.4B for elections preparations

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

W

ith the possibility of the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) impending ruling finding that the Noconfidence Motion against the coalition Government was validly passed on December 21, 2018, thus paving the way for General and Regional Elections to be held, the National Assembly on Thursday approved some $3.482 billion to assist the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in preparing for the upcoming polls.

But Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during the consideration of Financial Paper One of 2019 totalling in excess of $7.9 billion, pointed out to the Committee of Supply that the additional monies ap-

proved for the elections body are not in anticipation of the impending CCJ decision.

“This provision, I want to say today, is not in anticipation of anything that the CCJ may or may not say or decide on. It is one in keeping with the President’s [David Granger] commitment even before the matter went to the CCJ, after the Guyana Elections Commission Chairman [Justice James Patters] wrote to him, requesting funding for the actual holding of elections. He had committed to giving the Elections Commission the resources for the conduct of those elections,” Jordan told the Committee before $3.3 billion was approved under current expenditure.

This funding will go towards “additional cost of conducting General and Regional Elections”. This includes areas such as education subventions and training – $113.4 million; transport, travel and postage – $409.5 million; fuel and lubricants – $35.4 million; rental of buildings – $82 million; utility charges – $31.9 million; other good services $616.9 million, and other operating expenses – $1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, the Committee of Supply on

Thursday also approved an additional $182.3 million for GECOM’s elections preparations. This money will be used to cover the elections body’s capital expenditure in becoming ready for the upcoming polls. It will facilitate, among other things, the upgrading of the Multiple Identity Document Issuing System, which is used to produce the National Identification (ID) card.

Upgrading this system will result in better quality ID cards and will reduce downtime of the machines.

Additionally, the monies will also cover the purchase of three Toyota 4×4 pick-up vehicles at a cost of $13.3 million each to be used to traverse interior locations to conduct elections. Moreover, four All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and two boats along with engines also are all being bought at $4 million each for the same purpose.

Other costs includes the purchase of office furniture such as desks, chairs and filing cabinets, as well as a power surge protectors and tents.

According to Minister Jordan, these supplementary funds are more than 99 per cent of what GECOM had initially requested and will go towards putting

GECOM in a state of readiness financially for the upcoming polls.

“These monies will be made available to the Elections Commission for them to start the process of the elections proper. I think many people would’ve heard the advertisements already in relation to the house-tohouse [registration]… Now this money is being provided to the meat of the transactions,” he posited.

Minister Jordan further stated that the elections are very costly, noting, “In addition to the $5.371 billion that had been voted, now have an additional 3.5 billion roughly being voted (for and) bringing the total sum to almost $9 billion and counting for the elections that are constitutionally due in 2020… So this is nothing else but in keeping with the

President’s commitment to GECOM.” However, the Finance Minister had explained last week after tabling the Financial Paper that the money is just in case GECOM should need it. The elections body has contended that it needed additional resources including funding in order to prepare for elections earlier than 2020.

But Jordan said if there are no early elections, then the additional money approved would not be used.

The $3,482,344 in supplementary funding to GECOM was approved by the coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) in the absence of the Opposition parliamentarians.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has vowed to stay away from parliamentary proceedings

until the hearing and determination of the matters before the CCJ. The Trinidad-based regional court is currently deliberating on several appeals asking it to overturn the Guyana Court of Appeal’s March ruling which invalidated the passage of the Opposition-tabled motion of no confidence against the coalition Government.

The CCJ is being asked to throw out the Appeal Court ruling and uphold the High Court’s January decision that the motion was validly passed and as such Government should resign and call elections.

Earlier this month, the CCJ panel heard submissions from the parties and is expected to hand down its decision in the coming weeks.

$700M approved to develop 4000 house lots T

he coalition parliamentarians on Thursday cleared $700 million in supplementary funds for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to develop some 4000 new house lots across the country.

This sum, which will be added to the $780 million already allocated to the CH&PA, will cater for land acquisition, surveys, designs, land clearing and accesses.

The areas to benefit from these additional monies includes Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini); Meter-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (ECD); Vigilance, ECD; Annandale, ECD; Mon Repos, ECD; Foulis, ECD; Hope/Experiment, Region Five

(Mahaica-Berbice); Ordnance Fort Lands, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); Amelia’s Ward, Linden; Recht-door-Zee, West Bank Demerara; Prospect, East Bank Demerara and Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

Addressing the National Assembly’s Committee of Supply on the additional money, Housing Minister within the Communities Ministry, Annette Ferguson, explained that the supplementary provision will see the development of 275 new house lots in Mabaruma; 1100 house lots in Meter-MeerZorg; 1650 house lots in Vigilance;

385 house lots in Annandale; 220 house lots in Mon Repos; 83 house lots in Foulis; 825 new house lots in Hope/Experiment, and 138 house lots in Ordnance Fort Lands.

Additionally, Lethem will be getting 550 new house lots; Kwakwani 110 house lots; Ameila’s Ward 1100 new house lots, and Bur-Jag, Region 10 will get 138 new house lots, the Minister further disclosed.

Moreover, Ferguson added too that 275 new house lots will be developed in Recht-door-Zee, while Prospect Phase Two will get 182 new house lots; Providence Phase Five, EBD, will get 190 house lots and Cummings Lodge will have 370 new house lots developed.

Turn to page 14

8 News

friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Venezuelan woman further remanded for presenting forged document to court

T

wenty-six-year-old Yuimenni Lopez, a Venezuelan national who was recently charged along with two others for uttering forged US$14,650 currency to several persons, was further remanded to prison

by City Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday.

On the day in question, the woman reportedly presented a forged document to the court in an attempt to prove she had legally entered Guyana.

The trio, who reportedly reside at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was slapped with a total of 10 counts of fraud.

Lopez was remanded to prison until she could provide the court with documents to prove she entered Guyana legally,

Venezuelan national Yuimenni Lopez

while 40-year-old Simone Thompson and 26-yearold Dexter Thompson were granted bail by Magistrate Leron Daly on their first appearance.

On Wednesday, upon presenting the court with the fake document, the Prosecutor related that there is no record that the woman entered Guyana legally. If this is the case,

he added that she will be slapped with additional charges.

The Magistrate, after listening to the submission, remanded the woman to prison and set her next court appearance for June 14.

Last week, Lopez was slapped with three charges to which she pleaded not guilty. The first charge against her stated that on May 15, 2019, at Georgetown, without lawful authority or excuse, she had in her possession US$2200 of forged currency.

It was further alleged that on May 14, 2019, at East Street, Georgetown, with the intent to defraud, she uttered US$2500 to Rockmin Deltoro, knowing same to be forged.

The last charge stated

that on January 25, 2019, at Quail’s Optical, Thomas Street, Georgetown, Lopez uttered US$1800 to Clement Cumberbatch, knowing same to be forged.

According to information, Simone Thompson and her son Dexter, along with his fiancée Lopez, have gone about for months defrauding victims of millions of dollars.

It is reported that the trio would approach persons and ask them to change US currency. The women would also go into salons and boutiques and offer to pay in US currency.

More and more persons are coming forward with similar stories, and more charges are likely to be laid against the defendants.

Trinidadian who faked kidnapping to know fate soon

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Trinidadian national who allegedly faked his own kidnapping shortly after entering Guyana will know his fate at his next court appearance set for June 28.

Sawak Maraj, a 33-year-old chemical engineer who is currently on $1 million bail, stood

before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess concluded his arguments in the case.

Magistrate Azore then set the ruling in the case for June 28.

It is alleged that on October 27, 2017,

at Madewini Resort, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Maraj gave false information to the Police that he had been kidnapped and US$700,000 was demanded for his release.

However, after a probe was launched into the alleged kidnapping, it was discovered that the “kid-

Sawak Maraj

napping” was staged.

He was also charged for conspiring with others on the same day and at the same location to commit a felony, that is, to obtain US$700,000 by false pretense.

Reports are that the Trinidadian arrived in Guyana and was scheduled to check in at the Ramada Hotel, Providence, but never showed up.

According to reports, the parents of the victim were contacted in Trinidad via cellphone by an unknown person who indicated that their son was taken hostage in Guyana and the money was demanded for his release.

A photograph of the man shirtless with a cutlass to his neck was sent to his parents as proof of his detention.

However, following investigations by the Police, the ranks swooped down on a house at Madewini Resort and found the man relaxing comfortably with his alleged accomplices. Detectives then began to unravel an apparent scheme by the man to extort money from his relatives.

On integrity…

P

…and its absence in PNC resident Granger finally confessed he is one of the 716 Public Officers of his administration who haven’t reported their assets to the Integrity Commission. Now, that’s a crying shame, and it betrays an astonishing level of hypocrisy that’s belied by the “prim and proper” façade he assiduously cultivates. Here it is that he, his party and its AFC sidekick have been beating up on the PPP for years, not only about the PPP’s “lack of integrity”, but about their actually “siphoning off” billions and billions from the public purse; and now they themselves don’t have the common decency to even file their lists of assets which has been the law of the land since 1997.

But those in politics -- except the clinging acolytes, who’re now choking on their craw -- always knew it was a bluff. The tip-off was the PNC refusing to submit their asset returns because they rejected the chairmanship of Bishop Randolph George, head of the Anglican Church of Guyana. He, after all, dared to speak his own mind on the goings-on under the PNC. When Granger was made leader of the PNC, Aubrey Norton said the vote was rigged!! Where was the integrity? It was expected he’d at least insist that PNC MPs -including himself – comply with the law of the land. Bishop George, after all, has passed on.

But it NEVER happened; their “don’t tell, even if asked” rule remained firmly in place while they continued pelting mud at the PPP. Fast forward to May 2015, when they slid into office with the opportunity to form their own Integrity Commission, since the law said the Prime Minister shall recommend names to the President to be Chair and four regular Commissioners. 2016 came and went, but no Commission was formed, while the billion-dollar scam at Jubilee Stadium was run with a SENIOR Minister in the centre!!

2016 came and ditto, even as the pharma bottom house/ware house scam was perpetrated. 2017 came and went, and ditto squared while they ran the $600 million pharma purchase scam. Finally -- gasp! – the Commission was launched in Jan 2018. Now filings?

No! No!! Most officials still didn’t file, even though the Chairman said he didn’t have any “investigative capacity” to check out the veracity of the submissions.

It was a toothless poodle.

So 2019 rolls around, and what’s the story??

The Chair now says, in Feb, that he and the other Commissioners aren’t full-timers; they need to hire staff and investigators, but don’t have money!! And who didn’t provide money?? Well, duh!!! Granger and the PNC Government of course!!

And finally, three days ago, ads appear seeking “investigators”! With the requirement being 5CXCs. You can imagine the quality they’ll attract. Worse that SOCU’s!!

And yet Granger didn’t file!! …and its rewards Against all the odds: anti-incumbency; opposition coalitions; casteist parties; regional sentiments; not exactly a stellar job creation record for youths, the BJP under the leadership of Narendra Modi wasn’t just returned to power, but actually INCREASED its share of the national vote of 900 MILLION eligible voters!

Now if this isn’t an endorsement, what is??

What then was the victory due to?? And the answer is simple but profound: the INTEGRITY of Modi!!

Revelling in his humble tea-vendor origins, Modi was yet universally accepted as incorruptible – because of the organisation that nurtured him throughout his life; the much reviled but completely misunderstood RSS. But name explains the phenomenon: “National Volunteer Organisation”!!

Modi was nurtured to VOLUNTEER to be a servant of the people. He dubbed himself a “Chowkidar” – a “watchman” – during the campaign; a watchman of Indian interests. And in this role, not a single person could point their fingers at him personally – in a capitalist economy.

He recognised that businessmen would become wealth. But unlike the PNC politicians, he didn’t have his hand out!! …and a Hummer Your Eyewitness was stunned to learn that a seized Hummer was passed on to the GDF by the GRA, but fraudulent duty-free registration to the Ministry of Public Health wasn’t investigated.

So which big one waived the duty!??! Where’s the integrity??

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

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friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

President enjoys “free pass” for failing to declare with Integrity Commission – PPP wants assets of all MPs to be made public – Opposition Leader

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ver since President David Granger ascended to office in 2015, he has failed to submit statements to the Integrity Commission, and yet he continues to enjoy a “free pass” with this breach.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who told the media that when he missed the deadline for submitting his statement of declaration to the Integrity Commission by some two to three weeks, a plethora of heavy criticisms were levelled against him, but President Granger seems to be exempted from both the laws and criticisms.

“To my surprise, I saw (that) the President has not even submitted, and four years as President. This is his fifth year in office, and he never submitted once his statement to the Integrity Commission, but he gets a free pass,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo posited that the PPP, inclusive of himself, have nothing to hide and are still willing to publicly declare all assets. He explained that this was supported by the Motion that his Party had previously presented in the National Assembly, but it was the APNU+AFC coalition that voted against the public knowing what each Parliamentarian owned/ owns as part of safeguarding the assets that belong to current Government Ministers.

However, the Opposition Leader says he is willing to publicly declare all of his assets, but only if the President is mandated to do the same.

“He (President Granger) got a free pass until two days ago. Everybody thought or assumed that he had declared, I was getting hammered as Opposition Leader, I am not in Government even and he got a free pass. If I make mine public, all day long you focus on that, but then you give the Government a free pass.

Ask him, as President, why they voted against a motion, (because) I believe that we should do that, make public

everything,” Jagdeo emphasised.

The Opposition Leader added that as part of the PPP’s Manifesto for the future, his Party is presently looking at a detailed set of programmes that would strengthen Government institutions, and particularly those to fight corruption in all forms, inclusive of corruption by MPs. “Given what has happened now, there is an absolute need to not only strengthen the institutions that fight corruption, but also create new ones to ensure that there are swift penalties for transgressions of rules. So we will be launching a package of measures to do that,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Integrity Commission flagged a number of public officials for failing to make their declarations, and President David Granger is one of the defaulters, having breached the stipulated deadline of May 20, 2019.

The agency recently informed that all public officials have been required to make these submissions, in compliance with the Integrity Commission Act. On the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, the President explained that he has not yet submitted his declaration, but has made contact with the Commission. “I’m in touch with the Integrity Commission. I have written to them. I have not submitted all of my declarations. It is taking some time, but I am in touch with them, and the Commission has heard from me,” he stated.

Reports have surfaced that some Cabinet members are also lagging in regard to their submissions, but President Granger has assured that there is a commitment by all Cabinet members to comply. As of now, he displayed concerns over this matter, but could not account for the tardiness on the part of errant Ministers.

“I am concerned, and as I pointed out, my own dec-

laration is being prepared and I do not have a reason why others have not been prepared. I’ve had some challenges over that period of time, but I’m actually working on it, and the Commission is aware of my interest in ensuring that they are submitted as quickly as possible,” the Head of State told media operatives.

He added, “As far as the Cabinet is concerned, the general rule is that we should all comply. It is just a matter of time. Some of the details may have taken some members time (to compile). I cannot say if all of them are compliant, but that is the policy of Cabinet: that every Minister should comply.”

Just a few days ago, the Integrity Commission issued a notice which request-

President David Granger

ed persons to make their declarations. The document stated, “The Integrity Commission hereby notifies all specified public officers of its inventory update.

This updating process relates to the updates of the 2019 Inventory. The inven-

tory concerns specific public officers required to submit declarations. This is in accordance (with) Schedule 1 of the Integrity Commission Act, No 20 of 1997”.

In addition, that missive noted that all heads of public officers are required to

submit to the Commission the names, designations, physical addresses, email addresses and contact numbers of public officers.

These documents, the Commission said, can be sent to its Secretariat on Church Road and Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown, and also via email.

The Integrity Commission was established with the aim of improving the public’s confidence in the integrity of persons in public office by ensuring that they submit their declarations in compliance with the Integrity Commission Act. However, over the years, the Commission has had to publish the names of delinquent public officials in an effort to have them make their declarations.

10 news

friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police hunt persons of interest in “Gun Youth” execution …Crime Chief urges witnesses to come forward

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he Police are currently pursuing several persons in relation to the gunning down of Collin Hooper, also called “Gun Youth”, on Monday last.

This is according to Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, who during an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday stated that although no suspect in the execution- style

killing has been apprehended, ranks are hunting for specific persons.

“There are persons of interest that the Police are looking for. Their names

Deputy Police Commissioner, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves

were touted, so the Police are looking for some persons of interest to interview them…but also, so far, we are not able to get anyone to come forward to say if and what they saw or know about this shooting/murder incident,” he disclosed.

According to Alves, folks are generally not very willing to come forward to the Police with information about crimes committed in their communities because they fear their families can be harmed.

“For instance, when you live in areas, you have to be very careful. Persons will not want to put their lives at

risk; feeling that if you come forward that it would be disclosed, which is far from the truth. They may be fearful of who they give the information to,” he related.

Nevertheless, the Crime Chief is calling on witnesses to the Hooper murder to come forward. He noted that if those persons have reservations about speaking to investigators, they are free to call him directly.

“If they have concerns about their safety and security and the leaking of the information, they can contact me. They can call me on my cellphone, which is 6082278,” Alves declared.

On Monday last, 45-yearold Hooper, who had been wanted by the Police for murder, was gunned down near his home at East La Penitence, Georgetown. The Police have recovered six spent shells of a small calibre weapon close to the dead man’s body. When Guyana Times visited the scene, persons in the area were all tight-lipped about the shooting. However, one person described the area as a “nest for criminals” while calling for more frequent Police patrols.

Dead: Collin Hooper, known as “Gun Youth”

also

The area where the shooting took place is a stone’s throw away from the East La Penitence Police Outpost.

It has been reported that Hooper moved into the area only a few months ago.

Hooper, who was reportedly shot multiple time to the head and upper body, was said to have been a carpenter, but had had several robbery charges pending before the courts, and had been wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to the murder of 57-yearold Prince Alleyne, who was gunned down on High Street, Georgetown during a robbery on April 16.

Nominations impending for members of JSC – President

T

he long-awaited Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is in the final stage of reconstitution; and with nominations from the Parliamentary Committee, the body should be functional without further delays.

This is according to President David Granger, who said, “Some nominations have to be made by the Parliamentary Committee, and once that is done -- I’m overheard: There is no reason for it to be delayed further.”

The tenure of the previous commission expired on September 30, 2017, and former Attorney General

President David Granger

Anil Nandlall had been critical of the impasse. In a social media post one year later, Nandlall asserted, “Once again, the burden is mine to remind them that

there is currently no properly constituted Judicial Service Commission. This position has obtained for several months now. So, as a result of this constitutional vacuum, no judge or magistrate can be appointed.”

One of the most important functions of the JSC is making recommendations to fill vacancies within the Judiciary. In February 2016, the then JSC had recommended that High Court Justices Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory be appointed to the Court of Appeal; and that Attorneys Sandil Kissoon and Damone Younge be appointed Puisne Judges.

In July 2016, Justice Rishi Persaud was elevated to serve in the Court of Appeal; and Attorneys Simone Morris-Ramlall, Damone Younge, Sandil Kissoon and Gino Persaud were appointed Puisne Judges.

However, with respect to the appointment of a Chancellor and Chief Justice, Article 128 (1) of the Constitution provides that these positions be appointed by the President, “who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.”

Article 128 (2) also provides that “the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and appoint a person to act in the office of Justice of Appeal or Puisne Judge, as the case may be.”

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friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt spends $40M on Buju Banton tickets for supporters – Jagdeo

...”it is not Govt’s money, it is PNC’s money” – Amna Ally

PNC General Secretary Amna Ally shared a photo with supporters during the distribution exercise

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday blazed the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government for purchasing $40 million worth in tickets for the up-

coming Buju Banton show, with hard earned taxpayer’s dollars.

The money he stated was used to purchase 8000 tickets for the show which is billed for Saturday evening at the Guyana National

Stadium. The cost for each ticket is GY$5000.

“Spending $40 million to share out to kids? Amna Ally is going around handing out, that is not her money, that is taxpayers’ money. But at the same time they don’t have

money to put medicine in the hospitals where many people are going there, pensioners etc. They cannot find insulin, they cannot find basic medicine, but they (Government) are handing out, Amna Ally taking taxpayers’ money and handing out to kids.”

According to the Opposition Leader, he is not against the idea of persons going to such shows and having their recreational moments but slammed the Government and by extension, the People’s National Congress (PNC) for taking taxpayers’ monies to fund their political agenda, deeming the move a campaign strategy.

“I don’t begrudge people who are getting the tick-

ets because it is our people and they should enjoy the tickets. But the fact is that this is part of the plan by the APNU to campaign using the taxpayers’ money and it is part of a broader design and it shows how disparaging they are about people, particularly young people,” he stated. The tickets were distributed to residents in Sophia, Norton Street, South Road, Cemetery Road and Bourda Market.

In an invited comment on Thursday just as the Minister was making her way into Parliament Chambers, Ally denied that the monies were taken from the public coffers but stated it was in fact, the PNC’s

money that was used to purchase the tickets.

“Government money?

Sorry, it is not Government’s money, it is the PNC’s money and we are distributing it to people. I cannot remember the amount that we bought but we are distributing.”

She added that the reason for the large investment was to allow persons the opportunity to be a part of such major events.

“We believe that it is a good opportunity for people, generally, to go to the Buju Banton show.” The show titled “I am Legend” will see the Jamaican artiste as the main act, accompanied by First Born, Alabama and Natural Black.

12 News

FRIday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GNYC Chairperson slams Govt for harsh requirements to access business loans

W

ith unemployment affecting just about 40 per cent of Guyana’s youths, the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) has called for less burdensome requirements to access small busi-

ness loans for young people who want to start a business.

This was one of the major issues highlighted at a recent youth forum, which gave young people an opportunity to vent their concerns.

During her presentation, Chairperson for Regional Inclusion and Participation at the GNYC, Shonette Waterman, slammed the Government for all the red tape presently attached to acquiring a small loan.

Chairperson for Regional Inclusion and Participation at the Guyana National Youth Council, Shonette Waterman

“We ask the Ministry and we ask all the other organisations who provide grants and funds for us to create businesses, we ask you please let’s cut down some of the red tape that is being placed into youths being able to have businesses.

If we want to have funding for our businesses there’s a whole lot of unnecessary, we do understand that young people need to be resilient, we do understand that we need to be responsible, we do recognise and respect the

fact that nobody’s just gunna give us a hand out or give us money. We recognise that but we also ask that we cut down some of the unnecessary red tape that is involved in us receiving funds for the establishment of businesses that we wish to do,” she said, as her fellow young people cheered in agreement”.

As a result of the high unemployment rate, Waterman related that youths, some of whom are students of the University of Guyana (UG), have also

complained that repaying loans to the tertiary institution is burdensome since a job is not guaranteed after completion of their studies.

“I know a colleague of mine says it is unfair to have to pay over US$1000 per month to study medicine and then you are being paid less than 15 per cent of that as your salary. How can we pay back the loans if, for those persons who even took loans, how can you pay back a loan when you are given such a low salary?” she questioned.

This question was posed at a time when calls were made for free education from nursery to tertiary levels.

Senior Research, Planning and Development Officer at the Youth Department, Adeti DeJesus, told this publication that these concerns and recommendations along with others made at the forum will be compiled and forwarded to the policymakers.

Turn to page 15

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friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen dies after Miner feared dead after mishap in Cuyuni River allegedly jumping A into path of moving car

A

teenager was killed after she reportedly jumped off her lover’s bicycle and into the path of a moving car on Wednesday in the vicinity of Turkeyen Railway Embankment, Greater Georgetown.

The dead woman has been identified as 18-year-old Kareema Mary Cholmondeley of Lot 10 BB GEC Scheme, Hugh Ghanie Park, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Based on reports received, the teen and her 42-year-old lover were engaged in a heated argument and it was this time she made the deadly jump, landing in the path of a motorcar bearing registration number PJJ 5884 which was proceeding along the roadway at about 22:30h.

The driver of that vehicle reportedly told the traffic ranks that as he drove along the roadway, he saw a male pushing a bicycle and as he was about to pass him, he realised someone was lying on the road. However, due to the short distance between the car and the person on the roadway, the vehicle ran over the person.

The injured woman, who was rendered unconscious, was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The teen’s reputed husband as well as the driver are presently in Police custody assisting with the investigation. Police said the driver of the car had passed a breathalyser test.

Last June, 19-year-old Sasia Adams of Pomeroon, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) who resided at East Street, Georgetown, died after also reportedly jumping from her boyfriend’s moving car.

Reports are Adams’s 21-year-old boyfriend, Rick Sewcharran, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) rushed her to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital. He reportedly told nurses that she jumped from his moving car while they were proceeding along Lamaha Street.

In March of this year the manslaughter charge against Sewcharran was discharged by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on the grounds of lack of evidence.

miner is fear dead following a mishap that occurred at Pepper Hill River Front, Cuyuni River, in Region Seven on Wednesday morning.

He is 28-yearold Yannick Janniere, also called Kayzim, of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.

Based on information

received, Janniere and several other workers were loading a dredge and other equipment belonging to their employer onto a pontoon for transportation to another landing.

However, as the men were finished loading the equipment onto the pontoon and were ready to journey to the other location, the boat that was at-

tached to the pontoon became loose and the pontoon began to drift downstream.

Janniere reportedly jumped from the pontoon into the rough waters of the Cuyuni river and began swimming towards the drifting boat. He swam for about 200 metres before he disappeared under the water. His fellow workers raised an alarm, and some

even jumped into the river in a bid to rescue him, but he has not since been seen.

The incident has been reported at the Bartica Police Station, and up to late Wednesday afternoon, divers searching for Janniere’s body have been coming up empty-handed.

The search is expected to recommence this morning (Friday).

Miner stabbed to death for tearing colleague’s shirt

A

miner was on Wednesday evening stabbed at least 12 times after he intervened in an argument between his colleague and woman at Takutu Landing, Puruni Road, Mazaruni River.

The dead man has been identified only as “Black Boy”, while the suspect is a 37-year-old miner of Enterprise, Lower Pomeroon River.

Based on information received, on the day in question at about 20:30h, the now dead man and the suspect

were consuming alcohol at a popular shop in the area.

At 01:20h, it is alleged that the suspect concealed himself in the sleeping quarters of a female employee unknowing to her. As she entered, she was confronted by the man and she raised an alarm. The woman and the suspect were however engaged in a heated argument and it was this time the victim intervened, held onto the suspect’s shirt and pulled him out of the room.

The woman reportedly went back into her sleep-

ing quarters and left the two men arguing in front of the shop.

Guyana Times understands that about five minutes later, the woman heard a commotion and upon checking, saw “Black Boy” lying on his back in a pool of blood and motionless. Upon enquiring, the suspect admitted that he stabbed the man with a bayonet for tearing his shirt.

Police have since confirmed that the victim was stabbed 12 times to the back. The suspected murder weapon was recovered at the scene and taken as evidence.

“Black Boy’s” body was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

The suspect is expected to be charged with the heinous crime.

14 news

friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Black Bush Polder cleared of threats from rain – Regional Chairman – residents claim dams overflowing

C

hairman of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) David Armogan is confident that the region has the capacity to drain the Black Bush Polder area in light of the impending rainy season and as such, the area is clear from any expected flooding.

Moments after relating this information, residents in the same Black Bush Polder area contacted Guyana Times to complain that dams in the area were overflowing. This publication was told that the outfall channels are all blocked and the pumps are clogged with mud, resulting in sluice doors not being able to open.

The pumps at the outfall channels were extremely helpful during the last rainy season, preventing farmers from suffering any losses due to flooding. However, none of those systems are presently in place even though the May/June rainy season has commenced.

According to Regional

Vice Chairman Denis DeRoop, who heads the Regional Works Committee, the contractor employed by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to clear the Number 43 Village outfall last year did not complete the project.

Hence, the siltation has resulted in fishing boats being grounded. The NDIA has the responsibility for clearing the outfalls which drain the Black Bush Polder; Eversham, Adventure and Number 43 Village.

Nevertheless, works have commenced at the Adventure outfall, Armogan stated.

“We are also in the process of awarding contracts for the Number 47 Outfall and some of the other outfalls that we would normally be doing during the rainy season. I hope that the Tender Board can act fast enough to make sure that these contracts are awarded and people put on standby so that immediately as soon as

the rains start to pour down, we would get the machines in place to get the outfalls cleared,” the Chairman noted.

More so, he added that the situation is being monitored as it relates to rainfall.

The Chairman explained that only if there is a significant amount of rainfall only then would there be any threat of flooding in the Black bush Polder.

The contractors, he noted, will have to be prepared to commence work at very short notice should the need arise.

He further explained that the current drainage and irrigation is designed to take off one and a half inches of rainfall within a 24hour period but if it continues to rain constantly over a two-day period, some flooding can occur.

“But we have large pumps now at 43 Village, Eversham and we have to be able to instal pumps at Adventure too. So we have

Work has commenced at the Adventure Outfall Channel

capacity not only in terms of gravidity drainage but also when the tide rises we can also do pumping,” Armagon stated.

The Hydro Meteorological

Office predicts that this year there will be less rainfall when compared with the May/June period last year.

This time, however, it will be impossible for pump-

ing to occur since even the area around the pump is completely silted. Some farmers say if heavy rainfall should come, there will be flooding.

Malnutrition still exists in Region 6 – ROC Maryann Daby PI further delayed

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agistrate Leron Daly on Thursday recalled an arrest warrant that was issued for Superintendent Gary McAllister who did not turn up to court at the set time to give evidence into the matter against Maryann Daby.

Daby was accused of attempting to kill a Police Officer by pointing a loaded gun to his head and pulling the trigger. However, the case was further delayed when the matter was called and McAllister was not present to take the stand.

The Prosecutor told the court that the officer knew of the proceeding’s date and time and therefore an arrest warrant should be issued.

Magistrate Leron Daly then issued the warrant but later recalled it after McAllister showed up. The matter will be called again on May 28.

The Superintendent had given contradicting evidence at the previous court day resulting in the matter being adjourned.

On May 2, 2019, McAllister told the court

Maryann Daby

that he brought one evidence bag from the Brickdam Police Station containing one .32 Beretta pistol with a magazine, along with four live .32 ammunition and two .32 spent shells.

However, at the next court hearing, the Police rank told the court that he uplifted the evidence bag with a magazine, four live rounds, and two .22 spent shells. The evidence listed completely varied from his testimony of May 2 thus the

matter was adjourned.

Twenty-five-year-old Maryanne Daby of Lot 127 D’Aguiar Park, Houston, Greater Georgetown, was slapped with two possession charges.

She was not allowed to plead to the first charge read to her by City Magistrate Judy Latchman. The charge alleged that on May 13, 2018, at Albert Street and Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Daby attempted to murder Police Constable Christopher Kissoon.

The financial officer denied having a .32 pistol along with five live .32 rounds of ammunition in her possession while being an unlicensed firearm holder.

It was alleged Daby was seen firing shots in the air while partying at a racing club when she was approached by Constable Kissoon and commanded to stop. The irritated young woman took the said pistol and pointed it to the officer’s head and pulled the trigger.

The prosecutor informed the court that the gun jammed and did not discharge.

$700M approved to develop...

According to the Housing Minister, once the money is available work will commence immediately in the areas of Recht-doorZee, Prospect Phase Two, Providence Phase Five and Cummings Lodge to “bring housing solutions to the people in Guyana”.

In April, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan had said that the 4000 house lots are expected to be available for distribution within the next 18 months. He had noted that in order to make housing affordable for citizens, Government has pumped over $5 billion in consolidating infrastructure

in housing schemes.

On the other hand, the Government has held several housing expos and establish various initiatives in its efforts to provide affordable.

In fact, the CH&PA has teamed up with some private developers including the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to build 50 homes for low-income applicants at Prospect New Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara.

The houses, measuring 400 square feet each, include the necessary amenities and a small patio which stands on a plot of land measuring

From page 7

40 feet x 80 feet. The prices range from $4 million up to $9 million.

Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Communities another $794 billion in supplementary funds were approved by the Committee on Thursday under Sustainable Communities Development. These monies will be used to for works undertaken by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to improve the Hinterland, Coastal and Linden Water Supply. Other areas to benefit from the allocations include Urban Sewerage and Water, and the Solid Waste Disposal Programme.

C

hairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission, Aleema Nasir on Thursday revealed that after conducting workshops in several administrative regions, there are indications which suggest malnutrition still exists in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

She made this disclosure during a child rights workshop held at the Pegasus Hotel to engage students on Guyana’s accomplishment of its Independence from British rule.

According to Nasir, the workshops carried out by the Commission have outlined a number of factors within classroom settings that violate policies by United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

During a recent engagement with the health sector, it was found that some children within the region are suffering from malnutrition.

For other issues, the Education Ministry has also come on board to assist in bettering these conditions.

“This workshop has uncovered that currently, there is still malnutrition in Region Six. In the education sector, the RCC has sought to partner principally with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the settings and conditions in which our chil-

RCC Chairperson Aleema Nazir

dren are being educated are in accord with the best practices and are not in breach of the rights and interests of Guyana’s children,” Nasir stated.

According to the chairperson, these initiatives are not only limited to the coastland, but also hinterland communities, where they are trying to create safer spaces in schools that have dormitories.

In Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), there has been reports of deterioration at these facilities.

“Recent reports of deterioration of dorms schools in Region Eight are currently being reviewed… The dorm schools in the hinterland must represent safe spaces

for children to receive an education and thus, must comply with all minimum standards and best practices.”

However, they are continuous strides to completely eliminate corporal punishment from the classroom environment. However, there has been a repulsive force emanating from the community level and schools.

“Such abolition goes with keeping with the best practices. Unfortunately, a certain method of resistance have been detected at community and schools with regard to the complete abolition of corporal punishment in our schools and homes,” she stated.

Students from several schools participated in the four-consecutive workshop, which commemorated Guyana’s Independence anniversary and the fight for independence by past leaders.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was present as he stated that youths are the future and should take charge of Guyana’s trajectory in the coming years. He noted that respect must be paid to the country’s flag and other symbols of nationhood.

On May 26, Guyana will celebrate 53 years as an independent nation after unravelling itself from the British rule.

SAVE Guyana brings mental health, violence workshop to Region 5

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he Suicide And Violence Eradication (SAVE) Guyana organisation will hold a mental health and domestic violence workshop to Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Saturday, in efforts to reduce alarming statistics.

According to the organ-

isation, the participants range from doctors, nurses, and social workers, while the presenters include Canadian Certified Addiction Specialist, Shirvington Hannays; Training Director of SAVE Guyana, Leslyn Holder; and Drug Treatment Specialist,

Philip Drayton.

In recent time, there have been numerous cases of domestic violence in the region, which has led to fatalities. This workshop is aimed at addressing these issues through continuous efforts.

news

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friday, may 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Women urged to tackle gender equality issues at grass-roots level

M.Sc. - Finance, ACCA

Why is the pnc/apnu not working for Guyana?

By: Sase Singh; MSc - Finance, ACCA

W

hen politicians and bureaucrats fail to deliver what they had promised, the lamest and easiest of their excuses is that the old administration is blocking progress from the new administration. It is no different in Guyana.

Such an excuse might be reasonable maybe for the first 6 months, but, as in the case of Team Granger, it is grossly disrespectful of them that, after 48 months, they are still using this stale line. They really think they can play with the intelligence of the Guyanese people, because they think the people cannot see their incompetence from a mile away.

The Granger people tell us that his government cannot get enough of the right people to run the Government. Again, more political bunkum, because when we cross-reference this statement with reality, we find that the doors to the jobs and access to the corridors of power are shut tight against the youths with talent.

Instead, we see a revolving door of washed out “has-beens”, “dead weights”, recycled party apparatchiks from the 1980s, institutionalised in the Government and offering very little return for the investment the State has made in them.

We can start with Mr. David Arthur Granger himself. If you ask the simple question: WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR THE GUYANESE PEOPLE LATELY? The answer weighs heavily towards, “VERY LITTLE”.

We’re told that the old corps of Government officers are loyal to the previous Government, are not trying hard enough, and do not have the right intentions. However, one has only to evaluate each and every Ministry, and the conclusion arrived at again and again remains that Team Granger is failing, and will continue to fail because it does not understand how to succeed. The very nature of this Granger Team is weighted against its success.

I want to share ten (10) reasons why I made this statement: 1: Knowledge There is rampant policy paralysis across Team Granger, from top to the bottom. Let us reflect on a guaranteed source of economic expansion – exports. In order to implement a successful export expansion strategy, the politicians in the Cabinet need to know more than they are expected to on the pertinent issues. Thus they must be expertly advised at all times.

But think of Mr. Noel Holder and his contribution to the expansion of agricultural exports. Can he lead the nation at understanding the issues around why Guyana is not more competently penetrating the Caricom market on agricultural exports, although Guyana has the largest arable land space in the Caricom family? Does he know the specifics? And if he does, what has he done about them? You either know how to export or you don’t. You either know how to comply with the phyto-sanitary requirements of a foreign market or you do not. You either know how to break down the barriers into these markets or you don’t?

When you reflect on the public actions of Mr. Holder, he comes across as too generalised, as if he is guessing how to do his job most of the time.

2: Information Asymmetries While there is irregularity of information in the economy, when one compares the operation of the public sector with that of the private sector, the dsyfunctionality of the decision-making process in the public sector remains profound. What is even more frightening is that, after four years in office, Mr. Granger’s promise to boost the education system to help on this front has not delivered the intended outcome, earning him an “F” grade.

3: Crowding out of the private sector Government’s intervention by taxing and spending is not helping to expand the economy. Rather, this practice is crowding out the private sector. Governments do not create new wealth; they just move cash around from one hand to the other. Crowding out the private sector is contributing to the deterioration of the incentive mechanism to drive more people to properly unleash their potential.

4: Time lags Government policies suffer from extended lags between diagnoses and effects. The governmental processes are concerned with holding on to power, and Team Granger’s antenna captures only those signals that are relevant to the power game. But ask them about the new jobs, the new industries, the new wealth centres and they are lost. As the current situation has revealed, all that has happened since December 21, 2018, when Mr. Charrandas Persaud voted, is the politicisation of every single decision, while too many fundamental issues continue to go unattended. Meanwhile, if one looks at the crime and social destruction in Guyana, it has gotten so much worse in the last 6 months, with minimal policy reaction from the Ministry of Public Security. You would have thought that, by now, Mr. Granger would have declared war on crime.

I shall complete this conversation next week. Please share your Pleaseatshare your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com. feedback sasesin1@yahoo.com

o effect the necessary changes when it comes to gender equality, women were urged to begin their efforts at the community level, as a oneday workshop for Toshaos was held on Thursday at the Secretariat of the National Toshaos Council, in Georgetown.

This call was made by Secretary General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Patrice La Fleur who addressed the gathering comprised of mostly women.

“As a development practitioner I do believe that to bring about the change we would like to see among our women and men, boys and girls our efforts must commence at the community level within homes, schools and workplaces,” La Fleur stated.

The workshop hosted was a collaborative effort between the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) and UNESCO. It is being held with the intent of

Secretary General from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Patrice La Fleur

strengthening the capacity of women in this area.

Chairperson of the W&GEC, Indranie Chandarpaul explained that although people hear of gender equality, quite often they are unclear of what it actually means. As such, the workshop, she stated, will help participants share their knowledge.

“We’re hoping today that the tools that you will be

provided with through this workshop on gender that you would better understand the role that we women are talking about and to understand the gender issue and as I know it and some of you already know it, not all our people are clear about this issue. They will say to you well you know we grow up knowing about male and female and neutral gender and all of these things.

GNYC Chairperson slams...

“The Department of Youth recognises that youth unemployment is one of the major issues affecting our young people and we recognise that in order for us to play our part and to contribute to the solution in addressing this issue we need to have consultations with the young people,” DeJesus explained.

In April, the Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael had admitted that the current funding for youth businesses is inadequate.

Carmichael made this statement during a recent press conference where she said, “The Department of Youth recognises again that issue. Coming out of a conference I attended sometime in 2018, I would have come back and spoke to a couple of recommendations and one of them is to look at the implementation of an entrepreneurial framework which will speak to all the regulatory framework regarding financing and young people”.

Young people in the past have complained about the Government’s unbothered attitude towards adequately financing their businesses, as other lending agencies such as banks require a large number of paperwork before they issue funding.

In fact, the recent disclosure that just about 40 per cent of Guyanese youths are unemployed has raised even more concerns as to what the Government has done or is doing to remedy the disturbing situation.

According to the Department of Youth, the agency has been trying hard to finance some business ideas and projects through the Youth Innovation Programme of Guyana (YIPOG).

According to Carmichael, “The Department of Youth has on board a youth innovation programme which has been given $70 million this year, $70 (million) last year

What is this gender that you are all talking about?

So today’s workshop is intended to guide you. To help you understand about the relationship between male and female and how it affects us every day in our lives,” she told the attendees.

Chandarpaul added that she is aware of the challenges women face in society on a daily basis despite laws.

“Whether it is violence, whether its incest, whether its rum drinking or alcoholism, whether it is patriarchal behaviour by some of our men folk who believe that our women should always be in the home because some still feel that is where our place is and some resent the fact that women are now elected to positions and are taking some of the positions they had formerly held”.

The two agencies hope the training will empower these women to take their places in society as well as motivate others in their communities to do the same.

From page 12

and $50 million in the year before to look at development for young people, their proposals and so on and the reason this was brought on board is because we recog-

nise that there aren’t the necessary frameworks with regards to the financing (or) easy access to the banks and so on”.

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friday, may 24, 2019

Around the World

US tells large traders to stop Pakistan PM congratulates jet fuel trade with Venezuela PM Modi's landslide victory

People push a car without fuel to one of the few gas stations that have its own electric generator during an electricity blackout in Caracas, on March 10

T

he United States told some large trading houses this week they should stop trading jet fuel with Venezuela or face sanctions, ratcheting up pressure aimed at removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, according to two industry sources.

According to the two sources familiar with the calls to several large Swissand British-based trading houses, which were made

by US State Department officials, the move is aimed at restraining commercial and military flights in Venezuela.

The US officials told them that diesel trade with Venezuela was still considered legal for humanitarian reasons.

The US Department of State did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The pressure, part of Washington’s effort to oust Maduro in favour of Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, follows similar requests made in March.

US officials told global trading houses and oil refiners then to reduce dealing with Venezuela or face sanctions themselves, even if the traders were not prohibited by US sanctions.

US officials have been trying to end deliveries of gasoline and refined products used to dilute Venezuela’s heavy crude oil to make it suitable for export.

The United States, along with nearly 50 coun-

tries around the world, calls Guaidó Venezuela’s legitimate leader and has thrown its support behind him in efforts to push Maduro from power, but the effort has stalled in recent weeks.

Venezuela’s economy has long relied on oil, which prior to sanctions accounted for more than 90 per cent of the country’s export revenues. The OPEC member has among the world’s largest reserves, but production has declined from more than three million barrels per day two decades ago to less than 800,000 bpd as of April, according to OPEC figures based on secondary sources.

Venezuela state oil company PDVSA’s crude and fuel exports have dropped to around 800,000 bpd so far in May, down from 1.4 million bpd just before sanctions, according to PDVSA’s trade documents and Refinitiv Eikon data.

As the United States boosts oil and natural gas output, it has increasingly been using its energy clout in foreign policy. At an energy conference in Houston in March, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo laid out a vision of working with energy firms to isolate Iran and Venezuela. (MSN)

Killer tornado hurls US elderly couple from home

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tornado has killed three people in the US state of Missouri, including an elderly couple who were hurled hundreds of feet from their home.

All three fatalities were in Golden City. Another tornado carved a threemile swathe of destruction through the state capital, Jefferson City.

It brought the death toll from US Midwest twisters this week to seven. Missouri saw two other weather-relat-

ed deaths earlier this week, along with one in Oklahoma and another in Iowa.

In Golden City, the bodies of Kenneth Harris, 86, and his wife Opal, 83, were found 600 feet (182 metres) from their home. Missouri State Highway Patrol identified the third victim as Betty Berg, 56, who died when her mobile home was destroyed.

Jefferson City residents were urged on Thursday to stay at home due to danger-

ous road conditions in the aftermath of the storm, including toppled trees and power lines.

Earlier the US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a rare “high warning” for severe storms in the region. It said at least 29 tornadoes had been reported in the last 24 hours and more than 170 since Friday. The NWS described the tornado over Jefferson City as “large and destructive”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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akistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday congratulated his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi after the BJP swept the national election in trends released by the Election Commission.

“I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia,” tweeted Imran Khan, a former cricketer who became Pakistan’s Prime Minister in August last year.

PM Modi, responded, by saying he has “always given primacy to peace and development in our region.”

Imran Khan’s tweet came not long after other heads of state including Israeli

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated PM Modi after trend showed his party had taken comfortable majority in the 543-seat Lok Sabha, for which elections were held in 542 seats. A party or an alliance needs 272 seats to form government.

The results of the general election are significant for Pakistan as the formation of the next government in New Delhi would determine the course of bilateral ties, which fell to a new low after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

In April, Imran Khan was quoted as saying by the media that he saw a better chance of peace talks with India if PM Modi’s BJP won the national election. The Pakistan PM had said if the next government in India were led by the Congress party, it might be “too scared” to seek a settlement with Pakistan over Kashmir, fearing a backlash.

“Perhaps if the BJP a right-wing party - wins, some kind of settlement in Kashmir could be reached,” Imran Khan was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated Modi on the BJP’s big win

On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said his country has delivered a “message of peace” by opening the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India as he underlined the importance of “conflict resolution” for peace and stability in South Asia.

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers’ in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, also attended by Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, Mr Qureshi had said enduring peace and prosperity in South Asia will remain elusive without good-faith diplomacy and result-oriented dialogue. (NDTV)

Julian Assange: US files 17 new charges against Wikileaks co-founder

T

he US Justice Department has filed 17 new charges against Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange, who is facing extradition from the UK. The latest charges accuse him of receiving and unlawfully publishing the names of classified sources.

He was previously charged last month on one count of conspiring with ex-intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to gain access to the Pentagon network.

Assange is serving a jail sentence in the UK for breaching bail conditions.

The 47-year-old was found guilty last month after his arrest at the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he had sought refuge since 2012 over sexual assault allegations in Sweden. He denies any wrongdoing.

The new indictment says Assange conspired with Manning in order to obtain and disclose secret US files and also exposed and endangered confidential sources in the Middle East and China.

Manning was found guilty in 2013 of charges including espionage for leaking secret military files to Wikileaks, but her 35-year

sentence was commuted by then-President Barack Obama.

The leak was one of the largest breaches of classified material in US history. She is currently back in jail after refusing to testify to a grand jury that is investigating Wikileaks.

Separately, Swedish authorities are also seeking the Australian-born Assange after reopening the sexual assault case against him. It follows his dramatic arrest

by UK police on April 11 after Ecuador abruptly withdrew his asylum. (Excerpt from BBC

UK’s May hangs on after Brexit gambit backfires Iran vows no surrender –

P

rime Minister Theresa May was clinging to power on Thursday after her final Brexit gambit backfired, overshadowing a European election that has shown a United Kingdom still riven over its divorce from the EU. May’s departure will deepen the Brexit crisis as a new leader is likely to want a more decisive split, raising the chances of a confrontation with the European Union and an election that could usher in a socialist government.

In such a fluid situation, Britain faces an array of options including an orderly exit with a deal, a no-deal

exit, an election or a second referendum that could ultimately reverse the 2016 decision to leave the EU. May, who won the top job in the turmoil that followed the EU referendum, has repeatedly failed to get parliament’s approval for her divorce deal, which she pitched as a way to heal Britain’s Brexit divisions.

Her last gambit, offering a possible second referendum and closer trading arrangements with the EU, triggered a revolt by some Brexit-supporting ministers and triggered the resignation of the minister in charge of her parliamentary business.

On Thursday, with Britons voting in a European election in which pre-poll surveys suggested May’s Conservatives would be thrashed by Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, May was digging in. Amid dissent across her party at her latest Brexit proposal, the government delayed the planned publication of legislation to enact her divorce deal from

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May leaves Downing Street in London, Britain, January 15, 2019

Friday until June 3, in the hope that it could still be put to parliament on June 7.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

News)

even if bombed by ‘enemies’

I

ran will not surrender to US pressure and will never abandon its goals even if it is attacked, President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Iran’s top military chief said the standoff between Tehran and Washington was a “clash of wills”, warning any enemy “adventurism” would meet a crushing response, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Tensions are festering between the two countries after Washington sent more military hardware to

the Middle East in a show of force against what US officials say are Iranian threats to its troops and interests in the region.

After pulling out of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, US President Donald Trump restored punishing American sanctions on Iran last year and tightened them this month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Addressing a ceremony in commemoration of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, he added: “We need resistance

so our enemies know that if they bomb our land, and if our children are martyred, wounded or taken as prisoners, we will not give up on our goals for the independence of our country and our pride.”

Iran’s armed forces Chief-of-Staff, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, also pointed to an Iranian battle victory in the war with Iraq, and said that outcome should be a message that Iran will have a “hard, crushing and obliterating response” for any enemy.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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friDAY, may 24, 2019

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concert for Saturday evening

this evening at DCC

I

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that list.

Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his favourite countries to perform in, has not performed here for over 12 years; however, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese fans a long overdue and highly-anticipated concert.

The reggae superstar is known for hits such as “Untold Stories”, “Wanna Be Loved”, “Champion”, “Deportees”, “Not An Easy Road” and much more.

In addition to Buju, Alabama, First Born Alabama and Natural Black. General Admission tickets cost US$25, while the VIP tickets cost US$150 and the VVIP tickets will be available at a cost of US$200 each.

For those who wish to purchase their tickets online, you can go to IAMLEGENDCONCERT.COM/I-AM-LEGEND-GUYANA The Guyana Carnival Committee has confirmed that tight security arrangements will be put in place for the show that is expected to be epic.

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G

uyanese turned up in their numbers for every single event during the Guyana Carnival celebrations thus far, and it is expected that the Guyana National Stadium will be packed to capacity on Saturday evening for one of the most anticipated concerts of the season.

The “I am Legend” concert, will feature Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton who was recently released from prison after serving time for drug possession.

After his release and the growing interest of Guyanese to see the Jamaican artiste perform live, High Frequency Entertainment, in collaboration with King Leo Promotion and the Guyana Carnival Committee, decided it was a great opportunity to make Guyana a part of the “Long Walk to Freedom” tour.

Banton, whose “Long Walk to Freedom” tour was announced late last year, listed many countries in the Caribbean such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country, Jamaica, as concert destinations; and finally, Guyana was added to

J’Ouverts, Champaign

– all happening this weekend as Guyana Carnival continues

T

he 10-day Guyana Carnival bacchanal continues this morning with “Brunch Me Deh” at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, commencing at 11:00h featuring former Trinidad Chutney/Soca Monarch, Ravi B. He is expected to set the place on fire as he is once again excited to be a part of Guyana Carnival 2019.

Nevertheless, with a few days left before the curtains are drawn on the celebrations, there are a few events that patrons must check out. This evening, businessman Brian Tiwari of BK International will host an event called “Champaign Life 9” at his Garnett Street, Lamaha Gardens residence, commencing at 15:00h. This event will feature Trinidad’s soca sensation Shal Marshall and upcoming Jamaican artiste, Koffee.

Tickets for this event cost US$150 and comes with a free bottle of Belair champagne and hors d’oeuvre.

However, as the place gets dark, the action continues at the

n a few hours, the Demerara Cricket Club ground (DCC), at Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, will definitely come alive as Freedom Family Entertainment is set to host “Friends with Benefits”. The event is set for this evening and will take the form of a J’Ouvert party in time for Independence celebrations.

This is one of many concept parties that are being held by Marlon “Freedom Boss” Jacobs, who in the past and from experience, has hosted parties that have been off the hook. Come this evening, there will be an abundance of paint and powder.

For the partyholics, you can get your branded T-shirts with the entertainment’s group logo, FWB, to attend the party. The T-shirts are available at New Wave Association (NWA) located at Church Street, Georgetown (between Wellington and Carmichael Streets).

It will be a night of frolic and excitement as some of the best deejays are lined up to provide the ultimate party experience with the best soca and other genre of music.

In addition, the Freedom Family will introduce a drink special all night where patrons can purchase one bottle of Hennessey, Ciroc, JW Black Label or Grey Goose and get a second bottle at half price.

General admission will cost $4000 or patrons can pay $10,000 for the VIP experience. With the purchase of any ticket, the ticket holder can bring a friend along absolutely free.

Ticket can be picked up at Digicel, Stabroek Market; Wacky Clothing, Arcade Mall; Short Boss Boutique, Orange Walk; Cheese Please, Kitty; and Grill Kings on Mandela Avenue.

The action gets underway at 19:00h. This is one event you must not miss!

National Park tarmac for two separate J’Ouvert events. The first, “Stink and Dutty” is set to commence at 20:00h, while the “Chocolate J’Ouvert” will start at 23:00h at the National Park.

On Saturday, all roads will lead to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence East Bank Demerara, for the “I am Legend” concert featuring controversial Jamaican artiste, Buju Banton.

Action continues on Sunday, Independence Day, with the Masquerade Road Parade. The parade will leave the Kitty roundabout and head into D’Urban Park.

After the tramp, the party continues with “Soca Rave” at the National Park, with the headliner being Nylah Blackman along with Patrice Roberts, Jumo Primo, Tamika Marshall, Voice, Blaxx and others.

Finally, the curtains will be pulled on the 10-day fete on Monday, May 27, with “Soca and Wine” at the Promenade Gardens at 20:00h.

for tonight at Stabroek Market Square

T

he Stabroek Market Square will be transformed into a carnival atmosphere this evening, with the Social Cohesion Ministry hosting “Independence Flag Concert” as Guyana celebrates its 53rd anniversary as an independent nation.

The show was organised with the main objective of promoting harmony, especially around this time of the year. The show will be epic as several well-known power houses in the music industry are expected to perform live before an anticipated massive crowd.

The line-up includes Road March Queen, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts; reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding; reigning Chutney Monarch, Steven Ramphal; along with Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson; Michelle “Big Red” King; soca sensation Mark Batson; former Calypso Monarch, Young Bill Rogers and evangelist, Saiku Andrews.

All the artistes will be backed by the Heatwave Band. The artistes are all ready and eager to set the Stabroek Square on fire. The Guyanese performers without a doubt will renew their calls for peace and tranquility to prevail over Guyana – the land of six races.

Admission to the event is absolutely free. Strict security will be on site.

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Who will be crowned

Show promises a spectacular explosion of women’s empowerment

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s the days count down to the grand coronation of the Miss, Mrs and Teen India Guyana 2019; plans are moving apace to host this glamorous event in grand style.

The event is set to be a display of poise, elegance, beauty, talent, intelligence but more importantly, women’s empowerment.

This edition will focus on empowering women which is an important element of the growth and development of not only our country but for the Miss India Guyana brand.

As such, the evening will see many attributes of such from an all experienced panel of empowered women of Indian origin within our country, as well as the guest of honour, Miss India Worldwide 2018 – Shree Siani.

Another highlight of the pageant is the introduction of the “Women of Substance” Award which will be presented annually.

This award will be presented to three former beauty queens who are still contributing to the growth and development of the Indian culture and Guyana’s pageant and entertainment industry.

However, the event is about the sensational six delegates vying for the Miss India Guyana title. They will be judged in introduction, evening wear, Indian wear and the intelligent segments.

The winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Mumbai and the opportunity to represent Guyana at the 28th annual Miss India Worldwide Pageant. She will also receive great prizes.

This year Mrs India Guyana 2019 was selected and will be unveiled on the night of the grand coronation. She will replace the reigning queen, Shivanie Latchman.

The international pageant is introducing this year the first staging of Miss India Worldwide Teen 2019, after successfully executing Miss Teen India USA for 12 years.

This pageant will mirror the segments of the other two with the age requirement being between the ages of 13 and 17 years. A selection was done and one lucky young lady with good values, talent and intelligence will be crowned as the very first Miss Teen India Guyana 2019.

In addition, the evening will see several dance routines performed by members of the Ishara Dance Troup; Nachgana Academy of Dance; Jewan Ka Nritya; Miss India Guyana 2018 Bollywood Diva winner, Oma Singh; and Artie Sookhai Khelawan. The emcee for the evening will be the glamourous, Joel Ghansham.

Tickets for this masterpiece cost $4000 (General) and $7000 (VIP) and will be available at Amanda’s Bridal, Regent Street and Vreed-en-hoop; M&M Snackette, Peter’s Hall; and Prashad Medical and Pharmacy, Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara. For more information, call 688-0036 or 680-5999.

friday, MAY 24, 2019

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FIFA drops plans for 48-team 2022 World Cup in Qatar

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IFA shelved a proposed expansion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams on Wednesday, dealing a blow to the world football body’s president Gianni Infantino.

The 2022 tournament in the Gulf state will now be played with 32 nations taking part.

FIFA said it had abandoned the expansion plans “following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process” which led to the conclusion that “under the current circumstances such a proposal could not be made now”. “(The tournament) will therefore remain as originally planned with 32 teams and no proposal will be submitted at the next FIFA Congress on 5 June,” FIFA said in a statement.

The expansion was a pet project of Infantino, who pushed the idea despite the likely need for Qatar’s neighbours to put aside a two-year blockade and help to host an expanded tournament.

“The involvement of these countries in the organisation of the tournament jointly with Qatar implies the lifting of this blockade, in particular the lifting of restrictions on the movement of people and goods,” said a feasibility study submitted to March’s FIFA Congress in Miami.

The study, seen by AFP, also claimed that a Qatar World Cup with 48 teams would generate, “between $300-$400 million (265354 million euros) of additional income”.

Specifically FIFA was counting on an additional $120 million in TV rights, $150 million in marketing rights and $90 million from ticket sales.

The news comes after Europe’s top football clubs said in March they would boycott an expanded 24-team Club World Cup -- also backed by Infantino -which is planned to take place in June and July 2021, replacing the Confederations Cup tournament.

Complicated proposition

An announcement of the final decision had not been expected until next month’s FIFA Congress to be held in Paris ahead of the women’s World Cup that takes place in France between June 7 and July 7.

FIFA said it had examined the possibility of Qatar host-

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

AIBA stripped of right to run boxing tournament at Tokyo Olympics

ing a 48-team tournament on its own, but a study “concluded that due to the advanced stage of preparations and the need for a detailed assessment of the potential logistical impact on the host country, more time would be required and a decision could not be taken before the deadline of June”.

FIFA has dropped the plan to expand the 2022 tournament despite recommending in March that the number of teams should be raised to 48 for that tournament, ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Expanding the competition for the 2022 tournament was always a complicated proposition. FIFA had sounded out potential cohosts in the region willing to support Qatar, which is subject to an ongoing embargo by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their allies.

Q a t a r ’ s S u p r e m e Committee, charged with the organisation of the tournament, said in reac-

tion to FIFA’s decision that “Qatar had always been open to the idea of an expanded tournament in 2022 had a viable operating model been found and had all parties concluded that an expanded 48-team edition was in the best interest of football and Qatar as the host nation.”

But it said there was insufficient time to make a deeper assessment before the June deadline and “it was therefore decided not to further pursue this option.”

“With just three and a half years to go until kick off, Qatar remains as committed as ever to ensuring the 32-team FIFA World Cup in 2022 is one of the best tournaments ever and one that makes the entire Arab world proud,” the Supreme Committee said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut all ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting Iran and Islamist groups.

Qatar vehemently denies the charges and says Saudi Arabia and its allies are aiming to incite government change in the emirate, the world’s largest exporter of liquified natural gas.

Gulf states Kuwait and Oman have not taken sides in the crisis. However, Oman said in April it was “not ready” to host matches. (HST)

Netball could be added to sports at 2022 CAC Games

Vladimir Nikitin celebrates his victory over Michael Conlan at the Rio Olympic Games

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mateur boxing’s governing body, AIBA, has been stripped of its right to host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic boxing tournament after a devastating report said its behaviour presented serious legal, financial and reputational risks to the IOC and the Olympic Movement”.

Boxing will, however, remain in the 2020 Games, with the International Olympic Committee confirming a taskforce headed by Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation, would be charged with overseeing the tournament.

The IOC president, Thomas Bach, also raised the issue of a professional boxing body getting involved in the Olympics after setting Watanabe a deadline of the end of June to come up with a plan.

“I am sure the taskforce will be in contact with some professional boxing organisations and maybe

other partners,” said Bach, who also confirmed that AIBA would not return to the Olympic movement without “fundamental change”.

The IOC said it had to act after a six?month investigation found multiple problems with AIBA, including the risk it could go bankrupt given its parlous financial state, which meant it could not even open a Swiss bank account despite being based in Lausanne.

The IOC report also flagged up “ongoing legal, reputational and financial risks” due to AIBA’s president, Gafur Rakhimov, being identified as “a key member of the Brothers’ Circle, a ‘criminal group composed of leaders and senior members of several Eurasian criminal groups’” by the US Treasury Department, which also said he was “one of the leaders of Uzbek organised crime”. Rakhimov denies any wrongdoing.

The IOC confirmed that it continued to have concerns about judging in the sport as

well as the conflicts of interest among several AIBA board members. In its conclusion it also warned: “It is unclear how AIBA will be able to fulfil its roles and responsibilities according to the Olympic Charter, which are primarily the development of sport and support to the athletes.”

AIBA is yet to respond publicly to the IOC’s decision.

But this month it told the Guardian it would consider legal action if it was suspended.

It also maintains that many of the problems identified by the IOC came about during Wu Ching-kuo’s controversial 11-year reign at the top of amateur boxing’s governing body between 2006 and 2017.

It says it has made substantial reforms since.

But the IOC was unconvinced, pointing out that in its report that many longstanding issues with AIBA remained – and that a number of people who were in senior positions under Wu remain in the organisation. (The Guardian)

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he sport of netball is likely to be included in the 2022 CAC Games following news that the executive of the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CASCO) accepted a report of the CACSO Technical Commission that netball is to be included as one of the new sports on the CAC Games Programme.

The matter now goes before the General Assembly for approval in October 2019.

If accepted by the General Assembly, netball will be included on the Games Programme for 2022, which will be held in Panama City.

President of the Americas Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA), Marva Bernard, welcomed the news.

“This is very good news for netball. We were very excited to get the letter that said that the technical committee had agreed for us to be considered to be a part of the CAC Games Programme. We hope that in October the General Assembly will agree, and then, once that happens then we are sure that Panama will want to put us on

their games programme for 2022,” Bernard told Sportsmax.TV. The former Netball Jamaica president said that should netball be added to the Pan Am Games programme, it could create a pathway for growth of the sport in the Americas.

“We have a number of neighbours in this region called The Americas that don’t play netball and are not members of AFNA. So, if they can see our sport we are sure they are going to want to take part in it; Cuba, for example, we have Argentina, Chile and a number of countries who were are targeting for growth,” she said.

“Haiti is a member. We are looking forward to growing the game. After we get a foothold in the CAC Games, we are going to look for the same thing for the Pan Am Games, and then ultimately to get us into the Olympics.

“So, this is good news. We feel very good about it and we are looking forward to seeing how this unfolds to the benefit of netball in this region.” (Sportsmax)

20 French Open: Anticipation grows ahead of Federer’s return to Paris

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friday, MAY 24, 2019

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ll Roger Federer had to do was strike a few silky forehands in his first practice session at Roland Garros for four years to create something of a social media frenzy this week.

Ever since the 37-year-old announced he was ending his selfimposed French Open exile, anticipation has been growing and video footage of his gentle warmup on Tuesday sent his legions of fans into a frenzy.

It is 10 years since Federer claimed his one and only title on the Parisian dirt -- completing his career slam with victory over Swede Robin Soderling.

He opted to skip the French Open for the past three years -a decision based on prolonging his career -- but a decade after lifting La Coupe des Mousquetaires he returns not just for old time’s sake, but because the Swiss must truly believe he has a chance of a 21st Grand Slam title.

Federer showed enough in a quarter-final run in Madrid -his first claycourt tournament for three years -- that he had not forgotten how to slide with the best of them.

He also won a couple of rounds in Rome last week before withdrawing ahead of his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas citing

a minor injury concern.

Federer will step into a new look Roland Garros this year and admits it has been hard to be away.

Asked why he returned in an interview with French TV channel Stade 2, he explained: “What made me decide to come back to Roland-Garros? In the end, it’s envy,” he said.

“I like slipping, cushioning, riding at odds, playing with angles and to see the fans I have not seen here.”

Glittering record Federer’s last match at Roland Garros was a quarter-final loss to fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in 2015.

Since then he has added two Australian Opens and one more Wimbledon title to his glittering record and he clearly still hungers after the game’s biggest prizes.

But with his 38th birthday looming and a host of dangerous claycourters assembling in Paris, it would surely top any of his previous feats if he reclaimed the title.

“You can’t say never because it’s Roger,” twice French Open runner-up Alex Corretja, told Reuters.

Roger Federer kissing the trophy after winning French Open 2009

“In my opinion he’s not one of the favourites because there’s a lot of guys who can hurt his game on the clay.”

Federer will hope for warm conditions to speed up the courts and perhaps allow him to use the serve-and-volley tactics he employed liberally in Madrid this month when he reached the quarter-finals in his first clay event for three years.

“I always thought that serve and volleying on a hot day on clay almost has more reward than on a grass court sometimes because the ball jumps out of the strike zone,” he said.

The conditions, and the luck of the draw, will play a big factor in Federer’s prospects over the next two weeks but whatever happens this year’s French Open story will be all the more memorable for his return.

“I don’t think he has in his mind winning the French Open, he will just go there day by day and whatever he does it will be a bonus,” Corretja said.

“Whether it’s two, three, four or five matches, it will help him arrive at Wimbledon with more rhythm.” (HST)

Hamilton edges Verstappen PSG boss Al-Khelaifi charged in opening Monaco practice with athletics corruption

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ewis Hamilton topped the times for Mercedes ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Thursday morning’s opening free practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix.

In a sombre atmosphere following the death of threetime champion Niki Lauda, the championship leader and defending five-time champion clocked a fastest lap of the famous Mediterranean street circuit in one minute and 12.106 seconds to outpace the Dutchman by 0.059 seconds.

Hamilton’s Silver Arrows team-mate Valtteri Bottas was third, only 0.072 seconds adrift of the Englishman, ahead of Monegasque Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and his team-mate Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull.

The two Ferraris were threetenths and seven-tenths slower than Hamilton respectively. It was the first time a Mercedes car had led a Monaco session since 2017, boosting their hopes of extending their dominant season-opening

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Lewis Hamilton interacts with fans

streak of an unprecedented five one-two triumphs.

Nico Hulkenberg was seventh for Renault ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo, who is due to start his 300th race on Sunday, and Romain Grosjean, in the second Haas.

The two Haas cars missed

much of the session after being black flagged to return to the pit lane due to communication problems that were resolved, permitting them to rejoin the action.

Carlos Sainz of McLaren was unable to clock a lap time after suffering technical problems with his car.

French judge has charged the president of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, with corruption over Qatari bids to host the world athletics championships.

Judicial sources quoted by AFP news agency said the case focused on the championships held in 2017 and 2019.

Mr Khelaifi, who is also the boss of Qatari TV channel BeIn Sports, has been under investigation since March.

Two payments totalling $3.5m (£2.8m), made in 2011, are under scrutiny.

London won the bidding to host the championships in 2017, but Qatar is hosting this year’s championships in September-October.

It is alleged that the payments were made by Oryx Qatar Sports Investment - a firm jointly owned

by Nasser Al-Khelaifi and his brother Khalid - to a firm run by the son of Lamine Diack, ex-president of the IAAF, the world athletics governing body.

Lamine Diack, 85, was charged with corruption in March in relation to the case, while an arrest warrant has been issued for his Senegal-based son, Papa Massata Diack. Lamine Diack was IAAF chief in 1999-2015.

The French term “mis en examen” - meaning “charged” in English - does not automatically trigger a trial, but means that prosecutors strongly suspect wrongdoing.

Another BeIn Sports executive, Yousef AlObaidly, is also under investigation in France over

the awarding of the 2017 championships. He is a PSG board member.

Mr Obaidly, quoted by his lawyer, called the allegations “utterly baseless and unsubstantiated” and said he would contest them.

In January, Mr Al-Khelaifi was elected to the executive committee of European football’s governing body Uefa. Uefa told the BBC it is “monitoring the situation”.

In a statement, the IAAF said: “We continue to be available to the French prosecutor to share any information that may assist the investigation.

“However, we have not seen the specific indictments referred to by the media. The dates published in the media appear to coincide with the bidding timetable for the 2017 IAAF World Championships which were awarded to London.

“The 2019 World Championships bid process began in February 2014 with a decision in November 2014. Our rights holder for the region was, and still is, Abu Dhabi Media, who signed as a partner in January 2014.”

A lawyer for Mr Khelaifi denied any wrongdoing on the part of his client, saying the Oryx payments were fully transparent.

“Nasser Al-Khelaifi was neither a shareholder, nor a director of Oryx in 2011. He did not intervene either directly or indirectly in the candidature of Doha,” he said.

PSG won the French Ligue 1 championship this season, but were knocked out of the Champions League by Manchester United. (BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, may 24, 2019

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U-19 inter-county tournaments a yardstick for Guyana’s future – batsmen struggled, spinners dominated

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From left: Alex Algoo – 356 runs; Kelvin Umroa – 31 wickets; and Junior Sinclair – 11 wickets, 374 runs

By Brandon Corlette

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he recently concluded Under-19 inter-county tournament was played in two formats, and saw Berbice reign supreme in the threeday format and Demerara completing a championship win

in the 50-over one-day format.

Berbice opening batsman Alex Algoo was the lone centurion at the conclusion of both tournaments, while his teammate Kelvin Umroa had the most wickets in the tournament, which was dominated by spinners.

Among the spinners who were ‘among the wickets’ are Joel Spooner, Amit Persaud, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Nedd; and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Junior Sinclair.

Sinclair, a Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) player, had taken 11 wickets and compiled 374 runs, the most by anyone in this year’s tournaments.

In second position on the batting charts was Algoo, who scored 356 runs, including a career best 175 against the Guyana Select U-17 Team in a three-day fixture at Everest.

After that batting marathon, he scored only two halfcenturies and a series of singledigit scores.

This Young Warriors player from East Canje in East Berbice has had the advantage of having played regional cricket in the past, and will be more determined to make a mark at that level in his final year at junior cricket.

The 2019 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional U-19 tournament that was played in the shorter format -- the One-Day, 50-Over format -saw Sinclair, who had scored four half-centuries across both formats, scoring 179 runs and topping the charts.

Among the other (few) batsmen to aggregate 100+ runs was Alphius Bookie, who tallied 138 runs, and his Demerara teammate Adrian Hinds, who scored 130 runs. The batting in this tournament saw West Indies

U-19 selectees Kevlon Anderson and Sachin Singh returning poor scores. In the one-day format, Anderson scored only 95 runs in four innings, while his ‘national’ teammate Singh scored 82 runs, returning an eye-catching 48 in the final after he was dropped in the previous match.

The bowling was headlined

by West Indies U-19 selectee Umroa, who took 31 scalps across both formats, including five five-wicket hauls, with his left-arm spin. Off-spinning all-rounder Joel Spooner was among the promising talents, grabbing 22 wickets across both formats and scoring 100 runs.

Essequibo had little to talk about. Apart from Orlando Jailall and Kevin Christain who showed promise with the bat, Persaud, the off-spinner, was the topic of the team with his 19 wickets across both formats.

He recorded six-wicket hauls against Berbice and Demerara in the three-day format.

Left-arm spinners Ashmead Nedd, Daniel Mootoo, and Nigel Deodat made merry with the ball. Nedd, the lone West Indies U-19 World Cup player, had seven wickets in the oneday format, while Deodat had 15 wickets across both formats for Berbice. Deodat, who plays for the West Berbice team Blairmont, has shown his ability as a three-dimensional player, scoring 110 runs and fielding in the slip cordons.

The Select U-17 Team was placed under a microscope throughout the tournaments,

but gave a fair account of itself.

Some of the star performers were Matthew Nandu, Andre Seepersaud, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Zeynul Ramsammy, Chanderpaul Ramraj and Mavindra Dindyal.

National U-19 quickie Qumar Torrington was the fastest bowler on show. He took seven wickets in the tournament, which saw a drought of wickets being taken by fast bowlers in contrast with the spinners. The multi-talented Anderson had 11 wickets with his right arm seam, while Leon Swamy took 6 wickets.

The game of the tournament was arguably between Demerara and Berbice at Lusignan. At no point in time was there a certain victor until the final day.

The Guyana U-19 Team will be selected from the pool of best players from Demerara and Berbice. But seeing the batting performance from both teams in that encounter, the selectors will have their work cut out to make the final call in regard to selectees to the final 14-member squad.

From my analysis and inspection of players in the tournaments, the 14 members of the Brandon Corlette Probable Squad reads: Sachin Singh, Junior Sinclair, Alex Algoo, Adrian Hinds (wk) Kevlon Anderson (vice-captain), Alphius Bookie, Garfield Benjamin, Seon Glasgow, Joel Spooner, Ashmead Nedd (captain), Kelvin Umroa, Nigel Deodat, Qumar Torrington, and Leon Swamy.

GT Motorsports says ‘Thank you’ to KFC Guyana

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FC Guyana was on Thursday recognised by GT Motorsports for its invaluable contribution to motor racing in 2018. At a simple handingover ceremony, KFC Operations Manager Greg DeGannes received a plaque of appreciation from Leah Alphonso of GT Motorsports.

In 2018, the company played a significant role

in helping to promote motor racing in Guyana, specifically go-kart racing, by exclusively sponsoring two KFC Mega Grand Prix events. At those events, local drivers had an opportunity to test their skills against their regional counterparts. The younger age group drivers also used the event as useful preparation for the inaugural Caribbean Junior

Karting Academy Trophy, which was held in Barbados earlier this year and attracted participants from around the region.

Alphonso said GT Motorsports is grateful for the support of corporate entities such as KFC, and noted that the hope is for the relationship to grow from strength to strength.

Simmons, Archer lead Giannis, Harden are unanimous surprise CPL draft snubs All-NBA first-team picks

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yebrows were raised around the region after several high-profile players failed to find a home during Wednesday’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draft in London.

Leading the list of notable Caribbean absentees for the upcoming season were Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Sunil Ambris, Davendra Bishoo and Kevon Cooper.

The case of Simmons is particularly surprising, as things seem to have spun in a 180-degree direction.

This player, only a few months ago, was selected as the first pick of the 2018 draft for the St Lucia Stars.

On that occasion, Simmons went for US$160,000 after entering the draft at US$70,000. The Trinidad native entered the draft at the same price this time around, but has found no takers.

The much-travelled Simmons previously played for the Jamaica Tallahwahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

The 36-year-old Dwayne Smith, who previously opened for Barbados Tridents and Amazon Warriors, has also found himself without a team after entering the draft at the same

US$70,000 price.

Another stunning development may be the most surprising non-selection of Barbados-born Englishman Jofra Archer, who has been the most expensive ever Caribbean-born player for the 2018 IPL season. This all-rounder has also had several big performances in the Australia Big Bash League, and was recently selected for the England World Cup squad. (Excerpted from Sportsmax)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo controls the ball against the Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry

M Lendl Simmons

ilwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Houston guard James Harden were unanimous selections to the 2018-19 AllNBA first team, released Thursday.

The two MVP finalists were named on all 100 ballots. It marks the first first-team selection for Antetokounmpo and the fifth in the past six seasons for Harden.

Golden State guard Stephen Curry (91 first-team votes), Oklahoma City forward Paul George (71) and Denver center Nikola Jokic (59) joined them on the first team.

It was the third first-team honor for Curry and first for George and Jokic.

The All-NBA second team features Philadelphia center Joel Embiid (40 first-

team votes), Golden State forward Kevin Durant (29), Portland guard Damian Lillard (eight), Toronto forward Kawhi Leonard and Boston guard Kyrie Irving.

Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook and Utah center Rudy Gobert each received one first-team vote. Joining them on the All-NBA third team are Detroit forward Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Charlotte guard Kemba Walker.

This is the 15th All-NBA selection for James, matching the NBA record shared

by Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Tim Duncan. It is his first time on the third team, following 12 selections to the first team and two to the second team. (Reuters)

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friday, MAY 24, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Minister Norton sits down with US sports group ahead of Independence Games

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton in talks with members of the Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends Association

The US-based group presented Dr George Norton with a membership shirt

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inister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, on Thursday met with members of the Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends Association to discuss the holding of three massive track events during the Independence weekend.

The meeting was held at Minister Norton’s Main

Street Georgetown office, and the attendees comprised three of the association’s five executives Burgette Williams-Forde, Deborah Quamina and Noel Campbell. The other two members of the association are Kenrick Smith and Veronica Franklin-Simon.

Also attending the meet-

ing was Inspector Amanda Hermonstine of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).

The weekend of activities, which is being hosted in partnership with the AAG, will kick off with a ‘One-Mile’ race scheduled for Saturday May 24 from 06:00hrs (6am), and will see children of the

Plaisance/Sparendaam area racing through the streets of the two villages.

Children below the age of eight are expected to participate in a 400-metre run, while those from nine to 18 years old will be eligible to participate in the One-Mile race.

At 17:00h (5pm) that Saturday, the 5K/10K Race will begin at the GNS Ground on Carifesta Avenue and turn back at the University of Guyana, from where participants would head back to the starting point.

On the evening of Independence Day – Sunday May 26 -- athletes will meet at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium, West Coast Demerara, for a grand Relay Festival. Minister Norton has been informed that a total of sixteen events are

planned for the relay programme.

Former athlete Ms. Williams-Forde has commended Minister Norton and the Department of Sport for the developments taking place in that sector.

“Simple things like those parades to welcome home our athletes competing at the Junior Carifta Games go a very far way in not only inspiring young talent, but also support for them as well,” Williams-Forde said.

Dr. Norton, who also holds responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, lauded the group for its efforts in providing Guyana’s young athletes with more avenues for competition.

“The Government cannot do it alone, so I am very happy to see that the diaspora recognises the importance of

sports and is willing to throw (its) support behind it,” Dr. Norton has said.

Among the first athletes to have competed at the Carifta Games, Noel Campbell has noted that while the association consists of former national athletes of Guyana, it has the support of many persons.

“We have many overseas-based Guyanese who are not even athletes but they understand the benefits of sports and want to support it,” Campbell said.

In addition to hosting the Games, the association will also be distributing in excess of 60 pairs of spiked running shoes.

Following the engagement, Minister Norton was presented with a customised shirt to wear should he attend the events.

YBGNSBF Georgetown/ECD regionals…

8 matches to bounce off today F

or the next two weekends, the nation’s best and most promising youth basketball teams will have the opportunity to test their skills against their peers as the National Schools Basketball Festival being promoted by Youth Basketball Guyana resumes being played following a break from play this week.

Currently in the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara re-

gional zone, this Festival resumes today and tomorrow with four matches on each day. This weekend’s play will be contested at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) predominantly in the girls’ development and under-14 categories.

Today, President’s College will play Tutorial High in the first fixture, which will be contested in the under-14 category from 15:30hrs; and this will be followed by three girls’ division matches.

Tomorrow play tips off at Fixtures – may 24 to june 1, 2019

Friday, may 24

Category Match up Time Venue U-14 President’s college vs Tutorial High 15:30hrs cash Girls’ D St. Stanislaus vs Tutorial High 16:20hrs cash Girls’ D Bladen Hall vs Queen’s College 17:10hrs cash Girls’ D Marian Academy vs Plaisance Secondary18:00hrs cash

Saturday, may 25

Category Match Up Time Venue U-14 St. Stanislaus vs Bladen Hall 14:30hrs cash U-14 St. Rose’s High vs Marian Academy 15:20hrs cash U-14 Bishops’ High vs Tutorial High 16:10hrs cash U-18 Plaisance Secondary vs Chase Academy 17:00hrs cash

Friday, may 31

Category Match up Time Venue U-14 President’s College vs YBG Cluster 15:30hrs cash Girls, D Bladen Hall vs st. Stanislaus 16:20hrs cash Girls’ D Plaisance Secondary vs Queen’s College 17:10hrs cash Girls’ D Marian Academy vs Tutorial High 18:00hrs cash

Saturday, june 1

Category Match up Time Venue U-14 Bladen Hall vs Marian Academy 14:30hrs cash U-14 St. Rose’s High vs St. Stanislaus 15:20hrs cash U-14 YBG Cluster vs Tutorial High 16:10hrs cash U-18 Queen’s College vs Plaisance Secondary 17:00hrs cash

14:30hrs with St. Stanislaus College and Bladen Hall looking for an initial win in the under-14 category. Two more under-14 match-ups will follow before the feature game between Plaisance Secondary and Chase Academy gets underway in the under-18 category from 17:00hrs.

This tournament is being sponsored by Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, the National Sports Commission, Banks DIH Limited and ExxonMobil; and its fixtures from today to June 1 are listed below.

Skerritt lands in Guyana to address GCB issues, Indian tour

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resident of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Ricky Skerritt and Chief Executive Officer Jonny Grave will travel to Guyana today to meet with stakeholders and Government officials over the next two days. Repairing stakeholder relationships was one of the key points of the “Cricket First Plan” put forward by Skerritt and vice president Dr. Kishore Shallow in their bid last March to be elected to their posts – and this visit to Georgetown is part of a series of trips that the CWI president has undertaken in keeping with this plan. Ahead of the trip, Skerritt said fact-finding visits to CWI member territories and problemsolving efforts at the local level are now a key priority for the organization. “This initial short visit will focus on discussions related to the hosting of India matches during the upcoming home series in CWI President Ricky Skerritt August, but it will also hopefully give me a more detailed introduction to the legal and administrative issues that are currently prevailing in Guyana,” he said. “Guyana has produced some of the best players in the world and CWI wants its rich legacy to continue to be built on.” This will be Skerritt’s fourth trip in the last few months following meetings with stakeholders and Government officials in Jamaica, Leeward Islands and Trinidad & Tobago. Dr. Shallow has also made an official visit to Tobago just a few weeks after being elected.

(CWI)

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friday, MAY 24, 2019

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Simmons eager to show ability in GAW colours T

Keagan Simmons driving for West Indies U-19 during the 2018 World Cup in New Zealand

By Brandon Corlette

he 20-year-old Trinidadian Keagan Simmons has earned a maiden call-up for the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), having been drafted into the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ (GAWs’) squad of 17 for the 2019 tournament.

In the draft, which occurred on Wednesday last in London, Simmons was picked up in round 12 as one of two emerging players.

Speaking exclusively with this publication, Simmons explained that he followed the draft live, and witnessed when he was picked up by the GAW.

“ I was very happy, because I have a lot of friends in Guyana and also on the team, so I’ll be comfortable in camp”, Simmons noted.

Simmons showed his talent when he dominated the U-19 levels, where he holds the record for the second highest score for West Indies U-19s. He also has scored two centuries at the U-19 showpiece. He sits with an elite group of West Indies batsmen as only the third player from the Caribbean to achieve this feat, after Lendl Simmons and Kraigg Brathwaite.

The elegant left-handed stroke-maker made his debut at the senior ‘Regional’ level for West Indies ‘B’ in the 2018-19 season, wherein he scored 162 runs in five matches in the Super50 tournament.

This top-order batsman who has played alongside Marlon Samuels in that tournament scored two half-centuries, including a high

Simmons celebrating one of the two centuries he scored in the U-19 World Cup

score of 60 against a strong Trinidad and Tobago team, and has a batting average of

32.40.

H e also scored 57 against the Windward Islands and 44 against Guyana in the Regional Super50 in his stint with the West Indies ‘B’ team.

Simmons, in 2019, became a contracted player for the upcoming CWI Regional Super50 and 4-Day tournaments, wherein he will represent Trinidad and Tobago.

Pertaining to the future, this talented young player has said his aim is to perform at the best of his ability for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW).

“Guyana has always done well, and I’m eager to show my ability at this level”, Simmons disclosed during his interview with this reporter.

With ‘the biggest party in sport’ slated for September, Simmons has made it evident that he would utilise these few months in the build-up

to the tournament for intense preparation.

“My preparation will be smart and intense, and I will make sure I am ready to contribute significantly to the team”, Simmons promised.

“This selection gives me that added confidence in my talent and performances, (knowing they have) been recognised. I feel this is just the start (of) my cricketing career, and I feel I have a lot of developing and growing to (do to) become as good as I can become”, Simmons declared.

Speaking with great composure and intelligence, Simmons told this reporter that he was disappointed in his innings of 91 against New Zealand.

“After that knock I took a lot of lessons, and it taught me what my strengths are, and how to utilise (my strengths) in the limited overs format of the game”, Simmons stated.

The Trinidadian youth sensation has been named among the 12 emerging players listed by CWI. Along with Odean Smith, Simmons has been the second emerging player to be picked up by the GAW; and with the new policies in place, these players will have opportunity to be in the starting XI.

Kenya’s Mbihia confident as Independence 5K launched

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thletes from all walks of life, or even persons who think they have what it takes to complete a 5-kilometre race, will have opportunity to put their skills to the test when the 5K Road Race being hosted by the Guyana Committee of Services (GCS) in collaboration with the Rising Star Athletics Club is staged.

The action is slated for Independence Day on Monday May 27 from 4pm (16h), and accomplished Kenyan runner Godfrey Mbihia is slated to be among the participants. This athlete, who copped gold in a ‘C to C’ 5K Race in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend, is in prime shape for competition, and is looking forward to confronting whatever Guyanese athletes have in store for him.

“In sports anything can happen, and you believe everyone is strong; you never know who can win the race, (so) always be positive. I’m here to win the race, but if someone else is here to win the race, let the best winner win,” Mbihia has confidently declared.

The road race will be open to athletes from as young as ten years old, and will feature several categories, such as Juniors, Seniors, Masters and 70+.

Former coach and race organiser Leslie Blacks has detailed the route of Monday’s race.

“This event will start in the National Park, and we’re just going for 5K ‘cause we don’t want to keep the athletes too long. We’re going to come out into Thomas Road, take Vlissengen Road into Carifesta Avenue, and then we’ll turn left into Camp Street, into Thomas Road again, into the National Park, and then we’ll finish at the GTT bandstand,” Blacks explained.

The accumulated prize money is in excess of $800,000, and there expectedly are a number of sponsors on board, among which is Guybisco, whose Marketing Representative, Collis Venture, explained why the company has sponsored the event.

“We decided to be a part of this event to show support towards the development of athletics in Guyana. We decided to partner with the Guyana Committee of Services because we recognise the good work that they have been doing over the years in helping and assisting people in need, and we realised that that is something we want to be part of as distributors”, Venture explained.

Besides the GCS and Guybisco, other sponsors include Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, GTT, ANSA McAL, BK International, Brans Security, Busta Beverages, Cummings Electrical, and Kenneth Phillips.

Kenyan athlete Godfrey Mbihia

friday, MAY 24, 2019

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

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YBG NSBF Georgetown/ECD regionals Page 22

GT Motorsports says ‘Thank you’ to KFC Guyana Page 21

8 matches to bounce off today Kenya’s Mbihia confident as Independence 5K launched

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