Guyana Times Friday May 3, 2019

Happy

Portuguese Arrival Day

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

Issue No. 3912

THE BEACON OF TRUTH friday, MAY 3, 2019

PRICE

APNU/AFC Govt responsible for tarnishing Guyana’s image internationally – Jagdeo

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Housing Minister reassigned in “public’s interest” P7 – President

Page 3

…says motion to honour convicted terrorist should never have been passed

Businesswoman strangled to death during robbery Page 8

Woman jailed for cocaine trafficking Page …fined $9.1M

Industry man wanted by P10 Police for fraud

8

P9 Off-duty Guyana-born NYPD Cop dies in car crash

Young mother P10 beaten mercilessly by estranged lover ...loses several teeth, suffers broken jaw

People’s Progressive Party Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali continued his community meetings on Thursday at Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, where despite the inclement weather, residents turned out to voice issues affecting them in their community

Armed bandits terrorise, rob Berbice family PPP calls for full-fledged probe into contracts Page 2 awarded to Videomega ...”clear indication of conflict of interest” – Opposition Leader

Venezuela crisis:

Page 7

Page 4

Dozens injured in clashes

Dr Karen P9 Cummings appointed as new Foreign Affairs Minister

2 NEWS

FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP calls for full-fledged probe into contracts awarded to Videomega …“clear indication of conflict of interest” – Opposition Leader

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egardless of whether or not Pubic Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has relinquished her rights in controlling daily operations of Videomega Productions, the fact that she owns that company and it has been receiving significant contracts from the Government is clearly a conflict of interest.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who on Thursday said the awarding of contracts to the Minister’s company is in keeping with the “continuing issue of corruption” in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition Administration.

The Opposition Leader told the media that there was a release of information which showed that a specific contract that had come to light was the tip of the iceberg.

“In 2018 alone, that in

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

four months alone, contracts totalling some $10.3 million were awarded to the company owned by Cathy Hughes from various Ministries.

Three of those contracts totalling $3.350 million were from her Ministry,” he said.

According to the Opposition Leader, in a four month period, eight contracts were issued to the Minister’s

company totalling over $10 million.

“Three of those contracts were in her own Ministry to her own company… That’s four months in 2018, we don’t know how many other contracts this company got in 2015, 2016, 2017 and the other months in 2018 and in 2019, we don’t know as yet,” the Opposition Leader said.

He further stated that the response by Minister Hughes about her company only receiving a commission of between 10 and 15 per cent of the contracts’ values for those that are awarded to it is “simply unacceptable.”

According to Jagdeo, persons employed at Videomega Productions, as can be seen on that company’s website, are also working for the Government in senior positions and therefore this also can be deemed a conflict of interest.

“So this warrants a full-

fledged investigation (into contracts awarded). The Minister signs the cheques.

You cannot give up day-today running from 2015 and then be signing cheques to place ads on behalf of the company,” Jagdeo argued.

Videomega Productions recently released several invoices for work it did arranging advertisements for various Ministries after it came under the spotlight for a contract that it had been awarded in connection with the Department of Energy.

According to the company’s release, a total of $3.6 million was paid to the media houses, but according to Videomega Productions, all it pocketed was a 15 per cent agency commission totalling $481,577.

The contract that Hughes’ Ministry awarded to her company was for ads ranging from full paged full colour to 7x2 in size to be placed in the daily newspapers for its Caribbean Information Communication Technology (ICT) road show 2018.

In addition, the Natural Resources Ministry also commissioned Hughes’ company

to produce full page, full colour camera ready artwork that was placed in almost all the dailies on March 22, 2018. This cost $406,501.

Ads were also placed in all the dailies for the tobacco legislation media campaign, on behalf of the Public Health Ministry in October and November of 2018. These two campaigns cost $1 million each.

Since 2015, the company has been managed by Russel Lancaster and received contracts from the Energy Department to produce television public service

announcements (PSAs) for the department, which is coordinating preparations for Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

It had been reported that the company was also contracted to produce brochures.

It is unclear at this point in time what, if any, tendering process the Minister’s company went through to get these contracts.

Hughes has repeatedly insisted that she played no part in the running of her company after 2015 and had no knowledge of the Government contracts it was receiving.

news

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FRIday, MAY 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, May 3 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, May 4 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 3 – 15:50h-17:20h and Saturday, May 4 – 16:30h-18:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the morning, followed by light to thundery showers in the afternoon.

Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 03:34h and 15:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:29h and 21:433h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 and 0.59 metres

THURsday, MAY 3, 2019

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APNU/AFC Govt responsible for tarnishing Guyana’s image internationally – Jagdeo …says motion to honour convicted terrorist should never have been passed

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday lashed out at the decision by the A Partnership for National Unuty/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to honour convicted terrorist, Abdul Kadir, which has tarnished Guyana’s image internationally.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Jagdeo said that instead of apologising to the world at large for such an action, the Government continues to make excuses at the expense of Guyana’s image.

He stated that although the APNU/AFC Administration claims it never intended to convey the impression that it was supporting terrorism, the world is looking at Guyana in a negative light.

“I have noticed that the Government rather than just admit that it was ill-conceived, admit that the motion was insensitive, and that it should have never reached the floor of the Assembly, or being debated in the National Assembly much less passed, and apologise to Guyanese and all the people and countries of the world who have been the victims of international terrorism, they have chosen instead of doing that, they have chosen to make excuses,” Jagdeo told the media.

Excuses

According to Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Amna Ally, tried to equate the Government’s action of honouring Kadir, by pointing out that the National Assembly also paid tribute to controversial former Minister and ambassador of the People’s Progressive Party Administration, Ronald Gajraj. But the Opposition Leader noted that there can be no comparison between Kadir and Gajraj.

“There has been no motion passed, sympathy motion, for Ronald Gajraj, that’s one, secondly, she has even in his death disparaged a patriot. She spoke about Gajraj being fingered in so many things, now, fingered by whom? Gajraj was never charged or convicted for any of these things that he was fingered for as described by this General Secretary of the PNC, Amna Ally, so trying to equate Gajraj with someone who had been convicted, charged and convicted for international terrorism and someone by his own admission said he was presenting reports to a foreign power on our security forces, our Army… you are equating that with Ronald

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

President David Granger

Convicted terrorist, Abdul Kadir

Gajraj? This is the excuse that they sought to make rather than admit that they were wrong.”

Jagdeo noted that while some persons are of the view that the coalition Government honoured Kadir in order to “appease” persons, the family and children of Kadir should not have to worry that the State would treat them any differently than any other citizen.

“People must pay for their own misdeeds not their parents’ misdeeds or their brothers’ misdeeds, or their sisters’ or their siblings’ and therefore the family should not be treated any differently than we treat other Guyanese.

However, this motion should have never made the order paper. It should have never been debated by the PNC and supported by the PNC and it should have never passed the National Assembly. This is a stain on Guyana globally,” the Opposition Leader added.

Former PNC parliamentarian Abdul Kadir was sentenced to life in prison in the United States after being found guilty of plotting a 2007 terrorist attack at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York.

On Wednesday, the Canadian High Commission was the latest in a number of diplomatic delegations to criticise the APNU/AFC Government for honouring the convicted terrorist. turn to page

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, MAY 3, 2019

Views

Jamal Khashoggi: The silencing of a journalist

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

Press Freedom Day: “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”

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oday the local media in Guyana will join its counterparts around the world to observe World Press Freedom Day. This year the day is being observed under the theme, “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation.” The concept note for the celebration states: “Today, the contribution of free, pluralistic, independent and safe journalism to democracy is under unprecedented stress. Also, election outcomes and their aftermath are critically affected by political discourse and communications, including the role of the media in relation to the polling process. Many societies have falling trust in established political parties and in news outlets themselves. This is often accompanied by polarizing political discourse that threatens peaceful elections as well as press freedom.”

Here in Guyana, the day is being observed against the backdrop of a recently released Reporters Without Borders for freedom of information (RSF) report, which stated that journalists here are still face hurdles in executing their duties and some of the present laws that the country has implemented can land a journalist in jail despite the Constitution guaranteeing free speech and the right to information. The RSF also stated that officials locally often use various pieces of legislation – including defamation laws, which provide for fines and up to two years in jail – to silence opposition journalists. This is as a result of the Cybercrime Bill that was passed into law in July 2018 in Guyana.

According to the media advocacy body, the Cybercrime Bill restricts the freedom of certain media outlets, which are denied licenses and recent attempts to improve regulation of the broadcast industry involved no consultation with any broadcasters. This, the RSF pointed out therefore means that journalists locally are still subjected to harassment that takes the form of prosecutions, suspensions, and intimidation. This will lead to local journalists being censored due to editorial or company policies, the threat remains at large that Government officials can use the laws of Guyana to persecute and prosecute journalists if their articles are not “in keeping” with how they wish the publicity to be.

This therefore by itself, is an infringement on the rights of journalists, and in contradiction of Guyana’s Constitution.

However, despite such struggles, Guyana has been able to elevate itself from the 55 position in 2018 in the World Press Freedom Index to 51 position in its 2019 report.

Around the world, almost 100 journalists were killed in 2018. The number of deaths is higher than in 2017, but not as high as peaks recorded in previous years when conflicts in Iraq and Syria were raging. The most brutal of those killed occurred on October 2, 2018, when Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist working in the US for the Washington Post, entered his country’s consulate in Istanbul to process paperwork - and was never seen again.

The killing of the journalist resonated around the world, both as an attack on media freedom and as a shocking insight into the workings of a secretive and repressive regime.

On Wednesday, Al Jazeera news agency, said that the horrific story has been well documented in the media but there are still pieces missing and serious questions that remain unanswered: What happened to the body? Why did two weeks pass before Turkish investigators were allowed into the consulate to examine forensic evidence? And who was ultimately responsible for the killing?

Ensuring the safety of journalists is the crucial way by which media entities can foster the independence of the press, as crucial for democracy. This is also vital to ensure public access to information.

On October 2, 2018, Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist working in the US for the Washington Post, entered his country’s consulate in Istanbul to process paperwork – and was never seen again. Today as we observe World Press Freedom Day, we remember him, his life and his horrific death

Venezuela crisis: Dozens injured in clashes

Tear gas and water cannon hit Venezuelan protesters on Wednesday

Military vehicles were filmed driving into demonstrators on Tuesday

woman was shot dead and dozens injured in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Wednesday, in clashes between opposition supporters and pro-government forces.

The military fired tear gas and water cannon amid rival demonstrations.

Opposition leader Juan Guaidó called for those responsible for the death of a 27-year-old woman to be found.

He also urged public employees to go on strike on Thursday, to try to force President Nicolás Maduro to stand down.

In January, Guaidó declared himself Venezuela’s interim leader, and he has been recognised by more than 50 countries including the US, UK and most Latin America nations.

As the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, he invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Maduro’s re-election last year was illegitimate.

But Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela’s military - has refused to cede power.

asylum.

Supporters on both sides gathered around the city throughout Tuesday, and there were clashes between Guaidó’s supporters and armed military vehicles.

In a series of tweets (in Spanish), Mr Guaidó said the final phase of “Operation Liberty” had begun and it was the turn of public workers to join in.

He urged protesters to stay on the streets until Mr Maduro’s government would be finally forced to resign.

Guaidó has been courting the public sector for weeks - but winning their support will be difficult, the BBC’s Americas editor Candace Piette says.

For years, state employees have been told that if they did not turn up at government rallies, they would lose their jobs.

So if the opposition leader does win them over, it will be a huge victory against President Maduro, our editor says.

Tensions are rising between the US and Russia over the crisis.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US may take military action to

A

The president dismissed suggestions he had been ready to flee the country and accused the US of directing an attempted coup.

Those involved would be punished, he said.

On Wednesday, both pro- and anti-government supporters held demonstrations in Caracas that were initially peaceful.

There were reports of gunfire in the city, and a local NGO, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, said Jurubith Rausseo, 27, had been shot dead during a rally in the opposition stronghold of Altamira.

At least 46 people were injured in clashes between opposition supporters and the security forces.

He urged Venezuelans to join them in the streets, and appeared alongside another opposition leader, Leopoldo López, who had been under house arrest after being found guilty of inciting violence during protests in 2014.

Spain’s government later said that Mr López and his family had sought safety in their embassy, but said the opposition figure has not claimed political

resolve the crisis, and accused Russia and Cuba of destabilising the country through their support for Mr Maduro.

The US also reiterated its support for Mr Guaidó.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Mr Pompeo that America’s influence over Venezuela was destructive and a violation of international law.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has appealed for both sides in Venezuela to avoid violence, while the EU has called for “utmost restraint to avoid the loss of lives and an escalation in tensions”.

Governments who still back Maduro - including Bolivia and Cuba - condemned Guaidó’s efforts as an attempted coup.

The Mexican government expressed “concern about a possible increase in violence” while Colombian President Ivan Duque urged the Venezuelan military to stand “on the right side of history” against Maduro.

An emergency meeting of the Lima Group of Latin American countries has been scheduled for Friday.

(BBC)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, MAY 3, 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

Crude, senseless honouring of a convicted terrorist Dear Editor, It is the “same old PNC with all their bullying deception,” those were the words coming from a friend of mine recently; and, sadly, I concurred. The reason that I agreed with the statement made by the brother is for the simple reason that the PNC never apologised for their crude and senseless honouring of a convicted terrorist.

All that the party did was to issue a statement that the offended parties have “misinterpreted” what they did in Parliament. In a cool and calculated response, the PNC General Secretary said, “The Guyana Government has expressed regret at the US’ misinterpretation of the resolution.”

A misinterpretation!

That is utter hogwash!

What is there to misinterpret in honouring a convicted criminal? A terrorist is a mass murderer, and that is the person the PNC chose to honour. It shows how base Amna Ally and her party is in the treatment of the whole matter.

To honour a convicted terrorist is serious business, and speaking in such routine tones of a “misinterpretation” makes it even worse.

It all goes to show the lack of respect, not only for the superpowers, but the callous regard for the hundreds, even thousands, of lives that would have been lost through terrorist activities. This is the horrible place the PNC has brought our country into.

My call to the ABC countries is to put some pressure on this de-fac-

Questions for Videomega, Govt

Dear Editor, I have some questions for Videomega and how it obtains contracts from the Government ministries.

Was Beverley Alert one of Videomega’s former employees? Are there other former Videomega employees working with the minister who owns this company?

Is the company’s manager saying that having used the contracts from the various ministries to conduct its business as usual, and profiting only in the course of this, there is no issue?

Would Videomega then be willing to step aside for other advertising agencies?

Can a monetary value be placed on the power to obtain and distribute con-

tracts to its preferred media houses?

Aside from the convenient mention of the dailies benefiting from its contracts, which other entities benefited, and how selected or de-selected?

Can it say whether it obtained similar contracts from these ministries prior to the Minister taking office, or prior to the assumption of the current coalition Government?

A question for the ministries awarding the contracts: Why were other advertising agencies not considered, or an open call made?

Sincerely, S P Wright

to Government; they need to up the ante on this regime. The ABC countries need to blacklist members of this PNC Government and immediately com-

mence the revocation of visas. It is the only way to send a clear, unequivocal message to this misfit of a Government. The PNC-led Coalition must be taught

the lesson of life-- that undemocratic, cold-hearted, spiteful regimes that support mass murderers would not be tolerated. I call on the ABC countries to act

with immediate haste.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

GPL damage causes wastage of water Dear Editor, Without a doubt, over the years, I have seen tremendous improvement in our water system by both administrations; and this present administration, under the guidance of Dr VanWest Charles, is going the extra mile to ensure citizens get the best quality potable water.

We have a society in which many of us fail to see the importance of the works/commitment being undertaken, and take things for granted; thus we are seeing wastage of water, damage to the mains etc.

And as a result, sometime many get affected.

Over four days ago, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) staff change a lantern post at Uitvlugt Sideline Dam, and during the process, the main was damaged and water is gushing out day and night. At Uitvlugt Pasture, the last street, there’s a main running across the drain, and for months now,

water is flowing from the connection day and night.

Now, GWI have their meter readers, contract workers, and their own staff walking all around, and they are bound to see the

page, and the matter gets rectified. Walking around Uitvlugt, I have notice more than three places where water is constantly running/wasting due to errors from the line/main,

wastage. Why can’t they make a report or a mental note, and have issues like this fixed?

Editor, over the years, whenever I see damages, I know GWI have a hotline, but I usually message them via their Facebook

and I cannot understand why citizens cannot understand the importance of water and try reporting it.

Again, I would reiterate, the staff traverse all over, and many places I would see water wasting and it’s not being fixed. I

am not a saint, sometimes I leave my tap turned on and water is being wasted, but it’s nothing in comparison to what I see happening all over I go.

Wastage affects us because of getting low pressure, water being contaminated, or some people cannot get. Wastage also causes the road, dam, parapets etc to deteriorate. All of this could be avoided by just one phone call or a message.

Over the years, I know that as soon as they receive a report, the issue is address.

GWI should explore the possibility of charging the staff assigned to areas that have leaks for months and they not reporting it. They cannot depend on the citizen to report alone.

It’s their interest, they are being paid to do a job, and they should be more responsible.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

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FRIday, MAY 3, 2019

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Foundation

H

omework is your teachers’ way of evaluating how much you understand of what’s going on in class.

But it can seem overwhelming at times. Luckily, you can do a few things to make homework less work.

Create a homework plan

Understand the assignment. Write it down in your notebook or planner, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s expected. It’s much easier to take a minute to ask the teacher during or after class than to struggle to remember later that night.

If you have a lot of homework or activities, ask how long the particular homework assignment should take. That way you can budget your time.

Start right away. Just because it’s called “homework” doesn’t mean you have to do it at home. Use study periods or other extra time in your school day. The more you get done in school, the less you have to do at night.

Budget your time. If you don’t finish your homework at school, think about how much you have left and what else is going on that day. Most highschool students have between one and three hours of homework a night. If it’s a heavy homework day, you’ll need to devote more time to homework. It’s a good idea to come up with a homework schedule, especially if you’re involved in sports or activities or have an after-school job.

Watch where you work

When you settle down to do homework or to study, where do you do it?

Parked in front of the TV? In the kitchen, with the sound of dishes being cleared and your brothers and sisters fighting?

Find a quiet place to focus. The kitchen table was OK when you were younger and homework didn’t require as much concentration. But now you’ll do best if you can find a place to get away from noise and distractions, like a bedroom or study.

Avoid studying on your bed. Sit at a desk or table that you can set your computer on and is comfortable to work at. Park your devices while you study. Just having your phone where you can see it can be a distraction. That makes homework take longer.

Get to work

Tackle the hardest assignments first. It’s tempting to start with the easy stuff to get it out of the way. But you have the most energy and focus when you begin. Use this mental power on the subjects that are most challenging.

Later, when you’re more tired, you can focus on the sim-

pler things.

Keep moving ahead. If you get stuck, try to figure out the problem as best you can ― but don’t spend too much time on it because this can mess up your homework schedule for the rest of the night. If you need to, ask an adult or older sibling for help. Or reach out to a classmate. Just don’t pick someone you’ll be up all night chatting with or you’ll never get it done!

Take breaks. Most people have short attention spans.

Sitting for too long without stretching or relaxing will make you less productive than if you stop every so often.

Taking a 15-minute break every hour is a good idea for most people. (If you’re really concentrating, wait until it’s a good time to stop.)

Get it ready to go

When your homework is done, put it in your backpack.

There’s nothing worse than having a completed assignment that you can’t find the next morning. Now you’re free to hang out ― without the guilt of unfinished work hanging over you.

Get help when you need it

Even when you pay attention in class, study for tests, and do your homework, some subjects seem too hard. You may hope that things will get easier, but most of the time that doesn’t happen.

What does happen for many people is that they work harder and harder as they fall further and further behind.

There’s nothing embarrassing about asking for help. No one understands everything.

Start with your teacher or guidance counsellor. Some teachers will work with students before or after school to explain things more clearly. But what if you don’t feel comfortable with your teacher? If your school is big, there may be other teachers who know the same subject. Sometimes it just helps to have someone new explain something in a different way.

Ask a classmate. If you know someone who is good at a subject, ask if you can study together. This may help, but keep in mind that people who understand a subject aren’t always good at explaining it.

Find a tutor. You’ll need to talk to an adult about this because it usually costs money to hire a tutor. Tutors come to your home or meet you someplace like the library or a tutoring centre. They work with students to review and explain things taught in the classroom. This gives you the chance to ask questions and work at your own pace. Your teacher or guidance counsellor can help you find a tutor if you’re interested. (kidshealth.org)

guyanatimesgy.com

Organising schoolwork & assignments

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earning how to get organised, stay focused, and get things done are must-have skills when it comes to managing your schoolwork. Beyond helping you get good grades, these skills help you in just about everything in life. The more you practise, the better you’ll get.

Get organised

Organise your stuff. Being organised makes everything else easier. It helps you get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff.

Keep your assignments and class information organised by subject. Put them in binders, notebooks, or folders. If you find yourself stuffing loose papers in your bag or grabbing different notebooks for the same class, it’s time to stop and reorganise!

Clean out your backpack regularly. Decide where to keep returned assignments and things you want to hold on to.

Offload things you no longer need to carry around.

Organise your space. You need a good workspace ― someplace quiet enough to focus. It’s best to work at a desk or table where you can spread out your work. Have a place set aside for homework. That way, when you sit down, your mind knows you’re there to work and can help you focus more quickly.

Organise your time. Use a planner or organisation app to keep track of your schoolwork: Write down all your assignments and when they’re due.

Break big projects into parts. Note the dates when each part needs to be completed. Mark in your planner when you’ll work on each part.

Mark the dates you’ll have tests, then make a note of when you’ll study for them. Don’t leave things until the last minute – you’ll only end up working twice as hard to do half as well. One sure way to reduce test anxiety is to prepare by studying (really!).

Enter other activities on your calendar – such as team practices, drama rehearsals, plans with friends, etc. This helps you see ahead of time when things might get too busy to get all your work done. Use your planner to schedule what time you’ll do your schoolwork on days you have other activities.

Get focused

Avoid distractions. When you multi-task you’re less focused. That means you’re less likely to do well on that test.

Park your devices and only check them after your work is done.

Some people concentrate best when it’s quiet. Others say they study best if they listen to background music. If you study with music on, make sure it isn’t going to sidetrack you into singing the lyrics and dancing all over your room. If you find yourself reading the same page over and over, it’s a clue that the music is a distraction, not a help.

Take breaks. Taking a short break between assignments can help your mind stay fresh and focused.

Get up from your desk, move, stretch, or walk around to clear your head. Allow your mind to absorb what you’ve just studied. Break time is when you can put on a song that makes you dance and sing! Just make sure you get back to your studies in a few minutes.

Refocus yourself. If you find yourself getting distracted and thinking about other things, pull your attention back into study mode as soon as possible. Remind yourself that now it’s time to stay on task.

Get it done!

Stay focused as you do the final steps and details.

Encourage yourself ― you’re almost at the finish line! Check your completed work. Put your work into the right folder or binder. Pack up your backpack for tomorrow. Now you’ve got it DONE. In summary, here’s a quick checklist of things that can help you organise, focus, and get it done: DO know your deadlines.

DO make a calendar of stages and final due dates.

DO include social events on this calendar for time management.

DO understand the assignment and expectations.

DO give yourself a quiet place to study with all the materials you need.

DO give yourself brief breaks.

DON’T put work off until the last minute; you’ll be too frantic to focus.

DON’T do your homework late at night or in bed.

DON’T let yourself be bored. Find the aspect of the project or paper that interests you. If you’re dying of boredom, something’s not right.

If you need more tips on staying focused, ask a teacher, school counsellor, or a parent for help. It’s their job to assist in your learning. (kidshealth.org)

7 Armed bandits terrorise, rob Berbice family news

FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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pandit and his family were terrorised and robbed by five armed bandits as they were preparing for morning prayers at the Letter Kenny, East Berbice, Corentyne home.

Bisoondat Rampersaud, a Hari Krishna priest, said at about 05:30h, he was getting ready for mandir when he felt someone grab him and place a metal object to his side. He said the bandit was armed with a gun and ordered him into his daughter’s bedroom.

According to Rampersaud, three other

men – two armed with cutlasses and the other with a gun – also followed them into the room. The still shaken man said that one of the bandits grabbed his 14-year-old daughter, who was still sleeping, by her neck and demanded cash and jewellery.

He added that the bandits said if he did not hand over the cash and jewellery, they will kill his daughter.

He father related that fearing for his child’s life, he handed over $60,000 and a cellular phone.

“They said give we the money and gold or we gun

kill she,” the man recalled, adding that having handed over the cash and phone, the bandits were not satisfied and continued to threaten to kill his daughter.

Unaware of what was happening in the house, Rampersaud’s wife, Pravanie Persaud, was praying at her alter which is in the yard.

Speaking with the media, Persaud said she heard her daughter scream and rushed to see what was happening. She recalled that as she made her way to her daughter’s room, she

Pravanie Persaud

was confronted by one of the gunmen. She said the men demanded more valuables and she handed over US$150 and a quantity of jewellery. The woman recalled that the men still unsatisfied with the loot, gun butted her. She said she screamed for her neighbours, causing the men to grab a flat screen TV and escaping.

Persaud said the Police arrived a short while after the bandits escaped. She said the men entered the house through an opened door, while one stood guard in the street.

Housing Minister reassigned in “public’s interest” – President

P

resident David Granger on Thursday said Minister Valerie Patterson-Yearwood was stripped of her responsibility of the housing sector as a result of the revelation that her husband received contracts from the Government to build houses.

Addressing the issue on Thursday, the Head of State pointed out that her relocation to another Ministry was done in the public’s interest.

“There were certain allegations and I felt that it will be in the public’s interest for her to go to another Ministry. She has not been convicted of any crime and I feel that her services could be used in supporting the Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for rural affairs,” he noted.

According to the Head of State, he met with the Junior Minister and he was satisfied with her clarifications of the allegations of ‘conflict of interest’ against her.

“At this point, I am satisfied that she has not committed any criminal offence,

that she is a fit and proper person to continue to serve in the Department of Rural Affairs in the Ministry of Agriculture,” the President told reporters on the sidelines of a swearing in ceremony for the newly appointed Ministers on Thursday.

The former Housing Minister within the Communities Ministry came under scrutiny last month after it was revealed that her husband, Godfrey Yearwood, was awarded a contract to build homes for a project spearheaded by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), an agency which fell under her then Ministry.

As such, the President in reshuffling his Cabinet as a result of the recent resignation of four senior Ministers reassigned Minister Patterson-Yearwood to the Agriculture Ministry as Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs.

Last week, Minister Patterson-Yearwood said she does not view her reassignment as a demotion but a promotion instead. In fact, she made it a point to note

President David Granger

Minister Valerie Patterson-Yearwood

that there was no changes to her remunerations.

“What is a demotion? My salary is not affected, my allowances (or) anything are not affected. Nothing is affected so why would it be a demotion? I see it as a promotion because I’m going into new and exciting areas,” Minister PattersonYearwood told reporters on Friday last.

However even as the Minister denied that her reassignment had nothing to do with the issue involving her husband, local transparency watchdog, Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI) had said

in a statement last week that it supports calls for the multimillion-dollar contract to be reviewed.

This issue came to the limelight earlier this month when Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that the Minister’s husband had sub-contracted the project to a contractor from Victoria (East Coast Demerara), who claims that he is yet to be paid for the works done more than a year ago.

According to TIGI, this situation is particularly pernicious since it comes at a time when Guyanese workers are struggling for

fair treatment.

“We are learning that a local company – even one connected to a Minister of Government – is failing to pay its workers… This is another issue that causes us to wonder whether the persons who end up as our leaders appreciate the vast responsibility placed upon them to ensure the interests of our society as a whole are properly safe-guarded,” the missive added.

Jagdeo had disclosed at a press conference earlier this month that the construction worker went to him after he had exhausted efforts to collect his payments from the Minister’s husband. According to the Opposition Leader, the man had written President Granger four times over the past year for the Head of State’s intervention but only got acknowledgement responses so far.

Chief Executive Officer of the CH&PA, Lelon Saul, had revealed that he was aware of this issue of non-payment. “A complaint was lodged at the Ministry, I think it was sometime last

year, and we would have called in both parties and we advised them to settle the issue,” Saul told reporters earlier this month.

Furthermore, the CH&PA Head had also noted that the award of the contract to the Minister’s husband for works under a Ministry she was heading, was a clear conflict of interest even if the contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process.

“If the contractor in question is the spouse of the Minister, certainly it would be a conflict of interest,” he posited.

To this end, the CH&PA head called for a review of the awarding process so that there is no reoccurrence of such a situation.

“The award of contract is above my level. But I think the (CH&PA) Board should review that (awarding process) based on recommendations coming from the agency,” Saul asserted.

It was noted that while the contract was a one-off award, the project is still ongoing.

APNU/AFC Govt responsible for tarnishing Guyana’s image...

from page 3

The Government of Canada made its position known through its High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjeet, who in a statement said that Canada was “disappointed” in the fact that members of the National Assembly would pay tribute to Kadir.

The statement comes days after the Government passed a motion, in the absence of the Opposition, in the National Assembly paying tribute to the convicted terrorist and former parliamentarian. Canada has joined the United States, Britain and European Union delegations, which have condemned the Guyana Administration’s actions.

Motion

The motion – Sympathy on the Death of Mr Abdul Kadir, former Member of Parliament – was tabled by Junior Agriculture Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood in Parliament on April 26, 2019.

The motion states: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly records its deep regret on the death of Mr Abdul Kadir on 28th June, 2018, and pays tribute to his dedicated service to the Parliament of Guyana as a Member of Parliament, where he served in the Eighth Parliament, from 17th April, 2001, to 2nd May, 2006, and to the people of Guyana.

“The people of Linden and Guyana have lost a great man, a stalwart, a bold and courageous man. So I ask this National Assembly that we direct an expression of sympathy (to) be conveyed to his sorrowing widow, children, grandchildren, and relatives,” Minister AdamsYearwood said as she tabled the motion, which was eventually carried in the absence of the PPP/C Opposition.

Kadir, a former PNC MP and Mayor of Linden, died back in June 2018 in a penitentiary in the United States of America, where he had been serving a life sentence for plotting a 2007 terror attack at the John F Kennedy International Airport, New York.

8 News

FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Businesswoman strangled to death during robbery A

n Albouystown, Georgetown businesswoman was on Thursday morning strangled to death, while her husband was beaten after four masked gunmen invaded their home.

Dead is 58-year-old Nalini Persaud, called “Nalo”, of Lot 161 James and Nonpareil Streets, Albouystown. Her lifeless body was discovered in the upper flat of her home with a rope tied around her neck. Her husband, 59-yearold Mahendra Rampersaud has been hospitalised as a result of the injuries he sustained at the hands of the bandits who invaded their home. Guyana Times understands that the perpetrators entered the premises by ripping out a board from the northern wall of the lower flat.

Rampersaud recounted that he and his wife were asleep when they were awakened by two gunmen who warned them not to scream.

According to the man, he was taken into the grocery shop in the lower flat of the premises where he was bound to a chair and his mouth covered with duct tape. He was fur-

Dead: Nalini Persaud, called “Nalo”

ther instructed by one of the bandits that if he cooperated, no harm would come to him or his wife. This newspaper was told that while the businessman was in the lower flat, his wife, who was still in the upper flat of the house began screaming. This prompted one of the bandits to place a lasso around her neck before escorting her to the lower flat where she was instructed to turn off all of the lights in the home.

The woman was then taken back upstairs where she

was strangled to death. The robbers ransacked the house and carted off an undisclosed sum of cash and jewellery.

Rampersaud relayed that he was left bound for hours until a customer showed up at about 06:00h to purchase cigarettes and found him.

Upon seeing the man bound, the customer alerted the couple’s son, who lives in the same yard. The son and his wife rushed over and found Persaud’s lifeless body in the upper flat. Guyana Times was told that bandits had

previously attempted to rob the couple but their son went to their aid, causing the robbers to flee. Police have since launched an investigation into the murder/robbery.

On Sunday last, Somdat Ramgobin, 46, also known as “Rakesh”, was killed when bandits invaded his Parika Backdam home. According to the dead man’s sister, her brother had just closed his grocery business for the night at around 21:00h when two men entered the premises.

The men then proceeded to call out to Ramgobin who responded, and was immediately attacked with a glass bottle and beaten to his head and body. The duo then demanded cash and was given $600,000. Unsatisfied, the men then demanded jewellery and after being told that there was none, they took Ramgobin to a bedroom in his house where they shot him to his chest. The bandits then quickly made good their escape in a white motorcar which was said to be parked outside. That matter is also presently being investigated.

Woman jailed for cocaine trafficking …fined $9.1M

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remorseful woman was on Thursday jailed for four years and fined $9.1 million on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Sandra Angela Profitt of Lot 9 John Fernandes Drive, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Russell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. She admitted to the Magistrate that on April 29, 2019, at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), while an outgoing passenger of a Liat flight, she had in her possession 3.378 kilograms of cocaine strapped to her thighs.

The case brought by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) stated that Profitt was seated in the departure lounge when she was inter- Jailed: Sandra Angela Profitt cepted by ranks, who son was recently involved conducted a search of her person and found the co- in a car accident. The womcaine strapped to her legs. an claimed the car was damThe cocaine was in six par- aged beyond repair and the cels of which three were owner of the car demanded her son replaced the vehistrapped to each thigh.

CANU Prosecutor Konyo cle. “As a mother, I couldn’t Sandiford told the court that sit and watch my son go the woman has been cooper- through that, so I decided to ating with the ranks during do this,” the crying woman told the court. the investigation.

CANU recently issued a In court on Thursday, Profitt in plea of mitiga- wanted bulletin for Winston tion told the court that her Carto, also known as “Chief

Winston Carto, also known as “Chief Mike”

Mike” of Lot 193 Greenheart Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown. Carto is wanted for supplying Profitt with the cocaine to traffic.

Only on Saturday last, a man was nabbed with in excess of 80 cocaine pellets while inside an ECD hotel. The pellets weighed 900 grams.

According to a source,

the pellets were intended to be swallowed by another person, who would then board an international flight that was leaving Guyana later in the day.

Guyana Times understands that after the man was nabbed, he led investigators to the ECD residence of another male. Ranks then swooped down on the house and a search revealed an unlicensed firearm along with ammunition. As a result, two other persons were also taken into custody as Police launched a search for another suspect.

The man, who is yet to be arrested by the Police, is believed to be the mastermind behind the cocaine pellets that were intended to be smuggled.

Looking back... …at the Portuguese Guyanese Today, May 3rd, is Portuguese Arrival Day, with the first indentured batch from the island of Madeira having arrived on that day in 1835 on the good ship Louisa Baille. That first batch of 40, it should be noted, was brought right after the formal Abolition of Slavery on August 1st 1834, but before the ex-slaves actually obtained their freedom, because they were compelled to work on the sugar plantations as “Apprentices” until 1838.

If the Apprenticeship scheme was to transition the exslaves into a monetised labour arrangement, the question that arises is: Why did the planters bring in the Portuguese??

The answer isn’t so simple. The planters couldn’t have known that within a year the freed slaves wouldn’t remain in the cane fields. In fact, some Portuguese workers from Madeira had actually been brought in in 1834! One reason could be that the British wanted to change the racial balance in their favour, because they didn’t only recruit the “white” Portuguese, but some English, Scottish, Irish, German and Maltese farmers before the end of apprenticeship.

It was the beginning of a “divide and rule” policy that was to continue throughout the colonial period. But while the Madeiran Portuguese “survived” plantation life, they did so with a horrendous death rate. So why’d they keep on coming?? It was because, bad as these conditions were, the conditions in Madeira were worse. However, it wasn’t only the Portuguese and whites who were brought in before the end of Apprenticeship; even more came from the small WI Islands, where wages were less than those in Guyana!!

Eventually, more of the latter came as indentureds than the Portuguese, but it was the latter who made an indelible mark on Guyana and its history. They were hard workers, as can be evidenced by the fact that they earned on the average more than the Indian Indentureds, who were brought in from 1938. They saved their money assiduously, and at the end of their 2- or 4-year indentureship, generally went into business. They were so successful at this that within a few decades they owned the majority of businesses in the colony.

This caused resentment in the ex-slave population, and there were riots against them as early as in 1858, and then again in 1888. While the Portuguese were “whites”, the British rulers did not accord them status under the category of “European” in their censuses. It was an early lesson that “race” is a social construct!!

The Portuguese, however, through dint of sheer hard work and determination, pulled themselves up the social ladder and excelled in all spheres of life!

They should be a beacon to all Guyanese today. …at trade unionism This year marks the 100th anniversary of Trade Unionism in Guyana. Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow formed the British Guiana Labour Union in 1919 to agitate for better wages and working conditions for stevedores on the Georgetown waterfront. This was a signal achievement, since while trade unions were recognised in Britain as early as 1872, none of the other workers in Britain’s Empire, on which “the sun never sat”, had the self-confidence to make this move.

It’s a pity that, over the years, workers in Guyana really never achieved their due under the Trade Union Movement, and most of this mediocre record can be traced to venal trade union leaders. Most of them sold out through the years, either to the businesses they were supposed to keep on their toes, or to the politicians, who offered them “connections”.

In the sugar industry, for instance, which continued to be the most exploitative into the present, the first unionists in the MPCA were bought out within a decade.

Workers are still “on their own”. …at Venezuela The Venezuelan crisis continues to boil, as once again Maduro stood down the latest push from Guaido. So we’ll continue to be flooded with refugees, including returning Guyanese and their children, who’ve brought back “Venezuelan ways”.

Will the quantitative soon change the qualitative?

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

9 Dr Karen Cummings appointed as new Foreign Affairs Minister J news

FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

unior Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, has been named Guyana’s new Foreign Affairs Minister and was among the four new Ministers who were swornin by President David Granger as members to his Cabinet on Thursday.

Speaking with reporters after taking her Oath of Office, Minister Cummings said she was surprised when she was offered the post but is up for the challenge.

“I know it’s a lot of hard work but I’m prepared for the tasks and I hope to serve in this new office with distinction.”

Dr Cummings was appointed Junior Health Minister back in 2015 and noted that she is satisfied with the work she has done for almost four years.

“I’ve (been) able to see some achievements in terms of Non-Communicable Diseases – we’ve had a NCD Commission set up, we’ve passed the tobacco law… and in terms of vaccination coverage and universal healthcare, we’ve made strong strides in these and making every effort to deliver effective and efficient health care to the populace of Guyana,” she noted.

The newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister is expected to begin work in

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with the newly appointed Cabinet Ministers at the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday

her new position today with a meeting at the Ministry.

Dr Cummings said she is looking forward to working with her predecessor, Carl Greenidge, and is hoping that he takes her under his wing.

“I hope to see him (at the meeting) because I still think he can be my coach.

It’s a new area and I look forward to working with him,” Dr Cummings added.

Off-duty Guyana-born NYPD Cop dies in car crash

A

n off-duty NYPD Police Officer was killed in a car crash on Long Island on Wednesday, officials said.

Police Officer Vincent Persaud, the NY Daily News reported, was driving West on Peninsula Blvd in Lynbrook when his white BMW collided into a minivan about 06:50h at Hempstead Ave. According to the NY Daily News report, medics rushed him to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream general hospital, where he died of his injuries, officials said.

Persaud, 31, worked as a uniformed officer in the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway, Queens. Sources said he recently moved to Long Island from Queens and leaves behind a pregnant wife.

Lynbrook Police said no criminality was suspected in

the crash. The driver of the minivan was not seriously hurt.

“Our hearts are heavy with passing of our brother, P O Vincent Persaud this morning in an off-duty vehicle collision,” the Police Benevolent Association said in a tweet on Wednesday.

“Please keep his family, friends and @NYPD101Pct brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers.”

Persaud is the second NYPD Cop to die in a Long Island car crash in the last month, the NY Daily News reported.

Police Officer Marc St Arromand, 42, died after he wiped out on his 2011 Yamaha motorcycle near Merrick Blvd in Laurelton on April 11. The father of five was on his way to work when he crashed, officials said.

According to the Head of State, Minister Cummings was the fittest replacement for former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who was forced to resign as a result of his dual citizenship status.

“The country could not be without a Foreign Minister and I felt, in my considered judgement, that she was the fittest person for that portfolio. That was the deciding factor (for her appointment),” the President told reporters following the

swearing-in ceremony.

Dr Cummings took the Oath of Office along with new Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams; Business Minister Haimraj Rajkumar; and new Public Service Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

New Ministers

Additionally, Junior Ministers Annette Ferguson and Simona Charles-Broomes received Instruments of Appointments for their new

posts after they were transferred from the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Natural Resources, respectively.

Minister Ferguson was appointed Housing Minister within the Communities Ministry, while Minister Broomes is now in charge of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of the Presidency.

Moreover, Minister Valerie PattersonYearwood, who was also reassigned as Minister of Rural Affairs within the Agriculture Ministry was absent from Thursday’s ceremony.

Nevertheless, President Granger noted that these new appointments will ensure smoother functioning of Government.

The Head of State went on to say that the “Oath of Office” is not a ceremonial ritual but represents a solemn promise and creates three principal obligations; first, to swear true faith and allegiance to the people; second, to execute the duties of his or her office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and, third, in so doing, to honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution.

“These three obligations are sacred. I expect that those who have taken the “Oath of Office” (Thursday) morning, will fulfil their obligations at all times. I have a duty to ensure that the

Government acts in accordance with the Constitution.

Four Ministers resigned their seats in the National Assembly and their portfolios in the Cabinet with effect from 25th April in order to comply with the Constitution. Their resignations have necessitated a rebalancing of the Executive,” he stated.

The reshuffling of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Cabinet came on the heels of recent rulings in the local courts that it is illegal for persons with dual citizenship to be elected to sit in the National Assembly.

As a result of this ruling, which was first handed down by acting Chief Justice Roxane George in January and then upheld by the Appeal Court in March, former Minister of State Joseph Harmon; former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and former Public Service, Minister Dr Rupert Roonaraine were forced to resigned.

It was previously indicated that all these Ministers, with the exception of Gaskin, will be renouncing their second citizenship. Gaskin is a born Briton and according to the courts, by renewing his British passport he is pledging allegiance to another state.

10 news Thief caught in Zeelugt “fowl pen” Young mother ...handed over to Police beaten mercilessly by estranged lover FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

...loses several teeth, suffers broken jaw

A

20-year-old mother of one is now fearful for her life after she was attacked and severely beaten by the father of her child.

Injured is Nirmala Sookwah of Lot 131 Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who was attacked about 23:30h on Thursday last.

According to the young woman’s father, Naresh Sookwah his daughter was in an abusive relationship with her attacker, but separated from him two Nirmala Sookwah months ago.

Sookwah left the relationship after she was young woman ran out of the severely beaten after ques- house, but was caught by tioning her then lover about the man and thrown down a a sum of money which be- hill in the area. longed to her that he alShe was then further atlegedly used to purchase a tacked and beaten about motorcycle. Following the her body and face. She was, beating and her departure however, saved when a relafrom the home, the suspect tive came to her assistance. has been following her and However, by that time, she begging her to resume the had already lost several relationship. teeth, and sustained a broHowever, when she again ken jaw, nose and chin and rejected him Thursday last, a punctured knee. the man later showed up at She was picked up and the young woman’s home rushed to the Diamond and demanded that she open Diagnostic Centre, where the door to him. She refused she was admitted as a paand the suspect broke a win- tient. dow and entered the premAccording to Sookwah’s ises. father, his daughter remains Fearful for her life, the traumatised since the sus-

pect has been walking around the area and has yet to be arrested even after several Police reports were made at the Timehri Police Station.

“We seeing he all over, we know exactly where he is, but when we call the Police them keep telling we that them ain’t get patrol vehicles and that if we have a vehicle, we could go pick them up. One time the man was right inside the house that the Police went to, but them didn’t even go in and search; is like them ain’t really got time; is until he kill meh daughter, then them gone show up,” the elder Sookwah complained.

The man further relayed that on two occasions, the suspect reportedly attempted to harm the couple’s fouryear-old son, once with a knife and on another occasion with a broken bottle.

On both occasions, the incident was reported to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA).

The family members of the young woman are calling on the Police to apprehend the suspect before Sookwah is further harmed.

The suspect being taken to the Leonora Police Station

A

thief who was stealing livestock at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo was on Thursday morning apprehended in the act by the proprietor of the house and handed over to the Police.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 02:45h at Lot 286 Zeelugt Old Road, EBE. The owner of the property, Lakeram Jaganand, said he heard a strange sound coming from the lower flat of the building, and was, with his son, prompted to investigate.

Upon inquiring, they were confronted by two men who were attempting to steal a batch of livestock. While one of the men escaped, the other was captured and held until the Police arrived at the scene.

In the process of capturing the suspect, Jaganand was stabbed once, and later received treatment at the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

His son also received minor injuries.

The apprehended suspect, whose only name was given as Feroz, was hand-

ed over to officers of the Lenora Police Station.

A neighbour told Guyana Times that this is one of many instances when livestock was stolen from the individual. As such, residents were on the alert for the return of the individuals. It was also indicated that the suspect is known in the community.

A few months ago, a small business operated by Jaganand was robbed and a number of items were stolen.

Industry man wanted by Police for fraud

T

he Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for an Industry, East Coast Demerara man who is being sought for allegedly committing fraud.

Kevin Campbell is wanted for allegedly obtaining credit from Nalina Rampersaud by false pretense on March 28, 2019.

According to the Force,

Campbell’s last known address is Lot 36 Crown Dam Industry, East Coast Demerara.

Anyone with information that may lead to his apprehension is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-2407, 2252694, 229-2019, 229-2289, 227-1149, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Wanted: Kevin Campbell

news

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FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

S RAIGHT P

Rehabilitation of Soesdyke- Linden Highway discussed with Region 10 administration

M.Sc. - Finance, ACCA

GUYANA’S PROBLEM – DEBT GALORE!

G

uyana’s total stock of public debt hit a new record high of G$417,256,000,000 (including the G$55 billion overdraft at the Central Bank) at the end of 2018 which translates to G$556,241 in debt assigned to each child and adult. Rather than giving new mothers and fathers some lands or some tools to help them provide for their newborns, Team Granger in 2019 is giving them a special gift – half a million in debt. But I admit these statements are not the best measure of the deterioration debt situation.

The better measure of the surging debt crisis is Debt as a percentage of GDP (the calculated size of the economy). In 2018, if using the IMF model of including the overdraft at the Bank of Guyana, the Debt to GDP (DoG) ratio was 58.8%. (see graph below) When Guyana finally got the full benefits from the HIPIC initiatives in 2007, the DoG ratio fell to 59.9%. Since then it peaked at 65.3% in 2010 but has since declined to 48.2% by 2015, the lowest level since 1969. But like 1969, the reigns of the economy fell into the hands of the PNC and the rest is history.

Exactly what has happened after 1969 has happened since 2016 – rampant, wild and reckless borrowing to fund massive acts of corrupt spending on mostly non-productive pageantry schemes.

In 2019, if this pace of borrowing continues, the DoG ratio will climb to 62.6% adding a further G$31,000 in absolute debt to every child and adult in just one year. Only financial and policy terrorists will remain indifferent to this crisis.

Do we have a hydropower plan to show for all this debt? Do we have a modular oil refinery to show for it? Do we have 50% of the road to Lethem to show for it? Do we have a larger, exportfocused plantation agriculture system to show for it?

This debt business have two burdens? The first one was addressed above – the load (the stock of debt). As we observes, it is like an albatross on the people’s back that is getting heavier by the minute. But there is a second burden (the flow), which are the annual debt service payments.

The cost of debt service has been rising rapidly since 2009 and the evidence proves that it has almost doubled since then.

In 2018 the Debt Service to Revenue (DSR) ratio was 8.2% of the taxes collected and is expected to climb even more in 2019 to 8.8% (see chart below).

The escalating cost reflects in part the increasing reliance on debt to fund government spending rather than using its policy tools to increase productivity both in the public and private sector and hence enhancing the taxpaying ability of all sectors of the economy. But if you look at almost all of the borrowing under this Granger regime, almost half of it is on non-productive projects, which does not have a payback capacity. This means, the burden on the taxpayers will increase as we advance into the future.

However you slice it or dice the issue, the taxpayers will lose because of this addiction to debt, in the people’s name, to fund projects that will indirectly feed the lifestyles of the ruling political class. No nation has ever survived successfully a debt burden that is climbing this fast. We have been down this road before and lost much ground internationally. We must never forget that it was these PNC boys and girls that took Guyana to a position of uncreditworthiness because of debt overload. Today again, the PNC now under Mr. Granger is marching Guyana down the same road to more debt. The psychologist said that when a team does the same thing over and over and expect different results it is defined as textbook insanity. I call it policy paralysis because what I am observing is absolute policy laziness to think outside of the box and develop better alternative paths.

So while Team Granger sells a story of Alice in Wonderland with this oil revenue, what we in the analyst community are fully aware of, is that within the first 5 years of it starting to flow, the majority of these funds will be diverted towards paying the debt, leaving very little for the Guyanese people.

Guyana with this now elevated government debt is vulnerable to changing financing conditions. Even with the oil funds, the government of the day would be unable to deploy sufficient fiscal support into the economy in a timely manner to kick start it again. This then raises the issue of the Sovereign Wealth Fund being placed in a position of a clear and present danger as the politicians panic. But that debate is for another day.

Withershare Guyana under Mr. David Granger!

Please your thoughts at Arthur sasesin1@yahoo.com.

lans for the major rehabilitation of the SoesdykeLinden Highway, upgrade to the Linden- Mabura Hill road and the construction of a river/bridge crossing at Karupukari are currently moving apace.

On Thursday, a team attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry visited the office of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) along with a design team from Beston/SRKN’gineering, which has been contracted by the ministry to conduct feasibility studies and detailed designs for the projects. During the visit, the team presented various aspects of the projects to Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Councillors.

These included an overview of the project, scope of work, initial activities and findings. The Council also had the opportunity to voice concerns and give suggestions for the projects. The projects are presently at the introductory phase of the

Project Director attached to SRKN Stuart Hughes presenting the project to region 10 Administration on Thursday

designs. Project Manager attached to the ministry, Dionne Amsterdam said the aim was to incorporate concerns and suggestions into the designs. Project Director and team leader attached to SRKN Stuart Hughes in the presentation of the projects said the team will return to present proposals for design solutions which is expected to include technical details.

He explained that the basic objective of the consultancy is to produce detailed designs, feasibility studies and bidding documents for the rehabilitation of the Soesdyke-

Linden Highway. Included in the scope is the rehabilitation of the highway from Soesdyke (intersection of Soesdyke and East Bank road) to the end of the Mackenzie- Wismar Bridge in Linden. Hughes noted that the team will examine the 9 bridges and 6 culverts along the corridor to determine if they are structurally fit and conduct a road safety audit. “...essentially a specialist who is a qualified road safety auditor...will travel the entire length of the roadway... highlighting all of the sort of unsafe features of this road-

way”, he said noting that this will be independent of the design team as the auditor will work independently. Hughes continued that the auditor will then make recommendations, as he pointed out that the team will also conduct an environmental and social impact assessment.

Social and Gender Specialist Vanda Radzick highlighted that the projects are all in preparation for the GuyanaBrazil link and the LindenLethem road. She said so far the company has met with a number of stakeholders along the highway, including the Kuru Kururu Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

Radzick pointed out that stakeholders have expressed deep concerns about safety and security, and the non-lighting of the highway and logging trucks. She noted that the team was assured by the ministry however that lights will be installed prior to the completion of the design.

The Preliminary design is expected to be presented by the end of August.

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FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 | guya

19 | guyanatimesGY.com

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14 News

FRIday, may 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Natural Resources Minister signals legislation for EITI compliance

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mid concerns shared by some extractive companies about the release of their contracts to the public, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has stated that Government would craft a legislative framework if necessary to mandate compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Addressing media operatives on Friday, Trotman stated that the EITI procedure was currently voluntary, which enabled companies to determine whether or not their data should be released.

“The solution is publication. It’s a process. It takes time. I believe that if necessary, we would have to enact laws to ensure compliance,” said the Minister.

The EITI is a global standard to promote accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. Guyana just submitted its first EITI report and out of nine companies identified to participate, only seven complied.

However, Trotman is positive that it was just an ‘opting out’ situation.

“The EITI process is a voluntary one. I believe that scoring seven out of nine on the first go is an excellent score to achieve. I believe that for reasons best known to the companies, they chose not to participate. We didn’t get a sense that it was a re-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

fusal, rather an opting out at this moment,” he explained.

He reminded that there were confidentiality clauses in agreements, which prohibit Government from sharing information from these companies. As part of the EITI, all contracts from the oil and mineral resources sectors must be publicised to ensure transparency.

“The report noted that the law regarding confidentiality agreements needs to be addressed …We have had some concerns raised by mining companies … The laws themselves might not speak to confidentiality, but

the agreements have clauses embedded in them that are very strict in some cases about confidentiality. The agreement is also a legally-binding document and, in a sense, is therefore law,” said the Minister.

According to Trotman, the report showed some gaps on the part of Government and attention was now being focused on fixing these anomalies.

“In as much as this report points to what is happening in the extractive sector, it also points to …

Government and identify some gaps and omissions on

our part, in so far as how we can and should be working together to fill those gaps … Government has to move with greater expediency in implementing this decision for collaboration. As we take advantage of the technology that is available, we will see greater collaboration,” he said.

It was reported just a few days ago on Wednesday that total revenues from the sector in the 2017 fiscal year amounted to $20.8 billion.

The Guyana Gold Board (GGB), to which gold declarations are made, accounted for 33 per cent of this revenue, followed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with 32 per cent and the Finance Ministry, 18 per cent.

Gold and other minerals contributed $17.4 billion or 84 per cent of revenue from the extractive industries.

On the other hand, oil and gas contributed $2.8 billion or 14 per cent. Bauxite, one of Guyana’s oldest industries, contributed $479 million or two per cent.

The extractive sector’s contribution to exports has a dollar value of 193.2 billion. Besides the sector’s contribution to exports, it contributed 9.3 per cent to total Government revenues and 4.2 per cent to Guyana’s total employment. Its contribution to Guyana’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 20 per cent.

$6.5M HEYS grant for Region 9 youths

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ome 130 youths from 19 villages and communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) who participated in the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry’s Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Programme received an additional financial boost to their respective businesses established under the youth programme.

Youths from 11 villages in South Central, Rupununi, and eight in Karasabai with existing businesses received their grants on Wednesday last in Shulinab

and Karasabai.

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, in her remarks to the youths said she is pleased with the overwhelming response the programme has received from villages and youths and is extremely proud of the success stories seen and heard from across the hinterland.

She urged the youths to fully capitalise on the opportunity which will ensure they receive an improved standard of living.

Also present at the exercise were the Coordinator

of the HEYS Programme, Junior Williams; Region Nine HEYS Monitor, Rohan Bishop; and the respective village Toshaos’ and senior Councillors.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has been evaluating the programme and from all indications the success stories are compelling and already villages have been lobbying to have a third cohort.

The Hinterland Employment and Youth Service, provided one year of training to 3795 youths in 222 villages over the last two years. This training allows for capacity building,

strengthening of life skills, bolstering literacy and numeracy skills, creating self-awareness and building esteem, strengthening individual vocational interests and entrepreneurial aptitudes.”

Businesses range from cattle rearing, poultry rearing (broilers, layers and ducks), crops and vegetable farming, nursery (grafting of fruit trees), fishing, fish farming, sheep, goat and pig rearing, cassava bread/ quinches/cassareep production, honey production, hardware stores, and a floating grocery store.

20 local companies to attend oil and gas conference in Texas

GO-Invest CEO Owen Verwey along with GCCI President Nicholas Boyer at a joint press conference on Thursday

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ome 20 local businesses will be attending the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2019 which is said to be the largest of its kind.

The Guyana booths will showcase what the country has to offer and create opportunities for business and networking. OTC 2019 will be held from May 6-9, in Houston, Texas, under the theme “OTC: The Next 50 Years.”

Guyana’s participation is a collaborative effort between the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce representing the business community and the Guyana Office for investment (GO-Invest) representing Government’s commitment to the business community.

Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey told media operatives on Thursday at a press conference that Guyana will form part of more than 60,000 that will be in attendance and it will create opportunities for business networking and education sharing among Guyana and other countries.

The goal of the mission is to foster relations with other oil producing companies to benefit the country and its economy. He said the aim is to allow members of the Guyana delegation to network with other participants, as well as to gather relevant information on the offshore oil and gas sector.

“We will have two booths at the Conference and we will be looking into specific activities that are Guyanafocused and that will also complement OTC activity

that is Guyana-focused, with emphasis on the country’s upcoming oil and gas industry,” Verwey explained.

There will also be a Guyana night of information sharing and networking in collaboration with a major partner ExxonMobil.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Nicholas Boyer, who also spoke at Thursday’s press conference said Guyana’s participation in such a conference will ensure that Guyana has “A booth, a presence, and a face in Texas.”

Boyer also gave recognition to the US Embassy; a partner stating that the embassy is excited about the interest indicated in Guyana’s market from abroad. According to Boyer, the aim of participation in this conference is to foster education, connection and networking as well as to promote local content. He added that Guyana needs more education in experience, equipment and oil and gas resources, hence the participation is necessary.

Some of the businesses that will be in attendance include Roraima Airways, Hughes Fields and Stoby, Ramps Logistics, GTT, and Guyana National Shipping Corporation, Sterling and Japarts.

The Offshore Technology Conference was founded in 1969, and forms a series of conferences and exhibitions focused on the exchanging technical knowledge relevant to the development of offshore energy resources, primarily oil and natural gas.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, may 3, 2019

15

Around the World

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi accuses Venezuela crisis: Defiant Maduro appears with soldiers Attorney General Barr of lying to Congress

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enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appeared flanked by soldiers at an army base in Caracas, in a show of defiance towards his opponents.

Maduro called on the armed forces to defeat “any coup plotter”, following two days of clashes between opposition and pro-government forces.

Opposition leader Juan Guaidó tried on Wednesday to spark a military rebellion and force Maduro from office.

Guaidó has urged public employees to strike to undermine the government.

But Maduro praised the army’s loyalty. “No-one dare touch our sacred ground or bring war to Venezuela”, he said.

Four people died in the clashes, including two teenagers.

In January, r Guaidó declared himself Venezuela’s interim leader and he has the support of more than 50 countries including the US, UK and most Latin America nations.

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Nicolás Maduro stands with military ranks

As the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, he invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Maduro’s re-election last year was illegitimate.

But Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela’s military - has refused to cede power.

The president dismissed a claim by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that he had been ready to flee the country, and accused the US of directing an attempted

coup.

On Wednesday, both proand anti-government supporters held demonstrations in Caracas that were initially peaceful.

There were reports of gunfire in the city, and a local NGO, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, said Jurubith Rausseo, 27, had been shot dead during a rally in the opposition stronghold of Altamira. At least 46 people were injured in clashes between opposition supporters and the security forces. (BBC)

Jamaica-born QC granted bail in Trinidad corruption conspiracy charge

Queen's Counsel Vincent Nelson

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ueen's Counsel Vincent Nelson was on Thursday granted bail in the sum of TT$100,000 to cover charges of corruption conspiracy in connection with a series of financial transactions involving legal fees during the period of the United

National Congress (UNC)led People's Partnership Government's term in office.

Nelson, who was born in Jamaica, appeared for the State in several cases in the UNC-led Administration and reportedly conspired with former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Attorney Gerald Ramdeen.

In court on Thursday, it was alleged that Nelson conspired with Ramlogan and Ramdeen to receive, conceal, and transfer criminal property given to Ramlogan

by Nelson as the advocate in various matters for the State.

It is also alleged that he conspired with Ramlogan and Ramdeen for the former to misbehave in public office with Ramlogan accept-

ing rewards from Nelson and conspired to corruptly give Ramlogan rewards as Attorney General.

The matter will be transferred to the High Court in 14 days, in keeping with provisions of the Act and Nelson's Attorney Tom Allen, QC, in seeking bail for his client, said it was part of the agreement with the prosecution that he be granted his own bail and no restrictions placed on him to leave the country.

Allen submitted that Nelson, since October 2017, has been fully cooperating with the Prosecution at an “unprecedented level” and has given several witness statements knowing fully well he has incriminated himself, despite risks to himself. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Huge crowds join protest against Sudan's military leaders

Protest leaders say the Generals in the military council are not serious about handing power to civilians [Umit Bektas/Reuters]

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undreds of thousands of protesters have joined a sitin outside Sudan's Defence Ministry to press the ruling military council to hand over power to a civilian administration.

The huge crowd was answering a call by an alliance

of activists and Opposition groups to join a protest march through Khartoum on Thursday.

The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) alliance said on Thursday it had submitted a draft constitutional document containing its vision

for the transitional period to the Transitional Military Council (TMC).

Protesters and activists have been negotiating with the TMC to form a joint civilian-military body to oversee the period following the forced departure of longtime President Omar alBashir.

However, the parties are deadlocked over who would control the new council, and what the features of a transitional government would be.

The army has been pushing for a council of seven military representatives and three civilians while the alliance demands a council made up of eight civilians and seven generals. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

S Speaker Nancy Pelosi accuses Attorney General Barr of lying to Congress US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused the Attorney General William Barr of lying to Congress.

Her comments came a day after Barr's testimony to a Senate panel about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russia's alleged meddling in 2016.

Barr faced sharp questioning about his decision to clear President Donald Trump of obstruction of justice.

The top US law official refused to testify to Democratic-led House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

The stand-off raises the prospect that Barr – America's top legal official – could be held in contempt of Congress.

"He lied to Congress.

And if anybody else did that it would be considered a crime," Pelosi said on Thursday.

"Nobody is above the law," she added.

Pelosi's accusation stems from Barr saying he was not aware of any complaints Mueller had about the Attorney General's four-page summary of his report.

Mueller wrote a letter to Barr saying the summary lacked "context".

"It wasn't about technicalities," Pelosi told reporters. "The attorney General

of the United States of America was not telling the truth to the Congress of the United States. That's a crime."

But a spokeswoman for the Department of Justice hit back at Pelosi after her comments.

"The baseless attack on the Attorney General is reckless, irresponsible, and false," spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said.

Republicans also condemned the remarks.

Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters it was an "offensive statement" and said Pelosi should apologise.

"I think it says more about her than it does about Bill Barr," he added.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

I've protected many, Assange tells UK court as he fights US extradition warrant

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ikiLeaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday his work had protected “many people” and refused to agree to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history.

The United States

has requested the extradition of Assange, who was dragged from the Ecuadorean Embassy in London on April 11, and has charged him with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion which carries a maximum penalty of five years.

Asked at a preliminary hearing at Westminster

Magistrates’ Court whether he agreed to be extradited to the United States, Assange, appearing via a video link from a British prison, said: “I do not wish to surrender for extradition. I’m a journalist winning many, many awards and protecting many people.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

one third of cases, and female recruits ages 17 to 24 are at the highest risk of attack.

On Thursday, Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan directed the military to "criminalise" sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can fall within other legal violations of military behaviour, but is not yet a

"stand-alone" criminal offence.

The directive from Shanahan was among a series of other recommendations, released in a memo on Thursday.

"Sexual assault is illegal and immoral, is inconsistent with the military's mission and will not be tolerated," he wrote. (Excerpt from

US military reports major spike in sex assaults

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he US military has reported a major spike in sexual assaults despite years of efforts to address the problem.

Figures show 20,500 instances of unwanted sexual contact occurred in 2018, up from 14,900 in 2016 which is the last time a survey was conducted.

Alcohol was involved in

BBC News)

Facebook bans 'dangerous individuals' ed.

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Alex Jones has already been banned from Twitter

acebook is banning several prominent figures it regards as "dangerous individuals".

The social network accused Alex Jones, host of right-wing conspiracy website InfoWars, its UK ed-

itor Paul Joseph Watson and ex-Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos of hate speech.

Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam leader who has expressed anti-Semitic views, will also be exclud-

Facebook has already banned anti-Islamic UK groups such as Britain First.

The latest ban also applies on Instagram, which Facebook owns.

"We’ve always banned individuals or organisations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology,” the company said in a statement.

"The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today." (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

Bacardi Wedding Night for PC on Saturday

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fter a four-year hiatus, wedding night party event around this “Bacardi Wedding Night” is set Main Street, Georgetown, on Patrons can expect an music from yesteryear to some of the best selections Selector Andy, who is known Deejay Ryan from Pulse the best female deejay in one of the best countryside There will be live Boss himself, WR Reaz and AW some flavour to the night. For tassa drums, there will be live group from the West Coast of Troupe”.

One of the main attractions duck curry for patrons who for the event cost $1500 in The action gets underway at Bacardi Wedding Night AR Jiwanram Printery Inc, Entertainment and Palm for this highly anticipated

Team MMR returns with its which is the most anticipated time of year. The event titled to tear the roof off Palm Court, Saturday, May 4, 2019. evening of great wedding present. Come and enjoy that will be delivered by for his versatility. In addition, Entertainment; Deejay Anisah, Guyana; and Selector Chino, deejays. performances by the Party Lyrical, who will definitely add those who love the traditional tassa music by the energetic Demerara, “Feel da Beat Tassa for the night will be the free grace the event. Tickets advance and more at the gate.

19:00h. is sponsored by BM Soat, R Maye Hardware, Pulse Court. The exclusive sponsor event is Bacardi.

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he six delegates in this year’s India Guyana Worldwide contest were on Saturday evening sashed at an elaborate ceremony held at the Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The delegates all sported outfits

by Colours of India.

The delegates – Shorona Haniff, Dianna Persaud, Rashena Sara Hanif, Sandeka Rampersaud, Hemwantie Seodat and Diana Ahmad – were all sashed by their respective sponsors.

The event was graced by the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, while the Prime Minister’s wife, Seeta Nagamootoo, was the guest of honour.

However, as the date for

The delegates pose with India High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, along with Seeta Nagamootoo and reigning Miss India Guyana Worldwide, Shoshanna Ramdeen

the grand coronation nears, the delegates will participate in a cooking competition where they will be required to cook duck meat.

They will face-off with last year’s delegates for the title.

The cooking competition is set for Sunday, May 5, at

the Everest Cricket Club Ground. The cookout will be followed by a cultural extravaganza commencing at 17:00h.

Meanwhile, the grand coronation is set for Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Princess Ramada Hotel.

They will compete in talent, indian wear, evening gown and intelligence.

The Ishara Dance Group, the Nachgana Academy of Dance, the Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troup are all expected to perform at the coronation. In addition, three past beauty queens will be honoured with the Women of Substance Award.

The panel of judges will comprise well accomplished and empowered persons.

friDAY, MAY 3, 2019

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n exactly two weeks, the official events for Guyana Carnival 2019 will kick off and without a doubt, it is expected to be epic. So far, several international artistes have confirmed to be part of the baccahanal and that will last from May 17-27.

These events include boat rides, breakfast parties, day tours, J’Ouverts, cooler fetes and mega concerts.

However, one of the most anticipated events during this time will be Soca R a v e billed for the evening o f May 26, at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The event is promoted by King Leo Promotions and the G u y a n a C a r n i va l Committee.

It will feature some of best in the business, including Nylah Blackman, Patrice Roberts, Voice, Blaxx, Timeka Marshall, Jumo Primo a n d

others.

All the artistes are known for their energetic performance and will give their fans

their money’s w o r t h .

G e n e r a l

Admission to the event cost $3000.

Tickets can be purchased at the Carnival Headquarters, Hits and Jams Building, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

3rd Annual Tassa Rama for Diamond Tarmac on Sunday

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everal tassa groups are expected to square off on Sunday evening at the Diamond New Scheme Tarmac, East Bank Demerara, for the annual “Tassarama” organised in time for the commemoration of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana.

The groups are from the East Bank, East Coast, West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.

They all will be competing for cash and trophies.

The inaugural event was organised by RB Dubraj Production and has since become an annual event that has seen scores of persons attending.

This event promises to be very entertaining with a packed cultural show that will see live performances by the Nishal B, NYA, Retidevi and Shivanie Kumarie,

Arjit Singh, Reya Nandlall, Indi Balkaran, Tara Devi, Savatri Li and the Caribbean Hotshots Band. In addition, there will be the Farishtey Dance Troupe who will perform several routines. Rajesh Dubraj will also be making a special appearance.

However, patrons can also enjoy Indian delicacies in abundance and partake in the mehendi designing camp as well as feast their eyes and dig into their wallets and purses at the extravageant exhibition and costume sale.

The kids will not be left out as there will be lots of games to keep them occupied. Finally, there will be a well-stocked bar. Admission to the event is absolutely free. The action starts at 16:00h.

guyanatimesgy.com

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h e Nadira a n d Indranie Shah Dance Troupe are s t a g i n g Nrityageet 40 at the National C u l t u r a l Centre on May 3 and 4, 2019, at 20:00h as their final annual dance theatre production.

Although the Troupe will continue training and performing upon request for other cultural stage productions, the annual show Nrityageet, will no longer be a regular feature of the Guyanese theatre offerings after Nrityageet 40.

From Indian Immigration Day observances to Arrival Day commemoration, this dance theatre production marks 40 years of remembering and celebrating through dance, song, poetry and dance drama, the arrival of the first batch of East Indians to British Guiana on May 5, 1838.

Although the Shah sisters have been performing classical and folk dancing from over 50 years ago, the first annual dance productions of Nrityageet 1 and 2, were held at the Queens College Auditorium on May 5, 1979, and May 4, 1980.

Thereafter, the Nrityageet Dance Theatre presented their stage productions at the National Cultural Centre up to 2019, the company’s 40th annual show. Founding member, Nadira Shah Berry, points out that before Nrityageet, there were no annual commemoration stage programmes for Indian Arrival and stage dances were of the more popular filmy type and nightclub gyration style.

These pioneers, the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe, have opted to discontinue their annual dance theatre productions that adhered to artistic dance choreographies, dance theatre settings and costumes. Reasons given include a lack of sustained interest from the business community and the Guyanese audiences’ seeming preference for glamour, glitter and the more popular Indian dance styles.

Director, Dr Seeta Shah Roath reiterated that as a troupe, “We dance for the love of dance, the love of the arts, the love of theatre arts. Our grandparents and their ship family were producing Ramlilas in the rice “factory” in Belair and Turkeyen, since they came in the 1800s.

Costume making, male dancing, and dramatic dance productions have been in the family for generations.

And the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe will

friDAY, may 3, 2019

continue performances locally and internationally but the Nrityageet Dance Production will no longer be an annual production. It stops at Nrityageet 40.”

The Nrityageet cast includes a young cohort who have been working together for the past 10 years.

Their repertoire includes Kathak, Kuchipudi, Indian folk, filmy-folk and modern dance styles. These performers are also students of Nadira Shah Berry and Dr Seeta Shah Roath and graduates of the Theatre Arts programmes both local and international.

Nrityageet has followed a path of diversity through dance and Guyanese of all ethnic origins share and perform Indian dance of different dance styles that are as diverse as its performers. National Dance Company and National Dance School have been an empowering partner in training and performing and so too are the numerous dance teachers of the Indian Cultural Centre from 1976 to 2018. From Pratap and Priya Pawars, Pt. Durgallall, Pt. Charan Girdhar Chand who were the original classical and folk-dance teachers of Nadira and Indranie Shah, followed by many subsequent teachers who helped train the

younger Troupe members.

Indranie received further training in India benefiting from a scholarship that both sisters were offered. Nadira opted to continue her training in Guyana and performing worldwide with the troupe and her gurus even acting as the Indian Cultural Centre’s dance teacher from 1977 to 1983 when her Guru was indisposed.

Over the forty years, Nrityageet dance theater productions have received a number of awards of excellence in the arts. These include the “Icon of the Arts” award from the Theatre Guild of Guyana. This is added to receiving Guyana’s National Award, the Medal of Service, for”Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Mosaic of Guyana.”

In theatre arts Nrityageet received over six annual awards from the Guyana’s Theatre Arts Awards (TAA) for “Best Dance Production,” “Best Costumes” and “Best Set” even being nominated for “Best Director” for five years. The Madame Iffel Award of Barbados for “Best Dance Production.

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Also receiving a special award by the TAA for 21 years of ‘Exceptional Diligence in the Pursuit of Excellence’ and from the New York group of Guyanese, New York Folk Festival, for” Long and Sustained Dance Productions of Excellence”.

Nadira Shah Berry recently received an award from GOPIO (International) for being an “Icon of preservation and promotion of Indian and Indo-Caribbean Dance, music, drama, poetry, and providing a forum for Cultural exchanges as well as cultural integration of dance and choreography.“ Nadira Shah Berry said, “Nrityageet 40 celebrates 181 years since the arrival of the first East Indians to Guyana. We were the first to start Indian Immigration Commemoration in Dance Theatre, 40 years ago and have never missed a year since we started.

Our repertoire includes, how Indian cultural trends have permeated into Guyanese culture in dance, costumes, and ethnic participation. We have created and performed many plays, Ramlilas, classical, folk and popular dance theatre and diversity multimedia presentations on the National Cultural Centre, Monument Gardens Stage and for National and International programmes such as the Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival, CARIFESTA, World Expo and many other programmes around the world.

The dates for Nrityageet 40 are Friday May 3rd, 2019, under the general theme: “Unity in Diversity in Dance” and the specific Theme of “Be the Best that You Can. Be The founders of the Nadira & Indrtanie Shah Dance Troupe: Bhanmattee Shah, Nadira Shah Berry & Indranie Shah Lennartson. Nrityageet’s Technical Director for over 37 years is Dr. Seeta Shah Roath.

Suzanne Shah Nilsson is a Producer and senior Dancer.

Rewattie Datt is a senior dancer who has been performing on Nrityageet since Nrityageet 16.

Indira Itwaru started from Nrityageet 29 while Sony Sikandar has been a student and performer since Nrityageet 30.

Over 1000 dancers have graced the stage of Nrityageet and many have expressed regrets at its departure as an annual dance theatre production.

They are reassured that the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe will continue to train and perform in Guyana and abroad.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, MAY 3, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

If you size up your situation and what you want to accomplish, you will avoid some of the pitfalls that others put in your way. Focus and stamina will lead to success.

CANCER

Change may not be what you want, but it may be what you need. Consider what’s being offered as well as the potential gains involved. Make your final decision based on truth.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Even the playing field by setting a high standard and weeding out those who cannot compete. Much can be accomplished if you are passionate and persistent

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Don’t let anyone limit what you can do. An open mind and willingness to put your energy where it counts will lead to decisions, improvements and gains that will change your life.

Lock in your position and put your plan in place.

Once you establish what you want, it will be difficult for anyone to interfere. Make your own opportunities.

Embrace change and set your course. Having a destination in mind will help you avoid unnecessary surprises that could slow you down.

Arguing will not help you achieve your goal.

Taking short trips, spending time with interesting people who motivate you to be your best, and making personal gains should be your focus. Romance will enhance your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

People change, and so do you. Allowing others to grow will also encourage you to expand your interests and gain perspective on what you want to do moving forward.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Personal relationships, home and domestic projects, and self-improvement are highlighted. A challenge will enrich your mind, body and soul. Adjustments at home will promote romance or stronger family ties.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Leave nothing to chance.

If you want things to unfold with ease, preparation and organization will be necessary. An emotional situation should not be put on display.

A challenge will do you good. Be open to suggestions, but in the end, do what feels right. Attending social events will be informative and will encourage a closer bond with someone special.

Consider how to best help others without being used or taken for granted.

Overspending, overdoing and overindulging will not solve problems or improve important relationships.

friday, MAY 3, 2019

19

Mumbai survive Pandey-Nabi scare to seal play-off qualification

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umbai Indians beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Super Over after the teams had tied with 162 each, with a Hardik Pandya six helping them chase the required nine runs with three balls to spare. The win put Mumbai in the playoffs alongside Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

Manish Pandey and Mohammad Nabi, whose partnership had brought back the Sunrisers into the game, could only last four balls in the Super Over. Pandey was run out first ball before Nabi, having struck Jasprit Bumrah for a topedged six, was clean bowled.

The match ended in the Super Over after Manish Pandey slammed a six off the last ball of the match in regulation time. With 17 needed off the final over, Mohammad Nabi hit Hardik for a six over long-on, off the third ball, before falling off the next ball. Pandey then ran hard for two runs off the fifth ball, before sending Pandya over wide long-on for a last-ball six to level the scores.

Earlier, Mumbai had reached 162 for 5 on the back of Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 69 that came off 58 balls, containing six fours and two sixes. None of the other Mumbai batsmen could take cues from de Kock, as they struggled against Sunrisers’ accurate bowling.

Khaleel’s timely blows

Left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed ensured Mumbai didn’t stretch their fast scoring for too long, on three crucial ocassions. After Rohit Sharma got Mumbai off to a sound start with five fours, Khaleel’s slower ball duped him into slicing one to mid-on. It cut short the opening stand to 36 runs.

Khaleel then removed Suryakumar Yadav after he had added 54 runs for the second wicket with de Kock, as the two batsmen looked primed to taking Mumbai to a bigger score. Then Khaleel began the final over by forcing Kieron Pollard to top edge a slower length ball, to be caught at square-leg. Khaleel was helped by good catching from the Sunrisers’ outfielders, but it was an assured performance from the youngster.

Mumbai rely on de Kock

De Kock remained unbeaten on 69, although with more support he could have put Mumbai onto a bigger score. Much of it was expected when he was batting with Suryakumar, but Mumbai have two of the best big-hitters in the business. However, de Kock had to take over the hitting in the last five overs as both Hardik and Pollard had fallen cheaply.

Krunal and Bumrah cut down Sunrisers’ scoring

Martin Guptill, who replaced David Warner, and Wriddhiman Saha sprung to a fast start but the latter fell to Jasprit Bumrah’s slower delivery in the fourth over, caught at point, just as the Sunrisers were gaining momentum. Bumrah then removed Guptill in h i s next over, and although Hardik Pandya leaps after the New Zealander reviewed the lbw taking Mumbai decision, replays showed that the ball Indians to a win was hitting leg stump. Although the Sunrisers’ 59 for 2 was better than Mumbai’s score at the end of the Powerplay, Bumrah’s removal of the openers chipped away at their run-rate.

Krunal Pandya then had Williamson, after reviewing successfully for an lbw in the eighth over, before Vijay Shankar was caught at long-on to reduce the Sunrisers to 98 for 4 in the 14th over.

Pandey keeps Sunrisers alive

Everything rested on Manish Pandey, who had been the Sunrisers’ set batsman at the crease. After Abhishek Sharma was caught behind off Hardik, Mumbai held back the Sunrisers for the following 15 balls, conceding just 17 runs. Finally at the end of the 18th over, Mohammad Nabi swung Lasith Malinga

3

SCOREBOARD

Mumbai Indians Innings (20 overs maximum) RG Sharma (c) c Nabi b Ahmed 24 Q de Kock † not out 69 SA Yadav c Khan b Ahmed 23 E Lewis c Shankar b Nabi 1 HH Pandya c Nabi b Kumar

18 KA Pollard c Sharma b Ahmed 10 KH Pandya not out 9 Extras (lb 6, nb 1, w 1) 8 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 8.1) 162-5 Did not bat: BB Sran, RD Chahar, SL Malinga, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-36 (RG Sharma, 5.2 ov), 2-90 (SA Yadav, 11.4 ov), 3-91 (E Lewis, 12.4 ov), 4-119 (HH Pandya, 15.5 ov), 5-151 (KA Pollard, 19.1 ov) BOWLING B Kumar (4-0-29-1) KK Ahmed (4-0-42-3) M Nabi (4-0-24-1) Rashid Khan (4-0-21-0) Basil Thampi (4-0-40-0) Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings (target: 163 runs from 20 overs)

WP Saha † c Lewis b Bumrah

25 MJ Guptill lbw b Bumrah 15 MK Pandey not out 71 KS Williamson (c) lbw b KH Pandya 3 V Shankar c Pollard b KH Pandya 12 A Sharma c †de Kock b HH Pandya 2 Mohammad Nabi c Yadav b HH Pandya 31 Rashid Khan not out 0 Extras 3 (lb 1, w 2) TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 8.1) 162-6 Yet to bat: B Kumar, KK Ahmed, Basil Thampi Fall of wickets: 1-40 (WP Saha, 3.6 ov), 2-57 (MJ Guptill, 5.1 ov), 3-65 (KS Williamson, 7.1 ov), 4-98 (V Shankar, 13.2 ov), 5-105 (Abhishek Sharma, 14.3 ov), 6-154 (Mohammad Nabi, 19.4 ov) BOWLING BB Sran (2-0-24-0) SL Malinga (4-0-43-0) JJ Bumrah (4-0-31-2) RD Chahar (4-0-21-0) KH Pandya (4-0-22-2) HH Pandya (2-0-20-2)

for a six over point.

Bumrah bowled four good balls in the penultimate over before Pandey struck him for two fours to bring down the required runs to 17 off the last over. Pandey took the Sunrisers into the Super Over but couldn’t quite do the job a second time. (Cricinfo)

Shahid Afridi reveals his Cricket South Africa evaluating real age in autobiography Rabada’s back niggle

S

hahid Afridi, as many fans have long suspected, is not as young as official records have had it all these years. Afridi himself has made the revelation in his autobiography Game Changer released in India and Pakistan this week. In a chapter in which he describes his call-up to the senior Pakistan team in October 1996, Afridi writes that he was born in 1975.

Though he doesn’t give a month or day, that makes him, potentially, five years older than what he is: official records, including ESPNcricinfo’s player profile pages record his date of birth as March 1, 1980.

Afridi debuted in an ODI tri-series tournament in Nairobi, and, most famously, hit a 37-ball hundred the first time he batted in international cricket. That record stood for over 17 years and was even more outrageous for the fact that it had been achieved by a 16-year-old.

Except, now we know, he wasn’t.

Yet Afridi only deepens the confusion in his book with the following line: “Also, for the record, I was just nineteen, and not six-

teen like they claim. I was born in 1975. So, yes, the authorities stated my age incorrectly.” If he was born in 1975, that would make him 20 or 21 at the time of the innings and not 19 as he writes.

He had arrived in Nairobi from the Caribbean, where he was playing in an Under-19 series for Pakistan - which now suggests that he wasn’t really under 19 at the time.

Afridi has long retired from the international game though the admission adds a retrospective gloss to his performances in the PSL this season, where he played eight games for Multan Sultans and took 10 wickets conceding just 6.74 runs per over all as a 43- or 44-year-old.

The year 1975 would also mean that he was 34 or 35 when he suddenly retired from Test cricket in 2010, having returned after a four-year absence from the format - as captain - and staying for just one Test.

It also means that when he finally played his last game for Pakistan at the 2016 World T20, he was not 36 but 40

or 41.

Fans will recall another public admission of a real age, from a contemporary and team-mate of Afridi.

After leading Pakistan to a memorable World T20 win in 2009, Younis Khan announced his retirement from the format, saying that he was 34 and “too old for this kind of cricket”. By his official records, Younis was 31 at the time he made the statement; in fact, the number on his ODI s h i r t - 75 - was the real year of his birth, the same, incidentally, as Afridi’s.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Shahid Afridi brings out his trademark starfish celebration

S

outh Africa’s injury worries continue to mount with Kagiso Rabada undergoing a scan for a back niggle a day after being rested from Delhi Capitals’ league fixture against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday.

Rabada has topped the wicket charts in IPL 2019, and has been pivotal in Capitals’ march to their first playoffs since 2012.

He had complained about some discomfort after his most-recent outing against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.

On Thursday, Cricket South Africa confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the scans done on Rabada’s back had been shared by the franchise, and their medical team was contemplating the next course of action.

With South Africa’s World Cup opener against England exactly four weeks away, a serious injury

Kagiso Rabada already has 23 wickets this IPL season

to the leader of their attack could seriously hamper their preparations. South Africa are already dealing with multiple niggles in their squad. They are also anxiously awaiting further news of the prognosis for Dale Steyn, who pulled out of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL campaign a week ago after his right shoulder flared up.

Should Rabada need a spell on the sidelines to deal with an injury, South Africa will go into the World Cup with virtually every member of their bowling attack - bar the 40 year old Imran Tahir - on the mend from recent injuries.

Having missed much of the home summer with ligament damage in his knee, Lungi Ngidi picked up a side strain during the fifth ODI against Sri Lanka in March, while A n r i c h Nortje strained his shoulder in the same game, meaning he was unable to take up a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Tabraiz Shamsi has also been rested from the ongoing CSA T20 Challenge in order to fully recover from some stiffness in his back.

Both Ngidi and Nortje have since returned to competitive action, bowling a controlled number of overs against the visiting Afghanistan Academy side last week. But it is not yet fully clear when Steyn might be fully fit. With South Africa’s pre-World Cup camp starting in 10 days, an injury to Rabada could complicate things even further. (ESPNcricinfo)

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friday, MAY 3, 2019

2019 Hand-in-Hand Inter-County U-19 3-Day tournament…

Rain intervenes in Berbice/Select U-17 clash ─ Algoo hits 175 as Berbice pile up 404

By Brandon Corlette

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Benajmin, who had topscored in the first innings, played with class during his unbeaten 38 scored from 64 balls, which included one six and one four. He was well supported by the busy Nigel Deodat, who scored 26 from 21 balls, wherein he had smashed three fours and two sixes.

The declaration ended the brisk unbroken 39-run partnership between Benjamin and Deodat --Blairmont’s fine talent.

Bowling for the Guyana Select U-17 team, leg-spinner Niran Bissu took 2-90 in 17 overs, while left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj had 2-104 in 25 overs.

he Berbice swashbuckling opening batsman Alex Algoo continued from where he left off on the second day, hitting his highest inter-county score of 175 to lead the Berbice U-19 Team to 404-5 in 86 overs and hand the Guyana Select U-17 a target of 314 for victory.

When, at 15:42, the match was officially called off due to inclement weather, the Select U-17 Team were on 39-3.

Earlier, under clear skies at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown, Berbice resumed the day on 292-4, with Algoo on 119 and Benjamin on six. The duo continued to pile on the runs, putting pressure on the Select U-17 bowling. It was clear that the intention was to bat quickly In the secand declare early in the ond innings first session. of play, Known for his the Select big-hitting ability, U - 1 7 Algoo continued to openflourish, but after batting for 292 minutes, his innings ended on 175 runs scored from 237 deliveries when he was out caught and bowled by Chanderpaul Ramraj.

He had smashed 10 boundaries and seven sixes in his third inter-county century, and had added 109 runs with Benjamin. Algoo departed at 3655, leaving his team in a domGarfield Benjamin inant polooked promising during his unbeaten 38 sition.

Zeynul Ramsammy survived Swamy-storm

ers Zeynul Ramsammy and Matthew Nandu went out to bat under overcast conditions.

They survived some testing bowling from Berbice new ball bowlers Kevlon Anderson and Leon Swammy, but wickets came quickly for the Berbicians.

The powerful right-arm speedster Swamy, steaming in from the southern end, took three wickets in four balls. He removed the left-handed Nandu for nine by rocking back his stumps, and sent back an out-of-colour Azizi Christiani for his second duck of the match by destroying the woodwork.

The Tucber Park lad found himself on a hat trick when West Indies U-16 batsman Mavindra Dindyal came to the crease. Dindyal survived the hat-trick ball,

but succumbed to ‘the Swamy storm’ the very next ball, being out leg-before for a second-ball duck as the Select U-17 were reduced to 13-3.

After t h e

Nigel Deodat hit two huge sixes at Everest

lunch interval, a great deluge poured from the heavens, and the Select U-17 Team, then at 39-3 after 13 overs of top bowling, were saved by the weather god.

Swamy ended on 3-16 in the second innings, which may have been his breakthrough performance.

Alex Algoo was awarded ‘player of the match’ in the drawn encounter that saw the Select U-17 winning first innings points. Berbice have 4.4 points, while Select U-17 have 7.4 points.

The matches will continue on Saturday, May 4, when Berbice will meet Essequibo at Lusignan, ECD, while Demerara and Select U-17 will play at GCC, Bourda. All matches will commence from 10:00h local time.

Leon Swamy charging in during his burst

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, may 3, 2019

21

2019 Hand-in-Hand U-19 3-Day tournament…

Demerara humble Essequibo by 9 wickets to snatch 1st round win A s expected, Demerara defeated Essequibo -by nine wickets -- in an early finish to the match on the third and final day of play at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground at Bourda in Georgetown.

Demerara required only 25 runs to win the match, after Essequibo were bowled out in their second innings for 156 in 60.1 overs.

Essequibo had earlier reached 156 off a solid batting performance from Orlando Jaillal, who scored a polished 60 that was decorated with three boundaries and one six. He was supported by fellow opener Kevin

Christian, who missed out on a half-century, scoring 49.

Bowling for Demerara, off-spinner Joel Spooner grabbed 6-54 in the second innings, following up his 5-10 in the first innings.

Pradesh Balkishun also had 4-22 in the second innings for Demerara.

In pursuit of 25 for victory, Demerara lost the left-handed Adrian Hinds for two, when he was trapped in-front by Amit Persaud at 12-1; but Robin Williams and Sachin Singh ensured there were no further hiccups. Williams hit four boundaries in his un-

beaten 18, while Singh remained unbeaten on five.

Summary of scores

Essequibo 1st Innings: 75 all out in 33.4 overs.

Orlando Jailall 27, Joel Spooner 5-10. Demerara 1st Innings: 207-9 in 76.4 overs.

Alphius Bookie 52, Robin Williams 42. Amit Persaud 6-69 from 31 overs.

Essequibo 2nd Innings: 156 all out in 60.1 overs.

Orlando Jailall 60, Kevin Christian 49. Joel Spooner 6-54, Pradesh Balkishun 4-22. Demerara 2nd Innings: 25-1 in 4.3 overs. Robin Williams 18 not out.

Pan American U-23/Elite Road Cycling Championships – Mexico

Jamal John finishes 12th in 17-man U-23 field

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espite crashing on the first turn of the circuit, Jamal John ended a creditable 12th in the Time Trials of the Pan American U-23 Cycling Championships which were contested in Pachuca de Soto Mexico on Wednesday.

The 33km race - 3 laps on the Circuit Río de la Avenidas saw John clocking 47:05.884 in the event, which was won by Diego Ferreyra of Chile in 40:10.375. John finished ahead of riders from Paraguay, Panama, Aruba (2) and Argentina.

GCF President Horace Burrowes, currently in Mexico as Coach/Manager of the Guyana contingent of Jamal John,

Romello Crawford and Briton John, will be attending the COPACI Congress set for today (Friday).

He reported that Guyana has the largest contingent of the five Caribbean countries being represented in Mexico.

Trinidad and Tobago is being represented by two riders (1 male 1 female) the same as Bermuda; while the British Virgin Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have one each.

T&T female cyclist Teniel Campbell, who campaigns in Europe, won the female Time Trials. Costa Rica’s Jennifer

Morales placed second, and Cuban Jeydy Pradera third.

The 21-year-old Campbell has become the first T&T woman cyclist to ever achieve a medal at the Pan American level. She rides for the World Cycling Center Trade Team in Switzerland.

The Guyanese trio would be in action in the men’s 140km road race tomorrow (Saturday) - 9 laps around the Circuit Ciudad del Conocimiento, Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo.

‘Greatest of the Streets’ resumes tonight after rain delay

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ll roads will lead to the Silver City Hard-Court Tarmac in Linden tonight, where the second group night commences in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ football Championships.

Rescheduled because of torrential rainfall on May 1st, the event remains a

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highly anticipated affair.

The playing area was made unplayable by the rainfall, and the decision to switch the matches to another date was driven by the coordinators and sponsors’ concern for the safety of the players.

According to the tournament coordinators in a release, “The Wednesday match-day [May 1st], which was rescheduled due to torrential rain, will now be staged on Sunday at the same venue [Mackenzie Tarmac]. It was a disappointment that no matches were able to be hosted, but you can’t control the weather. We have to be cognisant of the players’ safety, which is paramount in the tournament. The fixtures remain the same, so the teams are expected to arrive at the venue to compete.”

The release further said, “We expect another thrilling night of action, which is expected to captivate the fans who are expected to descend on the venue in droves.”

At 19:30hrs, Wisroc will oppose Presidential, and Barsenal will engage High Rollers at 20:00hrs while Coomacka will battle Quiet Storm from 20:30hrs.

The fourth match will pit defending champions Silver Bullets against Retrieve Unknowns from 21:00hrs, while Amelia’s Ward Russians oppose

A peek at the action on Opening night in Linden

Tonight’s fixtures- May 3rd at Silver City Hard-Court Wisroc Vs Presidential19:30hrs Barsenal Vs High Rollers-20:00hrs Haynes Hitters at 21:30hrs, and Swag Entertainment take aim at Dave & Celina’s All-Stars from 22:00hrs.

The tournament is initially being contested in a round-robin format featuring four groups of four teams. Upon conclusion of

Coomacka Vs Quiet Storm-20:30hrs Silver Bullets Vs Retrieve Unknown-21:00hrs Amelia’s Ward Russians Vs Haynes Hitters-21:30hrs Swag Entertainment Vs Dave and Celina-22:00hrs the group stage, the top two finishers will advance to the knockout round.

‘Group A’ comprises Assassa Ballers, Amazings, NK Ballers and Capital Storm; with ‘Group B’ featuring Amelia’s Ward Russians, Quiet Storm,

Upcoming Fixtures -May 5th at Mackenzie Tarmac Quiet Storm Vs Haynes Hitters-19:30hrs Capital Storm Vs Assassa Ballers-20:00hrs NK Ballers Vs Amazings-20:30hrs Wisroc Vs Dave and Celina-21:00hrs Swag Entertainment Vs Presidential-21:30hrs Silver Bullets Vs High Rollers-22:00hrs

‘Coomacka B’ and Haynes Hitters.

‘Goup C’ consists of Silver Bullets, High Rollers, Retrieve Unknowns and Barsenal; while Swag Entertainment, Dave & Celina’s All-Stars, Presidential and Wisroc

make up ‘Group D’.

The other playing dates are May 5th, 10th and 17th, with the grand finale slated for May 24th. Below are the fixture for matches slated for May 1st and May 3rd

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friday, MAY 3, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

GSSF Practical Pistol Shooting…

Dharry, Beharry emerge victors

Division Winners David Dharry (L) and Ray Beharry

Prize winners of Orinduik Development Inc’s 2019 sponsored GSSF practical shooting match

T

he Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) successfully hosted another Practical Pistol match for 2019 on Saturday, April 27.

Sponsored by Orinduik Development Inc., this match was held at the Timehri shooting ranges, where local practical shooters gathered as they participated in Practical Pistol matches which comprised of five stages. The match was conducted by Match Director David Dharry.

At the opening ceremony, Managing

Director Brian Backer delivered brief remarks, during which he explained that Orinduik Development Inc. is a private security firm based on the Demerara East Coast and specialising in aviation security and VIP personal protection.

The shooters participated in 2 divisions -- the Limited and Production divisions.

Since each division has its own regulations, the shooters do not directly compete with each other across divisions. As such, prizes were awarded for 1st to 3rd place winners in

Crawford Memorial horse meet shifted from May 5 to May 26

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he Ryan Crawford Memorial horse meet, originally slated to be run off on May 5 at that Turf Club and Sports Facility at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice, has now been rescheduled to May 26.

According to Marcel Crawford Jr, the event has been postponed to this later date to facilitate the upcoming national holiday, Indian Arrival Day; but despite this development, everything is right on schedule in terms of the influx of horses and sponsors.

Crawford also related that the meet will feature two ‘big horses’ -- Score’s Even; and Orion, out of the Crawford Stables -- who each have had a major setback in 2018 because of injury. He indicated that the horses are now full fit, and will provide much entertainment when they take to the track on Independence Day. Some other horses set to participate in this event are: Not This Time, hailing from Sophia; The Rock, out of Bush Lot; Golden Blue Echo, Keep on Swinging, Awesome Friday, First Prince, Lucky Star, TNT, and Kentucky Woman, among many others.

Feature event of the meet is the Alness Classic, to be run over 1400 metres for a winning purse of $500,000.

Other events listed on the card would see the ‘I and Lower’ horses racing over a distance of 1000 metres for a first prize of $240,000.

The race for ‘3-Year-

each division.

Stages included Bookout’s Boogie, Lots of Sand, Stage 95 Max, Fluffy’s Revenge 2 and Alternate.

“Alternate” proved to be the most challenging stage of the match, as it consisted of seven paper targets. Upon the signal to start, competitors had to engage the three targets most downrange with the strong hand only; then proceed to the second barrel, make a mandatory reload and engage with his/her weak hand the remaining targets, some of which forced the shooters to be very wary of the 180-degree safety rule.

“Stage 95 Max” consisted of nine paper targets and one metal target. The shooters’ start position was being seated on a chair with their backs touching the back of the chair and hands on their knees. On the signal to start, all targets were to be engaged

from within set fault lines.

“Fluffy’s Revenge 2” was the second USPSA Classifier for the day, and consisted of two metal poppers and three paper targets. The shooters started this stage while facing up range with wrists above the shoulder. Despite the challenge of having to turn, draw and engage all targets without hitting any of the ‘no shoot’ targets, most, if not all competitors, emerged triumphant in their scores.

“Lots of Sand” comprised nine paper targets and four metal falling plates. Even though some of the targets were at challenging distances and required the most movement for the day, competitors could be heard remarking that this was their favourite stage for the day.

After competing in their respective divisions, the match results were as follows: In the Production Division, 1st place went to Ray Beharry (375.0000 points) while 2nd and 3rd places went to Michael Blake (195.9057 points) and Lancelot Khan (189.4942 points) respectively.

In the Limited Division, 1st place saw David Dharry (325.5765 points) edging Johan DaSilva (319.1012 points), who claimed second position while Pravesh Harry settled for third (296.3801 points).

The GSSF would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Brian Backer and the Board of Directors of Orinduik Development Inc for the kind sponsorship and support of the Foundation’s activities and events.

More information on the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation can be found on the GSSF website: www.GuyanaSportShooting. com

Amerith Rai (Rocky) Memorial T20 Tournament…

Zeeburg deny Rising Stars chance at title

The victorious Zeeburg side

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Orion will be back in action

Old maiden horses’, to be run over 900 metres, would carry a winning prize of $200,000; while the event for horses classified ‘J and Lower’, which is over 1000 metres, will see the winner pocketing $170,000.

The ‘L3 Unclassified’ is to be run over 1000 metres, and would reward the winner with $100,000; while the ‘L1 and Lower’ race would be competed for a top prize of $100,000, and be run over a distance of 1200 metres.

The race for horses classified ‘L2 and Lower’ is open to colts and geldings, and would be run over a distance of 1000 metres. The first prize on offer is $80,000;

while the race for animals classified ‘L and Lower’ would be run over a distance of 1200 metres for a winner’s prize of $200,000.

All prizes are inclusive of trophies.

Individual trophies and other incentives will be given to riders who have performed exceptionally well.

Some of the major sponsors on board are Banks DIH, Jumbo Jet, Attorney-at-Law Poonai of Georgetown, NTN Studios, and Kenneth Auto Sales.

Persons desiring further information can contact Marcel Crawford Jr on 6785342 or 696-9009.

ction in the Amerith Rai (Rockey) Memorial T20 Tournament culminated at the Meten-Meer-Zorg cricket ground on the West Side with Zeeburg Sports Club battling Rising Stars in the grand finale played on May 1.

Popular prediction was that the team batting second would definitely go on to win the tournament, thus Rising Stars won the toss and elected to bowl in slightly breezy but overcast conditions.

Opening the batting for Zeeburg were the in-form pair of Yutesh Dhanpaul and Balbinder Shivpersaud, who ‘got the ball rolling’ by playing safely within the ‘powerplay’ overs. They were, however, unable to carry on, and fell victim to Keon Roberts and Shane Persaud for 15 and 14 respectively.

It was then up to Malcolm Hubbard and Richardo Poloram to rebuild the innings after their team had lost two quick wickets. These two batsmen, playing their natural game, gradually took Zeeburg past the 50-run mark; but the partnership was eventually broken when Hubbard fell for 22 off the bowling of Persaud.

Poloram attempted to carry on, but with pressure mounting from his not receiving any support, Poloram was eventually bowled

by Shaquille Brisport for 39, as he tried to accelerate the scoring.

With wickets continuing to fall, Cornelius

Jaisingh walked to the crease and blasted a quick-fire 32 to save Zeeburg further blushes, their being bowled out for 154 in 18.3 overs.

Bowling for Rising Stars, Persaud recorded 4-26 and Brisport 3-32.

Needing 155 for victory off their allotted 20 overs, the Rising Stars found the going tough, with Zeeburg also planning to lift the championship trophy.

The combined efforts of Zeeburg’s Malcolm Hubbard and Travis Drakes defeated the best efforts of the Rising Stars batting lineup, none of whose batsmen was able to make a substantial contribution, as they folded for 90 in 14.1 overs to hand Zeeburg the title.

Hubbard ended with 4-24, Travis Drakes with 3-9, while Dhanpaul, Jeffers and Kingston supported with 1 wicket each.

Shivpersaud was named ‘best batsman of the tournament’ for scoring 248 runs in 7 innings; while Hubbard was adjudicated ‘man of the match’ in the finals for his 4-24. Marvin Cheong of Rising Stars picked up the ‘best bowler of the tournament’ award for bagging 15 wickets.

Zeeburg Sports Club won the $200,000 top prize and the winner’s trophy, while Rising Stars pocketed $100,000 and the runners-up trophy.

The event was sponsored by FAB mining company.

23 GFF gears up to host FIFA Conference guyanatimesgy.com

friday, MAY 3, 2019

By Jemima Holmes

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), long striving to enhance the level of football in Guyana, will, in a matter of days, have the opportunity to so do when they host an International Football Federation (FIFA) Conference on Development.

The auspicious event, expected to be hosted on May 13 and 14, will attract every country in the Caribbean Football Union and several representatives from Africa, along with the FIFA Development body.

Speaking at the launching, held earlier today at the Marriott hotel, Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Mitra Ramkumar, commended the GFF on being able to host such an event, while explaining how the conference ties in with tourism.

“This is a remarkable achievement by the GFF to have this FIFA conference hosted in Guyana. And you may be wondering how tourism fits in. It fits in as MICE tourism, which is an acronym for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. So destinations position themselves as attractive for conferences and seminars, so this fits into that niche in the tourism sector,” Ramkumar explained.

Further, he hinted that GFF and THAG will continue their partnership, especially in the area of beach football.

Director General of the Department of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, was at pains to highlight the growing relationship between sport and tourism.

“Three, four, five years ago, sports press conferences rarely had tourism officials as part of their panel. Now that is changing, and it is a sign of the times. It’s a sign that sports and tourism are coming closer to each other,” Sinclair declared.

He underscored importance of such events, stating, “The substance of the conference is also important from not only the sport standpoint, in strengthening sporting talent and capability, but also in bringing more players, spectators, official and media to Guyana to view or officiate the game, which is what sport tourism is all about.”

Sticking to the broad topic of sport tourism, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde reflect-

W

GFF President Wayne Forde

Donald Sinclair

ed on the lack of attention that was paid to sport tourism in the past, and thanked the officials for coming on board with the GFF. “I’m happy to acknowledge the warm extension of friendship from our tourism colleagues and the fact that they have recognised the value that the visibility Guyana will experience over those three to four days will have on their efforts to promote Guyana. We, as a Federation, recognise that sports tourism is an area that we not have paid much attention to in the past,” Forde stated.

On the Agenda…

The GFF boss went on to disclose one of the key plans that are in the pipeline for the FIFA development conference, reminiscing on himself and FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to the CARICOM Secretariat back in 2017.

“One of the key areas of focus during the couple of days that we will spend deliberating football will be a comprehensive regional schools’ football programme. During that meeting, we had extensive discussions on the importance of school football and the extent to which it can contribute to the overall development of the game throughout our region,” Forde disclosed.

The GFF boss explained the need for such a tournament, citing the importance of grass roots development while re-

vealing that some of the kinks have already been worked out with FIFA. “Anyone involved in football would no doubt be aware of how important it is to identify talent in its earliest stage. We have been working at the Federation on a long-term strategic plan to implement football at both the primary and secondary levels, and we have established working modalities with FIFA for support in training Physical Education teachers to conduct the fundamental coaching aspect of the game,” Forde detailed.

He carefully explained that teachers, and even secondary school graduates, will be trained as match officials for the programme; and he specifically highlighted that the programme must be of good quality ‘without breaking the bank’. As such, the draft has been submitted to the rest of the Caribbean nations, who are said to be reviewing it.

“FIFA has submitted a draft to the CARICOM family – (which) I understand is being considered by all the members of the community -- that sets out in the clearest possible terms the support that FIFA will be bringing to the regional football programme and FIFA’s expectation of what should be reciprocated by the regional members”, Forde said.

The delegates for the FIFA Development Conference are expected to arrive in Guyana on May 13, with their departure set for May 16 and 17.

West Indies arrive in Ireland

est Indies arrived in Ireland on Wednesday evening as they prepare for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series featuring the host nation and Bangladesh.

On arrival, assistant coach Roddy Estwick spoke to CWI Media and outlined the team’s plans ahead of the first match against Ireland.

The match will be played on Sunday at the Clontarf Cricket Ground in Dublin. First ball is 10:30 am (5:30 am Eastern Caribbean Time/4:30 am Jamaica Time).

Estwick said the Caribbean side will use the upcoming tournament as part of their preparations for the ICC Cricket World

Cup 2019 England & Wales from May 30 to July 14.

“You obviously want to win, you don’t go into any series not looking to win, but what you want is for us to play good cricket, execute our plans well, enjoy each other’s company,” said Estwick.

“It should be a great experience for a lot of the younger players.

It’s an opportunity for them to showcase their talents at this level.

A lot of them haven’t played for the West Indies at this level before so it’s a great opportunity for them.”

“Even though they’re not going to the World Cup, it’s still important they go out and play good cricket and the ones that are going to the World Cup, this is the chance to get in some meaningful

practice, so this tournament is going to be very important for a lot of different reasons.”

At the end of the Tri-Nations Series, West Indies will travel to England for a pre-World Cup camp. They will then have official World Cup warm-up matches against South Africa and New Zealand at the County Ground in Bristol on May 26 and 28, respectively.

West Indies open the World Cup against Pakistan on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

West Indies have won the World Cup on two occasions – in 1975 and 1979 – both in England under the leadership of Clive Lloyd. (CWI)

Unfamiliar Windies set to battle in Tri-Series – Bangladesh are 8 of 15 in ODIs against WI

By Brandon Corlette

A

second-string West Indies Team will meet Bangladesh and Ireland in a TriSeries that starts on Sunday, May 5, 2019 and concludes on Friday, May 17, 2019.

Led by Captain Jason Holder, the Caribbean team will open their Tri-Series campaign against hosts Ireland in the first match of this series.

West Indies have played eight One Day International (ODI) matches against Ireland, and have won five of them. Ireland have recorded only one win against the West Indies in the history of their ODI campaigns, and that win came in the Group match of the

Sunday’s fixture. The last time these two teams met was in March 2018, when West Indies won by 52 runs in Harare.

West Indies batting order in the tour to Ireland is an inexperienced one, with the likes of Jonathan Carter, who is making a return to ODIs; Sunil Ambris, who is yet to register a solid performance at the international level as the promising opener John Campbell. Darren Bravo, Shai Hope and Captain Jason Holder will have to take responsibility in this series.

The WI bowling department looks good on paper, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell and Jason Holder.

I C C World C u p

o n February 16, 2015 in Nelson. In that dream encounter, West Indies failed to defend 305, and Ireland rode home with a four-wicket win.

The explosive Paul Stirling, who plays cricket in England, scored 92 to overshadow Lendl Simmons’s century in that match. That lone performance by the Irish will be their motivation heading into

Tamim Iqbal has been the most consistent Bangladesh batsman

Bangladesh are currently ranked number seven, while the West Indies are ranked ninth. In the last 15 matches between these opponents, Bangladesh have had the upper hand, winning eight of those 15 matches. The West Indies have had seven wins against Bangladesh since October 2011, and the two teams have not played a match since December 14, 2018.

Bangladesh will start as favourites, having won their last two series against West Indies 2-1 in 2018/2019.

With some of the WI big names missing on this tour, Bangladesh will look to outfox West Indies.

The talismanic opener Tamim Iqbal had had good outings in those winning series. He scored 287 runs in the 2018 three-match ODI series in the Caribbean, wherein he recorded a high score of 130*. Shakin Al Hassan and Mohammed Mahmudullah were also among the runs. The experienced Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza had the most wickets on that tour, raking in seven scalps at an average of 20.57.

West Indies will be wary of these players, who had also shown great promise in their

Ireland’s Paul Stirling

Home Series in the latter part of 2018. Tamim Iqbal and busy wicket-keeper/ batsman Mushfiqur R a h i m w e r e among the runs in that series.

This TriSeries will be a competitive one, since West Indies have some inexperienced players, and their opponents will be aware of that.

Ireland will be seeking to capitalise on their home conditions, while Bangladesh will be aiming to repeat the performances from their last two Series home and away against West Indies.

Shai Hope scored 297 runs against Bangladesh in the last 3-match ODI Series

friday, MAY 3, 2019

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GFF gears up to host FIFA Conference 2019 Hand-in-Hand Inter-county U-19 3-Day tournament… Pan American U-23/ Elite Road Cycling Championships – Mexico

Jamal John finishes 12th Rain intervenes in Berbice/ in 17-man Select U-17 clash U-23 field ─ Algoo hits 175 as Berbice pile up 404

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Jamal John is flanked by his countrymen Romello Crawford (L) and Briton John

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