Guyana Times International 17-Aug-19

Former Blairmont player blasts fastest century in New York Cricket League Page 53

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019

ISSUE NO. 463

No decision yet on elections date, H2H registration See story on page 3

…after first GECOM meeting with new Chair

In commemoration of India’s 73rd Independence anniversary, the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, on Thursday, marked the occasion with a simple flag raising ceremony at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. In the presence of Indian officials and other invited guests, the recently accredited Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa delivered the address made by the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on the eve of the country’s Independence. (In photo are the new Indian High Commissioner, Dr K J Srinivasa and his wife along with other invitees)

‘I’m excited, US-bound pensioner overjoyed, nabbed with cocaine shocked’ in shoes at CJIA - Guyana’s top CSEC student See story on page 10

See story on page 11

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NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

No decision yet on elections date, H2H registration …after first GECOM meeting with new Chair

W

ith the clock ticking, the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has not yet made a decision with regards to the holding of elections or any other matters, even after the Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh had her first meeting with the six commissioners since her appointment last month.

The new GECOM Chair met with both Opposition and Government nominated commissioners for the first time on Thursday but no decisions surfaced regarding the next course of action.

Shortly after the meeting, Commissioner Bibi Shadick informed that no decisions were taken but discussions were underway on the Commission’s ‘business’. She stated that they will gain clarity after the Chief Justice’s ruling last Wednesday is provided in written form.

“We have a new Chairman; we have a new dispensation.

There were no decisions taken today. We didn’t have benefit of the Chief Justice’s decision

New GECOM Chairman, Justice Claudette Singh (centre) and other commissioners

as yet. It has to be given out when it is completed,” Shadick told media operatives.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Vincent Alexander appeared moments later where he informed that the provision of the Chief Justice’s decision will determine when discussions will reconvene. This second engagement will materialise possibly before Tuesday.

“The question on the way forward in some regards was not determined in the main because were still no recipients of the written decision of the judge. There are those of us who would prefer not to

rely on reports and third hand information. What we have agreed is that we will await that decision and convene shortly after, hopefully before Tuesday to discuss the way forward,” he said.

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Roxane George ruled that the ongoing House-toHouse Registration is not unconstitutional but noted that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list.

At the High Court, the Chief Justice did not grant any of the orders sought by Christopher Ram, who had

challenged the constitutionality of the House to House Registration and wanted the court to compel the holding General and Regional Elections by September 18.

In her ruling, Justice George concluded that the House to House exercise being conducted is not unlawful or unconstitutional. However, the Court did note that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list if they are not in the jurisdiction or not at their residence during the registration exercise. She further stated that only deceased persons

and those otherwise disqualified under Article 159 (2) (3) or (4) are to be removed.

Pointing out that the “right to vote and the right to be registered to vote are sacrosanct”, the High Court judge said “residence requirements from citizens is no longer a qualification for registration.”

Ram’s lawyers, which included former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, had argued in the application that the current registration exercise will disenfranchise many Guyanese who are already on the list.

Furthermore, the Chief Justice had noted that while it is not up to the court to determine whether House to House should be held, it is not the only option available to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to update the list.

To this end, the Court further noted that it is up to the Elections Commission to determine a way forward within the confines of the constitutional provisions.

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EDITORIAL

Providing decent jobs for Guyanese

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inance Minister Winston Jordan, a few days ago, received flak from some sections of the society over recent remarks he made in relation to the unemployment situation in Guyana. Jordan was reported in the media as saying that Guyanese are crying foul over the lack of job opportunities when foreign nationals are coming to Guyana and getting employment. He had opined that Guyanese are demanding high wages, hence, jobs often go to those foreigners who are willing to accept lesser salaries.

He said: “When you say there are no jobs, I’ve seen Venezuelans and I’ve seen Cubans, I’ve seen Brazilians, I’ve seen Nigerians and I’ve seen Haitians now getting jobs in Guyana – a country that supposedly doesn’t have jobs or you hear a lot of young people say, they ain’t got jobs. I’m not speaking lies, you have Haitian carpenters, Brazilians carpenters and plumbers and so on. So there must be jobs, the question is whether the job is paying what you want it to pay. For these (foreign) people yes, for some of the natives no”.

Even if this were the case, such a statement coming from a minister is very worrying to say the least. Jordan’s response to the troubling unemployment rate here could send the wrong message to young people. That is, if they (Guyanese) refuse jobs based on low wages or unacceptable conditions, it is no big deal for the Government, as foreigners could easily take up those jobs.

Jordan’s remarks are also at variance with what the coalition had promised in the 2015 elections campaign trail. They had promised that once elected, steps would be taken to provide jobs for young people so that they would choose to remain and work in the country, but four years into government, many are still waiting to see these promises fulfilled.

While it is not the Government’s role alone to create jobs, they have an obligation to the citizenry to ensure that a suitable environment is created for the private sector to thrive so that they could expand and open up new investments that would, in turn, provide decent jobs.

It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that the right policy mechanisms are put in place that would encourage and allow the manufacturing and services sector to grow. At the moment, businesses, particularly manufacturers, are finding it extremely difficult to operate in Guyana as a result of high taxation and unreliable and expensive cost of energy, among other factors.

A responsible government displays vision by initiating long-term measures for poverty alleviation, since generation of employment opportunities and equality in income distribution are the two key factors that are of utmost importance to deal with the dual problem of unemployment and poverty.

Young people are crying out for decent jobs and opportunities to develop themselves. Some persons who would have obtained the necessary skills and qualifications at the University of Guyana and other tertiary learning institutions have written letters to media complaining about the difficulties they are facing in securing employment. It is also not only the quantity, but also the quality of jobs that matters. Decent work is the best way young people can realise their aspirations, improve their living conditions, and actively participate in society.

A new Guyana Labour Force Survey in 2018 had found the unemployment rate in Guyana to be 12% in the third quarter of 2017, with high disproportions of both women and youth. Also, recent figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have estimated youth unemployment in Guyana to be almost 23 per cent.

There is need to scale up the most effective and innovative strategies so that more of our youth will find success and realise their full potential. In doing so, it is necessary for more collaboration between the public and private sectors to increase the scale of youth programmes and to seriously engage stakeholders in promoting job opportunities.

Policies and national programmes that provide incentives to enterprise to hire young people, promote youth entrepreneurship, and facilitate access to finance and to other targeted active labour market measures can also help in improving decent work prospects.

By simply dismissing the problem as one where Guyanese are refusing to take up employment because of their expectation of ‘high’ salaries, and foreigners willing to work for less money, shows the lack of vision on the Government’s part to address the unemployment situation. With Guyana on the cusp of becoming an oil-producing nation, it is hoped that this is one area that would be placed on top of the agenda of whichever government is at the helm of power.

A group performing an item during the media launch of the 2019 Indigenous Heritage Month activities at the Indigenous Village, Sophia. Under the theme “Maintaining our traditional practices while promoting a green economy,” this year’s celebration seeks to support the preservation and safeguarding of Indigenous cultures and practices in Guyana.

Working towards timely elections in Guyana A s Guyana careens towards another constitutional crisis, three encouraging things happened this week. First, Dr George Norton, a senior PNC Member of Parliament and a minister, speaking on behalf of APNU/AFC, stated APNU/AFC will give consideration to a possible decision

by GECOM to halt House-toHouse (H2H) Registration.

Second, President Granger met with GECOM, with his media people telegraphing that the President might be considering an imminent date for elections. The President did meet with GECOM, but no date was proposed. Third, the President met with the Leader of the Opposition and they will meet again next week.

While suspicion is rife that George Norton’s recent statement that APNU/AFC will give consideration to GECOM’s possible halting of H2H Registration was intended as a warning to the GECOM Chair not to move in that direction, it is also possible it could be a softening, leaving it up to the Chair, giving her space to do her job. We should all hope this is the case.

If Dr Norton’s statement truly was intended to provide space for the GECOM Chair to make a decision based on the constitutionally-mandated election, this would be a good thing. After all, elections are due by September 18— as Carl Greenidge, two weeks ago, agreed. Retired Justice Claudette Singh rightfully stated at her swearing-in event that she will make her decisions and judgements based entirely on the law and entirely guided by the Constitution and the Judiciary.

Dr Norton’s statement, therefore, could be a recognition that should the GECOM Chair base her decision on the law, then the H2H Registration becomes non-viable and must

end. This would be a major breakthrough. It would signal a seismic change for APNU/ AFC. For one, this would mean APNU/AFC has withdrawn the onus it placed on GECOM to determine the date for elections. Before this, APNU/AFC wrongly promoted the idea that the election date is solely the responsibility of GECOM. This position meant the President recklessly abdicated his presidential duty to name a date for elections.

Now, with a new legally-appointed Chair, could it be that Dr Norton is signalling to the GECOM Chair that she has the space and freedom to base her decision purely on the law and circumstances, and not be constrained by the need to please any political stakeholder? We are hopeful this is the case. It is the responsibility of the President to name a date within a constitutionally-mandated timeframe. At this time, that date must be on or before September 18. It is the responsibility of GECOM to ensure credible elections within that timeframe.

GECOM’s present H2H Registration is in contravention of that constitutionally-mandated elections timeline.

The new Chair has responsibly indicated she is obligated to adhere to the Constitution and the law. In that case, she has

no alternative but to support the legally available mechanism to have a list available for elections within the constitutional timeline, presently

by September 18. That legally available option is a Claims and Objections period; even the Chief Elections Officer has conceded that.

With Claims and Objections, elections are possible within the constitutionally-mandated three months.

H2H Registration will not permit elections by September 18— it will extend the time unreasonably way beyond this date.

Even as Dr Norton was making that encouraging statement, the President followed up with a meeting with GECOM and with the Opposition Leader. Before the GECOM meeting, the President’s media people telegraphed his intention to recommend a December date for elections. That did not happen with the GECOM meeting. It appears that the meeting between the President and the Opposition Leader provided encouraging signals, although very little has been said.

After a protracted period of stubbornness, APNU/AFC appears to be confronting reality and softening, if we pause suspicion for a little. There is now acceptance that there was a valid No-Confidence Motion that triggered an election by March 21; that a new three-month countdown started in June, and will end by September 18.

Although the President has indicated the Cabinet will not resign, and he has not formally dissolved the Parliament, Dr Norton’s statement and the President’s meetings with GECOM and the Opposition Leader provide the country with a moment of optimism.

We would want to think our posture of optimism is not wishful thinking.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jethro-1 well exceeds all expectations

– says CEO of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd

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he discovery at Jethro-1 well offshore Guyana has exceeded all expectations and has de-risked the tertiary sandstones across the Orinduk block. This is according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Limited, Gil Holzman.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Holzman was at the time appearing on a podcast produced by UKbased Proactive Investors on Tuesday, August 13.

He said that “181 feet of net pay” or 55m of very high-quality sandstone reservoir was encountered during the exploration exercise at the Jethro-Lobe prospect.

“This thickness exceeds our best estimate pre-drill assumptions. So, it is potentially a much bigger discovery than we anticipated, but I think the main issue here is that it de-risks the at least tertiary sandstones that we see across the entire block,” he said.

Holzman explained that 181 feet of net pay is equiv-

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Limited, Gil Holzman

alent to a 15-story building worth of sand full of oil, which potentially stretches over 20 square kilometres.

“The quality, the porosity of it, and the fact that the entire sandstone is soaked with oil and bringing out the samples were so easy. It gives us a lot of

confidence that next year, with a simple appraisal, we can actually consider this Jethro-lobe alone as a stand-alone field.”

The CEO said the discovery has increased confidence in the company’s operations in Guyana. “We are very confident now in

the block, and in the teams that have managed, to come up with the first discovery on the first attempt and I think the future just looks really, really bright,” Holzman remarked.

This, he said, is only the beginning. He noted that ExxonMobil’s operations

in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana commenced with 900 million oil-equivalent barrels in the Liza field and to date have over 6 billion barrels (oil equivalent).

“Once you understand the play, it becomes easier and clearer to the professional and technical teams… to pinpoint where the oil has accumulated and target it,” said Holzman.

According to DOI, the CEO disclosed that drilling will commence shortly at Joe in the Orinduk Block and is estimated to produce 150 million barrels (oil equivalent). He made it a point to note that the production estimate may increase.

On August 12, it was announced that the exploration well which was drilled in the Orinduik Block discovered oil in commercial quantities. The discovery was made by Tullow Guyana B.V., who is the operator of the Orinduik Block, with a 60% stake.

Total E&P Guyana B.V. holds 25% while Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas holds 15%.

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It is the duty of every citizen to question There is need and demand proper answers for political

Dear Editor, There is a movement afoot by the caretaker coalition Government to have the next general election slip from the norm of being free and fair, characteristic values recognised and upheld by every democratic country, to being merely credible.

Synonyms for free and fair include: just, impartial, dispassionate, unprejudiced, even, balanced, straightforward, honest, honourable, righteous. virtuous, decent, unfettered, unobstructed, clear and legitimate. You get the picture.

While a credible election can be interpreted to mean reliable, good and sound, it can also mean that the election was simply plausible and believable, these being qualitative terms that are open to individual perspectives and perceptions: what I believe is not necessarily what you believe.

The norm for the democratic election process being linked to the ubiquitous phrase “free and fair” is not an ad hoc decision that is ever taken lightly. The phrase is used to underscore the clear intent that the process of a democratic election and its outcome should be so just, valid and legitimate that the results would be inviolable and could not be bent to suit any one person’s whims or fancy.

Mr Harry Hergash’s letter in SN last Saturday, August 10, 2019, (Documents show that in the past the PNC considered using Caribbean islanders to rig the 1968 election) should give pause to every citizen. The declassified documents from the US Department of State disclose the PNC’s past plots and plans to use Caribbean nationals to pad the electoral list in order to rig and win elections.

Such elections would

not have been free and fair but they would have had the look of being credible and would have passed muster for the PNC and its international allies at the time.

The PNC continues to attempt to revise and rewrite Guyana’s history but the party continues to find that this history does not belong to them. There is always documented evidence that records the facts and proves the truth.

Given President David Granger’s vow to fulfil Burnham’s legacy, the coalition Government’s obstructive moves to delay the elections following last December’s no-confidence vote, the current illegal House-to-House Registration process, the Attorney General’s public threats of violence should his party not get its way, and the coalition Government’s total disregard for the Constitution, it is clear that the country is deal-

ing with the PNC of old and all that this means for Guyana.

It is the duty of every citizen to question and demand proper answers from the relevant authorities with regard to the illegal registration process and the huge influx of Haitians into our country.

These are not merely political issues. Far from it. These issues go to the very heart and soul of our nation and question whether we are willing to have our country held hostage once again to a PNC dictatorship.

It is incumbent on GECOM to deliver a general election that will withstand national and international scrutiny. The election, which is long overdue, must be free and fair, and independent from any political meddling. Nothing else will do.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

In the final analysis, the PNC will have to face the electorate Dear Editor, December 21, 2018, was the “D” Day for this David Granger regime. It was the day that a successful no-confidence was passed and the Government fell.

Eight months have gone by since but the Government still maintains that it has not fallen, and being in that denial mode, it refuses to fulfil its obligations to the Constitution of this country. Ever since that time, the PNC has been engrossed in the most expensive of litiga-

tions to stave off the expressed dictates of the law, as we say in creole, they have been on a “fight down” campaign on the Constitution.

Billions of taxpayers’ dollars have been spent on senseless litigations as they try to circumvent Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution.

This is total madness, a nation cannot continue to fight against itself, the rule of law must take precedence! All countries are governed by laws and Guyana is no exception; so why is the

PNC trying to stop the inevitable, why stifle the rule of law? And the answer comes back again, they are scared stiff as to the results of an election. The PNC knows that they will lose the next election in a very definitive way and this frightens the daylight out of them.

The PNC in their desperation is testing the system to the maximum with their endless appeals and counter appeals, however, these moves only serve to delay the process

somewhat, but in the final analysis, they will have to face the electorate which I can tell them would not be very kind towards them. The Granger cabal must realise that the people of this great country are no fools and we will hold them accountable for their actions.

Dire will be the consequences for this Government when it is the people’s turn to speak.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Too many people will be left out of the registration process Dear Editor, I am already registered and voted at the last elections. As part of that registration, I was issued a National ID Card.

GECOM staff arrived at my home on August 11 for re-registration. I was asked for a passport or birth certificate. I do not have an original birth certificate. My Guyana Passport has expired. I brought my Canadian passport.

I was not registered because they cannot use my Canadian Passport.

I offered my Guyana National Identification Card. This was also not acceptable. I offered my driver’s license and this was also not acceptable.

At this point, it appears that I will be de-registered.

Two members of my family do not have original birth certificates; they have colour copies only. They cannot be registered. They were registered before and now it appears they will also be deregistered.

My relative from

Canal 1 attempted to re-register. She had her original birth certificate but she did not have her marriage certificate nor her husband’s death certificate. It appears she is also destined for de-registration.

Anywhere you go in this country the National ID Card is accepted. It was issued as a result of GECOM Registration.

Since your biometrics will not change, it should be accepted for re-registration.

My clear impression

from this experience is that this re-registration process is clearly designed with rules and procedures to make it more difficult to register and easier to be de-registered.

I will have no confidence that the National Register of Voters that this process is likely to produce will be fully representative of the voting population. Too many people will be left out.

Regards, Sase Shewnarain

stability for business community to thrive

Dear Editor, The Private Sector Commission (PSC) notes with considerable satisfaction that President Granger on Thursday (8th August, 2019) met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) under the leadership of its newly appointed Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, and offered the assurances of his government to respect and support the independence of the Commission and the role and advice of the Commission on the conducting of General and Regional Elections.

The Private Sector Commission was heartened at the appointment of Justice Claudette Singh to the post of Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission.

We look forward to the Commission carrying out its functions as required by the Constitution and in accordance with the judgment rendered by the Caribbean Court of Justice on 18th June, 2019, with regard to the holding of General and Regional Elections.

The Private Sector Commission continues to believe that it is extremely unfortunate that the Commission hastened to introduce house-to-house registration resulting from a questionable decision made under its previous Chairmanship and expects this matter will receive the urgent attention of the Commission under its new Chair.

The PSC wishes to reiterate that it is a fact that the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRD), which was compiled in 2008, has continued to be updated from continuous registration and, since that time, has been used credibly in all subsequent General and Regional Elections and Local Government Elections with the total acceptance of all the contesting political parties.

The Private Sector Commission holds firmly to the view that the

National Register of Registrants Database (NRRD), compiled since 2008, supported by photographic and finger print biometrics, which has not expired, and which has benefitted from continuous registration since that time, needs only to be subject to the statutory option of claims and objections to be brought up-todate.

The Private Sector Commission wishes to emphasise that the Caribbean Court of Justice clearly advised that “given the passage of the no-confidence motion of 21st December, 2018, a general election should have been held in Guyana by the 21st March, 2019, unless a two thirds majority in the National Assembly had resolved to extend that period”.

The CCJ further observed that: “the National Assembly has yet to extend the period, the filing of the Court proceedings in January challenging the validity of the no-confidence vote effectively placed matters on pause, but this Court rendered its decision on 18th June, 2019.

There is no appeal from that judgment”.

“Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly and implicitly in GECOM responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the Elections which must be held. It would not therefore be right for the Court, by the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives, to presume to instruct these bodies on how they must act and thereby pre-empt the performance by them of their constitutional responsibilities”.

“It is not, for example, the role of the Court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives”. turn to page 10

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CJ rules GECOM cannot remove names from National Register of Registrants

…Nandlall says ruling throws ball in GECOM’s court

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall speaking to the media following the ruling on Wednesday

C

Chief Justice Roxane George on her way to deliver the ruling

Chied Elections officer Keith Lowenfield at court

hief Justice Roxane George has ruled that the ongoing House-to-House Registration is not unconstitutional, but noted that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list.

At the High Court on Wednesday, the Chief Justice did not grant any of the orders sought

by Christopher Ram, who had challenged the constitutionality of the House-to-House Registration and wanted the court to compel the holding General and Regional Elections by September 18.

In her ruling, Justice George concluded that the House-to-House exercise being conducted is not unlawfully or unconstitutional. However, the Court did note that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list if they are not in the jurisdiction or not at their residence during the registration exercise. She further stated that only deceased persons and those otherwise disqualified under Article 159 (2), (3), or (4) are to be removed.

Pointing out that the “right to vote and the right to be registered to vote are sacrosanct”, the

High Court Judge said “residence requirements from citizens is no longer a qualification for registration”.

Ram’s lawyers, who included former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, had argued in the application that the current registration exercise will disenfranchise many Guyanese who are already on the list.

Furthermore, the Chief Justice had noted that while it is not up to the Court to determine whether House-to-House should be held, it is not the only option available to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to update the list. To this end, the Court further noted that it is up to the Elections Commission to determine a way forward within the confines of the constitutional provisions.

“The Court did not agree with submissions from the CEO (Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield) that Houseto-House is necessary…

GECOM may have to consider other options…

GECOM cannot operate as in a normal elections cycle,” she said, adding that it has to take into consideration the December passage

of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) which has been validated by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In fact, both Nandlall and SC Ramkarran told reporters after the decision that this aspect of the judgement is significant, since it meant that House-to-House is not mandatory, and more importantly, not the only

Attorney General Basil Williams speaking to the media

option for GECOM to revise the voters’ list.

“The Court pointed out very emphatically and very clearly that GECOM must now determine which one of the two courses of action it will chose, having regards to the timeframes that are available and that have become exi-

gent upon the passage of a No-Confidence Motion.

The Court endorsed our argument that the list can be refreshed with a suitable Claims and Objections period; so the ball is now in GECOM’s court to determine which one of the two courses it will choose, and one will obviously lead to uncon-

stitutionality as the CJ pointed out,” Nandlall contended.

But Lowenfield’s lawyer, Roysdale Forde, told reporters that aspect of the decision dealing with the removal of persons from the voters list is flawed. turn to page 12

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP steps up protest action for Govt to resign, set elections date

PPP supporters protesting for early elections and the resignation of the Granger-led Cabinet

T

he Opposition P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) has intensified its efforts to get President David Granger to set a date for early elections – something which they will continue to do.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday as he addressed hundreds of supporters while protesting the Ministry of the Presidency, which holds the official office of the President.

Tuesday’s protest was heightened as supporters blocked off Vlissengen Road in

on June 18 validated the December passage of the No-Confidence Motion against the coalition Government, thus triggering Articles 106 (6) and (7), which state that Cabinet including the President should resign and call elections within three months.

While elections ought to have been held

by March 21, 2019, the court proceedings filed had put that timeline on pause. But since the Trinidad-based regional court validated the motion, the threemonth timeline was activated from that date which means elections

hand, [the President] wants to seem like the statesman – ‘I’m complying with the Constitution; I’m complying with the CCJ’ – but on the other hand, his people are seriously undermining our ability to move forward… And then GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission), you know the shenanigans that they have gone through with to delay the elections by claiming they have to go to House-to-House Registration to prepare a list which is nonsense and will result in elections way into next year, and that

PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing party supporters

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo with protesters on Vlissengen Road

front of the Ministry of the Presidency, chanting for the President to dissolve Parliament and set a date for elections, as well as have his Cabinet resign as mandated by the Constitution.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

ought to be held on or before September 18, 2019.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo contended that the caretaker coalition is deliberately defying constitutional rule.

“It’s a dual game they’re playing. On one

is what they want. So we have to keep putting the pressure on this Administration to comply with the Constitution,” the Opposition Leader told scores of protestors.

According to Jagdeo, he had outlined a path that would bring the

country back into constitutional rule, hold early elections and eventually have the country move forward but the President has rejected this.

“That’s all we want; a country that obeys the laws, a country that protects all of its people and a Government that

continue to work in favour of all the people of Guyana to create jobs, give them better welfare etc. And the faster we get those elections, the faster we will move to restore credibility to this country and to start solving people’s problems once again,” he noted.

Meanwhile, PPP’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, who led the protest, told supporters that the party is continuing to mount pressure on the coalition for the future of the country and all of its people.

“Let us not forget that we are doing this on behalf of every single Guyanese… Go back to history and you will see that the PPP has already stood up, stood up strong, stood up mighty, stood up peacefully, and what did we stand up for? We stand up for the rights of the people… and until this dictatorship is removed and until democracy is returned and until the respect for constitutional rule is returned,

we will stand up every day and we fight,” Ali declared to loud cheers and applause from the crowd.

Even as the Opposition intensifies pressure on the coalition Government to set a date for early elections, GECOM is continuing with its Houseto-House Registration which is now in its 26th day and has since recorded over 150,000 registrations.

In the meantime, President Granger is expecting to hear from the GECOM Chair, (ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh, in the coming days on the way forward.

The Head of State had met with Justice Singh and the six GECOM Commissioners as well as the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, last Thursday. The following day, he met with the Opposition Leader during which they shared their contesting views on the hosting of early elections.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

7-year-old burn victim successfully completes first corrective surgery in Texas hospital S even-year-old Shaniya Persaud, who was severely burnt about her body less than a week ago, is demonstrating great determination in her road to recovery, as the youngster successfully completed her first corrective surgery on Tuesday, and is now in a stable condition.

Little Shaniya underwent her first phase of treatment to remove the damaged tissues across her body after being safely medevacked to the Shriners Hospital, Galveston Texas in the United States (US) from Guyana on Saturday last.

This was according to a non-governmental organ-

isation, Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA), which disclosed this success via a social media post.

SHEA added that the child’s condition is now listed as stable, as she is expected to undergo another surgical operation this week.

The NGO in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Demerara, are the two organisations which successfully raised funds for the little girl to be transferred for overseas treatment. The cost is estimated to be about US$42,000, which is equivalent to GY$8,807,400.

The child sustained third and second degree burns across 97.8 per

Little Shaniya before her injuries

cent of her body when her home at Lot 101 Mon Repos North, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was completely gutted by a fire of an unknown origin.

Persaud survived the fire by walking out of the house as it burned; she was covered in flames and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by neighbours Previous reports indicate that the child’s mother left the home to attend a wedding in the community on Sunday, leaving her in the care of her older siblings.

An investigation has since been launched by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service.

Jamaican teen accused of cutting off 6-Y-O’s penis remanded A psychiatric evaluation and a social enquiry report have been ordered for the 16-year-old boy accused of slashing a sixyear-old boy in his face and cutting off his penis on August 3 in White Horses, St Thomas.

The accused teen was charged this week with wounding with intent and appeared before the St Thomas Parish Court in Morant Bay yesterday morning.

He was remanded until September 2 and booked to appear before

the Children’s Court in Yallahs.

It is reported that on the evening of August 3, the father of the sixyear-old boy noticed he was missing and started making enquiries into his whereabouts.

The father, having

Duo slapped with burglary charge

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duo, who are known to the court, were remanded to prison on Wednesday, for a breaking and entering and larceny.

Twenty-five-year Dexter Forde and Alfred Singh, 28, both of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that between August 10 and August 11, 2019 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, they broke and entered the home of Natasha David and stole G$860,000 worth of articles, property of same.

Police Prosecutor Traceyann Gittens, who presented the facts to the court stated that on August 10, 2019 the woman secured her home at about 23:30h and retired to bed. The woman was awakened by a noise at about 05:00h and observed her house ransacked and articles missing.

The matter was then reported and upon reviewing CCTV footage, the investigating ranks

Dexter Forde & Alfred Singh

saw the defendants breaking into the woman’s home. Further investigation was carried out and the men were arrested and charged with the offence.

The court further heard that Forde was recently released on bail for a similar matter and

it was while out on bail he committed this new crime. Hence, prosecutor Gittens asked that both men be remanded to prison.

Magistrate Daly, after listening to the facts, remanded the men until September 11.

learned that the child was last seen in the company of the teen, went to the accused’s home to enquire about his child.

On hearing his voice, the six-year-old called out to his father from the bushes in the yard.

He had a wound to his forehead, bruises to his eyes, a cut on his hand, and his penis had been amputated.

The child was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital in Morant Bay and later transferred to the Bustamante

Hospital for Children in Kingston, where he is still being treated.

According to the police, the accused currently has another case before the court in which he stands accused of molesting another little boy. (Jamaica Gleaner)

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘I’m excited, overjoyed, shocked’

- Riana Toney is Guyana’s top CSEC student with 19 Grade Ones

Riana Toney (19 Grade ones)

By Rupa Seenarine

R

iana Toney of the Anna Regina Secondary School is this year’s highest achiever at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, after securing a whopping 19 Grade Ones.

The 16-year-old student, who hails from Queenstown Village on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupernaam), told Guyana Times International that she was speechless after learning of her achievement.

Aspiring to become a microbiologist, she insisted that it was done through months of dedication and numerous sacrifices.

In an elated tone, the top performer expressed, “I’m excited, overjoyed and shocked. It wasn’t something that I expected. I know that I complet-

Alex Abraham (18 Grade ones 2 Grade twos)

ed all my SBAs (School Based Assessments), worked past papers, studied very hard in the night and went to all my lessons. Presently, I would like to be a microbiologist because I’m interested in Biology.”

While Toney has not yet defined where she will be pursuing her studies, she indicated that it will definitely materialise in the near future. Gratification was given to her parents and many teachers since they “were instrumental in every way possible”.

In the second position was Alex Abraham of St Roses High School, who swept 18 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos. He was followed

by Charrandat Naraine of the Anna Regina Secondary School, who secured 18 Grade Ones with one Grade Two. Meanwhile, Queen’s College managed to pro-

Premature for our nation’s current leadership to pursue closure of estates

Dear Editor, The recent letter by Dr Leslie Ramsammy of the PPP on the plight of sections of the economy that have been negatively impacted by the closure of several sugar estates makes many doubt if the strategy for improving the industry is as solid as it could be.

If we are to consider the forecasted increase in GDP for our nation’s economy, it is easy to see that the upcoming oil boom and the resulting increased per capita income, whether distributed directly as suggested by some WPA members or trickled down via a capitalist model, that the future improved buying power of the population should be more than sufficient to save the en-

tire industry.

Thus, it is premature for our nation’s current leadership to pursue closure of estates which provide the very important task of sustaining the lifeblood of our villages and small towns.

This will also mitigate any risk from the pursuit of a purely trickle-down capitalist model associated with the usage of our oil revenue.

We must remember that we have one of the best products on the market and a premium price is paid for similar knockoffs which lack the heritage and prestige associated with our Enmore Crystal and Demerara Sugar.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Charrandat Naraine (18 Grade ones, 1 Grade two)

duce two students within the top five performers.

Samuel Haynes gained fourth place with 18 ones and was overly proud of his accomplishment. Living all the way in Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara meant travelling a long commute to school every day but he persevered and even took extra lessons to boost his capabilities.

“I grew up all my life in Buxton and indeed, I always knew I had the potential to do great things with the help of God but this is truly a surprise and sigh of relief. I’m very ecstatic about being a top performer,” Haynes told this publication in an interview.

Praises were also bestowed upon his family and teachers for their continuous support. The 16-year-old was genuinely vocal about his jour-

Samuel Haynes (18 Grade ones)

ney towards this success as he recalled, “It called for a lot of organisation and discipline. Workrelated things were done at nights and then studies or anything related to retaining was done in the mornings when I could focus. Of course, these routines shifted according to certain circumstances.”

His colleague, Donlee Castello, followed in the fifth position and indicated his aspiration to create a dent in the political arena. Having secured 17 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos, his career choice is a lawyer.

Castello voiced his support for young leadership and while a Grade Three is considered a passing grade, he was sceptical about only receiving Grades Ones and Twos, which he successfully did.

“I am a bit speechless at the moment. I must

Donlee Castello (17 Grade ones, 3 Grade twos)

give all the glory to God because I mean, I wanted to do great but he came through and answered my prayers. Thankfully, I didn’t get any Grade Threes. I’m still speechless here…” Castello excitedly exclaimed.

He added, “I want to be a lawyer and then eventually drift into politics because I have a passion for change”.

Castello lived some distance away, in the community of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, and this posed a challenge. He would use the journey to Queen’s College as an opportunity to make up for whatever sleep lost after studying all night.

“I had to sacrifice a lot of things, like television shows, games and so on. I would pull an all-nighter and because I lived a very far distance, I would sleep on my way to school. The problem

I had was finding this balance between doing my SBAs and studying at the same time,” the 17-year-old relayed.

Other students in the top ten roster included Chetram Harrinarine of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN), who secured 17 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; and Manoj Lachhman, also of SVN, who gained 17 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. They were followed by Vijay Sharma of Queen’s College with 16 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Keisha Jaisingh of SVN with 16 Grade Ones and two Grade Threes and; Jhashodra Ramnarain of JC Chandisingh Secondary, who secured 16 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Some 11,467 students were registered to sit the examinations this year with 67,000 subject entries.

There is need for political... from page 6

The Private Sector Commission, however, recognizes that the “constitutional imperatives” are that General Elections should now, therefore, be held within three (3) months of the consequential orders rendered on 18th June, 2019, that is, no later than 18th September, 2019, and expects that the President and GECOM, as the CCJ assumed, “will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the no-confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as 21st December, 2018”.

The Private Sector Commission continues also to be concerned that in spite of the assurances offered by President Granger in his address on 25th July, 2019, of the government’s recognition of its “caretaker” status, the President has refused to accept the requirement of Article 106 (6) of the Constitution that “the Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of the majority of all of the elected members of the

National Assembly on a vote of noconfidence”.

The PSC considers it worthy of recall that when Justice Singh, in her capacity as a High Court Justice, was required to rule in 2001 on the status of a caretaker government, the Court ordered that “the President and his Cabinet, as presently constituted, shall perform their respective functions of office” subject to the following limitations: “a) no legislation shall be introduced in Parliament except those required for the proper and timely holding of fresh National and Regional Elections; b) no substantial contracts for the execution of public works shall be awarded without the permission of this Court; c) the State owned media shall only be used for elections purposes through paid advertisements”.

The Court at that time also ordered that “Parliament, as presently constituted, shall continue to function for the necessary and limited purposes of enacting such legislation as is required for the proper and timely holding of fresh

National and Regional Elections… and shall stand resolved by Nomination Day”.

We wish to repeat that it is very much the business of Guyana’s business community to engage the national political process to ensure electoral democracy and democratic governance. Political actors need to understand and accept that the first and foremost requirement for business to operate effectively and to succeed is political stability, added to which there must be respect for the rule of law and political freedom.

It is the position of the Private Sector Commission and the 26 business organizations and the 29 of the largest companies in Guyana which we represent, that not only does the business community have a natural democratic right to participate in the political processes of the country, but also a Constitutional right enshrined under Article 13 of the Constitution.

Sincerly, Private Sector Commission

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

US-bound pensioner nabbed with cocaine in shoes at CJIA

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sixty-six-yearold man was arrested by ranks of the Custom AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) after he was discovered with almost 300 grams of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The suspect was found with the illicit drugs hidden in his shoes. The pensioner, who was US-bound, was taken into custody and is assisting with investigations. He is expected to be arraigned soon.

Earlier this year, a 24-year-old waitress was jailed for 4 years and fined G$13.1 million after she was found with over four kilograms of cocaine stashed in storybooks and other items at CJIA. Rena Jagernauth, a Panama-bound passenger, was arrested after a search of her suitcase unearthed the substance.

The cocaine was found stashed inside four children’s storybooks, deodorant and perfume bottles, a makeup kit and other personal items that were inside her suitcase.

A little later in the

year, four men were arrested by CANU ranks after they attempted to smuggle cocaine in fire extinguishers destined for an international location.

The law enforcement agency had said that its agents raided a house at 26 Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and intercepted the cocaine.

In September 2018, Shellon Yolanda Barrow of lot 135 Victoria Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was arrested at CJIA after she was attempting to board a Jamaica-bound flight with the over 1 kilogram of cocaine concealed in a false wall of her hard cover carry-on suitcase.

That arrest came days after a Guyanese woman, Alica Coppin, had revealed to Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) at the JFK International Airport in New York that she had inserted a quantity of the narcotics into her vaginal cavity and swallowed another amount.

Just before that arrest, another New Yorkbound Guyanese, hairdresser Karen Stuffle,

was busted by CANU ranks at the CJIA with 100 cocaine pellets, totalling 1.42 kilograms, stashed in her vagina and stomach.

She was subsequently sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined G$2.3M for the crime.

In July of 2018, 19-year-old Anesha Hardy of South Ruimveldt was jailed for 3 years and also handed a hefty fine after she was arrested by CANU ranks at CJIA after having admitted to swallowing some 119 cocaine pellets.

Hardy, who was an outgoing passenger destined to JFK Airport, was stopped by a CANU rank who had received information of her motives.

She was escorted to the hospital where an x-ray showed the pellets in her stomach.

On July 5, 2018, 37-year-old Natasha Blair was also jailed for three years after she attempted to smuggle a quantity of cocaine through CJIA to the US. Blair, who was travelling with an 11-month old baby, was scheduled to board Caribbean

The cocaine found in the pensioner’s shoes

Airlines flight BW726 destined for John F Kennedy International Airport.

It was reported that when Blair checked in her luggage at Caribbean Airline counter, a CANU rank acting on information, approached her and

informed her of his suspicion that she had ingested and inserted narcotics.

Blair was cautioned and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where an x-ray was conducted. It re-

vealed foreign objects in her stomach and pelvic area.

It was disclosed that the pellets found in the woman stomach weighed 322 grams, while the object in her pelvic area weighed 210 grams.

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Report shows power company wallowing in G$4.2B deficit

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s if the criticism it receives for countrywide power outages was not enough, a report from the Finance Ministry has revealed that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is in the throes of a G$4.2 Billion deficit.

According to the Finance Ministry’s midyear report, this deficit— which was recorded at the end of June 2019— was attributed to a decline in sales collection. The report noted that there was a 61 per cent collection rate for government accounts.

Actual billed sales fell below budget by three per cent.

“In addition, there was reduced income from investments in treasury bills as well as from services provided by the

company. These services include new connections, reconnections, tampering charges and service investigation”.

“Total current expenditure amounted to G$16.4 billion, G$925 million less than the same period in 2018.

Fuel costs were G$1.4 billion more than budgeted, due to payments made in January 2019

A vessel that reportedly disrupted GPL’s cable

for a fuel shipment received in December 2018, as well as fuel purchased and supplied to Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI)”.

The report noted that both GPL and SEI have a working capital agreement and as such, the cost will be offset. In addition, it was noted that in the first half of the year, fuel rebate to cus-

Granger calls for inquiry into death of presidential guard

tomers was G$2.2 billion or 13 per cent of local sales. This is a slight increase from G$2.1 billion or 13.2 per cent of local sales in 2018.

There is also the impact of repairs to their submarine cables.

According to the midyear report, GPL was forced to reschedule some of its capital projects as a result of these

repairs. With all its challenges, the Ministry noted that GPL is expected to close the year with a G$9.5 billion deficit.

After persistent power outages, GPL had revealed in June that the 69kV submarine cable on the riverbed along the channel of the Demerara River, connecting its Vreed-en-Hoop and Kingston power stations

was damaged.

It was subsequently reported that a second GPL submarine cable was disrupted owing to another maritime accident that occurred four days after the disruption of the 69kV submarine cable.

This 13.8kV submarine cable, which rests along the upper Demerara River within proximity of Craig, East Bank Demerara, was dislodged by a barge sailing along the Demerara River.

As a result of this incident, West Demerara customers from Vriesland to La Retraite were without electricity while efforts were underway to alternatively power these customers from the Vreed-en-Hoop substation.

British woman strangled, set ablaze in Barbados

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he police have launched an investigation into an incident in which a British woman who was strangled, doused with a flammable liquid and set alight, died in hospital.

According to reports in the British media, Natalie Crichlow, 40, died on August 6 after suffering 75 per cent

burns to her body when an intruder broke into her home on July 28.

The assailant also set the house on fire.

Crichlow, a mother of three who was born in the town of Bedfordshire, about 30 miles northwest of London, was in Barbados caring for her disabled brother following the deaths of her

mother and uncle.

British media reported that her family has launched a GoFundMe account for financial help to return her body to the United Kingdom.

Deputy Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce said that investigations are at a sensitive stage and an update will be provided. (CMC)

CJ rules GECOM cannot remove... from page 7

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President David Granger interacting with relatives of the dead man at their home [Photo by: MoTP]

32-year old Police constable, who was attached to the Presidential Guard Service, on Wednesday morning died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Winston Cooper was picked up in an unconscious state on July 1 at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

Acting Crime Chief Michael Kingston confirmed the death of the guard during an interview with this publication. Kingston explained that a Post-Mortem Examination will be conducted on Friday.

Cooper’s relatives were visited at their Lot 761 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, home by President David Granger, accompanied by Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie on Wednesday.

The Ministry of the Presidency in a state-

Dead: Constable Winston Cooper

ment said that the President spoke with Cooper’s mother, Loraine Peters, and other family members.

Granger has since called for a “thorough” investigation to be conducted.

“As you know, he’s a member of the Presidential Guard… what I will ask the

Commissioner to do is to conduct an inquiry to find out how [this incident] could have happened,” the Head of State said.

The Constable was taken to GPHC at about 05:30h on July 1. This publication was told that the man had been nursing head and other injuries about his body.

Cooper is suspected to be a victim of attempted robbery, since it is more than likely that he was approached by bandits who demanded his valuables and may have been beaten for failing to comply with the request, a source has said.

Cooper’s backpack, which was found near his body, had his Police uniform inside, and sources say his assailants may have fled the scene after realising that he is a cop.

Other reports conversely suggest that the Presidential Guard may have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident.

“I believe that it is a serious ground, a serious flaw in the decision and I would advise my client to appeal. The issue was never raised as part of the pleadings in the documents,” Forde contended.

Similar sentiments were raised by Attorney General Basil Williams, who said that this is something GECOM will have to look at. In fact, GECOM’s attorney, Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus, told reporters that he will be advising the Elections body today on the way forward.

The Claudette Singhheaded Commission will be holding its first statutory meeting today (Thursday) since the appointment of the new Chair. This meeting is expected to yield the Commission’s position on the way forward.

Nevertheless, another significant decision handed down by the Chief Justice on Wednesday had to do with the holding of General and Regional Elections.

Ram had sought a conservatory order to compel the CEO and others to host early elections on or before September 18, 2019 in compliance

with the constitutional provisions in Article 106 (6) and (7) and the rulings of the CCJ. However, Justice George, in her ruling, posited that the High Court cannot name a date for when elections ought to be held, especially since this was not done by the country’s highest court – the CCJ. “It is not the role of the [High] Court to establish when elections are to be held… The CCJ did not and could not name a date for when elections are to be held… therefore, this court cannot give a decisive date when elections ought to be held,” the Chief Justice ruled.

But that aspect of the decision did not sit well with the lawyers representing Ram. In fact, Nandlall told reporters that they will appeal this, since there just cannot be no date for when early elections are to be held, especially since the passage of the NCM was validated, thus, triggering constitutional provisions that caters for early polls.

“It cannot be open-ended. The CCJ judgement could not have meant elections will never be held unless

Parliament agrees [to an extension of the elections date by two-thirds of all sitting Member of the National Assembly].

Suppose Parliament does not agree? There is always a timeframe implied; the Constitution must be obeyed at its earliest convenience. And so in relation to that, respectfully, I am not impressed with that aspect of the ruling and that certainly will excite the review of an appellate tribunal. We must have a second opinion…,” Nandlall declared.

Furthermore, during Wednesday’s ruling, Justice George also dismissed the applications filed by AG Williams for the Court to dismiss Ram’s challenge, and one filed on behalf of the Chief Elections Officer for the Chief Justice to recuse herself from hearing the case.

The Court awarded costs in the sum of G$500,000 to Lowenfield and other parties against whom Ram’s case was filed. However, both GECOM and the AG will have to pay 75% and 80% of that sum for the cases of the applications they filed that were dismissed.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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10% OFF 803 UTICA AVE BROOKLYN N.Y. 11203 (Between Church and Linen Blvd)

Phone: 718-618-0785 or 516-312-2196

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Finance Minister assures no budget presentation until elections are held

M

inister of F i n a n c e , Winston Jordan has assured that government agencies will continue to function even

after the current budget comes to an end, but he reiterated that until elections are held, there will no budget prepared and presented.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Jordan stated that “the rule is until a budget is passed, spend-

ing agencies are held to one-twelfth of the previous year’s allocation. So, it is one-twelfth on the current side, and on the capital side, they are re-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

stricted to no new projects. Only rolled over or ongoing projects.”

The minister disclosed this during an interview on VYBZ 100.1FM with radio with broadcaster Malcolm Ferreira. With a date for election to be determined, and the administration’s interim status, President David Granger has acknowledged that the government will not pass a National Budget.

Trains: 2 or 5 to Church Ave Email: madibatatouenploi@gmail.com

The holding of elections at the moment depends on the conclusion of the current Houseto-House Registration or otherwise guidance given by the Guyana Election Commission’s (GECOM) Chairperson.

Minister Jordan pointed out that after elections are held, the elected government then has three months to prepare a budget.

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NEWS 19

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Finance Ministry highlights risks posed by immigrants on Guyana’s labour market

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n the wake of reports that thousands of immigrants are unaccounted for after entering Guyana legally, even the Finance Ministry has acknowledged the risk posed by immigrants on the labour market.

According to the Finance Ministry’s midyear report for 2019— which was unveiled

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan – the influx of immigrants has the potential of pressuring the local labour market by reducing opportunities for Guyanese.

“The influx of immigrants has the potential of crowding out employment of local workers across several sectors,” the report stated, adding that this can also end up “creating pressure in the labour market”.

In addition, the Finance Ministry’s report also noted that the influx of immigrants has created, and continues to create, demands on the treasury— which has to set up systems to ensure that migrants are registered and have access to basic social services.

Here, the report singles out Venezuelans, who have come to Guyana in droves fleeing economic deprivation from their embattled homeland.

“Government, through the Multiagency coordinating committee for migration, continues to monitor the situation closely in order to assess and address potential socioeconomic threats and risks,” the report also stated.

Recently, Minister Jordan received much criticism after he had pointed out, and even gave justification, for the fact that foreign workers were being given preference by employers for undertaking tasks at lower rates of pay than Guyanese.

At the time, Jordan was speaking at a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) press conference. He was quoted in sections of the media as saying that “the fact that you can go in a country of a native and get a job, what does it suggest? Many things, for one, the labour cost in that country is very high, because if I am prepared to cut grass

for G$1,000 but the native wants to cut grass for G$1,500 who are you going to employ?

Most obviously, the G$1,000… and I would go for the G$1,000”.

Last year, the Citizenship Ministry had revealed to the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament that over 22,000 persons entered Guyana from January to April. The Ministry had revealed that of this number, only 6, 170 had departed. In addition, it was shown that there were no records of 17,615 immigrants departing from 2013 to 2018.

A breakdown of the statistics showed that over the past 7 months, over 8,500 Haitians entered the country, but a fraction of that number left. In 2017, 3,515 Haitians came but only 291 departed. Moreover, according to media reports, up to April last year, 1,238 came and 85 departed.

Back in March of this year, it was revealed that despite having thousands of Haitians enter Guyana unaccounted for last year, the coalition Government had sought to extend the time that Haitians spend in Guyana to an automatic six months.

This was detailed in a letter dated January 31, 2019, addressed to then Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and copied to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Citizenship Minister Winston Felix, and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

However, the influx of immigrants is not limited to the Haitians.

In 2017, a total of 44, 747 Cubans came to Guyana, but 7, 255 were unaccounted for.

Recent figures released by the authorities indicated that for the first seven months of the year, 41,272 Cuban nationals came to Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Meanwhile, the figures indicated that some 11,119 Trinidad and Tobago nationals arrived in Guyana between January and July of 2019. Total arrivals taking into account all nationalities stood at 135,220.

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

CJIA's deputy chief at centre of sexual assault allegations could face charges soon T he Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, on Wednesday advised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to institute charges against the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for sexual assault, based on evidence obtained.

In a brief statement on Wednesday, the DPP said that the file of assault committed by the Deputy CEO on a female at the airport has been returned to the Force.

It was alleged that the sexual assault occurred in the office of the DCEO on July 30, 2018, while the duty-free staff was in a meeting with him.

The victim claimed that she was inappropriately hugged and kissed on her lips by the accused. In her complaint letter the day after the incident, which was seen by this newspaper, the woman explained that she went to the DCEO to have an issue with her boss’ vehicle resolved.

After a commitment was given to have security remove the clamp on the vehicle, the wom-

had not heard anything; after inquiring she received a WhatsApp message stating that the issue was “addressed” but with no details about any actions being taken.

When further questions posed to the airport Heads went unanswered, the woman reported the matter at the Timehri Police

sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the complaint.

Nevertheless, a few days later, the DCEO was back on the job while the complainant remained at home.

A police source confirmed that the official was placed on G$20,000 station bail.

Guyana, India pledge to deepen bilateral cooperation Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack

an said she got up to leave and the senior official did the same, but walked around his desk to hug her. She recounted that the act was “inappropriate”. She pulled away but the man allegedly kissed her on the lips.

The victim said she immediately turned and headed for the door, but was intercepted by the senior official, who placed his hand on the door to keep it shut and then allegedly kissed

her again, for a longer time.

According to the woman, she left afterwards in shock and was so upset about the incident that she vomited all day.

The woman had reported the matter to the airport’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Human Resources Manager and she was assured that the matter would be investigated.

However, months have passed and she

Newly accredited High Commissioner of India to Guyana HE. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa presents his letter of credence to His Excellency, President David Granger in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Audrey Waddell (DPI photo)

P Taxi driver faces court over alleged sexual assault of teen A taxi driver was slapped with a sexual assault charge and appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday when he made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Rohan Singh of Lot 52 Block CC Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on May 22, 2019, at Farm, East Bank Demarara, he touched a 16-year-old in a sexual way without her consent.

According to the prosecution’s case, on May 22, the victim stopped the taxi which was driven by the accused. The victim then indicated that she was going to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre to visit a friend, however, while on the way to the hospital, the accused turned the car into Farm and pushed his hand under the virtual complaint’s shirt,

Station. The incident was subsequently reported in the media.

Following reports in the media about the incident, the airport pass of the concessionaire staff was revoked.

The airport later confirmed that a senior official was being investigated for sexual misconduct and was

Rohan Singh

rubbed her belly and attempted to kiss her. The matter was reported and the accused was subsequently arrested.

He was released on G$100,000 and the case will continue on September 11, 2019.

resident David Granger on Wednesday accredited a new Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, who has committed to further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The Indian diplomat handed over his letters of credence to President Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency.

After accepting the credentials, the Guyanese Head of State reflected on the already strong relationship the two countries share in the 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

This, he noted, continues to be enhanced with high-level contacts between officials of the two states such as during his visit to New Delhi in March 2018 for the First Summit of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Guyana had signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of the ISA, which he recommitted to during his state visit.

“Guyana looks to continue its cooperation with India in pursuit of its goal of becoming a solar state – a key component of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy. The Strategy – our road map towards becoming a green state

– emphasises the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to guarantee climate adaptation. Guyana looks forward to intensifying its cooperation with India during your tenure as High Commissioner,” the President said.

Meanwhile, the newly accredited Indian High Commissioner, Dr Srinivasa, also recognised the consistent engagement between officials from the two countries. He further acknowledged the immense opportunities that exist for both Guyana and India to further enhance bilateral relations, especially in the areas of agriculture and food processing, oil and gas, renewable sources of energy, forestry, drug and pharmaceuticals, health infrastructure, education, among others.

“India is committed to Guyana’s overall development and India’s participation in the development process in various sectors of Guyana’s economy would continue which would help in bring[ing] the two countries closer. Guyana’s leading role in environmental issues and low carbon development strat-

egy has been recognised all over the world and India would like to benefit from Guyana’s experience in this field,” the newly accredited High Commissioner noted.

Dr Srinivasa went on to highlight that the two countries, as Commonwealth members, share common views on many international issues facing humanity, particularly in the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations. To this end, he expressed gratitude for the support Guyana has given in various elections to the UN bodies while noting that India is counting on this continued support in its claim for permanent membership of the expanded Security Council.

“I am deeply aware of the greatest responsibility bestowed on me and it would be my endeavour to take our bilateral relations including trade on a higher trajectory through continued engagement and solid interactions between the business communities of the two countries,” the Indian diplomat noted.

Dr Srinivasa, whose last posting was in South Africa, has replaced former High Commissioner, Venekatachalam Mahalingam, who recently concluded a fiveyear tenure in Guyana.

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Guyanese citizens are frustrated, suffering under Coalition Govt - former PNC MP L ongstanding People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) stalwart and Member of Parliament, Dave Danny and his son joined scores of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) protesters outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday as they continue to mount pressure on the coalition Government to resign and call elections.

Danny Senior, who served as a PNCR parliamentarian in the 8th and 9th Parliament, and his son, Dave Danny Jnr, who announced his resignation from the party last week, held placards calling for elections as they marched outside the President’s Office.

Speaking with reporters, Danny Snr related that he joined the protest because he is tired of Government’s excuse for not adhering to constitutional rule.

“The Constitution is clear that [within] 90 days, elections should be called and the excuse they having about GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) not being ready is just an excuse to prolong [the delays of holding elections]… You have

specifically, its failure to deliver on their promises made in the manifesto.

He had stated too that the APNU/AFC Government continues to ignore the plights of its supporters.

“It saddens me to say the PNC I knew is seemingly allowing wickedness to prevail, the root of their denial and arrogance stems from their

are also displeased with the party and by extension, the performance in Government. I have spoken to many supporters who complained that certain Ministers do not have 10 minutes time to spend to listen to the various concerns, the recent scrambling by Government is comical for supporters cannot be hoodwinked.”

The younger Danny

Dave Danny Jnr at PPP/C’s protest on Tuesday

to be able to adhere to the rule of law but people don’t want to obey the law, and they expect you to obey the law. So the reason I’m here is that I would like to see the rule of law [adhered to] and if you don’t practice what you preach then you gotta be a hypocrite,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, his son, Danny Jr, echoed similar sentiments, declaring that the caretaker Government has no respect for the country’s Constitution.

“We see that the Government and the President clearly has no respect for the Constitution, they’re just sitting there. I don’t know what they waiting on… this cannot go on,” he noted.

According to the younger Danny, Guyanese are frustrated with the state of affairs in the country caused by the actions of the coalition Government.

“People are suffering… and people are preparing to run out of

this place because people are afraid of their lives…,” he asserted.

Only last week Danny Jnr made headlines after announcing his resignation from the PNCR, ending three generations of commitment and dedication by his bloodline to the party.

In a video shared on social media by the PPP, Danny Jr said he left the party because of the many downfalls of the PNC-led coalition Government but most

Former PNCR parliamentarian Dave Danny speaking with reporters on the sidelines of PPP’s protest on Tuesday

disconnection from society. I know that there are many in the PNC, including cardholders and supporters outside, who

is a Government Regional Councillor in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a former PNC Youth Executive.

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Huge potential for economic partnerships and investments in oil and gas sector …Guyana’s Ambassador to US tells forum in Washington DC

A

Ambassador Insanally with attendees following his presentation at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre

mbassador of Guyana to the United States, Dr Riyad Insanally, has emphasised the economic prospects that Guyana offered following the discovery of oil and gas reserves.

He was the keynote speaker at a private networking luncheon in Washington DC, the Foreign Ministry announced in a release to the media on Tuesday.

According to the release, it stated that the event was organ-

ised by the Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group and attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, United States Government agencies and the private sector.

It is during his address, Ambassador Insanally highlighted the potential for partnerships and investment.

His remarks were framed around the theme, “Guyana on the Cusp of Change”.

“He explained that these were available

in areas such as downstream industrial activity, renewable energy, infrastructural development, information and communications technologies, transportation services and ecotourism. He further noted that the time was ripe for greater United States and international public and private sector interest in supporting Guyana’s transformation”, the release added.

According to Ambassador Insanally, the Ministry stated also

used the opportunity to update attendees on Guyana’s legal and diplomatic response to the Guyana/Venezuela controversy, emphasising that Guyana placed its faith in diplomacy and the rule of international law.

The Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group, LLC, is an organisation that supports Washington DC-based professionals in maximizing their networking capabilities with embassies and other agencies.

Dr Riyad Insanally addresses attendees at the Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group, LLC luncheon

24 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Economic sectors show uneven performances – Bank of Guyana

– bauxite, gold sectors down by over 20%

T

he Bank of Guyana has found that Guyana’s major productive sectors showed uneven performances for the first quarter of the year. While on the one hand, forestry showed good performances, critical industries like gold and sugar took a beating.

This is according to the Bank of Guyana’s recently released first-quarter statistical bulletin. In the bulletin, it showed that sugar experienced a major decline of 34.3 per cent, owing to the restructuring process the Guyana Sugar Corporation is undergoing.

On the other hand, the decline of rice output by 9.3 per cent was attributed to rice bug infestation and the increased costs of production.

The mining and quarrying sectors exhibited lower production.

According to the bulletin, there was a 4.9 per cent decline in gold declarations. The Bank cited particular mining companies. Troy Resources

output declined by 40.4 per cent, while Guyana Goldfields showed slight increases.

One of the worst-hit sectors was the bauxite industry, which contracted by 24.4 per cent in terms of production. The Bank attributed this to industrial unrest at the Russia-owned bauxite company, RUSAL. Earlier this year, 61 workers downed tools against RUSAL’s subsidiary, the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BGCI).

This came after they received a one per cent salary increase. Thirty other workers were subsequently dismissed.

At the time, the company also temporarily closed a section of its operations as a result of the strike. The impasse had to be mediated and the workers were reinstated, but not before hours of downtime impacted production.

Meanwhile, the Bank also noted that Guyana’s construction sector experienced increased public

and private investments, buoyed in part by the activities in Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.

“The outturn in the services sector was reflective of activities in the real estate and storage subsectors.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the activities of the petroleum industry have capitalised economic activities, particularly in the construction and services sectors during the first quarter of 2019.”

“The performance of the manufacturing sector was mixed with increased production of ice cream, margarine and non-alcoholic beverages while there was decreased output of oxygen, liquid pharmaceuticals, acetylene and nitrogen gas,” it said.

When it comes to the balance of payment, things have actually improved. This publication had reported earlier in the year that in 2018, the balance of payment deficit was US$132.2 million, a 90 per cent deterioration from 2017 when it was at $69.5 million.

According to a previous Bank of Guyana report, the current account deficit worsened to US$679.7 million in 2018 from a deficit of US$297.2 million in the previous year. Singh’s stated principal reason for this is the state of the export sector.

The report stated that exports declined by 4.4 per cent. This is an equivalent of US$63.6 million to US$1373.8 million. The report ex-

plained that revenue from sugar, rice, timber and gold declined by 44.1 per cent, 7.5 per cent, 6.9 per cent and 6.2 per cent respectively. Both the decline in exports and the average export price was cited in the case of sugar.

According to the 2019 quarterly bulletin, however, “the overall balance of payments recorded a lower deficit of US$71.2 million at the end of March 2019 compared to US$94.0 million for the same period last year. This was primarily due to a higher capital account surplus. The capital account surplus resulted from increased foreign direct investments mainly on account of the oil and gas sector at [the] end [of] March 2019.”

Balance of payment statistics is data on a country’s fiscal transactions, including imports and exports. To record a deficit, Guyana would, therefore, have had to spend more on imports, among other things, that is derived from exports.

Linden manufacturers target big markets L

inden manufacturers, particularly agro-processors, have racked up major points for significantly improving their branding and packaging of products.

According to Victor Fernandes, a representative of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Development and Commerce (LCIDC), the agro-processors are ensuring the standards of their products meet the requirements of local and international markets.

At the recently concluded Linden Exposition and Trade Fair, several local producers took the opportunity to showcase and market their products. Among those receiving rave review is Pleasurable Flavours, Alternative Measures, Denise Institute of Catering, Chanzars, DeSouza’s Soaps and Oils, and Flavour Shore Coconut Oils.

“It was impressive … there is a vast improvement in their branding and marketing. I think they are ready for the national and international markets,” Fernandes said.

Pleasurable Flavours, which is now a household name in Linden,

outsources a company in Georgetown to design the labels. Exemplary packaging, she said, is needed because her products are unique and therefore “something extra” must be there to pique the customers’ interest.

Her products are made from a wide array of local fruits: banana, passion fruit, golden apple, watermelon and soursop. Describing her

the show, other local products and services are also receiving outstanding commendation for the standard of presentation. One of these is Indulgence Specialty Cupcakes and Indulgence Decor.

The company is run

by Tanyael Williams and her aunt, Annalisa Reynolds. The duo is creating a stir with their colourful, creative and

Packaged specialty cupcakes from Indulgence Specialty

produces a wide array of peppers, seasonings and other culinary flavourings. Producer Dianna Powell has made strides to improve on the packaging of her products, making them more convenient to purchase and easier to store.

Her four main bottled products: green seasonings, all-purpose seasoning, pepper sauce and sweet pepper relish, are in smaller bottles and encased together in what she calls the ‘four-pack special’. Customers can now purchase all four products and not worry

about the excessive storage that four large bottles may require. One of Powell’s newer products, the sweet pepper relish, which can be used with snacks such as plantain chips and chicken foot, is receiving positive feedback.

Denise Institute of Catering’s fruit preservatives, jams and jellies had visitors doing double-takes at the expo with its eye-catching packaging and labelling.

Entrepreneur Denise Gordon explained she sources her bottles from the United States and

Pleasurable Flavours ‘four-pack special’ seasonings

experience at the expo, Gordon said: “It was really good, I produce unusual stuff and people were eager to try it, I only came back with a few bottles.”

While local agro-products continue to steal

uniquely designed cupcakes, which are neatly packaged. Indulgence caters for all special events and Williams related that they put their personal touch into the products and service.

The next step after

good packaging is good marketing.

Fernandes related that the chamber will now play an integral role in ensuring that these high-quality products receive the needed marketing.

Fernandes said the LCIDC will host several training sessions on marketing strategies for these entrepreneurs for the rest of the year.

Before the expo, the entrepreneurs had received training on this subject as well as how to create a long-term clientele and sustainable market.

One very effective marketing strategy used by the entrepreneurs was to incorporate their contact information on their labels. Gordon related that she forgot her business cards home, but because she did this, customers were able to snap a photo of the label to store her information.

Executive Member of the LCIDC Staydon Payne related that for clients to expand their market base, they need to understand marketing material and approach potential. These very high-quality products cannot go to waste, and the Chambers will be doing all in its power to ensure this does not happen. (DPI)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Please help us’ …wife of carpenter electrocuted while on fishing trip pleads for assistance to maintain children

P

olice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 34-year-old carpenter, who died almost instantly on Monday last after being electrocuted whilst on a fishing trip with his family at Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is 34-year-old Orlando Ramnarine also called “Lando” of Sarah Johanna, EBD. Initial reports surrounding the man’s death indicate that on the day in question, the father of three, his wife, Aronva Parmanand, and his brother-in-law were out on a fishing trip at El Sol Farm, commonly called the “cherry farm” on the East Bank of Demerara.

At about 13:30h on the said day, Ramnarine was in the process of casting his fishing net when it came into contact with a live exposed electrical wire, which subsequently caused the now dead man to instantly collapse.

Police ranks who later arrived at the scene examined Ramnarine’s body and confirmed his death. The dead man’s body was later removed

Dead: Orlando Ramnarine

by undertakers and is currently at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

H o w e v e r , Ramnarine’s widowed wife still remains in a state of shock since she was the only person who witnessed her husband’s unexpected death.

In an effort to utter a few words, the visibly frustrated woman appealed for the public’s assistance, as she explained that he was the sole provider of the family.

“He was the only one who use to provide for me, I don’t have a house

on my own, I only get my three children. I have these three children to take care of now and I don’t know how I will do that…I need justice for my husband” the grieving woman cried.

Meanwhile, this publication understands that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) disconnected the exposed wire moments after Ramnarine’s death.

The single mother is asking for the public’s support, to take care of her now fatherless children. Those who wish to assist the family can contact +592 682 6868.

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“Social work is beyond a career, it’s a lifestyle,”

feature 29

Says Lauristian Choy

By Lakhram Bhagirat

I

n every profession, some people go above the call of duty to ensure that they are performing at the best of their abilities. They do that because they love what they do and their profession has become a part of them. They do not look for a pat on the back or the compliments, rather they go above and beyond because they really want to make a difference in their field.

Going above and beyond has become the norm in Lauristan Choy’s life ever since he became a social worker. Not a day has passed that he does not feel grateful to be able to make a difference in the lives of those he encounters.

Choy is currently employed with the Social Protection Ministry's Child Care and Protection Agency as the acting Senior Probation and Social Service Officer for Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). Coming from humble beginnings, Choy knows what it means to have very little and this ignited a spark in him from a very young age to be more aware of the fabric of society.

He always envisioned himself in a field where he is able to make a difference and help those he can. Hard work and perseverance are vital ingredients in the 31-year-old’s life.

A product of one of the lowest junior secondary schools in the New Amsterdam-Canje District -- the Canje Secondary School, Choy has proved that it is not where you come from but the path you create on your quest for success that matters. He took his future in his hands and shaped it the way he wanted. He had a purpose, identified his goals and then began the gruelling work of achieving those goals.

The road to his current position has not been a paved one nor was the ride a smooth one rather i t was a road laced with potholes. Nevertheless, he dodged, swerved and conquered.

After he left secondary school, Choy went to the New Amsterdam Technical Institute where he earned Diplomas in Computer Science and Business Studies and was also the first valedictorian of the institution back in 2006.

From here, his thirst for knowledge just skyrocketed and he knew he was destined for bigger things.

On that quest, he enrolled at the University of Guyana–Berbice and read for a Diploma in Public Management.

At that time, he was employed by the Regional Administration and felt that public management was his calling. As life would have it, in 2011 some three months before his final exam for his Diploma, Choy was attacked and severely beaten by a group of gunmen.

They took away his laptop with all his research and information for the courses he was taking at the time.

Battered and bruised, Choy did

not give up. He brushed himself off and went at it and eventually graduated.

However, through his volunteering efforts within his community and various NonGovernmental Organisations, the desire to help people became too hard for him to ignore. He went back to UG and this time read for his Diploma in Social Work and graduated as the Best Graduating Student.

“After completing my Diploma in Social Work, my place of work did not me grant permission to continue studying for my degree. I was devastated, but did not allow such to derail my purpose. I decided to continue my studies.

I had to attend classes after 4:30 (16:30h) which posed sever-

al problems for me. I reached to classes late every day and my small salary was deducted for the days I took to conduct fieldwork for the courses which were mandatory,” he related.

In 2017, he graduated with his degree and was the best graduating student in Social Work once again. He also gained the University of GuyanaBerbice Campus Director’s award for the graduating student who exemplified leadership within the University.

After gaining employment at the Social Protection Ministry as a

Probation and Social Service Officer-Child Protection, Choy began feeling at home.

“I love children. I love the innocence that they bring and the ability to be carefree and creative, and to know that persons are violating these precious souls made me want to do something about addressing that. Hence, I applied for the post of Child Protection Officer, a job that I have loved from day one; I do not feel like I am at work. I am happy to know that through my work I can help to make someone else’s life better,” he declared.

“Social work for me is beyond a career: it’s a lifestyle. The simple principle that governs this profession is built on social justice. We are all human beings at different levels in our lives,

and, therefore, we must not see ourselves greater than each other.”

As a young person, Choy believes that social work practice in Guyana is evolving and the standard is being lifted, especially with the Social Worker Code of Ethics, which outlines the professional framework of the profession. He notes that the field provides you with the opportunity to see the other side that is constantly hidden and it is a field that should not be taken lightly.

“Like doctors, we have to be very careful how we address a person’s issues; if not handled professionally, we can damage someone’s life. Sadly, globally, the field of social work is not perceived as important as medical prac-

titioners. The treatment that social workers receive can be described as second class. Social workers work beyond the call of duty and most times, neglect their families in the process only to receive insults from persons including other professionals, having poor working conditions, high case loads and meagre salaries,” he laments.

When one thinks of going above and beyond the call of duty, just listening to some of the experiences that Choy had in the field would show how much he cares about his profession. For him, social work is not just a job, rather it is part of his being -- his purpose. He has gotten muddy, trekked through the bushes, crossed planks across trenches, was verbally abused and even intercepted by armed Venezuelan rebels while executing his duties.

“I remember in 2018. I was given the assignment to accompany a group to the Amerindian Village Ereku, Region Seven. This was my first time in an interior location; I enjoyed interacting with the residents. It was after one of our meetings: the group were returning to Eteringbang opposite the Venezuelan border on the Cuyuni River when the boat we were in was intercepted by one of Venezuela's rebel groups called the Sentacatas who had high-power weapons. I was scared but remained calm.

Luckily in our boat, there were three Guyana Defence Force officers who ensured we reached safely back to shore,” Chou recounted.

Social work is a multifaceted profession which allows one to serve in different capacities and for Choy, the end goal is to specialise in the areas of children and youth as a Social Development Specialist.

When asked what advice he has for persons wanting to join the social work field, Choy says: “Firstly, understand why you want to be in this profession.

Being a social worker is not a gloried job, it gets dirty, challenging and it speaks to your moral compass. If your desire is to make money, then social work is not for you, you will find that we spend more money than we receive.”

For now, Choy continues to do transformational things in his quest to ensure that social justice is delivered.

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Preparing

A

…for elections

s the PNC thresh around, inventing excuses to delay the elections, they know they’ll eventually have to face the electorate. And as is their wont – for the past fifty-odd (very odd!) years – they aren’t leaving anything to chance. Karl Marx had pontificated: “Man make their own history; but not in circumstances of their making”, but when it comes to elections, the PNC have always insisted on creating the circumstances to make their history!! They give no shrift to “dialectics” and “contradictions”, and such like!!

At his 1979 PNC Congress – where he invoked his “sharper steel” threat against the WPA – Burnham had criticised his followers for being too naïve about “democracy” as articulated in the texts. “You can’t only read what’s ON the lines, comrades,” he thundered, “you have to read BETWEEN the lines!”

So as we read about the PNC’s electoral preparations, let’s also look between the lines to understand what’s REALLY going on.

Now, you’ll notice that your Eyewitness is talking only about the “PNC”, and not “APNU”. And that’s because you gotta have been on Mars during the last four years if you think the four one-man outfits desperately hanging on to the PNC’s coattails have any relevance to the existential supremacy of the PNC in APNU. The latter aren’t even a fig leaf to hide the mark of the beast!!

But what about the AFC?? This morning, your Eyewitness read two accounts of what’s supposedly going on between the two coalition “partners”. In the SN, some AFC executive ‘source” claimed they’re girding their loins to negotiate a new agreement, seeing as how the Cummingsburg Accord (CA) will expire next February. But at the same time, the source thinks elections will be this year. So won’t the Cummingsburg Accord still hold in that circumstance??

Certainly not, says the Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency (DGMOP) – and GS of APNU – “We are looking at the revision right now… (and)… we have agreed on some basic principles which will guide the relationship between the APNU and the AFC.” Well, right there we see the problem! The AFC executive insisted the AFC National Executive Committee (NEC) has merely picked the team to negotiate with APNU!! Reading between the lines, however, we can figure what’s going on. First of all, since the AFC got nothing from the CA, save to NAME the (neutered) PM candidate, this position is what the “negotiation” is all about.

But the DG, MoP had insisted, right after the AFC picked Ramjattan for that slot, that Nagamootoo was “royalty”, as opposed to their evident “commoner” choice!!

The PNC’s negotiating with Nagamootoo, since he’ll settle for more Larwah!!

…for oil

Looks like after the Exxon gushers, you can’t drill a hole off our Atlantic Coast without striking oil!! Tullow just announced they hit paydirt in the Orinduik Block with their first try. So if there was any lingering doubt that there are humungous oil fields under them thar waters, this should take care of that.

This will be the find of the century!! The question that remains unanswered, of course, is whether our country is getting ready under the PNC for us to share in the oil wealth.

Let’s look past the hole Trotman dug for us (pun intended) when he literally gave away the store to Exxon. Folks are saying that even the crumbs we’ll be getting can positively transform our country of less than one million people. But that’s not necessarily true. Right off the bat, we should know there will be no downstream oil industries established here, okay??

And the 12% share of the oil revenues? Let’s see whose pockets that’ll end up in!! And that applies to whatever portion enters our Natural Resource Fund!!

…claims and objections

After jumping up and down like a fowl cock, your Eyewitness is positive, the PNC will agree for the electoral list to be prepared via a C&O process.

After all, they’ve already stolen the time they wanted.

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feature 33

“Social work is certainly not easy,”

says Nerissa Semple

F

inding a career path which suits our desire and gives us purpose may be difficult but certainly not impossible. Being able to make a difference in someone’s life and changing the perspective of someone may be challenging, but the feeling after doing so is overwhelming. Have you ever wondered what happened to those persons who have been abused or attempted suicide or children who are neglected?

Nerissa Teshana Semple, the 26-year-old Probation and Social Services Officer who is currently employed by the Social Protection Ministry at the Wellington Probation Office, had a few challenges in life when it came to finding a career which best suited her. She is trying to change the stereotype that social work is easy and to bring respect and more recognition of the contribution and positive impact social work has on individuals and society.

Nerissa grew up like any other normal child in the countryside; making ornaments with mud, learning to swim in the trench behind her home, going to the backdam to check rice fields and pick fruits and vegetables. She enjoyed receiving gifts for her birthdays and at Christmas, playing outdoor games on the streets until it was dark and having no expenses as a child.

She was an active member at the local church in the village until she attended the University of Guyana as she was raised in a Christian family.

Her education journey began at the No 8 Nursery School and she then attended the Latchmansingh Primary School, where she wrote the Common Entrance Examination (now revamped as the National Grade Six Assessment) and was awarded a place at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School. There she completed her secondary education by writing the Caribbean Education Certificate Examinations with passes in the nine subjects she sat.

Nerissa was eager to work after completing secondary school, but did not gain employment, so she began attending computer classes at Brazillo’s Learning Center, from where she graduated with A+ in Microsoft Word and Excel and Internet Browsing. After still being unable to get a job, she considered attending the University of Guyana.

“I thought of what I love and what I wanted to do as an individual to positively impact the lives of others and I went to my older sister who told me that social work is it,” Nerissa shared.

After learning of the various serious issues that plague the lives of children and how these cases were being handled, Nerissa was moved to pursue a career in the helping profession, because she loves helping others, especially the vulnerable and the less fortunate.

“Social work best suits my desire,” she stated.

At the age of 23, Nerissa graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with a 3.0 GPA. “Two days after my graduation, I started working as a Probation and Social Services Officer within the Ministry of Social Protection. I feel social work is one of the best professions in the world.

I think the field of social work is being perceived as one for older women. I recall while attending the University of Guyana and persons asking what’s my major and I would reply with a bright smile ‘social work’ and they would respond like ‘that easy program, why you didn’t do this or that?’ I think social work should be treated with more respect and recognition in Guyana. As social workers, we risk our lives to help others and it’s not taken seriously by those in higher authority for us to get risk allowance and so on,” Nerissa stated.

She shared that one of her favourite memories as a social worker was rebuilding hope in someone who attempted suicide.

“One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had while in this field was to have a first-hand glimpse of the living conditions of persons who are in dire need of help and that made me humble myself even more. It motivated me to continue in this field, because I believe that there are always persons who desire my help and so I can’t quit until my work is complete,” she explained.

Whenever Nerissa feels overwhelmed by her workload, she would simply do something she loves or an activity she has not done in a while, such as going shopping, eating ice cream or barbecue wings, spending time with kids and talking to persons of positive influence.

She stated that her ultimate goal as a social worker is doing what is best for her client within her reach without causing harm to anyone and always doing so with an open mind.

“Knowing my abilities and the benefits persons in need of it stand to gain gives me the drive and influences me to continue in my field of work. I would like to say to anyone thinking to join this field to join only if you love this profession, because there is only so much you can do and the system is challenging at times,” she declared.

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The Buxton/ Friendship Museum, Archive and Culture Centre

– as organisers looking to attract wider population, tourists

From left; Museum founder Keith Easton and President of the Museum’s Board of Directors, Ronald Willabus

By Jarryl Bryan

H

aving been founded in 1840, the East Coast village of Buxton is a treasure trove of history. And the Buxton/Friendship Museum, Archive and Culture Centre that was opened a year ago to preserve this history is thriving, with its organisers looking to attract even more visitors.

In an interview with this publication on Sunday, the museum’s founder, Keith Easton, laid out a vision for where he wants this museum to go over the next few years. Easton’s vision includes seeking to attract visitors not only from around Guyana but also tourists looking to explore Guyana’s rich history.

“This is our one-year anniversary and we’re proud of what we have accomplished in one year, in terms of our opening of our museum, the community, school children visiting, our collaboration with the University of Guyana and its students,” Easton explained.

“Right now we are try-

ing to make sure the public and more visitors, more Guyanese and the general public at large know about the museum. We don’t want it to be only a Buxton museum. We want it to be nationally and internationally recognised so that when people come to the airport, they will say we want to go to Buxton.”

Easton noted that the museum, which is situated on Company Road, has been strongly supported by villagers over the past year. He noted that they have over 200 documented visits. And according to Easton, the number of persons who visited the museum but did not sign the visitor logs could greatly increase this number.

“We have had over 200 visitors, but it could have been closer to 400 because not many people signed in. Over 200 signed in… it is opened Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays,” Easton explained while adding that they are working towards having it opened full time.

“For any museum to exist, especially a village

museum, it’s a unique museum,” he continued.

“And its three things in one. It’s a museum, it’s an archive and it’s a cultural centre. So we have

to recognise our employees. We have a young lady by the name of Tomieka Headley, who is the assistant admin. We have brother Ras Escarrie Campbell, who is an assistant.”

However, Easton explained that they are in

need of a museum administrator. According to the founder, no one has submitted an application for the position and in any case, funds are an issue

for the museum.

He explained that as such, he has had to step up and act as the curator for the museum. In addition, he noted that the Board and the United States-based Friends of the Villagers museum group has had to be in-

tegrally involved in the running of the museum.

In fact, it is this group that facilitated the museum’s opening and is behind the anniversary dinner, which was held Sunday evening at Tipperary Hall.

Artefacts Meanwhile, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors, Ronald Willabus explained that the museum exhibits include old typewriters, sewing machines and vintage military/paratrooper apparel worn by villagers that date back several decades. Their oldest artefact, according to Easton, is a piano dating back to over 100 years ago.

“Persons would have donated very old items.

The piano is over 120 years old. And you can still hit a few keys. Lots of our younger folks learned music on it. We had persons in the village who would have taught music way back. One of those persons owned it until they died,” Willabus explained.

“It was handed over to a family friend, who had it for 30 years. They want-

ed to get rid of it. We said no, you cannot destroy an artefact like that. So we got it, brushed it up a bit. No spraying over. We wanted it to look like it always looked.”

Meanwhile, Easton noted that they are working towards educating the next generation of Buxtonians about the importance of preserving their history. These youngsters, he noted, are exposed to camps and programmes designed to equip them to one day oversee the museum.

“We have a youth group in the organisation, who will be the inheritors of the museum.

Young people who we are educating and sending to various camps to educate them more about the museum,” Easton said.

“We are trying for the next exhibition to be about miners and pork knockers in the village.

Because the history of the village and the country as a whole was built a lot on pork knockers and their contributions. And we have a lot of stories about the pork knockers,” he added.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

FEATURE 35

on climate or building peaceful societies.

Education should lead to effective learning outcomes, with the content of school curricula and pedagogy being fit for purpose, not

only for the 4th industrial revolution and the future of work and life, but also for the opportunities and challenges that rapidly changing social contexts bring.

(United Nations)

We go through the school day wondering why we are here We feel like no one understands us Sometimes the teachers give us something to fear This results us getting kicked out of class.

We camouflage our true feelings so we don’t let anyone in We beat each other up because we don’t truly love We want someone to show us the way, we want it to end.

I

n 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August.

The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day often with input from youth organizations and members of the UN

Inter-Agency Network in Youth development.

It also organizes a commemoration of the Day at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country.

The theme of International Youth Day 2019, “Transforming education”, highlights efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves.

Rooted in Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” –

International Youth Day 2019 will examine how Governments, young people and youth-led and youthfocused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education and how these efforts are contributing to the achievement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Statistics remind us that significant transformations are still required to make education systems more inclusive and accessible: (1) Only 10% of people have completed upper secondary education in low income countries; (2) 40 % of the global population is not taught in a language they speak or fully understand; and (3) over 75 % of secondary school age refugees are out of school.

In addition, indigenous youth, young people with disabilities, young women, young people belonging to vulnerable groups or in vulnerable situations, etc. are facing additional challenges to access education that respects their diverse needs and abilities as well as reflects and embraces their unique realities and identities.

Making education more relevant, equitable and inclusive is crucial to achieving sustainable development. Education is a ‘development multiplier’ in that it plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, be it poverty eradication, good health, gender equality, decent work and growth, reduced inequalities, action

We give up, we no longer look for help from above So we die or get locked up cause we have no hope People tell us we’re never going to be anything.

We kill ourselves by smoking dope While feeling insecure and helpless We will make you an offer, help us with our internal issues And we’ll be the best student you ever had.

Let us cry out our feelings give us tissues And together we can achieve greatness and success.

Anonymous

36 FEATURE

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

S

ocial workers witness things and are part of people’s lives on a daily basis. They are trained to practice empathy and quite often feel the same as the people they serve. They carry the heavy burden of putting aside their values and assessing every situation uniquely.

While some may view social work as “easy”, social workers quite often go above and beyond the call of duty. They often neglect their families and relationships, because they are constantly on call. They have to ensure that whenever a situation arises, they are available to deal with that situation to bring some relief to the parties.

It is this act of serving humanity that led Otiffie Greene to the field. She has been working with the Child Care and Protection Agency for over seven years and amassed a wealth of knowledge when it comes to dealing with social issues.

She has had her fair share of social issues as a child and young adult, so she uses these

experiences and knowledge gained to assess and deal with issues as they arise.

The 29-year-old is a product of the hinterland since she hails from the rural community of Ituni, which is some 36 miles from the mining town of Linden.

She notes that the

days spent there have helped shape her into the social worker that she is today: “Those memories are also shadowed with playful laughter and grief after losing my eldest brother when I was six years old. You may want to be asking yourself 'what a sixyear-old really know about death and grieving?' Well, enough to tell you that my family was never the same after that experience.

My mother was never the same. She became excessively overprotective especially with my younger brother.”

Burdened by grief, Greene’s mother who was a nurse-midwife at the time began keeping her children close.

She was a strong advocate for education and ensured that it was the top priority for her children. Greene and her siblings attended the lone nursery-primary school in the village and after sitting the Common Entrance

Exams, she was awarded a place at the Berbice High School in Region Six. “Due to financial challenges, many children were unable to attend high school after completing the Grade Six Assessment. If they did, most often financial challenges tend to override their quest for high school education, and oftentimes resulted in school dropouts. My mother vowed that my siblings and I would never meet that fate. So the planning for me to attend High School began approximately two years before I even wrote the Grade Six Assessment or Common Entrance as it was known then.”

She was awarded a hinterland scholarship to President’s College, but instead, her family decided that she and a relative were going to move to Fyrish Village in Berbice, so she could gain her education there. The sacrifice saw her family being split into two for the first time. Her grandmother took on the role of mothering her through high school while her mother stayed back with her younger siblings so they could have completed their education in Ituni.

“Leaving my entire world back at the only place I knew as home was hard. I struggled at first to fit in. Life was quite different on the coast, but I ensured that I persevered if not for anything else, it was for the struggle and sacrifices of my mother and grandmother. After successfully passing eight subjects at the CSEC level, I graduated from the Berbice High School, and subsequently sought employment, as a means to support my future academic journey, since financial support was difficult to gain from my immediate family,” Greene explained.

She gained employment as a preschool teacher and was actively involved in various activities and commu-

nity development projects which provided her with several opportunities for advancement. She was pushed to achieve all she set out to and she took the world as her canvas and began painting the life she wanted.

In 2010, she started to read for her Diploma in Social Work at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus and after she graduated, she gained employment with the Social Protection Ministry and remains there today.

“September of the same year (2013), I returned to the University of Guyana and completed the Bachelor of Science in Social Work. My quest to continually improve professionally and academically resulted in numerous training opportunities, both local and overseas, bin Early Childhood Development, working with families, child abuse, counselling, addiction and the family among many others. In addition, I would have recently completed a certificate in Early Childhood Development.”

When she first entered the field of social work, the major challenge was to prove that a young person could function in the field. Her maturity was questioned because of her age,but that did not deter her.

“As a young person, I feel that social work is fulfilling, it provides many opportunities to address social ills in society as well as a vehicle to positively enhance the lives of children, families, and communities. It’s a vessel to strengthen social stability, something we will all benefit from in the long run. It may not be viable immediately, but trust me it's impactful, for this generation and many more to come, " Greene noted.

“Social work is 24/7.

It never ends. You’re always thinking of a way to help people even when you’re on vacation for instance or your services are sometimes needed beyond the 4:30 (16:30h) workday. This happens many times. Your commitment and dedication to the job are oftentimes tested during these times.”

FEATURE 37

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

omeone once said that we must never underestimate the pain of a person because everyone is fighting some form of internal battle. It may be the biggest mistake to judge someone just because they seem like they have their life together and they are happy, since some people are well skilled in hiding their emotions.

For Juniour Anthony Blair, he knows what it is to suppress his emotions. He knows what it is to be at your breaking point after all has failed.

He even knows what it is to attempt to take your own life after you feel that your world is falling apart. But, perhaps most importantly, he knows how to pick himself up and use his talents for a better purpose.

Blair has always had the knack for helping people out and making sure that they are comfortable; though he never saw it,

B

eing a social worker is an often challenging yet rewarding career. Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives and seek to improve the quality of life for individuals and to effect systemwide change through the pursuit of social justice.

Just like other helping professions such as nursing and teaching, social work seeks to help people overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges.

Trying every day to make a difference in people’s lives is 27-yearold David Schultz, a Probation and Social Services Officer who works with the Social Protection Ministry's Probation Department in Region Two. David’s first choice of career was not social work but business.

Before he applied to further his studies at the University of Guyana,

he was destined for the field of social work. At a young age, Blair attempted suicide because he felt ashamed and lost.

While a Fifth Form student at the Skeldon High School, Blair had big plans for his life. His paternal grandmother was in the process of sponsoring his father so that the family could move to the United States to live. Armed with the prospects of migrating before CSEC, Blair made no preparations for the exams, but life had other plans for him. In the blink of an eye, his grandmother passed away causing his life plans to come to a halt.

“So I didn’t get to write CSEC because I was guaranteed that I would have left before the exam period. About a year and a half later, I became depressed after my grandmother had passed away during the course of the sponsorship and me not taking the opportunity to sit my CSEC. I be-

came so depressed that I started to isolate myself from my former classmates because of feeling disappointed and somewhat shamed. I once tried to commit suicide because of how I felt at that time,” Blair said.

However, he got the help he needed and started to pick his life back up. He went on to the Critchlow Labour College and the Business Academy in Corriverton, Berbice to pursue his CSEC qualifications.

After gaining his CSEC passes, Blair continued the quest for further knowledge, which took him to the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus, where he is a final-year Social Work Degree student. He has also since acquired a Diploma in Public Management from UG. “Social work helps me to be a rounded person in the sense that it provides me with privileged opportunities that help shape my personality and test

my capabilities as a person. As such, it does not offer many monetary rewards, but it creates a lifetime of memories. I am privileged to be given the opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life and mine as well,” he explained.

Backtracking to his childhood, the 31-yearold said at the age of 12 he joined the Skeldon Estate Community Centre Cricket Club as an Under-15 player.

He went on to play for Berbice at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels with the likes of Veerasammy Permaul, Richard Ramdeen, Gajanand Singh, Maxwell Georgeson, Steven Latcha, and Brandon Best.

Many thought that he would pursue a career in cricket, but to their surprise, he found his calling and it was social work.

Through his many struggles and the constant teasing about his choice of profession, he has per-

severed.

“The field of social work is most times perceived to be less important to many other persons who are not directly involved and those who for some reason are naïve about the importance of the role of social work and its relative functions. I remember when I first started UGBC I was mocked by other males for choosing social work, because to them it was a soft course or in their words ‘the weakest course the University offers and only females should do the course because it’s not a masculine field'.

“I paid them no mind, because I know for a fact that social work can be applied to any job field given the two common components, which are a human resource and the organisational system which deals with policies and practice. These two components are key to effective service delivery hence the need

he had an encounter with former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clinton Conway that changed his life and as a result, David chose social work as his career path.

“I always felt like social work chose me and not the other way around.

I really didn’t face any challenges getting into the field of social work as I had all three of my study choices accepted by the University of Guyana and I choose social work above all,” he noted.

Born in the ancient county of Berbice in the small but vibrant village of Edderton on the West Coast, David is the last of six children for his hardworking parents.

His parents had the challenge of providing for six children, ensuring that they had what was necessary growing up even though at times they did not always get what they wanted.

“As a child, I attended the Cotton Tree Primary

School and after writing the Common Entrance Exams, I gained a place at the Bush Lot Secondary School.

During these times, I struggled miserably; nevertheless, my father always encouraged me to do my best in everything. After writing the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Exams I gained five subjects including Mathematics and English.”

David claims that social work changed his life, and he loves and enjoys being a social worker.

“To make a difference in someone’s life can make you feel amazing, because you know you made an impact, a change in a person’s life and they are way better off now than they were before thus making the world a better place.

“Social work changed my life. It is a life-changing field that gives caregivers the opportunity to make a difference in

people’s lives especially those going through a crisis. I love and enjoy being a social worker; at the end of the day personally, it feels good knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life, and as a result of what I did, someone is better off,” David stated.

Social workers usually deal with neglect, abuse, domestic violence, mental health, behavioural and emotional issues and these are factors which contribute to social problems in Guyana and every other place in the world.

David Shultz is one of those many persons who make a change every day in this world to make it a safe environment.

Helping individuals who are vulnerable to social problems is what social workers do but yet many people do not understand or have knowledge of the contribution social workers make daily to society and this results in them

being oft e n undervalued.

The most interesting experience David has had in the field of social work was when he was able to help and empower a woman who had been experiencing domestic violence for years and as a result, his intervention made a difference and she is doing much better now.

“Working as a social worker can be very demanding at times, as it requires caregivers to put that client’s needs above their at times; as a result of this, many stressors may arise from work.

Personally, I usually spend as much time as possible to irrigate my life every day, to avoid the heaviness that may

for social work. I can say confidently that social work is one of the toughest courses being offered at UG because it makes or breaks any individual regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or status and I am proud to be a social worker.”

Blair is in the field of social work to gain knowledge and secure the future of the youths. He notes that now with his training and knowledge, he is better equipped to serve the needs of his community and further afield.

“The field of social work is a real soulsearching experience and it provides opportunities to make a real impact in the life of others as well as in your own life. Let’s break the gender barrier attached to the field of social work. We welcome more males on board.”

arise from work that can overwhelm me. I love walking and enjoying nature, and being socially active helps as all help me in dealing stressors as well.”

For David, at the end of the day, all he wants is for people to be happy and united despite their differences.

“My advice for anyone entering the profession as a social worker is to do it, because you love it and is passionate about creating change in society. It’s not always about the money, but the feeling you get knowing you made a difference in someone’s life.”

38

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Man accused of fatally stabbing taxi driver charged with murder

A

Kwayana Fernandes

A

dictionary might say that health is the state of being free from illness or injury. But others think it is more. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says health is more than the absence of disease.

“Health is a state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” it says. It is the key to living a productive and satisfying life.

Path to improved health You can break down the concept of health into different categories. These could include physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health. There are things any person can do to stay healthy in these areas.

But as a young person, there are some things you should pay special attention to.

Physical health – Taking care of your body Exercise regularly.

Teens should be physically active at least 60 minutes of every day.

Eat a healthy diet.

Healthy eating is an important part of your growth and development.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a variety of protein foods, and low-fat dairy products.

Maintain a healthy weight. Children and

teenagers with obesity are more likely to have obesity as an adult. They are also at higher risk for other chronic illnesses, depression, and bullying.

Get enough sleep.

Most teens need between 9 and 9 ½ hours of sleep every night. Many average only 7 hours. Sleep has a strong effect on your ability to concentrate and do well at school.

Keep up with vaccinations. Get a flu shot every year. If you haven’t gotten the HPV vaccine, ask your parents and doctor about it. It can prevent you from getting HPV and some kinds of cancer, including cervical cancer.

Brush and floss your teeth. Make it a habit now, and prevent tooth and gum problems in adulthood.

Don’t listen to loud music. This can damage your hearing for the rest of your life.

Mental health – Taking care of your mind Learn ways to manage stress. You can’t avoid stress, so you need to learn how to manage it. This will help you stay calm and be able to function in stressful situations.

Develop a good balance between school, work, and social life.

Don’t try to take on too much. Limit your activi-

mason was on Tuesday charged for the murder of a taxi driver who was stabbed to death while plying his trade in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Forty-eight-year-old Kwayana Fernandes of Lot 475 Cemetery Road, Mocha Arcadia, EBD, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts.

Fernandes was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on August 6 last, at Mocha Arcadia, EBD, he murdered Owayne Lynch.

It was reported that on the day in question, Lynch picked up Fernandes in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who requested to be taken to Mocha.

According to reports,

at around 21:45h, the taxi driver and the passenger got into an argument over payment and it was at this time that Fernandes pulled out an icepick from his pocket and dealt Lynch several stabs about his body.

Lynch was later seen lying motionless on Cemetery Road, Mocha. His body bore multiple wounds and an ice pick was found

close by.

He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Lynch, of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was employed at Swift Cabs, located at Dennis Street, Sophia.

Fernandes was remanded to prison until August 27, 2019.

ties to the most important ones and give those 100%.

Overextending yourself can lead to stress, frustration, or exhaustion.

Emotional health – Taking care of your feelings

are just part of being a teenager. If you’re worried about something, ask for help.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

If you can’t talk to your parents, talk to a favorite teacher or counselor at school. Find an adult you can trust. If you’re feeling really sad or are thinking about harming yourself, get help right away.

Accept yourself. If you feel like you have l o w self-

drugs, and any type of tobacco product.

Avoid violence. Stay away from situations where violence or fighting may cause you to be physically injured.

Practice abstinence (no sex) or safe sex. If you have sex, always use condoms to help avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are a sexually active girl, talk to your doctor about contraceptives. If you can’t use contraceptives, use condoms for birth control.

and sexually transmitted infections can harm your health. They can also cause you social and personal problems.

Do young men have different health risks than young women?

Yes. Young men don’t wear seat belts as often as young women do.

They’re also more likely to carry weapons, get into physical fights, use smokeless tobacco or marijuana, drink alcohol heavily, and have more sexual partners. On the other hand, young women have some special risks. They try to commit suicide more often. They also try to lose weight in harmful ways more often than young men.

Should I talk to my doctor if I’m worried about my health or my body?

Yes. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health or your body.

Your doctor is there to help you.

Know the signs of mental illness.

These include:

• anxiety • depression • excessive tiredness • loss o f

selfesteem • loss of interest in things you used to like • loss of appetite • weight gain or loss • Out-of-character personality changes.

Pay attention to your moods and feelings.

Don’t assume your negative thoughts or feelings

esteem or a poor body image, talk to someone about it. Even just talking to a friend can help.

Behavioral health – Taking care of your safety through your behaviors Avoid substance use or abuse. This includes alcohol, street drugs, other people’s prescription

Things to consider

Will the habits I have now really make a difference when I’m older?

Yes; 65% of all deaths in adults are caused by heart disease, cancer, and stroke. In many cases, these diseases are preventable. Many of the behaviors that cause these diseases begin at a young age. For example, teens who use tobacco are more likely to have heart disease, cancer, or stroke in adulthood.

At my age, what should I especially be concerned about?

The top killers of teenagers and young adults are car accidents, unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide.

Cancer and heart disease are uncommon, but can affect you at this age.

Unplanned pregnancy

Questions to ask your doctor

1. What steps can I take to stay healthy?

2. Am I at risk for any illnesses or diseases?

3. I’m worried about a specific part of my life. What should I do?

4. I can’t talk to my parents or teachers about my problems. Who can I talk to?

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Farmer charged for killing man with arrow and bow

A

Munroe Lawrence

farmer who shot and killed another man with an arrow and bow at Karaudanawa Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), was on Tuesday arraigned for the murder.

Fifty-year-old Munroe Lawrence of Karaudanawa Village, South Rupununi, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The police stated that between August 5 and 6, 2019, at Karaudanawa Village, South Rupununi, he murdered Pius Ernest.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield in presenting the facts of the case stated that the accused got upset after he

found out that his wife and Ernest were involved in a relationship.

The court was told that Lawrence followed his wife to Ernest’s home and hid in a clump of bushes with an arrow and bow. Lawrence, on seeing Ernest, fired the arrow from his bow which struck the victim to the chest.

The injured man fell to the ground but was picked up and taken to the Lethem Hospital where he was treated and admitted. He later succumbed and the matter was reported.

The suspect was arrested and during interrogation, the suspect admitted to the crime which he was accused of.

Lawrence was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for August 26, 2019.

NEWS 39

40 NEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Aviation Authority head warns of tough action against operators found breaching regulations

E

very aircraft that enters Guyana’s territory or flies within its borders must first have approval to do so from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

A stern reminder of this factor was made by Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field, during a recent interview with this publication.

Field said he has been informed that security businesses in particular have been seeking to upgrade their offering by adding the operation of drones and even helicopters to their services.

While he lauded this venture, since it means that locals are looking to expand their services and advance technologically, he was keen to note that before such services become operational, businesses must seek approval from the GCAA. “They will have to go through the process before they are allowed, if they are allowed, to fly.

They would have to go through the entire process of applying to the Authority, and also get the necessary permits and approval,” he ex-

Daubing…

I plained.

Field has warned that businesses choosing to disregard this requirement can face drastic consequences if they are found in the act, such as being prohibited from operating ever again.

“The consequences would be extremely drastic. If we learn of such operations, definitely they can be fined after court action.

Such operators could be banned for life,” he cautioned.

Asked if any such business has so far applied for a licence in this

regard, Field responded in the negative. He said he is unaware of any business having applied for a licence to perform these new functions. Guyana Times International has, in recent days, observed at least one security firm expressing an interest in enhancing its services to add quick response operations via helicopter.

That security company said it was expected to launch its service

by October 2019, but did not disclose whether it had already secured the requisite licence.

…doody

n Guyana, there’s an old, if earthy, saying that pithily summarises what’s going on today in our dear old mudland: “Takin’ yuh doody and daubin’ it pon yuh mattie backside!” How else can you describe the PNC saying that for not returning to the National Assembly and agreeing to an extension of time for elections, the PPP’s breaching the Constitution!!

Yep!! That’s what they said…and you can read all about it in Nagamootoo’s column and editorial in the Chronic. One wonders if this version of “33 not the majority of 65” originated with him. After all, he keeps insisting he’s a fiction writer – and even put his efforts in the same sentence mentioning the departure of the great Toni Morrison!!

Does he think this will get him the nod over Ramjattan as the PM footstool for the PNC in the next elections?

But what about his reaction right after the passage of the no-confidence motion back in Dec 21 2018? Didn’t he say his government would have to resign within three months to comply with Art 106 (6)? Didn’t he say, “Guyanese must understand that the democratic process is sometimes unpredictable.

You may have results that are not planned for… but the outcome has to be accepted… It may be a surprise to some, it may be a shock to others; it may be welcomed by some, and others may rejoice over the results, but that is how democracy works, and we are fully committed to the rule of law”?

Didn’t he plead, “We want our people to maintain the peace, the good order, the stability of our country.

We want nothing to happen in our society that will affect the stability and peace, and we want nothing to happen that will affect the business community in this particular period that you have bright business”? And now he’s demanding that it’s the PPP’s duty to return to Parliament and extend the time Government has already stolen? Even though the society is tense and business sucks?

So how’d they arrive at this oxymoron?? The PNC and Nagamootoo insist that Art 106 (6) and 106 (7) must be read together. Okay so far. But where they veer off into la-la land is when they insist that the observation in Art 106 (7), that the 3 months’ deadline of 106 (6) CAN be extended by a two-thirds majority vote, places a DUTY on the PPP to lend them their votes to get that majority!!

So they breach their Constitutional obligations by remaining in office beyond the allowed 3 months, and the PPP’s in breach if they don’t go along??

Is Nagamootoo back to imbibing bush rum from Whim??

…with the race brush

The PNC machinery is in high gear, daubing this newspaper with the race brush because it cited concerns that the Haitians pouring through Guyana might pose health risks. The Chronic reported NY Caribbean-descended lawmakers that such was the case.

But what’s so “racist” about raising these concerns When, according to SN, “Mabaruma Mayor Henry Smith yesterday warned that a health crisis may be looming in Region One, given the large number of Venezuelans who are illegally crossing the border”??

Was he being racist?? When the PNC-appointed REO seconded this stance, was he being racist?? Or is it that “racism” is okay if it’s against Venezuelan Amerindians?

The Ministry of Health agreed that these Haitian health concerns were “reasonable”. Were they racist??

On the concerns about cholera…doesn’t the bacteria survive in the infected for long periods??

Couldn’t they be transmitted to others who use overcrowded toilet facilities in the hotel rooms they’re herded into? Is it unreasonable that, apart from demanding cash, sex might be demanded from AIDS infected Haitian women?

The race card is being used to muzzle valid concerns.

…the victims

The Chronic also ran a human-interest piece about residents of Buxton reflecting on the killings and mayhem in their village. One called for a “COI” into the events – as did Jagdeo.

So why’s the PNC refusing?

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GPF pledges support to Commander after fire guts home

T

Commander Crystal Robinson

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has pledged its support to bring relief to G Division (Essequibo CoastIslands) Commander, Crystal Robinson and her family after her Stewartville, West Coast Demerara home was completely gutted by fire early Saturday morning.

In a statement to the press, the GPF said that a high-level team led by acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie on Saturday visited the burnt remains of Robinson’s home. “He [Hoppie] personally assured her of the Force administration‘s full support in bringing relief to the family at this most difficult time,” the missive read.

Along with the acting Commissioner, Crime Chief (ag) Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston; Deputy Commander of D Division, Superintendent Dion Moore; Personal Assistant to the Commissioner, Superintendent Allistair Roberts; Deputy Traffic Chief, Deputy

Superintendent Joseph Jack as well as other senior officers were present to lend their support.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service is yet to determine the cause of the fire which completely destroyed the twostorey building during the wee hours of Saturday.

The Commander in a brief interview on Monday explained that she has been staying with a relative in the same village since her home was destroyed. She said she is awaiting the GFS report before she begins reconstructing her house.

In an interview with this publication on Saturday, she had explained that she was at the Police Pageant at the National Cultural Centre when she received a call at about 12:30h informing her of the fire.

She explained that by the time she reached her Lot 154 Back Street, Stewartville, WCD, home, it was already completely engulfed in flames.

Firefighters, who arrived at the scene late, were also unable to save anything from the blaze.

She complained that the first fire tender got stuck in mud on its way to her home, while the second arrived without water. By the time the third one got there the house was already destroyed.

Robinson told this publication that she lived in that home for 51 years with her parents and other relatives. Luckily, none of the five occupants was at home at the time of the fire.

According to her, a neighbour observed flames in the garage of the house and contacted the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), which took some time before showing up at the scene.

Robinson said that three vehicles including PMM 7862, PSS 1387 and PVV 2106 were destroyed by the fire.

news 41

42 NEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

3 months later

Cops still to make breakthrough in murder of female taxi driver

A

lmost three months ago, 47-year-old female taxi driver, Indira Bipat was murdered, her body dumped in a ditch at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and her vehicle stolen from the crime scene but to date, no one has been arrested.

Police Commander of D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo), Edmond Cooper confirmed with Guyana Times International on Monday that at present, there are no solid leads as to who is responsible for the woman’s demise and stealing her car, but that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

He stated that this case will not be closed

until the police nab the guilty party/parties.

“We are still working on that. Nothing is really coming out right now.

But those matters, I am dealing with myself, because I don’t like leaving any stones unturned in my area at all.”

Commander Cooper reiterated that since the start of the case, investigators had been encountering some difficulties in nabbing the culprit(s) due to the manner in which the crime was executed.

“Right now we are looking desperately for the vehicle, we have contacted the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), even viewed the surveillance camera at the Demerara Harbour Bridge to see if the car

went across that side.

We are in contact with all the Police Commanders to see if somebody in the various districts might have had a car [looking] like that one and probably changed their chassis number and such,” he had previously explained to this publication.

On May 19 last, the body of Bipat, who was a part-time taxi driver, was found but the silver-grey Toyota Axio bearing registration number PXX 4114 that she was driving at the time of her death has disappeared.

Bipat, of Lot 18 Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, WBD, had left her home at about 17:30h on May 18 last, in her family’s silver-grey Toyota Axio bearing registration number PXX 4114.

After the woman failed to return home that evening and the following morning, her son told Guyana Times International that he filed a missing person’s report at the Vreed-enHoop Police Station.

While there, the young man revealed that he received a report from a female friend informing him that the body of a female had been found in a ditch at La Parfaite Harmonie.

As such, the family rushed to the scene and their worst fears were confirmed.

The post-mortem examination (PME) that was conducted on Bipat’s body revealed the cause of death as strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to the head

Murdered: Indira Bipat

Aviation inspectors to probe American Airlines U-turn to CJIA …to also review standard procedure of ensuring airworthiness of aircraft – GCCA

I

n the wake of Saturday’s incident involving American Airlines plane having to abort its flight, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will be examining this matter as a matter of procedure.

This is according to GCAA Director, Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Fields, who explained during an interview with this publication on Sunday the process his agency follows in such cases where a commercial aeroplane has developed technical problems mid-flight.

“In such cases, the report has to be submitted to the civil aviation authority, seeing as it was a loss of pressurisation, and then we will take it from there. Aviation inspectors will begin conducting their investigations,” he explained.

“They would have to report to the authority that the aircraft is airworthy before they depart… the inspectors of the civil aviation authority are very competent and efficient,” he said, adding that it is likely that such an investigation would be completed within a week or two.

This publication had reported on Sunday that an American Airline flight on its way to Miami had to abort its flight

GCAA Director, Col (ret’d) Egbert Fields

and return to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in the wee hours of Saturday morning, after losing cabin pressure mid-air.

Passengers spoke of feeling horror and the uncomfortable buildup of heat, preceding their mid-air U-turn.

“When the cabin pressure issue developed, the pilot advised us that we’re going to travel to Trinidad and that [Piarco] is large enough to accommodate an easy landing with the amount of fuel we had,” one passenger explained to this publication.

Meanwhile, another passenger interviewed by this newspaper related that the aeroplane cabin started to really heat up at approximately 10,000 feet in the air. She noted that the original plan was to divert from their direct pathway to Miami, to Trinidad.

“From the time it took off, I knew something was wrong. As we started ascending and we reached 10,000 feet, it started getting hot. The pilot said we’re going to go to Trinidad and get it fixed. I looked at my map and realised that we were turning back and

coming back to Guyana.”

“But we didn’t just come back to Guyana.

We had to burn the fuel.

To land with all that weight and bags, we had to burn the fuel. So we were circling and circling for two hours. For me, I’m happy we got safely on the ground.”

It was only on Thursday that another American Airlines flight was forced to divert from originally landing at CJIA, going all the way to Trinidad to land.

This time, reports indicate that CJIA’s lighting system for its runway experienced a failure, forc-

ing the airport to deploy temporary lights.

A senior airport official had explained to Guyana Times International that the runway light cables are usually ran underground but because of the ongoing extension works, temporary cables are being used. These, it was noted, were run to the extreme ends of the runway.

“That is just a temporary arrangement but when the runway is extended fully, [the cables] will go back down underground as it would normally be. The temporary cable got loose, it got slack and that caused the lights to go off physically and we had to use the portable lights,” the official said.

Nevertheless, the Airport Management assured in the missive on Friday that the portable runway lights that were used comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

This allowed for the departure of the Suriname Airways flight shortly after midnight and the arrival of Caribbean Airlines flight BW 605 from Port of Spain around 02:12h on Friday.

However, Thursday

night’s incoming American Airlines flight was diverted to Trinidad, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain and at the Timehri Airport in Guyana.

Passengers who were on the diverted flight complained of being left at the Trinidad airport for hours with little to no word from the flight crew or airline representatives. The same plights were experienced by passengers scheduled to depart Guyana with that same flight.

“I can’t comment on the decision taken by American Airlines [to divert] but our runway was operational,” the official contended.

CJIA has since assured that the main runway lighting system has since been repaired for operations.

According to the official, measures were also put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of Thursday’s incident.

Meanwhile, efforts by this newspaper to obtain a comment from American Airlines on the issues with their aircraft were futile.

It was only last year that American Airlines launched its flight services in Guyana.

NEWS 43

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Another major oil find offshore Guyana

By Jarryl Bryan

U

nited Kingdombased oil company Tullow has announced the discovery of oil in commercial quantities at the Jethro-1 exploration well in the Orinduik Block, becoming the second oil company to announce an oil find offshore Guyana.

This is the first discovery in the Orinduik Block, which is located in close proximity to the Stabroek Block – where United States oil giant ExxonMobil has already made 13 lucrative oil discoveries.

It is understood that the Jethro-1 well was drilled by the Stena Forth drillship to a total depth of 4400 metres in approximately 1350 metres of water.

According to a statement from the company, evaluation of the logging data confirmed that Jethro-1 comprises highquality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs of Lower Tertiary age, which simply means they date back to millions of years ago.

According to the statement, the well encountered 55m of net oil pay, which indicates a recoverable oil resource estimate that exceeds Tullow’s pre-drill forecast of 100 million barrels of oil.

News of the find created waves in financial centres around the world, as well as international news outlets.

Tullow’s shares had jumped by over 19 per cent on the London Stock Exchange. In fact, it was the biggest gainer on the index.

In the company’s press release, Tullow’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul McDade, was quoted as praising the oil discovery as a great start to their drilling campaign in Guyana. He noted the significant technical work that went into their exploration activities.

“This substantial and high-value oil discovery in Guyana is an outcome of the significant technical and commercial focus which has underpinned the reset of our exploration portfolio. It is an excellent start to our drilling campaign in the highly prolific Guyana oil province.”

“We look forward to drilling both the Joe and Carapa prospects in our 2019 drilling campaign and the material followup exploration potential in both the Orinduik and Kanuku licenses,” McDade was quoted as saying in the release.

Exploration licence M e a n w h i l e , Tullow’s Head of Communications, George

Tullow Head of Communications, George Cazenove

Cazenove explained in an interview with this publication that while Tullow currently has an exploration licence, the company first needs to fully determine the potential commerciality of the block and put plans in place before they seek a production licence.

“After one exploration well, we are some way from that despite the success we have had.

The focus, for now, remains exploration with the Joe well [Orinduik] and Carapa well [Kanuku] coming up and we will do more exploration in 2020.”

Major development In a statement on Monday, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe said that the discovery was a major development for the country as it adds to the further de-risking of the deep and ultra-deep zone.

“The Department of Energy is encouraged by the prolific rate of discovery in the CRG and will continue to work assiduously and conscientiously to extract optimum value from these resources for all the peoples of our country,” Bynoe said.

He noted that it also offers significant potential for the diversification of Guyana’s hydrocarbon production base. With this significant find, it is expected that Tullow will now evaluate the data from the Jethro-1 discovery and consequentially carry out an appraisal.

Other projects It is understood that the UK-based company also has plans to drill two more wells offshore Guyana. These plans include the Joe prospect in the Orinduik Block, while the Carapa 1 will be drilled later this year on the adjacent Kanuku Block.

The Joe is located in approximately 650 metres of water and costs approximately US$3 million to drill. A recent-

ly published report from international company Gustavson Associates had estimated that the well has a 43.2 per cent chance of success.

The Orinduik oil block is just a few kilometres from Exxon’s discoveries in the Liza and Payara fields. It is un-

Tullow CEO Paul McDade

der the administration of Eco Guyana and Tullow, who signed a 10-year Petroleum Prospecting licence and Production Sharing Agreement with Guyana in 2016. French firm Total E&P Activities Petrolieres entered the fray in 2017, partnering with Eco with the option

to get a 25 per cent share in the block.

Tullow had announced since February that it was bringing forward its drilling programme from the previously scheduled end of the year to the second quarter. It had announced that the Jethro

prospect would be drilled in June.

On the other hand, it was announced that its Carapa prospect in Kanuku would be drilled in the third quarter of 2019. It is understood that the net cost of the Jethro well is US$30 million, while the Carapa well will cost US$20 million.

Tullow Guyana BV is the operator of the Orinduik Block, with a 60 per cent stake.

Total E&P Guyana BV holds 25 per cent with the remaining 15 per cent being held by Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. This configuration can all change, however, as it was recently announced that Qatar’s state oil company is looking to enter into Guyana’s oil market with a farm-in deal through Total that could see them obtaining stakes in both the Orinduik and Kanuku Blocks.

44 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana receives int’l help to fight paddy bug infestation T

he Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has received assistance from its international partner, the Latin-American Fund for Irrigated Rice also known as FLAR, to tackle the current infestation of paddy bugs which has been affecting farmers in all the rice-producing regions.

Farmers are, however, not accepting the suggestions being put forward by the team of experts.

The team spent one week in Guyana visiting rice fields and meeting with farmers.

Rice farmer and Extension Officer of the GRDB, Ramlagan Singh told this newspaper that

Agriculture engineer Santiago Jaramillo Cardona

one week was not enough to grasp the magnitude of the problem of the infestation of the dreaded bugs.

The two-man team from FLAR consists of entomologist and researcher, Dr Ed Pulver along with agricultural engineer Santiago Jaramillo Cardona.

When the team met with rice farmers at Number 63 Village, some farmers explained that they have tried some of the suggestions made in the control of the dreaded paddy bugs, but those practices all failed.

At the end of the oneweek visit, the team put forward a report indicating the contributory factors which have caused the current infestation of party bags. They stated that a biological imbalance coming from an

over-dependence and insecticides has created the conditions in which the paddy bugs are now thriving to the detriment of the rice crop.

The team has suggested that an integrated pest management approach be adopted.

Way forward

In fact, Santiago Cardona stated that it is the only way forward.

“The only war at this way that farmers are fighting paddy bugs is with chemicals. They need to focus on better pest management practices because insecticides are not the only answer. We need to start looking at planting dates, seed treatment

Paddy bugs in the field

and biological control to avoid excessive application of insecticides.” He said the farmers also have to take care of the natural insects that live in the rice fields. This, he added, will guarantee a balance in the ecosystem. He also stressed that the time of planting is also a critical factor in the management of paddy bugs. He also recommends that farmers first treat the paddy seeds while also placing emphasis on the time of planting.

“Those who plant late are more susceptible,” the FLAR team reported.

However, the farmers argued that even those that would have planted early were affected in the same way by the party bugs.

Recommendations

General Manager of the GRDB, Nazim Hassan noted some of the recommendations by the FLAR will be implemented by the GRBD. “Coming out of this visit, we will have a revised, revamped agronomic practices approach for our farmers.

This will be rolled out almost immediately and willed through over the next few rainy seasons as we move to address the incidences of paddy bugs; not only paddy bugs but any other insect pest that may be affecting rice and also as we move to further enhance the productivity of rice being produced in Guyana.”

Most of the rice in the cultivation area is heading into the flowering stage – this is when the plants are more vulnerable to the dreaded paddy

bugs.

According to Hassan, the bugs are being found on mares, in trenches and abundant rice fields.

He added that the GRDB had commenced a programme of spraying dams and other areas where the bugs are said to be laying eggs.

However, Ramlagan Singh believes that the GRDB is executing a publicity stunt.

“Unfortunately, it was disclosed that the chemical finished [and] the motor-blower that they bought is minimal and cannot do the exercise,” he said.

Another farmer, Hemchan Doolchand of Number 69 Village, who has 240 acres under cultivation, said he has visited all of the outlets along the upper and central Corentyne and cannot find the insecticide which the FLAR experts recommended.

Meanwhile, the GRDB is encouraging farmers not to spray their fields during the young stages of rice, saying that this will encourage the build-up of the insects. The FLAR team also found that the insecticides being used are killing all insects including bugs which are natural enemies of the paddy bug. They said it might take two to three crops before normalcy can be returned.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put a hold on aerial spraying of rice.

During the last rice crop in the 52-74 area, where 15,000 acres were under rice cultivation, 25 per cent of the harvested rice had to be dumped.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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46 NEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaica PM says no child should be denied education due to fees J

amaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness says no child should be denied access to an education due to obligatory prohibitive fees being charged by schools.

“I'm not saying that the parents must not contribute, but sometimes, we miss the bigger picture (which) is to make sure that no child, regardless of the income status of your household is in any way deprived of an education,” he said.

The prime minister was speaking at a Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards function at Jamaica House yesterday.

Holness said he is

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness

aware that primary schools have begun to charge fees which some parents are unable to afford.

“Whether it is ancillary or auxiliary, or registration – whatever fee it is, I am putting the primary schools on no-

tice, that… I'm seeing an increased number of requests for assistance to pay for registration packages,” he said.

The prime minister stressed that at the primary level, the criteria for enrolment “should never be that the parent can afford it. The criterion for enrolment is your proximity to the school.”

He said that while he understands that principals are competing and are trying to improve their school, “it cannot be at the expense of having every child being enrolled with an equitable chance in a school.”

Holness noted that at the secondary level,

the Government's support to schools has increased dramatically since the introduction of the no tuition policy.

He said last year, the Government spent $34.1 billion on secondary education, which amounted to about $170,000 per child.

“We are not telling you that it is adequate, but…we're now seeing universal secondary education, meaning every child can now get access to…a seven-year secondary (education).

If you allow fees to become a consideration that will defeat the purpose,” he pointed out.

“The objective, as it was when we start-

ed Common Entrance… to when we changed over to the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) to now having PEP, is to get all Jamaicans into the education system, with a fair chance of getting a solid education,” he emphasised.

The awards ceremony recognised 15 children of staff from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Office of the Cabinet, who were successful in their PEP exams this year.

During the event, the prime minister presented the students with book vouchers for backto-school.

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyana’s First Lady encourages youths to use ICT as tool for development

First Lady Sandra Granger along with officials and participants of the training

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger on Tuesday encouraged a group of young people of Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), to take Information and Communication Technology (ICT) seriously and to utilise it as a tool for developing the region.

She made these statements in her address at the opening of her ICT workshop, held in the Education Boardroom at Kamarang.

“You have to prepare yourself as the young people who will inherit this country to be always learning… I want you to recognise also, how serious we are about this programme… It is a time for you to learn and also to build networks among

Some of the young people who were part of the ICT training

yourselves so that you can plan how you are going to move forward and you can move forward and hopefully gain some money,” the First Lady

said.

The First Lady cautioned the participants that although there is much excitement and anticipation about the oil

and gas sector, there are several other avenues for earning.

“Everybody is excited about oil and gas, but I want you to remember,

not everybody [should] be going into the oil and gas industry, people who are working in the industry have to be fed, they will need services, so you could focus on agriculture… How do you set up the systems where you could move your produce from farm to airstrip, to Georgetown or wherever it is?” she said.

Former Vice Chairman of CuyuniMazaruni, Norma Thomas, speaking on behalf of the Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, commended the First Lady for holding the ICT workshop in the region.

“Thank you so much.

Let’s continue this way…

We want such leaders that are action people, like the First Lady, who

has put everything in place,” she said.

A participant, Barbalee John, is thankful for the knowledge that she will get from the training.

“I think it is helpful…

I can teach the children how to use a computer… [and help] with typing and so, to do records… these days people want computerised work and I think in that way I can help,” she highlighted.

Senior Technical Officer of the Board of Industrial Training, Rondell Jordon; Regional Vice Chairperson, Olinda Kyrenhoff-Griffith; Toshao of Kamarang, Clifford Melville and Vice Toshao, McNeil Reid also attended the ceremony.

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Pragmatic multiracial politics Still clueless…

T

…after all these years

here was a soiree in Buxton dubbed “The Coming Elections and the African Guyanese Emancipation Agenda”. Your Eyewitness was intrigued by one of the speakers on the panel, Carl Greenidge, who’s now “Foreign Secretary” – after he refused to give up his British citizenship and had to (supposedly) relinquish his job as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

At the time he resigned, Greenidge insisted he’d renounce his British citizenship after the Court cases on the NCM were done with. But that just didn’t make any sense, did it? After all, no one had challenged the clear declaration of the Constitution – affirmed by Justice George in the High Court – that dual citizens weren’t eligible to become MP’s. The reassignment was just a sleight of hand to let him have his cake and eat it too – with just a little less of the icing that came with the Ministerial designation.

But the question that popped into your Eyewitness’ mind was how could the organisers of the Buxton Emancipation event invited a fella who put his British citizenship ahead of his Guyanese one, to pontificate on an “African Guyanese Emancipation Agenda”?? What was the point of Emancipation if not for us as Guyanese to proudly rule our own country??

Were they comfortable with the fella’s divided loyalty – even when the Constitution of our land isn’t??

Well, it soon became clear those concerns were spot on. In his presentation, Greenidge absolutely rejected the notion that some of our poor should get an annual lump-sum stipend from the coming oil revenues. But that wasn’t all – he claimed the reason for his stance was that the folks who were working would be resentful of those who got this “free money” …and it would be a disincentive to them to keep on working!! Did he ever think that the “free money” he and the rest of the Cabinet received in their 50% unilateral salary increase, might’ve been a disincentive to all of Guyana??

But there was more to come. Greenidge had the gall to tell the Buxtonians that Guyana should use its oil revenues to invest in Exxon stocks!! No wonder this guy presided over the bankruptcy of Guyana in the 1980’s. Did he read the latest assessment of Exxon’s stock?

“Exxon stock is on a downward trend with no pattern in sight, and the Dow Jones component has a very weak long-term RS line. Exxon earnings are volatile. Both earnings and XOM stock swing with crude oil prices. That can mean rapid short-term gains but also abrupt sell-offs.

Investors can find companies with stronger, moreconsistent earnings growth and better stock technical.

Bottom line: Exxon stock is not a buy”. But not to clueless Greenidge!!

…on sugar

The strike by the cane cutters at Albion emphasised the cluelessness of the Government on sugar. Imagine there’s been no revision of their harvesting rates since 2014 and now the powersthat-be insist the weekly targets to earn their API must be increased!! More work for less pay…while the public servants have now been promised a fiveyear wage package by Winston Jordan!!

At the stratospheric levels of the SPU that was formed to divest the four closed estates, that’s ground to a halt after prospective bidders showed no slightest interest in what Winston Jordan described as “scrap iron”!! What did they expect to happen to factories that are abandoned for years to the elements?? It’s a good thing they didn’t take the marks to see the abandoned cane fields— they would’ve needed St Patrick to drive out the snakes from the “bush”, which the fields have deteriorated into.

And let’s not talk about the interest on the G$30B borrowed to “diversify” the industry. Another G$1.5Billion due…and not “hassa” produced!!

…on crime

Public Security Minister must’ve given up on his 2 am curfew to solve Guyana’s crime tsunami.

According to the Chronic, he’s got a new “exciting” plan— “…to use primary and secondary school children to help determine the root causes of crime”!!

By Ravi Dev

O

nce again, we’re witnessing frantic handwringing at the expressions of racial cleavages – even in our youths – during the present electoral mobilisation. And this is in the face of the APNU implicitly admitting it was African/Mixed-dominated and coalescing with the AFC’s supposedly “Indian” representation, after the PPP/C’s decades-long “Civic” component, to create “multi-racial” entities.

But what is a “multiracial” party/entity? Is it one in which the leaders are drawn from all or most of the various racial/ethnic blocs constituting our polity? Is it one that has members drawn from all those groups? Do the proportions have to roughly mirror their composition or will any assorted agglomeration do? Or does it mean the interests of all the groups must be expressly articulated and represented? Should those interests be subsumed under some notion of a “national” interest? Who defines that “national” interest?

And so on.

In Guyana, all parties before ROAR insisted they were “multiracial” by taking special pains to recruit individuals from all the major race groups in their executive and courting voters from across the racial/ethnic spectrum.

They constructed “national” manifestos.

Yet when elections came around, most people invariably voted for one of the two major parties which were firmly identified with, specific ethnic bloc – the PPP with Indian-Guyanese and the PNC with African-Guyanese.

This even occurred with the carefully crafted “multiracial” AFC in 2006, which has now been reduced to “dead meat”.

So, where did these “multiracial parties” go wrong? The question harks back to the root of what constitutes “representation” in our “representative democracy”. The favoured answer, by both Liberals

and Marxists, was the “representation of ideas”. That is, once the interests of the group are articulated, then anyone could “speak” for the group. By constructing “national” platforms in personnel and content, both the PPP and the PNC (now with the AFC) claimed to be capable of speaking for “all”.

Yet, based on what has transpired before and since 2015, it is obvious the people were getting “ethnic” signals for the fissures to be as pronounced as they are today.

So how do we arrive at “multiracial” politics that can represent all the groups to their satisfaction? First, there has to be acceptance that “multiracial” parties are supposed to only be waystations to “multiracial” governments. We can look at what took place in the present APNU/AFC coalition for some clues why this failed. From the onset, the PNC – strongly supported by the WPA elements in APNU – gave strong representation to their traditional African-Guyanese base – politically, socially, culturally and economically.

The AFC, however, at no time made representations on behalf

of the Indian-Guyanese they had brought over to tip the elections for their coalition. A clear opportunity presented itself when the Government went against the advice of their own CoI and shuttered four sugar estates and put 7000 workers on the bread lines.

The AFC not only stood mute but supported the unilateral move.

A multiracial/multi-ethnic entity must explicitly articulate the interests of the several constituent groups it purports to represent. This could be done, as by the Democratic Party in the US, by having specific “caucuses” for African and Hispanic voters that explicitly represent “their” people.

There is no shame in this approach or apologies to be made. It is now conceded that in addition to the old “representation of ideas”, there is the need for “representation by presence”, especially for those who have been excluded or have experienced unique defining experiences. Can’t we at least go this far in Guyana?

After the AFC’s experience with the PNC, the PPP— which had insisted there must be “trust” generated between itself and the PNC before they would consider working out a modus vivendi with them on any joint governance— can now say “We told you so!” as they work furiously to broaden their representation in other groups.

But they should not repeat the mistake of its Civic experiment, lest they again be accused of tokenism. “Representation by presence” by its operation, has its own liberating potential when done openly.

We have to work with the material we have. Politics has to be pragmatic, in the philosophical sense of the word. Ethnic politics does not only arise because of the manipulation of ethnic elites, it survives because it is entwined with the identities and self-worth of the constituent groups. It will not go away.

Cancer second cause of death in the Caribbean

B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Cancer has become the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean and despite this growing burden, many Caribbean small island nations have health systems that struggle to provide optimal cancer care for their populations.

In a paper published in the Lancet, one of the world's leading general medical journal, Dr Glennis Andall-Brereton, senior technical officer for non-communicable diseases at the Trinidadbased Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) notes “cancer causes a fifth of deaths in the Caribbean region and its incidence is increasing”.

In the paper titled "Cancer Control in the Caribbean island countries and territories: some progress but the journey continues,” which she co-authored, it is noted that the incidence and mortality patterns of cancer in the Caribbean reflect globally widespread epidemiological transitions, and show cancer profiles that are unique to the region.

“Providing comprehensive and

locally responsive cancer care is particularly challenging in the Caribbean because of the geographical spread of the islands, the frequently under-resourced health-care systems, and the absence of a cohesive approach to cancer control.

“In many Caribbean countries and territories, cancer surveillance systems are poorly developed, advanced disease presentations are commonplace, and access to cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment is often suboptimal, with many patients w i t h cancer seeking treatment abroad.

“Capacity building across the cancer-control continuum in the region is urgently needed and can be accomplished through collaborative efforts and increased invest-

ment in health care and cancer control,” the paper noted.

This third paper is part of a five-part series titled “Cancer Control in Small Island Nations” and places emphasis on the crucial role of collaborative approaches, including through funding and investment opportunities with more developed countries, to create comprehensive cancer control programmes to improve cancer planning, prevention, and treatment in these under-resourced small island nations The fourth paper is titled “Advancing cancer care and prevention in the Caribbean: a survey of strategies for the re- gion” and it identifies several promising initiatives to improve cancer prevention and treatment that have emerged across CARICOM countries.

48 Bollywood

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ohn Abraham’s upcoming film Batla House is based on the 2008 Batla House encounter. The Nikkhil Advani directorial is set to release on August 15.

Abraham, who has previously collaborated with Advani on Satyamev Jayate, is essaying the role of DCP Sanjeev Kumar in the police drama. In an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com, the actor opened up about the responsibility of portraying a real-life character.

Here are excerpts from the conversation: Q. Is it difficult to play a real-life character?

The pressure is actually a lot more. When I played Manya Surve (Shootout at Wadala), the character didn’t exist or rather had passed away. Whereas playing a role based on Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, a real-life officer, is a big responsibility. He is still operating from Delhi Special Cell. There is an added pressure that even if no one else does, at least he

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

should feel that I played him right.

Q. Today we have a lot of films based on real life incidents. You have been a part of such movies, and now Batla House. How do you look at this changing scenario?

I think with films like Article 15, Super 30 and Uri: The Surgical Strike, we are telling good stories now. I would like to believe that Batla House is one of those exceptionally good stories that is being told. I don’t think it is a trend. I think we must do what we believe in doing. If you want to make a film on a reallife character’s story or an incident, you make it.

You want to tell a fictitious story, you make it.

Everything is working today.

Q. Once counted among the poster boys of action films, you have, in the past few years, veered towards films with a patriotic und e r -

tone.

I am starting Mumbai Saga, so now I am really a bad guy! Pagalpanti is a comedy. I think you must do what makes you happy. I am doing exactly that, and not only patriotic films. But I also don’t think loving one’s country requires any effort. Playing these characters comes naturally to me as I love playing them.

Let me talk about Batla House. When I read the script for the first time, it was an edge of the seat thriller for me. So even if you don’t care about the Batla House incident, the film works for you. Nikkhil and Ritesh have put in four years of research into t h e

film so there is some kind of credibility. This is not only an edge of the seat thriller, but also when you walk out from the theater after watching the film, you scratch your head saying, “this was true ya!”

Q. The Batla House encounter has been controversial.

I met

Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. I asked him about the encounter and what actually happened after the encounter. Sanjeev told me that he had PTSD and that he wanted to commit suicide. As you see in the film’s trailer, it happened in real life too. The day he went for the Batla House encounter, his wife wanted to leave him. He was going through so much in his personal life. Then the encounter happened and PTSD followed. It became irresistible for me to play the character because it had so many shades to it.

I think more of his personal life is the real story of the film. I have seen the encounter as an encounter. However, Nikkhil had maintained from the very start that this is not just an encounter, it is a love story. The way Mrunal has played the wife Nandini is phenomenal. She is such a great actor. She is playing a

journalist because in real life too Sanjeev Kumar’s wife is a journalist. It is such a great story to tell because these characters are sketched out of real life.

Q. Many men in uniform don’t get the kind of psychological health care they deserve. What do you have to say about it?

Not only the police, I think all of us need counselling at some point in our lives. We think it is a disease and we shouldn’t work on it. At times, we are too scared to talk about it.

In the case of cops, the trauma is even more because they go out not knowing if they are going to come back. They don’t have holidays. They are over worked. And, to top it all, military, navy and air force personnel are respected, but not the cops. Why? People will only be entertained by the Singhams and the Simmbas, but will still not respect the cops.

Batla House is an opportunity for us to show the true side of a policeman.

“The journey was really fruitful from the theatre days to films. I am still enjoying that journey. I still have that childlike quality.

I still get excited when the poster or the trailer comes out and equally nervous when the film releases. I think it’s important to maintain that,” he added.

As he was congratulated for his National Film Award win, the actor shared with the media how he was sure he would get one for Vicky Donor too.

“National Film Award is a part of the bucket list of every actor. When you come to Mumbai, you

think one day you will be honoured with the National Film Award.

And when you don’t think about it, you get it. I was sure I would get for Vicky Donor. Annu Kapoor got it! When you don’t do films with that agenda, you just do your work with honesty and you get it. I am blessed that I have been working with great directors,” Ayushmann concluded.

The upcoming romantic comedy, directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, also stars Arbaaz Khan and Nushrat Bharucha.

It is slated to release on September 13. (Indian Express)

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icha Chadha and Akshaye Khanna will be seen next in upcoming courtroom drama Section 375, directed by Ajay Bahl. The film’s team, along with the star cast, launched the trailer of the film in Mumbai on Tuesday. At the event, Richa was asked how she chooses her roles.

The actor said, “I don’t strategise so much. I don’t think any actor thinks so much. Actually good scripts are so few and far between that when you get a good script, you become greedy as an actor. Everybody on this stage is somebody I wanted to work with.”

Talking about the kind of roles she has portrayed in the past, Richa Chadha stated that her roles have been quite ‘atrangi’. She added that playing a public prosecutor in this film has been her most normal choice.

“All the characters I have played have been ‘atrangi’ (starkly different). I am only a lawyer here, not a pimp, a drug

dealer or a girl who abuses. So I was excited about that also. When it comes to this character, every girl will relate to it.

It is about why you fight so aggressively about something you believe in. As a woman, you can relate to it because we read in the newspapers so often (about abuse and rape), and we all have had experiences of harassment,” Chadha added.

Richa Chadha then opened up about how, while shooting for the film, she broke down once because a dialogue that she had to say reminded her of a personal experience.

“I even broke down once on the sets.

While saying a dialogue, something touched me so much that I was not able to utter a word after that. This was a challenging role. I totally believe in my role and this film,” the Section 375 actor concluded.

Section 375 releases on September 13. (Indian Express)

t took Ayushmann Khurrana eight years to make his Bollywood debut and seven years to achieve the level of success he has had lately. The actor is happy that he took baby steps to get where he is today.

Ayushmann was recently conferred with the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Sriram Raghavan’s dark comedy Andhadhun.

At the trailer launch of his upcoming film Dream Girl, Ayushmann recalled his 15-year-long journey in showbiz.

“Vicky Donor trailer was played in this auditorium and I just walked the same aisle. I was telling this to my manager that this was like deja vu and that I hope this film also becomes a success. It’s been a hardearned success. I am glad I took baby steps to success, and not just a phenomenal rise, which just makes me more calm and keeps my head above my shoulders,” the actor said.

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arry Styles has passed on playing Prince Eric in Disney’s upcoming live-action version of The Little Mermaid.

Sources told The Wrap, the singer-actor is a fan of the project but “respectfully declined” essaying the role.

The reports of Styles being in negotiations for the part surfaced in July.

On Tuesday, both AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas incorrectly tweeted that the singer had been cast in the role. Both theatre chains later deleted the posts.

The former One Direction member would have featured opposite R&B singer Halle Bailey of Chloe x Halle fame who is on board to play the title role of mermaid Ariel.

Styles made his acting debut with Christopher Nolan’s World War II drama Dunkirk in 2017.

For The Little Mermaid, Melissa McCarthy is already in talks to play Ursula and Javier Bardem for King Triton.

Also in negotiations to feature in the film are Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay, who will lend their voices to Scuttle and Flounder, respectively.

Rob Marshall is directing from David Magee’s script. (Indian Express)

iam Hemsworth on Tuesday broke his silence on his split from Miley Cyrus saying he wished the singer “health and happiness”.

The 29-year-old actor took to Instagram to speak out about the couple’s separation barely seven months after they tied the knot in a private ceremony.

“Hi all, just a quick note to say that Miley and I have recently separated and I wish her nothing but health and happiness going forward,” Liam wrote alongside a picture of a sunset at the beach.

A

day after the news of Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth parting ways made headlines, the singer apparently addressed their split in a social media post, saying “change is inevitable” and it is futile to fight evolution.

The on-again, off-again couple tied the knot seven months ago in a private ceremony.

Cyrus, 26, shared a post on Instagram in which she appears to be on a nature trek.

“Don’t fight evolution, because you will never win. Like the moun-

“This is a private matter and I have not made, nor will I be making, any comments to any journalists or media outlets. Any reported quotes attributed to me are false.

Peace and

Love,” he added.

A representative of Miley, 26, confirmed the news to People magazine over the weekend.

“Liam and Miley have agreed to separate at this time. Everevolving, changing as partners and individuals, they have decided this is what’s best while they both focus on themselves and careers,” the rep said in a statement.

On Monday, the singer apparently addressed the break-up in a social media post, saying “change is inevitable” and it is futile to fight evolution.

(Indian Express)

tain I am standing on top of, which was once under water, connected with Africa, change is inevitable. The Dolomites were not created overnight; it was over millions of years that this magnificent beauty was formed.

“My dad always told me ‘Nature never hurries but it is always on time’… it fills my heart with peace and hope knowing that is true. I was taught to respect the planet and its process and I am committed to doing the same with my own…” the singer wrote alongside her photo.

A representative of Cyrus confirmed the news to People magazine over the weekend.

“Liam and Miley have agreed to separate at this time. Ever-evolving, changing as partners and individuals, they have decided this is what’s best while they both focus on themselves and careers.

“They still remain dedicated parents to all of their animals they share while lovingly taking this time apart. Please respect their process and privacy,” the representative said in a statement. (Indian Express)

also the biggest non-Marvel and non-Star Wars film at the worldwide box office to date.

This is despite mixed reviews of the film. The movie holds a 52 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation site. The consensus reads, “While it can take pride in its visual achievements, the Lion King is a by-the-numbers retelling that lacks the energy and heart that made the original so beloved–though for some fans that may just be enough.”

The Indian Express film critic Shalini Langer gave The Lion King 3.5 stars. She wrote, “Where the film is allowed a freer hand is in

re-imagining characters other than Simba, Mufasa and Scar. Updated, with newer scenes and more dialogues, all make an impact, from Knowles’s more assertive Nala, to Rogen-Eichner’s banter as PumbaaTimon, and Keegan-Michael Key and Eric André’s riffs as the scaryas-ever hyenas.”

“And that tuft of Simba’s hair, floating back to the Pride Lands, being picked up by Rafiki, and sending a ripple of hope through the kingdom ravaged by Scar since killing Mufasa? Well, this time it makes its way there travelling right down and up the food chain,” she added. (Indian Express)

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ctor Paul Walker’s brother Cody has teased that the star’s Fast and Furious character, Brian O’Conner, can return to the action franchise in future.

Walker, who played Brian in six Fast and Furious movies, died in 2013 in a car accident at the age of 40.

The actor’s brothers Cody and Caleb stepped in to finish the filming for Furious 7, which sees the character decide to retire and spend time with his family.

“You know there’s a lot of things that are said about the franchise, there’s a lot of rumours going around. I think anything is possible and we’ll see what the future

has in store. There are a lot of things that are said out there.

“There’s a rumour that the franchise might go to outer space next, so you never know Nothing is off the table, never say never,” Cody told Metro. co.uk when asked about O’Conner joining the gang in the upcoming films.

The ninth Fast & Furious movie is also filming in London at the moment, while the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw has just hit the theatres.

Cody is currently busy planning a motoring-themed event dedicated to Paul that raises money for the Paul Walker Foundation.

(Indian Express)

he House of Mouse continues to have a dream year at the box office. 2019’s The Lion King is the fifth film to move past 1 billion dollars mark worldwide, and four of those films are Disney’s.

The photorealistic remake of the 1994 classic The Lion King has also overtaken Frozen to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. So far, the Jon Favreau directorial has grossed 1.33 billion dollars globally according to Box Office Mojo, thus beating Frozen’s 1.27 billion dollars.

The Lion King features the voices of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver and Beyoncé KnowlesCarter. James Earl Jones reprises his role from the original film as Mufasa.

There has been a debate as to whether The Lion King (2019) is live-action since save for one brief shot of the African sunrise, everything else, including animals, environments, trees, grasses was created in the studio using 3D rendering software. It might look real, but it is still animated.

Domestically (in North America) The Lion King has earned 473.10 million dollars. The Lion King is

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Former Blairmont Cricket to return to player blasts fastest Commonwealth Games in century in New York 2022 with women's T20s Cricket League D erick Narine of the Bachan Cricket Club, playing in the New York Cricket League (NYCL), has blasted a 49-ball 108 in a face-off match against the in-form Phoenix Cricket Club played recently at the Baisley Pond in Queens, New York, USA. Hailing from the Blairmont Centre Cricket Club (BCCC) on the West Bank of Berbice, Narine represented Berbice and even Guyana at junior level cricket tournaments before migrating to the USA, where he now plays cricket for the Bachan Cricket Club in the NYCL. In the 30-over match in which Narine excelled, Phoenix won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Amarnath Persaud and Raju Sookhdeo put together a 50-run partnership before things changed when Kevin Jawahir struck in the same over to remove both openers for 29 and 13 respectively.

From there it was a downhill battle for Phoenix, and they struggled to hold wickets together. Subhas Persaud then came on the attack and wrecked further havoc on the Phoenix, leaving them totally demoralised.

The only highlight of the Phoenix innings was Kumar Joseph’s 19-ball 30, before they were bundled out for 155 in 29.2 overs.

Bowling for Bachan, Persaud returned figures

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Derick Narine

of 4-20; Jawahir, 3-24; Sudesh Dhaniram, 2-26; and Narine, 1-25.

Needing 156 runs from 30 overs at a run rate of 5.2 runs per over, Bachan openers Javed Karim and Derick Narine spared no bowler. Karim unfortunately spent little time at the crease, falling for 21 with the score at 118-1 in 10.4 overs.

Despite that loss,

Narine continued his onslaught to bring up his century in grand fashion.

He took his team over the line in 14.3 overs with the score on 156-1, and remained unbeaten on 108 from 49 deliveries when the match ended in victory for the Bachan team.

Narine now has the record for scoring the fastest half- century and century in this league.

ricket is set to make a reappearance at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) for the upcoming edition - Birmingham 2022 - with the top eight international women's teams from among countries that come under the Commonwealth ambit competing in the T20 format over eight days, with all matches taking place at Edgbaston.

The game, then in the 50-over format, last featured in the CWG back in 1998, in Kuala Lumpur, with South Africa winning the gold medal after beating Australia in the final by four wickets.

"Today is an historic day and we are delighted to welcome the sport of cricket back to the Commonwealth Games," Dame Louise Martin, president of the CWG Federation, said in a statement.

The ICC will lend support to the federation by overseeing the staging

of the competition, apart from providing match officials.

Amy Satterthwaite, the New Zealand women captain, was among the first to react after the news came out, calling it an "important milestone for the game".

"To expose the women's game to such a different global audience, and to be part of such a prestigious event such as the Commonwealth Games - it's a huge boost at a time of real momentum," she said. "Having the opportunity to play against countries we currently don't usually compete with will be unique and only a good thing for the growth of the game."

The growth of the game and it's increasing popularity were major factor in the first-ever standalone ICC Women's World T20 being staged in the Caribbean last November, with another edition set to be held in Australia in March 2020.

"This is a truly historic moment for women's cricket and for the global cricket community, who were united in their support of this bid," ICC's chief executive Manu Sawhney said.

"Women's cricket continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted and honoured the Commonwealth Games Associations voted to include Women's T20 cricket at Birmingham 2022.

"Fast and exciting, the T20 format is the perfect fit for the Commonwealth Games and offers another chance to showcase women's cricket on the global stage as part of our ambitious plans to accelerate the growth of the game, whilst inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

All the players who are lucky enough to compete at Birmingham 2022 will be part of a truly memorable experience."

(ESPNCricinfo)

Guyanese team ready to take on CAREBACO Championships A

The Guyana Badminton team and Coach

badminton team from Guyana will be among those from 17 countries that would be participating in the Caribbean International Badminton Championships, scheduled to be hosted at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Barbados from August 15-25, 2019.

The championships will see participation from top senior & junior badminton players, and the Guyanese contingent will comprise of 2018 Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Priyanna Ramdhani; Tyrese Jeffrey, Akili Haynes, National Senior Champion Narayan Ramdhani, and Jonathan Mangra.

Gokarn Ramdhani will act as the Coach/Manager of the team.

At last year’s championships held in Suriname, Guyanese players copped 13 medals (5 gold, 2 silver & 6 bronze), and are hoping to repeat this feat this year because they have been in intense training twice daily

over the past weeks.

The 17 countries involved in this tournament are: Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Jamaica, Panama, Canada, USA, Finland, Italy, Poland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, England, Mongolia, and Germany.

CAREBACO is an Olympic qualifier tournament that allows players from around the world to get much needed playing time and international exposure in order to get higher world ranking points.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is hereby extending its gratitude to those who pledged and supported its ascension to these Championships. Some of those persons and entities are: National Sports Commission, Demerara Bank & Dr Yesu Persaud, Nevell Osman, SOL and Ayanna Watson, Gaico & Komal Singh, Da Silva’s Optical and Phillip Da Silva, and the GOA and Kalam Juman-Yassin.

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CPL 2019: St Lucia Zouks to replace St Lucia Stars T

he St Lucia Zouks will replace the St Lucia Stars for the 2019 CPL season following the recent termination of the participation agreement with the company operating the Stars franchise. The Zouks will be playing matches in St Lucia and across the Caribbean in this year’s CPL which takes place from 4 September to 12 October, according to an article on the CPL website.

The Zouks was the name of the St Lucia franchise when it was founded in 2013 and it still resonates with cricket fans around the world. St Lucia is one of four islands in the Caribbean known for its zouk music, making it the perfect name for the St Lucian team. The logo is a colourful mixture of blues and yellows with a flame symbol that is derived from the national coat of arms, representing a desire to win.

The Zouks will be playing 10 group games during the tournament, starting with a match against Guyana Amazon Warriors in Guyana on 5 September. They will visit Trinidad for a game against Trinbago Knight Riders (8 September), Jamaica for the game against the Tallawahs (12 September) and St Kitts

to play the Patriots (17 September). They will then play five matches at home between 20 September and 27 September. Their final group

game will see them take on Barbados Tridents on 29 September.

St Lucia Zouks fixtures

(all start times are in local time) Thursday 5 Sep Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Zouks, Providence

Stadium, Guyana, 6pm Sunday 8 Sep Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, 12pm Thursday 12 Sep Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Zouks, Sabina Park, Jamaica, 7pm Sunday 15 Sep St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Zouks, Warner Park, St. Kitts, 6pm Friday 20 Sep St Lucia Zouks v Barbados Tridents, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 8pm Saturday 21 Sep St. Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 8pm Tuesday 24 Sep St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 6pm Wednesday 25 Sep St Lucia Zouks v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 6pm Friday 27 Sep St Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 8pm Sunday 29 Sep Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 6pm

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Chris Gayle signs off (or does he?) in vintage Gayle fashion Has Chris Gayle played his last ODI?

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ou can never tell until the man himself confirms it - we know that after his retirement reversal at the World Cup - but there were signs early on during the Port-of-Spain ODI that raised the question afresh. He played in a specially made jersey with 301 - the number of ODIs he has played - on its back. He usually wears No. 45. Out of those 301 ODIs, Gayle has represented West Indies in 298, a record that he claimed during the World Cup. During this series, Gayle went past Brian Lara's career tally of 10,405 ODI runs, the most by a West Indies player.

In what might be a big sign that this is the end, Gayle was greeted by all the India players at the end of his innings. Everybody shook his hand, Virat Kohli did his usual jig with Gayle, and the batsman walked off with the helmet atop his bat handle, accepting the applause from a scant crowd. It did have a farewell feel to it, but

it can't be ruled out that this was just his last ODI in the Caribbean.

Gayle had earlier announced that the World Cup would be his last international assignment, before announcing a change of plans towards the end of the tournament. Even his ODI and Test captain, Jason Holder, only came to know of this through Gayle's press conference.

Gayle said he wanted to play the ODIs and Tests against India, possibly setting up a farewell Test at his hometown Kingston.

However, Gayle was not selected for the Tests, which makes it likelier that this might be it.

If Gayle does choose to carry on, his innings today gave enough proof of his continuing worth.

He started off with a maiden, but ended up with 72 off 41 in a display of seemingly effortless hitting. This was Gayle at his typical best: 62 of his 71 runs came in boundaries, he helped West Indies make the highest 10-over score for a side batting first in the history of ODI cricket, and he hit five of his

eight sixes in that period, also the record for a batsman in a side batting first.

It all began with a free hit in the second over, after Gayle had played the first one out watchfully. After Gayle deposited Mohammed Shami over long-on for a massive six, India had no answers to Gayle's hitting.

The highlight of the innings was a casual drive on the up, off a Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivery that was short of a length, which sailed over the man stationed at long-on for an impossibly flat six. Knuckle balls, offcutters, deepin-the-hand slower balls, bouncers, all went as if items in a garage sale. Gayle just set up a strong base and swung through the line during the Powerplay overs, sending out a reminder that he was still good enough at this level.

Eventually Gayle hit one too well, sending a low catch through to mid-off off the bowling of Khaleel Ahmed.

Kohli, the catcher, led his team in giving Gayle a guard of honour of sorts. (ESPNCricinfo)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

West Indian Phil Simmons shortlisted for India coaching job M UMBAI, India (CMC) — Former West Indies Head coach Phil Simmons is among six candidates shortlisted for the high profile position of India head coach.

The 56-year-old Trinidadian, who played 26 Tests and 143 One-Day Internationals for West Indies between 1987 and 1999, has been joined by former New Zealand coach, Mike Hesson; former Sri Lanka coach, Tom Moody; experienced T20 coach, Robin Singh; former India team manager, Lalchand Rajput; and current India head coach, Ravi Shastri.

The candidates will be interviewed on Friday by a three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) which comprises former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad, and Shantha Rangaswamy.

“The board have finalised a list of six names based on their experience and qualifications for the post,” reports here quoted an Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) official as saying.

“All the six interviews will be held in Mumbai with different time slots for all the six candidates. The interviews will begin in the morning and will go on till 5:30 pm in the evening on August 16.”

Simmons was appointed West Indies head coach following the 2015 World Cup as a replacement for Barbadian and former West Indies fast bowler, Ottis Gibson.

However, he lasted a little more than a year before he was sacked six

Phil Simmons

months after overseeing the Caribbean side's dramatic capture from the 2016 T20 World Cup in India.

Cricket West Indies at the time cited “differences in culture and strategic approach” as the reason behind his sacking.

He successfully sued the governing body for damages and received a payout six months ago.

Simmons had previously spent eight years as Ireland's coach and last month concluded a near two-year stint in charge of Afghanistan, overseeing their acquisition of Test status and their maiden appearance at the justconcluded ICC World Cup in England.

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#CPL19: CPL says ‘excited to partner with 10CRIC for this year’s tournament’ T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and 10CRIC have agreed a partnership for the 2019 tournament, with 10CRIC, the home of the ultimate cricket betting experience, to be the global Official Betting Partner of the CPL for the upcoming season.

10CRIC will be the official partner for the coin toss and halftime break at this year’s tournament, with the brand’s social media channels fully focused on producing thrilling behind-the-scenes content – a must watch for every cricket fan.

Striving to offer the best odds on every Hero CPL match, 10CRIC will also give cricket bettors extra value for their money, with plenty of special price boosts and exclusive promotions in store.

Pete Russell, COO of Hero CPL, said: “We are really excited to be partnering with 10CRIC for this year’s tournament. We are always looking for ways for fans to get more

involved in the action and the fun and engaging ideas that 10CRIC have planned for the 2019 Caribbean Premier League means our brilliant

supporters can be even closer to the action.”

Alex D, 10CRIC Marketing Director said: “Attracting interest from billions of crick-

et fans across the globe, has turned the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) into the perfect partner for our exclusive cricket brand, 10CRIC.

We’re looking forward to building a strong relationship with the CPL and their fantastic fans by offering everyone a unique betting experience.”

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