Guyana Times International 23 2018

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

…upon return to Guyana

Page 5

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018

ISSUE NO. 424

No Confidence!

Guyana’s Opposition pushes for no-confidence debate before budget presentation See story on page 3

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

President expresses gratitude to well-wishers

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

Missing NY-based Trinidad woman found dead with throat slit Page 7

Governnent’s Chief Whip Amna Ally

Significant increase in US nonimmigrant visas issued to Guyanese in last 3 years

Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Terry Steers-Gonzalez

Page 9

Page 19

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

No Confidence!

D

Guyana’s Opposition pushes for no-confidence debate before budget presentation

ays after the parliamentary Opposition filed a no-confidence motion against the coalition Government, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that the Party wants its motion debated before the reading of the 2019 Budget.

The Opposition has contended that November 26 was already scheduled to be private members day, where their matters take precedence. However, the reading of the National Budget has taken over that day; with the result that another private members day must be scheduled.

Jagdeo expressed fears that attempts would be made by the Government side to get Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, to schedule the motion to be heard some time after the budget.

“I’ve heard they’ve decided when they want the motion to

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

be debated. Now this is a matter for the Speaker, because the Speaker is head of the legislative branch. The Speaker has to make that decision. We’re hoping that that decision will be made, and the matter will be debated prior to the budget,” said.

He added that the conven-

tion is that once a no confidence motion is filed, it takes precedence over other issues. “We hope this will be done and the Speaker will stand up to any attempt of the executive, because I’ve heard they want (the debate) in December, after the budget. We’re going to be watching carefully to see how the Speaker acts in this matter,” the Opposition Leader added.

Jagdeo pointed to standard practise in democracies around the world, where no confidence motions are given priority. A poignant example of this is in Sri Lanka, where multiple no confidence votes have been held against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“If a no confidence motion is filed in the Government, you can’t proceed to a budget debate while that is hanging.

What if it succeeds?” He questioned. Meanwhile, Jagdeo

also noted that the reports of charges being prepared against Opposition frontbencher Irfaan Ali follow a pattern by the coalition Government.

“We expected them to continue harassing… I saw that they said they want to file charges on Pradoville again…

Pradoville will surface up once again. It’s a pattern, every time they’re in a corner, Pradoville surfaces.”

No confidence

Jagdeo had first announced the no-confidence motion during his press conference last week, on the heels of devastating losses in the Local Government Elections (LGE) for the coalition Government.

The next day, the scheduled sitting of the National Assembly was abruptly cancelled at Government’s request and the Opposition turned up to an empty chamber. At the half empty Parliament Chambers,

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

he reiterated some of his expectations regarding the motion.

In a subsequent advertisement, the PPP went into further details on their reasons for filing the motion, and which were the concrete reasons for the peoples’ rejection of the People’s National Congress-led coalition. continued on page 7

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

The No-confidence Motion

“N

o-confidence” motions are a staple of parliamentary democracies and it arises from the demand that the Executive retain a majority support in the House of Representatives/Assembly or Commons. Since the legitimacy of a democratic government depends on its popular support, the loss of this support – as articulated by the peoples’ representatives – removes that legitimacy. In Britain, there have been 23 motions of no confidence passed since 1945 and 27 in India since their independence of 1947. Guyana was educated to the nuances of this motion in 2014 when Moses Nagamootoo of the Alliance For Change (APNU) moved one to remove the Donald Ramotar People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government from office.

Article 106(6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”. In Guyana since 2015, the Government was a minority in the National Assembly, if the AFC and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) voted together – which was evident – the Government would have had to resign, and elections be scheduled within three months.

Nagamootoo claimed that his motion was based on the PPP Government spending in an unauthorised manner; the crisis in the sugar industry; poor macroeconomic policies that led to falling gold prices; not making demanded changes in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism and general ineptitude in governance. President Donald Ramotar then used his constitutional power under Art 70(1) to prorogue Parliament and schedule elections within six months. In that election the APNU/AFC coalition won by a razor thin majority of one seat.

Against that background and on the heels of its massive victory in the LGE where the PPP won more than 45,000 votes than the combined APNU and AFC parties – which competed separately – General Secretary of the PPP and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo filed a motion of no-confidence in the Government. The Opposition Leader justified his move not just on the margin of his party’s victory – which is equivalent to nine seats in Parliament – but also on the massive and growing unemployment crisis, including that in the sugar industry where four estates had been closed with 7000 workers fired but no sign that this has stabilised the industry. He also cited the extraordinary level of corruption of which G$500 million was unaccounted for in the D’Urban Jubilee Park; G$604 million of Pharma illegally sole-sourced from ANSA McAL and G$153 million contract for the Demerara Harbour Bridge design, illegally awarded to a sole sourced firm.

While the Opposition Leader correctly reads the mood of the country at the glaring ineptitude of the Government which has left the ship of state drifting at best or sinking at worse – and the reason for its poor showing even among its traditional supporters – the actual passage of the motion, which will precipitate elections in three months – will face several challenges. The first will be to have the Speaker accept the motion. The PPP General Secretary pointed out that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, had allowed the APNU/AFC no-confidence motion back in 2014 on much less substantive grounds.

But unfortunately, this Speaker has consistently shown over the past three years that he gives very short shrift either to precedent or conventions of parliamentary procedures when he issues his rulings. For instance, he has displayed great tolerance for the unparliamentarily behaviour of Government MPs but has suspended Opposition MPs for far less serious infractions. It is to be hoped that the Speaker will bow to the declared will of the people in the just-concluded LGE – in addition to the stated reasons by the Opposition Leader and allow the motion to reach the floor.

No confidence motions have to be treated with the greatest urgency by the Speaker since, as discussed above, they go to the very foundation of democratic governance. For instance, it should certainly take precedence over the discussions of Budget 2019, since these will possibly be moot if the People’s National Congress-led Government cannot muster a majority to continue in office in 2019.

A favorite pastime for country-side folks is catching fish. Here we see two brothers demonstrating the art of catching fish. One brother prefers to use his cast net while the other prefers to 'feel' for fish. (Photo by Girendra Persaud)

The history of PNC and media intimidation

O

nly Guyanese with very short memories or absolutely no knowledge of our post-Independence history would be surprised at the intimidation of journalists at the press conference ostensibly arranged by the APNU (but only PNC officials in attendance) and the AFC at Congress Place last Friday. And this intimidation had to have been planned beforehand, since APNU supporters who thronged the occasion to deliver their insults and heckling had to have been invited and seated by the organisers.

They were in full view and

word was law. But even more insidiously, he envisaged the media as acting to create a “vacuum of information”. The absence of factual information serves to prevent the PNC line from being challenged, or a competing discourse from being formed. Burnham explained his control over the Guyanese media by a “development-support communication theory”, which postulated that only information supportive of the Government’s – read PNC’s — development programme should be transmitted to the populace. And this is why the present iteration of the PNC is

the PPP by violently attacking them while predicting an imminent racial “Armageddon” in Guyana.

The independent media became vestigial: a weekly fourpage tabloid (P.P.P.’s Mirror) and three “eight by seventeen” mimeographed newsletters (two — W.P.A.’s ‘Open Word’ and ‘Dayclean’ — together with “Catholic Standard” of the Catholic Church). Even these vestiges were harassed continuously by libel suits, intimidation of journalists, and non-delivery of newsprint. The last was explained as due to a “lack of foreign newsprint”, yet gifts

earshot of the bevy of the highest officials of the PNC and the AFC – including Moses Nagamootoo (PM and Acting President); PNC Chair Volda Lawrence; and VP and Acting PM, Carl Greenidge – who were seated at the head table, since they were given priority seating over the invited journalists. While the party partisans’ cheers and applause — which made the occasion appear to be one of those taped game shows, with canned “audience response” — might have been excused in light of the need for the leaders to bolster their ego after their humiliating rejection at the LGE, the supporters’ raucous behaviour was frightening in light of the PNC’s sordid history with the press.

Forbes Burnham explicitly declared that the role of the media was to, first and foremost, operationalise the paramountcy of the PNC over all other institutions – and indeed the state — and to insist his

afraid of journalists seeking to report on “all the news that’s fit to print”.

But the PNC went even further to control the media. In 1970, Burnham acquired the national newspapers, the “Daily and Sunday Chronicle”; and the “Daily and Sunday Guyana Graphic” in 1973, and merged them as the “Guyana Chronicle” in 1976. During that year, “Radio Demerara” was purchased and merged with the already stateowned “Guyana Broadcasting Corporation”. In conjunction with the sycophantic treatment of Burnham, the P.N.C. and its ideology, the media were used to viciously attack the opposition. The racist line that Burnham and the P.N.C. could not overtly espouse (being protective of their “progressive” Third World reputation) was delegated to the House of Israel. This group fanned the ethnic fears of the PNC supporters of being dominated by the traditional supporters of

from aboard were refused entry in the country.

While the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has condemned the actions of the APNU/AFC leaders in condoning the hooliganistic behaviour of their supporters, and APNU has belatedly “apologised”, all Guyana must be on guard for the continuation of press intimidation, and even further repression through putatively regulatory governmental institutions over the media. Now that the Government’s support has been exposed as very soft in the LGE, they will revert to what has “worked” for them in the past: bullyism and intimidation to secure 2020.

They want to create the “vacuum of information” coupled with the constant bombardment of the population with the “big lie” from the state media to foster, even in the minds of the Opposition followers, a sense of omnipotence concerning their rule and impotence concerning the latter.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 5

President expresses gratitude to well-wishers

…upon return to Guyana

P

resident David Granger has expressed his profound gratitude to his Cabinet members, staff and the rest of the nation for their support, prayers and well wishes for his complete recovery, at a welcome home and prayer ceremony hosted, on Wednesday morning, at State House.

“Thank you for your expressions of concern over the last three weeks… Throughout that time, I received greetings from you all and from other well-wishers and, more than the greetings, prayers and I am truly grateful,” he said.

The President also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge for continuing to govern seamlessly, during his absence.

President Granger and his wife, Mrs Sandra Granger on Tuesday evening returned to Guyana from the Republic of Cuba after spending approximately three weeks there.

The President, accompanied by his wife, had travelled to the Republic of Cuba on October 30, 2018 to undergo a medical investigation.

While in Cuba, President Granger was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma after an intensive series of tests by specialist doctors at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirugicas (CIMEQ) in Havana.

Given the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the President’s Medical Team has performed a number of medical interventions including the first round of chemotherapy treatment. The President has responded well to the treatment and was given approval to return to Guyana.

President David Granger and Mrs Sandra Granger being greeted upon their arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Tuesday evening

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This disrespectful behaviour has become the norm for PNC Dear Editor, I had tuned into the live broadcast of APNU/AFC’s press event. I hesitate to use the word ‘conference’, as it seemed to have been held in a mini-rally format. That this party event was being broadcast by the Department of Public Information was no surprise; what was astonishing, however, was the absence of representation from the WPA, JFAP and NFA parties, who are supposedly still members of APNU. Given that the reason for this event was to demonstrate the solidity of the Coalition, it raised more questions than answers.

The mistreatment of members of the press at this event has been well catalogued in the complaint released by the Guyana Press Association, which prompted a response from the APNU/AFC public relations machine, which stated, “The APNU does not condone nor endorse any conduct that serves to intimidate and hinder duties of media workers.”

Editor, what nonsense! The leaders of APNU/AFC sat there behind their enormous name tags and watched silently, and in some cases nodded in agreement as their bussed in supporters abused the media. This is not remedied by press releases; “actions speak louder than words” is a truism that has

withstood the test of time.

This intimidation and hostility is not new behaviour for APNU; it is the norm. How many ‘counter-protests’ have we seen since the APNU+AFC Administration came into office? There is video footage of Presidential hopeful PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence pelting a glass (and hitting) Jason Abdullah as he peacefully protested outside of the Red House. There is video evidence of PNC supporters hurling abuse at retrenched sugar workers who were forced to protest for severance pay being unlawfully withheld.

I urge the press corps to earn respect by walking out of any event at which they are so abused in the future.

Editor, I will not delve into the substance of the mini-rally, as there was little. The voodoo mathematics of 8000 votes out of a total of 208,000 being equivalent to 10 per cent did provide a clue as to why our nation has moved from an G$11 billion surplus to G$56 billion deficit in little more than three years.

That the ‘fearless’ coalition cowardly absented itself from work at the National Assembly later in the day came as no surprise; the false bravado fooled no one but itself.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Several issues warrant investigations at GECOM Dear Editor, Well folks, at last we managed to have a meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) after last Tuesday’s statutory meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. Commissioners Alexander and Corbin were both unavailable, so the Chairman invoked Article 226 (5) of the Constitution, which provides for the meeting to be held on the Thursday following the adjourned Tuesday meeting, and for decisions to be made with or without a quorum.

This week, however, there was a quorum, with only Commissioner Alexander being absent, so the meeting was finally held after a hiatus of two weeks, during which there was D-day and E-day, a very packed two weeks for GECOM. One would then expect that there would be full reports of the activities of the last two weeks, but with GECOM, expectations are not always, in fact, met.

What we were able to get after much to-ing and fro-ing, was, what the CEO calls the Preliminary results of the Local Government Elections, for all 80 Local Authority Areas. The CEO admitted that all 80 Returning Officers had made their declarations of the results of all the individual elections, and these were put on a broadsheet by the secretariat. My argument, was that the results having been declared by the Returning Officers had to be final, not preliminary, but that was still not admitted by the CEO. Nevertheless, each Commissioner was given a hard copy of the ‘preliminary’ results as compiled

by GECOM’s secretariat. I was assured that the RO of the Municipality of Mabaruma had made his declaration of the results, contrary to what was reported in the press.

I also raised the issue that a person named Gavin Sparman of the APNU, had been declared the winner of a constituency in the La Grange-Nismes NDC, and that I had been given infor-

mation that the said Gavin Sparman was closely related to Andrea Sparman, who was GECOM’s Supervisor for the said LAA. I asked the CEO if he was aware, and pointed out that if the information was true, the Supervisor should have been re-assigned to another district. The CEO did not admit or deny knowledge of such a relationship, but Commissioner Desmond Trotman was of the opinion that the supervisor had nothing to do with the actual running of the elections, and since the RO was the person in charge, there was no conflict to be avoided! I asked that his comments be put in full and kept for future reference, for an occasion when the shoe is on another foot!

Commissioner Trotman’s remarks were centered around an issue with tally sheets, which was resolved by the Operations Sub-committee, of which he is a member but seems to want a Commission of Inquiry into the work of the IT department and its Manager.

I myself, like Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Charles Corbin and Robeson Benn, agreed that an investigation should be carried out on that as well as many other issues, by the Secretariat and Operations Sub- committee then brought to the full Commission with their recommendations, for discussions and decisions which would help in future conduct of future elections.

Commissioner Trotman grudgingly acquiesced, although I got the distinct impression, which I voiced, that he had his heart set on a full-scale Commission of Inquiry, not unlike so many we have had recently, with recommendations for some punitive actions against certain staff members.

The chairman disallowed Commissioner Benn from making any remarks during that agenda item, and again disallowed him from raising his issues under ‘any other business’!

The Chairman seems bent on shutting Commissioner Benn up completely!

Sincerely, Bibi S. Shadick Commissioner –GECOM

It’s not about elections; it’s about governing

Dear Editor I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on its success during the Local Government Elections (LGE).

Let us take this time to recognise that it is not just about winning elections (be it Local Government Elections or General Elections). It is about how you Govern that matters.

The PPP/C lost the 2015 General Elections because the majority of people believed that its governance style left a lot to be desired.

In this day and age, people expect accountability, transparency and good governance from their government.

These are basic requirements.

It is up to the PPP/C to prove to the Guyanese people that it can deliver

these tenets of Democracy, as well as enhancing development in their communities.

I believe that the PPP/C has made a big mistake in its campaign by promising no rates and tax increases, as these communities will have to rely on Central Government for their funding. This means that the APNU+AFC Government will have significant control over Local Government because it controls the purse strings.

A decentraliation of power from Central Government is needed, so that local authorities can develop cash starved communities and so that people have more say in their community’s development. LGE is about giving more power to the people.

Yours Faithfully, Sean Ori

Whim: A massive rejection of Nagamootoo in his own home village Dear Editor, Webster’s Dictionary has chosen TOXIC as the 2018 Word of the Year.

Local Government Elections (LGE) 2018 dramatically pronounced the AFC and its leaders TOXIC everywhere in Guyana. Not only did the AFC do badly in the overall LGE 2018, they were toxic even in the towns and villages where their leaders were born and grew up.

Nowhere were the results more alarming for the AFC than in Region 6, which had become a sort of bastion for the AFC and is the region, where most of the visible leaders of the AFC were born and grew up. In this region, the AFC secured less than 0.1 per cent of the votes. In Port Mourant, where the AFC had a pocket of support in 2015, they barely secured 0.3 per cent, even less than an independent candidate who beat them in this constituency. In Whim, the AFC and its pompous “elder Statesman”, Moses Nagamootoo, was totally rejected and repudiated, just as they were across Guyana.

The AFC made Whim a referendum, insisting that Whim wants the AFC, and not the PPP to represent them. Moses Nagamootoo’s vanity transformed the Whim LGE into a referendum for Whim to choose between him and Bharat Jagdeo. Moses went to Whim the night before the election, holding a rally, emphasizing the AFC’s claim of supremacy and laying his claim of being Whim’s choice, not Bharat Jagdeo. But Whim unequivocally used the power of the X to overwhelmingly reject the AFC and to repudiate Nagamootoo. In stark contrast, Whim showed its unreserved support and love for the PPP and Bharrat Jagdeo.

Nagamootoo descended on Whim on Sunday, November 11, with a convoy of security and assistants, totaling 13 vehicles; spent more than an hour attacking Bharrat Jagdeo, Leslie Ramsammy, Zulphikar Mustapha and Dr Ramaya. He listed major achievements of the APNU/AFC – first “Seeta went to Auchlyne School and the children wanted a water dispenser and Seeta gave them an electric water dispenser with hot and cold water” and, second, “Seeta went to Auchlyne School and the children wanted a copying machine and Seeta gave them a copying machine”. Sad, after three and a half years this was the sum total of his Government’s achievement, according to Nagamootoo’s speech.

Only a raging narcissist would risk his reputation by making any elec-

tion a referendum on himself. The siren-blazing Prime Minister completely ignored the many things that worry people in Whim and across Guyana.

He ignored the threat of his government for dramatic increases in property taxes, the poor health services, the GPL blackouts, the increasing taxes, the closure of sugar estates and loss of employment, non-payment of severance for sugar workers, the increasing cost of living, spiraling crime, crippling illicit drugs in the communities, etc. He ignored the obnoxious growth of corruption and the rise of dictatorship.

Instead, for Nagamootoo, the most important LGE 2018 issue for Whim and the country was his coronation, over Bharrat Jagdeo. His obsession over Jagdeo, his hate for people he deems Jagdeo’s acolytes, made him come to Whim instructing people to use their X to prove he is number 1.

Whim-Bloomfield used the power of their X and unequivocally rejected and repudiated both Nagamootoo and the AFC. It is a total rejection when even the people you claimed signed as backers for your party did not vote for you. None of the individual candidates for the AFC in the various constituencies in WhIm-Bloomfield even garner enough votes to equal the number of backers they needed to become candidates in the elections. The Whim voters proved the police, a Judge and GECOM wrong – the AFC did fraudulently use people’s names as backers.

The AFC did not win a single constituency or a single PR seat in WhimBloomfield. It was a total annihilation for the AFC and Nagamootoo in Whim.

His own relatives and the people he grew up with rejected him.

It is a devastating blow to Nagamootoo. The man who once walked with Cheddi surrendered his advantage of being a home-village hero when he betrayed the people and joined the PNC in fighting Cheddi’s party, the PPP. For the people of Whim, Nagamootoo was not a home-village son of renown, but a man who betrayed them, who is a traitor. They saw a man who was only interested in himself, they saw his pomposity and his burning ambition to be President, even if he has to betray them. Whim nailed the political coffin of Nagamootoo by resoundingly voting against him and the AFC, using their X to serenade the PPP and Jagdeo.

Sincerely, Zulfikar Mustapha

news 7

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Massive tax cuts for Barbados businesses

Missing NY-based Trinidad woman found dead with throat slit (Trinidad Guardian)

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Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley (Barbados Nation)

A

massive corporate tax ease is coming for Barbadian companies.

After raising the standard corporation tax rate from 25 to 30 per cent effective last month to generate an additional G$57 million in tax revenue, Government has changed course as it moves to dismantle a 40year tax regime by next month to avoid “severe” international sanctions.

It means that the majority of companies

will now pay between one per cent and 5.5 per cent on taxable income, and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is urging these entities to pass on some of the benefits.

She said Government’s revenue would not be impacted by the new schedule of taxes. In its recent third quarter review, the Central Bank said Government earned $159.6 million in corporate taxes between April and September.

No Confidence!...

from page 3

It pointed to the thousands of jobs that have been lost as a result of the closure of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates.

In addition, the Party referred to the various scandals that have erupted under the Administration. They include the single sourcing of the feasibility contract for the new Demerara River crossing, the single sourcing of a drug bond and the single sourcing of drug procurement contracts.

The Party noted the numerous breaches of fiscal laws flagged by the Audit Office of Guyana in its reports, as well as the lack of accountability in the D’Urban Park project; something even the Auditor General had to launch a special probe into.

The depletion of Guyana’s gold and foreign reserves was also highlighted. In fact, a report from the Central Bank earlier this year had indicated that Guyana’s net foreign reserves, held by the Bank in foreign currency notes; has fallen to its lowest point since 2008.

Tax collection has increased dramatically; a point alluded to by the Party. This publication had reported findings from the recently released 2017 Auditor General report, which had showed that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) collected more taxes than was even anticipated.

In the End of Year Budget and Reconciliation Report, it noted that the projected revenue for 2017 was G$186 billion.

Instead, Government actually collected G$195 billion in current revenue. This includes duties, levy, personal income and withholding taxes.

Court settlements since the coalition Government took office were also zeroed in on by the Party. The Attorney General’s Chambers has come under much criticism for not being able to secure success for several cases against the State.

Since taking office, in addition to losing cases, Government has opted to enter into out-of-court settlements. These settlements included sums to the tune of US$5.7 million; G$226 million and G$3.8 billion.

vonne “Eve” Trum­ petNichol­son, 74, of Brook­lyn, New York, was last seen alive and well by her im­me­di­ate fam­i­ly at the JFK In­ter­na­tion­al Air­port min­utes be­fore her flight to T&T last Tues­day.

How­ev­er, what tran­spired af­ ter her ar­rival at the Pi­ar­co In­ter­ na­tion­al Air­port five hours lat­er re­mains a mys­tery.

Her de­com­pos­ing body was found on Mon­day at about 2 pm fence Force’s near the T&T De­ base in Cu­mu­to.

Speak­ ing with the T&T Guardian last evening out­side her lo­cal home at Mo­hammed Street, St Au­gus­tine, her daugh­ter made a tear­ful plea for an­swers, while Trum­pet-Nichol­son’s hus­band made it clear it is was yet to be de­ ter­mined how his wife was killed as an au­top­sy was still pend­ing.

Nei­ther rel­a­tive, who both flew in­ to the coun­try want­ed their names used.

Trum­pet-Nichol­son had dual cit­i­zen­ship for the US and T&T, mi­grat­ed to the US in 1989 and had been back-and-forth since then. She was a pub­lic ser­vice re­ tiree.

Trum­pet-Nichol­son’s daugh­ ter, who is one of four chil­ dren, said they tried to con­tact her when she was ex­pect­ed to clear Im­mi­ gra­tion and Cus­toms at Pi­ar­co last Tues­day.

“We tried over and over to call her but we got no re­sponse. We be­ came wor­ried and my broth­er, my fa­ther and I all de­cid­ed to come to Trinidad our­selves to in­ves­ti­gate why she is not tak­ing our calls,” the woman’s daugh­ter said.

In the yard of the split-lev­ el old-fash­ ioned con­ crete house there was a Toy­ota Corol­la, PCA 9051, parked just be­hind the mas­

Yvonne “Eve” Trumpet-Nicholson

sive con­crete fence, which had a flat rear right tyre.

In­ves­ti­gat­ing of­fi­cers from cide Re­ gion II, who were Homi­ ter­ view­ there at the house in­ ing Trum­pet-Nichol­son’s im­me­ di­ate fam­i­ly mem­bers, called in a wreck­er so the ve­hi­cle could be tak­en to the Foren­sic Sci­ence Cen­ tre for foren­sic analy­sis. longed Asked who the car be­ to, Trum­pet-Nichol­son’s daugh­ter said: “It is an in­ves­ti­ga­tion and we were told not to let too much in­ for­ma­tion out. Right now we just want any­one who may have seen her at the air­port and no­ticed if any­one was with her or if she got in­to any par­tic­u­lar ve­hi­cle to call the homi­cide po­lice and let them know, please…It is what we are ask­ing for at this time…for help.”

She al­so not­ed “strange” in­for­ ma­tion that ap­peared on an of­fi­ cial re­lease is­sued by the T&T Po­ lice Ser­vice.

The re­ lease stat­ ed: “…Trum­ pet-Nichol­son, of Mo­hammed Street, St Au­ gus­ tine, was last seen in St James at about 7 am on Wednes­day 14th No­vem­ber.”

It al­ so added that a miss­ ing

per­son’s re­port was lodged the fol­ low­ing day at the St Joseph Po­lice Sta­tion.

“Wher­ev­er that in­for­ma­tion came from that she was last seen in St James is def­i­nite­ly not true.

That can­not be be­cause she nev­er an­swered our calls, nei­ther called us to tell us that she land­ed and she was al­right…which she usu­ al­ly does,” Trum­pet-Nichol­son’s hus­band said.

Her son de­ scribed her as an open, invit­ing and lov­ing per­son.

“She tru­ly gen­uine­ly cared for peo­ple. She would re­al­ly bend over back­ wards to help peo­ ple. She had four chil­dren but she raised tonnes of oth­er kids,” he said.

An in­ves­ti­gat­ing of­fi­cer, who wished not to be iden­ti­fied, con­ firmed Trum­pet-Nichol­son’s de­ com­ pos­ ing body was found by hunters and added it ap­peared her throat was slit. The of­fi­cer said the in­ves­ti­ga­tions will now in­ clude work­ing along with the Air­ ports Au­thor­i­ty of T&T and their se­cu­ri­ty per­son­nel to re­trieve sur­ veil­ lance footage on the day she ar­rived in and around the Pi­ar­co In­ter­na­tion­al Air­port.

“We can­not con­clude any­thing at this time. The in­ves­ti­ga­tion is very sen­si­tive and we are look­ing at all an­gles and hop­ing that we get con­crete leads soon in the in­ ves­ti­ga­tions.”

Mem­bers of the pub­lic who may have any in­for­ma­tion con­cern­ing Trum­ pet-Nichol­ son are asked to con­tact of­fi­cers at the Homi­cide Re­gion II, the near­est po­lice sta­ tion, 555, 999 or 800-TIPS. In an un­re­lat­ed in­ci­dent, homi­ cide of­fi­cers were called to Up­ per Pic­ ton Road, East­ ern Quar­ ry, Laven­tille, yes­ter­day where an uniden­ti­fied man was fa­tal­ly shot around 5.45 pm.

In­ves­ti­ga­tions in­to both in­ci­ dents are con­tin­u­ing.

8 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Govt announces Civil Aviation Bill passed salary increases for in Guyana despite protest public servants

by Opposition MPs – payments retroactive from January 2018

T

he Opposition’s efforts to have the Civil Aviation Bill 2017 resent to a select committee were defeated by the Government during Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly, as it was passed with amendments.

In her address to the chambers, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said that based on her research, the bill is deficient. According to Teixeira, the bill is not on par with what may be expected by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Some of the issues she had with the Bill were its penalties – penalties she described as draconian.

“Aspects of the Bill to do with offences are draconian, like in other bills like Cyber Crime and (Anti

will replace the Civil Aviation Act Chapter 53:01.

It contains a number of offences, such as applying for aviation documents when disqualified or displaying false nationality or registration on an aircraft. On summary conviction, such offences carry a fine of G$1 million and two years’ imprisonment in the former and G$3 million in the latter.

The conference The conference in question is expected to have some 192 Member States of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) participate. This was related by Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) Director of Marketing and, Franklin Vieira during a recent press confer-

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan B y J arryl B ryan

A

s of Monday, Government approved salary increases across a number of pay ranges for public servants; inclusive of retroactive payments from January 2018, one week ahead of the reading of next year’s budget.

This is according to a circular dated November 19, 2018, that was sent out by the Finance Ministry to the heads of all budget agencies and seen by Guyana Times international.

According to the document, persons earning less than G$100,000 a month will receive a seven per cent increase.

Those earning between G$100,000 and G$299,999 will get an increase of 6.5 per cent, while those in the G$300,000 to G$499,999 range will get a five per cent increase. Those with a pay cheque of between G$500,000 and G$699,999 a month will have their salaries increased by three per cent.

Meanwhile, those in the G$700,000 to G$799,999 range will be eligible for an increase of two per cent, while those earning G$800,000 to G$999,999 will get one per cent in increases and those with a G$1 million salary and above will get a 0.5 per cent increase.

The circular makes it clear that the increases do not apply for teachers, University of Guyana employees,

Government Ministers and Members of Parliament.

It does, however, apply to the Disciplined Services, including the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Besides the Disciplined Services, it applies to “all traditional public servants, defined to mean those employed in Ministries, departments not under ministerial control, regional administrators and public service related agencies, commission secretariats and those who are engaged on contract positions reflected on the inventory of authorised positions of the traditional public services and persons on contract outside on the inventoried positions.”

Salary increases

The Ministry indicated that teachers received a separate circular regarding their increases.

Teachers have for some time been agitating for increases since the end of their previous multi-year agreement.

This agitation included strike action early in September of this year.

In October, more than one month after a nationwide teachers’ strike was called off, Government finally agreed to increase the salaries of teachers by 12 per cent for 2016 and eight per cent for 2018.

When it comes to UG staff, the University’s administration had an-

nounced a few days ago that the Finance and General Purposes Committee had approved salary increases for staff, at a rate ranging from three to four per cent.

It has been reported that the increases were sought by UG’s Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith. And like the Finance Ministry curricular, the increases would have been retroactive to January 1, 2018.

In a joint statement afterwards, however, the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association and the University’s Workers Union poured cold water on this proposed increase.

According to the unions, the increases were “a violation of good labour relations practises.”

While Griffith has been quoted saying that he acted because of stalled negotiations with the unions; the unions claimed in their statement that the administration has not been acting in good faith during the negotiations.

Ministers and MPs are not being included in the salary increases because in 2015, months after the Government entered office, they received an increase of their own. Cabinet Ministers had their salaries increased by 50 per cent, while junior Ministers and other parliamentarians received smaller increases.

Government has said that this was a one off event.

PPP MPs Gail Teixeira and Irfaan Ali

Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism bills). For instance, a passenger going on the plane that is inebriated can be fined G$1 million and also imprisoned.”

“So the Bill makes very draconian offences for what are regular kinds of passenger problems. In addition to that, there are major issues in the Bill to do with how licensing and registration are done, as well as accident investigation.”

According to Teixeira, the Bill was being rushed because of the upcoming Air Transport Conference to be hosted in Guyana. Guyana will be hosting aviation representatives from around the world from November 21 to 23. But according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, the Bill was perfectly fine in its current state.

“We went through this bill exhaustively. One particular agency objected. When we went through the bill, every objection by that agency was exhaustively looked at. And members sat there and debated on the merit.”

“One agency that objected, insisted and we agreed that there must be a clearer defined right of appeal.

And we rewrote the entire section of Right of Appeal based on the objection of that one agency. And we sent it to them.”

The Bill was then read for a third time and passed in the House. The Bill has been in a special select committee since last year. The new Bill

ence.

It is slated to be held in Guyana at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown from November 21 to 23. The conference is being held under the theme “Promoting connectivity for sustainable air transport development”.

It was pointed out during the meeting on Wednesday that air transport played a vital role in linking many coastal areas and communities in the hinterland and in connecting States to regional and global markets. In facilitating travel, air transport generates economic growth and development and even provides jobs among other benefits.

“The objective of this meeting is to come up with practical solutions to the air transport challenges that we are facing in the sector internationally,” Director of Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman told Guyana Times International.

According to him, one of the challenges in the aviation sector is connectivity between states. He, however, noted that this month’s Air Transport Meeting would also address issues such as harmonising the regional air transport regulatory framework as well as the liberalisation of air cargo through regional and global approaches.

Although only 25 countries have confirmed attendance, the GCAA said it was looking forward to having fruitful discussions during the threeday event.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Female miner Significant increase in US crushed to non-immigrant visas issued death as pit to Guyanese in last 3 years caves in at Arakaka

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w o m an was killed on Tuesday after a mining pit caved in on her while punting for gold at Arakaka Backdam, North West District.

Dead is 44-year-old Eleen Figuera of Two Miles Arakaka, NWD. Based on information received, the now dead woman and others were working in the pit when the mud suddenly caved in and

covered her. The others managed to escape with minor bruises.

Figuera was subsequently pulled from under the rubble and taken to the Pakera District Hospital, NWD where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her body of is the Pakera District Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem. An investigation was launched into the incident.

Teenage girl nabbed with unlicensed pistol

A

n 18-yearold girl is now in police custody after an unlicensed pistol was allegedly found in her possession on Wednesday afternoon.

The teen was intercepted at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at about 12:15 during a

The gun that was allegedly found on the teen

routine "stop and search" exercise.

This newspaper understands that the teenager who resides at South Better Hope, ECD was searched during which the .45 pistol, which had no magazine, was unearthed.

She was arrested and is being processed for court.

T

he United States Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana has issued over 100,000 visas over the past three years. This was revealed by Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Terry Steers-Gonzalez.

Steers-Gonzalez was at the time speaking about the achievements of outgoing US Ambassador Perry Holloway at a farewell reception held in Holloway’s honour last Friday evening.

“The Consular Section, in the Ambassador’s time here, has issued over 18,000 immigrant visas and 86,133 – not to be too exact – non-immigrant visas, which is over half of all the non-immigrant visas issued by this Embassy so far this 21st century,” SteersGonzalez said.

Over the past three years, the number of non-immigrant visas issued to Guyanese by the United States Embassy has seen increases by over several thousand each year. In fact, at July 2017, the US Embassy had processed more than 72,000 non-immigrants and 7000 immigrant visas with a low refusal rate.

At the time, Ambassador Holloway had attributed this trend to the improving economic situation in Guyana.

“The improving economic situation over the last few years has led to our refusal rate coming down significantly, from a high of well over 50 percent five years ago, to one much lower today and luckily for us only a small percent of Guyanese, who go to the US actually abuse their visas and stay illegally,” the US Diplomat had stated.

Moreover, the Embassy’s Consular

Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Terry Steers-Gonzalez

Section and the Regional Security Office have been working with local law enforcement to obtain the first successful prosecution for visa fraud in Guyana, which resulted in an Internet Café vendor being imprisoned.

A m b a s s a d o r Holloway had also sought to allay fears of a change of his country’s policy to Guyana.

“The fears that we were disengaging or even forgetting about Guyana

were quite simply misplaced fears. Bilateral relations could not be better… a lot is going on and there is more to come,” he had indicated.

In 2015, some 51,000 non-immigrant visas were processed by the US Embassy in Georgetown.

This figure was a 20,000 increased from the 31,000 processed in 2014. In 2016, 72,000 visas were processed.

With regards to the immigrant visas, howev-

er, there has been a declining pattern. A total of 6403 immigrant visas were processed in 2014; 6154 in 2015 and 5600 in 2016.

On the other hand, there has been a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the US in recent months and Guyana was listed as one of the countries which could lose visa access if the Government refuses to accept deportees.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Farmer busted Rights activist urges with cocaine action following R Guyana’s cross-dressing case

anks Guyana Force’s Branch in G (Essequibo Coast) on

CCJ ruling

H

uman rights a c t i v i s t Vidyaratha Kissoon is urging Government to take heed of the recent ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which declared the cross-dressing law unconstitutional in Guyana following a case filed by the transgender community.

Kissoon said the transgender community has welcomed the ruling, reminding that one of the applicants in the case, Gulliver (Quincy) McEwan, has always noted that laws alone are not needed to change hearts and minds, and that other things need to be in place.

“Guyana now has to ensure that the duty bearers – public servants, Government, employers, landlords, minibus drives, Police, others recognise what Justice Adrian Saunders wrote, that “difference is as natural as breathing. Infinite varieties exist of everything under the sun.”

The CCJ President also wrote in his ruling that civilised society has a duty to accommodate suitably differences among human beings. He said only in this manner can people give due respect to everyone’s humanity.

Vidyaratha Kissoon

“No one should have his or her dignity trampled upon, or human rights denied, merely on account of a difference, especially one that poses no threat to public safety or public order. It is these simple verities on which this case is premised.”

Kissoon told Guyana Times International that this recognition of difference is not only about transgender identities, it is about all other differences which are present in Guyana.

He therefore recommended that Government make moves to strike down the law. He said too that the Police should engage the transgender community about accountability mechanisms to stop the harassment of transgender citizens.

“The Judiciary and the magistracy should take note of the comments made in the ruling about the behaviour of the Magistrate who wanted to use religion as a ground for discrimination,” he said, while calling on the Social Protection Ministry and the Labour Department to ensure that there is no discrimination against transgender persons in employment.

Promises

Further,

the

hu-

man rights activist is also advising that the Prevention of Discrimination Act should be updated to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

He reminded that political parties in their 2015 manifestos had said they were committed to ending discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. As such, he is calling on these parties to act on those promises.

While Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean with the laws against cross-dressing, Kissoon feels the judgement will definitely set a precedent for the Caribbean, but not only the Caribbean, the rest of the Commonwealth and any other jurisdiction which has to deal with discrimination against LGBT citizens.

“There are judgements in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago against the sodomy laws, which show that there are Caribbean courts that are moving to deal with the homophobia left over from the colonial masters,” he added.

The CCJ has ruled in favour of striking down Guyana’s laws against cross-dressing, saying that the co-

lonial-era law was unconstitutional. After gaining independence from Britain in 1966, Guyana adopted many colonial-era laws, including the 1893 Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act that effectively banned men or women from wearing clothing conventionally worn by the opposite gender for “improper purposes”.

This section was never clearly defined, leaving the door open for constitutional challenges which appellants Quincy “Gulliver” McEwan, Seon “Angel” Clarke, Joseph “Peaches” Fraser and Seyon “Isabella” Persaud mounted against their February 9, 2009 arrest, detention and conviction in Georgetown.

After they appealed the law banning their mode of dress, former acting Chief Justice Ian Chang in September 2013 said while the act of cross-dressing was not a crime in itself, when for an “improper purpose”, it constitutes an offence.

That ruling was also appealed at Guyana’s Appeal Court, but their case was similarly dismissed in 2017.

The four persons who were born male and later opted for a transgendered way of life took their case all the way to the CCJ, citing their treatment was discriminatory, based on their position that the law violated their constitutional rights to equality and non-discrimination and freedom of expression.

The Justices of the Trinidad-based authority agreed with the applicants. They, therefore, declared the 1893 law unconstitutional and ordered that it must be struck from the laws of Guyana, a decision which could unsettle many in religious circles.

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), which was initially struck out of the case by CCJ, has nevertheless been fully behind the legal change.

of

the Police Narcotics Division IslandsTuesday

court.

Earlier this month, a joint destruction operation saw a total of 477 kilos of cocaine destroyed at Yarrowkabra, Linden-

morning arrested a citrus farmer after he was busted with a quantity of cocaine.

The discovery was made after Police received a tip.

According to reports, the Police went to the Upper Pomeroon River area early Tuesday morning where they conducted a search on the farmer’s premises.

During the search, they unearthed 2.22 kilograms of cocaine. The narcotic was wrapped in two parcels.

The farmer was taken into custody and was being processed for

Soesdyke Highway.

The exercise was conducted by the Guyana Police Force, which destroyed 132 kg cocaine, and the Customs-Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), which got rid of 345 kg cocaine.

The two agencies also destroyed a combined total of 994 kilos of cannabis. The cocaine and cannabis destroyed carried a combined street value of G$513,310,940.

The narcotics destroyed were tested by members of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory before being burnt by fire.

Chef jailed for trafficking cocaine

Hosanna Moses

A

34-year-old chef who was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with 89 cocaine pellets in his stomach was on Monday jailed.

Hosanna Moses, of Lot 35 Fourth Street, Kingston, Georgetown, was jailed when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Moses admitted that between November 14 and 16, 2018 at the Georgetown Public Hospital, he had in his possession 888 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case, presented by Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore, stated that Moses was

an outgoing passenger on a Surinam Airways flight destined for Miami. However, ranks from the narcotics branch attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), intercepted him after he was acting in a suspicious manner.

A subsequent search was conducted on his person and suitcase, but nothing illegal was found. However, after being further questioned he confessed to swallowing a quantity of cocaine pellets. A later X-ray conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital, showed the cocaine pellets in Moses’ stomach.

His attorney in a plea of mitigation told the court that his client fully cooperated with the Police in the investigations, while further stating that he is the sole bread winner of his family. Moses admitted that it was his negligence that caused him to commit the act.

Magistrate Latchman jailed the father of one for four years and also imposed a G$1.8 million fine.

news 11

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Int’l bodies assisting with probe into crash-landed Fly Jamaica

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number of safety, transportation and regulatory bodies from local and overseas have been included in an investigative team probing the emergency landing of Fly Jamaica flight OJ256 on November 9 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

This is according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who, during the 99th Sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, revealed that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

“GCAA will be conducting this investigation,” Patterson explained. “As indicated, 128 persons were on board. On evacuation, a total of 10 passengers were taken to the Diamond hospital with the assistance of CJIA ambulance, while the others were examined at CJIA. An independent investigation is ongoing in examining the aircraft and operations on the morning of the accident and review of the standard operating procedures.”

“The Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States were notified.

An investigative team has been established, including of the GCAA representing the state of occurrence, the US

invited to provide technical assistance to the GCAA. Patterson also revealed that the aircraft has been officially handed over to the operator, Fly Jamaica Airways, for removal from the CJIA site. He stressed, however, that

ers to the accident.

One of the firemen has reportedly returned some of the stolen items, while some of the stolen items were found at the Timehri Fire Station.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle has since confirmed in sections of the media that the firefight-

placed on standby.

The minister also revealed that the pilot did not declare an emergency at the time. Instead, according to Patterson, it was reported to air traffic control that there was a hydraulic issue and the flight will return.

ty one week after the incident.

Following last week’s incident, investigators will finally be able to access data that would indicate exactly what went wrong, because the Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) and Cockpit Voice

National Safety Board representing the state of registry, and commercial airline engineers representing the manufacturers,” Patterson explained.

Besides these agencies, Patterson revealed, the Canadian Transportation and Safety Board and the AIG Regional Cooperation Mechanism (ARCM) were also subsequently advised and

the aircraft is still subject to the control of the Accident Investigation Unit of the GCAA. Further, the minister extended apologies for the alleged actions of some members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). At least 14 firefighters were implicated in removing several devices belonging to the crew and passengers after they had entered the plane as first respond-

ers who were accused of misconduct have been suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The aircraft had taken off from CJIA at about 02:10h on November 9, 2018, destined for Toronto, Canada. However, the flight encountered hydraulic problems after some time, and returned to Timehri, where it crash-landed.

85-year-old Rookhia Kalloo, a pensioner who was on the flight, died while receiving treatment at a medical facili-

Recorder (Pink Box) have both been sent to the NTSB in the United States.

NTSB is an independent US Government agency that overlooks investigations into air transportation accidents. On Saturday last, an NTSB investigator arrived in Guyana in order to work with GCAA and other stakeholders at the crash site.

Preliminary reports

M e a n w h i l e , Patterson explained that, based on preliminary reports, all emergency procedures were activated when the plane landed, and the team at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was

12 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP to push for more accountability at City Hall

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t the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE) of 2018, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured seven seats in the capital city of Georgetown, which is an increase of five seats when compared with the last LGE in 2016.

With the addition of its new voices at City Hall, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo at a recent press conference outlined that the Party will be employing measures to ensure that the Georgetown City Council is fully accountable to its constituents.

With a 2018 LGE voter turnout of just 28.3 per cent in Georgetown, many observers contended that a large part of the electorate in the city withheld votes from the ruling coalition Administration, following many of the startling revelations that came out from the recently ordered probe into City Hall’s management. Now that the PPP has garnered more seats, Jagdeo committed that the Party’s Councilors will not only hold the new Council accountable but will also

The PPP plans to make City Hall more accountable

put forward proposals to improve services offered

by City Hall.

“First of all, accountability in the City Council, we want audited statements every single year; we want every civil work be tendered using the National Procurement Act because you have seen that they have not had audited statements for the last three years [but] they have given out hundreds of millions in contracts without any form of tendering to friends

and family. We want to correct that,” Jagdeo told the press.

He added too that PPP Councilors will strive to make the City Council more user-friendly in terms of tax paying. The Party posited that residents and business owners and operators should not have to face the hassle of physically travelling to City Hall to pay their taxes or to find out how much they are in arrears. The PPP has agreed that taxpayers should be able to ful-

ly access these services online by entering their name and address in the city in electronic devices to check on their tax liabilities “I should be able to pay it online as how you pay your bills; then you improve services to residents in the city. We will be talking to our seven councilors to push for these things,” Jagdeo disclosed.

More than that, the former President said the PPP wants the city to accelerate the process

of permitting businesses to construct buildings which would lead to more job creation in Georgetown. In addition, he wants the city’s administration to review all of its expenditure now with the aim of assessing the impact on people.

“You can’t have the current City Council funding the security for the former Mayor or the current Mayor having more security than the President,” he noted.

On September 24, 2018, public hearings into the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall’s operations commenced before former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard. It had been revealed that a plot of riverfront land, reportedly not the property of City Hall was leased to a shipping company by King since April 5, 2016, at the cost of G$625,000 per year.

It was also heard that the Town Clerk, Royston King, allegedly collected monies from nine specific drivers of the Route 44 (Industry) route and that those drivers paid a rental of G$3000 to occupy a stretch of the roadway that spans from the

Avenue of the Republic to Hincks Street.

Though much of the blame seemed to be placed on the Town Clerk, outspoken economist and former Presidential Advisor, Ramon Gaskin, had expressed that King should not have been the only subject to be put in the spotlight. He had argued that there was a culture of mismanagement and unaccountability at City Hall for more than 20 years and that it never stopped. He said it began under the leadership of former Mayor Hamilton Green and continued with Patricia Chase Green.

“These two people should not be forgotten.

Royston King is a product of Hamilton Green and Chase Green too,” he had told this newspaper. King has been sent on leave pending the outcome of this CoI. Aside from the seven seats the PPP/C gained, the smaller coalition partner, the Alliance For Change (AFC), won two while the majority, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) garnered the most with 21. Back in 2016, the combined APNU/AFC controlled 25 seats. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Arson suspected in Stabroek Market Wharf fire S tall holders who were still operating in the Stabroek Market Wharf, although it was cordoned off to facilitate rehabilitation works were forced to evacuate as the facility caught fire.

Although it is suspected that the fire may have been started by a female, who had an argument with another vendor, Mayor Patricia Chase Green, who toured the partially-burnt structure, on Tuesday morning said that City Hall was still assessing the number of stalls that have been destroyed by the blaze.

“I received a report a little before 12am from the City Constabulary informing me of a fire at the Stabroek Market Wharf. I came down here (and) the firefighters were already on the scene trying to contain the fire and it was contained,” she explained.

Chase Green said that despite the fact that the firefighters managed to put out the blaze, she later received another report indicating that another fire had started, this time in a different area at the wharf, after the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) restored electricity to the area.

The Mayor noted that

that fire too was contained by the prompt firefighters who she commended for their service.

“This here should never have happened, but it has happened and we have got to make sure we put more stringent measures in place to prevent people from getting at the back here, because we would have closed this off many months ago, but as you see people are still actively utilising their stalls in the market,” she related.

Speaking with this newspaper, a vendor said that stall holders who operated at the wharf suffered tremendous losses as refrigerators and other appliances were destroyed, along with their stocks of fish, vegetables, and fruits.

Meanwhile, A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman said on Tuesday afternoon that he was unaware of anyone being in custody for the fire.

The scorched back of the Stabroek Market was long overdue for rehabilitation. The area was cordoned off months ago to allow for repair works in September.

After the area was barricaded off on September 13, Town

A burnt section of the Stabroek Market Wharf

Clerk Royston King in an engagement with the media said those vendors would have to spend at least two years at the Grove-Diamond bus park.

The drivers there were relocated to Bugle Street to accommodate the vendors. City Hall later removed several other bus parks with similar intention.

Several vendors who ply their trade in the Stabroek Wharf area were brought to tears when they were confronted by City Hall staffers cordoning off the entrances to their vending area.

This move came approximately two weeks

after the M&CC had issued a notice informing the vendors of its plans to remove them from the dilapidated area in order to facilitate rehabilitation works there.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry has reportedly undertaken to rehabilitate the Stabroek Market Wharf, which has been in a deplorable state for many years.

On Monday, several of the displaced vendors were constructing stalls at their relocated spots at the Route 42 Bus Park.

A visit to the area on Monday showed that vendors were being assisted by construction

workers to build wooden structures.

The section allocated for the relocation was cordoned off and each vendor’s space was demarcated.

Many of the stall owners said that they were working assiduously to finish construction before month end, since the busy Christmas shopping season would commence soon.

“Christmas coming so we trying to catch all that we miss for since September time. A lot of money we lose…you couldn’t sell how you used to,” a vendor said.

The wooden stalls are elevated on concrete blocks so that de-

construction would be easy. There is also a concrete structure in progress which is expected to house restroom facilities.

The Council had decided at a previous statutory meeting that the vendors would have to construct their own stalls as one would cost approximately G$400,000.

It is mandatory that the eight feet by ten feet structure with a maximum height of 13 feet be constructed with wooden materials and six weeks after completion of the stalls, a sum of G$85 per square foot per month will be collected for sanitation and other services.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NYC public schools to benefit from groundbreaking mental health awareness campaign

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ew York City First Lady Chirlane McCray has announced the launch of a groundbreaking school mental health awareness campaign, “There’s Help All Around You.” According to a release from the Mayor’s Office, the campaign, which targets students and parents, will appear in all New York City public schools.

It was developed in partnership among ThriveNYC, The Jed Foundation (JED), the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, and greyhealth group.

One in five young people will experience a mental health challenge each year, with issues like depression and anxiety acting as significant impediments to academic success for many students. Additionally, individuals ages 1521 are significantly more likely to report their mental health as fair or poor than the two generations before them, according to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America report.

“Young people between the ages of 15 and 21 are experiencing unprecedented levels of emotional distress due to bullying, academic pressures, family dysfunction and many other stressors,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray.

“We want students and parents in New York City to know that help is available. The partnership between ThriveNYC, The Jed Foundation (JED) and the City of New York will ensure

New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray

that the 1.1 million children in New York City public schools have the information they need to connect to care.”

The “There’s Help All Around You” campaign, tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students, explains common mental health challenges and encourages help-seeking behavior among students in an age-appropriate way. The campaign will promote mental health understanding and dialogue, and decrease shame, prejudice, and uncertainty surrounding these challenges. The campaign will also point students and parents to available mental resources in schools and communities including guidance counselors, social workers, school mental health consultants, substance abuse prevention and intervention specialists, and community school mental health providers, the Mayor’s Office said.

“We are thrilled to partner with the City of New York on this pioneering campaign to help the largest school district in the country support the mental health of their students,” said John MacPhee, Executive Director/CEO of JED. “Today’s students can face a va-

riety of challenges, which makes it essential they know

that help is all around them, and how and where to

find it. This campaign will empower more of NYC’s young people to speak up and seek the help they may need. Our hope is that the “There’s Help All Around You” campaign can serve as a model for other school districts to implement across the country.”

By focusing on the nation’s largest school district, the campaign will reach over 1.1 million students in over 1,800 New York City schools and will be

available in multiple languages including Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, and Chinese.

“Supporting the mental health of the youngest New Yorkers is a priority for ThriveNYC,” said ThriveNYC Executive Director Alexis Confer. “We want students and parents to know about every available resource and we’re proud to partner with the Jed Foundation and others to achieve that goal.”

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GECOM gets G$5B

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he Committee of Supply of the National Assembly has approved the lump sum of G$5,371,061,000 for the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) for the period ending December 31, 2019.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said the amount recommended represents a substantial amount of the requested G$6,368,100,000 requested by the Commission, DPI reported.

In response to the opposition’s con-

cern, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan expressed that this amount will adequately meet GECOM’s financial needs for the period.

He noted that the commission had indicated that there were sums left over from the previous year’s allocation.

The sum was approved by majority vote.

The Finance Minister also commended GECOM for its efficient execution of the recently hosted Local Government Elections (LGE), DPI said.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP promises Coalition partners apologise to use 1 seat in over mistreatment of media Linden to push for at press conference positive changes PPP’s Vice Chairman for Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Akanni Blair

O

n the heels of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) securing one seat on the Linden Municipality at the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE), that party has said it is looking forward to making a significant impact, geared along the lines of its campaign promises.

This was according to the Party’s Vice Chairman for Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Akanni Blair, who noted that the party is jubilant, given the improvement in votes seen in the Region.

Blair said that while the Party lost constituency seats, the fact that the Party secured an increase in votes this time around is commendable.

“During our campaign, we would have distributed at length our plans, and we promised to stick to our campaign promises. The policies set out by the Party are going to be adhered to, basically to create a better Municipality for this town of Linden. We talked about greater transparency, we said that we would not increase any new taxes, and I hope that the one seat (would) be a strong opposition to those things that go contrary to those things that we would have talked about”, Blair said.

He added that while it may not be easy for one seat to be as effective, he believes that with reasonable fight, a lot can be achieved.

“So it is my hope that whoever that Councillor is, they are prepared to fight hard to maintain what the Party would have campaigned on”, he noted.

Further, he stated that the town, which has always been under the rule of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has seen little progress over the years .

He noted that while

the PPP has been blamed for this while in Government, an examination of the facts would show that it was never in control of the Municipality nor the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

“Even though we wanted to do so much while we were in Central Government, those efforts were stymied because we had to go through the Municipality or the RDC. Things of a capital nature that Central Government had direct responsibility for, we would have delivered”, he said.

As such, Blair remains positive that with an opportunity to manage the town from an advantageous position, things will be different.

Noting that Party Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is adamant about success, and has Linden at heart, he said the Party is going to deliver, once given the opportunity to do so.

“So I am expecting that the next time around we are given a bigger bite of the cherry”, he said.

Moving forward, the Party Vice Chairman posited that the PP will seek to improve on its campaign methods as well as logistical support.

“I believe that the campaign in Linden should be covered in flamboyance. The Party did use another method, where they used a kind of lowkey, house-to-house (strategy), and coming to the tail end of the campaign, we had our public meetings and so on. But I think those efforts at the tail end were a little too late. I believe that our campaign needs more financing”, he indicated.

Blair noted that despite this, the Party is excited about its prospects.

He noted that the Party will take a more careful look at its methods, and implement changes for improvement in the next elections.

O

ne day after the Guyana Press Association (GPA) had blasted the coalition Government for condoning disrespect meted out to media workers at a joint press conference hosted by the APNU and AFC factions of Government, the Government has issued an apology to the GPA. The media was invited to this joint press conference, held at Congress Place, Sophia on Friday; but much to the media’s surprise, party supporters were at the briefing. As questions were being asked of the parties’ leaders, members of the media corps were heckled by those supporters.

Media workers were boldly asked by the parties’ supporters, “What stupid questions are you asking?”, and in some cases, they were even asked if those

were even questions. All the while, Government officials, inclusive of Acting President Moses Nagamootoo; Acting Prime Minister Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, sat quietly and condoned the disruptive behaviour of their supporters.

However, the GPA did not mince words with the Government on Friday following the incident, but frontally reminded the Government that media workers have the right to conduct their duties without fear of intimidation.

The GPA noted that it would not hesitate to call on media workers and media houses to boycott press events if this “unacceptable behaviour continues.”

On Saturday morning, the APNU issued a statement apologising to the media. In its statement, the party said that it “wishes to express its apologies for the discomfort caused during the recent press conference.”

It added, “As a political partnership and coalition partner of the Government, the APNU does not condone nor endorse any conduct that serves to intimidate and hinder duties of media workers,” while saying that it values the work of the media.

However, this is a far cry from what occurred at Congress Place on Friday. The party, nevertheless, committed that it “endeavours” to ensure that such instances do not recur at future press conferences.

Essequibians urged to take advantage of new oil sector E

ssequibians have been encouraged to take full advantage of the Essequibo Technical Institute with the aim of arming themselves with technical skills to fill the demands that will be available in Guyana with the introduction of the oil and gas sector.

This was the encouragement offered as 144 students participated in the 16th graduation exercise of the ETI, which

was held late last week at the institution.

Acting Principal Rawl Pearce has said that with the introduction of the oil and gas sector, ETI is now offering engineering and mining courses so as to prepare Guyanese to meet the demands of the new sector. He said the institution currency has six students who are undergoing technical training under the sponsorship of the Guyana Power and Light Inc

(GPL) and MACORP. After completing the programme, the six will be employed with GPL at the New Power Plant in Anna Regina. MACORP is also offering full oneyear scholarships to hinterland students who want to attend the institution.

In his feature address, Ajay Singh shared his success story of being among the first batch of students at the institution. He is now an engi-

neer by profession. He encouraged the graduating class to continue to work hard to make their dreams become reality.

Meanwhile, Colwyn King, who gave the charge, said technical education is key for development, and no country can develop without technical skills. He encouraged students to put their training into good use.

Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt reflected on the persons A section of the students who graduated from ETI last week three who were very instrumental in bringing technical education to Essequibo Coast. He made mention of former Education Minister the late Dr Dale Bisnauth, former Regional Chairman the late Ally Baksh, and former Vice Chairman the late Heeralall Mohan.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

No-confidence motion will force Govt to take notice of citizens’ concerns

…Opposition

E

ven though the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has filed a noconfidence motion against the Government, the Party believes the coalition’s losses at the Local Government Elections (LGE) are the public’s own vote of no confidence.

In an interview with Guyana Times International, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo explained that his party has observed the dissatisfaction of the people, and as such, took action as the people’s representatives.

“People spoke about this.

They’re very dissatisfied, through the election results,” Jagdeo said. “And we’re just bringing that dissatisfaction, their voice, to the National Assembly, to say to the Government we’re dissatisfied with the direction the country is going in.”

“So win or lose, the country will benefit from this. Because it will force this Government to sit up and take notice that we are unhappy with the visionless policies that they’re practising and that they’re harming our future,” he added.

Jagdeo had first announced the no-confidence motion during his Thursday press conference right after it was clear that the people had repudiated the coalition Government. The next day, the scheduled sitting of the National Assembly

was abruptly cancelled at Government’s request and the Opposition turned up to an empty chamber. At the half empty Parliament chambers, he reiterated some of his expectations regarding the motion.

“We have already succeeded, by filing this motion and getting this Government to sit up and notice these issues we are dissatisfied with. And we believe this will force them, if the PPP fails to secure the majority in the house, to take cognisance of the reasons why we are filing the no-confidence motion. And it will force them to bring a better budget… We’d like to see the restoration of the children grant. The same money they’ve increased food in Government by, they can give the children the G$10,000 grant. It’s a matter of priorities. They should restore water subsidies for pensioners, reverse the VAT on electricity, water, medical supplies, food, and machinery,” he added.

Jagdeo had noted that some other measures he wants the Government to take is to reduce excise taxes, reverse the increases in land fees for Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary (MMA) farmers… increases the farmers have still been unable to meet.

Better governance

In a published advertisement, the PPP went into fur-

ther details on their reasons for filing the motion, and which were the concrete reasons for the peoples’ rejection of the People’s National Congress-led coalition.

It pointed to the thousands of jobs that have been lost as a result of the closure of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates.

In addition, the Party referred to the various scandals that have erupted under the Administration. They include the single sourcing of the feasibility contract for the new Demerara River crossing, the single sourcing of a drugs bond and the single sourcing of drug

procurement contracts.

The Party noted the numerous breaches of fiscal laws flagged by the Audit Office of Guyana in its reports, as well as the lack of accountability in the D’Urban Park project; something even the Auditor General had to launch a special probe into.

The depletion of Guyana gold and foreign reserves was also highlighted. In fact, a report from the Central Bank earlier this year had indicated that Guyana’s net foreign reserves, held by the Bank in foreign currency notes; has fallen to its lowest point since 2008.

Tax collection has increased dramatically; a point alluded to by the Party. This publication had reported findings from the recently released 2017 Auditor General report, which had showed that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) collected more taxes than was even anticipated.

In the End of Year Budget and Reconciliation Report, it noted that the projected revenue for 2017 was G$186 billion. Instead, Government actually collected G$195 billion in current revenue. This includes duties, levy, personal income and withholding taxes.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Natural Resources Fund

NEWS 23

22-member oversight committee proposed

By Jarryl Bryan

G

overnment has released the draft Natural Resources Fund Bill of 2018, which proposes among other things a 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee that will oversee the management of the Fund and provide checks and balances.

Commission (PSC); the governing council of the University of Guyana (UG) and each of the 10 administrative regions.

In the case of the regions, the terms of these members will be for two years with the possibility of being reappointed for one more term. Members nominated by any other organisation besides Regional The Bank of Guyana will house the Fund

According to the Bill, the Committee will include a media representative proposed by the Guyana Press Association (GPA). Other entities that will have to propose representatives include the Guyana Bar Association; the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI); Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI), the Guyana Consumers’ Association and the various trade unions.

In addition, nominees will have to come from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana; the Private Sector

Democratic Councils (RDCs) will serve a single threeyear term. The Bill specifically excludes persons such as Members of Parliament, Ministry staff, persons of unsound mind, ex-convicts and the bankrupt from serving on the Committee.

The Bill also lists the functions of the Committee, which will include monitoring and evaluating the compliance of Government and other officials related to the NRF, with the provisions of the Bill. They will also have to independently assess the management of the Fund and use of withdrawals,

as well as facilitate public consultations on the NRF. The Committee will be charged with “monitoring and evaluating whether the Fund has been managed in accordance with the principles of transparency, good governance, and international best practices, including the Santiago principles.”

The Santiago principles are a set of generally accepted principles and practices that reflect Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) investment best practices and objectives. They include expectations of a sound legal framework, well-defined mission, clearly defined rules for withdrawals, transparency, annual reporting and independent auditors.

Where transparency is concerned, the Bill stipulates that biannual reports on the Committee’s activities must be published on its website or Parliament’s website. In addition, the Committee must organise annual public consultations to update the public on its work.

The Bill adds that the Committee must “submit copies of its biannual reports to the President and to the National Assembly within 60 days after the end of the first half of each fiscal year, as well as within 60 days after the end of the second half of each fiscal year.”

While the subject Minister, in this case the Finance Minister, will have overall responsibility for the manage-

ment of the Fund, the Bank of Guyana will have operational management responsibility.

In addition, the Minister must obtain parliamentary approval for withdrawals.

“The amount Parliament shall approve as the withdrawal from the Fund for the next ensuing fiscal year shall be included in the annual budget and shall not exceed, for that year, the economically and fiscally sustainable amount plus any amount required for emergency financing,” the Bill states.

According to the Bill, the Fund will be held at the Bank

of Guyana. However, the Fund itself will be managed independent of the Bank’s reserves.

All budget requests must go through the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with the monies being charged on the Fund.

The Fund A SWF, which is what the NRF was previously known as, is a State-owned investment fund that is made up of surpluses from official foreign currency operations, proceeds of privatisations, governmental transfer payments, fiscal surpluses and/or receipts resulting from resource exports.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Focus now shifts to 2020 polls

…Jagdeo says presidential candidate to be named before year-end

T

he Opposition P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) could name its next presidential candidate in the coming weeks, as General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has made a commitment to making the announcement by the end of this year.

Jagdeo said that his party would stick with the promise to name the next candidate who will take the Party through the 2020 General Elections. He recalled that earlier this year Party executives had agreed to name the candidate after the Local Government Elections (LGE). “… we will return to the issue on that timeline on when we settle for the presidential candidate. But it seems as though all of this will happen within the year, before the end of 2018,” he said.

Jagdeo said he would throw his support behind anyone he found to have the ability to lead the Party to victory at the 2020 elections. “There

are a lot of people that I like, and very competent people, and I wish them all well,” he stated.

The Party’s General Secretary said he had no problem with members within the Executive of the party who were desirous of becoming the presidential nominee canvasing support.

“There is nothing wrong with people saying, I am interested. What’s wrong with that? But I urge all of the Party members and those who are canvasing not to disparage anyone else. Because at the end of the day, what will happen is not all of these people will rally around the person we chose and we move on to win the election,” he said.

Various concerns have been raised about the process, which will be used to select the next presidential candidate for the PPP/C, but Jagdeo, has made it clear that the system used since 1992 would remain the chosen one.

“There is a longstanding tradition: The Congress selects the

PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Central Committee and the Central Committee choses the candidate,” Jagdeo said at the news conference.

He said this system, which was introduced by the Party some 25 years ago under the leadership of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, still obtained today.

“So I doubt that is going to change for these elections, because that is the position. I tell you this because it seems as though many people, in

speculating about how the candidate would be chosen, are not aware of this process,” he explained.

He maintained that the Party remained committed to the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and democracy as it undertook the process of selecting its next presidential nominee. “That’s the process we have used, and from all indications, that is the process we will use again to select the next

candidate, unless the Central Committee itself decides to change that procedure,” he added.

Jagdeo said the race for the candidacy was open, as this has been a longstanding practice of the PPP/C. “But at the end of the day, it is how many votes you muster there from the 35 (Central Committee members) that will matter in a democratic fashion. That person will emerge as the candidate.”

There are several persons who are reportedly interested in being the Party’s top candidate. So far, junior member and former Member of Parliament, Charles Ramson Jr has publicly announced his candidacy for the position.

Also, a number of former Government Ministers under the PPP/C, including Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali and Dr Frank Anthony, have been expressing an interest to lead the PPP/C into the next elections.

It is also believed that some women candidates may join in the race to

be nominated. These include party stalwart Gail Teixeira and MP Dr Vindhya Persaud.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo said that the PPP/C was moving “straight into its national campaign” for the 2020 General and Regional Elections following a massive victory at the LGE. “We will continue to work hard … we will keep going back to certain areas, including areas that are seen as the strongholds of the People’s National Congress (PNC) … we will keep going back to people across Guyana over and over… we have to go back to them,” he said. “…some said they didn’t want to give us the vote, but they didn’t give A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) … we have to go back to get them not to stay away the next time, not to give anyone the vote … we want them to vote for our party.”

The General Election is constitutionally due in the next 18 months.

Cop dies after losing SOCU says probe into Demerara River control of car bridge feasibility study nears completion

T

P

Dead: Police Constable Cardiss Joseph

olice Constable Cardiss Joseph of the Aroaima Police Outpost in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) was killed on Sunday after he lost control of the motor car he was driving along Company Road, Aroaima, and it toppled several times before coming to a halt.

Preliminary investigations revealed that at approximately 12:50h on Sunday, the 33-yearold Joseph, of Lot 43 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was off duty at the time and was driving a friend’s car, PPP 4196, along Company Road in Aroaima when the accident occurred.

He was reportedly driving at a fast rate towards the Waterfront

Area when he lost control of the car. As a result of the accident, he reportedly was pitched out of the vehicle and landed on the roadway.

Police ranks who were on the scene confirmed that two of the vehicle’s wheels were “soft”, suggesting that a blowout might have caused the accident.

D i v i s i o n a l Commander Linden Lord has described the incident as a very unfortunate incident. Joseph had been a member of the Force for the past 10 years.

His body was first transported to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), before being taken to the Upper Demerara Hospital mortuary at Wismar.

he Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is close to wrapping up its investigations into the awarding of a sole-sourced contract for a feasibility study into constructing the new Demerara River bridge.

This is according to SOCU Head, Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James, when contacted by Guyana Times International.

While he noted that investigations were in an advanced stage, he declined to give details on whether charges would be laid.

“The investigation is almost completed. It’s an ongoing investigation, but it is being finalised.

The report is being finalised,” James explained, although he would only say “shortly” when asked for a specific timeframe for completion.

The contract in question was awarded to Dutch company

LievenseCSO for a feasibility study into the new bridge. The Opposition had requested that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) investigate the award of the G$148 million solesourced contract.

In its report on the matter, the PPC had flagged Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson for requesting from Cabinet that the contract be solesourced, instead of being processed through the Procurement Board as the law says should be done.

The PPC completed its investigation into the award of the contract for a feasibility study on a new Demerara River bridge, and handed its report over on August 7, 2018.

The report noted that several companies had bid for the project to do the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge, and 12 companies

SOCU head, Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James

had been shortlisted.

The report had added that only two of the 12 companies had made proposals. As such, the bidding process was annulled. It added that on November 12, 2016, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) approved the move for the project to be re-tendered. The project was not re-tendered; instead, Dutch company LievenseCSO was engaged by the Public Infrastructure Ministry to do the work.

Page seven of the

The Public Procurement Commission had stated that the sole sourcing of the contract for the new Demerara River bridge feasibility study was illegal

report noted that the bid from LievenseCSO was “unsolicited”, but Patterson took the company’s proposal to Cabinet for approval, and Cabinet granted its approval for the company to be engaged. The report, on page seven, stated that monies to be spent on the project were taken from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Asphalt Plant Accounts).

It was subsequently announced that SOCU would be investigating the matter. Patterson submitted a statement to the investigative unit in September of this year, although this was criticised as the Opposition said the same standard used on them should apply to the Government. Around that time, Opposition politicians were being questioned at SOCU headquarters over other matters.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

B y L akhram B hagirat

T

he last time the family of businessman Derek Mangal saw him alive was on the morning of May 29, 2017 when he left their home to take his beloved “towa towa” bird for their routine morning stroll in the city. But he did not know when he was leaving his home that it would be the last time that he would ever see his family.

The 45-year-old Regent Multiplex Mall businessman, along with his beloved bird, lost their lives at the corner of Camp and Middle Streets, Georgetown sometime around 07:30h that day. His death has left a void in the lives of his daughter and wife that they are still trying to come to grips with.

One can only begin to imagine how they have been coping with the loss of their sole provider and someone who was described as generous, kind, loyal and jovial. But no one knows exactly where his family finds the strength to move on and according to his daughter Diandra, they are taking every day one at a time.

The wounds of his passing are still fresh and in order to sustain the family and keep his legacy alive, the family still keeps the business alive despite some challenges.

Diandra said that the toughest part for her is trying to move on, since she is yet to find the strength to do so. She said that the impact of her father’s death is immeasurable, but they have to be there for each other and find the strength to live another day without him.

“Well, it’s (his death) been a negative impact, of course, but we’ve managed to pull through with time, because life still goes on.

For me, it was hard because there were times that I broke down and cried because the way in which he died, it was so unfair. I’ve had times where I wanted to break down all the time and give up on ev-

erything, but the small memory of him always kept me going,” she said.

The Police said that motor car PPP 9843 was proceeding north along the western carriageway while motor car PPP 3751

was proceeding west along Middle Street and as the vehicles approached the intersection both drivers failed to stop, which resulted in the front of PPP 3751 colliding with the right side of PPP 9843, causing the latter to spin around and hit Mangal, who was proceeding east along the northern side of Middle Street.

As a result of the impact, Mangal was knocked off his motorcycle and received head and other injuries. As one can imagine, the family was immediately thrown into deep mourning and I can remember speaking to Diandra sometime after the accident and she related that the loss was one that was not just unfair but it showed how careless some drivers were

when utilising the road. She said that her father was there obeying the traffic rules, but because of the carelessness of both drivers he was the one who lost his life while the other two escaped unhurt.

She said that her father’s daily routine included leaving their

Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara home early in the morning and heading to the National Park where he would jog a few laps in the company of his favourite bird and after that he would take the bird for a ride around town, as most bird lovers do.

He would then go to his business place where he would spend most of the day.

The widow is still

FEATURE 29

not ready to talk about how it has been for her since losing her husband.

Diandra tells me that her mother has been the rock she is and for her she is continuing down the path her father envisioned for her. When I asked her what she misses the most about him she told that apart from his presence, she misses his personality, wicked sense of hu-

mour and the calmness he exuded.

Nothing or no one can fill the void that the Mangal family has in their lives all because of the carelessness on the road, therefore they are calling for more sensible use of the roadways.

Look out for those not looking out for themselves.(Times Sunday Magazine)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Struggling…

N

…for political survival ow that the LGE has confirmed the AFC’s “dead meat” state, Moses Nagamootoo’s desperately struggling to show some personal worth to the PNC — to enjoy his super salary and, as important, those sirens and outriders to convince him he’s “important”!! This was pathetically on display after the results showed the PPP had comprehensively defeated both the PNC/APNU and the AFC by 45,000 votes.

After his prediction of trouncing the PPP in his home village of Whim was turned on his head, and the AFC was routed by the PPP, he didn’t even have the grace to concede defeat. Rather, he launched into a tirade against the PPP’s “racism”, which was grotesque, since Whim is overwhelmingly “Indian”! But he was obviously just echoing the PNC’s stock line so as to ingratiate himself with them, and not be dumped like a used tissue full of snot!!

But it was the political genius of his bete noir, Bharrat Jagdeo, to have immediately filed a motion of no-confidence in the APNU/AFC coalition Government after the lopsided results that forced Nagamootoo to display his desperation. He immediately dubbed the no-confidence motion an “act of provocation”!! What can be “provocative” about utilising a Constitutional mechanism (Art 106 (6))?? It was definitely a Freudian slip that revealed his state of mind in 2014, when he filed his motion of no-confidence against the Donald Ramotar PPP Government!

In the press conference at Congress Place, to rally the spirits of their dispirited supporters – following their frantic late night tete-a-tete with PNC Whip Amna Ally in her nightie – “suck-up” Nagamootoo showed up in a PNC-green shirt!! Even old time PNC stalwart Carl Greenidge sported a green-and-yellow shirt, to acknowledge the AFC!! But like your Eyewitness said, Nagamootoo’s frantically doing whatever it takes to save his neck, and he has no shame!!

In his Chronic column, Nagamootoo once more tried so desperately to grovel before the PNC that he didn’t even care he was shooting himself in the foot.

He tried to throw shade at the PPP by alleging they’d submitted a “plagiarised, 10-word, No-Confidence Motion” – presumably his! What he didn’t realise is that a no-confidence motion – “That this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government” — is specified!! Someone must’ve drafted his in 2014, and he thinks he can now claim originality!!

Finally, in desperation, he invoked the departing US Ambassador’s speech, and gratuitously boasted there were no uncouth “feral blasts”. Yet, while he boasts about his “journalistic roots” – carrying around Janet’s handbag! – he ignored the thuggish behaviour of APNU supporters at the press conference, who “cuss out” journalists!!

The gods first make mad those whom they wish to destroy!! …to stop the inevitable In Westminster-style Parliament, the authority for its practices is encapsulated in the venerable “Erskine May: Parliamentary Practice”. Wiki pithily summarises the universal assessment: “It is considered to be the most authoritative and influential work on parliamentary procedure and the constitutional conventions affecting Parliament which form a major part of the uncodified UK constitution. Such is the authority of the text, it is regarded as analogous to part of the constitution itself.”

So, as the PNC-led APNU/AFC combine flails away to escape the people’s verdict, captured by the noconfidence motion, what does Erskine May say about the urgency of dealing with such motions? “The government will always accede to the demand from the Opposition to allot a day for the discussion of such a motion?; and while the ?government is entitled to have regard to exigencies of its own business, a reasonably early day is invariably (always) found…(this prioritisation) is founded on the recognised position of the Opposition as a potential government?, and thus ?guarantees the legitimacy of such an interruption of the normal course of business” (p. 344, Erskine May, 24th Edition, 2011).

Let’s see the PNC traduce this tradition! …with misdirection When caught with its pants down, the PNCled coalition invariably creates diversions and misdirections.

Expect SOCU to issue some new trumped-up, forced-ripe charges!!

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he Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) has been Guyana’s strongest voice when it comes to raising awareness and promoting safe use of the roadways ever since its establishment, and it is constantly trying

to make its campaigns more eye-catching. On Thursday, it launched what is being dubbed as the most eye-catching campaign in collaboration with local business partner Impressions, along with the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Guyana

Police Force’s Traffic Department.

The “Stop the Tears” campaign is geared towards making road users more aware of the suffering the families of road carnage victims undergo. GNRSC Coordinator Ramona Doorgen told the Sunday Times that

they have been looking at different strategies over the years, which produced some results although they were not as effective as they hope this campaign would be.

“It was Albert Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing over and over

again and expecting different results and for years we have been trying the same thing all the time and this year Impressions, a private partner, came forward and offered to come on board and they came up with the “Stop the Tears” campaign,” she

explained.

Doorgen said as a part of the mandate of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, to which GNRSC is a signatory, it is mandated to decrease road deaths by 50 per cent at the end of 2020. She said thus far they have been making

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strides in that department and with collaborative efforts they can achieve that goal and go beyond to ensure that the roadways are safer to use.

With Guyana recording 101 road deaths, as of November 15, 2018, Doorgen believes the campaign is timely as

the symbolic teardrop is seen everywhere and would serve to remind road users of the people who are crying. Crying over their loved ones who have lost their lives or are suffering from lifealtering injuries owing to irresponsible use of the roadways. She hopes that the teardrop would

time we see the tear drop it is our hope that someone will say we have to slow down because we don’t want to have our mother crying because we have a lot of young people losing their, lives because of drunk driving and everybody tell themselves ‘it can’t happen to me’,” Doorgen noted.

it will serve to reinforce the message of proper use of the road.

“We have 101 for the year so far and that is unacceptable and there are deaths that are happening that are needless and people just need to be re-educated and reminded, so that is how the campaign came about,” Doorgen said.

The road safety advocate said that it was the hope of the GNRSC that

remind the thousands of road users of the mothers who are crying for their children, children crying for their parents, and all relatives crying for deceased loved ones.

“As an advocate, you don’t only see them cry, but you feel the pain and it is not something nice and if we can stop parents from crying and people from hurting by just reminding them, then it is good. Every

Meanwhile the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department has welcomed the initiative as being timely and is happy to be a part of it.

Impressions Advertising Agency would be producing billboards to raise awareness and also there have been a number of bumper stickers created to further fuel the campaign. (Times Sunday Magazine)

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By Lakhram Bhagirat

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others are these tough shells filled with all kinds of warmth and quite often we take them for granted and because of their immense strength, we are taken aback when we see them collapse emotionally. But how does a mother find the strength to move on after one of her babies is snatched by the vile hands of death. How

do we measure the level of grief she experiences or how do we even begin to console her?

It is a herculean task that many of us do not have the tools to address, because we have taken mothers for granted. For the mother of a teenaged pandit, she is yet to get that strength to accept the fact that her son is no longer coming home. She is living with the hope that one day she will wake up

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from this horrible nightmare and see her smiling baby boy there waiting for her. She is not alone in this suffering, as hundreds of people had been a part of the promising young man’s life, including those he had touched spiritually.

At the age of 19, full of life and promise, Gansham Lekhram of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) lost his life following a tragic accident. During the wee hours of November 6, 2017, the teenaged pandit was heading back home in motor car PVV 648 when he suddenly veered across the roadway to the southern side of the road and hit a utility pole. He was forced to swerve to avoid hitting an intoxicated man who was swaying on the road.

His car was totalled and he suffered massive internal injuries causing him to be admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. He never regained consciousness and died one week later on November 15 around 13:30h, hooked up to a

life support machine.

According to his family, he was returning home after dropping off some of his friends in Parika, EBE. His friends never knew that would have been the last time they would have seen him alive and well. Little did his mother know that her world was about to turn upside down, her heart crushed and life shattered.

Gansham had become a pandit in November of 2012 when he was just 15 years old, a feat many d o not

accomplish until they are in their 20s. He was an inspirational person to the hundreds, if not thousands, of persons he came into contact with and always had a smile. He was a part of the second batch of students who completed the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha pandit training course.

The course lasted three years and included teachings in Sanskrit, performance of all poojas, death and afterdeath ceremonies, marriages, basic astrology and Hindu theology.

His mother, Dhanrajie Sankar, says her son was a gem and one she considered herself blessed to have given birth to. The single mother of two told me that the wounds of her son’s passing were still open and she did not think that they would ever close since the pain of losing a child is one that very few people understand. She manages her grief, according

to her, very poorly and would break down ever so often.

“What me can tell you? My heart bleeding because is me only son and God take he.

He wasn’t a bad boy and I don’t know why this happen and me heart ah hurt. Every day me does cry for me son and today (Thursday) is one year now and me nah know what to do,” she said amid tears.

After telling me how

the hurt is immeasurable and breaking down, Sankar had no strength to go on any longer. The feeling of loss was one that was heavy as many of Gansham’s friends had gathered at her home as they tried to comfort her.

One of his friends, Ram Ramkellawan, told me that Gansham was more like a brother than a friend. He was their leader and because of his deep involvement in Hinduism he provided new perspectives to every situation.

He taught t h e m c o m passion

and t h e importance of kindness. He taught them to be humble and was a true leader within their community and really wanted to make a difference.

He was so committed to making the lives of the residents of the community as well as the youths better that he decided to take up the mantle of leadership when he contested the 2016 Local Government Elections on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s slate. During an interview with Guyana Times prior to the 2016 LGE, Gansham said that the youths in Zeelugt are too involved in alcohol and drugs among other delinquent activities because of the lack of facilities to take up their time.

The community suffered a major loss when Gansham died and according to his hundreds of Facebook friends they too suffered. To this date the tributes to him keep pouring in among the prayers for his mother since she needs the strength to carry on without him. No one can fill that void for her and she longs for the day when she will be there with her baby boy. She prays daily for the soul of her baby boy. (Times Sunday Magazine)

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n Guyana, one of the organisations synonymous with raising awareness and calling for the better use of the roadways is the Alicea Foundation or as it is commonly known, “Mothers in Black”. For over two decades, the Foundation has been raising awareness and calling for safer use of the roadways.

According to the website, the Alicea Foundation, a not-for -company registered on November 1 1 , 1997, w a s

cated and lobbied over many years for new and improved relevant road safety laws and their enforcement as well as road safety education in our schools. While the Alicea Foundation was set up as a non-profit, non-governmental organisation with the aim of highlighting the senseless loss of lives to dangerous drivers, the active

formed by Denise Dias when her daughter Alicea died. Fuelled by the sudden death of her 17-year-old daughter in August 1996 owing to the recklessness of an allegedly drunken driver, Dias established the Alicea Foundation. With other grieving mothers and concerned citizens, Dias organised a weekly one-hour vigil outside Parliament Building.

For nigh-on four years mothers and supporters of Mothers In Black stood silently dressed in black with pictures of their lost loved ones until the eventual road safety legislation was passed for the use of helmets, seat belts, breathalysers and radar guns.

The Alicea Foundation has advo-

arm or movement is the “Mothers In Black”.

“We are mothers who have lost our loved ones, slaughtered on our roads. We are asking for our present laws to be enforced. We are mothers who condemn speeding. We are mothers against drinking and driving,” the website states.

Earlier this year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II recognised Dias as the 17th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary work campaigning for better road safety regulations. Each Commonwealth Point of Light receives a personalised certificate signed

by Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth.

Dias continues to

work and raise awareness for better roads.

Going back to Friday, August 23, 1996 when tragedy struck the Dias family. According to Dias, in a previous interview, she was at home in their Oleander Gardens, East Demerara home awaiting the arrival of her eldest child who has just gotten a part-time job with an advertising agency. She said that her daughter was an excellent artist and full of promise, so talented

that she was seconded to Trinidad to work as a junior graphic artist for one year.

Alicea was struck down some time around 17:00h a few feet from their home and when her mother ran to the scene, she was confronted with the sight of her daughter lying there taking what would be her last few breaths. Someone assisted to take Alicea to the hospital, but by the time they arrived, it was too late.

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The driver fled the scene, but was later arrested and charged. He had been previously involved in an accident that saw a senior citizen

losing their life as well.

He would eventually flee the country and never return – justice was never served.(Times Sunday Magazine)

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he World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year – to remember the many millions killed and injured on the world’s roads, together with their families, friends and many others who are also affected. It is also a Day on which we thank the emergency services and reflect on the tremendous burden and cost of this daily continuing disaster to families, communities and countries, and on ways to halt it.

Road deaths and injuries are sudden, violent, traumatic events. Their impact is long-lasting, often permanent. Each year, millions of newly-injured and bereaved people from every corner of the world are added to the countless millions who already suffer. The cumulative toll is truly tremendous.

The grief and distress experienced by this huge number of people is all the greater because many of the victims are young, because many of the crashes could have and should have been prevented and because Governments’ and society’s response to road deaths and injury and to bereaved and injured victims is often inadequate, unsympathetic, and inappropriate concerning a loss of life or quality of life.

This special Remembrance Day is, therefore, intended to respond to the great need of road crash victims for public recognition of their loss and suffering.

It has also become an important tool for Governments and those who work to prevent crashes or respond to the aftermath, since it offers the opportunity to demonstrate the enormous scale and impact of road deaths and injuries and the urgent need for action.

Many varied commemorative events are held on each World Day, or on the days before or after.

From 1995, road victim organisations under the umbrella of the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) observed this Day together – first as European Day of Remembrance, but soon as World Day when NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) from Africa, South America and Asia who were associated members of FEVR joined the commemoration.

Therefore, FEVR is the creator and first owner of the World Day of Remembrance. From 2000 onwards, the Pope and other religious leaders remembered road victims worldwide on the third Sunday of November, calling it ‘World Day’.10 years after it began – on October 26, 2005; the World Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as “the appropriate acknowledgement for victims of road traffic crashes and their families”.

This year, it is observed under the theme “Road have Stories”. In Guyana, our roads have many stories. Stories of speeding, hit and runs, blatant disregard for traffic rules among a whole host of other stories. It is imperative that we create safe roads because of the number of unnecessary accidents. Drinking and driving is, by far, our most challenging story to deal with and is also the cause of numerous accidents.

It is time we start using our roads more cautiously. Do not be afraid to ask the driver to slow down because your life matters.(Times Sunday Magazine)

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by Petamber Persaud

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Preserving our literary heritage

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he Embassy of Mexico in Georgetown, Guyana, recently commemorated one of its country’s most revered festivals – the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos, a special time set aside to remember and to pay homage to departed loved ones and to by way of related activities support them on their spiritual journey.

Dia de los Muertos is not unlike many Western traditions and festivals including All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. This year 2018, the festival was devoted to the following eminent writers, Sir Wilson Harris, Sergio Pistol, Sir V. S. Naipaul, Sir Derek Walcott and Octavio Paz, a commendable gesture in a world where we are forever paying lip service to, too soon sideline, or forget altogether our creative minds.

Guyana’s unique physical location on the continent of South America and its historical connection to the Caribbean can lay claim to all of the above writers but more so to Naipaul and Walcott.

Sir Wilson Harris 1921 – 2018:

Born in a small town in a far-away country, Wilson Harris would go on to haunt the imagination of people around the world.

Harris is the recipient of several honorary doctorates, grants and fellowships. He has held the revered position of Writer-in-Residence at many universities around the world including places like Australia, New York, Texas, Toronto and Cuba. In 1987, he won the inaugural Guyana Prize for Literature in the fiction category and, in 2002, he was awarded the Guyana Prize Special Award.

Wilson Harris has written and published some twenty three novels since his first, PALACE OF THE PEACOCK, appeared in 1960. His penultimate novel,

Gold Medal for Poetry in 1988 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992.

Octavio Paz 1914 – 1998:

THE MASK OF THE BEGGAR (2003), gives a possible starting point that led Harris on the road of his remarkable literary achievement.

When Wilson was only eight, he starting reading, THE ODYSSEY, with the help of his mother, Millicent. The Ulysses of that book became one of the motifs Harris employed in his writing.

Sergio Pistol 1933 – 2018:

Sergio Pistol was a celebrated Mexican writer of memoirs, short stories, and novels. He was also recognized translator who worked on publications by Jane Austen, Henry James and Joseph Conrad and Witold Gombrowicz.

A significant contribution to literature was how Pistol experimented with genres, breaking barriers and blending genres with consummate ease. Among his awards was the Cervantes Prize - the most prestigious award for literature in the Spanish-speaking world.

V. S. Naipaul 1932 – 2018:

Naipaul was a Trinidad-born British writer of fiction and nonfiction in English, excelling in both genres producing books like A House for Mr. Biswas, In A Free State, A Bend in the River, The Enigma of Arrival, The Middle Passage, An Area of Darkness, India: A wounded Civilization and Among the Believers: An Islamic Journey. Naipaul won the Booker Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Derek Walcott 1930 – 2017:

Walcott was a Saint Lucian poet and playwright better known for his epic poem Omeros and his play Dream on Monkey Mountain. His other notable works include (poetry) In A Green Night, Another Life, the Castaway & Other Poems, and (plays) Ti-Jean and his Brothers, The Joker of Seville, and Pantomime.

Walcott was awarded the Queen’s

Paz was a Mexican poet and essayist who was ‘largely responsible for establishing the outlines of contemporary Mexican literary criticism’. He was also a diplomat and translator. Paz founded (or helped to establish) many magazines/ journals. He won the Cervantes Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The import of the Day of the Dead was validated by UNESCO which inscribed it in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Somehow, we are slow in acknowledging the worth of our writers and to celebrate them while they are alive.

While we battle to overcome whatever challenges constraining us, let’s put aside a day not unlike The Day of the Dead to pay tribute to those who have passed, perhaps even forming The Bone Flute Dead Writers Society to undertake this honourable duty of paying homage to our writers. *Reference to Wilson Harris.

What’s happening: Sasenarine Persaud has just released his fourteenth book, Monsoon on the Fingers of God, and was honoured with HAF Award (https://www.hafsite.org/) for the Advancement of Dharmic Arts and Humanities. Part of the citation reads: ‘to recognize your significant yet humble contributions towards enlightening and educating others through your many inspiring literary works of dharmic values and traditions’.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com (Times Sunday Magazine)

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Expressing gratitude to an outstanding Guyanese in New York

Dear Editor: To the Diwali Motorcade and Divya Jhoti Association Inc , we would like to say thank you for honoring our Leader of the Sanasani Dance Group and Sanasani Dancers, Cultural Organization Inc. Akash Krsna Kanha.

Over the years he has done a remarkable job when it comes to being an authentic cultural leader and ambassador for our community. His commitment and dedication is beyond any we have experienced in a young man, especially in today's society.

Akash has touched, molded and changed many lives throughout the years and serves as an inspiration to all those who shared his path. He is truly a selfless individual, a gem who would go the extra mile to give you anything and everything without hesitation and expectations. Over the years we have all come to love and admire his humility, strength and determination.

Akash moved to the US at the age of 17 from Guyana with nothing but his past experiences and immediately took on several responsibilities as an adult.

He got a job to make sure the bills were paid.

He was not fortunate like many of us today.

He took advantage of every situation and offer that would benefit him righteously. He grew up in a poor home and was not blessed with many opportunities. The best teachings he received was from his mother who thought him humility and respect, how to always be humble and content and to love everyone equally. He values her sacrifice as she worked extremely hard (7 days a week) so that he could attend school and was one of the proudest parents

when he completed 10 subjects at the National CXC level and Graduated from the Academy of Apex Education at the age of 16.

Today, we are extremely proud of him, despite all the challenges he faced. He was able to overcome them and went from being the person who needed help to the one who now gives a helping hand.

We do not always hear many of the great things he does because of his humbleness. He truly doesn't care much for the attention or the acknowledgments. However, we all truly feel from within he deserves to be acknowledged.

Today, he is a young man who works 6 days a week, constantly volunteers within our community, and runs three programs that serve about thirty kids. His dedication is truly inspiring, since many days and nights he would spend his free time teaching kids or caring for someone else's needs rather than his own.

He is now providing opportunities, which were never made possible to him, accessible to everyone. We are proud to have him apart of our lives and a part of our community.

He has outlined a new path in our culture and has defined it in its most dignified, respectful and inspiring ways. He is indeed living embodiment of the quote, Action thy duty, reward not thy concern. We Thank you The Lakshmee Show for seeing the great values, contribution, efforts and skills of this young man.

We hope that you all continue to encourage and support him in every way possible.

Yours truly, Sanasani Cultural Organisation Inc.

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Ambassador urges Jamaicans in the US to become citizens to avoid deportations

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eing told no is just one of the many obstacles one encounters in pursuit of one’s dreams and aspirations and for 22-year-old Mohindra Kumar Scarce, being told no has never deterred him from pursuing his passion of becoming a professional model.

“Mohanram” or “Moh” as he is known stands at 6’2” and hails from the village of Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo.

Although he is yet to get a professional modelling gig, “Moh” has been making heads turn and strides in the industry he so wants to be a part of. He knows that the road ahead is one that is filled with obstacles, but

also that the light at the end of the tunnel is the brightest. He says that just the satisfaction of being comfortable in his own skin and doing what he loves are enough to make him fight so hard to accomplish his goals.

“I honestly feel that this (modelling) is one of the many ways of being comfortable in my own skin and accepting the physical flaws as mine.

Personally, I never visualised myself being in-

volved in anything model-related until one day I nervously auditioned for Guyana Fashion Week in 2016. I didn't make the cut, but it was a good experience and start to something I had absolutely no idea about.

Later that year, an agent (who manages my moth-

er’s agency) scouted me as I was casually touring one afternoon. I did interviews with two elite agencies, had a few photo shoots done and even attended a few castings.

What I can say though is that more work needs to be done as the road ahead is a competitive one. I personally feel that being in the spotlight and being able to sell a client's product brings about a sense of satisfaction and builds confidence,” “Moh” told the Sunday Magazine.

The aspiring model is currently studying Geography at the University of Guyana and has a special interest in urban planning and GIS aspects of the Geography programme. He says his immediate goal at this time is graduating UG with a distinction and living a healthy life.

“I personally believe that motivation doesn't appear out of thin air, but rather manifests itself into oneself during the process of hard work.

This momentum would eventually boost you onto the path to acquire whatever it is that sets your heart on fire. So, the next time you don't seem to be finding motivation just embark on whatever it is that needs to be done, even if you have no map ‘cause eventually you will sit back and think, ‘oh why didn't I start sooner?’.”

“The next step is building my model portfolio through photo shoots so that clients and agencies can view my progress over the years, continue to be productive in the workplace, and embarking on creative ideas are a few of the many things I am aiming for.”

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks delivers the keynote address at the HELP Jamaica Medical Mission’s 8th annual fundraiser Black Tie Gala at Hanover Manor, East Hanover, New Jersey, on Saturday, November 10.

(Jamaica Observer)

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amaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks is urging eligible Jamaicans residing in the US to take the necessary steps to become US citizens as a means of stemming the high number of deportations to the island, particularly among young males with little or no connection to Jamaica.

Marks, who was delivering the keynote address at the New Jersey-based HELP Jamaica Medical Mission’s 8th annual fundraiser black tie gala in New Jersey, last Saturday, noted that over the past nine months, a total of 650 Jamaicans were deported to the island.

Of that number, 75 of them were young males, she said, noting that there has been a dramatic increase in deportations from the United States.

“Tonight, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to those of you who are residents in the US and are not citizens of the United States – please go out and become one. You will have all the benefits and no disadvantages, as Jamaica and the United States offer dual citizenship,” she said.

The Jamaican ambassador explained that she had held several meetings with the US Congress as it relates to immigration. Prior to these meetings, she had visited a number of persons held in detention and slated to be deported.

“At one center, there were 64 healthy young Jamaican men, many of whom have been in the US since they were kids and did not get around be-

coming citizens; and they have no one in Jamaica and are slated to be deported.”

Jamaicans deported from the United States over the past decade number over 20,000, Ambassador Marks noted, challenging Jamaican organisations in the United States to unite as mentors and protect marginalised immigrant Jamaican young people from being recruited into criminal activities.

“You the leaders and members of the various organisations here in the United States by coming together and being mentors can put a dent in exporting the crime back to Jamaica.”

Meanwhile, Marks commended HELP Jamaica Medical Mission for being a valuable partner and true friend of the island, providing selfless healthcare to the underserved of Jamaica and New Jersey.

“Year after year, the members of your organisation forgo personal gain and volunteer their time, energy and resources in order to provide healthcare to the underserved communities across Jamaica.

“This year thousands of patients in 6 parishes, namely Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, St. Catherine, St Thomas and Westmorland, were beneficiaries of medicines, wheelchairs and other essential items, courtesy of your organisation,” she said.

The organisation’s 2018 Presidential Award was presented to Ambassador Marks, while the Humanitarian Award went to Dr Leon Dick and the Community Service Award to the CEO of East Orange General Hospital, Paige Dworak.

Annihilated!!

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atiricus was devastated as he trundled towards the Back Street Bar. There was only so much punishment a fella can take, he moaned to himself. All night long he’d scoured the news outlets hoping against all odds his leader Nagga Man would be proven right. The first titbit he got wasn’t encouraging: the leader’s own sister, his flesh and blood, had been soundly beaten in the village she and her brother had been born in – by a rank unknown!!

“Sato!” yelled Bungi, as he spied Satiricus slouching towards their table. “Come tell abee wha’ ‘guh ‘laang wid yuh KFC party!”

“C’mon guys,” said Satiricus morosely, as he took a swig from his beer bottle. “I’m trying to deal with our defeat, you know.”

“Defeat?! Defeat?!” asked Cappo, his voice rising in disbelief. “Da na wan ‘defeat’; da a wan massacar!!”

“So tell me Sato,” asked Hari. “What came into Nagga Man head to promise he would beat PPCEE in his village?”

“Well, most of the people are his family, you know,” answered Satiricus. “His sister, his Cha Cha;

his Poowah and Poppa, and his Daabit all have very large families!”

“Suh now abee know even Nagga Man fambly na vote fuh am!” chortles Bungi. “Wha’ ‘e guh do now?”

“I don’t know about him,” said Satiricus quietly.

“I have to decide what I will do.”

All eyes at the table swivelled towards Satiricus. “Wha’ yuh mean budday?” asked Cappo in a worried tone. “Na do nuttin schupid yuh know!”

“Naah,” said Satiricus with a wry smile, as he reached for another bottle of beer. “I think it’s time I quit the KFC party.”

“You don’t mean that, do you?” said Hari.

“Look how much you gave to the KFC!” “Na fuh men-shan all dem tantalise fram abee!” laughed Cappo.

“That’s not it fellas,” said Satiricus. “Nagga Man’s boast was the last straw! How could he give us supporters hope, when even his blood wouldn’t vote for him?”

“Me t’ing da bes’,” said Bungi. “Dead Meat can mek yuh sick!”

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Rattling…

T

…the APNU/AFC coalition

he way they jumped for cover, Opposition Leader Bharat Jagdeo might as well have lobbed a grenade amongst the members of the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition when he lodged a motion of “no confidence” against them. Or did he let loose a cat amongst the government’s plump pigeons? Jagdeo’s press Conference to announce his intention had barely finished when “the leaders of the coalition” – as described by the state’s Chronic – huddled in one of their private houses.

But while the Chronic took pains to give all the attendees, who “affirmed their unity”, their full party and Governmental titles – Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan, Volda Lawrence, PNCR, Amna Ally, Joseph Harmon and David Patterson, Moses Nagamootoo, who was also present, was only described as “Prime Minister”, and not “Acting President”.

Now this is very significant. It shows clearly that even at a moment of crisis for their survival as a government, the PNC top guns are unwilling to concede any “primus inter pares” – first among equals – to Nagamootoo. But while the President is out of the jurisdiction – and it’s now clear he will unfortunately be out for some time – Nagamootoo IS President (ag). There’s no ifs or buts about this – and it’s not just because of the increased number of outriders he’s been tooling around Georgetown with! It’s covered by the Constitution in Article 96!!

This fact, of course, is very crucial in the upcoming “no confidence” vote, since if the PNC hierarchy keeps dissing Nagamootoo, he might just insist he’s PRESIDENT and not to show up to give his “aye” in the National Assembly! After all, he can’t stage a State House putsch by firing the Cabinet or appoint a new due to Article 96 (2) forbidding this move, so an abstention might be the best way for PNCites not recognising his importance!

But your Eyewitness doesn’t think Jagdeo laid the no-confidence motion on a wing and a prayer or Nagamootoo’s petulance – that’s not his style. It’s clear to yours truly that the overwhelming support for the PPP at the LGE must’ve made several coalition MP’s fearful of their future after 2020, and signalled to the Opposition Leader that they’re willing to fall sick on the day of the critical vote! They can also abstain during the vote since the Representative of the List – by the Recall Legislation of 2007 – would’ve had to know who’d be “finking” and submit the recall notice IN WRITING to the Speaker!

The bottom line, dear readers, is we are living in very interesting times. It’ll be poetic justice for Nagamootoo who moved the no confidence motion against the PPP in 2015.

He’ll now lose his “Presidency” by the same route!! …Pandora’s Box There was an interesting reaction by the Guyana Transgender Union (GTU) – NOT to be confused with the GTU that’s the acronym of the Guyana Teachers Union – to the CCJ’s ruling that Guyana’s CrossDressing laws have to be struck down. To prevent confusion, your Eyewitness will refer to the former as GTU2. Anyhow, the Director of GTU2 interestingly made what has to be a Freudian slip when she declared: “What it (the CCJ’s ruling) means for us is a Pandora box has just been opened”.

Your Eyewitness would’ve thought this would be the reaction of all those rabid homophobic fundamentalists out there who see the ruling as the return of Sodom and Gomorrah! After all, the phrase “to open Pandora’s box” nowadays means, according to Wiki, “Any source of great and unexpected troubles”, or alternatively “A present which seems valuable but which in reality is a curse”.

But not to worry. If those T20 women could wear the same uniform as the men, why can’t some biological “men” wear the same outfits as women tennis players?

It’s a brave new world! …the shakedown box The government claims the police are investigating the firemen who looted the Air Jamaica crashed jet’s passengers’ luggage.

Isn’t this having the cat investigating the mice who ate the cheese?

By Ravi Dev

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his was originally written in 2006.

With the imminent absorption of the AFC and WPA into the PNC, it’s clear the more things change, the more they remain the same!

“There appears to be some ambiguity in the public sphere about the notion of a “Third Force” at the present conjuncture in Guyanese politics. We offer one perspective to stimulate discussion.

Modern Guyanese politics is universally accepted to have begun with the launching of the PPP in 1950. There were, of course, several other parties that contested the 1953 elections, but with the overwhelming (and unexpected) victory of the PPP, those parties receded. The split in the PPP in 1955 eventually created the two major “forces” in our political landscape, which have persisted into the present – the PPP and the (rump) PNC – into which several of the older parties merged.

The first authentic “Third Force” emerged in 1960, with the formation of the United Force under Peter D’Aguiar, who attempted to offer an alternative to the two major forces by outlining a radically different vision for the country based on a free enterprise economy, in opposition to the socialist-based models of both the PPP and the

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PNC. The coalition between the PNC and the UF in 1964 effectively destroyed the Third Force, since in merging with the Second Force (PNC) the UF was peripheralised as the “disequilibrium of size” principle played itself out. Between 1968 and 1974 the PNC created a de facto one-party state since the PPP was effectively neutralised and manoeuvred into a supplicant role.

The emergence of the WPA in 1974 created the space for a new “Third Force” politics, since their radical political strategy offered a perceived viable alternative to the PNC in the minds of large sections of the populace. The assassination of Rodney in 1980 unfortunately destroyed that alternative, as the surviving leadership groped (unsuccessfully) to find a substitute for Rodney’s charisma, authenticity and depth.

Possible “Third Force” politics had to await the acceptance by President Hoyte of democratic politics in 1992, since this re-created the reality of the effective two entrenched forces that had been created in the 1950’s, along with a host of smaller parties. In my estimation, the inability of any of the then smaller parties to present a creditable alternative to the two major forces precluded emergence of a

atiricus was happy he’d made the break with the KFC. As he sauntered towards the Back Street Bar, he was pleased he didn’t have to put up with all the nonsense Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat were going on with much longer. There were no principles, he mused, just naked self-interest guiding them nowadays.”

“Like yuh leadah dem ah get belly-wuk!” gloated Bungi as Satiricus sidled into his seat at the Back Street Bar. “Like you forgot I chucked in my membership with the KFC?” smiled Satiricus, as he reached for his beer.

“Well, it’s a good thing you did,” said Hari. “Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat seem to’ve gotten bassidee since that beating they got at the LGE!” “And right afta, Jagdesh put dat no-canfidence lash pan dem!” smiled Cappo in delight. “W’en cow deh a pas-cha he nah remember dog and butcher deh till ‘e see am.”

“When I resigned, I told them I was only the tip of a very large iceberg!” said Satiricus.

“But Nagga and Rum Jhaat weren’t too fazed.”

genuine “Third Force”.

In 2003, ROAR came up with the proposal of a “Centre Force” as a strategy for creating that credible alternative. Others also talked of a “Third Force”, but their premises differed on several crucial areas.

Our premises were simple. First, while many of the smaller parties had credible individuals and programs, individually they were not perceived as capable of taking on the two behemoths, so a coalition of these parties was suggested to address that concern. Secondly, most Guyanese bemoaned the fractious nature of our politics and intuitively knew that if all the groups would come together, Guyana would make rapid progress. The answer we proposed, was to insist on a “Government of National Unity” after the elections that would include the PPP and PNC with the Coalition of the smaller parties that would form the “Centre Force” which would, at a minimum, hold the balance of power in Parliament.

What has prevented the Formation of a “real” Third Force has been two opposing conclusions by some of the smaller parties. There is one tendency that holds that even if a coalition of smaller parties deny the First and Second Forces a majority, at the next elec-

tions, the PPP would most likely capture the Presidency and then use its still considerable powers to govern in its exclusivist fashion. The answer, adherents of this position maintain, is to enter into a preelection coalition with the PNC. We reject this approach because it not only ensures the maintenance of our debilitating divisions but actually exacerbates them, by joining “one side” to oppose the “other” side, a la the UF in 1964.

The other tendency, represented by the new AFC, has been to assert that one’s party is primus inter pares and that the other smaller parties should merge into it to become the “Third Force”. ROAR opposes this tendency, since it goes against the very foundation of Guyanese politics – its diversity of interests that cannot be wished away but must be given agency, respect and equality. Apart from arrogance, this tendency represents the very worst of our old politics, and we believe it must be resisted at all costs.”

What says the AFC now?

Political Belly-wuk “Rail-ly?” asked Bungi. “Suh wha dem t’ink guh happin?”

“Yuh na hear wha’ Green-Hedge seh?” asked Cappo. “Pee-‘n-See guh write wan new ‘greement wid dem?”

“What he means,” said Satiricus cynically. “Is Nagga man and Rum Jhaat will get some bigger Larwah!”

“Big tree fall down, goat bite he leaf!” laughed Bungi. “An’ ‘e cyaan grow back!”

“Well, Sato!” said Hari. “Don’t get too bitter. They’ll soon be kicked out with new elections after the no-confidence vote!”

“But how de PPCEE guh win w’en de guvment gat waan mo’ seat dan dem?” asked Bungi with a worried frown.

“Like you fellas forget it’s not only me who’s fed up,” said Satiricus. “Lots of the MP’s are also sick and tired of Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat accepting doormat treatment from the Pee-‘n-See!” “But dem nah uh know who na guh vote fuh dem?” asked Cappo.

“They’ll never guess!” said Satiricus with relish. “They don’t realise “nah because dog ah play with yuh he nah guh bite yuh!”

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

I was told no one would give me work if I got married: Kareena Kapoor Khan

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hen Kareena Kapoor Khan decided to tie the knot with actor Saif Ali Khan in 2012, many people remarked it was a suicidal move for her career. The actor made the revelation at the launch of her maiden radio show, What Women Want, which will soon be aired on Ishq 104.8 FM. “I have always been someone who has wanted to follow her heart. When I was about to marry, a lot of people

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all and brawny actor Sonu Sood has done many stunts in his career. But he says in Rohit Shetty’s Simmba, he has done something “special”.

Sonu, who paid a tribute to Bollywood’s action heroes at the opening ceremony of the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here, believes times have changed for action sequences in the Hindi film world, and Simmba will be an example of how it has evolved. “‘Dabangg’ was very special for me.

I broke my nose also in a sequence with Salman Khan. But if you talk about the latest one, you will see me doing something very special and something I have not done in Simmba,” Sonu said.

told me, ‘Don’t get married, your career will be over. No producer will sign you. You won’t get any work’,” Kareena shared.

Contrary to popular perception, the actor has been busier than ever post her marriage.

“After marriage, I am doing so much work that I am like, ‘No! I don’t want to work so much.’ So, I have always been one of those women who have done what they wanted to, and I won’t listen to anyone,” Kareena Kapoor Khan said. (Indian Express)

changing. Technology is bringing a change in cinema and helps actors perform action that is larger than life, but that rawness which we used to see in Bollywood, is still entertaining.

“We still get glued to the TV if we see those films on air. Those action sequences may not be larger than life but they are special, they are raw which we miss sometimes nowadays,” said the actor, who also featured with action superstar Jackie Chan in Kung Fu Yoga.

At IFFI, he was pretty excited to perform to iconic songs and dialogues of stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Salman Khan.

Fit as a fiddle at 45, Sonu has also been promoting fitness through social

Poonam Dhillon: #MeToo a warning against misusing authority

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ollywood actor Poonam Dhillon on Wednesday voiced support for the #MeToo movement but cautioned against making generalisations and branding the entire film industry as “bad”.

Dhillon, while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of a multi-media exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi in Goa, also said that to a great extent it “depends on how you conduct yourself”.

Asked about Preity Zinta’s remarks that Bollywood is “very safe” for women, Dhillon said she would not like to comment on Preity’s statement as she has not read it.

However, talking about the #MeToo movement rocking the film industry, she said: “We cannot generalise anything in life. We cannot say media people are like this, film people are like this, or doctors are like this.”

“General black and white statements cannot be made because every person is responsible for his own behaviour,” Dhillon said.

“You cannot say the whole industry is bad. There are bad people, but there are many good people as well.

To a great extent, it also depends how you conduct yourself,” the 56-year-old actor said.

Dhillon said that she feels that the #MeToo movement is a “good thing” because it makes people realise that they cannot abuse their authority and abuse people working under them.

“Everyone

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“If you ask me the same question next month, the priority will be Simmba,” Sonu added of the muchawaited ‘masala’ entertainer, which stars the inimitable Ranveer Singh in the lead role.

The film’s team has been teasing fans about the intensity and powerladen action sequences.

Without divulging much, Sonu, who will sport two looks in the film — one bearded and one non-bearded — said: “This time he (Rohit) has gone to the next level only. I am very excited about it. I am sure people will love it.”

He said while the growing world of VFX is lending a high on technology touch to action on the big screen, the old world charm of classic hand-fist fighting scenes makes Bollywood buffs nostalgic.

“People used to go to theatres to watch action movies in a big way. Kids used to try those action stunts at home.

“Now with VFX and all, time is

media and on-ground events and internationally too.

“I feel in today’s world when technology has completely taken over, with PS4 and mobile games and board games, the newer generation gets glued to it. They don’t go to play outdoors.

“It’s important to make the kind of films or do some activities which inspires them to go out. Every parent must push their kid to try doing some sport or physical activity. It’s important,” said the father of two sons.

Fitness has been a way of life for the actor, who comes from Punjab and has done a string of multilingual films.

“I chose fitness because I loved it. I never thought I will one day become an actor and it will help me. Fitness was something I thoroughly enjoyed and it is something I still do — Whether I am travelling or whether I have time or not.” . (Indian Express)

should respect their work,” she said.

“This (the #MeToo movement) may be a warning to the people who may have advertently or inadvertently misused their authority. Do not do it,” she said.

She also lauded the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), saying it is growing year by year.

The #MeToo movement, which began in Hollywood a year ago, gained momentum in India recently with women calling out comedians, journalists, authors, actors and filmmakers, resulting in the naming of people like M J Akbar, Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Sajid Khan, Vikas Bahl and Rajat Kapoor.

Film director Subhash Ghai, whose name also cropped up in the list after two women accused him of sexual harassment, was also present at the inauguration. Ghai has categorically denied the charges.

Ghai, a regular at the Goa film bonanza, hailed the opening ceremony calling it “very different” from the previous editions.

The opening ceremony on Tuesday had filmmaker Karan Johar bringing his sassy chat show host avatar as he sat down for a conversation with Information and Broadcasting M i n i s t e r Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.

(Indian Express)

anbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were yet again seen together in Mumbai. Reports suggest Ranbir accompanied his rumoured lady love Alia as she visited a clinic in Juhu for treatment of a minor injury.

The Brahmastra actors even interacted with fans outside the clinic.

Fans of Alia and Ranbir are often treated with photos of the couple. Even

Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan 6. When the actor was prodded about her wedding plans at Lux Golden Rose Awards 2018, Alia said, “If people are waiting for my wedding then, they have to wait for it. I think the climax should be good and there should be a happy ending to it.”

Movie buffs are eagerly waiting for Alia and Ranbir to appear on the

during the shoot of Ayan Mukerji directorial Brahmastra in Bulgaria, the actors shared many photos. Brahmastra, a trilogy, also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Dimple Kapadia, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Divyendu Sharma and Mouni Roy. Alia Bhatt made her relationship with co-actor Ranbir Kapoor public during her appearance on Karan

silver screen together soon. Recently, Karan Johar announced a change in the release date of Brahmastra.

Previously scheduled for Independence Day 2019 release, it will now release on Christmas 2019. The film has been written and directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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argot Robbiestarrer Suicide Squad spinoff has been titled Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), the actor announced on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old actor shared the news on Instagram where she posted the title page of Christina Hodson’s script for Birds of Prey, which includes a handwritten addition, revealing the full name of the feature.

Warner Bros Picture confirmed the spin-off’s title and release date on social media. “@MargotRobbie #BirdsofPrey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of one Harley Quinn) hits the-

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atres 2.7.20,” read a tweet from the studio.

Robbie is reprising her Suicide Squad role of Harley Quinn, while actor Ewan McGregor recently joined the cast as the villain, Black Mask.

The film, to be directed by Cathy Yan, will also feature Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Huntress, Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Black Canary, Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain and Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will follow Harley Quinn as she “assembles a girl gang of friends to take on a bad guy”.

The film will be coproduced by Robbie along with Sue Kroll and Bryan Unkeless. (Indian Express)

he final trailer of DCEU’s Aquaman is out. In the new trailer, we see how Arthur (Jason Momoa) was trained by Vulko (Willem Dafoe) from a very young age, so he could be the ruler one day. Arthur calls himself the ‘protec-

ing war.

The new trailer shows off some colourful visuals and it looks like this film will present the underwater world in quite a surprising way that will entice the audience.

This is DCEU’s sixth film and marks the

tor of the deep’ and Jason surely looks the part.

Arthur has to go against his brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) to possess the trident which has the power of Atlantis.

The trident can’t be with the wrong person as it could cause destruction and Arthur being the worthy one, has to find a way to possess it. The plan hatched by Arthur and Vulko is about retrieving the trident so they can stop the incom-

third outing of Momoa’s Aquaman. He has earlier appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League.

Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson and Nicole Kidman among others, Aquaman is helmed by James Wan. Aquaman releases on December 14 in Indian theaters. (Indian Express)

ven Jude Law gets nervous — especially when he has just been cast as Albus Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and he’s meeting JK Rowling.

“She makes a great effort to make you feel at ease when you know you’re in the presence of someone pretty extraordinary,” he said of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts author.

She also never sat down as they peeled back the layers of Dumbledore — the consummate wizard and eventual Hogwarts headmaster, the character Rowling has said often speaks for her — walking and talking as if compelled by some strange force for nearly 2-1/2 hours. In sky-high heels.

“It was like a purge, it was like a confession, it was like she was alive in it,” Law said, laughing.

As Dumbledore in his younger years, Law is shouldering the weight of a literary role brought to life by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the Harry Potter movies. He’s also revealing a defining moment for Dumbledore: a romantic liaison with his dark counterpart, Gellert Grindelwald, played

by Johnny Depp.

Although Rowling outed Dumbledore to fans in 2007, the Harry Potter books and movies were mute about his sexuality.

Earlier this year, director David Yates ignited a furor when he said that Dumbledore would not be “explicitly” gay in this second of the franchise’s five planned films.

“He didn’t say that to me,” Law said. “Every time I asked, it was, ‘Yes, he is.’ In my mind, he is.” (Yates later said he had shot a couple of “very sensual” scenes.)

Next month, Law will portray the sleazoid manager of a pop star (Natalie Portman) in Vox Lux. In March, he’s suiting up — but keeping mum about it in the meantime — as Walter Lawson, the mentor to Brie Larson’s titular superhero in Captain Marvel. And he’ll soon start shooting HBO’s The New Pope, the sequel to The Young Pope, in which he played the first American pontiff.

On a rainy New York morning, sipping hot water with lemon at the St. Regis, the London-based Law chatted about stepping into Dumbledore’s slippers, Depp’s future with Fantastic Beasts and the mixed blessing of his own good looks.

Here are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Q: So, Dumbledore. Did they have you in mind for the role from the beginning?

A: No, I don’t believe so. I knew they were looking to bring this character back. And so I put myself forward and, quite rightly, they took it very seriously. They wanted to make sure they got the right person, and I went in and willingly played around in front of a camera so they could have a look at me. I wanted to audition the part just like they wanted to audition me — to get a sense of, “Can I do this beloved role to millions?”

Q: What insight did JK Rowling offer?

A: She took me back through his childhood and how that emo-

tion impacted this young man.

One of the key relationships we talked about, of course, was with Gellert Grindelwald, and how that was formative in that it was intense, intimate, passionate. It was the first time Dumbledore met his match and, for a reason I can’t divulge, they have this falling out.

And it propels them in opposite directions and leaves this wound between them that is still open some 25 years later.

Q: And what did David Yates mean by Dumbledore not being “explicitly” gay?

A: Put it this way: This film is not about his homosexuality, nor does h i s

ing point for a journey into our relationship with media, with celebrity, with music, with culture. You follow a survivor and the idea that surviving — or the celebrity that is put on her — is a curse. I would like to think that the victims of these awful scenarios would say, “Thank God someone is actually shining a light on it.”

Q: Your Woody Allen project, “A Rainy Day in New York,” has been shelved by Amazon amid the #MeToo movement. What’s it like having your work collect dust?

A: It’s a terrible shame. I’d love to see it. People worked really hard and put a lot in, obviously himself included.

Q: After child molestation allegations against Allen by his daughter Dylan Farrow resurfaced, some of the cast members distanced themselves from him by donating their salaries or saying they’d never work with him again.

You didn’t. [Allen has denied the accusations.]

A: I didn’t really want to get involved, to be honest. I just don’t feel like it was my place to comment, and it’s too delicate a situation. I feel like enough has been said about it. It’s a private affair. [As for working with Allen again], I don’t know. I’d have to consider carefully.

Q: Has #MeToo prompted you to re-

sexuality define him. But that relationship is certainly a defining element of who he is and what he’s about. I also don’t think he’s someone who has given his heart or his soul to many people. The aftermath of their relationship left him reeling, and he’s packed his heart in ice, to be honest, and no one’s quite thawed it.

Q: Is the world ready for a gay children’s icon?

A: I think the world is ready for it, and if it isn’t, it bloody well should be.

Q: Is Johnny Depp going to be in the next film? [Amber Heard, Depp’s ex-wife, accused him of physical abuse, an accusation he denies.]

A: I believe so.

Q: Is there going to be a romance?

A: I have no idea.

Q: In Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux, you’re the grubby manager of Celeste, a school-shooting survivor turned pop star.

A: I had seen Brady’s first film, The Childhood of a Leader, and I was so impressed by the ambition and boldness. So he sent me the script. To me, it’s like the wicked sister to A Star Is Born. By the end, you realize that the two of them survived it together, and it’s strange who’s the junkie and who’s the dealer.

Q: Celeste reminded me of the Parkland, Florida, students who were simultaneously celebrated and vilified.

A: It takes something that unfortunately is becoming a monthly occurrence and uses it as a start-

think the roles you choose?

A: You always have to look at the impact a part is going to have and how a part is handled. We had an interesting conversation about this on The Nest [a forthcoming psychodrama about a businessman and his family] because of the way my character and others around him treated the women in the office. It was set in 1986, and people were discussing, “Do we slap them on the ass or use derogatory terms?” And I was like, “Wait a minute, we’re not in the ‘80s. We’re making this film now.

So yeah, you can include that if you make a point in saying, ‘We were wrong.’ But if you’re not, then there’s no point in just continuing the myth.”

Q: Many articles have been written about your beauty. Is it a blessing or a curse?

Advertising A: Getting pigeonholed as an actor is terrifying because you want to keep people guessing. So being the golden boy or the beautiful young thing clearly worries me because you think, What happens when my hair falls out, like it is, and I start getting old? The good news is I certainly felt like turning 40, I saw more opportunity to play against type or out of my comfort zone.

Looks is a funny thing, isn’t it? I don’t know — I just feel like there’s so much more to talk about. Having said that, I’m 45.

If people say, “You’re desperately good looking,” then I’ll say, “I’m desperately happy to hear that.”

(Indian Express)

50 SPORT

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s Ramdhani shines in Canada again …bags number one spot and King’s University Athlete Award

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arayan Ramdhani continues to etch his name into the international records, as the 20-year-old excelled once again this past weekend.

The young man has been participating in a string of tournaments, representing the Kings University in Canada.

For his most recent event, Ramdhani picked up his racquet to participate in the 2018-19 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Inter-College/ University Tournament.

There, Ramdhani found himself pitted against competitors from other Universities such as Olds College Broncos, Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Ooks, while he donned the colours of The King’s University Eagles.

Although many of the players

were seeded above Ramdhani, the Guyanese champion showcased his skills to surge to the top of the Men’s Singles, which afforded him the number one spot in the Edmonton Alberta Canada player rankings. Additionally, Ramdhani has achieved the King’s University Athlete Award.

Seeded number three, Ramdhani met with the number one seeded player, Tyler Walsh (NAIT) in the quarter-finals.

Despite the first set being close, Ramdhani pushed through to take it 21-17 and then made light work of the second set 21-13 for the win. In the semis, he was slated to face off with Ronuelle Mendina (NAIT), in a game that was very similar to the first. Ramdhani won 21-17, 21-14. In the final of the Men’s singles, Ramdhani’s opponent was number two seed, Braxton Wong (Concordia). The Guyanese had a much easier game, defeating Wong 21-16, 21-7 for the win and the gold.

Later on, Ramdhani paired up with Joel Simrose, as he did in his previous tournament, for the men’s doubles. The pair enjoyed a two straight-set win over the Olds team of Colton Grier and Rylan Head, 21-12, 21-14. However, the Guyanese and his teammate could not stand up to the experience of the number one seeded pair of Concordia’s Desmond Wang and Braxton Wong, losing 21-7, 21-9. This loss resulted in their fourth-place finish.

The ACAC is the governing body for collegiate sports in Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1964, as the Western InterCollege Conference, the ACAC is represented by 17 schools, including one in Saskatchewan that competes in 10 sports.

The ACAC is also a member of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) and provincial champions compete for national collegiate titles.

NY East Canje Reunion supports Will Bangladesh banish July ghosts or West Indies conjure them?

Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club

Former national player Hubern Evans (left), representative of NY East Canje Reunion group, presented the cheque to Charran Singh of RHCCC

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t a presentation ceremony held at the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club in East Canje Berbice over the weekend, the New York East Canje Reunion group donated G$210,000 cash to the executives of this newly resuscitated club.

In presenting the cash on behalf of the donor, former national senior cricketer and coach Hubern Evans stated that the funds donated are intended to help the club acquire good quality covers for the pitch. He urged the recipients to raise the balance of the cost and purchase the covers as soon as possible.

He added that the Association is always happy to give back to charity in the East Canje area, and this is just one of many donations to come.

Annual cash incentives given to the top performers in the National Grade Six Assessment examinations of 2018 amounted to over US$4,000.

Receiving the cash on behalf of the

cricket club, Vice President Charran Singh thanked the NY East Canje Reunion group for their timely and kind donation, and said the club had been dormant for many years. Singh reminded that the club had produced the first Test cricketer from the area, Leonard Baichan.

He added that the venue once boasted first class status, and had hosted several games before its sudden decline.

Singh promised that the club would raise the difference in the cost and purchase the covers shortly. He also informed that since its resuscitation, the club plays First Division cricket and participates in all cricket competitions run by the Berbice Cricket Board.

Thus far, the club has already produced junior cricketers for the county, with some going on to the national team. In closing his remarks, Singh thanked the Association for their continued support.

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Kemar Roach was unstoppable (CWI Media photo)

emories of the July drubbing would be fresh for both Bangladesh and West Indies who square off for a second two-Test series in the space of five months. It was the high point for West Indies in 2018, and the exact opposite for Bangladesh, who will look to avenge the ignominy, bolstered by the return of Shakib Al Hasan.

The home side would have gained some confidence from their last Test, held in Dhaka against Zimbabwe last week, where Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 219 became Bangladesh's highest Test score. Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah struck hundreds while Mohammad Mithun made a much needed fifty in the second innings as they went on to post a big win.

But there remains concern about the side's batting which has struggled for much of the year in Tests. Imrul Kayes is in need of runs while Soumya Sarkar, who is returning to the Test side after more than a year, should be hungry too.

West Indies would want to restore their Test confidence, particularly in the sub-continent, coming off a 2-0

drubbing at the hands of India, on a largely unrewarding tour across formats. But they would have taken heart from a solid performance in the warmup game in Chittagong.

Stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell struck fifties, both batsmen now on top of West Indies' Test run-makers chart this year. Shane Dowrich and Roston Chase aren't far behind, with the latter having had a decent time in India.

With Jason Holder missing, West Indies' bowling depends largely on Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach, who have been among the wickets.

Devendra Bishoo, the main spinner, has struggled in the six Tests he has played this year, averaging 60.12 with only eight wickets to his credit.

Bangladesh's spinners have had a good year in Test cricket. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan have taken 33 and 26 wickets respectively, and both with respectable averages. Shakib's inclusion would boost the bowling attack further, as his experience has always made a big difference at home.

(ESPNCricinfo)

SPORT 51

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mighty Australians seeking revenge against powerful West Indies in 1st semi

By Brandon Corlette

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n 2016, Australia and West Indies were involved in one of the most remarkable cricket matches in history, the Women’s World T20 finals. West Indies won that final by eight wickets with Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor stroking superb half-centuries as the Caribbean side comfortably chased 149. Will West Indies repeat this spectacular performance against the mighty Aussies?

The defending champions, West Indies will take on Australia in the first semi-final at the Sir Vivian Richards

Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on Thursday November 22, from 16:00h local time. West Indies have had an exceptional World T20 campaign thus far, winning group matches against Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and England.

West Indies’ women opened their campaign with an unbelievable 60run victory in Guyana over Bangladesh. It was a record-breaking match for Deandra Dottin, who picked up five wickets to help bowl Bangladesh out for their lowest total – 46.

In their second match of the tournament against South Africa,

Team Australia will want to upset Windies

Hayley Matthews has been a key player for Windies

the West Indies bowlers continued to dominate, with Stafanie Taylor taking four wickets to restrict South Africa to 76. West Indies batters were due to score runs and the bats of the top three did the talking against Sri Lanka.

Twenty-year-old Hayley Matthews reminded the world that she is amongst the brightest cricketing prospects when she stroked a magnificent 62 and picked up three wickets to lead the Windies to a 83-run win. However, in the most recent match, West Indies were challenged to play out of their skins against a tough England team. Both Dottin and Shemaine Campbell played responsible knocks to see Windies clinch a four-wicket win.

M e a n w h i l e , Australia won three matches in Group B, finishing behind India.

Australia kick-started their World T20 cam-

paign with a 60-run win over Pakistan, with Alyssa Healy being the star performer. In their second match, Australia and Healy outplayed Ireland to complete a nine-wicket victory. Australia then met with New Zealand in a trans-Tasmania clash, with Healy leading the Aussies to a 33-run win.

The confident Australia team then met with India where they suffered a 48-run defeat.

Dottin is West Indies’ leading run scorer and the only batter with over 100 runs with 115 runs in four innings averaging 28.75. Dottin has also been the tournament’s leading wicket taker with nine wickets for 54 runs from the 70 balls she bowled in this tournament. Taylor has also been among the wickets with seven scalps from 70 balls conceding 62 runs in this tournament.

Shakera Selman has also been

consistent with the new ball, with six wickets to her name.

Veteran Aussie seam bowler Megan Schutt has been Australia’s leading wicket taker with seven wickets while Healy, who suffered a concussion and is doubtful for the semis, has 157 runs at a staggering average of 78.50 with a strike rate of 160.20. Beth Mooney has crossed 100 runs in this tournament with 107 runs averaging 26.75.

This inspiring Standalone International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World T20 tournament has proved to the world that women’s cricket has greatly evolved; the performances and support showed throughout the preliminary phases have been tremendous and the women have perfected the gentleman’s game.

Wiltshire bags yet another Farfan & Mendes title T

he curtains came down on the Farfan & Mendes Junior Skills Squash tournament on Saturday afternoon, and although there were many surprises in the final matches, the usual suspects delivered nothing less than their best.

Caribbean champion Shomari Wiltshire, for instance, walked away with yet another title. Having completed an unbeaten run in this year’s Skills tournament, Wiltshire closed his campaign with an exhilarating win over the capable Samuel Ince- Carvalhal.

The encounter saw a display of cunning shots by both youths, but Wiltshire had the edge, taking an easy 112, 11-5 win in two straight

Caribbean champion Shomari Wiltshire

sets.

In that category, Michael Alphonso came second, while Ince-Carvalhal took third spot.

‘Category B’ saw a new face championing his highly experienced opponents.

Nicholas Verwey took on Ethan Jonas for the top spot, and won convincingly 117, 11-7. Verwey’s win was well deserved, given that he had previously defeated top-tiered players Abosaide Cadogan and Kirsten Gomes on his way to the coveted title.

In ‘Category C’, Zachary Persaud took top honours ahead of Lucas Jonas and Shiloh Asregado, who finished second and third respectively.

‘Category D’ was championed by Lajuan Munroe, with Nathan Rahaman and Joshua Verwey following in that order.

‘Category E’ was won

by Aishani Persaud, with Dhiren Persaud and Arvin Seelall completing the podium.

The top three in ‘Category F’ were Grant Fernandes, Christina Fernandes and Kaden Pyneandy; while Romero Muniram, Brenno DaSilva and Tristan Seereeram led ‘Category G’.

‘Category H’, the final category, was won by Shryah Persaud, with Solomon InceCarvalhal trailing closely behind.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Stuart Broad, Jonny Bairstow recalled, James Anderson rested for Colombo

J

ames Anderson is to be replaced

by Stuart Broad in for the final Test of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, while England have also confirmed that Jonny Bairstow will come in for the injured Sam Curran.

With England having taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in Pallekele, they are taking the opportunity to rest Anderson and give Broad a run with a view to matches later in the winter.

"The thinking is that, with the series sewn up, it's an opportunity to rotate," Anderson said. "The management wants Broady to get some Test cricket under his belt before we go to the West Indies."

With England's next Test, in Barbados, more than two months away, it is debatable what benefit Broad will derive from the match, but it will not be the only change. After Curran suffered a side strain

Stuart Broad (Daily Express photo)

in the second Test, they have decided to alter the balance of the team by bringing back Bairstow to bat at No. 3.

Although Bairstow has not given up on winning back the wicketkeeper's gloves, which he lost to Ben Foakes after straining ankle ligaments during the one-day series, the possibil-

ity of a route back as a specialist batsman had been floated. He will become England's fourth No. 3 of the series, after Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes and Keaton Jennings (due to the use of a nightwatchman).

The confirmation of England's XI also means no debut for fast bowler Olly Stone. While the pitch

in Colombo would have been unlikely to offer much assistance to Stone, it may have been interesting to see how he handled the pressures of playing at the highest level ahead of selection for the Caribbean tour.

In the end, strengthening the batting was the logical choice. The third seamer in Pallekele, Stokes, bowled only one over in the match, while Anderson was the only seamer to bowl in the second innings.

The decision to bring in Broad ends a tour that Anderson described as "frustrating". He has taken only one wicket - and that with his second ball of the series - and, despite his

best efforts, found it hard to coax any life out of the pitches or the Kookaburra ball.

He is, therefore, delighted to hear that the Duke's ball is to be used in the Caribbean series.

"It's been a frustrating trip for me really because you want to contribute to the wins," Anderson said.

"But I feel like I've tried my best but it's not really been a series for the seamers.

"You go into the games with the best intentions and try and work hard in the nets and make sure you've got all the skills you need to get wickets out here. But the opportunities for me to bowl in games have been fairly limited.

Bowling a seven-over

spell in Kandy, which I thought I bowled pretty well with the second ball. Apart from that, the opportunities have been limited and it is frustrating in a way.

"One thing that’s playing out here has really made me look forward to is getting a Duke's back in my hand.

Sometimes, when the conditions are more seamer friendly, you have to do a lot more bowling and you can take it for granted. Playing out here makes you appreciate it a bit more."

Despite his personal frustrations, Anderson has enjoyed being part of a series win and feels the side has taken a significant step forward.

"I think the improvements we've made and continue to make have really shown this trip," he said. "Ben Foakes and Rory Burns have come in and done really well.

Keaton Jennings, too.

"I certainly feel that, in the past, previous [England] teams might not have played as positively as we have with the bat.

The message from Joe Root has been go out and play your way. Be confident. This win is right up there and a real big stepping stone for us as a team."

(ESPNCricinfo)

French Guiana ease past Golden Jags

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uyana’s Senior National men’s football team, the Golden Jaguars, suffered an obstacle on their road to the Concacaf Gold Cup qualification on Tuesday evening as they suffered a crushing loss to French Guiana.

Playing in Cayene at the Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama, Guyana’s 11 featured Kai Mckenzie-Lyle, Terence Vancooten, Walter Moore, Kevin Layne, Colin Nelson, Elliot Bonds, Neil Danns (Captain), Daniel Wilson, Sheldon Holder, Trayon

Bobb and Kadell Daniel.

The Guyanese team looked very agile in the beginning of the game but soon had a damper in their high spirits when French Guiana’s Jules Haabo netted a goal in the 18th minute of play.

The South American sides went back and forth but saw to a quiet remainder of the half.

The momentum remained on French Guiana’s side and just moments into the second half, Haabo struck for his second of the night with a fine right-footed finish to take the tally to 2-0.

However, captain of the Golden Jaguars, Neil Danns was perfectly placed in the 59th, to sink a goal for Guyana.

Despite having a handful of other chances, Guyana was unable to capitalize, having to settle for the 2-1 defeat.

This loss means that the Golden Jaguars remain on four points on the Concacaf Nations League qualifiers table and will have to register a win when they meet with Belieze on March 23 at the Leonora Stadium for their final qualifier match.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Reifer in for Holder as Windies, Bangladesh battle in Test

By Clifton Ross

G

uyana Jaguars all-rounder Raymon Reifer will be seeking to carry his tremendous Regional Super50 form with the bat into the ongoing Away Series versus the Bangladeshis, and possibly cement his place in the team.

The Barbados-born left-arm swing bowler, one of Guyana’s main players in the Jaguars set-up over the past

4 years, replaced injured Windies skipper Jason Holder for the Bangladesh tour. Holder was recently ruled out of the entire tour of Bangladesh, which bowls off November 22. He has a shoulder injury.

Vice-captain and opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side for the twoTest series, which will be played in Chittagong and Dhaka. Reifer, the only change from the squad that toured India last month, teams up yet again with his Jaguars teammates in Guyanese Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo and Shimron Hetmyer.

The 27-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand in Hamilton last year, but has since not played another Test. He has now gotten his chance, because the skipper has been diagnosed with a partial thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon in his shoulder, and will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Barbados, according to a Cricket West Indies (CWI) release.

In the recently concluded Regional Super50 tournament, Reifer was among the leading runscorers. He was a member of the Jaguars team which made it to the finals but lost to a Carlos Brathwaite-led CCC Marooners. The lefthander, who has two Test wickets to his name, played match-winning innings of 50*, 28, 66, 61*, 68 and 38; as he got the selectors’ nod for the Bangladesh series.

Versus the Tigers, the Caribbean side lead the Test contest 10 – 2; ODIs 20 -9, but are tied 4 matches apiece in the T20s. The last time the teams met, Windies easily won the Test series 2-0, but suffered major losses in the ODIs and T20I series 1-2 respectively; as the Tigers displayed their prowess in the limited overs arena.

The Windies have bowled off their 2-day practice game versus the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) XI at the MA Aziz Stadium in central Chittagong, ending day one with the score strongly placed at 303-6 from 83-odd overs. Reifer and Paul are set to resume their innings today on 14 and 18 respectively.

The two-Test series will be followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is in December to be played in Dhaka and Sylhet.

Bangladesh Squad: Rubel Hossain (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Zakir Hasan, Mizanur Rahman, Fazle Mahmud, Ebadat Hossain, Shadman Islam, Nazmul Islam Shanto, Nayeem Hasan, Shafiul Islam, Robiul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Rishad Hossain Windies Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Shermon Lewis, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

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