Guyana Times International 5-Jul-19

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019

ISSUE NO. 456

Aspiring doctor, economist top

2019 NGSA

See story on page 3

Dave Chowtie – Graham’s Hall Primary School (532 marks)

Venisha Lall – CV Nunes Primary School (532 marks)

Guyana’s Opposition ERC still probing

seeking order

Govt’s calls directing President, for protests, Cabinet to resign “troubles” Page 5

See story on page 23

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NEWS 3

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Aspiring doctor, economist

By Rupadai Seenaraine

A

nticipation and mixed reactions resonated on Wednesday morning as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results were officially released, paving the way for Venisha Lall of CV Nunes Primary and Dave Chowtie of Graham’s Hall Primary to secure the top spot after gaining 532 marks.

An overwhelmed Chowtie told the Guyana Times International that he did not expect to emerge at the very top but was confident that he would have succeeded.

“I don’t know what to say but I’m very excited. I really didn’t expect this to happen but I am very grateful to my teacher and God for giving me the wisdom to pursue this, and my family who supported me,” he expressed.

The aspiring medical doctor stated that the journey towards his success was cou-

top 2019 NGSA

pled with hours of studying and research. However, his hard work finally paid off.

“Hard studying and hard work pays off. In Grade Five, we did all the writing and paperwork and in Grade Six, we did revision, working past papers and different textbooks.

Anything that was hard for me, I would go and research it,” the 12-year-old said.

On the other hand, his parents were ‘shocked’. His mother, Neela Chowtie reminded parents that it is not an easy undertaking but academic support goes a long way.

“I am shocked but I’m very excited for him because he studied at lot. Actually, he wanted to get one of the top schools but we never expected him to be in the top 10. I want to encourage parents to work with their child/ children because it is not an easy task. Sometimes the work they get in school, they

Dave Chowtie, who shares the top spot with Venisha Lall, poses with his parents for a photo-op after the results were announced

wouldn’t understand everything,” she related.

The spotlight was shared with Venisha Lall, who hails from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). According to

her, she aspires to become an economist or possibly, the President of Guyana. Lall shared that a person’s school does not determine their potential while acknowledging

that her journey was not that difficult.

“I wanted to prove that no matter if you come from a public or private school, you could still do it. turn to page 8

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INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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Tel no: (592) 223-7230/1, 225-7761.

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EDITORIAL

Land distribution in Guyana

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo dropped a bombshell into the political landscape when he revealed that tens of thousands of acres of land had been transferred to persons politically connected to the PNC-led administration.

Ironically, these individuals included two very vociferous employees of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), which work out of the Ministry of the Presidency and which have been engaged in a very high profile case alleging that 12 acres of land at Sparendaam had been sold in an opaque fashion to the former President, several Ministers and others.

Some of the beneficiaries of the highlighted land allocations have asserted that there was nothing untoward about the process since they had complied with the required procedures.

However, they ignored two important points. First, that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) has conceded there was a huge backlog of applications for land in the Commission and there needs to be some explanation, apart from fortuity, why these particular applications rose to the top of the pile. Second, why the lands, in several instances, were strategically located to service the incipient oil industry. As such, the change of land use would have dictated that a bidding process would have protected the interest of the state to receive the maximum revenues. Third, it also suggests insider knowledge. In one instance, it would appear that the foreshore of the Demerara River – defined as the space between the landline and the low waterline – from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to the mouth of the Atlantic has been sold or leased. This raises questions of the rights of landowners abutting the foreshore and other users like local fishermen’s access and use the river.

Apart from the political implications, the issue of a national land-use policy is raised. Ever since the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition acceded to office in 2015, they have highlighted this issue but have not done anything substantive to consummate it. In fact, the wife of one of the alleged beneficiaries of the land allocation, who is Head of the Department of Environment (DoE) — which operates out of the Ministry of the Presidency— two years ago, opined to a COI into “ancestral lands”, “In the absence of proper land-use planning, productive land uses will perform poorly and this can constrain national economic growth and consequently our attainment of ‘green’, sustainable development”.

But this was nothing new. As far back as 1976, the UN had offered its official position on land use: “Land cannot be treated as an ordinary asset, controlled by individuals and subject to the pressures and inefficiencies of the market…. Private land ownership is … a principal instrument of accumulation and concentration of wealth and therefore contributes to social injustice, if unchecked, it may become a major obstacle in the planning and implementation of development schemes”.

What is needed was succinctly summarised in a report on land use composed by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in 2007 after widespread consultations. In summary, it proposed, in reference to agriculture, housing and commercial activities: “Given the importance of land policies for growth and development, recommendation is made that urgent steps be taken to put in place a written national policy on land distribution.

This policy should constitute fully, all the components of equity.

It should be a policy that is well publicized and utilized”.

“In order to promote equity in the distribution of land for agriculture, housing and commercial activities, the GL&SC should institute a policy to publicise all leases at both the national levels and particularly in the region in which the lease is to be issued. Both distributing agencies should put in place measures to prevent land grabbing, not only at the level of applicants, but also at the level of other categories of persons, including persons in the distribution of the commodity.”

In terms of the present brouhaha over claimed politicallyskewed land distribution by the GL&SC, the recommendation on the publicising of all leases issued over the last two years would be useful.

US Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch recently met with the executive board of the Inter Religious Organization of Guyana, a consortium of religious organizations that seek to foster the spiritual, intellectual, and economic advancement of the people in Guyana. Ambassador Lynch thanked the group for their work towards fostering peace and unity for the Guyanese people. (US Embassy photo)

Making the best use of time I

n a matter of days, another academic school year will come to an end. At the moment, most of the students across Guyana have completed their End-of-Term tests and are awaiting their results. Once this process is completed, schools will be officially closed for an extended period of two months. This means that children will have a lot of time on their hands and should, therefore, be encouraged to utilise this time in a constructive manner.

During this period, parents are faced with the challenge of finding activities, whether they are academic or recreational, etc, for their children to be involved in. There are many different ways in which our young people could effectively utilise their time wisely. Some students who have not done so well during the past year or perhaps those who encounter difficulties in a particular subject area could use the time to do remedial academic work to catch up with the rest of their peers. It is the same here in the United States where students will also be on a long summer break.

Some of the more mature students also choose to take up work-study opportunities, where they get a taste of what the world of work has to offer.

There are also those who go off to ‘summer camps’ hosted by religious/youth groups or other organisations including the Government-sponsored programmes. These provide an opportunity for youths to interact with their peers and engage in extracurricular activities which would help them become well-rounded individuals.

When persons are not fully occupied with doing positive and uplifting things, they tend to fall by the wayside, most times to their own detriment. Many would agree that many of our young people are falling prey to the use and trafficking of illicit drugs and engaging in criminal activities, in the process completely destroying their lives and the great future they could have had if better choices were made and the necessary support systems were put in place to ensure their proper upbringing.

It is being said that institutions such as the family and religious groups need to take up their roles more seriously as happened before. Historically, the older generation had managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs and institutions to the younger members of their societies and had contributed in some way to their disciplined upbringing.

This was achieved largely owing to the impact of agencies of socialisation, such as the family, religious organisations, and the schools to a large extent. Today, the impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly television and the Internet, and pop culture as a whole.

We believe that if our adolescents are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting to making more mature and responsible judgements and engaging in activities that are the hallmark of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided. In addition to the var-

ious interventions which the Government should make, there are numerous organisations including those in the Private Sector, which could rise to the occasion and contribute more towards saving our youth population. They need to come on board and sponsor programmes that would see our children and young people become wellequipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves and the society as a whole.

Coordinating and sponsoring such programmes during the ‘summer break’ when children are away from school for a long period is a good way to start.

Successful programmes typically incorporate specific components, such as providing a sense of belonging, promoting a supportive relationship with adults, and affording opportunities to enhance decision-making and leadership skills.

Further, sport could also play a very important role in bringing the youth population back on track so that they could interact with their peers and elders in a more meaningful and dignified manner. There is need to revive many of the non-functional sport groups/centres in communities as the lack of access to such facilities makes it more challenging to engage youths.

The idea is for young people to be meaningfully engaged with activities that they could gain something positive from. It is well accepted that those who have achieved successes in life or have gone on to do great things are the ones who have utilised their time wisely.

NEWS 5

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Guyana’s Opposition seeking order

directing President, Cabinet to resign

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head of the July 12 hearing where the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hand down consequential orders in the NoConfidence Motion cases, lawyers for the various parties have submitted their proposals for what the Court should order.

The CCJ had previously given each side until July 1, 2019, to make written submissions varying from 20 to 40 pages in length. Attorney Sanjeev Datadin, who represents former Alliance for Change Parliamentarian Charandass Persaud, in his submission asked that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) be ordered to hold elections

by September 18 – three months after the CCJ first ruled the Motion valid.

Datadin included the advice given

by GECOM Legal Adviser Excellence Dazzel that the commission should update the previous voters list to ensure they follow the law. He also warned that to ensure compliance, the Court

Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams at CCJ

would have to set strict timelines and oversee their implementation.

“The orders that are made must be strict with time stipulated and this Court must exercise full supervision of its enforcement and implementation.

This is the only way to protect the rule of law for the people of Guyana,” he said in his submissions.

He added that the orders must reiterate to the Government that they are only a “caretaker Government” and restrict the opportunity for delay. “It is humbly submitted the Court must act to protect the rule of law in Guyana.

It must not tolerate the delays and system of delays being sought by the Government and GECOM,” he also wrote.

they should have done in accordance with Article 106 (6 and 7).

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of

Opposition’s position

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall made known on Tuesday evening during his livestreamed call-in programme, that one of the things the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) team is seeking is an order directing that President David Granger and his Cabinet resign, as

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin is representing former AFC PM Charrandas Persaud

a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) states

that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Nandlall explained that the PPP sought “liberty to apply”, which means that if the Government does not comply with the consequential Court orders, they can return to the CCJ to report them for disobeying Court orders.

On the matter of the appointment of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Nandlall added that his party will be seeking orders giving the President a few days to comply. He warned that the consequences for disobeying Court orders can lead to international sanctions against both individual ministers and the Government as a whole.

The Government side has also confirmed that it made its submissions. It argued in its submissions that Houseto-House registration was still necessary. Reports in sections of the media indicate that the Government is maintaining that the National Assembly extends its time in office.

Such a resolution, which requires a two-thirds majority by law, has already been rejected by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. During a previous press conference, Jagdeo had pointed out that when the opposition was offering the chance for a parliamentary extension in keeping with the constitutional timeline, the Government was whiling away time in the judicial system.

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CCJ must respond with specific timelines to stop this blatant bullying and illegality in Guyana Dear Editor, With each passing day, the excessively vulgar behaviour of the now illegal Granger-led APNU/AFC clan is becoming more and more frontal in adding to Guyana’s constitutional crisis. In the face of amazed global and international observers, the cabal continues to demonstrate its lack of concern for the democratic observance and rights of the majority of the citizens while effectively defacing the nation’s image. The APNU/ AFC coalition has taken to displaying a heightened pretence of concern while abusing the nation’s public purse.

This is only because the Opposition Leader’s No-Confidence Motion (NCM) has driven them in this direction.

The sequence of events leading up to this embarrassing fiasco indicates the extant characteristic, defiant and abusive nature of the cabal, for which the majority of citizens have long demonstrated a loss of confidence. Their previous and current actions place no holds on the

abundance of radicalism and unlawful dictatorship that they attempt to force, while illegally occupying the seat of Government.

Guyanese are experiencing serious survival difficulties associated with the sky-rocketing cost of living due to impositions of a laden tax system, escalating scary and dangerous crime situations, while people cannot provide the basics for their children’s education and healthcare.

We are now witnessing substantial fraudulent giveaway of State lands to persons reflecting a significant conflict of interests in the instance of SARA and other public persons that is most worrying. Further, this entire nation is in tension, as our people live under an illegal and unconstitutional regime.

At the time of penning this letter, it was plain for all to see that President Granger, who now has the responsibility of ensuring elections are held within 90 days in keeping with Section 106 (7) of the Constitution, remains in his go-slow mode. He

still had not responded to the Leader of the Opposition’s acceptance to his invitation to meet on the urgent critical matter of appointing a new Chairman of the GECOM, urged by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

From the top-heavy self-aggrandising APNU/AFC Government officials to the many bullish agents of the cabal, there is a wickedly utilised approach of de-stabilising Local Government Areas where the Government lost support so they suffer the population. It is also clear that the Government knew all along that their abuse of the people was intolerable and that they became illegal with the passing of the NCM on December 21, 2018. Mr Harmon and Mr Nagamootoo at the recent Bartica Public meeting affirmed that the Government was very clear that their case at the CCJ had no basis, but yet continued to deliberately frustrate our democracy and the nation while spending lavishly and creating further debts.

The Government’s resistance to the CCJ’s rulings is an outright assault on our democracy. On one side, the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo’s call for “war” is inciting and most worrying, and this would be confirmed by the older population that the PNC never wants to adhere to free and fair elections. On the other, President Granger’s slurs, together with the rants of the senior APNU/AFC Ministers in their open criticisms and rejection of the CCJ and against the acceptance of the CCJ decisions, is most distasteful and unacceptable.

As it turns out, the PNC/APNU/AFC has been forced to accept that the former Chairman of GECOM, Justice Retired James Patterson had to go. It was indeed silly to know that President Granger was questioning the ruling of the CCJ, on the ruling that Chairman Patterson was not properly appointed.

The fact that the CCJ ruled in favour of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM), makes it clear that we will have to get Regional and National

Elections within ninety days. With the ongoing lack of urgency and due diligence given by the President regarding the CCJ’s advised consultations with the Leader of the Opposition, the resulting unwarranted delays make it absolutely clear that time-bound directions must emerge in the CCJ’s consequential orders.

Given the posture adopted and publicly demonstrated by the President, however, these orders, critically, should pave the way for the immediate appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission and the time schedules for the organisation to hold free and fair elections within the time established by the Guyana Constitution.

Obviously, with all of the increasing waste of time and taxpayers’ monies in this respect by the Government, it is understandable that the Leader of the Opposition has signalled his party’s decision of not going back to the National Assembly to grant additional time.

Over the last three years, it has been really painful to follow the poor

performances of Guyana ‘PNC’ Attorney General Basil Williams. Most disgraceful is his recent lies and misrepresentations to the eminent Judges of the CCJ. We are indeed ashamed as citizens to be receiving related calls from people in the diaspora, and worst of all, to listen to them talking about the incompetent Basil Williams.

It is indeed heartening to hear that the Leader of the Opposition, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, is willing to reach with President Granger albeit, on a daily basis in order to resolve the appointment of a Chairman of GECOM. Further appreciated are his stance and urgings by the diplomatic community to all stakeholders to respect the CCJ’s rulings. The mirrored willingness of civil society, in particular, the Private Sector body, is also most welcoming and demonstrative. Indeed, the CCJ’s ruling, so far, is final and the highest in the land, which must now be followed up with specific timelines to stop this blatant bullying and illegality.

Transactions conducted

by APNU/AFC Govt Guyana should allow the United Nations to null and void Dear Editor, All major transactions conducted by this PNC-led coalition Government after the successful passage of the NoConfidence Motion are fraudulent and considered null and void.

Even if those transactions were Cabinet decisions, they nonetheless constitute a fraud on this nation and I hasten to say all of those land deals will be at the investigation and recovery of the State Assets Recovery Agency. It is the mistaken belief in some quarters that because these are Cabinet decisions those land deals are binding on succeeding governments.

Well, they are ever so wrong because no deal, business or otherwise, conducted after the No-Confidence Motion will stand, this a fraud perpetrated at the highest level which will see recovery at the detriment of the beneficiaries.

The State Assets Recovery Agency will be in full mode to recover those stolen assets, this Government cannot wantonly break the law and expect us to be cheerleaders for them. It also means that the benefactors of these corrupt deals must kiss those sweet assets goodbye. It is as simple as that, end of discussion.

So, I hasten to tell Mr Granger that Guyana is not his private prop-

erty and we are not for sale. Your actions have not gone unnoticed and there will be consequences for those gross violations of our laws. There will be consequences for your transgressions.

Some time ago, Kaieteur News used to carry a section captioned “Heist of Guyana” I wonder what they are saying now that thousands of acres of prime lands were given away to PNC friends and associates? I wonder what are their thoughts now seeing everything is in the spotlight with verifiable and damnable evidence. I see Adam Harris in his usual apologetic role, trying desperately to make out a case for Granger’s actions by making the Opposition Leader’s claims to be a racial one. Well, I must tell this learned gentleman that it is not any of what he is insinuating, but what we have witnessed this past week was a clear case of a Government’s crass disrespect for the laws of this country and nothing else.

This type of behaviour is symptomatic of the old dictatorial PNC party which should not be allowed to flourish. We say down with dictatorial and illegal governments.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

turn to page 7

manage the elections Dear Editor, It does not appear that the two sides, President Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo, APNU/ AFC and PPP, will reach an agreement (consensus) on appointing a GECOM Chair or set a firm timeline for elections. On June 18, the CCJ had urged the two sides to come to an agreement by June 24 on orders the court should issue and they failed to meet. On June 24, the court extended the deadline to July 1 (date for written submission of suggestions for consequential orders) and the sides still failed to meet, much less discuss the issues. The court had stated that they could try until July 12 when the court will issue its orders on what must be done. The court’s orders are final. The two sides should try to resolve this political problem. The ABC countries should put pressure on both sides to meet and honour the Constitution.

There is much distrust between the sides. Both sides are fearful of fraudulent elections. My conversations with Guyanese reveal they also fear that election results may not reflect the will of the voters. A poll I am

conducting in Guyana reveals a very racially polarised nation. Governing Guyana will not be easy unless election results are accepted by both sides. The country will not make progress after elections unless both sides feel the outcome reflects the will of the voters and that every eligible voter’s name is on the list.

Since it has become a controversial political issue that does not lend itself to an easy solution, may I suggest that both sides meet and work out an agreement for the United Nations to manage (run) the elections? It will save Guyanese the expense of organising the elections. The UN was in charge of holding elections in several polarised societies when the contending parties could not reach an agreement on a way forward. The UN will ensure that free and fair elections are held in Guyana and that no one is denied the right to vote. The UN’s Secretary-General and its security forces will make sure a credible election is held and the results accepted.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘A political gimmick’

– Opposition says of ‘Cabinet’s’ decision to remove custodial sentence for small amounts of marijuana

T

he surprise announcement on Tuesday that ‘Cabinet’ ordered the removal of custodial sentences for persons found in possession of small amounts of marijuana has been described by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as both misleading and for political mileage.

This is because Cabinet, by law, was supposed to resign after the Government was defeated by a NoConfidence Motion in the National Assembly last year.

According to the release from Government, after extensive discussions and reviews, “Cabinet has approved a proposal to remove custodial sentences for persons found to be in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana”.

The PPP, in a statement soon after the announcement, denounced the Government’s actions as nothing more than a “political gimmick”, intended by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) to trick persons and boost their chances at the early elections that are inevitable.

According to the PPP, the APNU/AFC coalition Government is currently illegal and Cabinet should have already resigned, consistent with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution and the recent ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). “How then, is Cabinet meeting and making decisions? Does the coalition not intend to comply with the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice?” the party questioned.

It reminded that the provisions of Article 106 (6)

Cabinet, by law, was supposed to resign after the Government was defeated by a No-Confidence Motion in the National Assembly last year

and (7) are clear. It went on to reference the ruling of CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, in the NoConfidence Motion challenge case.

“Justice Saunders’ ruling [paragraph three] adds that: “Article 106(6) of the Constitution states that 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,” the party said.

“Additionally, the David Granger-led coalition has had over four years to address the issue of removing custodial sentences for possession of small quantities of marijuana. It failed to do so. The Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances

CCJ must respond... from to page 6

It is clear that the coalition Government will only respond to pressure and they have no respect for the Constitution and the highest court of law. As the wanton, rampant thieving, and unlawful spending continues, our people are boiling up. It is of note that the coalition Government lawyers alluded to the massive spending by GECOM to train nine thousand enumerators in preparation for House-to-House Registration and this is very serious. This column already hinted at the significant wastage and non-accountability at GECOM. All of the monies being spent

on the enumerators will achieve much less than will be acquired in one week of the Claims and Objections cycle in preparing the Preliminary Voters’ List.

Inside sources at GECOM have already publically declared their readiness for holding Regional and National Elections and this is the only acceptable way forward. The CCJ must, therefore, assert themselves and rule, giving directives on the viable way forward for immediate efficacy in upholding constitutionally required elections in Guyana.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

(Control) (Amendment) Bill – a bill to remove custodial sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana – was brought to the National Assembly since December 10, 2015. The coalition Government refused to debate it.”

The party reminded that instead, in May 2016, President Granger declared that: “This is not something that is a preoccupation of the administration at the present time…I would not counsel the use of marijuana by young people or anybody.”

According to the PPP, such an announcement is not enforceable without an Act of Parliament. As such, it noted that any talk in the current circumstances of removing custodial sentences is “nothing more than talk”.

“It is not a promise ful-

filled by the coalition Government. It is a reminder that this is just another promise that was broken.

Further, the position of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on this issue has been clear for years now”.

The issue of reviewing possession of quantities of marijuana, the party added, which attracts a mandatory, minimum jail sentence, was included in the PPP/C 2015 manifesto and this issue has been used repeatedly by the APNU/AFC Coalition “to secure political mileage, nothing more”.

Still an offence

Meanwhile, in its release, the Government had said that narcotics possession remains an offence, but persons will not be sentenced

to prison as obtained in the past.

“This is the first of several steps that Government intends to take as it considers the recently submitted Caribbean Community (Caricom) Report on the usages of marijuana, and in particular, usages by our Rastafarian brothers and sisters who require it for use in their worship and sacrament”.

In the wake of confusion over social media regarding what the directive meant, Government subsequently sent out another statement in which it stated that this is just the first step in the process towards removal of custodial sentences. And it stressed that possession was still illegal.

“The draft amendments of the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015 were presented to Cabinet meeting in Linden on April 30th, 2019.

However, there was a process involved, following which, this information has now been made public. This is the first in a series of actions that have to be taken to ensure the proposed changes are enacted”.

“Before a Bill is sent to the National Assembly, it has to be approved by Cabinet.

If there are any changes, it is sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

However, once the final draft has been approved by Cabinet, it is added to the National Assembly’s Order Papers, read, debated and then voted on. The approval of the proposal therefore does not render it law; it is simply the first step”.

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Below is a list of the performers who secured a spot in this year’s top ten.

7th (529)

1st (532)

Sarita Somai – Success Elementary

Ajala Maharaj – Marian Academy

9th (528)

Dave Chowtie – Graham’s Hall Primary School

Venisha Lall – CV Nunes Primary School

3rd (530)

Shirish Persaud

Ethan Bianchini – Marian Academy

It wasn’t hard. I always wanted to become an economist and I want to be the future President to help the poor people,” the top performer stated.

Her mother, Ridika Lall told this publication that her child was always consistent in her academic performance but would also engage in her favorite pastime - dancing.

“She’s always active in everything and extracurricular activities. I had my doubts but she was confident.

Other than that, she dances and I think that’s what gets her loosen up a bit.”

The third position was shared by four persons who obtained 530 marks. They were Shrirish Persaud and Ajala Maharaj of Academy of Excellence; Ethan Bianchini of Marian Academy and Shivali Challu of Mae’s Under 12.

Bianchini relayed, “I did a lot of studying and maybe a little praying and stuff like that. I’m feeling very

Jaaya Shiwraj

Aditya Sharma Academy of Excellence

Maaseiah Salikram

Akaia Griffith – Success Elementary

Umashankar Singh – Novar Primary

Devine Amsterdam – New Guyana School

Ruth Lawson – Academy of Excellence

Shivali Challu – Mae’s Under 12

shocked of the grade. I didn’t expect this result but I want to be a lawyer because there is a lot of debates and I’m very fascinated about that.”

Challu, who is a hopeful Cardiologist, expressed, “I was very shocked. I couldn’t believe it but I know I worked really hard so it was possible. [My teachers] always pushed me to do my best and my parents helped me when I had to stay up late at nights.”

Other notable performances were recognized from Sarita Somai, Akaia Griffith and Maaseiah Salikram of Success Elementary; Ajala Maharaj and Narindra Singh of Marian Academy; Sarah Johnson, Jaaya Shiwraj and Aditya Sharma of Academy of Excellence; Umashankar Singh of Novar Primary; Devine Amsterdam of New Guyana School and Malene Crandon of the New Guyana School.

Some 14, 300 students sat the ex-

amination on April 17 and 18, with the highest obtainable score being 536 marks. They were tested in Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science.

The top one per cent of this year’s unit comprised of 166 candidates. While the first spots were taken by public institutions, the other positions were dominated by private schools which secured over 100 spots. Significant achievements were noted for Academy of Excellence having produced 26 top performers, followed by Success elementary with 22 and Maes Under-12 with 21.

As customary, there was a glaring gender gap with 94 females and 72 males.

Malene Crandon- Josel Educational Institute

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Misconduct by ranks will not be condoned - Top Cop P

olice Commissioner Leslie James has promised that ranks found guilty of misconduct will not be condoned within the Guyana Police Force.

The Commissioner’s statement comes as the GPF is celebrating its 180th Anniversary and a week after Crime Chief Lyndon Alves was sent on administrative leave to facilitate a probe into corruption allegations levelled against him.

James has acknowledged that there is the pervasive issue of corruption among his ranks.

Among the allegations against Alves is his alleged use of his influence during his tenure as Commander of B Division to protect rogue cops. Another allegation levelled against the Crime Chief is his reported influence used to prevent his daughter, who was involved in an accident, from being charged. In that incident, the young woman allegedly struck four-yearold Mohan Ramkaran close to his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home.

However, after she was arrested, she was later placed on G$20,000 station bail and over two years later, she is yet to be charged.

Meanwhile, the Top Cop in a statement said, “…the membership of the Guyana Police Force number in excess of sev-

Police Commissioner Leslie James

en thousand (7000), most of whom have been professional, law-abiding, conscientious and humble. And for those who chose to run contrary, disciplinary actions have been taken against them”.

Improved service

Commissioner James said

as the Force proceeds further in 2019, the administration seeks to strengthen systems that will result in improved service to communities and citizens of Guyana.

The Commissioner highlighted that in 2019, the Force will seek to bolster its system of prosecution

Leguan Chips factory to begin operation in August

A

Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon during a walkabout in Aliki

liki farmers will soon have a market for their plantains as the chip processing factory in Leguan is expected to be operationalised in August.

This announcement was made by Business Minister, Haimraj Rajkumar during a community engagement with the Region 3 officials, farmers and residents of island on the Essequibo River.

Responding specifically to questions raised about an alternative market for their produce – plantains, bananas, eddoes and other ground provision, Minister Rajkumar told the farmers that the factory will be functioning pending the facilitator’s finalisation of the contractual agreement and initiation of production.

“We have a plantain chip factory at Leguan, some of you would have heard of it, it already built all the equipment is there and we have a facilitator, a person who will open the factory and start operating… It’s not just plantain

chip but there will be plantain flour and other products from ground provision,” the minister said Currently, the farmers sell their crops at Parika and other markets along the coast.

Accompanying the Business Minister was Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon.

In his remarks, DG Harmon said the government’s plan is to ensure adequate markets are provided for farmers while local produce is utilised to create value-added products for sale countrywide and even further.

The chip factory is one of four projects (two chip factories and two call centres) under the G$1Billion Rural Development Fund (RDF). The functioning of this factory in the Essequibo Islands is expected to increase economic opportunities and capabilities of vulnerable groups within the area while creating jobs for those in need.

through the operationalisation of the Police Prosecutors’ Coordinating Unit.

Additionally, the Training Board will be operationalised, which will evaluate and supervise the revision of the Force’s training curricula as necessary.

The Traffic Advisory

Board will also be operationalised, which will evaluate traffic management posture and coordinate appropriate improvement strategies. He noted that the Force will realign its divisional boundaries to the regional administrative boundaries to foster greater cooperation at the regional level as well as strengthen the management of Divisions and commitment by ranks.

The Police Force is celebrating 180 years of being in existence; a celebration which commenced on July 1.

As the anniversary is being observed under the theme, “Serving and protecting our nation through collaboration and dedication”, on Tuesday Commissioner of Korps Politie Suriname Roberto Prade, who is visiting Guyana for the occasion, met with Commissioner James and other senior ranks and discussed matters that commonly affect both countries such as human trafficking, drugs trafficking and smuggling of arms and ammunition and several other aspects of transnational crimes.

They also discussed the importance of strengthening their intelligence sharing arms and continuing to work closer.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Appointment of GECOM Chair

‘President wants his own way’ - Ramkarran T

he suggestion by President David Granger that he be allowed to submit nominees for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman continues to befuddle legal minds, with two analysts questioning whether this is may be a ruse to further delay the election process.

During an appearance on the Globespan 24×7 live show in New York on Sunday, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall noted that the letter in which the suggestion was made, which was penned on Granger’s behalf by Director General Joseph Harmon, entirely misinterpreted what the Caribbean Court of justice (CCJ) had suggested.

“Mr Harmon is a lawyer of more than a dozen years standing. Mr Harmon cannot be seriously writing that kind of letter. Look at the paragraph he quoted, intending to use that paragraph to say that the CCJ said that the President is to submit names. That paragraph says no such thing!” Nandlall said.

“What the CCJ meant, they said look, it’s a consensual process that will have to produce these names. And, therefore, since the Opposition Leader cannot, in isolation, submit names, the CCJ suggested a more sensible approach is to engage, and in the en-

gagement, names can float informally from the President. We are big, intelligent people!”

The former Attorney General pointed out that the role of the Opposition Leader in submitting names for the President to consider was never in any question. But he noted that suddenly, the President and his team have raised this as a new red herring.

Nandlall’s fellow guest, former Speaker of the House and Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran questioned whether the President’s suggestion was intended to frustrate the process.

He noted that both the CCJ and the Constitution are quite clear about the need for dialogue between the President and Opposition Leader.

“I think they’re trying to delay. This is another effort to delay the process. And that is why it is vital for the CCJ to set a timeframe [for the appointment of Chairman, elections].

President Granger does not have an equal status as the Opposition Leader, under the Article.”

“Article 161 of the Constitution is quite clear when you read it.

It has been misinterpreted by the President. The CCJ has pronounced on it. It is again misinterpreted by the President.

The President wants his own way. He wants his own interpretation. And

Former AG Anil Nandlall

the objective of this is stubbornness, and for the purpose of creating delay,” Ramkarran said.

The letter

The letter in question was written by Harmon, who based his reasoning for suggesting the President nominate a GECOM Chairman on the CCJ’s request that the two sides meet and discuss eligible candidates. Harmon also suggested Jagdeo consider this before a date for his meeting with the President is set.

In its judgement on the appointment of former Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, the CCJ had said clearly that “once the President and the Leader of the Opposition have hammered out a list of names not unacceptable to the President, the list, comprising the six persons, must then formally be submitted to the President by the Leader of the Opposition and the President must then select the Chairman from among those names”.

While explaining the consensual process to appoint the GECOM Chairman, the CCJ had gone on to advise that “This approach gives the President a role in the identification of the six names, but it obviates [eliminates] the possibility that after the formal presentation of the list, the President could suggest that one or more of the names or indeed the entire list, is unacceptable”.

In addition, Article 161 (2) of the Constitution states that “…the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person…”

It goes on to outline the process by which the Chairman is appointed, stating that the Chairman is “to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable

Former Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran

to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation [between] political parties represented in the National Assembly”.

Not unsurprisingly, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), through its executive member Gail Teixeira, rejected the President’s proposal in a missive dated the same day as the President’s letter.

Teixeira pointed out

that Article 161 of the Constitution makes it the Opposition Leader’s job to submit names to the President, not the other way around. She noted that to do otherwise would be a case of the President usurping the Opposition Leader’s role.

The former Chief Whip also noted that the CCJ was merely providing guidance on how to conduct the engagement with the two sides.

Notwithstanding this, however, Teixeira had informed Harmon that the Opposition Leader was open to the President suggesting names, informally.

The CCJ is expected to issue consequential orders on its rulings pertaining to the No-Confidence Motion and possibly the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman when it meets with all the involved parties on July 12.

portedly imbibing alcohol in a shop at Flat, Matthews Ridge when they were approached by the 14-year-old. It is alleged that the accused immediately attacked Bumbury and dealt him several punches about his body. Seeing this, his cousin intervened, but was also attacked by the suspect with a knife.

The teen suspect reportedly whipped out a knife from his waist and stabbed the cousin to his hand which caused him to retreat. According to reports, the suspect continued his attack on the now dead teenager by stabbing him sever-

al times to his chest and hand. After committing the act, he escaped.

The teen was rushed to the Matthews Ridge Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Detectives then visited the home of the accused and took him into custody. Guyana Times International was told that it was during interrogation, the teen reportedly confessed to the killing his friend and led detectives to the murder weapon.

The case continues before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Teen charged for killing friend

A

14-year-old teen who allegedly murdered his friend at Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) was on Tuesday charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The teen stood before Magistrate Faith McGusty and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on June 27, 2019 at Matthews Ridge, he murdered Joseph Bumbury. The matter was held in-camera.

Reports are Bumbury and his cousin were re-

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fly Jamaica fails to deliver on

promise to refund passengers again …CCAC says Board to pass judgement

F

or the second time, the embattled Fly Jamaica Airline has failed to refund owed passengers, although it promised to process those refunds by July 1.

Consumer Affairs Officer Feyona Austin-Paul, who is attached to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), in an interview with this publication on Tuesday said the airline’s officials were contacted after fuming pas-

sengers turned up at the agency’s Sophia, Georgetown office on Tuesday morning to seek answers on their owed monies.

“They have not processed the refunds. They didn’t give us a reason, so we are trying to organize another meeting with them so that they can update us on what is really going on and we can know what other steps we have to take,” the officer said.

Asked about the next de-

Consumer Affairs Officer Feyona Austin-Paul

cision, given that the airline has failed to deliver on its second promise to repay passengers, Austin-Paul said the Commission’s Board will now

Initially, the airline had promised the Commission to begin payments in March but was unable to do so due to lack of funds. Subsequent to this

eight crew members, at least six were injured during the crash landing.

The cash-strapped airline has since made all its work-

hand down judgement.

“That’s at the Board level; because once an investigation is finished and they have not complied, then we’ll have to refer to our Board and they will make that decision on what steps should be taken,” she said.

Further, the Consumer Affairs Officer noted that this step is usually the one taken after a service or goods provider refuses to comply.

On Tuesday morning, a number of aggrieved passengers turned up with plaque cards at the Commission’s office.

announcement, Fly Jamaica made its staff redundant at the end of March.

Passengers were left stranded when a Boeing 757 flight crash landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, in November 2018 after encountering hydraulic issues.

The flight left the CJIA for Toronto at about 02:10h on November 9 from the CJIA, but the pilot returned to the airport where the aircraft crash-landed at about 02:53h.

Of the 120 passengers on board the flight, along with

ers redundant, effective from March 1, 2019. Most of the fired former employees are still awaiting their salaries as well.

In fact, only earlier last month, those ex-workers stormed out of a meeting with the Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department after they claimed the meeting failed to address the issue of owed salaries, among others, affecting some 300 workers.

One employee claimed she is owed more than G$700,000 for the period of November 2018 through March 2019.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Death at Suddie Police Station

Relatives plead for justice

US Ambassador says deep-water harbour in Guyana would reduce time, transport cost

U

nited States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch has pointed to the need for a deep-water port in Guyana, something she described as an infrastructural gap.

The Ambassador made the call during an event which was hosted last week at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The subject Minister, David Patterson was unable to give an update on the major project when contacted on Monday.

In June 2018, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said that as early as the first quarter of 2019, the Government of Guyana will have a clear idea of where to site the deep-wa-

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

W

Family members picketting outside the Suddie Police Station

hen he was arrested on a drunk driving offence, family members of Lalbachan Bachan never thought his life would have come to such an abrupt end.

Bachan, a 39-year-old father of four, of Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo Coast, died under mysterious circumstances after three days of being confined in the lockups at the Suddie Police Station.

Bachan was the lone prisoner in the cell at the time of his demise.

Though emotionally distraught, his wife and children are willing to fight for justice, as they strongly believe the man’s death was more than just an accident.

A post-mortem examination performed on the man’s body showed that he died as a result of asphyxiation due to a fractured larynx (voice box).

This means that Bachan suffocated due to a fractured voice box but a police statement issued by Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan suggested that this could be as a result of a “fall”.

But Bachan’s eldest daughter is contending that the explanation cannot be justified.

In fact, she told Guyana Times International that she told the police of her suspicion that her father was attacked, but the officer who visited the family did not seem to care.

“I asked the question; how can someone possibly get a fractured larynx by a simple fall? Something is not right.”

“He is not a crazy person to go and knock himself on a wall or if he fall, I would understand there [will be] marks on his head, but the throat have black and blue marks, what happened there?” the daughter posited.

Family members took to the streets to demand an investigation into the matter. Even the children were outside of the Suddie Police Station waving placards reading “we are fatherless” and “our father is murdered”.

The family suspects that Bachan was attacked by Police officers on duty

Dead: Lalbachan Bachan

because he did not pay G$100,000, which they demanded for him to be set free.

Bachan’s mother, who joined the protest, waved a placard which read “My son life cost him G$100,000”.

“We need justice; we need answers,” relatives demanded, some even in tears.

Bachan’s wife, Samantha, told this publication that she is trying with all her strength to be strong for her kids but she cannot help but break down and cry every time her youngest child asks for his dad.

Bachan’s mother, Maharanie, recalled seeing her son for about fifteen minutes on Sunday at the police station. She had gone down to the station since Friday, when he was arrested, but the officers allegedly refused to let her visit him.

“When me was at the station on Friday to take food for me son, the police take the food from me and they did not allow me to see he but me hear me son ah cry out fuh pain he saying that he nah feeling well but the police just ignored he,” the grieving mother said.

Photos seen by this newspaper show bruises on the man’s knees, hands and neck.

The Guyana Police Force’s PRO, when contacted, confirmed that an investigation should be launched into the matter, as it is a policy of the administration to probe such incidents.

According to the Ambassador, such a port will aid in reducing the time it takes to transport goods and moreover the costs attached to doing so.

A deep-water harbour is a fixed or floating structure that is built at strategic points in a country to serve as a hub for the transport of goods. It is known to be a major source of aiding in economic growth as it links the country to several others. The port is useful in not only shipping items to that country cheaper, but serves as a gateway for other countries’ goods to pass through as well.

With approximately 80 per cent of the world’s merchandise trade carried by ships, maritime transport remains by far the most common mode of international freight and transport.

Last June, a credible source at the Public Infrastructure Ministry told Guyana Times International that Kurupukari village along the Essequibo River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was one of four possible locations to develop the port.

Other potential locations for the establishment of the port include the Berbice and Demerara Rivers.

This newspaper was told that a team of engineers visited Kurupukari back in April 2018, to conduct a study on the possibility of a bridge being erected across the mighty Essequibo River at the settlement, the site of crossings via ferries.

According to the source, the bridge would mark the first phase of the development of the long-awaited deep-water port.

The source at that time had reliably informed that the bridge was necessary to accommodate “proper linkages” of the regions.

The source also noted that the Ministry’s team visited the Takutu Bridge, which links Lethem with Brazil, since the new bridge is likely to have a similar design.

Since feasibility studies were being conducted, the source was unable to say how much such a project would cost.

ter port and an even better understanding of what is required to make the Guyana-Brazil land transport link a reality.

It went on to state that the Government has been partnering with the IDB via a Technical Cooperation Agreement to advance the GuyanaBrazil land transport link and deep-water port.

“At present, three companies have been engaged and are working simultaneously to help move various aspects of the project into fruition. The results of the three studies to help the Government of Guyana make a determination will be completed by early 2019,” the IDB release stated.

Further, the deep-water port location optimisation studies are being conducted by the Maritime and Transport Business Solutions (MTBS).

The MTBS will, therefore, have the responsibility of preparing business case scenarios for four of the potential sites identified for the project, as well as undertaking financial and economic option analyses and subsequently developing a proposal and preliminary design for development of the selected option.

“Land grabbing” Only recently, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that there seemed to be a rush by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency to give out prime lands at strategic locations where there lies a possibility to develop shore base facilities.

The Opposition Leader also revealed that areas where some of the lands were given out were earmarked for prime development, adding that the land grab” was taking place in strategic locations – locations for possible shore base facilities, deep-water harbours, and other major infrastructural developments”.

Lands have been given out at Bohemia, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and parts of the Demerara River.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Industrial action at Guyana Goldfields …company denies unlawfully hindering unionisation

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atters have come to a head at Aurora Goldmines (AGM), owned by Guyana Goldfields, where reports have emerged of some workers going on strike over grievances related to their unionisation and severance payments.

According to a source, workers at Aurora Goldmines were even threatened with having their Wi-Fi – vital to ensure they can communicate from their Cuyuni/Mazaruni location to the coast— cut off.

When contacted by this newspaper, Guyana Goldfields Human Resource Manager Peter Benny denied that the company turned off the Wi-Fi to isolate workers, claiming that there are times when technical difficulties may cause them to prioritise business links over worker’s personal communication links.

The human resource manager also confirmed that while there was a strike, it did not spread through the entire Aurora Goldmines operations but rather, only a part. Asked if the strike had to do with STRACON— which signed an open-pit agreement with Goldfields last year— Benny insisted that the contractor was performing.

“The STRACON contractors are performing their duties,” Benny said when contacted on Tuesday morning.

“There’s been a crew from the AGM who had a stand down to discuss issues that were affecting them”.

According to Benny, workers have been known to call meetings among themselves to discuss grievances.

Asked what issues the company has with paying severance, Benny denied that there were any.

“We pay severance to all employees who are severed. All employees.

they put a deadline to July 1 that the merger would happen and we would be paid off severance. Now when the 1st reach, we call the manager and the manager said he wasn’t aware of that and we have to go back to work,” the worker said.

“We said we’re not going back to work, this has to be solved. We told them the situation is very tense. This is very disrespectful to us. The manager is saying he doesn’t know this, he doesn’t know that… now, there are about 300 workers on the ground stand down,” the employee, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said. He added that the mills, part of the AGM operation, also stood down with them.

Union

Aurora Goldmines

There’s never a problem paying severance. Persons laid off are paid severance and redundancy, in keeping with the law,” Benny said.

In a similar fashion, Benny denied that the company is deliberately hindering the process for its workers.

But he noted that while the National Mining Workers Union (NMWU) is only seeking to represent workers at Buckhall, Benny stressed that the union needs to get the required percentage of support from workers drawn from its entire operation.

“You can’t try to recognise a small scope of workers. The law requires that you seek to have the membership, 41 per cent of the bargaining unit. Not a part of the bargaining unit,” Benny continued.

Benny was asked why the union’s

President, Mining Advocate Sherwyn Downer, was not being allowed to meet workers and seek their support. Benny admitted that while the company was not averse to Downer meeting workers, it has to be off-site. He advised that an off-site meeting with works be sought

by Downer.

Workers

This publication spoke to several workers attached to the Aurora site where a picture that differed from the Human Resource Manager was painted. According to one worker who works with the blasting (explosives) crew, workers have several grievances against the company.

“We have a situation where there is a merger. They told us in April that we’re merging. April gone, May gone,

Meanwhile, President of the NWMU, Sherwyn Downer, confirmed that he is in receipt of the workers’ complaints and has been apprised of the situation at the mining camp.

According to Downer, he stands ready to work to ensure a solution and noted that he will be making contact with the company and the Labour Department to facilitate a trip. Later, he noted that when he contacted the Social Protection Ministry, he was told that workers wanted to meet with the ministry and not the union, at odds with media reports.

“NMWU is concerned for the welfare and safety of Guyanese workers at Guyana Goldfield….and urges the Guyana Government to intervene on behalf of Goldfield Inc. employee in the absence of a union and restore or raise the bar of confidence in the Department of Labour and Social Protection Ministry,” Downer subsequently said in a statement.

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Nurse found dead at Mahdia hostel A

26-year-old nurse was found dead at a hostel at Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Dead is Schenise Apple of Lot 323 Block 22, Linden, Region 10.

Reports are Apple, who is a nurse at the Mahdia Hospital, was last seen on Tuesday morning after completing the night shift.

Guyana Times International understands that she retreated to the nurses’ hostel. Another nurse said that no one saw Apple during the day but that was nothing strange.

“It is normal when you finish the night shift to sleep most of the day.

So after no one saw her, we didn’t take it for anything,” a nurse told this publication.

However, at about 18:15h, another colleague enquired about Apple and it was then that they visited the hostel and found her body. It is suspected that the woman committed suicide since she was allegedly found hanging in her room. The Police were notified and the woman’s body was removed.

The Police have since launched an investigation.

When contacted, Apple’s family in Linden said that they last spoke with her on Sunday and everything seemed fine. Apple is said to be the niece of Sherwin Apple who was killed some time ago after he was implicated in the alleged rape of the Linden minor which was caught on video.

Persons who feel like they are at

Schenise Apple

risk of harming themselves or are in need of emotional help should call the ‘Suicide Helpline’ on Telephone numbers (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 6007896, 623-4444, or Email: guyagency@ yahoo.com; Twitter: guyanaagency, WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592- 6234444; FaceBook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line.

news 15

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Crime Chief says DNA testing equipment being used to go after cold cases

I

Milaimi Alli was charged with the 2009 murder of her husband, Ramzan Alli.

nvestigators from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Cold Case Unit are aggressively pursuing two unsolved murders with the aid of the recently acquired testing equipment at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL).

Crime Chief (ag) Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston on Monday confirmed that focus is being placed on two of the several cold cases at this point.

“We have a few that we are working on but I am not prepared to speak on them at this point in time. We are looking at two at the moment and that is all I would say on it,” he told this publication.

On Wednesday last, new equipment funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was commissioned at the GFSL which is housed at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The equipment is said to boost in the fight against crime in Guyana since it now enables the lab to conduct critical tests which it was never able to do despite being officially opened some five years now.

Director of the G$1.049 billion facility, Delon France at the recent commissioning ceremony had said that the laboratory is now a national pioneer for human identification using Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing and it enables for testing of “three main things: DNA testing for comparison or matching evidence to a suspect, paternity testing, family mapping or family testing where you can use the family DNA to identify a suspect even if we don’t have that particular suspect’s DNA. We can match a crime scene to a family member and then we can narrow it down through investigation of who actually committed the crime”.

When the building was first commissioned, it had four departments including toxicology, documents, trace evidence and chemistry with six non-analytical departments namely security, quality system, information system, facilities operations, evidence and administration departments.

Acknowledging that the wait for such services was indeed a lengthy one, the Director informed that four persons are being trained to use the long-awaited equipment. In addition, a number of training sessions are also on the schedule for crime scene personnel of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

In April last, the now-suspended Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves, had told this publication that the Guyana Cold Cases Unit was probing five murder cases that have been pending for a number of years.

Alves had explained that these cases were being pursued by both the Cold Cases Unit and the Major Crimes Investigations Unit (MCIU).

The most recent cold case to be solved in Guyana is that of the murder of businessman Ramzan Alli, which occurred at Coldingen Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), between July 11 and 12, 2009.

His then wife, Milaimi Alli, was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) recently for the 2009 murder of the businessman. She appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a murder charge.

The charge stated that Alli, while being in the company of another, murdered her husband Ramzan Alli at Coldingen Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), between July 11 and 12, 2009.

Investigators reportedly received new information that alleged Alli paid her then lover G$7 million to kill her husband, which led them to reopen their investigation into the murder of the fuel dealer in March 2009.

Thirty-eight-year-old Zaheed Mitchell of Foulis, ECD, was also recently charged for his involvement in the murder of Alli.

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Family of Tuschen

accident victim calls for probe

Dead: 17-year-old Azeez Mohammed

T

he pedestrian, who was killed along the Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) Public Road in the wee hours of Sunday morning was on Monday identified as 17-year-old Azeez Mohammed of Lot 63 Ocean Garden, Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), by family members.

The teen was reportedly killed by an allegedly speeding motor vehicle whilst attempting to cross the public road.

In an interview with Guyana Times International, Samantha Mohammed, sister of the dead teen, explained that her younger brother had left home at about 17:00h on Sunday to attend a wedding ceremony at Tuschen along with his cousins. The distraught sister related that according to eyewitnesses, her brother left the location and whilst returning he met his demise.

“Apparently he left the wedding house and cross over the road to go urinate, but while he making his way back over, a car with full speed hit him down…. when he hit him down he drove a distance away and stopped, he drove back then pick up my brother and took him to the hospital,” the grieving sister related.

According to Mohammed (Samantha), after her cousins realised the now dead teen was missing, they began searching for him, during which they were informed about the accident.

A visibly distraught Mohammed related that a police report was made, hence they are pleading for justice for their younger sibling.

“We went to the station and they say they have to investigate the matter and will get back to us…he is my small brother and he can’t just hit him down just like that, we are all human beings,” Mohammed stated.

Police reports have since indicated that the driver of the motor vehicle is a police rank, who was proceeding along the Tuschen Public Road when Mohamed allegedly ran into his path and was struck down.

Mohamed was picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home while police investigations are still ongoing.

This is the third joint services rank to have recently struck down a road user, as 61-year-old Colin Crawford of Lot 111 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was last Monday killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a Police Constable.

According to reports, the policeman was proceeding south along the eastern side of the western carriageway in the vicinity of Stoby’s Jewellery at McDoom when Crawford was seen standing on the western side of the eastern carriageway, close to the median that separates the eastern and western carriageway on that road.

The injured man was picked up by the Police Constable with the assistance of public-spirited persons and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention. He died some three hours after the accident.

At the time of the accident, a breathalyser test was conducted on the Police Constable and no trace of alcohol was found in his system.

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Jury finds taxi driver guilty of 2017 rape charge A

nother convicted rapist is expected to remain on remand for the next month until his sentencing date, which is scheduled for August 26, 2019 at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

After almost two hours of deliberation

at the High Court on Tuesday, a 12-member jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict against Morris Johnson, who was accused of the offence of rape.

The charge against the taxi driver stated that between August 12 and August 13, 2017 in the county of Demerara,

he engaged in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16.

Johnson was represented by Attorneyat-Law Ronald BurchSmith, who, in an address to Justice Brassington Reynolds, requested that a probation report be prepared before the sentence is

handed down. The application was granted.

In addition, a victim impact statement was also ordered prepared, and is expected to be presented on August 26 when Johnson will be sentenced. Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Seeta Bishundial represented the State.

Remanded: Morris Johnson

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Traditional sectors should not be ignored – PPP Presidential Candidate W ith the right investment opportunities and economic environment, Guyana’s traditional sectors can thrive to provide more employment and other benefits, rather than a sole dependence on taxation to garner capital.

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali shared this opinion during a recent interview on the creation of jobs, where he assured that under his Government, economic sectors will not be neglected. It was explained that the prospects of oil is not the “only saviour” since traditional sectors are opportunistic with assistance from Government.

“We need a Government that has ideas and vision and not a Government that seems to be barren on ideas and think that taxes is the only solution in terms of raising capital. Also, this thing that oil and gas as the only saviour out there or opportunity that is ahead for Guyana. Oil and gas would bring tremendous opportunity for Guyana but there are great opportunities in all the traditional sectors and also in newer sectors with a little tweaking,” he stated.

Ali expressed that draconian measures on Government’s end have seen downward spiralling of most of these sectors. This is due to the lack of incentive regime for investments among other unfavourable moves that was noticed especially in the mining sector. In five years, he informed that the industry has declined by approximately 40 per cent, with an average 15,000 persons directly affected.

“These are sectors that have performed well for Guyana. In 2014, we had approximately 3000 dredges in the mining sector. Each dredge would have employed about five persons directly [apart from the] suppliers, manufacturers, those who supply food…

You’re talking about 15,000 jobs in 2014. Today, only approximately 60 per cent of those dredges are in operation,” the Presidential Candidate related.

He added that the significant decrease was as a result of the draconian measures that the APNU/ AFC Government “brought down on the mining sector that caused persons to hold back on investments.

There was no capital investment, no reformation in the sector and the small and medium-sized miners

our miners are mining now is totally non-competitive. In the past, there was a particular method that was used to assist miners in this regard. We have seen that the Government has shied away from this and then look at the state of the hinterland roads,” he asserted.

Two months ago, persons commuting the LindenLethem road called on Government to urgently intervene and repair certain sections which were impassable.

Sections of the road — at Fairview in Region Nine and Kurupukari in Region Eight — were completely impassible, with some sections being inundated when there is heavy rainfall.

Manufacturing

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

were disseminated”.

For the mining sector to flourish again, he added, tax concessions and the two per cent royalty rate are some factors which must be considered. He lamented on the numerous documentations that stymie small miners from conducting their operations.

“We have to look at tax concessions that would benefit the small and medium scale miners, help them in mining equipment, retooling themselves in the industry. We have to revert to the two per cent royalty rate…The level of documentation that small miners have to get before they actually go into operation has created tremendous hardship for their own growth and development.”

Ali posited that Guyana’s hinterland road infrastructure has also been at its worst for the past two years. This has been coupled with the skyrocketed cost for fuel, which has seen little assistance from Government.

“Then we have to look at the land management and allocation system and address the issue of high fuel costs. The costs for fuel in some of the areas that

For the manufacturing and business sectors, he said that grants and special funds will be injected to stimulate activities by linking entrepreneurs with the necessary resources. Zero-rated exports will also encourage stakeholders to invest.

“We’ll look at the zero rating for all exports, industrial parts, and special incentives to invest in particular areas. We have to look at a special fund to stimulate innovation and new businesses. We’ll have to increase grants through small and medium-sized enterprises and a lot of this has to come through entrepreneurial training.”

Ali stated that the present situation has caused many small businesses to close their operations because of the incapacity to handle shocks from a decreasing disposable income.

“Small businesses are closing down. Medium businesses are closing down. If you look at the stats, you will see that in the last three years, we’ve had G$29 billion in non-performing loans. Nonperforming loans has grown by G$12 billion in three years and 60 per cent of that is in the business enterprises and most of these are the small and medium business that does not have the capital formation to withstand these shocks. You’re seeing that the disposable income of our people is being sucked up,” the Presidential Candidate explained.

Flooding continues unabated in City although millions spent by NDIA

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry is currently undergoing drainage works in Georgetown to ensure that accumulated water runs off promptly as the Ministry prepares for spring tides.

This is although some G$163 million was spent in April, by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to assist in reducing the occurrence of flooding.

The subject Minister, David Patterson in an interview with Guyana Times International on Wednesday said it was one of his “important” projects.

He explained, “I am working to ensure my full drainage network (is up) to deal with the spring tides. I am working to ensure we have everything covered”.

According to him, the works being done are vital as the spring tides are making it more difficult for accumulated water to recede.

“We have spring tide so obviously the water is higher on the outside so it has a reduced time for us to drain off so we are doing (checks) with additional pumps to run off but it’s coming along quite good,” he reported.

The Minister said some issues were encountered with two of the water pumps in

A flooded section of Georgetown on Monday

Georgetown but were resolved.

He informed that works being done along Sussex and Commerce Street, Georgetown to ensure waters recede in a timely manner.

In the meantime, Patterson assured that waters along the East and West Coast are draining perfectly. He said, “East Coast is draining perfectly and over the river are doing really well. Georgetown of course, the low lying areas, they’re draining now but obviously the time period between the tides (is affecting it)”.

Patterson was keen to

note that this exercise is not a costly one as pumps and other resources are being shifted around to benefit residents and commuters in the City.

In April, this newspaper reported on the costly project undertaken by the NDIA to reduce flooding in Georgetown.

It was revealed that three high capacity mobile drainage pumps would be installed at Church Street, Sussex Street, and Ruimveldt to assist in reducing flooding.

The NDIA stated that the contracts have been approved for the cleaning of the city’s

drainage channels, with manual cleaning operations totalling G$71.9 million and mechanical cleaning operations totalling G$91.6 million.

However, in May when the rainy season kicked in, several sections of the Capital city were flooded despite the costly works.

At several locations, vendors complained bitterly that every time it rained the streets become flooded and their businesses were affected although they pay their taxes to City Hall.

They protested that not

only did the floodwaters affect them financially, they posed a health threat and made their working environment uncomfortable.

Nevertheless, the few customers who braved the weather were seen in their long boots and rain coats/umbrellas to ensure that their bills were paid among other things.

A study conducted by a European firm, Vivid Economics had found that some G$1.3 billion is lost every year in Georgetown as a result of flooding.

The lead consultant from the agency, Charlie Dixon, shared a few findings during his presentation, which indicated that not only was the vast sum a cause for concern presently but in years to come, as it was expected to increase significantly with oil production.

Dixon said, “At the present day, the risk of flooding is expected in the wider Georgetown area to cause around G$1.3 billion of damage every single year…so then as we look to 2040, looking into the future as climate change worsens and we expect these flooding effects to become more impactful, that number rises by … about a factor of four, so expected damage … [is] about G$4 billion.”

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Excesses will be cut; benefits will be passed on to citizens …if PPP regains power - Jagdeo

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is urging officials of the various Government agencies, who last week received a circular from the Finance Ministry to submit their 2020 Budget proposals, to ignore the document.

However, he did recognise that these public servants were being pressured into going along with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s illegal acts.

“It’s not the public servants we gotta go after because they are being pressured. We should go after the Director of the Office of Budget (at the Finance Ministry) for sending out a circular like this and the Treasury Secretary,” the Opposition Leader noted.

Asked whether any action would be taken against those officials who initiated the process, Jagdeo said, “They would have to say why they’re not opposed to this issue (and) why they sent out a circular of that nature. Unless, they’re hoping it would be helpful to us at the public level if the Government changes.”

However, the Opposition Leader made it clear that should the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) get into office, it would not start with a budget circular such as the one sent out by the Finance Ministry. Instead, he noted that the Party would seek to remove excess expenditure in order to save taxpayers’ money.

“The first PPP Government would immediately start from zero. Every expenditure made by this (coalition) Government will be reviewed and we will cut the excesses. The ministerial travels, the rental of buildings, the dietary, a whole range… We believe we can save a good G$20-$30 billion and pass it on back to people through lower taxes and restoration of the benefits like the G$10,000 grants and so on. So we’re not gonna work with Jordan’s framework for no budget,” Jagdeo contended.

Despite affirmation that the December NoConfidence Motion (NCM) against the coalition Government was validly passed and the fact that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has said the

Administration should be in caretaker mode, preparations have commenced for 2020’s Budget.

In a move that is in implicit violation of the CCJ’s ruling, the leaked circular, dated June 21, 2019, instructs department heads, Permanent Secretaries, regional executives and heads of constitutional agencies to make submissions to the Ministry and complete aspects of Budget preparations, with a deadline of August 7, 2019 to hand in their Budget proposals.

The Budget agencies were given between August 19 and September 27, 2019 to consult with the Ministry on their submissions. October 10 was named as the date to present the constitutional agencies’ budgets to the National Assembly.

The circular, which was signed by the Ministry’s Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph, also named November 25, 2019 as the date to present the overall budget in the National Assembly. Affixing his signature to the circular, Joseph noted in the correspondence that it was penned under the delegated authority of the Finance Minister, pursuant to Section 13 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. The CCJ ruled on June 18 that the Government was defeated by a vote of no confidence, meaning early elections must be called. But just three days later, the Finance Ministry issued the circular for Budget debate in November, which is beyond the proposed date for new elections as proposed by the Opposition in a concession to the exigencies of the appeal by the Government to the NCM’s passage.

According to Jagdeo, this is a recent move in a series of acts by the coalition Government and its Ministers to defy the Trinidad-based regional court’s ruling.

“This is what we see manifested every single day – either it’s “forget the decision of the court” like some of them said – “we’re going along with our own business, forget what the Constitution says”, etc,” the Opposition Leader noted.

In several parliamentary democracies, such as New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, etc, there are ex-

plicit “Caretaker Conventions” and in those that have not, the practice is to follow the precedents in these jurisdictions. A fundamental tenet in these conventions is that only routine functions of the Government must be maintained and there can be no initiative that will bind any new incoming Government to policies with which they do not agree.

Caretaker Conventions

There is a convention on Caretaker Governments used in New Zealand. Section 6.21 states that “On occasion, it is necessary for a Government to remain in office for a period on an interim basis, when it has lost the confidence of the House, or (after an election) until a new ministry is appointed following the Government formation process”.

It continues that “during such periods, the incumbent Government is still the lawful executive authority, with all the powers and responsibilities that go with executive office. However, Governments in this situation have traditionally constrained their actions until the political situation is resolved, in accordance with what is known as the convention on Caretaker Government”.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

ERC still probing Govt’s calls for protests, “troubles” T he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is still investigating the recent calls made by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo for protests and “troubles” during government outreach held in Bartica two weeks ago.

The high ranking Government officials made those comments as they pointed out that the David Granger-led administration is not prepared to call elections unless House-toHouse Registration is carried out, regardless of what the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) or anyone says.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr John Smith explained to Guyana Times International on Wednesday that such complaints are usually forwarded to a special unit to conduct the probe.

“What normally happens, when these complaints come in and they have been quite a number, we pass them on to one of the units we have, investigative units and they do the investigation and then they report back to the commission,” he said.

The Chairman was unable to say exactly when the probe would wrap up but assured that the report is being acted upon promptly.

According to him, “It’s been sent to the Unit, I can’t

Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission, Dr John Smith

remember if the investigation is complete cause I don’t want to give you the wrong information but it has been sent and action is being taken on that matter. That I can say with certainty”.

Furthermore, the Chairman explained that the Investigative Unit usually goes to the part of the country where such statements were made to investigate thoroughly.

About two weeks ago, the Chairman acknowledged that the body was in receipt of the letter and it was forwarded to the Investigation Unit. After the evaluation is completed, Commissioners will make their input to determine the final outcome.

Asked whether the Commission has expressed

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

concerns over the series of events, Smith noted that it is too early to determine since the letter was sent just a couple of days ago.

One line responses

Over the weekend, former Chief Whip for the Opposition, Gail Teixeira said she has since received one-line responses from the ERC and Police with regards to her complaint made in relation to the troubling statements made by members of the Government.

Teixeira told this publication, “I just got one-line acknowledgement letters saying they would be looking into the matters from both the ERC and Commissioner of Police”.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamooto

“War break”

During an outreach in Bartica last month, Minister Jordan called on supporters to go out and protest for house to house registration, noting that if that doesn’t happen then there would be “war break”.

This is despite the fact that this exercise is likely to further delay elections that were constitutionally due since March 21 of this year.

“Comrades, be on the ready! Because we will be able to call you out to picket for House-to-House registration.

No registration, no elections!”

“And CCJ or no CCJ, they can’t tell us that we must tinker with that list to call an improper election. Elections must be free, fair, and proper,” the Minister said in gross

disregard for the ruling of the highest court in the Region.

Jordan added, “From today Comrades, war break.

Because we got to go to elections before the end of this year, hopefully. I say hopefully because we can only go to elections when GECOM says it ready. So don’t let anyone tell you anything.

“And I’m putting the Police on notice. Mischief will be afoot between now and when the elections are called. You have to be on your guard and your lookout. Your intelligence has to be upgraded.

Because already there is talk about bringing people on the street,” he said.

Days before, the CCJ ruled that Government fell to the no-confidence motion the Opposition brought against it last December. The law says that when this occurs, the President and Cabinet must resign and elections must be held within three months of the motion.

Similar sentiments were also expressed by Prime Minister Nagamootoo who declared that there would be “trouble” without house to house registration and urged street protests.

Teixeira subsequently wrote the Police Commissioner and the ERC, expressing grave concern and calling on them to ensure peace prevails.

24 news

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Search for Americans who went missing in Barbados called off

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he search for two American visitors who disappeared without a trace while jet skiing a week ago, has been called off by local authorities. The United States, which was helping with the search, has also withdrawn its assisting aircraft.

The search by the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Coast Guard and the Regional Security System – later joined by the US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft – began on the afternoon of June 24 after 32-year-old Oscar Suarez and 25-year-old Magdalena Devil, who were visiting from New Jersey, rented a jet ski at a beach on the west coast of the island for a half-hour ride, but never returned. They were last seen on CCTV heading out to sea in a southerly direction.

After the first 72 hours with neither of them being found, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that the search for the couple would be extended another 72 hours, saying her government was doing “all that is humanly possible” to find the

Oscar Suarez and Magdalena Devil have not been found

Americans.

“We need to literally ensure that we have exhausted every possible opportunity with respect to finding your relatives,” Mottley, addressing the

Shake-up for Jamaica police force

(Jamaica Observer) The police high command has announced changes in the leadership of some of its divisions as the latest crime statistics show that the 28 murders last week pushed the total above the figure for the corresponding period last year.

This erased all the gains that were achieved with the introduction of the state of emergency in three western parishes and the continuation of zones of special operations in two communities.

Preliminary police data show that up to last Saturday, there were 675 murders across the island since the start of this year; four more than the 671 recorded over the same period last year.

Other serious and violent crimes — shooting, and aggravated assault — are also up when compared to last year. Rape is the only exception, running below the 2018 figure.

There have been 660 reported cases of shooting so far this year, 11 per cent above 2018; while the 183 cases of aggravated assault so far for 2019 are a tick above the 182 cases recorded over the corresponding period last year. The police also recorded 257 rape cases in the first six months of this year, a shade below the 263 up to June 29, 2018.

Eleven of the 19 police divisions have so far reported more murders than last year, with a

100 per cent spike in the Kingston Central Police Division (16 up from 8) and a 90 per cent increase in Manchester (19 up from 10).

Divisions with the largest decline in murders are St Mary — 43 per cent; St Catherine South (which includes Portmore) — 41 per cent; and Hanover, 40 per cent.

Hours after the latest crime figures reached the Jamaica Observer, the police high command announced that several of its divisions will be headed by new commanders following the reassignment and transfer of eight of its gazetted officers.

Among the changes is that assistant commissioners Calvin Allen and Gary Welsh are to trade places, making Welsh the new head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, while Allen will take up command of the Operations Branch.

In Clarendon, Senior Superintendent SSP Vendolyn CameronPowell is to be replaced

by Glenford Miller, who is now at the helm of the St Andrew North

Division.

Cameron-Powell will leave Clarendon — where 70 murders have been recorded so far this year, down from 76 in the corresponding period last year — for the Services Branch. Miller leaves St Andrew North, which has so far seen two more murders than the 25 recorded last year.

In the meantime, Superintendent Samuel Morgan will leave the Services Branch and take over from Superintendent Catherine Lord as commanding officer for St Elizabeth where 13 murders have been recorded so far this year, compared to 10 up to June 29 last year.

Lord’s new assignment will see her serving at the Inspectorate of the Constabulary.

The other changes see Superintendent Leonardo Brown moving from the Services Branch to the newly formed Technology Branch, while the St Andrew North Division will have Superintendent Leighton Gray as head.

The reassignment and transfers will take effect July 15, 2019.

couple’s relatives, said at the time.

“I can’t imagine what you are going through now, but please know that the prayers as well as the diligent efforts of the Government of Barbados and all of our law enforcement arms as well as the regional ones with whom we are affiliated will be continuing to work in earnest to find them.”

The US Air Force which had joined the search, did 300 nauti-

cal square miles between Barbados and north west of St Vincent and the Grenadines and south west of Martinique; and a further 300 nautical square miles west northwest of Martinique.

But the extended search period ended with no sign of either the visitors, who were wearing life jackets, or the jet ski.

There had been reports over the weekend that the bodies had been found off the coast of St Lucia. But Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Kerrie Symmonds, confirmed that the reports were false.

“I urge you to be mindful of the fact that the couple both have families who are on the island at this point.

What they are going through is really unimaginable. It is a tremendous level of personal pain, stress and concern. And, what is really most unhelpful for them, is to be put through the emotional peaks and troughs of a roller coaster based purely on empty speculation and what is largely idle gossip,” he said as he urged the public not to speculate.

The couple’s relatives met with the Prime Minister at her official residence, Ilaro Court, where she expressed regret at their loss, her press secretary Roy Morris said.

(Caribbean360.com)

Imam says Trinidad women, children who left for Syria are not war criminals ( T r i n i d a d Guardian) Many of the local women and children who travelled to Syria to fight for the Islamic terror group Isis were forced to do so, according to local Imam Sheraz Ali. It was for this reason, his group, Concern Muslims of T&T are lobbying government to assist in the return of at least 40 citizens who went to join the war in Syria.

Speaking on CNC3’s The Morning Brew, Ali said that a visiting professor from the USA had claimed that there were 130 local Muslims who went across to Syria; 39 men, 39 women and 52 children.

While he said there may be a stigma attached, Imam Ali said there is no evidence that they even took part in the war.

“Has there been any report of any Trinidadian woman or children being involved in fighting for Isis? It has only been men.

There are no reports of women or children.

The women followed their husbands. Most of them did. I am not saying that there are not some of those who would have gone fully willingly, knowing what they were going to do, but it

Imam Sheraz Ali speaking on CNC3’s The Morning Brew yesterday

seems as though they were not even fighting.

There are no reports of Trinidadian women fighting in the war in Syria and we know that many of them who have contacted people in Trinidad and Tobago are pleading to come back.

Most of them, their husbands have died,” Ali said.

It is estimated that there are 73,000 family members of terrorist fighters living in a camp outside the city of alHol in northeast Syria after Isis was defeated

by Syrian and US forces back in March.

The majority comprises of children and the wives of fighters, many of whom were killed or imprisoned.

Imam Ali described the situation with fami-

lies trapped in Syria as a humanitarian crisis.

He said that 90 per cent of those in the al-Hol were women and children.

He added that based on the information shared by humanitarian groups, they are living a life of squalor where there was not enough food. Ali claimed that some were victims of human trafficking.

T&T had been identified as a recruitment hub for Islamic extremists in several international publications.

Ali said that not even the imams in the various masjids knew about this migration to fight in a war. He said many of the fighters left surreptitiously and found themselves in a regrettable situation.

News 25

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019| guyanatimeSinternational.com

First batch of teacher’s being trained to tackle mental health issues in Guyana’s schools T hirteen teacher’s selected from schools within Region Four (4) are now being trained in a collaboration between the Public Health and Education Ministries to tackle mental health issues among young people in schools.

The academic professionals will be trained over a-2 day period at the Mental Health Unit, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

In Guyana 13-15% of mental health issues are found among adolescents in Guyana As such, the Ministries’ aim in training the teachers is to help them to recognize children and adolescents with mental health issues such as self-harm, suicide and depression.

Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr Util Richmond-Thomas said that the importance of Guyana’s children and adolescents cannot be overemphasized.

“The young, the aged and the vulnerable need the young adults to provide for them, protect them, defend them, to be productive, to pay taxes and to otherwise contribute to our society. We literally depend on their mental and physical strength

The teachers to be trained in the mental health workshop

and resilience, their knowledge, their judgement, loyalties and wisdom to help us to achieve our dreams and vision and that of our families’ communities” Dr RichmondThomas said.

Mental Health issues affect many developing countries due to a lack of adequate knowledge and mental health facilities. It affects around one in four people in any given year. They range from common problems, such as depression and anx-

iety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Stigma and discrimination also affects persons from seeking help.

As such Dr RichmondThomas noted that the training of the teachers is strategic and necessary at this time in Guyana.

“We feel confident to invite referrals from the Ministry of Education as enough capacity has been built on the ground to start addressing the mental health needs of

our young people in primary health care” she informed.

Within the last two and a half years, 100 health care workers have been trained to diagnose and manage common mental health disorders.

This, Dr Richmond-Thomas noted is a significant milestone for Guyana.

“I am proud to say that the mental health unit and Guyana has turned a corner over the past two and three quarter years, the mental health unit has been very

busy training hundreds of health care workers to diagnose and manage common mental health disorders. Among them are more than 100 workers for primary health care. These disorders include those that commonly affect children and adolescents, so this is an incredible milestone for us” the Director said.

Representative of Education Ministry urged the trainees to play their roles following the completion of the training programme.

“This has come in an appropriate time in the Ministry of Education, the execution of this workshop is important. Mental Health is not about changing who you are, it’s about changing your relationship to who you are.

As administrators of your various schools, the success of your school weight heavily on how you manage and you can only manage if you are fully equipped to do so. This workshop is equipping you to manage, so please use the skills obtained” the representative urged.

The programme will eventually be rolled out to target teachers from each administrative regions in Guyana.

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Member States

There are 15 Member States of CARICOM: 06 - Grenada Membership: 1974-05-01

11 - Saint Lucia Membership: 1974-05-01

07 – Guyana Membership: 1973-08-01

12 - St Kitts and Nevis Membership: 1974-07-26

03 - Barbados Membership: 1973-08-01

08 - Haiti Membership: 2002-07-01

04 - Belize Membership: 1974-05-01

09 - Jamaica Membership: 1973-08-01

13 - St Vincent and the Grenadines Membership: 1974-05-01

05 - Dominica Membership: 1974-05-01

10 - Montserrat Membership: 1974-05-01

01 - Antigua and Barbuda Membership: 1974-07-04 02 - Bahamas Membership: 1983-07-04

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wenty countries make up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Fifteen are full members and five are Associate Members.

The geographical boundaries of the Caribbean Community stretch from The Bahama Islands in the north, southward to Guyana and Suriname – both on the north coast of the South American mainland. They also extend from Belize in the West on the Central American mainland to Barbados – the most easterly of the islands. Suriname defines the eastern boundary of the Community.

All CARICOM countries are classified as developing countries. They are all relatively small in terms of population and size, and diverse in terms of geography and population, culture and levels of economic and social development.

CARICOM countries share similarities and challenges. On the one hand they are all in proximity to major markets in North and South American, and most countries, have had to make the transition from agriculture or mining to a service-driven economy, especially tourism and financial services.

On the other hand, they have to overcome the challenges of frequent natural disasters, in addition to small size with associated lack of economies of scale and vulnerability to external shocks.

All members subscribe to the Community’s principles outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2002). Leaders of member states shape the Community’s policies and priorities. They meet twice yearly to discuss issues affecting the Community and the wider world at the Conferences of Heads of Government. All members have an equal say regardless of size or economic status. This ensures that every member has a voice in shaping the Caribbean Community.

Membership

According to the Treaty of Chaguaramas of the Caribbean Community, membership of the Caribbean Community shall be open to any other State or Territory of the Caribbean Region that is, in the opinion of The Conference, able and willing to exercise the rights and assume the obligations of membership.

Obligations Member States of the Caribbean Community:

* Are allowed to attend, participate and vote in all Meetings of the Organs and Institutions of the Caribbean Community

* Have the right of participation in the deliberations of all bodies in order to promote its interests in all programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures, or the modification of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not

14 - Suriname Membership: 1995-07-04 15 - Trinidad and Tobago Membership: 1973-08-01

Associate Members There are 5 Associate members of CARICOM:

* Accept the Caribbean Community travel document * Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat. * Associate Members of the Caribbean Community * Attend as Observers, Meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community Are members of all * Institutions except Council of Foreign and Community Relations * Have the right of participation in the deliberations of those bodies in which it has membership in order to promote its interests in specific programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures or the modification of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not

01 - Anguilla Membership: 1999-07-04 02 - Bermuda Membership: 2003-07-02 03 - British Virgin Islands Membership: 1991-07-02 04 - Cayman Islands Membership: 2002-05-12 05 - Turks and Caicos Islands Membership: 1991-07-02 * Accept the Caribbean Community travel document * Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat. (CARICOM)

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Missing the point…

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…on land giveaways our Eyewitness returns once again to the land giveaway scam pulled by the PNC for its favored few. Notice that none of the lands were given to ordinary supporters – the vaunted “small man” Burnham promised to transform into the “real man”. In fact while two of the big ones received several ACRES at Mocha on the EBD, the denizens from the Lombard St shacks were turned away from the same location!!

The avoided issues are insider knowledge for profiteering; and preferential treatment for jumping the 30,000 applications backlog line – not whether government officials or PNC supporters can apply for land. Of course they can! So the Director of the Ministry of the Presidency’s statement that the patrimony of Guyana belongs to all Guyanese is quite fatuous. The question is whether ordinary folks are allowed an equal opportunity to get their fair share of that patrimony!! Your Eyewitness dealt with the protestations and fulminations of SARA and ACDA’s Eric Philips so today he turns to the two parties – one fella who works out of the Office of the President and the husband of another – who received lands at Bohemia, in lower Corentyne near the Berbice Bridge.

The insider’s husband blatantly lied about receiving the Bohemia grant, so there’s nothing more that can be added to that bit of graft. The other one chose to respond in another newspaper – which from the beginning, refused to treat the revelations by the Opposition Leader seriously. It wasn’t surprising their puff piece didn’t pose any tough questions on the two identified issues. The fella admitted that the CH&PC had asked for bids on the lands below Crab Island – where the Berbice Bridge ends on its eastern side – after Minister Trotman had announced he’d be putting up a US$500million oil support facility on the island. These lands were very strategic and their values would’ve skyrocketed as the need for providing ancillary services rose.

The fella claims that Bohemia is far away from these lands that abut the mouth of the Berbice River to the Atlantic Ocean. What he didn’t say was all those lands – and some all the way to and including Bohemia – are owned by folks who have transports that were recorded all the way back in the 1920’s!!

The lands form one of the largest coastal swamps in Guyana – and the CH&PC had the temerity to claim the private transports don’t extend to the Atlantic.

Since the CH&PC will be stuck in litigation on the other lands your Eyewitness suspects the allocated lands are between the Government School on the Public Rd. at Bohemia and the Atlantic – and thus the nearest state lands.

Just a mile away!! …on the President’s arrogance Some commentators are attributing Granger’s outrageous take on the Constitution and of the CCJ’s instructions on the need for he and the Opposition Leader to take a “consensual” approach to selecting the new GECOM Chair – that HE can also submit a list of candidates!! – as a “misinterpretation”. It’s nothing of the sort!! It’s simply another gambit in the series of gambits by Granger and crew to thumb their noses at not just the PPP opposition – but also the courts, including the CCJ. This gambit falls right in the league of the one where the PNC asserted that 33 wasn’t greater than 32 to form a majority of 65!! Now it’s said every dog must have his day in court – but that assumes that the dog also has a valid case!! Surely the Courts cannot entertain cases that are clearly filed on concocted grounds – as delaying tactics to suit their agendas! You can bet your bottom dollar the PNC has a lawsuit in mind, on the list!!

Vexatious? …on land use Before leasing lands, the applicant has to convince the CH&PC their proposed use fits in with what the land’s been zoned for.

It’ll be interesting to enquire into the proposed use for the Bohemia lands.

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regional news 33

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Brazil Senate panel says Venezuela lawmaker Juan Requesens charged Vale CFO, ex-CEO should be indicted for murder over drone attack

Juan Requesens took part in many anti-government protests, during one of which he was injured

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judge in Venezuela has announced that imprisoned lawmaker Juan Requesens will face trial for allegedly trying to kill President Nicolás Maduro in 2018.

Requesens was arrested three days after a drone carrying explosives blew up at a military parade attended by Maduro on August 4.

The Opposition politician, who denies the charges, could face 30 years in prison if found guilty.

President Maduro was not hurt in the attack.

A former student leader who organised anti-government protests in 2014, Juan

Requesens was elected to Venezuela’s legislature, the National Assembly, in 2015.

The 30-year-old is a member of the Opposition Primero Justicia (Justice First) party and a vocal opponent of President Maduro.

He often led protest marches demanding the release of imprisoned students.

Requesens faces two charges of attempted murder. He has also been accused of terrorism, treason, public incitement, illegal possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

His lawyer, Joel García, said he had

pleaded not guilty to all of them.

During the parade last August in the capital Caracas, a small drone carrying explosives detonated in the air not far from the stage where the President and the top officers of the military were standing.

Maduro’s bodyguards rushed to protect the President with foldable shields and ushered him away. The President and those on stage were unhurt.

Panic broke out among the soldiers on parade with many running for cover. Seven members of the National Guard were injured in the melee. (Excerpt from BBC News)

I

ron ore miner Vale SA’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) should be indicted for murder, a Brazilian Senate committee probing a deadly dam collapse recommended on Tuesday.

The committee is also seeking the indictment of Vale and dam stability auditor TÜV SÜD for environmental damages and corporate responsibility for the actions of their employees in the late-January disaster that killed nearly 250 people.

The 400-page report recommended that a total of 15 individuals, including the two executives, be indicted for murder, wrongful bodily injury,

environmental damages and pollution.

Fabio Schvartsman stepped down as Vale’s CEO under pressure from Prosecutors in March.

Luciano Siani, also targeted by the committee, continues to serve as CFO. The committee’s initial report recommended manslaughter charges, but at a hearing it approved an amendment to upgrade the charges to murder and add a 15th individual to its list for recommended indictments.

Vale, a formerly Stateowned Brazilian “national champion” which is a leading exporter and employer, said it “respectfully disagrees” with the indictment recommenda-

tions.

A “forensic, technical and scientific conclusion about the causes of the dam burst” should be arrived at before holding certain people responsible, the company asserted in a statement.

TÜV SÜD said it was cooperating in full, but declined to comment further, citing ongoing investigations.

Vale shares, which early in the session touched their highest since before the Brumadinho disaster, closed down 4.2 per cent.

The nonbinding recommendations could influence prosecutors in their ongoing probe of Vale and its executives for negligence regarding the disaster. (Excerpt from Reuters)

J’can, Cubans among homeless after fire at apartment in T&T

Total solar eclipse hits South America A

fire at an apartment complex in the town of Curepe, to the east, has left 14 people, including a Jamaican and three Cubans homeless.

The Trinidad Guardian reports that investigations are still being carried out to determine the cause of the blaze that started shortly after 16:00h (local time) on Monday.

Owners of the building, Farhad and Tara Mohammed, told the Guardian Media the fire reignited two times and accused fire officials of not doing a proper job in extinguishing the flames.

The building is estimated to be valued at TT$4 million (US$640,000). (CMC)

The Moon passed directly in front of the Sun, blocking out the light for just a few minutes

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t’s the turn of South America to enjoy the spectacle of a total solar eclipse.

Skywatchers in parts of Chile and Argentina saw the Moon pass directly in front of the Sun, blocking out the light for just a few minutes.

It was late in the day, however, and anyone lucky enough to be in the “path of totality” was looking at the event close to the horizon.

The Moon’s great shadow, or umbra, first touched the ocean sur-

face east of New Zealand.

Ships and planes headed out from French Polynesia to witness it.

The first – and only – piece of land in the Pacific to lie in the path of totality is tiny Oeno Island – part of the Pitcairns British Overseas Territory.

This uninhabited atoll was plunged into darkness for nearly three minutes, starting at 10:24 local time (18:24 GMT).

The umbra then reached across to the coast of Chile, near La Serena, arriving at 16:38

local time (20:38 GMT).

Passage over the Andes Mountains and through the South American continent was swift. Among those last to experience totality were the inhabitants of Chascomús in the district of Buenos Aires at 17:44 local time (20:44 GMT), not long before sunset.

“You’re completely mesmerised by totality,” says astronomer Patrick McCarthy. (Excerpt from BBC News)

34 News

Guyana Trade and Investment

Exhibition launched

WEEK ENDING july 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Int’l help being sought to probe shooting of Nations’ principal

– acting Crime Chief

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A section of the audience during the launch on Wednesday

he second edition of the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GUYTIE) was, on Wednesday, launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

With a primary focus on export and investment, the event will be held between February 13-15, 2020.

Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar during the official ceremony said the government is seeking to improve standards in the business sector.

“The locally produced goods will find themselves in the international markets.

For this to be realised, we need more than a fair trade. It will take a concerted effort, from every policymaker as well as the private sector to ensure that local producers are able to competitively access markets,” the Business Minister told the gathering.

The Minister said a programme, which will address an export strategy for Guyana, will come on stream in another six months’ time. He said while GUYTIE focuses on creating opportunities for export-ready businesses, it is up to the exhibitors to commit to the process leading to the event.

GUYTIE 2020 will be held a few weeks shy of Guyana commencing production of ‘first oil.’ Minister Rajkumar said the country continues to receive attention from all areas.

“What is happening in Guyana, has caught the attention of the world at large.

Guyana has recently been ranked the fastest economy in the world and this is projected to be more pronounced in the coming decades,” he reminded.

GUYTIE’s objectives are to promote packaged local investment opportunities for foreign direct investment and local investment, to prepare and promote export-ready firms to export markets and to highlight Guyana as a preferred destination for business.

"Fish Teeth" charged for killing Lusignan Prisoner

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evindra Persaud, called "Fish Teeth", was Wednesday remanded to prison for the murder of Samuel Lyttle, an inmate of the Lusignan Prison.

Lyttle, who was on remand for a break and enter and larceny charge, succumbed to injuries on June 26, one day after he was allegedly involved in a fight with Persaud, who was also on remand for similar charges.

Persaud was not required to plea to the indictable charge when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrates' Court.

Reports are that on the day in question, Lyttle was in a hammock when Persaud attacked him with a wood that had a nail stuck through it. Persaud reportedly lashed Lyttle repeatedly about the head before being restrained by prison wardens.

Lyttle was then escorted to the prison infirmary, then to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and later succumbed to his injuries.

Persuad was remanded to prison where he is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 8, 2019 at the Vigilance Magistrates' Courts. (Story by Oma Pierre)

2 held after shooting couple in home raid in Trinidad

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wo men have been detained by Police for questioning in connection with the attempted murder of a couple at their home in Biche, Trinidad on Sunday night.

According to a police report, at about 8 pm the couple - a 44-year-old man and his wife, 45 - was at their home at Fitts Road, when two men barged in and opened fire.

The man was shot in the chest while his wife was shot on the left foot.

The men then escaped in a black Nissan Juke.

The couple is said to be warded in a stable condition at the Sangre Grande District Hospital.

Police recovered over 16 spent shells in the couple’s home.

A team of officers responded and was able to intercept the suspects, ages 25 and 28, in the escape vehicle along the Cunapo Road, Biche.

Police said a loaded firearm and another with only one live round of 9mm ammunition were seized.

The suspects are from Upper Cemetery Street, Diego Martin.

Charges are yet to be laid. (Trinidad Guardian)

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School of the Nations’ Director and Principal, Dr Brian O’Toole

uyana’s law enforcement officials are awaiting feedback from their overseas counterparts in relation to a request for assistance in solving the shooting incident of Director and Principal of School of the Nations, Dr Brian O’Toole, which occurred over five months ago.

This is according to Crime Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, who, in a telephone interview with Guyana Times International on Monday, said a lot of work has already been done by local Police, but there is need for foreign assistance in this matter.

“Every bit of information that Mr O’Toole came to us with…was checked out, and he was given a feedback. Every person — even to the last person that he pointed fingers at — we would have arrested… (and)questioned…in detail,” the acting Crime Chief said.

“We would have contacted our foreign counterparts and asked them to check some further information for us; but, like every other thing, we have to wait on them to give us a response,” Kingston explained.

He said that, in relation to the shooting incident, Dr O’Toole would have been privy to the progress of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in solving the crime committed against him.

“The fact is that we have a file, we have a file on the matter; a very thick one too, because we had questioned a number of persons, and we also sought legal advice on the matter and we were advised to do some additional work,” the acting Crime Chief detailed.

In a recent letter to the editor, Dr O’Toole lamented that although a lot of time had elapsed since he had been shot, he was not aware of anyone being arrested for the crime.

“Reports have been made by me to the Police about a certain individual who is accused of being a prominent drug dealer in at least five schools.

Persons have approached me to say that this sad young man has threatened them that, if they come forward to identify him, they ‘will regret it.’

All this has been given to the police,” his letter stated.

According to Dr O’Toole, this is the same individual whom he believes was involved in the shooting, since “there are, of course, more ways to be involved than pulling a trigger.”

He also made reference to reports that were made to the American Embassy several weeks ago, about a certain young man residing in the USA, who admitted to making the first post, back in January last, to blow up the school in question.

“According to the Police report (that) we were given, the same boy was interviewed – his defence was simply ‘it was only a joke.’ Four hours after that posting, I was shot and narrowly missed being murdered. He then posted again, asking for immunity and promising to give all the information about the shooting if he was given ‘protection’. And then, a few weeks ago, we were given a recording from the same boy, clearly laughing at the shooting,” Dr O’Toole added.

Dr O’Toole also said he had heard nothing further from the local Police or American Embassy, although five months have passed since the shooting incident had taken place.

On January 27 last, Dr O’Toole was shot three times as he was returning to his Bel Air, Georgetown residence, hours after he had held an emergency meeting with parents and guardians of students attending his school about violent threats made on social media to injure students and teachers of that school.

Earlier this year, the now suspended Crime Chief, Deputy Police Commissioner Lyndon Alves, told this newspaper that Police had questioned four persons — both current and former students — in relation to Dr O’Toole’s shooting.

However, subsequent to that incident, several threats against that school appeared on Facebook.

They were made by “Kira” (meaning killer), which is the alias of the main character in “Death Note” – a Japanese manga series that was later adapted into films.

FEATURE 35

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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he daily practice of Surya Namaskar contributes to a healthy, efficient and energetic day.

Surya Namaskar, also known as ‘Sun Salutation’ (“salute to the sun”), is a common sequence of asana (yoga postures). It is a combination of 12 physical postures.

This sequence of yoga postures originated in India, where its large population has been showing respect to the sun by doing Surya Namaskar, and at the same time benefitting from its effects.

Surya Namaskar calms the mind and helps to improve concentration. It is a set of 12 postures, preferably to be done at the time of sunrise. Its regular practice improves circulation of the blood throughout the body, maintains health, and helps one remain disease-free. From head to toe, every part of

01 Namaskarasana (Prayer Pose)

Stand erect with feet together. Join the palms together in front of the chest.

Concentrate on standing straight, steady and in a prayerful attitude. This posture helps to induce a state of introversion, relaxation and calmness.

Exhale fully.

02 Hasta uttanasana (Raised Arms pose)

the body is greatly benefitted by Surya Namaskar, which is why it is highly recommended by all yoga experts.

When done at a fast pace, Surya Namaskar is an excellent cardiovascular workout and an ideal way to lose weight.

How to perform Surya Namaskar?

Every morning during sunrise or within one hour of sunrise is an ideal time to perform Surya Namaskar. On an empty stomach, drink 120ml of water before you do Surya Namaskar. One has to perform 12 Surya Namaskar with 12 physical postures.

In a previous interview with Sunday Times

on the ground. Lift the spine and open the chest.

Concentrate at the eyebrow centre. The right leg and left leg are interchanged in the next Surya Namaskar set. It opens groin and psoas muscles improving flexibility of the hips, strengthens knees, ankles, and waist. It is therapeutic for indigestion, constipation, and sciatica.

08 Parvatasana (Mountain pose)

05 Chaturanga Dandasana (Stick pose)

Inhaling stretch both arms above the head, palms facing upward.

Arch the back and stretch the whole body. It expands the various lobes in the lungs and puts more oxygen which increases the oxygen level in the body.

Magazine, Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketer Akshaya Persaud talked about how practising Surya Namaskar has significantly contributed to him being a well-rounded individual, especially as a cricketer.

“I was fortunate to be with the Guyana Amazon Warriors team for three years as an under-19 cricketer. I am very passionate about cricket and always want to be on top of my game. One of the things that help me accomplish this is yoga, especially Surya Namaskar. Yoga helps me to focus. Also, I was struggling with a back injury and by practicing Surya Namaskar, my back is much better now. It has made my body flexible and helps me to concentrate better,” Akshaya explained.

Akshaya demonstrated how the 12 Surya Namaskar postures are done:

On the exhalation bring the right leg back to join with the left leg and keep body in one plane like a straight stick. It builds upper and core body strength, lengthens the spine and strengthens the low back muscles.

Raise the buttocks and lower the head between the arms, so that the body forms a triangle with the floor while still keeping the arms and feet in the same place. Try to place the heels flat on the ground. Focus awareness at the neck area. This posture strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs, stretches the calf muscles and Achilles’ tendons and makes the spine straight and taut. It relieves varicose veins and tones spinal nerves.

09 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Same as asana No 4, but with the other leg forward)

Breathe in as you come in this posture.

03 Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot pose)

Exhaling bend the body forward and down, keeping the spine straight. Avoid collapsing the chest or “overrounding” the upper back. Keep the legs straight and perpendicular to the ground. This posture massages the abdominal organs, especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals, uterus and ovaries. The power of digestion increases and female disorders such as prolapse and menstrual irregularities are relieved. A healthy flow of blood is sent to the spinal nerves as they are stretched and toned. The hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh and calf muscles are stretched and toned. Inversion increases blood flow to the brain.

04 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)

On your next inhalation, extend the left leg back and drop the knee to the ground. The right knee is bent and kept between the hands and the right foot placed flat

10 Hasta Padasana (Same as asana no. 3)

Breathe out as you come to this posture.

06 Sashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Parts Or Points)

Exhaling gently drop both knees to the ground and slowly slide the body down at an angle as you bring the chest and chin to the ground. All eight limbs - toes, knees, chest, hands and chin - touch the floor. The buttocks are kept up. Hold the breath. This posture develops the chest and strengthens arms. It sends additional blood to this area helping to rejuvenate the nerves.

11 Hasta uttanasana (Same as asana no. 2)

Breathe in as you come in this posture.

07 Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

On the inhalation, lower the hips while pushing the chest forward and upward with the hands, until the spine is fully arched and the head is facing up. The knees and lower abdomen remain above the floor. This pose gives dynamic expansion to the organs of the chest and abdomen, relieving many ailments such as asthma, indigestion, kidney and liver problems. It is very helpful in relieving tension in the back muscles and spinal nerves.

12 Namaskarasana (Same as asana no. 1)

Retain your breath for a few seconds.

36 FEATURE

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

S

ixty-three per cent of CARICOM’s population is young people under thirty years. Their education, entrepreneurship development, safety and security, health and wellbeing; identity and citizenship among others rights and benefits are of utmost concern. More importantly, their full participation as architects and enablers of the Region’s development is a goal that CARICOM continues to strive for.

The CARICOM Secretariat, particularly its Youth Programme has been working with Member States, Youth Ambassadors, Community Institutions and other regional and international stakeholders to design, implement and execute programmes and projects to facilitate CARICOM Member States in meeting this goal.

Currently, the CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP), is the principal strategy that guides the CARICOM Secretariat’s work programme for this area.

The goal of this plan is to improve access to the quality and quantity of opportunities available to adolescents and youth between the ages of 10-29, and in and out-of-school. This plan takes forward the 2010 Declaration of Paramaribo on the future of Youth in the Caribbean The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme was launched in Saint Lucia in 1993 by the Heads of Government to mark the Twentieth Anniversary of CARICOM and was formally instituted in 1994.

Since its inception, the Youth Ambassador Programme has contributed to increased youth knowledge and awareness of CARICOM issues and priorities; has raised the profile of young people at the national and regional levels; and has assisted in integrating the views and perspectives of young people from across the Region into national, regional and international policy and programmes. (CARICOM)

Here are some of those CARICOM Youth Ambassadors:

Andre Browne Dean

Kylah Ciego

St Vincent and the Grenadines Belize

Keyola Green Montserrat

Andrew J. Munnings

Odayne Haughton

Donique Billingy

Samantha Sheoprashad

Ezbai Charis Francis

Simone Townsend

Belize

St Vincent and the Grenadines

St Lucia

Jamaica

Guyana

Jamaica

Terez Lord

Trinidad and Tobago

Vishal H. Joseph Guyana

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

FEATURE 37

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ARICOM Day commemorates the treaty establishing the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and is observed annually by all CARICOM countries, though not necessarily on the same date of the year.

The establishment of the Caribbean Community and Common Market was the result of a 15-year effort to fulfil the hope of regional integration, which was born with the establishment of the British West Indies Federation in 1958. The West Indies Federation ended in 1962 but its end may be regarded as the real beginning of what is now the Caribbean Community.

With the end of the Federation, political leaders in the Caribbean made more serious efforts to strengthen the ties between the islands and mainland by providing for the continuance and strengthening of areas of cooperation that existed during the Federation.

Further, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago both attained independence in August that year and with it the power to control their own domestic and external affairs.

In announcing its intention to withdraw from the Federation, the government of Trinidad and Tobago proposed the creation of a Caribbean Community, consisting not only of the ten members of the Federation, but also of the three Guianas and all the islands of the Caribbean Sea - both independent and non-independent.

To discuss this concept, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago convened the first Heads of Government Conference in July 1963, and attended by the leaders of Barbados, British Guiana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. At this conference, the participating leaders of the four Caribbean countries all spoke clearly of the need for close cooperation with Europe, Africa and Latin America.

In July 1965, talks between the premiers of Barbados and British Guiana and the chief minister of Antigua on the possible establishment of a Free Trade Area in the Caribbean resulted in the announcement of definite plans to establish such a Free Trade Area. In December that year, Heads of Government of Antigua, Barbados and British Guiana signed an agreement at Dickenson Bay, Antigua, to set up the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA).

The new CARIFTA agreement came into effect on May 1, 1968, with the participation of Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. The original idea to permit all territories in the region to participate in the association was achieved later that year with the entry of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts/ Nevis/Anguilla, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent in July, and of Jamaica and Montserrat on August 1, 1968. British Honduras (Belize) became a member in May 1971.

At the seventh Heads of Government Conference in October

CARICOM headquarters in Guyana

1972, Caribbean leaders decided to transform CARIFTA into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community of which the Common Market would be an integral part.

At the 8th Heads of Government Conference of CARIFTA held in April 1973 in Georgetown, Guyana, the decision to establish the Caribbean Community was brought into fruition with the consideration of Heads of Government of the draft legal instruments and with the signing by 11 members of CARIFTA (the exception being Antigua and Montserrat).

The Accord provided for the signature of the Caribbean Community Treaty on July 4 and its coming into effect in August 1973, among the then four independent countries: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Georgetown Accord also provided that the other eight territories Antigua, British Honduras, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis/Anguilla and St. Vincent which signed the Accord would become full members of the Community by 1 May 1974.

The Caribbean Community and Common Market was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was signed by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, and came into effect on August 1, 1973. Subsequently, the other eight Caribbean territories joined CARICOM. The Bahamas became the 13th Member State of the Community on July 4, 1983, but not a member of the Common Market.

In July 1991, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos became Associated Members of CARICOM, followed by Anguilla in July 1999. The Cayman Islands became the fourth Associate Member of the regional grouping on May 16, 2002,

and Bermuda the fifth Associate Member on July 2, 2003.

Suriname became the 14th Member State of the Caribbean Community on July 4, 1995.

Haiti secured provisional membership on July 4, 1998, and on July 3, 2002 was the first French-speaking Caribbean State to become a full member of CARICOM.

38 news

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

World Bank scores Guyana zero for electricity reliability T aking account of the energy sectors in 190 countries ranging from developed to developing, the World Bank has ranked Guyana at an unflattering 165 position when it comes to reliable electricity supply.

This is contained in the bank’s Doing Business 2019 report, which was recently released. While Guyana was ranked at 134 out of 190 countries when it comes to facilitating business, its score in the energy sector was much worse.

On a scale of 0 to 100, Guyana was scored at 45.91 when it comes to getting electricity, while the cost as a percentage of income per capita was $421. On a scale of 0 to 8, when it comes to reliability of electricity supply and transparency of tariffs, Guyana scored 0.

During a recent engagement at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC’s) Annual General Meeting (AGM), United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah AnnLynch had observed that war-torn countries like Iraq, the West Bank and Gaza received a better ranking when it comes to doing business than Guyana.

But it gets worse, as, in fact, these countries received a better ranking when it comes to electricity supply as well.

For instance, Iraq was rated at 61.73 out of 100 for getting electricity, though its cost per capita and reliability of supply were worse and similar, respectively, compared to Guyana.

When it comes to the West Bank and Gaza, these countries were scored at 74.16 out of 100 in terms of electricity accessibility. They also received a 5 out of 8 in terms of reliability of supply and transparent rates, though the World Bank found their electricity inordinately expenThe World Bank report sive on a per capita basis. meanwhile, was $61.3.

In the Caribbean, Jamaica also scored betnearby Trinidad scored ter than Guyana, not 84.30 out of a 100 in only in its ease of doterms of access to elec- ing business, but also its tricity, while the cost electricity supply. The per capita was just $199. island scored 64.96 in its When it comes to reli- 0 to 100 score for elecability of supply, the tricity access, with a cost twin-island republic per capita of $203 and a scored 6 out of 8. reliability score of 5 out In Barbados, the is- of a scale of 0 to 8. land scored 65.12 out of Meanwhile, the 100 for access to elec- United States, with a tricity and 6 out of 8 population of over 300 in terms of reliabili- million, received a score ty. The cost per capita, for its citizenry’s access

to electricity of 82.15 out of 100. On the other hand, the individual cost per capita is $22.9.

The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which was initiated under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, could have been generating about 50 per cent more electricity than the entire GPL supply at the time in 2012. But the project was scrapped by the coalition adminis-

tration who had controlled the National Assembly by a oneseat majority. Before a s s u m ing office, the APNU/ AFC’s refusal to endorse A F H E P forced the main developer, Sithe Global, to walk away from the project. APNU and AFC claimed they were awaiting an evaluation from the IDB, which was in receipt of US$80 million from Norway that was specifically committed to AFHEP. But with no developer, the IDB declared an investigation was moot and the coalition Government had since ducked AFHEP, citing technical and financial concerns.

Energy

The unreliability of power is a major bugbear to not only ordinary citizens but also business and the manufacturing

sector. It was identified by the US Ambassador during her address to the PSC as a particular problem for businesses.

Over the past month, the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) service has been heavily criticised by ordinary citizens. This is because of regular power outages, maintenance work and announcements that there are issues with the interconnected system.

GPL had subsequently announced that it will be looking to arrange power purchase agreements with a number of private firms that generate their own electricity. This includes seeking an agreement for power from the Hope Windfarm project.

This is according to GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, who was at the time hosting a press conference last month. Gordon admitted that there are challenges with arranging the agreement with the Hope Windfarm project.

It was announced subsequently that a power purchase agreement had been concluded with the Giftland Mall. The agreement is for the business to supply five megawatts of power. Meanwhile, it had also been announced that similar discussions were ongoing with Banks DIH.

CJIA undertakes G$200M Instrument Landing System project

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s the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s (CJIA) expansion project continues, a key component of the works is set to be implemented. This will include a new G$200M Instrument Landing System (ILS) project.

According to DPI, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Roraima Group, Captain Gerry Gouveia offered insight into the issues prior to the ILS project. “A lot of times airplanes coming into Guyana early in the morning [such as] Caribbean Airlines and the others would have difficulties if there was fog at the airport.”

The Captain noted, “I am very heartened by the installation of this new landing navigation system because it increases the level of safety and reliability of the airline so that pilots would

be able to safely and accurately follow the landing system.”

Meanwhile, Director of Operations within Roraima Airways, Captain Leary Barclay commented on the efficient way the ILS was selected. “We are also very happy with how it was implemented. The Civil Aviation Authority would have sat with us.

There were three options. There were some cost considerations and they sat with the industry and they implemented the option that was agreed to by the Civil Aviation Authority and the operators… So, it was a collaborative effort with was a breath of fresh air with how things are being done with the Authority.”

Director of Air Navigation Services (ANS) within CJIA, Rickford Samaroo ex-

Director of Air Navigation Services (ANS) within CJIA, Rickford Samaroo

plained how the project was conceptualised. “The expansion work had required us to remove landing system and so to accommodate the runway extension,” said the ANS Director.

The project is expected to have a major impact on flight operations.

Director Samaroo said, “what this [project] does is allow airplanes to operate at lower minimum.

That’s for instance, if

the weather condition is poor, the system guides airplanes down to the runway as low as 200ft above the runway, at which point the pilot will make a visual descend to continue his landing.”

Other expected outcomes and impacts of the new Instrument Landing System include reductions in operation cost and increases to airport capacity and access.

This project will also allow the government to be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Global Air Navigation Plan for Runways and Vertical Guidance.

The G$200M project along with the airport expansion project allows the government to work towards the realisation of the United Nations Development Goal number 9, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation, DPI said.

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Teens rescued after days of drifting at sea

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our cousins who had disappeared on the high seas while on a fishing expedition four days ago have reportedly been rescued on Sunday morning by relatives.

The young men: 18-year-old Anand Sookram, 19-year-old Shadeo Ramkissoon, 17-year-old Adesh Lachman, and 18-year-old Mohan Indar, were reportedly rescued at around 05:00h as they drifted in the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between Mahaica and Mahaicony on the East Coast of Demerara.

Guyana Times International understands that on Tuesday last the boys left their homes in an ‘ice box’ fishing vessel to go fish, and were expected to return on Wednesday, but this did not happen.

On Saturday, one of the boys had attempted to contact a family member, but the poor signal resulted in the call being disconnected. Several attempts made to contact the friends had proved futile.

According to an uncle of one of the boys, this led family members to report the matter to the Police, and a search party was immediately established.

“We couldn’t really hear what was wrong because the signal was very bad, but then we realised that something was wrong, so we took another boat and went to look for them,” the man relayed.

The lads, when found, reported that their outboard engine had encountered some mechanical issues and had stopped working.

Nevertheless, the teenagers were all in good health, and reportedly had gone without food for only a day.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Probe into ‘arbitrary’ firing of PSM staff delayed M

ore than two weeks ago, a special Board of Inquiry (BoI) was commissioned by President David Granger to probe the arbitrary firing of staff at the Public Service Ministry by Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley but to date, no real groundwork has been done.

Seasoned Human Resources practitioner, Lance Carberry was appointed by the Administration to investigate the dismissal of the three employees in June.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon on Sunday told Guyana Times International that investigations into the matter did not commence at the expected starting time since the Minister in question was out of the jurisdiction.

“The probe is ongoing; the case would have started the week before but they had to push it back. Well, they had to push it to this week because the Minister was out of the country, so it has officially started now. I think within two weeks we would be able to give you an update, we will give them [investigators] two weeks,” he stated.

Meanwhile, over two weeks ago, State Minister, Dawn HastingsWilliams said the President had directed that the BoI be commissioned to investigate the allegations of misconduct, corruption and improper behaviour against named public servants within the Department of Public Service.

The State Minister noted that the investigation would be done in a fair and professional manner and

Public Service Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

expressed confidence that an unbiased report will be presented to the Government. However, she said it is important that witnesses co-operate with the Chairman of the Board and be open and honest in their interaction.

On May 31, 2019, the personnel staff and chief accountant at the Public Service Ministry were sent packing by Minister Tabitha SaraboHalley shortly after she was appointed to that post.

The three workers were all on contractual employment with the Government.

When the news broke about the arbitrary firing of those staffers, the Government had initially denied firing them but one week after this, Harmon had confirmed that indeed,

the workers were sent home while adding that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

At that time, Harmon, however, told this newspaper during a telephone interview that the termination letters were rescinded and that the workers are now on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

He had maintained that the staff in question are still employees of the Government as the decision by Minister Sarabo-Halley to terminate their services has been halted.

Following the revelation, Deputy Director of Press Affairs at the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP), Ariana Gordon told sections of the media that while allegations have been levelled against the public service em-

ployees, they were not dismissed.

However, shortly after, a document seen by this publication proved otherwise. A “Determination of Contract” letter signed by the Minister in question was addressed to a staff member stating that his services will no longer be required.

“Pursuant to the aforesaid contract of employment, your services are hereby terminated with immediate effect”, the letter stated.

Several staff members were said to have also received similar letters.

Employees who have been removed were called PPP “moles” by political activist David Hinds, who is said to have a close relationship with the subject Minister.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had alluded to the fact that those workers were initially targeted and arbitrarily dismissed by Minister Sarabo-Halley after he blew the whistle on transactions at the Ministry of the Presidency which he claims saw the children of a Government Minister receiving payments amounting to over G$20 million in the last two years.

One of those revelations is that the children of a senior Minister allegedly received over US$86,000 in 2018, monies that were transferred from the Department of Public Service.

According to the Opposition Leader, the Public Service Minister rushed to illegally fire all the staff in the department that had access to this information since the Government believes that those fired workers had sent information to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

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After brain surgery, 11-year-old girl learns to walk again

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ne of Aneacia Neita’s worst fears after her daughter Gabrielle Fennell removed a tumour from the centre of her brain in 2017, was that she would have lost her memory.

But two Fridays ago, when the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results were released, Gabrielle secured a place at the much sought-after Ardenne High School in Kingston, Jamaica.

Following the brain surgery on November 7, 2017, Gabrielle, who celebrated her 11th birthday last month, spent the next 21 days in intensive care at the Nuttall Memorial Hospital in Kingston.

Gabrielle who wrote with her left hand prior to the surgery had to learn how to write with her right hand because she had developed weakness on that side of her body.

The Jamaica Observer was told that when she returned to school months after the surgery, her teacher at the time no longer had to write notes and take a picture of it and send to the child’s mother, because Gabrielle had insisted she did not want to be left behind.

Post-surgery, she also had to learn how to walk all over again.

Gabrielle’s story is one of sheer determination not usually seen in one so young.

Barely two months after she began attending Portmore Missionary Preparatory School in St Catherine, Gabrielle had a fainting spell while heading to class on October 23, 2017.

She received medical attention at the nurse’s station. Her mother was summoned to school and took her to the pediatrician.

By this time, her daughter’s heart rate was irregular and she was subse-

quently referred to a cardiThe surgery lasted for 12 ologist whereafter an ECG hours and 18 minutes. and echocardiogram were The Observer spoke done, she was said to be with Dr Hunter who fine. But before the end of said that when he met the week, Neita said, her Gabrielle days before only child began complainthe surgery, she was exing that she was seeing evhibiting signs of very erything twice. high pressure inside her Luckily enough, Fennell head. He concluded that had a pair of glasses that very large tumor was inshe had never worn, havside the ventricles of ing been told that she had Gabrielle’s brain. slight astigmatism — a “…This was causing common vision condition tremendous displacethat causes blurred vision. ment of the surround“She had them from ing brain and obstrucAugust and she had never tion of fluid consequently worn them, but to my surcausing a severe rise in prise over that same weekthe pressure inside her end she was in the glasses. head, affecting her vision She fell asleep in them, it and also causing severe was like she could not operpain and general unwellate without the glasses and ness, and so we had to act I felt that something was quickly and promptly,” wrong,” Fennell told the Dr Hunter explained.

Observer.

Noting that Gabrielle On October 30, 2017, speaks and write quite her pediatrician recomwell, Dr Hunter said chilAneacia Neita congratulates her daughter Gabrielle Fennell last week mended that Gabrielle un- Tuesday at Portmore Missionary Preparatory School in St Catherine dren with such conditions dergo a CT scan. When the (Photos: Naphtali Junior) as tumour would normalscan was completed the ly have to sit out an enit is not good news,” Neita said. She technician told Neita that tire grade. he would have to consult with the doc- was right.

“It was absolutely remarkable how When she returned to the doctor’s she was able to adjust with all the tor, before giving her the result. office, she was told that a very huge healing after surgery to be able to sit Even though the technician reastumour was growing inside Gabrielle’s her PEP exam, a completely new exam sured her that it was a regular probrain and they were not sure if it was and gaining highly proficient throughcedure, Neita said she felt something was wrong. After consulting the doc- cancerous. At that point, she said she out the core subject areas and a 97 on tor, the technician told Neita that he blanked out. the ability test is simply remarkable. I “What came to mind was the worst am very proud of Gabrielle’s achievehad to do the scan again but this time case scenario but then at that mo- ment and the difficulties she had to with contrast.

The mother became more anx- ment, it was as if God sent an angel overcome. I’m humbled to have served ious. Her fretting got worse when the to me. When I was leaving the doc- her, “ the doctor said. tor’s office there was this parent who child’s doctor wanted to see her.

Principal Etta Walker of Portmore “Any smart person knows that if was there. It was the first time I was Missionary Preparatory School was the doctor wants to see you in person seeing her but when I was leaving she equally impressed with Gabrielle’s said: ‘Mommy, I want to have a word progress. with you. I don’t know what you are “When I got the PEP results last going through but God sent me here to week and I look where she was placed, give you a message today and he said I was really rejoicing and saying ‘God to tell you that everything is going to you are great’. I said to her, ‘you are be alright’.” a miracle child’. When her mother “Those words are what I rest on for showed me the video of her learning the entire journey,” she continued. to walk again after the surgery, that Unable to secure a date to do an was something and you know, look emergency magnetic resonance imag- at her today. I am proud of Gabrielle ing (MRI) procedure the same week, and I know she will do well,” Walker the mother managed to secure a date gushed. the following week. When she received “This is to show us that you can’t the results, Fennell’s pediatrician rec- put a limit on God. It doesn’t matter ommended her to a neurosurgeon. who you are or what stage you are, or She was not comfortable with that what age, sickness will come but faith first neurosurgeon, believing that he is what is going to pull us through,” appeared pressed for time and did not she said, adding that the school family examine her daughter thoroughly. had never left Gabrielle an inch.

“When I came out I was furious. I Even though Gabrielle has not fulsearched the Yellow Pages and called ly recovered, her sixth grade teacher, Dr Roger Hunter who answered the Nicole Richards said the child does not phone himself. I explained everything want to be pitied. to him. He said that was a large tu“I often have to remind myself that mor and told me ‘you cannot wait, you she has some challenges because she have to come and see me today’,” she does not act that way. She is always further explained. volunteering; she doesn’t let anything The consultation lasted for two hold her back. She’s quite a resilient hours. During the examination, it student, she is very motivated and alwas revealed that Gabrielle’s eyes ways want to do her best,” Richards were crossed and her balance was off, noted. Prior to the surgery, Gabrielle among other things. was involved in gymnastics and danc“Dr Hunter showed me the scan ing. Despite the fact that she was not and told me that he could have got- placed at her first choice, she said ten out everything. The previous neu- she was happy with her placement at rosurgeon said he was not sure [if he Ardenne High, one of the island’s top could have removed the entire tumor]. schools.

Dr Hunter examined everything and Admitting that she had been lookset the appointment for November ing forward to sitting the Grade Six 4, because he said it was urgent and Achievement Test, she said she was based on the size, a simple sneeze upset when the announcement was could kill. made to replace the exam with the “The Friday, which was the third of PEP. But after sitting the first paper, November, we did the pre-blood work the seemingly shy student said it was and everything in preparation for the manageable. The final paper was “a surgery. Her father had indicated that relief”. he did not want it on Saturday and The soon-to-be high school stuthat he needed some more time,” she dent said her mom was her inspirasaid. tion throughout her ordeal. (Jamaica November 7, 2017, was the longest Observer) day of Neita’s life, according to her.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Land grab’ taking place at strategic locations …Opposition calls for probe

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ttempts by the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) to justify its action in the allocation of thousands of acres of land to persons aligned with the Government still leaves several unanswered questions.

According to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Saturday, the GL&SC in its ‘half-baked’ attempt to explain its actions, had still not explained the rationale for the distribution of land in prime locations along the Demerara River that will now be worth over US$100 million.

The Party noted that the value for this land is especially lucrative, given the need for shore base facilities to cater to oil companies currently operating in Guyana’s waters. The Party noted that GL&SC head, Trevor Benn, failed to address this issue.

According to the Party, aside from Benn’s preoccupation with how the damning details became public, he failed to respond to major questions that were raised by the Party’s General Secretary and Opposition Leader. Key among these unanswered questions was what rationale was used by the GL&SC to give out practically the entire Demerara River waterfront to politically-connected persons.

On Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that there seemed to be a rush to give out prime lands at strategic locations where there lies possibility to develop shore base facilities. In fact, he disclosed that 50 acres along the western foreshore of the Demerara River, as well as 40 acres in the river itself— also toward the western side— were given away.

Information

Since the revelation that persons closely affiliated to the Government had snapped up land in prime locations, questions have been raised about the process

Former national boxer stabbed to chest

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Former national boxer Gladwin Dorway

ormer national boxer Gladwin Dorway sustained stab wounds to his chest following an altercation with a known character at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara on Sunday at about 21:15h.

Guyana Times International understands that the suspect had appeared in the vicinity of Dorway’s home and had hurled several threats at him. A short while after, Dorway left his home but encountered the suspect just one street away, and another confrontation ensued. This newspaper was told that the suspect then whipped out a knife and stabbed the 31-year-old Dorway once to his chest before making good his escape.

Persons in the area came to the former boxer’s assistance, and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where his condition is listed as critical.

Police investigations are continuing.

that was used to allocate such large tracts of land.

Among those questions have been whether an open tender was used, exactly how much all the beneficiaries paid per acre for their land, and how they received information on which prime land locations were available, in the absence of advertisements.

The PPP pointed out in its statement that “the land grab was taking place in strategic locations – locations for possible shore base facilities, deep water harbours, and other major infrastructural developments”.

Questions have been raised about the role played

by Ndibi Schwiers, whose husband, engineer Charles Ceres, received 112 acres in Bohemia, Region 6 and 4.5 acres at Liliendaal. Schwiers is the Director of the Department of Environment within the Ministry of the Presidency.

In addition, questions have also been raised over why the applications of persons close to the coalition Government and Party were fast tracked after 2015 when A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) came to office, when the applications of thousands of ordinary Guyanese remain in a backlog.

And noting Benn’s call for the police to investigate how materials from his agency were leaked to the Opposition Leader, the PPP instead condemned the Government’s drive against whistleblowers of

GL&SC head Trevor Benn

corruption and called for the Police to investigate the wholesale distribution of land to party cronies.

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Unemployed youth tells court he stole phone over hunger

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22-year-old unemployed man, who admitted to snatching a woman’s cellular phone, was jailed for two years when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Oswald Cumberbatch of Laing Avenue, Georgetown stood before Magistrate Faith McGusty and admitted to the charge which stated that on July 2, 2019 at Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown while using personal violence, he robbed Ansar Abdul of a cellular phone valued G$120,000 and a phone case valued G$2,000.

In plea of mitigation the man told the court: “I use to work at the wharf but I get stab up by one of the guys who worked there.”

He further said that after receiving the injuries, he was unable to perform any duties like before and was left unemployed.

“Is off of hunger and temptation caused me to rob the man,

my daughter birthday is tomorrow (Thursday) and I’m very sorry for what I did, I know it’s wrong.”

The prosecution’s case stated that on July 2 at about 08:00h, the Virtual Compliant was walking along Croal Street, Georgetown in the vicinity of the Route 40 minibus park, when he was approached by Cumberbatch

who pushed him to the ground and relieved him of the articles.

The defendant then tried to escape but he was grabbed onto by the VC and persons in the area.

He was handed over to the Police.

Magistrate McGusty, before sentencing the man, told him “If it had not been for the man who held onto you, then you would’ve gone off singing Hallelujah.”

Bureaucratic hijinks… …at Lands and Surveys OK…OK…we know that Trevor Benn, the present CEO of the Guyana Lands &Survey Commission (GL&SC) – which is in charge of doling out State lands for housing, agriculture and development – was once a big one in the PNC youth arm – the Young Socialist Movement (YSM). Nothing is wrong with that…we all make mistakes in our youth!! But did he have to be so POLITICAL in his response to the charges made by the Leader of the Opposition about lands being handed out like “sweetie” to PNC friends, family and cronies??

Jeez! He sounded worse than Trump – who gets red in the face like a beet at leaks about his going-on with staff and jumps up and down in rage! He was more like the Queen of Hearts in “Alice in Wonderland”, who was in a furious passion and went stamping about and shouting “Off with his head!” or “Off with her head!” about once in a minute. Imagine in this day and age of openness and transparency, when most countries have introduced “whistleblower” legislation, Benn threatened to deal “condignly” with members of his staff who had revealed details of the leases Jagdeo spoke about!! This threat of “condign” treatment was a pet phrase Burnham used when dealing with his “enemies”.

The US Whistleblower Protection Act declares unambiguously: “Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation for disclosure of information which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety,” The key term is “the employee REASONABLY believes”, for instance, as in this case, there was an “abuse of authority”.

Why should info on leases of land owned by the State – on behalf of the people of Guyana – be secret from the people? All leases, as they are being issued, should be listed on the GL&SC’s website for all and sundry to see. We, the people, can then decide whether the bureaucrats who work for us are ACTUALLY working for us, rather than themselves, or some friends in politically high places.

At his press conference, Benn pulled a three-card Monte on Guyanese people. He blithely talked about leases being granted during the PPP years, but then being relinquished on leases being issued during the present regime. But duh!! If say, a 2004 lease for land in Canje is relinquished…what does that have to do with a NEW lease in 2019 for another (strategic!) piece of land at Bohemia??

Benn is obviously familiar with another favourite phrase of Burnham: there are many ways to skin a cat!! …in higher places Back in late 2016, the Government created a Department of Environment (DoE) and Advisor on Climate Change within the Ministry of the Presidency to coordinate all programmes to ensure the “Green State” promised by Granger, would be delivered. It wasn’t confined to painting Government buildings green!! In giving testimony to the COI on African ancestral land, the head pointed out: “Land is featured prominently in environmental protection in the country. The EPA’s mandate spans the management, conservation and protection of all environmental media which includes land.” As such, she declared the EPA has limited, direct authority over private and public land-use decisions. This bureaucrat, therefore, is privy to all inquiries from whatever sources on activities that would involve the use of land – even in the setting up of a corporate office.

Such information has strategic value since armed with such prior knowledge, say of an Oil Services Facility or an Electricity Generating Plant using gas from the FPSO’s offshore being contemplated, investors can make windfall profits by leasing identified lands.

Did pillow talk guide the Bohemia lease? …and enforcing Court decisions Benn also glossed over the award of some large swathes of Pomeroon land; claiming that the Courts had ordered this after the previous Government had seized them.

Is he enforcing the terms that caused the seizure in the first place?

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Indian Envoy ‘disappointed’ Specialty Hospital project was scrapped

By Vahnu Manikchand

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utgoing Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, said he was disappointed that the Specialty Hospital Project, which had been marred in controversy since its initial stage, did not take off ground.

The US$18 million project, which was being funded by the India Export/ Import (EXIM) Bank via a line of credit (LOC), was dropped in 2016 after the contracted company, Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited – was handpicked by the coalition administration— was blacklisted by the World Bank until 2020 over fraud and corruption practices.

The Guyanese Government subsequently announced that the project was “dead”. This, according to High Commissioner Mahalingam, was his biggest disappointment.

“The revival of the specialty hospital would have been my biggest achievement and dumping the specialty hospital a second time was the biggest disappointment for me,” the Indian Diplomat said during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times.

The Special Hospital Project started under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration (PPP/C) and back in 2012, the contract was awarded to India-based Company, Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited.

However, citing instances of alleged fraud and delays, the Donald Ramotar administration in 2014 announced that it had terminated the contract with the India-based company and subsequently filed a lawsuit against it for failing to honour its obligations.

Scrapped project

While in the Opposition, both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC), before they collated, had opposed the US$18 million project and upon their assumption to office in 2015, decided to scrap the project, which had already expended some US$4 million on certain preliminary works. The coalition Government then approached India to

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam

divert the remaining US$13.8 million towards improving the country’s primary healthcare service by upgrading three public hospitals across the country.

According to Mahalingam, he had assured the then new Government that both projects can be pursued.

“I told them that Government of Guyana can do both projects because both are required and they agreed.

Then we went back to the original listing and we saw how we can do it. One of the bidders, who was willing to do the project, was identified… Then when we made the final decision about reviving the project and the contractor was awarded the contract for constructing the specialty hospital, that contractor was blacklisted by the World Bank. It was just on the last few days and that was really a disappointment for me

and you can see till today the specialty hospital is not there,” he assured

Guyana needs a specialty hospital

However, the Indian diplomat noted that such a facility is much needed in Guyana, especially with the upcoming economic development the country is about to experience as a result of the oil boom when production commences early next year.

The PPP/C regime was hoping that the specialty hospital would be a catalyst in creating “health tourism” here in Guyana by pulling foreigners and overseas-based Guyanese to Guyana.

“With the oil coming in and with Guyana’s economy going to develop far better than anyone can imagine, a specialty hospital is required… There will be good demand for such services, and not just for Guyana,” High

Commissioner Mahalingam posited.

Asked whether his Government would be willing to still fund such a project should it be picked up in the future, the Indian diplomat responded in the affirmative but explained that it would have to be an entirely new project and not the continuation of the previous one.

Nevertheless, Mahalingam noted that he will not rule out this ever happening. In fact, he revealed that after the project was cancelled, some Indian investor had approached him about reviving the project but nothing ever materialised. Today, however, the Indian diplomat said he would encourage anyone interested to go ahead.

When asked, Mahalingam, who has concluded a five-year tenure in Guyana, told this newspaper that the specialty hospital project would’ve been his biggest achievement in Guyana had it been pursued.

“When I revived a kind of a dead project and then it was moving forward and was about to taken off (a second time), I thought that this is going to be an iconic structure that I would leave as a High Commissioner of India… I thought definitely this project will go through because it was going to be done in one and a half years, and I had more than that before I had to leave… It was my greatest disappointment also when the specialty hospital fell through…,” the Diplomat asserted.

Meanwhile, the Texila American University (TAU) in Guyana had announced back in 2017 that it was mulling constructing a specialty hospital at its Providence, East Bank Demerara complex. Guyana’s growing popularity as the destination of choice for overseas medical studies was a driving factor behind this consideration, the University had explained.

In fact, TAU President, Saju Bhaskar, had stated at the time that the institution was undertaking a market study for the planned project to examine the prospects of such a facility, which would cater for the provision of medical services such as neurology, urology and cancer treatments.

Berbice G$200M model farm 'abandoned'

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he 35-acre, G$200 million model farm at Fort Wellington, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is a waste of taxpayers’ money according to Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, who further said that there is nothing to show how the money was spent.

Ramphal told Guyana Times International that the model farm is in a deplorable state and that nothing of substance was done there.

“This land is actually in an abandon stage whereby it is filled with bush and overgrowth. It is clearly showing the wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money,” the Regional Chairman said.

To date, he added, there are no records to prove that any produce actually came out of the model farm although Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison had some time back displayed some vegetables he claimed to have been cultivated at the farm.

In the past, the land was occupied and operated by farmers until the REO had ordered their removal so that the area could be developed into a model farm, Ramphal said.

On October 27, 2016, notices were placed at the entrances to the

The 35-acre model farm at Fort Wellington, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has been ‘abandoned’

farms situated at Naarstigheid and Catherine’s Lust, denying the farmers access to their farms.

The farmers had occupied 50 acres of land and cultivated primarily cash crops, fruits and reared livestock.

However, on January 9, 2018, Morrison stated that the model farm will address land selection, crop cultivation, and principles of crop rotation, as well as waste consolidation but the Chairman held out that it is a political

move to get rid of the farmers.

However, after almost two years, the Regional Chairman said the money was wasted.

“And it is not benefiting a single citizen. Instead of the Government giving this person so much money to spend on a farm to just cultivate some cash crops, we could have used that money to build a state-of-the-art market on that prime residential location there which could have benefited our youths tremendously,” Ramphal noted.

Back in 2017 when the idea was first brought to the Region Five RDC, the Council was supposed to give its blessings to the project before it was executed but the RDC never approved it. Nevertheless, the REO went ahead with the project as his own.

The crops owned by those farmers were bulldozed and the farmers had asked the RDC to intervene but were told that it was all the REO’s doing without getting approval from the RDC. Several letters were dispatched to Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan and the Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder but the farmers are still awaiting a response.

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Linden hosts Riverfront Festival 2019

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inden’s Annual Riverfront Festival 2019 was last Friday evening launched under the theme “Embracing the river” with several activities planned for the momentous occasion.

The celebration brings to light the uniqueness of Linden being a town and more so one that has a river which runs through it.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon in declaring the festival open said the riverfront development is part of the development envisioned for a “Green Guyana” and is part of the Green State Development Strategy which will see Guyana transformed into a “Green State” and economy within the next thirty years.

As such, he said the attitude towards the environment which includes rivers, creeks, trees and the air that we breathe has to significantly change in keeping with that strategy.

“Guyana, as you are aware, is now deemed the number one ecotourist destination in the world, and this means that our ecotourist product that as a people we have to take the benefits that accrue from such a status. We have to seek the benefits that would see tourists coming to Guyana to enjoy that product that we have here…to enjoy this waterfront. So, when people come to Linden… to Guyana they know that there’s a waterfront festival that takes place every year…”, he noted.

Harmon added that Government supports the initiative, which he deemed an

A section of the gathering on Friday evening

important one, and will continue to do so in an effort to develop the waterfront.

The initiative was Samuel Wright’s brainchild. He was also the coordinator and in delivering an overview of the festival, he said the idea of working towards the development of the Linden riverfront was developed after travelling overseas.

He reminisced on his younger years swimming in the river and pointed to ways in which it is utilised for simple things.

Wright said the idea for the riverfront development came after the realisation that not much attention is paid to the water these days.

He said it is important to have an understanding of the river and how it contributes to our way of life, and also to

be mindful of the harm it can have on future generations.

He said the Riverfront Development Plan which was created aims at protecting the river and the need for a comprehensive development plan to enhance it.

“The riverfront festival is simply an attempt to bring us to the river in a very conscious way. What do we do for the riverfront festival? We simply do the things we do all the time over a shorter period of time…The riverfront festival says we’re bringing to the river [and] we’re doing the things which are important to us… and we’ll celebrate the river by doing the things we always do”, he said.

Meanwhile, Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell stressed the need for all to realise and understand the importance of

the river, noting that it is so much more than we imagine.

She said the river aids in the commerce and diversification of Linden’s economics.

“It’s a lifeline for development, for the development of our community. It stands as the main water source for our community. And the connection that bridges the gap between Wismar and Mackenzie and sometimes sends the significant message of how two persons across the river can unite. Two varying cultures as you walk along. This river connects that culture together to call it Linden and we are proud of that”, the Mayor said.

She also pointed to the need to turn to ecotourism by utilising available resources one of which is the river, more so since Guyana has been named number one destination for ec-

otourism. She also urged all to think of ways of developing the riverfront and waterways.

The Linden Riverfront Development Plan focuses on working towards goals such as access along the riverfront (parks, open spaces, marinas, cultural facilities, etc), environmental stewardship and green designs of facilities, historic preservation, economic access and opportunity and the development of a working riverfront supporting aspects such as shipping, transportation, fishing and recreation amongst others.

On opening day, the festival also featured the Linden Riverfront Development Forum and live boxing and music at the Wismar Market tarmac.

On Saturday, a Market Day was hosted at the Wismar Market tarmac. Also, on the calendar of activities are a bike parade along Republic Avenue to Burnham Drive, fishing competition along the riverfront, cross country races at Wismar, kids’ fest at Co-op Crescent, street football at the Mackenzie Market tarmac and club hopping at clubs along the river.

On Sunday, June 30, church services were held along the riverfront, a senior’s brunch at the Pensioners Hall, an open river swim activity at Dejonge’s Landing at Coop Crescent, Colours event featuring jazz, fashion, poetry and wine tasting at the Watooka lawns.

On Monday, July 1, a regatta, river sports, food fair and wash down events are scheduled to be hosted at the Egbert Benjamin Centre.

MMA-ADA remains silent on reallocation of lands – cattle farmers

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eeks after cattle farmers from Region Five (Mahica-Berbice) raised concerns over the issuing of new leases by the Mahaica-Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) to lands which they utilised, there has been no response from the organisation.

The concerned farmers told Guyana Times International that they are still awaiting a response to know whether consideration is being given for them to access the land.

Speaking with this publication, Krishna Sookdeo stated, “We hear nothing so far.

After the injunction, the people didn’t get to go back into the land but there is no case up to now. They didn’t say if they will give us our land or a part of it. Right now, we are worried that they could take it away tomorrow and nothing we can do”.

The MMA-ADA had evicted several cattle owners from lands. The area, located at Blairmont, covers 1360 acres and had been used by farm-

A part of the land that was taken away from cattle farmers

ers to rear hundreds of cattle.

However, the farmers received a notice from the agency earlier this year, indicating that they have to vacate the lands since new leases were issued to other persons, some of whom are not even cattle farmers. Without the lands, their daily operations will be severely challenged.

Sookdeo had initially told

this publication they would constantly apply for leases to be granted. However, during the next engagement, the Authority would advise them to reapply since those documents could not be found.

Receipts seen by this newspaper demonstrate that payments were made by all of the farmers for lease applications, some dating back years ago.

Another farmer, Pooran Balmukund, had also explained that a permit to conduct cattle grazing was also issued with the notice but upon visiting the agency, they were told the document was irrelevant. As such, it was mandatory for them to vacate.

“MMA just serve us a notice to remove from the land.

They also give us a paper

with permission to graze cattle. When we went at MMA, the paper had no value. They told us this don’t have no value anymore,” the man stated.

Many of them cried that their only means of earning a livelihood is at stake.

Over the years, the farmers have developed the lands, establishing pastures and constructing fences around the property. It was explained that they have no vacant property to relocate the animals and if new persons are given access to the lands, the structures will be demolished.

On Sunday, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament, Harry Gill in a letter to the editor said that in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), lands that were used by cattle farmers of the Shieldstown Cattle Rearer’s Co-op Society in an area known as Rampoor for over 20 years, were taken away by the MMA-ADA and were allegedly given to a close associate of the Government. He also called for a full-fledged investigation into the matter.

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ctor Kangana Ranaut, scriptwriter Kanika Dhillon and director Prakash Kovelamudi launched the trailer of their upcoming film Judgementall Hai Kya in Mumbai on Tuesday. After launching the trailer, Kangana spoke about the controversy surrounding the movie’s original title, Mental Hai Kya. Kangana said, “Whenever anything is of Kangana Ranaut, lots of people have several problems. If we outsiders even breathe, there are people who have a problem with that. Keeping all that in mind, even we have learnt to make our way through it and ensure that no one has to face any inconvenience, even if it means that I have to face some inconvenience in return.”

Kangana Ranaut also stated that the word ‘mental’ was banned recently. She said, “There were several cases and threats against us. The South Indian original of Salman Khan’s Kick is called Mental. But we were informed that these words were banned just a few weeks ago.”

But the actor maintained that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was very supportive and had no issues with the film’s content.

Kangana said, “The Censor Board cooperated with us a lot. We have been given a U/A certificate. They said, ‘you’ve made a good film and we couldn’t find anything offensive in it.’

We have faith in our intentions.”

Kangana Ranaut also revealed how she herself has been shamed on many occasions.

She said, “There was a phase in my life where people tried to openly shame me by saying that I have a mental illness. They said I am on medication and hence she is claiming things. I had answered that as well saying, ‘so what?’.

Even though I am not on any medication, I would not have been embarrassed if I was.”

Kangana also added she could relate to her Judgementall Hai Kya character Bobby.

Judgementall Hai Kya is slated to release on July 26, 2019. (Indian Express)

riter Farhad Samji, who is writing the script of Coolie No 1 remake, says mainstream commercial comedies are in minority today.

Coolie No 1 is an adaptation of the original of the same name, which starred Govinda and Karisma Kapoor in the lead. It was directed

by Varun’s father, filmmaker David Dhawan.

David is returning to direct the new movie featuring Varun Dhawan.

“Coolie No 1 is a fairly easy film with no frills attached. The audiences know it’s a David Dhawan film with his son so they’ll come for the punches, the jokes, the character. We had to work that out.

“It’s a 25-year-old film so I’ve tried to modernise as much as I could. It’s an adaptation with a stellar cast. There are several fresh scenes and it’s really a fun film,” Farhad told PTI. The writer says though there are films like Badhai Ho and Badla which are doing good business, there are very few out-and-out commercial comedy films being made.

“Earlier, these films were in mainstream but now we are in minority. So the audience has the hunger, which is an advantage for us. There are good films now, sure, but the genres are diverse.”

Farhad is also attached as a

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ctor Ananya Panday has launched a special initiative, ‘So Positive’ against social media bullying on the occasion of World Social Media Day. The initiative aims at spreading awareness about social media bullying and introduces measures that can be taken by the victims in order to deal with it.

The 20-year-old actor, who made her Bollywood debut with Student of the Year 2, announced her new initiative ‘So Positive’ as a Digital Social Responsibility (DSR) on her social media accounts.

“A part of growing up is taking responsibility & as a woke Millennial I, Ananya Panday introduce y’all to my Digital Social Responsibility initiative ‘So+’ (So Positive)” the actor wrote on Instagram.

She also launched the logo of the initiative on the photo-video sharing platform. (Indian Express)

aapsee Pannu says she is not very active in the social circuit of Bollywood and that keeps her stay rooted.

The 31-year-old actor said she does not take her success seriously as she is aware of the business’ uncertainty.

“I deliberately try not to get swayed away by the social culture of the film industry and try to keep my life as real as possible to stay grounded. For I know one fine day this might get over and I don’t want to make life difficult for myself.

“I chill with them a lot, but when I have off days, it isn’t that everyday I will go and have social gathering with people I work with it. Subconsciously you end up talking a lot about films because that’s our connecting thread,” Taapsee told PTI. However, the actor added that films are just a part of her life and “not the be all and end all” for her.

“If this (acting) doesn’t work at any point in my life, I am capable enough to do something else. I never say I was the one getting ready in front of a mirror dreaming to be an actress. No. I decided

writer for Rohit Shetty’s upcoming Sooryavanshi. The action-drama features Akshay Kumar in the title role and the writer says unlike films of the cop universe Singham and Simmba they didn’t have any reference here.

“We had references in Singham and Simmba of south films but not with this. When you’re writing something completely new, you’ve to keep giving yourselves assurances that everything is on point. There was a lot of revisions to see if we are on the right track.

“Once the development happened and actors came in, when we saw the shoot of Akshay, everything fell in place. It’s a cracker of a script which has turned out very well,” he added.

(Indian Express)

to be an actor after my first film’s release! I slowly found my footing.

“I don’t want to discuss films beyond my work.

I have to force myself to balance that because it is easy to get swayed, especially when you do a good film and it becomes a huge hit. Thank God after Badla I was in Saand Ki Aankh for two months so I was off the radar.”

Her latest, home invasion thriller Game Over has opened to good reviews.

The Tamil-Telugu film’s Hindi dubbed version is presented by Anurag Kashyap and is currently playing in cinemas.

Taapsee said she chose to do the film as it aligns with the kind of work she wants to do across industries.

“The Taapsee my south Indian film fans saw before I moved to Bollywood was different. Back then, I was doing films just to keep rolling in the market, to be visible. Then the story changed.

“So it has to change for everyone.

I can’t be something else in south and something here. Game Over is exactly the kind of film I would give my heart and soul to. (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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om Hanks says he was in tears while doing his final lines as his Toy Story character, Woody.

The actor, who reprised his role for the last time in Toy Story 4, said ending their almost three-decade run together was a “terrible” feeling.

“It was terrible, it was terrible. I started recording Woody in 1991.

That’s when we got together to do the first one.

“You record these things over about four years, and the last session I thought it would just be odds and ends but I was in the same studio with the same microphone, and they said ‘OK, great, thanks.’ And just like that, 20 howev-

er many years were over,” Hanks said on The Graham Norton Show.

The Oscar winner said he reflected on his life in his car after finishing his lines as Woody.

“My lip started quivering.

Y o u e v e r d o this, when you’re so uncomfortable all you can say is, ‘Well, oh, my my. Oh my, my my my my. Oh, well.’ And the only thing to do was to go and get in my car and

E drive away.

“I heard the music and the sun was going down, the credits were rolling on my life, everything was done,” he said.

(Indian Express)

lizabeth Banks says she made sure to not overly sexualise her upcoming directorial Charlie’s Angels reboot.

The 42-year-old actor-director, who plays Bosley on the much-anticipated film, said she wanted to make her actors feel “awesome and comfortable” on the sets.

“We don’t really (sexualise). We play with that trope and then we dismiss it pretty early on in the movie. The women in this film use their brains and their wits. We had a mantra which was we are going to fight smarter, not harder. That was how we approached most of the action sequences in the movie.

“The women in the film, for instance, I had another mantra on set

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ame of Thrones star Sophie Turner and American singer Joe Jonas exchanged wedding vows for a second time in Paris. The wedding on Saturday was attended by Sophie’s parents and the Jonas family, including Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Danielle Jonas, Kevin Jonas and others.

Earlier, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner had tied the knot in Las Vegas on May 1 after attending Billboards Awards.

In an interview with Access, Priyanka had earlier said of the Las Vegas wedding, “It was really funny.

We were at the Billboards. Joe, I think, had this idea that he wanted to do this.

But we were at the Billboards and he had these little black cards that we all

got. We were randomly inviting our friends, like people that we met. We were like, ‘alright, we’re going to set up this wedding now, we’re going to the chapel right from here, and please arrive’”.

The couple had earlier held a rehearsal dinner. Guests included sisterin-law Priyanka Chopra, supermodel Ashley Graham and Turner’s best friend and Game of Thrones co-star Maisie Williams, who was the maid of honor, reports People.com.

On the work front, while Sophie is basking in the success of X-Men film Dark Phoenix, her husband and singer Joe Jonas will soon go on a 40 day-long Happiness Begins tour with brothers Nick and Kevin. (Indian Express)

he shooting of Daniel Craig starrer Bond 25 is in full swing.

Recently, the makers shared the first look of Daniel from the upcoming Bond movie.

Dressed in a grey suit, Daniel looked ready to save the world one last time as he drove the famous Aston Martin V8 in Whitehall, London. The official Twitter handle of the movie shared a couple of photos from the sets of the film as well as a short clip.

In the over-ten second video, we see James Bond driving the classic blackbrown Aston Martin; the camera cuts abruptly as soon as Daniel gets out of the car. The clip was shared with a caption that read, “Daniel Craig and the @astonmartin V8 on location for #Bond25.”

During the shoot, Daniel Craig also had a chance to meet the Household Cavalry. Looking all business-like, Daniel was seen striking a pose for the camera along with an army man.

The photo’s caption read, “Daniel

which was everybody gets to wear what they feel awesome and comfortable wearing and what they want to strut around in this movie. Whatever makes her feel best coming to set. That was the attitude we had about how we shot the film,” Banks told Collider.

She said her version of the movie is more about women working together.

“There’s not a big romance particularly in the movie – we have a little romance in the movie. But the movie is really about the women working together and solving a crime story and helping Naomi Scott’s character take down a big corporation.”

Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska star as the three angels.

(Indian Express)

Craig meets the Household Cavalry (@HCav1660) @ArmyInLondon. #Bond25.” There was also a standalone picture of the Household Cavalry with a clapboard ready to call the shot.

On Monday, the Twitter handle of the movie shared a photo of the Bond star announcing that director Cary Fukunaga and Daniel Craig are currently filming Bond 25 in London. The photo caption read, “007 star Daniel Craig, director Cary Fukunaga and the #Bond25 crew were out in the sunshine today shooting across a number of London locations, including Whitehall, where Daniel filmed a scene with a classic @astonmartin V8, first seen in a Bond film in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS.” Tentatively titled Bond 25, the spy movie will see British star Daniel Craig donning the suit of James Bond one last time. This is the actor’s sixth outing as the iconic MI6 agent.

Bond 25 will release in the UK on April 3, 2020. (Indian Express)

50 SPORT

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NYSCL/New York Independence Cup 2019…

Regal Masters stumble at final hurdle after batting meltdown by

John Ramsingh

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in

New York

match-winning sixthwicket partnership of 65 runs between Erapalli Sahadeo and Nandalall Doodnauth, combined with a four-wicket haul from Navin Narine, handed the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Masters a fighting 5-wicket victory over 2018 champions, Regal Masters, in the final of the NYSCL/New York Independence Cup 2019 competition, played on Sunday last at the Baisley Pond Park in the southeastern part of Queens, New York.

This match lived up to its billing as being highly competitive, and prospects swung in multiple directions before the outcome was finally settled in fading light in front of a large and vocal crowd that was highly in Erapalli Sahadeo drives through the off side on his way to a match-winning half century favour of the home team.

When Doodnauth swept back with a triple-blow. ing, bad shot selection, and rain creThroy Kippins for a boundary off the In the 11th over, Ramesh Narine ating drama. Throughout the tournafirst ball of the 19th over, NYSCL clean bowled Faizul Ulla (05), be- ment, the Guyana side won the toss Masters had completed the shocking fore knocking over Ravi Sahadeo for and batted; in the final, the trend contask of beating a very clinical Regal a duck with the next ball. Incoming tinued, but not the luck.

Masters unit by five wickets, with 11 batsman Abdul Hafeez survived the Uniss Yusuf and Eion Abel got the balls to spare. hat-trick ball, but was not so lucky in men in green-and-yellow off to a good Doodnauth finished on 26 not the next over, losing his leg stump to start, reaching 42 without loss halfout (3×4), while the more attacking left-arm spinner Laurie Singh — also way through the fifth over, before diSahadeo, who had brought up his for a duck, and when the score was at saster struck. In Navin Narine’s first half-century in the match-changing 66-5. over, Yusuf attempted his trademark 18th over, was left not out on 50 (3×6; At this stage, Regal Masters and sweep shot and was bowled for 15 2×4). their supporters felt their spin twins (2×4); and two balls later, Kippins Set 131 to win from 20 overs, to Narine and Singh had it all wrapped also attempted to sweep and was easbe made on a tricky but hard pitch up; but Sahadeo found a useful part- ily taken at short backward square situated on a slope with big outfield, ner in Doodnauth, and they watched for a duck.

NYSCL lost opener Karramchand these spinners carefully. With 38 They were quickly followed by Panday (04) in the second over, bril- runs needed from 24 balls, Regal liantly caught by Eric Thomas keep- Masters’ captain, Mahendra Hardyal, ing up to Kippins. opted for pace, but that decision had Sahadeo, who was later named a backlash.

Man of the Match, then joined Rishi Over number 17, bowled by David Singh in the middle, and they put on Harper, cost 23 runs. It comprised two 47 important runs, which although no-balls, three wides, one four, and a scored at a slow rate, gave Regal six. In the context of the game, it was Masters some hope. very expensive, and left the equation There were further grounds for at 15 runs to win from 18 balls. optimism when Ramesh Narine got The experienced, fleet-footed the breakthrough in his first over — Mahendranauth Parasnauth then the ninth of the innings — as he in- commenced his final over, only to be duced Singh, who had made 22 of the dispatched for 11, leaving the hosts 53 runs scored at the expense of two with 12 balls to get just four runs and wickets, to offer a regulation catch off a maiden title, which was easily done the top edge to backward point. at the start of the next over.

At this, the halfway stage, it was The main wicket-takers were even-steven at 60-2, with NYSCL Narine, with 3/17; Singh, with 1/14; Masters still needing 71 runs from 60 and Kippins, with 1/27. balls to dethrone Regal; but after the Regal Masters had earlier had a resumption of play, the champions hit start-stop innings, with steady bowl-

Eric Thomas smashes one over the top at Baisley Pond Park Queens, NY on Sunday

Ramesh Narine (01), Harper (02), and Mohendra Arjune (02); and the champs had suddenly lost five wickets for 12 runs, and were reeling at 54-5 after nine overs.

Abel and Lloyd Ruplall then tried to repair the damage, but were held up for about an hour because of the onset of rain when the score was at 66-5 after 11 overs. After the break, Abel was caught at cover for 36 (3×4) in the 12th over, before Eric Thomas and Ruplall put together the best partnership of the innings.

The pair put on 55 before Thomas was bowled in the final over of the innings for 38 (4×6; 1×4), leaving Ruplall not out on a patient 19 (28 balls) and Regal Masters at 130 for 7.

Navin Narine was the pick of the bowlers with 4-10, while Ricky Edwards (1/19), Kumar Chickery (1/26) and Faizul Ulla (1/30) were the other wicket-takers.

In the other categories of this tournament, which started last Friday, defending champions SVC All Stars beat NYSCL All Stars in a repeat of the 2018 Open finals, while Toronto Blizzards beat NY Hustlers to take the Pro title (over-50).

The other Guyanese team, Fishermen Masters, were knocked out at the semifinal stage when they were bowled out for 69 in replying to 228-7 made by Regal Masters. They lost by 159 runs in this, their debut participation in the NY Independence Cup.

SPORT 51

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rohit Sharma ton, Jasprit Bumrah fourfor help India knock out Bangladesh

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ndia 314 for 9 (Rohit 104, Rahul 77, Pant 48, Mustafizur 5-59) beat Bangladesh 286 (Shakib 66, Saifuddin 51, Bumrah 4-55, Pandya 3-60) by 28 runs Bangladesh are out of the 2019 World Cup. They've beaten the teams they were expected to beat, and also a couple they may not have been, but they haven't managed to win any of their meetings with the tournament favourites, despite looking impressive and coming close on a couple of occasions. They came close against India at Edgbaston, but not close enough, falling 29 runs short in a chase of 315.

With this result, India become the second team after Australia to seal a spot in the semi-finals. They won an important toss, and got to a hugely advantageous position via a 180-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma, who scored his fourth hundred of this World Cup, and KL Rahul. Bangladesh kept chipping away at that advantage, with Mustafizur Rahman's cutters limiting the damage India could do in the slog overs, and their batsmen keeping them close to the required rate right through their chase, but they never completely nullified it.

Bangladesh lost a few too many wickets off not particularly threatening deliveries, and though seven of their top eight got past 20, only two of them went on to score half-centuries: the unfaltering Shakib Al Hasan and their No. 8 Mohammad Saifuddin.

That, in the end, sealed the deal.

Tamim Iqbal and Mosaddek Hossain played on, done in by the slowness of the pitch but also their angled bats, while Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim hit aggressive shots straight to fielders on the 30-yard circle. Shakib, using the pace of the bowlers smartly and going at close to a run a ball despite only hitting six fours in 74 balls, kept Bangladesh in the chase despite all these setbacks, but when he was sixth out with 136 still to get, foxed by a clever slower ball from Hardik Pandya, the game looked over.

Pandya, the fifth bowler with no sixth bowler in the XI, did a stellar job, varying his pace, hitting the pitch hard, and finishing with three wickets.

Despite Shakib's dismissal, Bangladesh's required rate hadn't yet gone out of hand, and Sabbir Rahman and Saifuddin kept the game alive

Rohit Sharma

with an entertaining stand of 66 in 56 balls. The partnership may also have given India a couple of pointers for future matches: it showed the value of having a useful batsman at No. 8, and also the tendency of Mohammed Shami to go for runs in the late overs.

Should they go back to playing two spinners, the Shami vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar question - despite the wicket threat of the former - probably has a straightforward answer.

Runs were harder to come by against Bhuvneshwar and Jasprit Bumrah, and a slower offcutter from the latter ended Sabbir's innings in the 44th over. Saifuddin needed one of the tailenders to stay with him if Bangladesh were to get 70 off 41, but they didn't, not for long enough anyway.

The equation came down to 29 off 14 when Saifuddin took a single to bring the No. 10 Rubel Hossain on strike for the last two balls of Bumrah's quota of overs. Those two balls was all Bumrah needed, two inch-perfect yorkers proving too good for Rubel and Mustafizur.

The match was played on the same pitch that hosted the England-India match on Sunday, and it remained the same kind of pitch: flat but progressively slower. It also meant the square boundaries were the same short on one side, long on the other.

Both teams picked their teams with the boundaries rather than the surface in mind: spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Mehidy Hasan went out, and seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rubel Hossain came in.

Batting first was a no-brainer, and Rohit and Rahul gave India the perfect start. Bangladesh's bowlers took a while getting used to the conditions, and offered plenty of hittable balls, with Rohit in particularly damaging form, pulling Mashrafe Mortaza and launching Saifuddin over extra-cover for big sixes in the first six overs.

Bangladesh could have dismissed him in between, for 9, but Tamim dropped a sitter at deep square leg when he miscued a pull off Mustafizur. That miss will go down alongside the noball from the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal in the annals of what-if moments in Rohit v Bangladesh.

Rohit made Bangladesh pay for the miss, and much as he did against Pakistan batted at a higher tempo than is usually the case in the early parts of his big ODI innings. There were drives all around the ground and a number of his trademark pulls, but what was also apparent was a willingness to go hard at balls wide of off stump, as seen in a couple of sliced boundaries backward of point early on.

This aggression may well be a prod-

uct of having Rahul - who is still finding his feet as an ODI batsman - rather than Shikhar Dhawan at the other end. Rahul began in more circumspect fashion, before unfurling a series of pretty drives and flicks once he was past 20.

The only Bangladesh bowlers to come to terms with the conditions initially were Shakib - who bowled to the right-hand batsmen with the short boundary to the leg side, and almost never gave them the chance to pull or slog-sweep - and, oddly enough, Soumya. Unlike his quicker colleagues, Soumya varied his pace - between gentle medium and gentler medium - and bowled into the pitch, asking the batsmen to manufacture their own power.

A slower ball ended Rohit's innings at 104, off 92 balls, just when whispers about 200 were growing more audible.

As in the England game, the pitch began slowing down around the halfway mark of the first innings, and the other bowlers also began following Soumya's example. Runs became harder to come by, and a frustrated Rahul nicked off trying to slash Rubel.

Virat Kohli looked bright and enterprising in scoring 26, before failing to get enough power into his shot while trying to pull Mustafizur: this time the fielder at deep square leg held on. Pandya came and went in the same over, edging Mustafizur's cutter to wide slip, and suddenly Bangladesh were back in the game.

Ben Stokes put England back on track after a similar stutter on Sunday, and Rishabh Pant threatened to play that role for India today, smoking three successive fours off Saifuddin immediately after Mustafizur's double-strike.

But he fell for 48, trying to slog-sweep Shakib to the longer boundary, and India's innings lost momentum. MS Dhoni showed flashes of brilliance in a 33-ball 35, but Mustafizur took both him and Dinesh Karthik out with his cutter-bouncer, and he eventually finished with 5 for 59 - his fourth five-for in ODIs and his third against India.

India only made 63 in their last ten overs. It left Bangladesh chasing far less than they might have been 350 looked a distinct possibility when Rohit was still at the crease - and on another day they might well have pulled it off. They just didn't manage it on this most important of days.

Aliann Pompey Invitational meet set for Saturday H aving had some much-needed practice and a chance to gauge their abilities against the topmost level of local competition in athletics during the recently concluded National Senior Championships, Guyana’s top athletes will now be turning their full attention to the Aliann Pompey Invitational meet, which is scheduled to be held at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Saturday, July 6th.

On the last day of those National Senior Championships, the most anticipated event was the Men’s 200M race, which was comfortably won by Emanuel Archibald in a time of 20.92s as he represented the University of Guyana.

Daniel Williams, with a time of 20.94s, had to settle for second place, while Arinze Chance’s 21.53s was only good enough for third.

In the female version of this event, Kenisha Phillips outsprinted the competition to take gold in 24.19s. Jovanna Gustave’s second place finish was recorded at 24.79s, while Natrena Hooper’s 24.93s afforded her third place.

Arinze Chance embraced his chance to shine on the podium by completing the 400M event in 46.42s to take gold. He was followed by Brian Roman (48.15s) and Revon Williams (49.20s) respectively in second and third.

Aliann Pompey

Keliza Smith emerged as the alpha female in the 400M event after clocking 59.50s to take gold. Tiea Lowe (1:04.21) and Makeba Maxwell (1:07.32) —

Mercury Fast Laners club members — came in second and third respectively.

It came as no surprise to the spectators when, in the 800M event, Police Progressive Youth Club’s Joanna Archer crossed the line first in 2:13.84.

Running Brave’s Kissanna Glen was close behind, clocking 2:14.61, while Aaliyah Moore (PPYC) finished third with 2:23.27.

Devaughn Barrington of the Guyana Defence Force won the male version of the 800M event with a time of 1:51.45s. Anfernee Headecker and Samuel Lynch took second and third respectively in 1:54.03 and 1:57.63.

In the 3000M steeplechase event, GDF’s Odwin Tudor cruised to victory in 10:02.53, outperforming Royston Fordyce (PPYC), who clocked 10:16.18, and Cleveland Thomas, who clocked 10:33.19 for third place.

Natrena Hooper outperformed Chantoba Bright to take the Triple Jump gold with a leap of 12.71m.

Bright’s jump of 12.47m was only good enough for second best, while Princess Browne’s jump of 12.32m afforded her third place.

These Guyanese athletes, local and foreign, will now shift their focus to this weekend’s Aliann Pompey Invitational, and it remains to be seen whether the status quo would be changed.

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Pooran: I’m strong and we will get through stronger as a team N

icholas Pooran knows when and how to be tough.

Looking back, four years ago, he suffered a horrific car accident which led to several fractures and broken bones. He has to go through months of rehab to learn to walk again.

Many felt his cricketing days were over.

It was a long hard journey back to the field of play, but he has conquered that hurdle and showed his prowess with a stunning century against Sri Lanka in just his ninth ODI on Monday. The 23-year-old left-hander made 188, his maiden ODI century and his highest score in any senior cricket as the West Indies narrowly went down to Sri Lanka in Durham.

“I was coming home from training, swerved and someone hit me,” Pooran recalled.

“I can’t remember much. I woke up with the car smashed. Then the ambulance came and prised me out. I was in so much pain, I just wanted them to knock me out. When I woke up the next day, both my legs were in casts. They were

numb. I couldn’t feel them at all. I was on painkillers throughout the 12 days I was in hospital. The doctor told me he wasn’t sure if I could play cricket again. He wasn’t sure if I would ever run properly again.

My blood pressure kept going up. I was worried. I just kept praying, and that kept me going,” he continued.

He had two operations. The first addressed the ruptured patella tendon in his left knee.

Severe swelling in his right leg meant the repair of his fractured ankle was delayed a couple of days.

“Mentally it was tough for me, heading into therapy.

At first my muscles were very weak, so I had to get the strength back in my knee, then the Nicolas Pooran physio had to bend included Bajan mega star it because it wouldn’t Rihanna, what he’s capamove at all, there was a ble of as he hammered an lot of pain.”

83-run stand for the sevOn Monday he showed enth wicket with Fabian the capacity crowd which Allen to give West Indies

a shot at a record World Cup chase.

The West Indies however fell short by 23 runs.

This is the third time they’ve come close to a

big scalp in recent weeks, after also losing out narrowly to Australia – by 15 runs and New Zealand – by five runs.

“This hasn’t been a successful tournament for us but as sportsmen you fail more than you win and this has been a learning experience,” he said, after his brilliant contribution.

“We have a young team and a young batting lineup. Hopefully a lot of guys like me, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope and Fabian Allen have learned from this tournament.

Hopefully when we play our next series against India we can start heading in the right direction and restore pride in West Indies cricket.”

Pooran and Allen looked to have put the West Indies on top before Allen was run out.

He added: “Myself and Fabian were in control. The bowlers didn’t

know where to bowl and we were scoring easily.

This is cricket, it’s unfortunate. I had to capitalise in that over. I could have hit the ball for four and six and it’s a different game. I’m just disappointed. We are just finding ways to lose our games.”

Pooran has been marked out as a special player from a young age and this was his coming of age on the big stage, despite being on the wrong side of the result. He acknowledges the comparisons with Brian Lara and admits that he watched a lot of film of the great man but does not intend to fuel the hype.

“I know people say a lot of things about me but if I don’t perform on the field it makes no sense.

I just want to get better and better each day.

I have had a lot of starts in this tournament but not converted,” he said.

“I don’t know what the future holds – I’m just thankful that I got the opportunity to play and I could show the selectors that I could play. I don’t want to be like anyone else, I just want to be Nicholas Pooran.” (CWI)

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WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Additional exposure needed at the Under-20 level, says Joseph

By Jemima Holmes

T

here are only two games left to be played before the inaugural KFC Under-20 Independence Cup tournament concludes.

Reflecting on the tournament, which began in April, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Youth Development Officer Brian Joseph believes that more work still needs to be done at the Under-20 level.

The competition, which first began in the nine regional member associations and boiled down to a national tournament, will see newcomers Dynamic FC and the renowned Santos FC battle for a shot at the grand prize.

Given the length of the tournament and the number of players that were involved, one would think that a few surprises would arise, but according to Joseph, this was not the case.

“Outside of what Dynamic FC have been able to do so far, there haven’t been any real surprises,” the Youth Development Officer stated.

Not taking away from the quality of the tournament that was hosted, GFF Youth Development Joseph explained some of Officer Brian Joseph

the issues at the Under-20 level and revealed that some improvements were witnessed over time.

“We’re not very happy with the level of the tournament in terms of the quality of play and that is expected. We came understanding that at the U-20 level, there hasn’t

been a lot of football playing and as a result and once the tournament started, teams have been able to find their way. Now we’re seeing a little better quality,” Joseph disclosed.

U s u a l l y , Under-20 players find themselves in a peculiar position given the fact that they are now out of the academy system, but most players are not immediately put in a senior team.

T h i s situation causes a certain lack of training and exposure for those developing players. Joseph explained how this situation could affect the improvement of upcoming players.

“Under-20 is a very technical area, because, for example, in the academy structure, there is no provision for U-20 football. So with no provisions, it means that the Clubs will have to fill that mantle and it is not being done at the club level. It means now that if we want to fill that gap, we need private promoters; we need these teams training on a weekly basis so that these players can graduate into the senior teams,” the Youth Development Officer explained.

As such, he made a plea to mem-

ber associations, clubs and corporate Guyana to jump on board with the GFF in order to better football at the Under-20 level, and by extension, senior football.

“This tournament, KFC, came on board and we were able to do it nationally, but this cannot be the mandate of the GFF to run national tournaments alone. The MAs (member associations) need to run tournaments so that they can develop, so when the GFF steps in, we have the players coming in at a much higher level and raising the bar,” he said.

Meanwhile, the GFF representative was questioned about the scouting process for the upcoming CONCACAF Under-23 World Cup qualifier. When asked if they were able to identify any new talent, Joseph answered in the negative, while stating that there might have been two to three players who have earned themselves an invite.

Outside of this, the shining stars are those who have been playing consistently.

“It’s unfortunate, but we basically know all the players. The players who have been standing out are those who would have played in the youth teams coming up. So we haven’t found a new gem, what we’re seeing is experienced players continuing to shine,” Joseph revealed.

The last showdown of the inaugural KFC tournament was initially slated for Monday, July 1, but the semi-finals and final were postponed owing to inclement weather.

Dynamic FC and Santos FC will battle for the $500,000 top prize, while Fruta Conquerors and Botofago FC will vie for third place.

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Windies to sign off disappointing World Cup with Afghanistan clash

Mohammed Nabi after a victory against West Indies in the World Cup Qualifiers

By Brandon Corlette

N

icholas Pooran’s maiden century and the presence of megastar Rihanna have failed to help West Indies win a second match of the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup. The jaded West Indies team will sign off their World Cup campaign on Thursday, July 4, 2019, at Headingly, Leeds from 05:30h local time, against the winless Afghanistan.

With West Indies’ current performance in this World Cup, this contest could be evenly poised and the Afghanistan team will be hungry for their maiden win in World Cup cricket. Prior to this World Cup, West Indies Captain Jason Holder made Afghanistan a target. The reason for Holder’s comments was because his team lost to the Afghanistan team twice in 2018, including the World Cup qualifiers.

Afghanistan showed great promise against Asian giants India and Pakistan during this World Cup. Against India, Afghanistan lost by a mere 11 runs restricting the star-studded Indian team to 224-8 in 50 overs. In their match against Pakistan, they lost by three wickets; the Afghanistan batting has been the

major hiccup since the spin attack is rated as one of the better ones in world cricket.

In a World Cup match with little significance, West Indies and Afghanistan will play in the bottomof-the-table clash. West Indies have had many games to win, but they failed to capitalise and as a result, they lost matches in bundles. The Caribbean team played Afghanistan in 2017 in a three-match OneDay International (ODI) series that was levelled 1-1.

Afghanistan then further defeated the West Indies twice in the World Cup Qualifiers.

It was Rashid Khan, who handed Afghanistan their first win over the West Indies team back in June 2017. West Indies were tasked to chase 213 in 50 overs, but Khan’s magical 7-18 saw the Caribbean team crumble to 149 all out.

In the World Cup Qualifiers, in the group match, West Indies lost to the same team by three wickets, as they were restricted to 197-8 in 50 overs and Afghanistan achieved that target. Sweet revenge did not come for West Indies as they lost by seven wickets to Afghanistan in the final of the World Cup Qualifiers.

A lot of ‘teeth’ is between these two teams and it is

Sheldon Cottrell

clear that both teams want to win. However, the batting of Afghanistan has been on the weaker side; no batsman has surpassed 200 runs in the eight matches played. Najibullah Zarden has 199 runs while Hashmatullah Shahidi has 197 runs.

Mohammed Nabi is their leading wicket-taker with nine wickets while skipper Gulbadin Naib has nine scalps as well. Spin prince Mujeeb Ur Rahaman, who removed Chris Gayle in the World Cup Qualifiers, has seven victims thus far in this World Cup. Meanwhile, West Indies batting has been promising at times, but they lacked cohesion. Pooran is the leading batsman with 309 runs while Gayle has 235 runs. Shimron Hetmyer has 218 runs while Shai Hope has 197 runs thus far.

These batsmen will be aiming to fill their boots against a lesser-ranked opponent. Sheldon Cottrell has 12 wickets for West Indies while Holder and Oshane Thomas have eight wickets each. A win for the West Indies will be a good feeling, but it would not take away the poor quality of cricket they played throughout this campaign. A defeat against Afghanistan will further dent and embarrass West Indies as a unit.

Robert Singh shines in Dominican Republic ...bags 3 medals for Guyana

F

or the first time-ever, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted in the Dominican Republic by a Guyanese for an archery competition, as Robert Singh bagged Archery Guyana’s first medals on the international stage at the third annual Caribbean Beginners and Developmental Championships held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The championships, hosted over the past weekend (June 28-30, 2019), were contested by participants from eight countries: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

These championships were organised as a stepping stone to prepare for world tournaments and games for Caribbean archers who have not competed in a world ranking event.

Guyana’s sole representative, Robert Singh, secured medals in all of the events.

On the first day with 72 arrows Qualification Round, the Guyanese

archer secured the second position with 292 points trailing by three points behind a Dominican Republic archer.

Singh later held his own among all the archers displaying excellent form and marksmanship as he threatened the contestants in the qualifying round with 576/720 losing the gold by a mere 11 points behind the eventual gold medallist Jeudy Santos (Dom), and was 92 points ahead of the third-place contender Moises Llopart (Dom).

He then went on to secure a bronze medal in the Beginners Male Individual Category Match. The eventual silver medallist was Franklin Alcantara (Dom). The bronze was contested against Jonathan Ward (SKN).

In the team matches, Singh was then placed with Javlyn Frett from the BVI. Under the Robert Singh shares the podium with his Caribbean excellent guidance and coach- colleagues after a second-place performance ing by Guyana-born Wynette ver medal.

Lawrence, an internationally ranked Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of Compound Archer living and coaching in Archery Guyana congratulated Singh on his the BVI, the team walked away with a sil- excellent performance.

WEEK ENDING JUly 6, 2019 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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