Guyana Times,Monday January 27, 2020.

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Issue No. 4178

P15

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

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Mega Lethem rally

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP/C commits to financing hinterland community development projects

EITI urges P12 that mineral agreements be published soon

See stories on pages 3 & 7

…Jagdeo flays Govt for abysmal record in Indigenous communities

Farmer arrested P9 for illegal shotgun, cartridges on boat

P9 PPP/C to streamline gas sector immediately once victorious – Jagdeo

Blocked canal costs 2 nabbed with rice farmers millions over 1400 grams

CAL offers airfare discounts for Mash 2020 P14

Page 2

Page 15

ganja in Bartica

Woman allegedly violated while sleeping See story on page 9

Mother of 4 P12 underwent successful surgery for brain aneurysms

2 NEWS 2 nabbed with over 1400 grams of ganja in Bartica A MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

labourer and a pork-knocker were arrested after they were caught with a quantity of cannabis, which they claim was for their boss, on Saturday.

The 24-year-old labourer resides in Charlotte Street, Georgetown, and

Bartica Police Station. A search was then conducted on the haversack during which three bulky parcels were unearthed.

Upon examining the contents of each parcel, the police discovered a quantity of ganja. The men claimed that they were tak-

session of the illegal narcotic.

Around 05:30h on the day in question, a party of Police officers went to the residence of a 25-yearold miner of Beverly Hills Drive, Region Nine, where a search was conducted.

Ranks discovered 16 zip

Ranks searched a 20-year-old labourer of Hope, West Enmore, East Coast Demerara, and found in his possession a black plastic bag containing a quantity of cannabis

weighing 435 grams.

Meanwhile, a 25-yearold labourer of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was found with four parcels wrapped with brown scotch

tape.

Upon examining the contents of the parcels, the police discovered a quantity of cannabis leaves, seeds and stems amounting to 4207 grams.

Taxi found in Berbice hours after hijacking – 2 suspects arrested during Police operation

H

also Philadelphia, Berbice, while the 27-year-old pork-knocker resides in Stanleytown, Berbice.

Reports received stated that at about 16:10h on the day in question, Police ranks acting on information visited First Street, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), where they observed the two men acting suspiciously.

As the policemen approached the two men, the labourer started to run but was pursued by the police ranks. At the time, he was carrying a black haversack.

He along with the pork-knocker were subsequently taken to the

ing the illegal substance to their boss but they have failed to divulge the identity of him.

The parcels of narcotics were weighed and amounted to 1454 grams. The two men are being processed for court.

Less than one week ago, two labourers and two miners were nabbed by Police ranks in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) during separate raids at households and in a minibus.

A total of 4876 grams of cannabis was seized by the police during the operation on Tuesday while the four men were arrested for pos-

lock bags and two plastic bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems amounting to 223 grams.

An hour and a half after the miner’s arrest, the police team visited the home of another miner, a 45-year-old man of Tabatinga, Central Lethem, and carried out a search on his person.

They found nine zip lock bags containing a quantity of cannabis leaves, seeds and stems amounting to 11 grams when weighed.

Additionally, the ranks conducted searches on two occupants of a minibus on the Main Road in the vicinity of Manari, Lethem.

ours after a gun-toting bandit and his accomplice hijacked a yellow Toyota Wagon bearing registration number HB 6272, it was found in Berbice along with two occupants.

Commander of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Sub-division “A” (Georgetown), Assistant Police Commissioner Edgar Thomas explained that the vehicle was recovered on Saturday evening in Weldaad, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

He explained that a police operation has led to the arrests of the duo- one of the suspects was driving the vehicle while the other was in the front passenger’s seat.

The driver of the taxi was relieved of the car on Saturday at about 6:15h in the vicinity of Cane View, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. As soon as it as reported, investigators began their hunt for the car and the perpetrators.

As a customary, messages were sent to various

police stations across the country to notify them of the incident and for ranks to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

Upon recovering the car, the two suspects were arrested and transported to Georgetown where they are being grilled.

On Saturday morning, the 48-year-old taxi driver who hails from Rosetta Village, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was in the vicinity of Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown when two men approached him and requested to be taken to Cane View, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Upon arrival at that destination, one of the suspects reportedly whipped out a gun and pointed it at

the driver’s face who was subsequently pushed out of the car before the perpetrators escaping the scene.

On January 2, a motor vehicle was stolen less than five hours after the driver parked it in front of his home and retired to bed.

The Hope Low Lands, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident had retired to bed and as he woke up at 02:15h the next morning, he realised that the car was missing. The stolen car belonged to a butcher who had employed a man to operate as a taxi.

One day after it was stolen, the vehicle was also found in the ancient county, near the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, January 27 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Tuesday, January 28 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, January 27 – 05:40h – 07:10h and Tuesday, January 28 – 06:10h – 07:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloud and sunny intervals are expected throughout the day. There will be partly cloudy conditions at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:01h and 18:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.51 metres and 2.61 metres.

PPP/C commits to financing hinterland community development projects

P

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali told a massive crowd in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) that the party has committed to providing resources for hinterland communities to implement development plans that will see the region progress.

He was at the time addressing residents of Lethem and surrounding communities as the party held another successful rally on Sunday.

Development conference

Ali pointed out that should the party win the upcoming polls then within the first month, the new Government will convene a development conference for hinterland and riverine communities. He noted that during that conference, they will work with lead-

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali addressing thousands of supporters in Lethem

under which they work and about the treatment from the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] and REO [Regional Executive Officer] who complain about the mistreatment, after March 2 your freedom, right and protection will return; and you will be treated with dignity, honour and pride

Education

Low Tide: 11:48h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips shares a light moment with supporters in Region Nine

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these were all taken away by the coalition Government. He said they took away the money in the Basic Needs Trust Fund as well as the computers under the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme and the solar panels that were set aside for hinterland communities.

ers of hinterland villages and communities to devise plans.

“But much more than this, we are going to commit the resources to finance and implement those plans to bring benefit to your communities,” he assured.

The presidential hopeful pointed out that these development plans will aim at improving livelihoods of residents and ultimately, the region.

“It must support village economy. It must support community tourism. It must support social services. You deserve better health care, you deserve better education. You deserve better water supply. You deserve more jobs. You deserve more scholarships. You deserve a better transportation system. You deserve a better Government and that Government is coming on March 2 and will bring these things,” Ali declared to loud cheers from the residents.

He posited that the PPP regime is motivated and committed to returning hinterland villages and the region to prosperity.

Prepare to return to work

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate added that the 2000 young people who lost their jobs as Community Support Officers (CSOs) under the incumbent coalition Government should prepare to return to work when his party gets into office.

“Those nurses, teachers, health workers, medics, who when I visit the community, complain about the conditions

under PPP Government,” he stated.

According to Ali, when the PPP left office in 2015, it left resources to improve the lives of hinterland communities but

He pointed out that a PPP/C regime will ensure that every child has access to not only primary but secondary education. In addition, he noted that they are also going to increase the hinterland scholarship programme.

Hinterland residents will also benefit from the 20,000 new scholarships that Ali plans to grant.

“For [the] first time, we will make UG [University of Guyana] education accessible to everyone in Region Nine through online and distant learning so that they can have university education without leaving the region. And we are going to connect the output of the education system with the

economy so that jobs will be created for them when they graduate,” the presidential hopeful promised.

Expansion of the school uniform programme is also another initiative the PPP/C regime will ensure. He noted that they will train women in the communities and equip them with sewing machines so that they can supply uniforms. This way, the money from the programme will remain within the villages and communities.

In keeping with that theme, Ali outlined that they will also expand the school feeding programme and ensure it is connected to the local economy. He noted that agricultural products will be used in that programme to build village economies and keep the wealth of the region within.

Transportation system

Additionally, he promised a better transportation system in the hinterland so that children can have easier access to schools.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

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

Governance models

O

ne of the criticisms of the PPPC by the PNC-led coalition and its partisans has been their insistence that their electoral vehicle is, ipso facto, superior to the PPPC’s in addressing the political contradictions in our society. Their “coalition”, they claim, brings together under one umbrella parties that comprehensively represent the diversity of Guyana.

The PPP, on the other hand, contend that the PNCled “coalition” is that only in name, and as such is actually subversive to the virtues of that form of governance. Their approach has been to craft a developmental agenda that embraces all of the groups in Guyana, invite from all social groups individuals who are not PPP members, to enter their electoral vehicle as individuals, where they can ensure that the benefits of development are distributed equitably.

Luckily for us, we have the concrete experience with both models of governance since 1992, and as such have the opportunity to look beyond the rhetoric and examine what happened when “rubber actually hit the road”. In 1992, the PPP inherited an economy completely devastated during the PNC’s 28 years at the helm, and had been delivered up to the ministrations of the IMF Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

The PPPC worked assiduously to attack the major problems at both the micro and macro levels. For instance, while the IMF insisted that the Public Service be downsized, and the PNC’s Desmond Hoyte administration had initiated moves in that direction, the PPP halted this because it was fully cognisant of the effect this would have on African Guyanese.

Its reduction of the inherited US$2.1billion debt through the efforts of Bharrat Jagdeo allowed the enormous funds that went towards debt servicing to be redeployed into the social sectors. The resuscitation of the education, health, and social services sectors benefited every group, even though the Indigenous Peoples were so structurally excluded that their development lagged.

The benefits were most graphically illustrated by the reduction of poverty levels. The summation by the PPP critic Clive Thomas made the point quite lucidly in an article from 2014. Under the heading “Poverty by ethnicity”, he wrote, “To wrap up the results, Table 3 reports the data on poverty by ethnicity as revealed in the 2006 HIES survey results. These are compared to the World Bank’s survey results for 1992. As the table reveals, the situation has improved for all ethnicities and the dispersion of outcomes considerably narrowed.”

20140921ethnicity Source: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2011-2015, GoG, 2011 What jumps out of the report compiled by Thomas is that, by the end of the PNC’s regime, African and Mixed Guyanese had the highest rates of poverty, but by 2006, this had been slashed most significantly.

For instance, while poverty among Indian Guyanese decreased by 3.7%, that of African Guyanese plummeted by three times that figure - 11.4%. Yet, from 1998, the PNC had led violent protests in the streets of Georgetown, claiming that African Guyanese were being discriminated against by the PPP. These claims provided the cover for the bandits who posed as “African Guyanese Freedom Fighters” to stage a frontal attack on the Guyanese state.

What has been the experience of the “national coalition” formed by APNU (itself a vaunted “coalition” of “five parties”) and the AFC? Firstly, the APNU coalition is actually a PNC ploy, using paper organisations GAP, JFAP, NDF, NFA and WPA to change its discredited name.

As the WPA publicly complained, none of them was ever consulted on decisions made by the PNC. The AFC did have a credible following, but after entering government in 2015, ignored its raison d’etre to the coalition - to show Indian Guyanese were represented in the government - and became “dead meat”, in the words of its leader.

The bottom line is that even though in theory a coalition may be a more appropriate governance model for Guyana, the PNC’s insistence of paramountcy destroyed it in reality, since they refused to cater to non-PNC interests.

The PPPC, eschewing “fig leaf coalitions”, has to work to prove its national focus.

People gather around a makeshift memorial for Kobe Bryant at LA Live plaza in Los Angeles after learning about the death of the NBA legend. Across his 20-year, 1,566-game career, Bryant produced some of the most legendary moments in Lakers – and NBA – history (Frederic J. Brown/AFP)

APNU/AFC joint manifesto 2015: scorecard and final grade (Pt 2) Dear Editor,

Goal: Fair Taxes

To allow your paycheck to go further and businesses grow. You work hard and you must be able to take care of yourself and your family in a dignified way.

Analysis And comments: APNU/AFC has done the exact opposite to what it said it would do. More than 200 new taxes were introduced by APNU/AFC in their first three years. The Government applied VAT on water and electricity for the first time. VAT on these essential services impacted the cost of living for the ordinary man because he is unable to recoup the tax like most businesses. There is nothing equitable about this.

GRA boasts of increased tax collection, by some 65 per cent in 2018 compared to 2014 while the economy is tanking. According to A Grant, GTimes, Jan 19, 2020, the hallmarks of APNU/AFC coalition are taxation, squandermania, crime, corruption and anti-investment.

Increasing taxes in a struggling economy is the blueprint for a recession and job losses. However, this Government has stubbornly stuck with this policy despite rising unemployment.

Early on in the life of this Government, the MoF sought contributions from the Private Sector to carry out tax reform. What came subsequently was the cherry-picking of revenue measures to increase the number and range of taxes on citizens. I suppose that is how the APNU/AFC Government perceive Article 13.

Grade: F

A safe and secure society to enable a safe and secure society where Guyanese can move freely, conduct business without fear and be our neighbour’s keeper.

Analysis and comments: No less person than the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has admitted to the increase in crime (KN, Oct 21, 2019).

The US State Department declared that Guyana’s general crime was at a critical level (GTimes May 19, 2019).

The Leader of the Opposition blasted APNU/AFC for failing to protect citizens and curb crime rate (Inews, Oct 18, 2019). I have heard that the Government is still trying to duck and manipulate crime statistics to paint a less damming picture - just take a look at SN cartoon of Jan 25, 2020.

The ordinary man knows he is not safe in his home and lives in constant fear.

Foreign countries continue to issue warnings to travellers to avoid Guyana.

Goal: Functional MultiEthnic Society To unleash the energies of all our people regardless of race, class, colour or creed for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Analysis and comments: Dealt with under “Healing and Reconciliation” above.

The Minister of Education appears not to know the difference between Diwali and Phagwah. Even Republic Day celebrations have fallen away.

I have not seen a time when our nation was more divided and our caretaker Government seems perfectly happy.

Grade: F

Goal: Moral Rebuilding To rebuild the moral fabric of our society for the sake of future generations, recognising that a strong family unit and common value system is the foundation of our communities.

Analysis and comments: This is a lofty but vague statement. Folks who are out of jobs have more pressing priorities such as putting food on the table. Clearly, the loss of some 30,000 jobs would have been detrimental to both their moral and physical wellbeing. The increase in crime and migration would not have helped either. The behaviour of APNU/AFC politicians left a lot to be desired in 2019. Two issues stand out: President Granger violated the Constitution and the Carter formula to unilaterally appoint his own GECOM Chairman. He subsequently made up his own silly rules regarding this important bipartisan appointment. The President’s disrespectful behaviour was a blow to fair play and an all-round poor display by a Head of State.

Our country was brought to its knees when Nigel Hughes, the entire APNU/ AFC Cabinet, Charrandas Persaud excepted, and two senior Appeal Court judges comically decided that 34 is the majority of 65. Attorney General, Basil Williams then had the audacity to take this all the way to the CCJ on behalf of the Government making all Guyanese a laughing stock in the process.

The APNU/AFC coalition has undermined the Constitution, rule of law, established legal precedents and parliamentary norms.

The Chair and Executive of GECOM, who are supposed to be impartial, have found unique ways to delay our elections for more than a year and are still creating more problems than they are solving. GHRA, ERC, The Integrity Commission, religious organisations and the once many anti-corruption experts have all been silenced. Our moral fabric is, therefore, on life support.

Grade: F

Goal: Education for A Better Future To build the capacity of Guyanese to make educated choices for a better tomorrow.

Analysis and comments: This Government has not introduced any new initiative in the education sector. One would have expected significant investments in technology and oil and gas related programmes. There is none.

Up to recently, the Government was still at loggerheads with the Guyana Teachers’ Union on the matter of teachers’ salaries.

Whereas the Government awarded itself a 50 per cent salary increase mere days from taking up office, all public servants including teachers have received very little to date.

Gauging from Freddie Kissoon’s comments, we can conclude that the University of Guyana is in serious decline.

If there was any success in terms of better grades, it is attributable to the hard work of the underpaid teachers and to students and parents themselves.

Grade: F Sincerely, Ravi Ram

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

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

Corruption Perception Index (CPI) does not measure actual corruption and is extremely flawed Dear Editor, Guyana has made a quantum leap on the Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

According to the recently released report for 2019, Guyana scored 40 points in 2019, up from 37 in 2019.

Consequently, the ranking of the country has improved from 93 in 2018 to 85 in 2019.

For some Guyanese, the report from Transparency International (TI) certain-

ly offers some respite after the deluge of articles in the independent press (Stabroek News and Guyana Times) regarding irregular or questionable transactions unearthed by the Auditor General in his 2018 report.

Editor, with your kind permission, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage persons interested in the fight against corruption not to salivate too much over the CPI. They need first to recognize that the CPI

does not measure 'actual' corruption within the public sector but the 'perception' of this social ill by a small group of unknown experts.

The CPI, therefore, should not be used as a real measure of the 'actual' level of corruption in the public sector at any particular point in time or changes in the level of corruption over time.

While used by some analysts and researchers, it is a well-established fact

that the CPI is very flawed.

Indeed, academic research has shown that the CPI has many limitations. For example, some academics argue that the CPI attempts to capture corruption, a complex and elusive issue with a single score. Academics also argue that CPI only measures the perception of corruption, which can vary considerably from the actual level of corruption.

Academics criticize the CPI because it is also pos-

Will the March 2 elections be free and fair?

Dear Editor, March 2, the date set for elections, will be anything but free and fair from the simple fact that at this late hour, GECOM is still fiddling around with the voters' list. At a time when everything should have been completed and the country put in readiness for elections, GECOM is telling us that changes have to be made to some 91,000 plus names on the voters' list.

And to further aggravate the issue, they (GECOM) would like to conduct this exercise all by themselves without the scrutiny of the Opposition or any independent verifiable source. If this is not the epitome of brazen skullduggery then what is? This is the latest goings-on at GECOM. An election body that is most sympathetic to the PNC is still trying every which way with that age-old strategy of rigging, they are

planning to pull off what is said to be the "mother of all frauds" right before our very eyes. But this is a herculean task to perform seeing the Opposition, civil society, as well as the international community are right oncourse to stop that dubious scheme.

You cannot tamper with the Official List of Electors at this late hour, it just can't happen! The question on everyone's mind is why now, why is GECOM coming forward with such grave inaccuracies at this insane hour?

Now, their strategy is twofold, the first is GECOM is trying to run this election similar to that of 2015 where it would be so close where the Chair would go straight ahead and announce The coalition as the winner, just as they did in 2015.

But that is fraught with danger because (a) a great number of electors in Region

Four openly stated to the PNC that they are not going to vote, and a stay away spells instant doom where the fixing of results in the IT room for The Region Four votes.

Granger himself alluded to this fact in his campaign rally address at Golden Grove, when he said it is "the battleground for this election." He further opined that "you win Region Four and you win the election," this is a clear indication as to his expectations of GECOM. In this regard, if GECOM cannot get the foregoing done (which they cannot) then he expects them to resort to plan (b) that is, create a list so riddled with changes/errors so that the election cannot be rated as credible.

They surmise that with such confusion, they would allow the coalition some more time in office. This is their strategy; this is their

aim! But with so much exposure and so many eyes watching even this trick would not see the light of day.

The fact is GECOM knows fully well where this election is headed and to stave off that inevitability with these age-old PNC tricks would certainly see some jail time coming to the parties involved.

And may I also sound an alarm to Ms Claudette Singh, that pretty old face will not save you if you think you could preside over a rigging exercise without any consequences, well Madam Justice (retired) you are grossly mistaken.

The fact is, we shall exact no scruples, this election must be governed by the law of the land, it must be free and fair, we settle for nothing less!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

sible for the ranking of a country to improve without any significant change in its score. Guyana is a perfect example. In 2019, Guyana moved eight places with an improvement of just three points in its score. While the improved ranking would cause many to assume, we are doing well in terms of fighting corruption, it masks the fact that our score for 2019 was 40, which is way below the perfect score of 100 points that represents a corrupt-free country.

Given the many flaws of the CPI, it should be interpreted with extreme caution.

To derive a fairer picture of the fight against corruption, it is also essential to supplement the CPI with other publicly available information that speaks to accountability, transparency, and quality of governance that have important implications in the fight against corruption. An excellent source of such information is the Audit Report.

If the Audit Reports for the past four-plus years were examined we would find multiple and increasing examples of deterioration in accountability (e.g., non-submission of vouchers and inadequate accounting of gifts received), reduced transparency (utilization of the least transparent and uncompetitive methods of procurement), and an assault on internal controls and governance systems within the public sector.

Over the period 20152018, 1,754 vouchers with a total value of $1.9 billion

were not submitted for audits, gifts totaling $15.8 billion were received but an undetermined amount not accounted for properly by various agencies, 144 cases of breaches to the Procurement Act that resulted to improper award of contracts, and 379 cases where the Auditor General found inadequate or weak internal controls.

Based on these easily verifiable facts, it would be difficult to accept that our fight against corruption was successful, as suggested by the improvements in the CPI. The many examples from the Audit Reports contradict the notion that there is less corruption in the public sector.

Apart from Audit Reports, there are also reports published periodically by other international organization that speaks directly to the issue of corruption that must supplement any analysis of the CPI. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), for instance, recently published a report that labels Guyana's government service as the most corrupt the Caribbean.

In closing, I wish to restate two essential facts.

Firstly, the CPI does not measure actual corruption.

Secondly, it is flawed and should be supplemented with other data and information when attempting to determine whether our fight against corruption is successful or not.

Regards, S Pasha Senior Lecturer

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mega Lethem rally

Jagdeo flays Govt for abysmal record in Indigenous communities …as mammoth crowd turns out for Lethem rally

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) held its rally in Lethem, where a mammoth crowd of residents from the Rupununi district on Sunday turned up to listen to the Party’s plans as outlined in its manifesto.

Among the Party speakers were General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo. He told the gathering of thousands that the PPP is “no fair-weather friend” but rather, a Party that would fight for their rights and support them, no matter what. He noted that the Party’s track record of investing in Indigenous communities differed sharply from that of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

“I recall one time when we got some kids from the hinterland to go to President’s College, in Parliament (someone) said we’d lower the standards of President’s College. Guess what, three years later a child from the hinterland topped President’s College.

Simply because people were not getting opportunities over those years.

“It was a slow, tortuous path to development,” Jagdeo recalled. “And we had to do this with very little money. In 1992, when we took office, we were bankrupt, totally bankrupt. We

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo along with the Party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips among other party leaders leading the crowd on Sunday

were using 153 per cent revenue to service debt. We had very little to start with.

And over the years, we were able to spend more. The Presidential Grant started building things in the villages, helping people.”

According to Jagdeo, the Government’s mantra has been about “bullyism”. He told the crowd that the coalition’s primary motivation in coming into their villages was because there was an election approaching.

However, Jagdeo reminded the residents of Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) that the Government dropped the ball for years when it comes to titling Indigenous land, despite money being available for it from the

Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) that the PPP left behind.

“What did they do in the last four years? We left them US$10.2 million, under the LCDS Norwegian fund for land titling for the Amerindian people. Because under the PPP, it moved from six per cent of Guyana to 14 per cent. And we were continuing this. They promised this in the last elections.

“And they did not a single village until (recently), they hurriedly did two of them. They broke every single promise. In fact, a Keith Scott, one of their Ministers in Parliament, stood up and they all listened to him say Amerindians are greedy people: if they get more land, they must not benefit from

PPP/C commits to...

“We are going to invest in roads, airstrips and water supply to bring down the cost of transportation. And in doing that, we are going to bring down the cost of living, the cost of food and we will be able to put back more money into your pockets,” he stated.

Ali also assured the Region Nine residents that his Administration will link their communities to the future and give them better internet access. He pointed out that the current WiFi programme being implemented by the coalition is a PPP initiative. But he said that this means nothing if the right equipment is not used to maximise services to the residents.

Another PPP project, he said the incumbent administration failed at implementing is the solar power programme.

“This Government did nothing but maintain the batteries. So not only are we going to replace the batteries to ensure that the solar power is working, but we are not going to stop until

every single family, every single village will have access to solar power. That is what your Government will bring back,” he promised.

Govt failures

Meanwhile, his running mate, PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips told the residents of Region Nine that while the coalition stole plans that the PPP left and passed it off as their own, they have failed to properly implement them.

Recognising the potential of the region, he posited that the PPP/C will re-

FROM PAGE 3

verse all the mistakes and wrongs of the incumbent Administration. But he noted that the only way this can be done is if the thousands of them that gathered there for the rally, show up at the polls on March 2 and cast their votes next to the cup – PPP/C’s party symbol.

“This is not a war with weapons, this is a war that we going to win by putting our ‘x’ next to the cup. The 2nd [of] March, just like we marched down the road, we going to march to the polling stations in every village, in every town and put your ‘x’ next to the cup. That is victory,” he declared.

oil and gas money.”

It was only in September

ty by the Opposition, that Government announced that eight communities will be receiving either their title certificates or extensions.

Again after heavy criticism by the Opposition, Cabinet recently approved the absolute grants under the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Project, which is funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) to the tune of US$10.7 million.

In May 2018, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock had told the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources at the National Assembly that some $500 million has been spent on

2006 states that a village may apply in writing to the Minister (of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs), in order to receive a grant of State lands as an extension to its village lands.

Further, Indigenous communities can apply in writing to the subject Minister provided that they have been in existence for over 25 years at the time of application and for the immediately preceding five years, they comprised at least 150 persons.

However, the Act does not require a Village Improvement Plan for the processing or granting of land extensions to any

A section of the gathering at the Lethem, Region Nine rally

2019, days after it was heavily criticised over its handling of land titles and extensions within Guyana’s Indigenous communi-

the Project. The ALT Project was extended by the coalition Government from 2016 to 2018 and then again from 2019 to 2021.

The Amerindian Act of

Indigenous village or community. This is in contradiction of the excuse proffered by the Government for the slow progress in land titling over the years.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Signalling…

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…violence ne of the positives of the “cell phone” age is the capturing and posting on the Internet of random events that might’ve otherwise passed under our radars. Saw that one with the teacher and parents kickboxing? Haven’t the videos of the knifing of one schoolgirl by another, using a “Rambo” knife, shaken you to your core?? If it didn’t, you need to check your psychopathic score!! Empathy sure ain’t your strong point!!

Another set of videos – seemingly unrelated to the above – were the ones on citizens chasing PPP campaigners out of their streets. What struck your Eyewitness were two features: the intensity of the anger displayed by the generally lumpen-looking elements and the number of children running along gleefully hurling epithets and generally imitating their seniors. And that’s the point, ain’t it?

In the past, we might’ve read in books about children inculcating their behaviour from the adults around them.

But today, it’s there in living colour on our cell phones!! In every case of the now daily reports of men hacking their wives/girlfriends to death and then committing suicide, there are kids who would’ve witnessed the violence preceding – and including – the final blow. And we teach our kids that violence is the way to “solve” their problems.

In the political realm, didn’t the bandits holed up in Buxton, Agricola and elsewhere use kids as their lookouts?

Did anybody ever wonder why those villages have now become synonymous with violence and crime?? Does anyone remember that Jan Carew (who?) came from Agricola or that Buxton produced more scholars than you could throw a stick at? Who cares?!

Point is, we need to start somewhere to address the challenge of our most violent society: if we’re not killing and hacking away at each other, we’re killing ourselves with abandon. Topping the world and all that!! Your Eyewitness believes that we can do no better than insisting that our political leaders – who set behavioural patterns in so many ways – declare in this election period that they’re committed to using the strategy of non-violence to settle whatever political differences they may have. During or after the campaign.

And look at the fortuitous heritage of non-violence they’re presented with!! The technique was pioneered in the political realm by Gandhi in India and by Martin Luther King in the USA. Both these men loom large in the collective psyches of the two major groups in Guyana – Indian and African Guyanese.

Your Eyewitness suggests that rather than blowing more hot air about “power sharing”, why don’t some of our big ones draft a “non-violence accord” and have everyone sign onto it??

After all, isn’t power sharing just a way station to peace? …Pompeo and the US We just learnt that PM Holness of Jamaica said that all any Caricom leader had to do to attend the conclave with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was to “signal” they wanted in!! Imagine that!!So what’s all this sturm and drang

by Mottley and Rowley about the US “dividing” Caricom??

But your Eyewitness is more concerned why Granger didn’t so “signal” the US??

We know he was in Cuba cosying up with Raul Castro – but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he was a captive audience, because of his medical check-up there.

But he could’ve sent Carl Greenidge, couldn’t he?? So, what’s his point? He’s against the US lobbying their choice for OAS Gen Secretary?? So why not tell Pompeo to his face?

Wasn’t he implicitly doing this in any case when he committed to spending US$1 million to have Guyana chair “G77 and China”, whose pastime is cussing out Uncle Sam??

After Jamaica passed!!

Like his hero Burnham, will next host the Non-Aligned Movement? …he means business Hope the GAWU bosses are looking as to how Lincoln Lewis is dealing with his membership’s tussle with RUSAL. They’ve blocked the Berbice River, preventing any bauxite from being shipped out.

He didn’t just write letters to the press!!

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP/C to streamline gas sector immediately once victorious – Jagdeo

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that once the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic is victorious at the upcoming elections, then it will immediately streamline a gas sector upon getting into office.

At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo outlined some of the plans a PPP regime will put in place.

“We made it clear that from the first week, we have to start talking about where the pipeline would go, and not led by Exxon but led by the Government of Guyana.

What are the subsidiary industries around the 200 megawatts power plant we build using gas, what are the subsidiaries? Is there adequate gas to come and build other type of industries – the downstream industries,” he noted.

According to Jagdeo, these are conversations that a Government must have.

To date, United States oil giant, ExxonMobil has

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

made 15 discoveries in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana and while the company estimated that there are about six billion barrels of oil, no information has been shared about the gas content of those finds.

According to the Opposition Leader, the incumbent coalition is uninformed about the sector.

To this end, Jagdeo

posited that a PPP Administration will ensure that it knows all that it needs to about the gas content discovered offshore Guyana.

“How much gas do we have from all of the discoveries? It is big enough to have a gas sector developed not just oil and what would be [the] cost of moving it et cetera,” the Opposition

Leader stated.

The Guyana Government has indicated plans to pipe the natural gas to shore for domestic use particularly as it relates to the power generated, which would potentially reduce the current high cost of electricity.

A 2019 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report had detailed that “High energy costs remain a constraint to growth [in Guyana]. Plans to use Guyana’s natural gas resources for power generation will help to improve the cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency and sustainability of the current energy matrix while providing cleaner energy solutions.

The expansion of the generation and transmission capacity of GPL would help to meet immediate energy needs while renewable energy initiatives such as solar, wind and bioenergy are being pursued.”

At a press conference in November last year, Director of the Energy

Department, Dr Mark Bynoe had disclosed that preparations are underway to have piped natural gas onshore by 2023 but the gas will not be in significant quantities for more than a decade, or 2035.

In fact, during an interview on a local radio programme earlier this month, a Government Minister had said that from the Liza1 Field discovery back in 2015 – Exxon’s first oil find, there is about one trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

But he explained that not all of this is available

for use since a significant portion is needed to re-inject into wells to maintain pressure in the reservoir for the oil to come up the pipelines. Additionally, the FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel, including its equipment, runs on natural gas.

While Guyana is still to determine the total quantity of natural gas offshore, reports have revealed that Suriname has already determined the gas content from its find earlier this month.

Farmer arrested for illegal shotgun, cartridges on boat

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39-year-old farmer who was in the process of being summoned to attend court will now have additional charges to answer to after he was found with an unlicensed firearm and matching cartridges in his boat.

Based on reports received, a party of Police were on duty in the Martin Dale area of the Lower Pomeroon River when they observed the farmer in his

small, green vessel proceeding in the opposite direction.

The policemen approached the suspect with the intention of serving the court summon when the ranks noticed a 12-gauge shotgun in the farmer’s boat.

The weapon was confiscated and a search was conducted on the boat when the shotgun cartridges were also unearthed.

Some of the cartridges found inside of the paint container on the farmer’s boat.

The suspect was questioned as to whether he is a licensed firearm holder and he answered in the negative.

As such, he was told of the offence, arrested, and taken to the Charity Police Station where the weapon and matching cartridges were marked, sealed and lodged.

The farmer is currently in Police custody as investigations continue.

Just two days ago, a 23-year-old taxi driver was arrested in Georgetown after he threw an unlicensed firearm with two live rounds of ammunition through his car window.

The man had been trying to evade the police patrol vehicle that had been following him and in the vicinity of John and Norton Streets, Georgetown, he tried to dispose of the illegal .32 pistol.

However, the weapon was recovered and he was caught by the police shortly after trying to flee the cops. A 28-year-old passenger that had been inside of the vehicle during the police chase was also arrested and both men are currently in Police custody pending investigations.

On Wednesday, another man landed himself in the lock-ups for having an unlicensed gun after Police conducted a search on his

‘Bluebird’ motor car (PTT 7817) parked near a shop.

The officers proceeded towards the car while the male suspect left the shop claiming ownership of the vehicle. He was notified that the officers wanted to conduct a search on his car and he reportedly cooper-

ated.

However, during the search, ranks discovered the illegal weapon and he told them that he was not a licensed firearm holder.

He was arrested and the gun was immediately sent to the ballistics section for testing.

Woman allegedly violated while sleeping

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The 12-gauge shotgun that Police discovered on the vessel

vehicle and discovered the .38 special revolver without ammunition and an “unrecognisable” serial number.

Policemen, acting on information, turned up at Leopold and Breda Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, where they noticed a sky-blue coloured

26-year-old woman is now traumatised after she was sexually violated by a man while she was asleep in her apartment on Saturday morning at Aranjoy Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Reports are that the victim of Charity, Essequibo, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is employed as a shop attendant. The 36-year-old suspect is said to be from the Goed Hope Village, Essequibo.

Based on reports received, on the day in question, the woman had been asleep in her apartment when she was abruptly awakened by the perpetrator who was leaning over her.

The man allegedly used one of his hands to rub the woman’s breast while in-

serting his finger in her private parts.

Horrified at the act, the woman immediately called for help, but the suspect managed to flee her apartment.

Shortly after, the shopkeeper saw the suspect and confronted him about the incident and he began behaving in a disorderly manner.

The suspect then threatened to kill the woman. As a result of the rape coupled with the threats to kill her, the victim promptly left the location and travelled to the nearest police station located at the Aranka village, where she reported the incident.

Police ranks responded quickly and went in search of the man. He was subsequently arrested and was being grilled by detectives.

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Mother testifies in daughter’s murder PI Vendor slapped with attempted murder charge T MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he mother of Shawnette Savory, who was allegedly murdered by her lover, gave her testimony when the Preliminary Inquiry continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

The matter was called before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore and Dhanrajie Murray related the last time she spoke with her daughter. She explained that on the day her daughter disappeared, she informed her that she was going out. Since then, she attempted to contact her to no avail.

The matter was then adjourned until February 28, 2020, when the Magistrate is expected to make a ruling in the matter.

Thirty-four-year-old Devindra Ramdiah also known as “Duckman” was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which al-

Shawnette Savory

leged that on August 30, 2016, at Soesdyke, East

Bank Demerara, he murdered Shawnette Savory.

According to information, the missing woman was last seen in the company of the accused.

It was reported that he admitted to killing the woman and burying her body somewhere in Soesdyke.

However, he took Police to the location and Police were unable to locate the body.

Shawnette Savory disappeared on August 28, 2016, after leaving her apartment at 222 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, to pay her electricity bill.

The police had issued wanted bulletins for Ritesha Rahaman and her husband, Patrick. This was shortly after the disappearance of Savory, who is said to be the best friend of Rahaman.

Following this, investigators went to the couple’s home at Belle West and dug up the concrete floor of the one-bedroom shack after they were informed that Savory might have been buried there, however, nothing was found.

Shawnette Savory was last seen alive by her relatives on August 28, 2016.

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cting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus on Friday remanded a vendor on an attempted murder charge.

Donald Modeste called “Old Clothes” of Arau, Mountain Top, Essequibo, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on January 19, 2020, at Arau, Mountain Top, with intent to commit murder, he wounded Ryan Burrowes.

According to information, on the day in question, the men were imbibing alcohol at a bar.

It was reported that Modeste accused Burrowes of not paying for two bottles of high wine which resulted

with an argument. It was at that time that Modeste allegedly picked up a broken bottle and dealt the victim several stabs about his body.

The injured man was picked up and rushed to the hospital where he remains a patient.

The matter was then reported and following an investigation, the suspect was arrested and changed for the offence.

The prosecutor objected to bail being granted to Modeste on the grounds that the victim is still hospitalised and has to undergo surgery. Modeste is scheduled to make his next court appearance today, Monday, January 27, 2020.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

More “first-class hotels” for Guyana under PPP/C Govt – Ali

– international hospitality institute to be established with free services – thousands of scholarships to be available in all sectors – care facilities to be built for pensioners, elderly folk

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he APNU/AFC coalition Government, prior to taking office in 2015, had criticised the PPP/C Administration for investing in the Guyana Marriott Hotel, citing that the building was a “white elephant” and a waste of taxpayers’ monies, but now that tune has changed and the hotel is deemed as “too profitable” to be sold.

According to Presidential Candidate of the PPP/C, Dr Irfaan Ali, his party had known that such an investment would not only reap financial gains for the country but also provide jobs for many while aiding in Guyana’s tourism industry.

As such, the PPP/C has committed to invest heavily and provide incentives to have at least four more “new first-class hotels” in Guyana once the party returns to power after the March 2, 2020 elections.

Free training and certification

While addressing hundreds of his party’s supporters at the Industry Market Square, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Friday night, he stated that many of these facilities will be placed along the ECD corridor to ensure that jobs are created which residents there can directly benefit from.

“And to support the industry we recognise that we have to have training. We recognise that we have to have the right set of skill set so that you will be equipped to benefit from that opportunity. Therefore, we are going to build a first-class international hospitality institute to train the young people and to train our people to get the jobs.”

Ali stated that for persons desirous of working at these hotels, they would need to be fully equipped with the relevant skills to provide quality services at a first-class international hotel. As such, the PPP/C will ensure that individuals are provided with such opportunities without having to incur costs which they would have to pay from their own pockets.

“We are going to make the training and certification from this centre free of cost.

The (PPP/C) Government will make this investment on behalf of you to create that opportunity because for us we understand the world is changing and education is a business but we want to create educational facilities that are linked to economic empowerment. Educational facilities that are linked to job creation, educational facilities that are linked to the improvement of life.”

Educational investments to boost communities’ economies

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate pointed out that when the Texila University had signalled its intention of offering programmes in the country at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) area, former President Donald Ramotar had stated that the move would have created economic wealth in that community and neighbouring villages.

“Today, that university is the cause of hundreds of persons in Eccles repaying their loans because the students are renting apartments there to attend that university…we are going to link this to the economy and creation of jobs because the output of the educational sector must be the input of the economic sector. These are a few key investments that we must make if we are to improve life in our country.”

While touching on the topic of education in Guyana, Ali reiterated that while the PPP/C has already announced that it will ensure that education at the University of Guyana (UG) is free of charge, his party is embarking on developing a strategy that would target persons who have loans to repay at that tertiary institution.

“These are the things that matter to people. These are the things [that] matter to mothers and fathers.

We have committed to thousands of scholarships and our commitment is to have 20,000 scholarships in every field, expertise in our country.”

Care facilities for the elderly

According to the PPP/C Presidential Candidate, his party plans to put the benefits of the elderly and pensioners high on its agenda when it once again is in the seat of the Government.

He explained that major investments are to be made in the introduction and construction of “care facilities” which will provide the aged populace with the necessary care that they may require in safe and secure environments.

“Not daycare facilities, because the care facilities go beyond the children, we have to invest in care facilities so that on one hand, the children can have some facility to support their young parents who are profession-

als and at the same time, we have to build facilities that give our pensioners access to recreation. Facilities that give them a place where they can socialise, that give them a place where they can congregate, where they can

talk, where they can reflect and enjoy their old age in dignity and comfort.”

Ali reiterated his party’s commitment to increasing the pension payments which pensioners currently receive to $40,000 monthly and the reversal of additional expenses which they are subjected to pay on utility bills as a result of the APNU/ AFC coalition’s actions.

“What we want to do is to allow our pensioners to retire in dignity…these are the things that will improve standard of living and these are the things that will improve the way in which we live in our country… Not only are we going to return the $10,000 grant to chil-

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali

dren but we are going to make it $50,000 per child within the next five years so that every single child will benefit from this regardless of whether you are APNU, AFC, PPP, every child will benefit from $50,000 because we care,” he added.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EITI urges that mineral agreements be published soon

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Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

he Extractive I n d u s t r i e s Transparency Initiative (EITI) has flagged the Natural Resources Ministry for not making public the recent mineral contracts that were initiated.

In its 2017 report, EITI suggested that Guyana must comply with requirement 2.4 (a) of its 2019 Standard, which states that implementing countries are required to disclose any contracts and licenses that provide the terms attached to the exploitation of oil, gas, and minerals.

However, National Coordinator of EITI Guyana, Dr Rudy Jadoopat stated that these agreements are yet to be published for public scrutiny.

“The Minerals agreements have not yet been published. The Government

made an announcement that it is going to publish the mineral agreements and they are going to make [it] publicly available,” he outlined.

Dr Jadoopat made it clear that the Secretariat will be working with the Natural Resources Ministry to ensure that these contracts are made public as it is a requirement by the EITI Standard.

“That has not been done so far as of now [publishing of the minerals agreements], so we are looking forward for more work to be done to allow the mineral agreements to be made public.” When asked about when these agreements are likely to be published, the National Coordinate had this to say.

“I would not be able to say when, but the Government promise, but the Natural

National Coordinator of Guyana’s EITI, Dr Rudy Jadoopat

Resources Minister is on record for announcing that the minerals agreements will be published. We will be asking the same question you are asking when this will be

done and we are looking forward for it to be done as soon as possible.”

In April last year, the Natural Resources Ministry had moved to engage a num-

ber of companies for the release of mining and forestry contracts but this is yet to materialise due to concerns being raised by stakeholders.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman stated that the companies were written to, but the majority of them objected to the publication of such documents. According to him, they are against their competitors viewing sections of the contracts that provide valuable information. On the other hand, others have asked for an extended period to grant permission.

“We have written the other concessionaries for mining and for forestry. Some of them have expressed their objections to the publica-

tions. Some of them have said that they need further clarifications from their head offices. While they may not have given precise reasons on why they might have objected or asked for further time, a lot of it has to do with ‘if I have this, I don’t want my competitors to know’. That is what is proprietary,” he said.

As part of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), all contracts from the oil and mineral resources must be publicised to ensure transparency.

But Trotman stated that while Guyana has gained membership, they are now working to establish a framework to adopt and implement the requirements.

Mother of 4 underwent successful surgery for brain aneurysms

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orty-three-yearold Parbattie “Ravina” Austin, a mother of four, who was diagnosed with brain aneurysms in 2019, is now walking, talking and moving around on her own.

Just a few days after the surgery, the woman seemed to be in full spirits and very satisfied with her results.

Before the surgery, Austin could not have participated in any physical activity, had to be free of stress, noise, excessively bright

lights, and high scented odours.

The procedure was done on Thursday at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by Guyana’s lone neurosurgeon, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi.

“My surgery is finished and I thank God for my success, my confidence in Dr Dukhi which I never give up on and my faith in God took me through”, the patient stated.

Guyana’s neurosurgeon, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi

The woman, before being discharged on Saturday, said that she feels like herself again and she is experiencing no pain or side effects thus far.

“I feel like me, I am ready to go home and play with my puppies and see my kids and be me, I know it will take some time for it to be the real me,” she said.

the first rupture, also a high percentage of them also have neurological deficits after the first rupture”, he said.

Meanwhile, he further added that with the struggle Austin and her family would have faced acquiring finances for the surgery, the Ministry of Public Health would have stepped in to support. He pointed out that treating brain aneurysms is a new initiative to Guyana’s health system.

“No other Guyanese should die from a brain aneurysm that was captured and diagnosed early; we have means and ways of treating them and so the fatality rate should go down,” Dr Dukhi said.

Based on his explanation, Austin will be required to make some lifestyle changes, but her risk of further bleeding is minimal and she should be able to live a nor-

Parbattie “Ravina” Austin before being discharged from the CHI

Dr Dukhi, however, explained that MRA scans done on Austin showed one aneurysm, but during the surgery, they discovered another one. The doctor said that the endovascular coiling was used to successfully treat both of the aneurysms.

“A ruptured aneurysm carries a high fatality; a high percentage of patients die in

mal life. He said that she was further advised not to overwork herself.

“I am very keen on seeing Ms Parbattie go back to what she used to do”, he said Nevertheless, when asked how much the procedure cost, Dr Dukhi said he could not remember the amount offhand, but it is costly.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoPH to commence coronavirus detection training

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he Public Health Ministry is putting measures in place to prevent any outbreak of the coronavirus in Guyana. This is according to Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle.

The coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China, late last year and would have infected thousands to date.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Dr Gordon-Boyle said the country’s port health officials have been alerted and are sensitised as to how to detect “signs and symptoms” of the malady.

As such, a screening tool and a questionnaire will be used to gather information on the onset and natural course of illnesses of persons suspected of having the virus.

Gordon-Boyle disclosed that in the new week, training programmes targeting key staff including port health officers, immigration officers and customs officers will be conducted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

In addition, the DCMO stated that the Infection Control and Prevention Committee of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is ensuring that the medical institution is in a state of readiness to care for any infected person.

“Any person experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms should visit the GPHC or the nearest regional hospital,” Dr Gordon-Boyle urged.

Moreover, symptoms of the ailment include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat fever and a general sense of being unwell.

Patients can develop pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and in severe cases, even

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle

death.

While the incubation period for affected persons is still not known, it is advised that patients be isolated from the healthy population for some 10 to 14 days.

In the event that a person shows up with the coronavirus, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) are being asked to support with the testing of samples, Dr Gordon-Boyle said.

Globally, there have been 440 confirmed cases of patients with pneumonia blamed on the new strain of coronavirus. The authorities said that many of the patients are residents of Wuhan or visitors who recently went to the city.

Thailand and Japan have also confirmed at least one case among tourists who visited Wuhan. Early last week, the US CDC announced the first case in the USA. The outbreak of the virus has been linked to Wuhan South China Seafood City, also called the South China Seafood Wholesales Market and the Hua Nan Seafood Market. Chickens, bats, cats, marmots, and other wild animals are also available for sale in that market, suggesting a possible zoonotic origin

About the Coronavirus [Source: Aljazeera]

to the outbreak.

So far, the WHO has been counselling hospitals around the world on infection, prevention and control. However, the global body has “advised against travel or trade restrictions at this time based on available information,” a statement said.

Other international public health institutions such as the US CDC, China CDC, and European CDC are working on the design and eventual distribution of diagnostic kits to other countries. “In any case, it is expected that a consensus test will potentially be available at least some weeks from now,” the release said.

CARPHA in a prepared statement said it “does not recommend at this time to conduct entrance screening (temperature screening) at ports of entry. Passengers would already have been screened when exiting the Wuhan area and upon arrival in the US,” the regional body said in a release.

“Member States are recommended to capture information on travel history using the Passenger Arrival Card or surveys, for all new arrivals. Arrivals that have recently travelled to China, especially to the Wuhan area, should be questioned for symptoms and advised to be vigilant for onset of those symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention at a public health facility. Passengers should be advised to seek medical care as soon as symptoms arise,” CARPHA counselled.

Only last week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo urged authorities to put systems in place to ensure the population is protected.

“This virus has the potential of reaching epidemic proportions and we should be ready as a country to ad-

dress this situation,” Jagdeo lamented.

“We have to be ready for any possibility of an outbreak here in Guyana,” he reaffirmed.

With cases of the virus confirmed in the Americas and a suspected case in neigh-

bouring Brazil, Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence has not yet addressed the nation on the issue.

The coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, last year and at least 56 people have died and more than 2000 are presently receiving

treatment for the disease.

Chinese authorities have imposed lockdown measures on five cities in an unprecedented effort to contain the outbreak, which has already been reported in at least eight other countries including the United States.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana bags Guinness World Record for ‘most stickers on a car’

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he Embassy of Guyana in Kuwait has set a Guinness World Record in the category of ‘most stickers on a car.’ The Embassy on Sunday received a certificate from the Guinness World Records adjudicator, witnessed by several dignitaries from various embassies.

The celebration coincided with Guyana’s 50th anniversary since becoming a Republic, 25 years of diplomatic ties with Kuwait, and Guyana’s ninth anniversary of opening its embassy in

The car with the most stickers

Kuwait.

The event was hosted by Guyanese Ambassador, Dr Shamir Ally and wife Maryam Beebe-Ally at Kuwait Motor Town near Wafra.

“This is the first time in history an embassy has done such a thing. We are delighted to celebrate the friendship between Guyana and Kuwait and inviting Kuwait’s royal family, Ministers, Governors, diplomatic corps and friends to share this special day with us. We are honoured,” said Ally in a short speech before

receiving the award.

Guyana broke the previous record set by another country with 14,636 stickers to a new record of 41,543 stickers on a salon car. “The vehicle is a sedan with plate number 3. The car can be driven even after the stickers were pasted, as no stickers cover the operational aspects of the car such as the mirrors, windows and lights. Visitors to the embassy (in Mubarak Abdullah Jaber in west Mishref) can see the car as part of the ‘Show, Tell and Know’ tour, and later

it will be turned over to the Kuwait museum as Guyana’s gift to Kuwait,” he said.

On Saturday, Shaifali Mishra, an adjudicator from Guinness World Records, flew into Kuwait from Dubai to oversee the proceedings. The stickers must adhere to rules and regulations – stickers can touch side by side by are not allowed to overlap. Mishra noted she had to disqualify 721 such stickers. However, Guyana broke the previous record as the sticker count reached 41,543. (Ben Garcia)

ing dialysis outside the region would expend about $360,000 a month and that

doesn’t include transportation and accommodation etc. If it was to be summed up, it would amount to approximately $4.3 million per year. How many persons can afford that?” the Minister remarked.

She also noted that the facility adds to a series of developments that the region underwent within the last year. “This is the first of its kind for the region and is a service of inestimable value… I am thrilled to say without reserve that the MoPH has achieved an important milestone for residents in this region.”

Among the patients already benefitting from the

centre are Sewekarran Nanhu of Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice, and Wayne Watson of Number 28 Village in Region Five.

Both agreed that in addition to seeing an improvement in their health, they have been able to save much-needed funds since travel time has been vastly reduced.

Dr Budhendra Doobay in his remarks commended the Health Minister for ensuring this crucial facility was established in the region. “Since meeting Minister Lawrence, her only concern is ensuring that people get access to all the services they need,” Dr Doobay noted.

Dialysis Centre commissioned in Berbice

T

he Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Dialysis Centre was officially commissioned on Saturday at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.

The centre is equipped with eight dialysis machines and trained staff. It has been in operation since the beginning of the year and to date, 38 patients have accessed its services free of cost.

The Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, explained that the establishment of the dialysis centre was the result of an agreement the Ministry reached with the Doobay Medical Centre to provide

Dialysis Centre

free dialysis services in Berbice.

She noted the financial

impact this will have on patients in the region.

“One patient access-

GWR to host oil conference for women in June

T

he Guyanese W o m e n ' s Roundtable (GWR) in collaboration with the Level Up Movement, WeLead Caribbean (MWC)

and Georgetown American University (GAU) will host its Women in Oil and Gas Guyana (WIOGG) conference on June 20 to 22 at the Marriott Hotel,

Georgetown, Guyana.

The three-day event themed “First oil, first step focusing on women”, is expected to give women an extensive view on the

CAL offers airfare discounts for Mash 2020

G

uyana’s most celebrated events, Caribbean Airlines has committed to give a five per cent discount off all airfare for persons travelling to Guyana to celebrate Mashramani 2020.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Tucker told the media that Caribbean Airlines, a major sponsor of the historic event, will be offering a discount to visitors during the celebrations.

“In celebration and recognition of this historic event, Caribbean Airlines is offering a 5 per cent discount on their North American and Caribbean Airlines destination for persons coming home to celebrate with us during the period January 22-February 18,” Tucker stated.

However, Mashramani 2020 is expected to be bigger and better this year, since Guyana will be celebrating its 50th Republic Anniversary.

In preparation for the day, 50 events that include

Representative of Caribbean and Georgetown American University, Melissa Varswyk

One of Caribbean Airlines’ planes

Permanent Secretary of the Social Cohesion Ministry, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Tucker

music and art competitions, concerts, sporting events, and festivals will be held in January and February Themed “Reflect, Celebrate Transform,” the celebrations will include the traditional Chutney, Calypso and Soca singing competitions, Panorama along with new events during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

All ten of Guyana’s administrative regions are expected to participate, and according to officials, the events will not be a platform used for political campaigns leading up to the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Guyanese new energy sector.

The programme will entail discussions of successful women to energy sector partnerships, and a meet and greet segment with Industry representatives and companies involved in the industry.

In sequence, there will be keynote addresses, panel sessions, interactive group discussions and a plentitude of networking opportunities. The attendees will participate in knowledge sharing and collaboration while building relationships and enhancing professional network.

The intent of the conference is to help women learn from successful women leaders in the oil and gas sector as they share their industry knowledge, strategies

Marissa Lowden

Dr Dawn Stewart

and experiences on how to navigate the space in this new industry in Guyana, advocate for local content mainly for the role of women in the sector, accelerate positive organisational change, business creation, and personal growth.

The Women in Oil and Gas conference is Guyana’s premier and anticipated energy sector event for women. It is a platform where energy professionals and industry shapers help women and girls to become knowledgeable in order to enter and/or advance their careers in a traditionally male industry by providing information into key energy trends and skills for personal and professional development.

Persons who can attend are Government representatives, national and international operating companies, consult-

ing companies, Guyanese multinational service providers, persons especially women who are aspiring or involved in power companies, oil and gas sector, traders and distribution companies, renewable energy consultancies, contractors and OEM, regulatory and research experts, Government organisations and municipalities, analytics, services providers and consultants, university students, women and girls who have an interest in the oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, the WIOGG group said “an invitation is extended to both the private and public sector to come on board to partner with us to support the economic growth and development of women in Guyana. For more information please mail us at info@womeninoilandgasguyana.com”.

NEWS

15

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Blocked canal costs rice farmers millions I

n light of rice farmers losing over 6000 acres of rice on the Corentyne, the blame was thrown on a blocked canal in the area which is preventing the water from flowing freely into the rice fields.

Heavy vegetation in the Manarbisi Main Canal is significantly impeding the flow of water to rice fields on the Corentyne.

Rice farmers who operate between Numbers 52 and 74 Villages and along villages adjacent to the Black Bush Polder have been accusing the regional administration of not supplying adequate water for their crops.

The farmers have claimed that the pump stations in Black Bush Polder and Manarbisi have not

The pump station at Manarbisi sitting idle

been operating to their full capacity and as such, irrigation water is not reaching far-flung villages.

However, Guyana Times has confirmed that both pumps at Manarbisi have been put into operation af-

The blockage of the Manarbisi main canal

ter the issue had been made public.

Guyana Rice

Singh confirmed that the canal was blocked and as such, the farmers could not

LHC performs 1st successful surgery on patient with complex disorders

GRDB Extension Officer Ramlakan Singh pointing to the vegetation in the canal

Development Board (GRDB) Extension Officer Ramlakan

The medical team that performed the successful surgery

D

octors and medical personnel attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) recently performed successful surgery for three “complex” medical conditions on a patient.

The team of medical personnel which consisted of Chinese medical officials as well as local and Cuban doctors performed a total vaginal hysterectomy for Uterine Cervical Elongation, uterine prolapse, and uterine fibroids.

These conditions, according to members of the team, are considered three of the most woeful gynaecological issues which create worry and discomfort in women.

It was noted that when all three of these conditions occur at the same time in the same patient, it is an even more tragic situation for the patient.

The symptoms include abnormal, abundant uterine bleeding; frequent urination in small amounts; sensation of a foreign object

lodged in the vagina; lower abdominal pain and severe pain during sexual intercourse. Such was the case with the 46-year-old patient with an obstetric history of several vaginal births, and past medical history of hypothyroidism (condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones).

Members of the team indicated that the patient started to present symptoms almost four years ago. These symptoms reportedly worsened over time, leading to several episodes of anaemia and urinary incontinence.

The patient was evaluated by a Cuban gynaecologist attached to the hospital, who decided that surgical management was the best solution. As such, the surgery was performed on January 7, under spinal anaesthesia and mild sedation. The team reported that a total vaginal hysterectomy was performed over a period of two hours and was satisfactory.

Presently, the patient is at home recovering with an excellent evolution and is

extremely grateful to have been treated by the medical staff who have now returned to her a better quality of life.

The surgery was performed by Dr Marlenis Esteris Plutin and Dr Yanara Salas, with assistance from Guyanese Government Medical Officer (GMO) of the same department, Dr Faith London.

The case anaesthesiologist was Marliuvys E Naranjo Chavez, with support from nurses, Anaesthetists and operating theatre staff, as well as the rest of the LHC Obstetrics/ Gynaecology team.

During the post-operative period, the patient was cared for by registered nurse Yildra Napoles and certified microbiologist Madelyn Martinez.

There was also special participation from the nursing department of the female ward of the LHC, who provided close care which allowed the patient to have an immediate post-operative period free of complications.

get access to the water that was needed.

“So, we need the relevant authorities – the NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] or the regional administration to clean this canal immediately to save the rice,” Singh said.

Persons who operate in the area related that the canal has not been cleared since early last year.

According to one source close to the regional administration, a contractor received payment for that project late last year, but nothing was done.

However, the source refused to divulge any information about the contractor out of fear of being victimised.

The canal is expected to supply water for nine miles from Numbers 52 to Number 74 Village including Number Nauth.

Sixteen thousand acres depend on the pumps for water, and already 6000 acres have been lost according to Regional Vice Chairman Dennis Deoroop who claims that more might be lost if immediate action is not taken.

Meanwhile, another pump station at Manarbisi with double the capacity needs slight altercations before use, but no attempts are being made to put it into use.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

Regional

Dozens dead in Brazil US Attorneys General challenge flooding and landslides rule increasing risk of deportation for Caribbean immigrants

A

t least 30 people have died during severe rainstorms in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, the country's emergency services have said.

Many of the victims were buried in landslides or washed away in floods after intense rain on Friday and Saturday.

More than 2500 people were evacuated from their homes, and local TV showed images of ruined houses under red mud.

Rescue work continued overnight into Sunday, with 17 people missing.

The Brazilian weather service said on Saturday that the state capital of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, had had 17cm (seven inches) of rain in one 24-hour period – the heaviest rainfall since records were first kept 110 years ago.

A Rescuers have been spraying water to disperse mud, as the search for the missing continues

There are fears that the death toll will rise further.

About 40 municipalities in Brazil's second most populous state have been badly hit.

The floods and landslides come on the first anniversary of the dam collapse near the town of Brumadinho, south-west of Belo Horizonte, that killed 270 people.

Forests were destroyed and rivers polluted, in what

was Brazil's worst industrial accident.

Mining giant Vale and German auditor Tüv Süd now face environmental charges relating to the collapse, with 16 individuals who worked for the companies facing charges of murder.

Vale has been accused of failing to report warning signs before the dam engulfed a canteen, offices and farms. (BBC News)

Fujimori’s party, which has lost its grip on a key government branch and whose diminishing popularity could spell trouble for their chances in Peru’s next presidential election in 2021.

The new balance of powers will give Vizcarra a fresh chance to push his package of anti-corruption reforms that had been staunchly opposed by the Opposition majority in Congress.

The special election was triggered last year when Vizcarra used a controversial constitutional provision to close Congress after they repeatedly failed to endorse his plans. The move was deemed legitimate by Peru’s top court earlier this month.

Vizcarra does not have party representation in Congress, but centre and left-wing parties have showed general support for his agenda.

The new Congress will be short-lived and will be replaced by a standard fiveyear legislature in 2021, when Peru will also celebrate 200 years of independence.

All but one of the parties expected to win seats received between five per cent and nine per cent of votes, according to the poll.

Centre-right Popular Action will be the largest bloc with 11.8 per cent of the votes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

coalition of 22 Attorneys General in the United States have filed an amicus brief opposing what they describe as the Trump Administration's “legally flawed attempts” to increase the risk of “erroneous deportation” of Caribbean and other immigrants.

On Friday, the Attorneys General said that the administration wanted to immediately expand the use of expedited removal of immigrants.

“Expedited removal is a fast-tracked process to deport immigrants that generally does not allow for access to legal representation, witnesses, or a meaningful opportunity to present ev-

idence and defences,” they said. “Individuals are exempt from expedited removal if they have a credible or reasonable fear of persecution or torture in their country of origin.”

In July 2019, the Trump Administration announced that it was expanding expedited removal to cover more individuals than before.

In September 2019, a US federal district court issued a preliminary injunction preventing this expansion from going into effect, which the Administration then appealed.

In the amicus brief, filed on Friday, the coalition of Attorneys General urged the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

to uphold the injunction.

“Once again, the Trump Administration is putting the lives of countless immigrants at risk simply to fulfil its xenophobic agenda,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading the Attorneys General on the issue.

“The expedited removal process denies basic and necessary legal protections to immigrants, which has resulted in wrongful deportations, unnecessary family separations, and has had chilling effects on communities throughout the country,” she added. “We will not allow this administration to continue to trample on our laws or our morals.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

Peruvians elect fractured Congress PNP vows to protect rights of to replace Opposition-led legislature Jamaicans detained under SoE

P

eruvians on Sunday elected a new Congress with some 10 parties represented and no single majority, according to an Ipsos exit poll reported by local news, refilling the empty legislature that was dissolved in September.

The initial readout indicates Popular Force, the Opposition party led by Keiko Fujimori, has lost control of the Congress and received just 7.1 per cent of the votes.

Congress was shuttered last year by President Martin Vizcarra after a long-running battle with lawmakers over an anti-corruption drive.

The result is a blow to

Bridgetown World Heritage Site designation at risk

B

ridgetown and the Historic Garrison’s Unesco World Heritage Site designation is increasingly being put at risk owing to the destruction of historical buildings and sites.

“A number of proposals that are bubbling to the surface are going to change how Bridgetown looks entirely – the height and scale of it – and a lot of the historical structures are now going to look like little Lego blocks at the bottom of huge towers and there is no real thought going into it,” said Barbados National Trust President Peter Stevens.

He accused the powers that be of not putting real thought into what was being done owing to the country’s need for finances.

In an interview with The Barbados Advocate on Saturday, he said that unless better care was taken, the island could be placed in the “embarrassing” position

O

pposition People's National Party (PNP) General Secretary Julian Robinson says he is not surprised that Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a state of public emergency in the East Kingston Police Division, because, "It seems to be the only tool that the Government draws on where there are serious levels of crime".

Speaking to reporters in Montego Bay on Sunday, where the PNP National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was in progress, Robinson said the Party would be ensuring that the rights of citizens were respected during the enhanced security measure.

"What it (SoE) does is that it allows the security forces to detain persons, and I suspect that it is the main motivating factor for this, so what we will be ensuring is that the rights of individuals are respected

Opposition PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson

and the security forces act in a way that is consistent with human rights, but I don't believe it is the only tool that can control crime," said Robinson.

Holness made the announcement at a press briefing at Jamaica House

earlier on Sunday.

States of public emergency are already in place in Clarendon, St Catherine, and the St James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St Andrew South Police Divisions.

(Jamaica Observer)

T&T manufacturers: Brace for job cuts if NGC hikes gas price The island could be placed in the “embarrassing” position of being the fourth country in the world to have its designation removed

of being the fourth country in the world to have its designation removed.

“They took one away from Germany, but little Barbados feels we can do whatever we want and keep it, but we are definitely at risk of losing it, if things continue the way they have been,” Stevens asserted.

He pointed out since the designation in 2011, several changes have already occurred to the Bridgetown landscape.

“We lost the Grotto in River Road, two of the Three Sisters on Lower Bay Street, a building on Crumpton Street, and we are about to lose the biggest listed building currently under threat – the Liquidation Centre, which is a very old warehouse. And while it looks ugly right now, it could be restored and be a huge resource for visitors and Barbadians within hotel development along that road,” he said. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

T

housands of jobs may be lost if the National Gas Company (NGC) goes ahead with its plan to significantly increase natural gas prices to manufacturers.

The State Enterprise is already demanding that the manufacturing sector pay 13 per cent more for natural gas this year, moving to as high as a 100 per cent increase by 2023.

The Sunday Guardian has learnt that at present manufacturers pay between US$2 to US$2.50 per million British Thermal Unit (mmbtu) and the NGC

wants this price to escalate over time to US$4 per mmbtu.

The NGC has been embroiled in difficult negotiations with all its customers as it tries to significantly increase prices because of its new deal with the oil and gas majors that have seen significant price increases for the aggregator.

The deal, which was brokered by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, means that the NGC has to pass on price hikes to its customers, many of whom say they cannot pay the new prices.

This has already led to

the loss of scores of high-paying jobs and tens of millions of dollars to the Treasury, the closure of an ammonia plant, and the planned shutdown of a methanol plant in a week.

Several manufacturers spoke to the Sunday Guardian on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted. They insisted that the one competitive advantage they have is being taken away from them by the NGC and they will have no choice but to pack up and leave because they will not be able to compete. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

17

Around the World

Turkey searches for last people missing from quake that killed at least 38

A

woman and her young child were pulled out alive from under a collapsed building before Turkey began winding down its rescue operation on Sunday following an earthquake that killed at least 38 people.

The magnitude 6.8 quake struck in eastern Turkey on Friday evening, killing 34 people in Elazig province and four in the neighbouring province of Malatya. More than 1600 others were hurt, Turkey’s AFAD disaster authority said.

Rescue operations had largely been concluded by late Sunday but rescuers were still searching for three people in Elazig, about

Rescue workers search the site of a collapsed building, after an earthquake in Elazig, Turkey, January 26, 2020

550 km (340 miles) east of Ankara, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said.

Those rescued included a 35-year-old woman and

her infant daughter in the Mustafa Pasa district of Elazig. Rescuers who heard their screams took several hours to reach them in

temperatures as low as -4 C (24.8°F), state media said The woman’s husband was among those killed.

In a nearby neighbourhood, rescue workers stood on mountains of debris where the quake had split an apartment building in half. They dug through using buckets, blowing whistles when they needed silence to listen for trapped people.

Rescue teams supported by thousands of emergency workers from other provinces and by hundreds of volunteers had pulled 45 people from under the rubble since the quake, Turkey’s AFAD disaster authority said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump ordered removal of envoy in Ukraine in 2018 - video

P

resident Donald Trump in 2018 ordered the removal of the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, according to a video made public on Saturday.

In the tape, Trump can be heard saying "Get rid of her!" at a dinner with a group of donors in Washington.

Yovanovitch, who was recalled from her post in May 2019, has testified in Trump's impeachment inquiry.

The footage from April 2018 was provided by an at-

torney of Lev Parnas, a US businessman who was at the dinner.

Trump has maintained that he does not know Parnas, who worked for the President's personal lawyer Rudolph Giuliani.

The businessman, who is a Republican party donor, said he went to Ukraine to pressure officials on behalf of the President and Giuliani.

President Trump has so far made no public comment on the emergence of the video recording.

On Saturday, his lawyers began defending him at his impeachment trial in the Senate, accusing Democrats of seeking to overturn the result of the 2016 election.

The Republican President faces two charges: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Trump is alleged to have withheld military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Trump's political rival, Democrat Joe Biden,

and his son Hunter.

President Trump has repeatedly branded the impeachment proceedings a "witch hunt".

The 33-year veteran of the foreign service was recalled as the American ambassador to Kyiv in May 2019 for reasons that remain murky.

She testified that her anti-corruption efforts had incurred the ire of influential Ukrainians who sought to remove her. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Haftar makes push in western Libya

E

astern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar sought on Sunday to open a new front by moving forces towards the city of Misrata, which is allied to the country’s internationally recognised Government, officials and residents said.

In another sign that a shaky truce was faltering, Tripoli’s Mitiga further to the west airport was hit by two rockets, which wounded two civilians and damaged the tarmac and buildings, the UN mission to Libya said.

It did not blame anyone for the strike, the second within days.

The increase in fighting comes a week after the UAE,

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is welcomed by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, Algeria, January 26, 2020

Egypt, Russia, which back Haftar, and Turkey, which backs the Government in Tripoli, agreed with western powers at a summit in Berlin to push for a lasting ceasefire and uphold an

arms embargo.

Despite the peace efforts, the LNA has now moved from the central city of Sirte towards Misrata.

Fighting between the LNA and forces from Misrata

was centred on the town of Abugrain, 120 km east of Misrata itself, both sides confirmed.

Two LNA fighters were killed and eight wounded, an LNA source said, adding that his forces later retreated taking some prisoners.

Erdogan said the Libyan General, who abandoned talks on a ceasefire in Moscow this month and blockaded oilfields during the Berlin summit, cannot be trusted.

Libya has had no stable central authority since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It has had two rival Governments, in the east and the west, for more than five years.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mali: Militants on motorbikes kill 20 troops, officials say

T

wenty members of the security forces have been killed in Mali by suspected Islamist militants, officials said.

The attack came early on Sunday at the Sokolo military camp in the central Segou region.

An official speaking to AFP news agency said the gunmen arrived on motorbikes and that all those killed were gendarmes or paramilitary police.

Militants linked to the Islamic State group or al-Qaeda often carry out attacks in Mali and the wider region.

Late last year, 24 soldiers were killed by militants in eastern Mali. Only weeks earlier, 54 troops had died in another attack.

In the latest incident, the army said militants damaged and stole military equipment. Five soldiers were injured, and a total of

60 survived the attack.

Funerals for those killed took place on Sunday afternoon.

Mali has been blighted by violence since 2012 when Islamist militants took over a Tuareg separatist rebellion in the north and seized several cities.

Malian forces managed to regain control of territory taken by militants with military help from France, which has 4500 troops de-

ployed in the region. The UN has 13,000 peacekeeping troops in Mali.

But thousands of lives have been lost as Mali struggles to contain the violence, which has spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Combating militants in the Sahel region is seen as important for maintaining security further afield, including Europe. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Hong Kong bans entry of visitors from China virus province

Anti-Government protesters set up a barrier to block the road outside of a newly-built residential building in Hong Kong that authorities planned to use as a quarantine facility, as public fears about the coronavirus outbreak intensify, in Hong Kong, China, January 26, 2020

R

esidents of China’s Hubei province, where the new coronavirus outbreak was first reported, will be banned from entering Hong Kong from today as China tries to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak.

China’s Cabinet also announced it will extend the week-long Lunar New Year holiday by three days to Feb 2 and schools will return from their break later than usual, state broadcaster CCTV said.

A handful of cases of infection have been reported in other countries, including Thailand, Australia, the United States, France and Canada. No fatalities have been recorded outside China.

The mayor of Wuhan, which is the capital of Hubei province and at the epicentre of the outbreak, said he expected another 1000 new patients in the city, which was stepping up construc-

tion of special hospitals.

China’s National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said the incubation period for the virus can range from one to 14 days, during which infection can occur.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which has six confirmed cases, will also ban entry from Monday to people who have visited Hubei province in the past 14 days, the city’s Government said. The rule does not apply to Hong Kong residents.

China confirmed 2051 cases of infection as of 7 pm (1100 GMT) on Jan 26, while the death toll from the virus remained at 56, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Health officials in Orange County, California, said a third case had been registered in the United States in a traveller from Wuhan, who was in isolation and in good condition.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump to meet with Netanyahu and Gantz as he readies Mideast peace plan

U

S President Donald Trump will hold back-to-back meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz today as he prepares to release his long-delayed Middle East peace plan.

Trump will meet first with Netanyahu, Israel’s veteran right-wing leader, and then with the latter’s election rival Gantz, who just last week dropped his objection to having the peace plan published before Israel’s March vote, a schedule released by the White House showed.

He will meet with Netanyahu again on Tuesday, and the two of them are scheduled to deliver joint remarks.

Trump said last week he would release details of his peace initiative before meeting with Netanyahu and Gantz, but the White House has yet to say exactly when it will be released.

Gantz, a former general who heads Israel’s centrist Blue and White Party,

welcomed Trump’s effort on Saturday.

The political aspects of the plan to end the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians have been closely held, although the economic components have already been unveiled.

While Trump was set to brief Netanyahu and Gantz, Palestinian leaders said they had had no communication with the US Administration.

They have warned that no deal can work without them on board.

Trump has made a number of decisions Israel has welcomed that have angered Palestinians. He recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and slashed humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.

The proposal, dozens of pages long, addresses in detail the thorny political issues between Israel and the Palestinians, such as the status of Jerusalem, Trump Administration officials said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Expect to gain recognition and satisfaction if you volunteer your time and skills. Form a partnership with someone who can contribute to your goal. Your persuasiveness will pay off.

Refrain from sharing personal information. A change will surprise you. Be willing to work with what you have, and carry on until you reach your goal. Use your experience to make the best choice.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Venture out into the world, gather information and learn something new. Someone you encounter will become a valuable ally. Events you attend will improve your relationship with someone special. Romance is on the rise.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Focus on home, family and the people who have always been there for you. You can make money if you invest in something that helps you expand your knowledge and skills.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Expect to have a change of heart. An attraction you feel for someone will confuse you. Someone from your past will come to mind or pop back into your life. Avoid impulsive action.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Procrastination will make you appear weak. Your intuition will not mislead you.

Follow your heart and act accordingly. Choose a charity and volunteer to help it.

Chipping in will ease your stress.

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

A financial gain is likely if you get involved in a joint venture with someone close to you. Make changes at home that will boost convenience and contentment.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

An unusual hobby will grab your attention. If you take part in it, you are likely to enjoy the experience and meet someone who will be engaging and enlightening.

Stick around the house SAGITTARIUS and make subtle changes (Nov. 23that will help you start cerDec. 21) tain projects. A personal issue should be kept secret for the time being.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY’S

SOLUTION FOR SATURDAY’S PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Travel in search of information. Money can be made, deals can be put in place and partnerships can be formed.

If you ask for favors, you will get the help you need.

Think before you make a change for the wrong reasons. Don’t let boredom spur you to do something foolish.

Taking on a physical challenge will help you put your life in perspective.

Your intuition is on target. Sensitivity to what’s going on around you will help you recognize when someone is playing games with you.

Channel your energy into something creative.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

19

NBA round-up: Lakers fall to 76ers, LeBron passes Kobe B

en Simmons had 28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and four steals to lift the host Philadelphia 76ers past the Los Angeles Lakers 108-91 on Saturday, in a game that saw LeBron James pass Kobe Bryant for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Simmons shot 12 of 15 in playing 41 minutes.

Tobias Harris scored 29 points and Al Horford had 16 for the Sixers, who improved to 21-2 at home. Matisse Thybulle also contributed five steals.

The Sixers played without Joel Embiid (finger) for the 16th time this season and were also missing Josh Richardson with a strained hamstring.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points, while LeBron James had 29 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. James entered the game with 33,626 points while Bryant sat at 33,643.

Chicago Bulls 118 – Cleveland Cavaliers 106 Zach LaVine scored 27 of his 44 points in the first half and Chicago benefited from a dominant third quarter to beat host Cleveland for the second time in as many Saturdays.

LaVine made five of his team’s 12 3-pointers and added 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Bulls, narrowly missing out on his first career triple-double. He recorded 21 of his 42 points in fourth quarter last Saturday as Chicago overcame a late 15-point deficit in a 118-116 victory over Cleveland last weekend.

Cleveland scored the first seven points of the third before Chicago seized control of the

in 16 points for Brooklyn.

Derrick Rose led Detroit with 27 points and six assists. Pistons center Andre Drummond, who missed the previous two games after taking an elbow to the mouth at Washington on Monday, supplied 20 points and 21 rebounds.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reacts after dunking the ball during the fourth quarter as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on in the background at Wells Fargo Center (USA TODAY Sports)

Utah Jazz 112 – Dallas Mavericks 107 Rudy Gobert scored 22 points, collected 17 rebounds and blocked five shots to rally Utah over Dallas in Salt Lake City.

Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 25 points for Utah, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 23 points. Utah won its fourth straight game and is 19-2 over its last 21 games.

Luka Doncic scored 25 points to lead Dallas.

Seth Curry added 19 points and Kristaps Porzingis added 15 for the Mavericks, who are 1-2 in their last three after winning four straight.

game by igniting a scintillating 40-12 run to take a 99-76 lead at the end of the quarter. LaVine drained a 3-pointer to both begin and end the Bulls’ 11-0 run to cap the sequence.

Brooklyn Nets 121 – Detroit Pistons 111 (OT) Kyrie Irving poured in 45 points and Brooklyn

snapped a five-game losing streak by topping host Detroit.

Irving’s output was his highest since scoring 50 points against Minnesota in October during his Nets debut. He added seven assists and six rebounds. Jarrett Allen had 20 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks and Joe Harris tossed

Oklahoma City Thunder 113 – Minnesota Timberwolves 104 Chris Paul added to his All-Star credentials with his sixth double-double of the season, helping the Thunder roll past the host Timberwolves.

The nine-time All-Star scored 13 of his 25 points in a third-quarter outburst and added a team-high 10 assists as the Thunder won their fifth straight both overall and on the road.

The Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns was the game’s leading scorer with 37 points.

(Reuters)

FA Cup: Gutsy Shrewsbury earn replay against Liverpool

S

ubstitute Jason Cummings scored two goals against runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool as League One Shrewsbury Town staged a magnificent fightback from 2-0 down to earn an FA Cup fourth-round replay at Anfield.

Liverpool looked to be heading into the fifth round for the first time since 2015 after a fine first-half finish by 18-yearold Curtis Jones was followed

by Donald Love’s own goal just after the break.

Yet Shrewsbury were excellent throughout and were rewarded with two goals in the space of 10 minutes by former Hibernian player Cummings.

Some Shrews fans booed when Callum Lang was replaced by Cummings but his confident penalty - after Josh Laurent was fouled by Yasser Larouci - gave his side a lifeline before the same player tucked home the equaliser.

Liverpool sent on Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in search of a winner but Shrewsbury hung on to earn a deserved replay City destroy Fulham Holders Manchester City continued their FA Cup defence with a dominant fourth-round

victory over Fulham in which they became the first major European team to score 100 goals this season.

Any prospect of the Championship side producing an upset was effectively over after six minutes, when defender Tim Ream hauled down Gabriel Jesus in the area and was sent off.

Raheem Sterling and Jesus had missed their previous two penalties, but Ilkay Gundogan avoided making it an unwanted hat-trick when he tucked the ball into the corner from the spot.

City - who made eight changes and started with Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne

on the bench soon took total control as Bernardo Silva

added a classy second from the edge of the box.

The Portuguese’s effort meant City brought up their century of goals in 37 games, two more than it took last season.

Jesus added two second-half headers,

capitalising on poor Fulham defending, for a side who have averaged f i ve

Mason Greenwood celebrates after scoring Manchester United’s sixth goal (Getty Images)

goals per game in home FA Cup matches under Pep Guardiola.

City will discover their fifth-round opponents when the draw takes place on Monday.

Manu put 6 past TR Manchester United supporters used an FA Cup fourth-round hammering of League One Tranmere Rovers to again voice their frustration with the club’s owners and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

United scored five times in an amazing first-half at Prenton Park, with skipper Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot scoring their first goals for the club and Phil Jones getting his first since March 2014 u n d e r D a v i d Moyes.

Jesse

Lingard and Anthony Martial were also on target in the first period to give the 2,000-strong visiting support a high point in an otherwise tortuous season and end any thoughts of a shock FA Cup defeat heaping further pressure on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But they also spent five minutes chanting against the Glazer family and Woodward, who was not at the game. The chants appeared to be sung by the vast majority of United fans and ended with “We’re Man Utd, we’ll sing what we want”.

United’s fans are annoyed at what they view as a lack of investment in the team, a long-held belief that has grown during the current transfer window with the team fifth in the Premier League and in obvious need of reinforcements yet with no signings having been made so far.

The team did not need additional assistance today though, with Mason Greenwood adding a secondhalf penalty as United scored six for the first time since 2011, when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

27th Ricks & Sari 11-race programme…

John opens cycling season with tense win T

eam Coco’s top cyclist Jamual John continued from where he left off in 2019, opening the cycling season with one of the closest victory margins in the 27th Ricks & Sari 11-race programme at the National Park on Saturday last.

John clocked one hour, 19 minutes and seven seconds to emerge ahead of Michael Anthony, Paul De Nobrega, Kemuel Moses, Christopher Griffith and Andre Hicks in that order.

Forty-three cyclists contested this 35-lap feature event, and the finish was intense. Marcus Keiler and Anthony had

two primes, while Stephano Husbands, Jamual John, Paul DeNobrega and Ajay Gopilall each had one. In the BMX 9-12 category, Jason Primo rode in first position.

Reflecting on his win, John said the race featured a lot of attacks heading for sprint prizes. “I tried to control the race, and with four laps to go I was pacing; but it came down to a bunch sprint”, John told this daily publication.

Lennox Jackman emerged winner in the BMX 6-9 category, while William Greene and Antonio AndriesJunor rode in second and third respectively.

In the Junior/Juveniles category, Berbicians Jeremiah Joseph, David Hicks and Steve Bhimsen finished in that order.

The veterans O-50 category saw Shameer Baksh riding in first, while Andrew Spencer and Kirkwood Kellman completed the top three finishers. In the veterans U-50 category, Warren McKay, Junior Niles and Segun Hubbard were the top three finishers. In the Novices, Eybo Orforde rode in first place, while Lennox Jackman and Toquain Lopes came in second and third respectively.

(Brandon Corlette)

GFF-Always Championship Cup…

Flashback: Jamual John celebrating one of his wins in 2019

Fruta Conquerors brush aside Lady Australian Open: Federer Panthers in 4-2 win reaches quarter-finals with win over Fucsovics

S

T

he Fruta Conquerors FC Female Team have lifted the GFF/Always Championship Cup after an enthralling final played against Lady Panthers FC at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground on Saturday evening.

The match was filled with goals and thrills as both Fruta Conquerors FC and Lady Panthers FC treated the relatively large crowd to an exhibition of exciting football played by talented females.

Fruta Conquerors scored first by way of a goal off the boots of national female player Tiandi Smith in the 14th. However, the Fruta ladies were nowhere near cruise control, as Lady Panthers’ Annalisa Vincent levelled the scores in the 19th minute.

Smith returned in the 28th to again hand Fruta the lead, and the eventual champions were able to hold off their aggressive opponents for a 2-1 score at the half.

Lady Panthers’ halftime pep talk must have been quite inspirational, because they returned with all

Fruta Conquerors and Lady Panthers fought fiercely during their meeting Enthralling action during the GFF-Always final game

guns blazing, and capitalized twice on their excellent plays.

Annalisa Vincent completed her hat trick with goals in the 59th and 77th minutes to make it a 3-2 game in Lady Panthers’ favour. But just when it seemed like the East Bank Demerara ladies would thump their Georgetown rivals, Abiocy Heywood netted the equalizer in the 88th minute to give Fruta Conquerors another shot at the victory.

The encounter went down to the penalty mark, and the Fruta team, comprising of several national junior and senior players,

proved to be the better team, as they won the contest 4-2.

The third-place playoff game saw Santos FC edge past Foxy Ladies in another tight encounter.

Andrea Lashley netted back-to-back goals in the 54th and 59th minutes to give Santos the lead, following a tough first half wherein both sides failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.

Horicia Adams scored Foxy Ladies’ consolation goal in the 64th minute, but no one else on that team could pull another goal ‘out the hat’, and they consequently went down to Santos 2-1.

ix-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer came from behind to reach the quarter-finals in Melbourne with victory over Marton Fucsovics.

The Swiss, 38, beat the Hungarian 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and will play American Tennys Sandgren in the last eight.

After losing the first set, Federer breezed through the second and third, winning seven successive games.

He twice broke Fucsovics in the fourth set before serving out the win on his third match point.

Federer battled for more than four hours to see off John Millman in the third round and he looked unsure of the wind conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion found his footing and showed some fine touches at the net in the final two sets to reach the quarters.

“The morning after the [Millman] match and this morning, I lay in bed and after an hour I was wondering how to get up,” Federer said.

“I’m sure I’m going to feel better every day that goes by.

“I had a good start to the second set and from then on it got a little bit easier.”

Gauff’s run ended

by Kenin Te e n a g e phenomenon Coco Gauff missed out on her first Grand Slam quarterfinal as fellow American Sofia Kenin fought back to win in the

Australian Open fourth round.

Gauff, 15, lost 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-0 to the 14th seed in Melbourne.

She showed all her undoubted quality in the first set, but tired in the third as Kenin wore her down.

Kenin will next face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who beat Serena Williams’ conqueror Wang Qiang in straight sets.

After a warm embrace at the net, Kenin and Gauff broke out in tears following an intense battle on Melbourne Arena.

Kenin, 21, dropped her racquet and cupped her face with both hands after taking her second match point to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final.

“I was just fighting,” Kenin said. “She played some good points at crucial moments but I just had to calm down and relax.”

An emotional Gauff received a standing ovation as she walked off the court, understandably disappointed at the manner of her defeat but with the likelihood of much better moments ahead of her.

“I’m doing well right now at 15. I still have so much I feel like I can get better on,” said Gauff, who will rise into the world’s top 50 for the first time next week.

“I don’t even think this is close to a peak for me, even though I’m doing well right now.” ( B B C Sport) Sofia Kenin took five of her 12 break point chances against Gauff (Getty Images)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

Dr Puran Singh National Players Financial Scheme…

CLASSIFIED ADS ACCOMMODATION Aracari Resort. Accommodation Rates from USD $25. Amenities: Accommodation, Mini Casino, Pool, Bar, Restaurant, Free Parking, Free WiFi. Tel: 264-2946. 160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

Sponsorship renewed ahead of cricket season’s climax J

unior and female cricketers in Berbice would continue to benefit from the Berbice ASTROLOGY & Cricket Board (BCB) in 2020, as that entity has renewed SPIRITUALITY its sponsorship package with Work done by : Djuka. For all Guyanese Purposes: Healing, Upliftment for overseas-based Business, Court Matters, Visa, Evil physician Dr Puran Singh for Sickness, Togetherness for lovers, the hosting of the 3rd Annual Pregnancy, Jobs, Money Readings, National Players Scheme.

Husband/Wife Seperation. 633The main objective of the 4487 scheme is to financially assist for rent Berbice cricketers who fall in Disco/Night Club W.B.D Turnkey the under-15, under-17 and Operation for rent. Contact: Gafoor under-19 brackets, as well as : 628-8619 female cricketers, once they gain selection at the national level.

FOR SALE Dr. Singh’s sponsorship of Lot 14 – 10,204 SQ FT. Price = $17M. this scheme started in 2019, the PH: 264-2948/615-2270 BCB having used its own funds One (1) Greenheart Wooden to launch this ambitious project Building to remove. $220,000- Price in 2018.

Negotiable Contact 501-3706 BCB President Hilbert Foster, 2-15 Ton Canadian Dump for Truck. Complete with Pump, Dump MS, whose idea it was was to Control and Hydraulic Tank.Very establish the scheme, hailed good condition. 2 Grader Tyres Size the renewal of the sponsorship 1,300 x 24 TG G2-12 PR Contact as another red-letter day in the 696-9061 rapid development of Berbice Transported Land- 11.6 Acres, Lot 15 Cricket. Foster noted that on his Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 5 mins away from Berbice election to the Presidency of the BCB, in February 2018, a parent River Bridge. Contact # 648-7109 Toyota Corolla, left hand drive Good approached him for assistance condition- $360,000 neg Call or to purchase a pair of uniforms Whatsapp 680-3863

New Model Toyota Picnic. Very good condition, Leather Interior. Price Negotiable. 627-6828

VACANCIES Office Assistant - Maths and English required, knowledge of Excel and Quickbooks would be an asset.

Apply to Mima Décor, Lot 8 Sheriff St, GTown or mimadecor12@gmail. com (227-0186) Pump attendant -680-3863, Store helper- 624-003, Driver for water canter- 680-3863, Porter for water canter- 680-3863, House keeper624-0033 Call or Whatsapp 1 Office Assistant. Computer literate. Preferably over 25 yrs. Living between V/Hoop to Parika. 2770611/623-0117

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21

for her child, who was going to play for Berbice at the under-15 level.

In tears, that parent told him that she was unable to purchase the uniform because she was unemployed, but she didn’t want to shatter her child’s dream of playing cricket for Berbice.

The idea for this scheme was birthed at that moment, foster stated, as poverty should not be the reason why a child should not fulfill his/her dreams.

The other objectives of the scheme are: to encourage players to be proper role models, to represent the Berbice flag with pride, and to act as an investment in the player’s career.

The BCB boss, Foster, has said he is very committed to making sure that all of the BCB players have equal opportunities to develop their talents. The financial scheme is just one of the programmes directed at assisting youths, with the BCB planning to host numerous coaching programmes, educational

sessions, cricket academy and social/etiquette programmes.

Additionally, the BCB would be hosting numerous cricket tournaments at the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, Under 21, Under 23, Primary School, Secondary School and female levels in an aggressive effort to unearth and develop talents across Berbice.

Since

establishment of the scheme in 2018, the BCB has handed out close to $700,000 to its players and officials. Under the scheme, players and team officials would receive $10,000. each to assist them to prepare for the different tournaments.

Dr Puran Singh, based in Barbados and the younger brother of BCB main sponsor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, last

Magnum Mash Cup 2020…

Defending champs off to top start

S

parta Boss, Leopold Street, Spartacus and Showstoppers secured opening wins when the 3rd edition of the Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Tournament began on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

Sparta Boss edged Back Circle 1-0, Deon Alfred recording the only goal in the fifth minute.

Similarly, Leopold Street bested Melanie 2-1, Omallo Williams fashioning a brace in the third and 12th minutes. Odell Gulliver scored for Melanie in the second minute.

Spartacus defeated Rio AllStars 3-2, Jamal McPherson fashioning a double in the 10th and 14th minutes, while Simeon Moore netted in the fifth minute. For the losers, Kelsey Benjamin and A. Austin scored in the 12th and 13th minutes respectively.

And Showstoppers defeated North East La Penitence 2-1, with Luiroy Nieuelder and Akeem Trim scoring in the seventh and 14th minutes respectively. For the losers, Lance Forde scored in the fifth minute.

In other results, Alexander Village crushed Spot-7 by a 6-1 scoreline while Ansa McAl defeated Bad-a-Yard 2-0, and Bent Street and Avocado Ballers battled to a 1-1 stalemate.

The tournament continues tomorrow [Tuesday] at the same venue with another round of matches. Featuring 24 teams, the tournament will be contested over nine playing dates. The respective

competitors will be divided into six groups of four, with the top finishers from each pool progressing to the knockout section alongside the four best third-place teams.

The other match-days are Tuesday January 28th, Thursday January 30th, Saturday February 1st, Tuesday February 4th, Thursday February 6th [Round of 16], Saturday February 8th [Quarterfinals], and Saturday February 15 [Semi-finals]. The finale is scheduled for February 22nd.

The groups are as follows: Group-A: Back Circle, Sparta Boss, Ansa McAl All-Stars and Bad-A-Yard Group-B: Rio All-Stars, Leopold Street, Spartacus and Melanie Group-C: Future Stars, Alexander Village, Spot-7 and Mocha Group-D: Bent Street, Showstoppers, North East La Penitence and Avocado Ballers Group-E: Sophia, Broad Street, Kingston, and Island AllStars And Group-F: Gold is Money, Albouystown, Stabroek Ballers and Belfield Warriors.

Winner of the event will pocket $700,000 and the championship trophy, while the second-place side will collect $400,000 and the respective accolade. The third and fourth place units would respectively receive $200,000 and $100,000 and the corresponding trophy.

The complete results for the matches staged and the impending results for day two are featured below.

Dr Puran Singh poses with Kevin Sinclair and Nial Smith after presenting them with bats

year contributed $300,000 to this scheme, and would in 2020 be investing $320,000.

The elder Doctor Singh has, since 2018, donated over $4million of his own funds to the BCB to sponsor county wide coaching, annual cricket academy, restoration of the BCB office, preparation of intercounty teams.

Dr Singh has said it was with pride that he agreed to renew the sponsorship, as he is totally pleased with the work of the Hilbert Foster-led administration. He praised the BCB for its accountability of his funds -- regular reports with photos -- and providing media coverage of the activities of the scheme.

Dr Singh has committed to sponsoring this scheme in the future, and expressed confidence that Berbice would continue to produce players of excellence at all levels.

On Sunday last, Dr Singh hosted the Guyana Senior Cricket Team at his Barbados home, and presented Berbicians Kevin Sinclair and Nial Smith with bats. Dr Singh is a recipient of the BCB’s highest award, Tribute to Hero.

BCQS Guyana Squash Masters Championships…

Tournament wraps up T he Georgetown Club Inc was buzzing with spectators on the final night of the BCQS Guyana Squash Masters Championships.

Earning the true Masters crown was Denis Dias (Guy) in the Over-65 category. Facing off against Winston Findlay (TOR) in a three-game match, Dias was outstanding, with his sights set firmly on the title. Moving quickly ahead in the first game, played on his home court, Dias stamped his authority on proceedings with an 11/9 win.

Findlay improved his game, covering the court faster to retrieve Dias’s crisp shots, and took him to a 10/10 tie. Poised at a vital juncture, Dias calmly placed a killer shot to move ahead, and then secure the game.

Findlay couldn’t match Dias in the third, and Guyana took the crown in the 3-0 bout.

The man responsible for bringing BCQS Masters to Guyana, Sanjay Amin (Bar), faced Guyana’s seasoned player Narendra Singh in the over-55 final. With a calculated game, Singh used well placed shots and clever deception to keep the talented Amin on his toes.

Despite a strong first game win from Amin, Singh took the lead in the second, and remained on top to win the next three and earn his title.

In the over-45 contest, maestro Mark Sealy (Bar)

showed his calibre against fellow countryman Marlon White in three straight sets. Evidently brilliant, the experienced Sealy worked every corner of the court, and was in charge throughout.

Both players displayed some fantastic squash, entertaining spectators and supporters. Sealy’s win was never in question, and he took a deserved title.

The finals for the Women’s Over-35 category saw a victorious Lydia Fraser (Guy) dominate Hazel-Anne Sandy (Bar) in acrobatic fashion.

Hunting every ball, Fraser retrieved well, and used her athleticism to pressure Sandy.

Fraser’s stronger technique and level of play outmatched Sandy’s and Fraser took her title in three games.

In the Men’s Over-35 category, the fitness levels were evidently higher, and the

pace was accordingly hectic.

An outstanding Shaun Simpson (Bar) defeated Regan Pollard (Guy) in a straight three-set win.

Pollard rallied out some lengthy points with great flair, and faced the national champion with strength, but could not match the reach, placement, and court coverage of Simpson.

Executing a full selection of shots, some deep drives and perfect drops, the players bore testament to why squash is described as “chess at 90 miles an hour” before Simpson prevailed to win the match.

Closing remarks following the prize-giving ceremony highlighted the support of sponsor’s BCQS International and the importance of corporate investment in sport. This inaugural Masters Tournament was enjoyed by all participants and spectators, and served as a great platform for Masters Squash in the Caribbean.

Final standings

Men’s Over-65 – 1st Denis Dias (Guy); 2nd - Winston Findlay (Tor), 3rd - Orson Simpson (Bar) Men’s Over-55: 1st - Narendra Singh (Guy); 2nd Sanjay Amin (Bar); 3rd - Lloyd Fung- A-Fat (Guy) Men’s Over-45: 1st - Mark Sealy (Bar); 2nd - Marlon White (Bar); 3rd - Joe Mekdeci (Guy); 4th - Tony Mackenzie (Bar) Men’s Over-45 CLASSIC PLATE: 1st - Robert Natiello (USA) Men’s Over-35: Shaun Simpson (Bar); 2nd - Regan Pollard (Guy) Women’s Over-35: 1st - Lydia Fraser (Guy); 2nd - Hazel-Anne Sandy (Bar)

22

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

National Junior Table Tennis Championships…

Persaud, Burrowes record victories – in Novice and Intermediate categories

By Timothy Jaikarran

D

ay 2 of action in the National Junior Table Tennis Championships commenced on Saturday, January 25, with the finals of the Novice boys, Intermediate girls, and the commencement of the Men’s U18, Women’s U18, Men’s U15 and 15 years-and-under girls’ categories.

Novice Male and Intermediate Female

In the Intermediate Females’ finale, the Burrowes sisters, Samirah and Sufah, were pitted against each other in somewhat of a repetition of October 2019. Last year’s result was repeated, with Samirah prevailing over her sister 11-8, 11-5 and 11-8.

In the Novices finals, Yuteshwar Persaud was made to work for his victory over Muhammed Baksh.

Persaud won the first match 11-5, but Baksh won the next two matches 12-10 and 11-7. This, however, this did not bother Persaud, and he stormed to two straight wins -11-9, 11-8 -- to take the title.

Men’s U-18

This category saw a total of 10 groups participating. Of the 10, one player from each group advanced to the knockout stages.

Coming out on top in group one was Jonathan Van Lange, who won his matches against his opponents Urial Isadore (11-3, 11-5, 116) and Tawfeeq Rahim (11,3, 11-5, 11-6).

In group 2, Kaysan Ninvalle had dominating victories over

Joshua Lucas (11-5, 11-8, 11-6) and Yuteshwar Persaud (11-8, 115, 11-9).

The remaining matchups saw Isaiah Layne, Jamal Nicholas, Colin Wong, Krystian Sahadeo, Niran Bissu, Terrence Rausch, Curtis Mc Rae and Peter Persaud advancing to the knockout stages.

Women’s U-18

The category consisted of four groups, and only two players from each group advanced to the knockout stages. In group one, Thuraia Thomas emerged as the number one player, winning her matches against Sufah Burrowes (11-2, 113, 11-4) and Maria Da Silva (11-2, 11-3, 11-2).

Sufah Burrowes advanced by winning her match against DaSilva (11-4, 11-7, 11-4). In Group Two, Crystal Melville won 11-8, 11-4, 11-7 against Samara Sukhai; and 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 against Laetitia Garner. Sukhai also qualified for Group Two as well.

The remaining four players that qualified from Groups Three and Four are Jasmine Billingy and Samirah Burrowes of Group Three, and Nkechi Mc Rae and Akira Watson of Group Four.

Ninvalle topped Group Two with compelling victories against Kyle Chung (11-5, 11-2, 11-4), Timothy Braithwaite (11-5, 11-4, 11-6) and Tyler Orderson (11-0, 11-0, 11-0).

The other victors emerging from the remaining groups are: Krystian Sahadeo, Chase Outar (Group 3), Colin Wong, Tyrese Ward (Group 4), Ebo McNeil, Saalih Rahim (Group 5), Malachi Moore, Tawfeeq Rahim (Group 6), Peter Persaud, Christopher Barrow (GRoup 7) and Umar Percival, Adrian Melville (Group 8).

knockout stages.

In Group One, Thuraia Thomas came out in first place with victories over Nkechi McRae (115, 4-11, 11-4, 11-2) and Samara Sukhai (11-6, 11-3, 12-11); while NKechi McRae was the other person to advance.

In Group Two, Crystal Melville claimed first win with a commanding victory over Akira Watson (11-5, 11-5, 114). Also advancing from that group was Jasmine Billingy.

15 years-andunder Girls

This category had the least amount of participants.

It featured two groups of three participants, with the top two advancing to t h e

Yuteshwar Persaud the new Novices Champion

The Burrowes sisters claimed first and second

Men’s U-15

In this category, Jonathan Van Lange again dominated Group One, as he came out on top with victories against Narren Persaud (11-5, 11-7, 11-4) and William Penn (11-4, 11-3, 11-2). Also qualifying from the group was Narren Persaud.

Kaysan Ninvalle also advanced with his dominant style of play

Mike, Ian, Imtiaz, Shanella soar highest in COPA Airlines' inaugural Golf Tourney T

he Copa Airlines inaugural tournament which took place on Saturday, January 25, saw Mike Mangal, Ian Gouveia, Imtiaz Subhan, and Shanella London excelling in their individual Flights under excellent weather and ground conditions at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Club President Hussain expressed gratitude of the LGC to Copa Airlines, and praised them for their good corporate citizenship by their coming on board to be involved in promoting and developing golfing in Guyana. He was also appreciative that in addition to prizes to the first 3 winners in each of four Flights, Copa had generously provided a gift bag with meaningful tokens to each golfer that participated in the tournament.

In the separate Ladies flight, the winners were: former Guyana Open Ladies champion, Shanella London (67/14) – 1st; Eureka Giddings (69/29) – 2nd; and another former Guyana Open Ladies champion, Dr Joaan Deo (73/15) – 3rd. Curent Guyana Open

In picture, winners pose with the sponsor. From left and in the front row: Hilbert Shields, Ian Gouveia, Shanella London, Mike Mangal, Eureka Giddings, Copa Sales Manager Nadine Oudkerk, Joaan Deo, George Bulkan, Club Captain Chatterpaul Deo, and Avinash Persaud. In the back row: Copa Sales Executive Christopher Ferrell, Richard Haniff, David Harry, Imtiaz Subhan, Club President Aleem Hussain, and Maurice Solomon. Partly hidden in the middle are Bholawram Deo (with cap) and a young observer of the sport

Ladies champion, Christine Sukhram, and past Ladies Captain, veteran Ms Doreen DeCaires also participated and performed encouragingly.

Specialty prizes of Nearest The Pin was won by George Bulkan, and Longest Drive by Troy Cadogan.

Among the Gentlemen,

in the 19-28 flight, winners were: young Imtiaz Subhan (71/19) – 1st; veteran Maurice Solomon (72/26) – 2nd; and veteran Bholawram Deo (74/19) – 3rd. Miguel Oviedo (77/24) and Jordi Pinol (77/27) came fairly close behind the winners.

In the extremely com-

petitive 10 – 18 flight where the bulk of golfers fall, the scores testify to the intense jostle and rivalry for the winning spots. First 3 places went to left-handed champion Ian Gouveia (65/15) – 1st, who produced a fantastic overal best net score of 65; veteran David Harry (69/14) - 2nd; and past

President, Hilbert Shields, (72/16) – 3rd. However 3rd place was obtained out of a tie by 4 persons – so Aasrodeen Shaw (72/13), Patanjilee ‘Pur’ Persaud (72/14) and Rabindranauth P)ersaud (72/16) were narrowly edged out by Hilbert.

Ravi Harry (73/14), George Bulkan (74/16), Guillermo

Escarraga (74/18), Andre Cummings (75/14), Rakesh Harry (75/14) and PopeEmanuel London (75/18) were following very hard on the winners.

In the 0-9 flight, winners were: former Guyana Open champion, Mike Mangal (66/9) – 1st; reigning Guyana Open champion, Avinash Persaud (68/2) – 2nd; and veteran Richard Hanfff (73/9) - 3rd. Missing this flight’s winners row by only one or two strokes were Kassim Khan (74/9), Aleem Hussain (75/9) and Patrick Prashad (79/9). Avinash performed superbly by “parring” the Course, that is, taking 70 strokes to complete playing all 18 holes – a feat that few golfers achieve in their lifetime.

Copa Airline Sales Manager, Nadine Oudkerk, and team comprising Sales Executive, Christopher Ferrell and Counter Agent, Karen Mohamed, were on hand early to observe that the golfers were impressed with Copa and in fact produced very competitive scores in a very cordial atmosphere.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

CWI PCL 4-Day Championships…

23

Jaguars roar to 219-run win over Red Force – Crandon applauds bowlers’ brilliance

Story and Photos By Brandon Corlette

GCB TDO Colin Stuart makes a special presentation to Permaul as Jaguars players applaud

G

uyana Jaguars defeated Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by 219 runs in the third round of the Regional 4-Day tournament played at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Resuming the final day on 122-6 in pursuit of Jaguars’ 403-run target, Red Force were bundled out for 183 early in the morning session.

Steam train Nial Smith ‘got the ball rolling’ by picking up the first wicket of the morning. He removed Akeal Hosein by trapping him in front for five, with the score at 124-7. Devendra Bishoo then removed Kjorn Ottley for 22, caught by Leon Johnson with the Red Force score on 154-8.

Milestone man Veerasammy Permaul, who bagged his 500th First Class wicket on day three, picked up the final two wickets of the innings by removing Terrance Hinds (21) at 1549, and Odean Smith (14) who ran past one and was stumped.

play good cricket, in familiar conditions.

“Unfortunately, the batsmen did not get a century, but it is not really a concern; but we want these guys to convert”, Crandon explained.

Crandon also lauded the bowlers for this victory, wherein they restricted Red Force to a small total; and he congratulated Permaul on his milestone.

After the match, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) also made a special presentation to Permaul,

for achieving the rare feat.

Territorial Developmental Officer (TDO), Colin Stuart presented the trophy to Permaul and congratulated the spinner.

Meanwhile, Red Force Head Coach Mervyn Dillon congratulated Jaguars on this win. He explained that his Red Force team did not play the best brand of cricket.

Jaguars have now registered their second win in three matches, and will battle Jamaica Scorpions for the fourth-round clash at Providence from February 6.

SCOREBOARD The innings concluded with Red Force managing 182 all out, thanks to some lusty blows from the lower order batsmen. Permaul ended the second innings with 4-42 in 18.2 overs, including eight maidens, fol-

lowing up his 4-29 in the first innings. Bishoo ended with 2-39, while Keon Joseph who made the initial breakthrough had 2-15.

Smith and Kevin Sinclair had one wicket each.

After the match, Guyana

Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon described the victory as a very good one for his team, especially after the defeat they had suffered against Barbados Pride.

“Before the game, I asked the guys to come out and

Jaguars 1st Innings 323 all out Red Force 1st Innings 98 all out Jaguars 2nd Innings 177-5 dec Red Force 2nd Innings J Solozano lbw b Sinclair . . . 34 K Simmons c Bramble b Joseph 0 D Bravo b Joseph . . . . . . . 2 J Mohammed b Permaul . . . 33 J Da Silva c Johnson b Permaul 8 Y Cariah lbw b Bishoo . . . . . 27 K Ottley c Johnson b Bishoo . 22 A Hosein c Bramble b Smith . 5 T Hinds c Singh b Permaul . . 21 O Smith st Bramble b Permaul 14

B Charles not out . . . . . . . 13 Extras: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Total (10 wickets, 61.2) . . . 182 Fall of wickets: 1/1 (2.4) Simmons 5/2 (4.4) Bravo 67/3 (23.4) Solozano 71/4 (26.1) Mohammed 82/5 (28.2) Da Silva 117/6 (42.3) Ottley 124/7 (47.6) Hosein 154/8 (56.6) Hinds 154/9 (57.1) Smith 182/10 (61.2) Bowling: K Joseph (6.0-1-15-2), N Smith (12.0-1-44-1), K Sinclair 12.0-4-41-1), V Permaul (18.28-42-4), D Bishoo (13.0-1-39-2)

Kobe Bryant, daughter among 9 killed in helicopter crash

K

obe Bryant died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. He was 41. The former Los Angeles Lakers legend and NBA superstar and his 13-yearold daughter, Gianna, were among nine people killed in the crash. An investigation of the crash is ongoing, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which confirmed there were no survivors.

Bryant, an Orange County resident, famously took a helicopter to games and practices while playing for the Lakers as a means of avoiding traffic and the confined space of a car. He continued doing so in his retirement for business and personal reasons. Bryant and his daughter were reportedly on their way to participate in travel basketball when the helicopter went down. Gianna, also known as “Gigi,” inherited her father’s love of the sport and hoped to one day play in the WNBA. The fourth-leading scorer in NBA history with 33,643 career points, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers and 18-time NBA All-Star who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2008. He was twice an NBA Finals MVP and an 11-time All-NBA First Team

selection. The two-time NBA scoring champion was known just as much for his prowess on the other end of the court, picking up nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Beyond his NBA achievements, Bryant, who spent much of his youth in Italy, had a celebrated international career as one of the catalysts behind Team USA’s renaissance after earning only a Bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.

His commitment to play for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics helped in the recruitment of other superstars, and players on the team have spoken widely about his work ethic and the impact that he had on the team’s mentality. He led the team to a narrow victory over Spain in the Gold Medal Game and played on the 2012 gold medal-winning team as well.

B r y a n t is especially revered among Lakers fans. A high school phenomenon in Philadelphia and the son of former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Kobe was drafted

by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 but immediately traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.

He was the youngest player in NBA history when he took the court in 1996 and spent his entire 20-year career in Los Angeles.

B r y a n t ultimately played more games in purple and gold than anyone in

franchise history and holding distinctions as the team’s alltime leader in points, minutes and steals. His self-bestowed “Black Mamba” nickname has persisted well beyond his career. Players wear the distinction of having a “mamba mentality” as a badge of honor. As Bryant himself has said, that means “constantly try[ing] to be the best version of yourself.”

Both Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal -- Bryant’s former teammate -have called Bryant the greatest player in Lakers history, a statement that would be supported by millions of fans.

Both of Bryant’s jersey

numbers -- 8 and 24 -were retired by the Lakers. He is the only player in NBA history to have two

numbers retired by the same team after wearing No. 8 for his first 10 seasons in the NBA and No. 24 for his final 10.

Bryant was particularly known for his prodigious scoring ability. In one legendary game in 2006, Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-most in NBA history trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100. He scored 60 points in his final NBA game in 2016, a record for any player in their finale.

Bryant had spent his retirement working on a variety of different projects. He claimed that he wanted to be known as a storyteller and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 2018 for Dear Basketball, a film based on the essay he wrote announcing his retirement. He also released the first book in a planned young adult fantasy series, The Wizenard Series: Training Camp, written alongside Wesley King.

His entertainment company, Granity Studios, had a number of other projects in the works.

L e B ro n James, viewed by most as the heir to Bryant’s title as the league’s

best player, signed with the Lakers in 2018. James passed Bryant as the NBA’s third alltime leading scorer on Saturday night, achieving that distinction against Bryant’s hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644,” Bryant tweeted on Saturday night.

While beloved by NBA fans around the globe, Bryant’s life was not without controversy.

Sexual assault allegations were levied against him in 2003 by a female hotel employee in Eagle, Colorado. The charges were ultimately dismissed, and Bryant settled a separate civil suit over the matter.

Though he did not admit guilt, he publicly apologized for the incident while claiming that he considered their encounter consensual.

However complicated that makes Bryant’s legacy, what cannot be debated is his impact on NBA history. For two decades, he was among the league’s most polarizing and productive players. Bryant was involved in almost every major basketball story of the past 25 years, and he will be sorely missed by a league that idolizes him. (CBS Sport)

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI PCL 4-Day Championships…

Veerasammy Permaul celebrates one of four second innings wicket

Players exit the field after the victory

Jaguars roar to 219-run win over Red Force Page 23

– Crandon applauds bowlers’ brilliance Kobe Bryant, daughter among 9 killed in helicopter crash Page 23

Mike, Ian, Imtiaz, Shanella soar highest in COPA Airlines’ inaugural Golf Tourney Page 22

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in happier times

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