GUYANA TIMES NEWS - Sunday, August 5, 2018

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3646

Sunday, August 5, 2018

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Skeldon co-gen plant operating below capacity – sources

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P7 Hotelier shoots vendor during confrontation

900 garbage bins to be P17 distributed to minibuses

Farmer killed Region 6 spent $2M in 7 days to by masked transport children gunman ...girlfriend in to Georgetown custody Page 13

Digicel P18 launches $700 topup cards

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CPL 2018

Cinderella County wants to be at "Biggest Party in Sport" Page 11

More P14 Venezuelans seeking refuge in Region 1 – Chairman ...says over 500 refugees recorded

...calls on Infrastructure Minister to facilitate ferry transportation

Human rights body urges autonomy for ...says entities must be protected State oil agencies from political influence

GWI pump stations P18 unequipped with back-up power Govt lends support to WCB fire victims P18

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

Sunday, August 5 – 11:00h-12:30h and Monday, August 6 – 12:30h-14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, August 5 – 10:15h-11:45h and Monday, August 6 – 11:40h-13:10h.

…as UNDP project to improve GPL to commence later this year

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected during the day.

Clear skies are expected in the evening hours.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 10:36h and 23:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.37 metres Low Tide: 16:31h reaching a minimum height of 0.92 metre.

SATURDAY, July 21, 2018

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Skeldon co-gen plant operating below capacity – sources

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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project aimed at, among other things, improving the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) performance is expected to get underway in a matter of months. However, some hurdles remain to integrating renewable energy into the national grid.

This was ventilated when various Government agencies gave an account to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations on Friday for Guyana’s policies aimed at producing a ‘green state’.

Already, cold water has figuratively been thrown on expectations that Guyana can be 100 per cent renewable energy powered by 2025.

One of the hurdles pointed out by Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Economist Shevonne Wood, who was present, was the risk that the national grid could become unstable when renewable energy is integrated into it. However, Guyana has, for almost a decade, been successfully integrating renewable energy into the grid as a result of the Skeldon Co-generation plant, a brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

It is a fact that was highlighted by committee chairperson Gail Teixeira, who noted that there is a paucity of up-to-date information on the entity’s operations. With the closure of several estates and mass laying off of sugar workers, Teixeira questioned whether the facility has had a reduction in its supply of bagasse, a sugar cane derivative used as a renewable energy source.

This publication has been reliably informed, however, that as a result of persisting factors which have led to repairs and upgrades being effected at the facility, there has been limited supply of energy from the entity. The co-generation plant, sources say, has had to scale back some of its operations.

Wood also gave some de-

The Skeldon Co-Generation plant

tails on how Government approaches the issue of integrating, including the approach towards connecting to the grid. She noted that a strict policy was recommended to ensure technical parameters are not breached.

“That’s where one of the studies for renewable energy and power generation came into play… the recommendation was to have a grid code and then to set up to certain technical parameters. So what GPL did subsequent to that, they would have allowed persons to have applications with a (power) of 100 MW, to understand how reliable the grid is to accommodate that type of technology.

“It is definitely a policy to have that type of application, but also to ensure that the grid is reliable and able to have that redundancy or stand by reserve, so that any injection of renewable energy wouldn’t cause a shut down,” she related.

UNDP

Meanwhile, Office of Climate Change (OCC) head, Janelle Christian, informed the committee that work has been ongoing to secure funding from international partners. In particular, she spoke of a United Nations Development Programme to mobilise climate change

allocation resources, “So we've prepared what is called mainstreaming emissions technology. In this particular project, we'll be looking to address institutional policy and capacity gaps that the Guyana Power and Light, the Guyana Energy Agency, the Hinterland Electrification Company are experiencing as we seek to advise on the 100 per cent renewable energy ambition by 2025.

“This has been approved, and we expect to start implementation by October or November of this year. UNDP would have recently closed the

Ad for Project Manager for this project,” Christian informed the committee.

GPL was subject to another project, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) that was initiated in 2014 at a cost of US$64 million.

However, power outages still disrupt the lives of many Guyanese intermittently.

At a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing earlier this year, GPL had said that over the next three years, it would roll out about 80,000 smart meters, which would have radio transmitting capacity to send out data.

It was pointed out that the smart meters would allow GPL to better monitor its feeder system, each of which was supposed to have only 4000 costumers. Other measures GPL announced to improve its services included splitting existing feeders, rehabilitation of its distribution networks, and additional power generation plants at Canefield, Anna Regina and Bartica.

GPL was ultimately fined five per cent of its shareholders’ dividends a few months ago by the PUC over its poor service.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Editorial

Emancipation and ethnicity

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mancipation Day celebrations presented the opportunity for various leaders to reflect on the origins and nature of our society. The general consensus appeared to be that the waves of people brought in as slaves and then as indentured labourers created a “land of six peoples”.

But, more accurately, what was created was a “land of six ethnicities”. The latter is the categorisation of a social group based on a common descent and common cultural practices.

Guyana demonstrates an unappreciated feature of ethnicity: if examined historically, it would be discerned that ethnic groups are not immutable; and, in fact, they can, in many ways, be contextual. Those who are today labelled “Africans” were brought as slaves from various tribes originating from all across West Africa, and originally practised quite divergent cultural forms. Indians also have gone beyond regional (North and South India) caste (all the four castes and “outcastes” were brought in roughly the same proportion as in North India) and religious (Hindu, Muslim and Christian) cleavages to regard themselves, by and large, as a single ethnic group.

This process of ethnic consciousness was facilitated by a number of factors acting over the course of time.

Firstly, from the beginning of the colonisation of Guyana, ethnicity was a crucial variable: all of the colonisers were white Western Europeans, and all the oppressed were from other geographical areas and anthropological cultures. The oppression was separated in space or time, which initially precluded extensive bonding of groups from different lands.

The Amerindians, who were also from many tribes, were deemed unfit for plantation labour, and were allowed to remain in the hinterland.

After the African slaves were freed in 1838, they decamped the plantations en masse, with only the mostly skilled factory workers remaining, never having much intercourse with the indentures, especially Indians, who replaced them. The smaller numbers of Portuguese and Chinese also soon found separate occupational niches, but were concentrated in the urban areas, and interacted much more with the Africans, who had also gravitated there. It is apposite to note that the British Whites did not include the Portuguese, who had been brought from the island of Madeira, in their definition of “European”. Portuguese thus are considered a separate ethnic group in Guyana from “Europeans”.

However, even though ethnic groups can be created, and are not immutable, there are several features that militate against their disappearance in the modern world. Firstly, the state has become such a dominant feature of society in the allocation of rewards, economic and otherwise, that it is seen as the greatest prize to be captured. Whether peacefully or not, this capture can only be accomplished by the mobilisation of people; thus any grouping, potential or existent, will be galvanised by observant and ambitious politicians. The ethnic group is the most salient such grouping, as we are witnessing even in the developed world, where “white” is now an ethnic category.

But simultaneously, “self-determination of peoples” has become such an accepted international norm since WWI that it is almost impossible to coerce supposedly backward subaltern ethnic groups into abandoning their cultures, as was possible before. Then there is the even more pervasive international norm of “equality”, to which everyone now aspires and which no one is willing to be accused of denying. Frequently, and certainly not fortuitously, in the development of the present state-system, different ethnic groups ended up in unequal positions – whether it is economic, social or political equality.

Since the ethnic group in the seat of power would tend to support the status quo, the underdog groups are forced to mobilise qua ethnic groups. Ethnicity thus can become a strategic necessity to secure justice by attempting to rectify unequal power relations.

Lastly, the ethnic group, being based on culture and origins, is tied up with the individual’s conception of “self”. An individual’s personality or self is a construction and almost a reflection of his social world. His perception of the worth of his group, to a marked degree, shapes the self-esteem of the individual.

The “Wombmyn” Art Exhibition by local artist Tracy Douglas on display at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House

Citizens should ponder the meaning of democracy Dear Editor, May 2015 ushered in a new coalition Government under an APNU/AFC manifesto. Over three years have passed, and two clear truths have emerged: the manifesto promises have fallen flat; and the pillars of our democracy are under threat.

In old parlance, the first estate (the Church or Clergy) remains independent and largely outside the realm.

The APNU Government has assumed the position of the nobility (the second estate), and rules over its citizens like common subjects (the third estate). The fourth estate (the media) has been muzzled. Threats to the fifth estate are present.

Elections, democracy and capitalism go together.

APNU was elected by the citizens of Guyana, and while questions are still pending in the court, one takes it as the properly and legitimately elected Government.

The Opposition has taken up its seats in Parliament, and has accepted the results. Democracy, however, has seen some erosion; which, left unchecked, can see Guyana returning to the dark days of the PNC. Capitalism has found itself at the crossroads, the Government has inserted itself on almost every aspect of the people’s lives, resulting in the simple and stark reality that the private sector lacks confidence. Other than oil and other invest-

ments from the PPP pipeline, no new investments have been evident since May 2015; and despite relatively low oil prices, capital flight pressure is evident.

Allow me to delve into the key institutions that make up a democracy: a properly functioning Parliament; an independent and fair judiciary; a professional and independent Police Force; and a free and impartial media.

Our Parliament is not what is was of yesterday under the PPP. It is incontrovertible that the Speaker is biased in favour of the ruling Government. The ability of the Opposition to ask questions and seek information has been muzzled.

Parliamentary sittings are less frequent, and much shorter. APNU has clearly abused its majority, and, in so doing, has stifled the voice of the Opposition from this important medium of democracy.

Juxtapose this against the UK House of Commons.

We are part of the Commonwealth, but the vestiges of its good governance increasingly receive lip service under this Parliament in Guyana.

Do we have an independent and free judiciary?

There is a gallant attempt to assert some semblance of this after considerable erosion. Recall our Attorney General threatening one of our High Court Judges; adverse decisions against the

Government being opening criticised; judges and magistrates fearing that adverse decisions against the Government would result in recrimination; appointments to the Judiciary being increasingly stacked in favour of party supporters; and there being a sense of Government reach or influence of the judiciary being much greater than what had obtained under the PPP. As for an independent and professional Police Force, any person would tell you the Government calls the shots; the Commissioner of Police (ag) is toothless.

There is clear political influence, as is evident with the abuse of SOCU, the most recent foray with Minister Broomes, and the loss of supernumerary status for one of the security guards in the recent fracas.

Meanwhile, crime continues to climb, and our citizens increasing fear for their physical safety and security.

The recent rumour that the Minister of Legal Affairs is taking over the AML functions is an indecent and vulgar assault on the Guyanese citizens, and is another clear example of the abuse from the politicisation of duties that should, by any reasonable-minded person, be performed by independent professionals who are free and clear of any political bias.

As for a free and independent media, the comparison between the APNU

and PPP is like night to day.

Despite an overwhelming abundance of content, attacks on the Government are timid and scaled back.

Compared to the PPP, there was no shortage of media overreach, sensationalising of information, and a clear anti-PPP bias. The opposite is now clearly the case of the day.

The state apparatus has become unabashedly an instrument for APNU propaganda. As for the free media, the contents of their publications reflect a fear of retribution. A grenade was launched; is it a coincidence that we have a muzzled media?

And so, citizens, as you consider our democracy, consider what determines it.

Like a frog in water slowly being heated, do not discover that when you want to express your voice it is too late.

A country of wealth is in the waiting, but the pillars of democracy must be taken back and secured. Only with these prerequisites in place can we feel that confidence and safety to invest and spend, and in so doing, create prosperity and growth.

Capitalism (economic prosperity) is an outcome of western democracy.

Strangle the latter and the former will suffer. An APNU Guyana is a classic case in point.

Sincerely, A Grant

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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

Witch-hunting weapons Could we please have a CoI at City Hall? are increasing Dear Editor, When in Opposition, this Government knew all the right answers for every aspect of good governance. They knew that the AML/CFT Bill proposed by the PPP/C Government was deficient, and that was the reason they could not have supported it in the National Assembly.

Immediately upon holding the reins of power, our ‘erudite’ Attorney General, Mr Basil Williams, on 26th June 2015, successfully piloted the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority Bill, even though the former Attorney General, Mr Anil Nandlall, had pleaded that the ‘creation’ of such an Authority would undermine the independence of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and is contrary to what the AML/CFT Task Force had wanted.

Over three years later, AG Williams has finally admitted he had said at that time that Government did not understand what was really happening. He said, “We weren’t in the loop”, and now they are taking corrective action.

But is this the ‘correct action’? The AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) National Coordination Committee -which is headed by Attorney General Basil Williams, who is also Chairman of the PNC -- is far worse than the Authority which is now defunct. There are no pretensions whatever that this Committee would ever act independently and objectively. It is following in the same settings as SOCU and SARU, and will not be devoid of political direction and control.

This Committee will give an umbrella of total control over the FIU. We have seen in Trinidad and Tobago that

the Director is the Head of the FIU, and is responsible for the supervision and implementation of policies with respect to the money-laundering and financing of terrorism in accordance with the FIU Act and any other laws.

The FIU is also the oversight and monitoring body of the AML/CFT. In Guyana, the FIU has now become a political weapon for the APNU/AFC Coalition Government, unlike the now defunct AML/ CFT Authority and the AML/CFT/PF of Guyana, whose heads are appointed by the National Assembly.

It must be noted that the Director of the FIU, the Deputy Director and other senior functionaries of the FIU are all appointed by the National Assembly. We know that the National Assembly is controlled by the APNU/ AFC; they have the majority, therefore whoever they appoint will take effect.

Consequently, the appointment of AG Basil Williams as the Head of the AML/ CFT/PF, as pointed out by Dr Jagdeo, we now “have a politician being conferred with an enormous authority….undermining the FIU, which was supposed to police the act’.

All these appointments will be strictly political; there is no room for objectivity and impartiality, fairness and justice. Moreover, apart from Financial Intelligence Units being independent and operating autonomously, they should possess expertise in finance and financial analysis, and they should be able to exchange information directly and independently.

It is evident that Mr Williams is no ‘expert’ in finance and financial analysis, and is definitely ‘not fit and proper’ to be the person in charge of the Committee; but, as the Chairman of the PNC, his ‘expertise’ in witch-hunt-

ing may be necessary!

On the other hand, the Director and the Deputy Directors of the T&T FIU are appointed by the Public Service Commission.

In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance in T&T appoints the other members of staff, after consultation with the Director. This applies to consultants and experts as well, who are employed on a contractual basis. This is how our system should be modelled. It is time that the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which is an organisation of states and territories of the Caribbean Basin, vehemently object to this type of political interference.

It must be noted that the CFATF have agreed to implement ‘COMMON MEASURES’ against money laundering and terrorism financing. I must submit that the Anti-Money Laundering measures in Guyana are by no means ‘common’.

It is evident that this Coalition Government now has another highly potentially destructive weapon added to its burgeoning arsenal to continue its ‘witch hunting’ attacks against the PPP/C and its supporters.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

Dear Editor, When will someone in authority realise that there is a critical need for a Commission of Inquiry to be held into the workings of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown?

Over the years, there have been so many scandals that most persons have lost count; but how much longer must the citizens of our capital be subjected to having to pay their property rates, market fees, licence fees etc, when the Council’s books are not audited and when there is no system at the Council that tracks and controls their income and expenses?

If one were to just look at the Abattoir, one would have to investigate the stun gun fisco, wherein lots of money was spent to purchase captive bolt pistols, most of which were not in accordance with what was required, whilst animals were slaughtered in a brutish way. Then there is the lack of a scalding barrel or tank for boiling water and other basic equipment needed for the slaughtering operation.

It is all a disgrace.

Just a stone’s throw up the road, as they would say, on Water Street, one encounters the City Constabulary Training School, established not so long ago to impart training to the new entrants of the Constabulary, along with holding other courses, including refresher’ courses.

It now appears abandoned and derelict, with a leaky roof, windows and doors missing, and littered with a few old beds and other furniture. What a shame! There

should be an investigation into how this building fell into such disrepair in such a short period of time.

The condition of the waterfront area of the Stabroek Market, where the roof keeps collapsing and the pier is in precarious state, should be the subject of another investigation. What does the Council do with the stall rents it collects from the Stabroek Market stallholders? Spend it on overseas trips? And why is it awaiting the Central Government to repair the Stabroek Market? Are not the Stabroek Market and its precincts the property of the Council?

And that takes us to the dilapidated City Hall building? Listening to officials of the City Council, one would conclude that the maintenance of that beautiful building was not the responsibility of the Council, and that they woke up one morning like Rip Van Winkle to find the building in that state. It is mind-boggling that they would be waiting for foreign missions, Central Government, foreign aid agencies and the local business sector to fund the repairs of their headquarters.

If the City Council had been

doing routine maintenance of the building each year for the last 25 years -- as they should have --the building would have been in a pristine state, and the whopping US$4.3 million bill currently being touted would have been less than half. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

There are scandals surrounding the Bel Air Park playfield and the Farnum Playground; the new unauthorised building going up where the Kitty Abattoir once stood; the beauticians who were dumped on the Merriman Mall; the purported Presidential Park; the inordinate delay in construction of the Kitty Market; the robberies taking place in the municipal markets; the disappearance of firearms; the brutalisation of juveniles and other citizens by the City Constabulary; the debts to the GRA, the NIS, GPL, GTT and the credit unions, etc;, the feather bedding at the Council, and the lack of an audit of the Council’s financial systems for decades, and so much more.

Could we please have a CoI at City Hall?

Sincerely, Modi Sankar

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Foundation

Ashley Anthony

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round this time last year, I wrote about taking time to discover yourself. For high school seniors, August is usually a time for reflection. With examination results coming up, and our illustrious high school careers coming to an end, we must inevitably turn our minds to our next steps.

It is definitely a frightening time. Uncertainty and pressure become our closest companions; the former fuelling the latter. Any transition period is daunting, but I feel as though the one wherein we decide what to do after high school is one of the most significant. I feel like this because I think this is one of the first times we take agency over the direction of our lives. Of course, the advice of our parents and trusted elders is important; but, ultimately, the onus falls on us to investigate all possible options and make the best decision for ourselves.

Last year, when I was faced with the “What's next?” question, I chose to take a gap year. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately I think it was the best for me. When you mention taking a gap year to Guyanese, they seem confused by the concept. It's as though you might as well be giving up on any academic ambition. “So you're just going to stay home?” Of course

not. Gap y e a r s have numerous purposes.

In my instance, because I knew I wanted to apply to universities in the United States, I took the time to write the SATS (the examinations necessary for entrance to US schools). But even though I knew that what I was doing was for my own good, it doesn't mean that it wasn't hard. I had to see my colleagues go off to university or start working in their fields.

It felt like everyone was moving forward and I was stuck in a prison of my own design.

I’d already written CAPE, at any point, I could have given up and applied to UG, UWI or schools in Canada; but that's not what I wanted for myself. I knew I wanted to pursue a very specific major available at a few schools, and in the end, I am so happy with how it worked out.

Are gap years always beneficial? No. Like everything else, it depends on the person. My gap year really allowed me to explore and develop my passions. With the added free time, I was able to focus more on writing, and I was able to also practice art.

Art, for a long time, has been

a hobby of mine, but school always took a priority. I have no regrets about that, but I am grateful that I was able to dedicate some time this year to practising art. I was able to meet members of the art community, display my pieces in an art gallery (The Duke), and I was even able to sell three pieces. Knowing that someone likes my art so much that they are willing to pay for it gives me a sense of pride and validation that I don't think I had previously experienced.

I was also able to give back. I love physics, and I think anyone who wants to study the subject should be afforded the best opportunities possible. Unfortunately, physics is somewhat of a neglected science. There are few people who want to do it at higher levels, and even fewer who are willing to teach it. After I had written the SATS, I began to work as a CAPE physics teacher at The Bishop’s High School, and it was both a rewarding and enlightening experience.

I developed a newfound respect for teachers, and I was also able to tutor some of the students whom I genuine-

ly consider to be some of the brightest in the country.

To current seniors: if you are uncertain about what you want to do, seriously consider a gap year. They can be beneficial, if done right. Don't

let anyone pressure you into making a snap decision; e.g. starting to work at a job you don't really like just because people keep judging you for “doing nothing”. Don't just make up your mind on a ma-

jor just so that you can have an answer when people ask you. Take the time to investigate everything. A year spent in contemplation is nothing compared to a lifetime stuck in a career you hate.

A bright new school term

Sterling Products Ltd employees’ children receive $65,000 bursary

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Products Ltd, Ramsay Ali (fourth from left) poses with the recipients of bursary awards. Also in photo are other members of management of Sterling Products Ltd, Assistant Chief Education Officer Samantha Williams (second from right) and CCWU Representative, Sherwood Clarke (second from right, back row).

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terling Products Limited employees who have children attending school were late last week granted back-to-school relief in the form of bursaries of $65,000 each.

The company handed out the money on Thursday last and explained that this move was to lessen the expenses the parents have for the September school term.

Angela Persaud, Alika Shaw, Tarun Saktua, Akeelah Persaud, Emika Thomas, Samir Ishmael, Romel Persaud and Daniele Shaw were the seven students who received bursaries. Sterling, in a statement, said that it has been contributing to the education of employees’ children through annual bursary awards for over 25 years.

At last week’s presentation, Human Resources Officer Yvette Fiedtkou said that seven students qualified for the bursary award by attaining at least 75 per cent of the total marks obtainable at the 2018 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Meanwhile, Sterling Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramsay Ali highlighted that the children were embarking

on a new chapter in their education that was vastly different from primary school.

“We are happy that we can afford to do this and assist you a little bit as you get into a new area of your life…,” Ali observed.

Assistant Chief Education Officer at the Education Ministry, Samantha Williams said that the Ministry saluted valuable assistance of this nature and hoped other companies could contribute in similar ways to raising the standards of education and preparing students to succeed in academic life.

Sherwood Clarke, A representative of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) which represents the company’s workers was also present at the ceremony. He explained that trade unionism was not only about fighting for workers’ rights and good working conditions but also enhancing workers’ education. He commended the CEO and the company for agreeing to increase the disbursement, and also praised the company’s adult literacy programme, in place for some employees.

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Hotelier shoots vendor during confrontation

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30-year-old Kitty, Georgetown resident was on Saturday morning shot dead after he reportedly ran into his neighbour’s hotel in pursuit of his handyman who had intervened after he assaulted his girlfriend outside the Tourist Villa Hotel.

Dead is Jason De Florimonte of Lot 96 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville.

It is alleged that about 01:45h on Saturday morning, Florimonte, who was a beer vendor, and his 24-yearold girlfriend, Christine Rambarran were involved in an argument in front of his home which is next door to the hotel. This caught the attention of a handyman employed at the hotel who inter-

Dead: Jason De Florimonte

Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was reportedly shot several times to the right side of his chest.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, an aunt of the

ly to look out over the balcony and I heard my nephew’s girlfriend screaming that they shoot Jason. I ran out and he was lying on my side of the street right by my parapet motionless, but you could see that he was kinda gasping.”

Her neighbour was asked to summon the Police and ambulance. At that time, the hotel owner was outside and reportedly told her that her nephew confronted him which caused him to defend himself.

“I asked my neighbour what happened ‘cause she came out at the same time and then I asked her to call the ambulance, so she said she did. I realised that he had four bullet holes in his

The hotel where the incident occurred

vened to assist the woman.

The intervention by the 29-year-old handyman reportedly angered De Florimonte, and an argument ensued. Realising that the situation was escalating, the handyman ran into the hotel with De Florimonte in hot pursuit. The owner of the hotel whipped out his licensed firearm and fired several shots in De Florimonte’s direction.

After realising that De Florimonte had been shot, relatives rushed him to the Georgetown Public

now deceased man, Wendy De Florimonte related that she was at home at the time when the incident occurred.

After being notified of the incident, she ran outside and saw her nephew lying motionless on the ground.

“So, I was in my bed just after 01:00h, when my son said to me that somebody got shot over the road. I had on my headphones, so I didn’t hear the shots and so he heard it from inside the bedroom,” the aunt related.

“I jumped up immediate-

chest,” she stated.

Additionally, the woman explained that many eyewitnesses were present at the scene since there was a party at the guesthouse during that time.

Meanwhile, it was related that the deceased and the suspect had had many disputes and verbal exchanges in the past. Neighbours, however, claim that the man was mentally unstable.

“They had broken up and she was coming back to reconcile and she was here last

night, but she left. She (the girlfriend) told the Police that he pushed her and then the handyman come. This dude, if you ask the neighbours, he is very, very, very unstable. He’s an unstable character,” a neighbour said.

This publication was informed that video surveillance footage from a neighbouring building was unobtainable, since nearby trees and garbage bins obstructed the site where the shooting occurred. Police

information has indicated that the businessman is a licensed firearm holder.

He was arrested while the dead man’s body was at the Georgetown Public Hospital awaiting a post-mortem examination.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Businessman found guilty of stealing $10M mining equipment

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Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown businessman was on Friday fined $100,000 with an alternative of 18 months’ imprisonment after he was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for stealing a $10 million wash plant (equipment used for gold mining).

Vickram Singh, 32, was found guilty of the charge after a lengthy trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that between February 1 and February 15, 2018, while in the vicinity of Republic

Park, East Bank Demerara, he stole a wash plant valued $10 million, property of Mario Ferreira.

According to the prosecution’s case, between February 1 and February 15, 2018, the businessman paid a truck driver to transport the said equipment, which was parked in an empty lot next to the Virtual Complainant’s home.

The VC was out of town at the time when the equipment was moved, the Court was told.

Upon returning home, Ferreira noticed that the equipment was missing and without hesitation, made reports to several Police

Vickram Singh

Stations. Based on reports, Ferreira was able to make

contact with the truck driver who was allegedly paid some $200,000 to remove the wash plant.

The Court heard that the truck driver told the VC that he was contracted by Singh to transport the wash plant in his vehicle to the North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini). The businessman was subsequently arrested and charged.

Singh was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, or in default, 18 months in prison. He was also instructed to transport the equipment back to Georgetown and pay for any damage caused.

Norton Street man remanded for narco-possession

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Norton Street, Georgetown resident was remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with a possession of marijuana charge.

Damion Evans pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August

3 while he was at the Brickdam Police Station, he had in his possession 134.3 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution’s case, Evans went to the Police Station to collect his motorcycle that was impounded by officers attached to the Criminal

Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on August 1, 2018.

Upon Evans producing the documents for the motorcycle, the ranks smelt what was suspected to be cannabis on his person. A search was conducted, and a black plastic bag containing several ziplock bags of leaves and

stems was unearthed under a helmet.

As such, the man was subsequently arrested and charged for the offence.

The prosecution objected to bail being granted, citing the serious nature of the offence committed. Magistrate Azore remanded the 35-yearold until August 17, 2018.

Changing…

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…self-definitions

ne of the signs of the changing times in our dear old motherland is the insistence on controlling what we are “called”. The Bard of Avon might have asked “what’s in a name” on the assumption that ‘a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”, but today some firmly reject his advice. Take the people who were here before Columbus “discovered” them in 1492.

Since he was looking for India via a sea route, and figured he’d succeeded in his mission, he dubbed the people he saw as “Indians”. The name stuck, even though it was quickly realised that the land wasn’t India, but a “New World”. Remember that famous British poem “There was an Indian”? But others disingenuously genuflected to the reality by distinguishing them as “American Indians”, which was shortened to “Amerindians”. This was the name the colonials accepted - as well as the PNC Government that succeeded them - and was popularised by the “Amerindian Act” that purported to give official recognition to their land claims...

Over in the US, after protests over the retention of the “Indian” misnomer, the powers-that-be called them “Native Americans” to recognise their first presence.

Other groups, especially in South America, insisted they be called “Indigenous Peoples” – which is a synonym for “native” - which was deemed offensive because of centuries of colonial use of the term as synonymous for “uncivilised”. Like in “the natives” are getting restless, we have to send in the troops!

When the PPP took office, they quickly moved to amend the Amerindian Act to give effect to the land rights through titling. During the debate in Parliament, several supporters demanded the name be changed to “Indigenous Peoples Act”, to recognise how they defined themselves. The PPP retained “Amerindian” – even as they created an eponymous Ministry.

With the change of government in 2015, the PNCcoalition quickly changed the Ministry to “Indigenous Peoples”. One would’ve thought “Indigenous” was okay, since, according to the dictionary, it means “naturally existing in a place or country, rather than arriving from another place”. So it was with some surprise your Eyewitness was informed that, in their just-concluded familiarisation meetings, the representatives of the Indigenous Peoples requested they be designated “First Peoples”!

He wonders why the new name. Interestingly, the Chronicle, in its editorial “A land for all Guyanese, wherever”, claimed African Guyanese “can rightly lay claim to having indigenised the Land”. Your Eyewitness is now even more confused. He checked his dictionary and saw that “indigenise” means: “to cause to have indigenous characteristics, adapt to indigenous conditions or practices,” and “to cause to be chiefly of an indigenous personnel.”

…forestation

Back in the day when Jagdeo was President, some folks thought he was smoking some of that Mahaica-grown ganja when he implicitly threatened to increase Guyana’s rate of deforestation unless we got paid!! Especially the PNC and AFC opposition. But the man had a point. Forests act as “carbon sinks” – that is, they sequester carbon out of the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, where they act to increase global warming.

The critics were taken aback when Norway mannedup and paid US$250 million for our contribution to fighting climate change!! But what’s happened since??

After all, our rate of deforestation is still very low. Well, an official from Government’s Climate Change Unit has claimed that BECAUSE of our low deforestation, we’re not getting any money!! What has changed??

Just the man defining the problem! Jagdeo let on that Guyana might just ramp up our deforestation – which would not just reduce our “carbon sink,” but actually ADD carbon dioxide into the atmosphere!!

We needs folks with chutzpah at the (green) helm!!

…skies

Your Eyewitness was astounded that 192 countries – practically the entire UN!! – will be coming to Guyana for a Civil Aviation Conference. To a country with one international airline?

Oi vey!! Better not have that NY Times reporter hear about this!!

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

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

As Petroleum Commission Bill awaits day in Parliament

Human rights body urges autonomy for State oil agencies

…says entities must be protected from political influence

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hen it was first introduced, there was widespread criticism that the Petroleum Commission Bill gave too much political influence to the Government.

According to the Executive Committee of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) in a statement on Saturday, oil and gas institutions must be protected from undue political influence.

The body questioned how

the oil sector would directly improve the lives of citizens, and reiterated that entities that would have an input on state oil resources must be insulated from partisan political directives.

“The unwillingness…to discuss that a problem exists renders reaching a solution remote,” the association noted. “Determining and defending the national interest would include, for example, taking steps to insulate oil and gas development from

the vagaries of Guyanese elections.

“Moreover, creation of state agencies and mechanisms related to oil and gas should be genuinely ringfenced from partisan influence.

“The (prevailing opinion) is that life in Guyana is about to be transformed. To date, it is unclear whether the transformation will create a secure, fulfilling life for all Guyanese, or will plunge our chronic failure to cre-

Caricom Member States

CCJ President disappointed over lack of full membership

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ew President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, has said he is disappointed over the non-accession to the court of most Caribbean nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, where the CCJ Headquarters are based.

The CCJ was inaugurated in 2005 with two of the ‘Big Four’ (the four members states that signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas to form the Caribbean Community (Caricom)), Barbados and Guyana. They acceded to the court’s appellate jurisdiction in 2005. Belize then joined them in 2010, and Dominica followed in 2015.

Since its establishment, the Caribbean Court of Justice has embarked on a mission of trying to convince the signatory member states of the Caribbean Community that the court is a great utility at their disposal. Those member states that have not yet acceded to full membership of the court still send their appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC).

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders

Most Caribbean states only accede to the CCJ’s original jurisdiction in regard to interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Attending a private sector interaction session at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown last week, Justice Saunders was asked about his feelings regarding Trinidad not fully acceding to the court’s membership. He replied that the twin-island republic has been

good to the court, but the CCJ is nevertheless disappointed about the situation.

“We have very good relations with the state of Trinidad and Tobago that allows us to work and function properly in Port-ofSpain; but yes, it is disappointing that Trinidad (do) not yet send their appeals to the CCJ, and that has a multiplying effect; because some of the other countries that are yet to accede, they readily say, ‘Well, why should we, when the state in which the court is housed does not send their appeals [there as well]?’

There is nothing we could do about that, but it is a cause for concern,” he asserted.

According to the CCJ President, the court had, in the past, been targeting Government and the bar associations in the region to convince the member states to accede to the CCJ, but this method has failed to produce any results.

“I think that our strategy has to change, that we need to find ways of reaching ordinary men and women, boys and girls. turn to page 17

ate such a society into something significantly worse,” the GHRA expressed.

The association pointed to the recent controversies surrounding the appointment of a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission. This, it said, indicate the difficulties of filling posts through a bi-partisan process.

“The price of polarised politics is to be counted, in part, in our inability to develop a truly national position on oil and gas. This implies, for example, that ExxonMobil, with its decades of experience as a global economic power, will be confronted across the table with inexperience, pettiness and mediocrity,” the association added.

Appointments

According to the GHRA, appointment of the questionably suitable rather than the eminently suitable is forcing certain considerations.

These considerations, it noted, included whether it was time to appoint foreign nationals with the needed experience and qualifications to certain posts.

“If we cannot bring ourselves to such a workable

compromise domestically, are we prepared to consider, for example, that all appointments above a certain level should be of non-nationals?

Galling as such a prospect may be, intransigent partisanship and willingness to sacrifice Guyana’s future by appointment of questionably suitable, rather than eminently qualified persons, are forcing such considerations upon us.

“Guyanese have had enough of the posturing, the contempt for ethics, and the blatant preferment of political allies which passes for politics. If the transformational public policies required of us are not to be found in the political parties, where will such an initiative come from?”

Autonomous institutions

The Government came under a barrage of criticism when the Audit Office of Guyana (AoG) became one of several agencies to have their budget proposals cut by the Government for the year 2018.

Since the office must provide oversight for Government spending at both the central and regional levels, the move did not go down well with the parliamentary Opposition.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma has already stated that these cuts will have an effect on the agency’s plans.

The association’s statement comes even as the Petroleum Commission Bill sits on the National Assembly’s Order Paper to be discussed at an upcoming sitting of Parliament.

In fact, a number of other bills -- such as the Animal Welfare Bill and even a motion to provide duty free concessions for two Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) staff -- took precedence before this Petroleum Commission Bill, with first oil just two years away.

The bill was sent to a Special Select Committee last year after the proposed powers of the minister had come under intense criticism. One example is that it allowed for the Natural Resources Minister to act in the absence of the Petroleum Commission Board, and even to dismiss the board.

With Government already taking flak for sending a draft law, the Animal Welfare Bill, to a select committee but making no substantial changes thereafter, it remains to be seen whether this bill would propose that the minister’s powers be reduced.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Absenteeism affecting Region 6 RDC work

...calls made for councillors to resign – PPP, AFC reps

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he functioning of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) has been affected by far-too-frequent absenteeism of councillors from meetings; and those councillors who regularly attend meetings of the RDC are appealing to absentee councillors to resign and give others a chance to serve.

The call has been made by councillors from both the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), since more than 70 per cent of councillors have been absenting them-

selves from RDC meetings.

This Region Six RDC has 30 seats, 19 being held by the PPP and 11 by the coalition APNU/AFC. During the last RDC meeting, held on Thursday last, for most of the proceedings, only two APNU/AFC councillors from the AFC faction were present, and an APNU councillor strolled in towards the end of the meeting.

Region Six Chairman

lot of ideas should come from the coalition side to be implemented in the region, to make things better for the people of the region. Unfortunately, nothing is coming from them, and they are even debating what is coming from the PPP,” Armogan said.

He publicly declared that all councillors have an obligation to push Government’s policies, but said Government’s represen-

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

Several empty seats on the coalition side of the RDC

David Armogan and several PPP councillors have expressed disappointment at the attitude of some of the coalition councillors towards the RDC’s functioning. This trend of absenteeism, which started at the turn of the year, has reportedly worsened every month when RDC meetings are held.

Armogan has accused APNU/AFC councillors of being inefficient, declaring they have not been bringing ideas to the table, while often being hesitant to debate topics.

“The Government side doesn’t seem interested in representing anybody.

We were expecting that ideas would come from the Government side, because that is the side that has the money and the power; so a

tatives on the RDC should be pushing more to ensure that those policies are implemented. He thus said he was looking forward to more of an input from the Government side of the house.

Even as the AFC side of the house has lashed out at the lack of attendance of coalition councillors at RDC meetings, coalition councillor Gobin Harbhajan has also lashed out at his colleagues, calling for them to perform or do the honourable thing.

Harbhajan reminded the RDC that councillors should automatically lose their seats after being absent for three consecutive meetings without a valid excuse. He said there are others who should be given a chance to serve. turn to page 11

Cricket, sweet (Texas) Cricket!

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atiricus was elated at the news about his favourite Cricket team – the Guyana Amazon Warriors. His buddies may be focused on the new crop of players who’d be trying to go all the way this year; and that was nothing to sneeze at, conceded Satiricus to himself as he ambled into the Back Street Bar. But imagine being sponsored by Exxon – the biggest oil company in the USA!!

“Abee hear de news, Sato,” said Cappo to Satiricus, who hadn’t realised he’d spoken aloud when he reached the fellas at their favourite table.

“But dem bais still gat fuh play harda!” said Bungi, as he pushed a beer towards Satiricus.

“But do you realise the motivation to the players to be in the company of a world class WINNING company?” asked Satiricus excitedly.

“Well, Exxon certainly showed your government how to win!” said Hari. “Look what they did to all the googlies Trot Man said he bowled against them!!”

“But wha’ dem Texas people know ‘bout cricket?” asked Cappo.

“Well T20 is very similar to baseball,” replied Satiricus.

“And, last year, the Houston Astros won the World Series, after a loss 12 years before!”

“Me glad fuh hear da,” said Bungi. “Abee bais just need wan lil push fuh win de final!”

“So what are you fellas taking to the game on Thursday?” asked Hari. “I’m bringing dhall puri and fowl curry as usual.”

“Budday, yuh bettah tell yuh wife abee na wan’ none laang-wata curry!” chuckled Cappo. “Bunjal de t’ing dong dry!!”

“OK…OK..” smiled Satiricus. “But what about the fry fish for us to snack on? Bungi, please don’t bring banga again this year?”

“Sato, ole fr’en’, doan worry. Dis year a gill-bakka pan de menu!” said Bungi. “Evah since dem “’merican ban gill-baaka, price gaan dong!!”

“Bungi, don’t get carried away,” said Hari. “You know we like “fine” fish for snacking.”

“But dem days gaan!” said Cappo. “Abee get Texas spansa…and wid Texas people ev’ry-t’ing gat fuh be de BIGGES’!!”

“So I’ll bring Texas Fried Chicken this year!” grinned Satiricus.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

CPL 2018

Cinderella County wants to be at the “Biggest Party in Sport” Cultural prejudice in context

…calls on Infrastructure Minister to facilitate ferry transportation

By Ryhaan Shah

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e tend to use the terms “multiculturalism” and “pluralism”, and now the politically favoured “social cohesion” interchangeably, as if they all mean the same thing; i.e., respect and regard for each other’s race and culture. But do they?

With the re-establishment of the Ethnic Relations Commission, it is important that we all understand how the unity we are striving for can best be defined and achieved.

The “oneness” wherein everyone is expected to subscribe, in Guyana’s case to African Guyanese culture – a minority culture – is an enforced assimilation that flies in the face of the UN Human Rights Charter and our very own Constitution. Yet the idea persists, and delivers prejudiced action. The recent donation of steel pans to the University of Guyana by no other than the Minister of Social Cohesion reaffirms that prejudice and exposes this Ministry’s very name as a fraud.

This past week, African Guyanese celebrated their annual homage to their roots and culture on Emancipation Day. And so they should. What marred the celebration was the state funding it to the tune of $17 million given to African Guyanese groups when Indian Guyanese – comprising the largest of the minority groups -- received no such funding for our Indian Arrival Day commemoration. The prejudice that favours African Guyanese is open and persistent.

The two major political parties create and encourage confusion on the issue of ethnic and cultural unity on campaign platforms that present it as a done deal with much music and dance, these always presented in an African Guyanese fashion.

This, then, is the status quo, the desired ideal when the unity we purport to seek is best reflected by the words “E Pluribus Unum” meaning “From many one”. This motto is stamped on every US dollar bill, and acknowledges that American cultural values are built on pluralism. America is not a melting pot as many assume, but is more of a salad bowl, where every group – minority and majority – maintain their independent cultural traditions and identity, with no one group imposing its views and values on any other.

Whereas multiculturalism does revolve around a dominant culture, it is usually one that respects the minorities in its midst, and withholds any demand or suggestion that the minority groups must assimilate into the dominant culture. What we have in Guyana, however, is a perverse form of multiculturalism, where the dominant group is actually a minority that is elevated to a dominant position and presented by the state as the accepted status quo.

Successive Governments in Guyana have endorsed this particular multiculturalism, which regards African Guyanese culture, interchangeably, as Guyanese culture. On every state occasion, it is the Euro-Afrocentric trappings of music, dance, and art forms that take centre stage, with some token appearances

by Indians, Chinese, First Nations, etc. Mashramani solidifies this prejudiced cultural policy, and the social cohesion message continues to be perverted by the discriminatory actions of the Granger Government.

The very idea of tolerance that multiculturalism espouses for minorities endorses the dominance of the favoured group, with the lesser groups being dependent on the largesse and goodwill of the dominant culture for their very existence. This is the truth about Guyana’s ethnic/cultural situation.

Unable or unwilling to deal with the urgent issue of race and ethnicity, politicians continue to mouth the simplistic inanities that a mixed-race population, cultural assimilation, or “douglaisation” would be the perfect solution to healing the divide, without ever considering the emotional charge that results from such cultural loss among those targeted for disappearance, or how much poorer the world would be without their unique cultural contributions.

No one denies that we have all evolved and continue to evolve in order to succeed in new environments, but whereas the First Nations’ languages and culture are protected by international laws, and African Guyanese hold sway as the dominant culture, Indian Guyanese continue to be viewed as outsiders, whose options are to either assimilate or accept the discrimination that comes with being a marginalised society.

Indian Guyanese emigrate and live peacefully in their own communities in New York, Toronto and Miami. It is true that there, too, they are minorities. However, there they are free to honour their heritage, and do so free from fear of inferred assimilation policies, and ethnic crimes against them that in Guyana are politically motivated and justified.

Practising cultural marginalisation is unconstitutional, but is hardly seen as a crime. However, when taken within the whole of the prejudices that feed and justify criminal activities against any group of people, that marginalisation cannot be divorced from its context.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

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port fans in Essequibo, long dubbed the “Cinderella County”, are requesting that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson make arrangements with the transportation department so that they could use the Parika-Supenaam ferry service to attend the Guyana Amazon Warriors games and return home the same night.

Even though Essequibo has the smallest population of the three counties, and is cut off from the major urban stadiums, residents have remained consistently passionate about cricket,

Absenteeism affecting... from page 10

He told the RDC that he was disappointed with the actions of his colleagues. “I believe these councillors were put here to represent the people and their constituencies,” he declared.

Harbhajan also noted that at the recent meeting held to discuss the regional proposed budget for 2019, only a few coalition councillors showed up. That meeting was held on July 28, and only four coalition councillors were present.

Harbhajan said all of them should have been present.

On Thursday, at the RDC meeting, Harbhajan told the house that if the coalition councillors are not attending meetings, they should resign and give others a chance to serve.

Harbhajan, the Prime Ministerial Regional Representative, has been taking a hard line whenever his political colleagues are fingered in questionable transactions. He has also been vocal against corruption in Region Six, and has been criticised publically be many of his colleagues for his stance on corruption.

In an invited comment, Harbhajan told Guyana Times that the coalition councillors who do not attend meetings are “selfish.” He noted that counsellors on the Government side should be at all RDC meetings to push for Government’s policies to be implemented.

which is played enthusiastically at all levels in both the male and female forms of the game.

“Budday, every Sunday, our cricket grounds are full, because cricket is very well organised on the Coast,” one fan, a vendor at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) said. Essequibo has four Cricket Committees on the coast, plus one on Leguan and Wakenaam respectively.

Essequibo has always played the game beyond its nominal potential, because of the massive support from ordinary people and has produced several cricketers who have made the Guyana side. Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton is just the latest in a long line that also includes Keemo Paul. In their case, they also made the West Indies team. Essequibo won the 2016 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Jaguars 50over League and reached the final last year. With the advent of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and local franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, new young players like Beaton and Paul were facilitated

MV Sabanto, one of the two ferries that ply the Parika-Essequibo Coast route

to have an opportunity to make their mark.

These are the same fans who would give their eyeteeth to come out to the Providence Stadium for the three early games on Thursday, Saturday and next Sunday. Only those Essequibians who are wealthy enough to afford hotel rooms or lucky enough to have relatives in Demerara could see their home team play in the flesh.

“Why can’t the Government and Minister Patterson help out by scheduling the ferry to bring us back home?” another fan named Desmond asked

plaintively. “Like Cinderella, we can still get back before midnight!” he joked. He noted that for the 16:00h (4pm) games, since these would end at 19:00h (7pm), with an hour to exit the stadium and another to reach Parika, fans could be back home by 23:00h (11pm) with the ferry. He added that for the 18:00h (6pm) games, as the vendor of Anna Regina predicted, they would still beat Cinderella’s 12 midnight deadline. One Government Regional Councillor supported the call and hoped his Administration would act quickly. “It would bring much goodwill,” he said.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Farmer killed by masked gunman

…girlfriend in custody

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73-year-old coconut farmer of Grant Maria’s Delight, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was shot dead at his home by a masked man.

Dead is Deonarine (only name), also known as “Russian”.

It was reported that on Friday evening about 18:30h, the man had just returned home after collecting his 47-year-old girlfriend, when he heard someone knocking on his door. Guyana Times was told when Deonarine opened the door, a masked man with a gun was standing in the entrance.

The woman, who witnessed the entire incident told the Police after seeing the gunman, she attempted to grab the gun, but he whipped out a knife, which she also grabbed.

Meanwhile, the farmer

Dead: Deonarine, also known as “Russian”

tried to flee the scene, but was chased by the gunman after the woman failed in her efforts to stop him.

This publication was told that the woman was pushed by the suspect who ran after the pensioner and shot him to the left

side of his abdomen before making his escape.

The badly injured farmer was rushed to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

This newspaper understands that the now dead man was a re-migrant, who returned to the Pomeroon and invested significant sums in the coconut industry. He was managing and living alone on the coconut estate. His body is at the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

His girlfriend remains in custody, as Police continue their investigation.

Residents in the area told Guyana Times that Deonarine was a very kind person and expressed shock at the incident.

“Surely the killer came to kill and it’s not a robbery,” a neighbour said.

Accused bandit slapped with 4 robbery under arms charges

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hamar Charles on Friday appeared before two separate Georgetown magistrates in two different courtrooms to answer to four robbery-under-arms charges.

The first charge alleged that on July 27, 2018, while in the vicinity of Houston,

East Bank Demerara (EBD), while being in the company of others, and while being armed with a gun, he robbed Devindra Persaud of one Samsung cellphone valued at $120,000, and of $50,000 in cash.

Charles denied the allegation when it was read to

him by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, but was remanded to prison.

He also appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on three robbery-under-arms charges, all of which he denied. turn to page 16

13 Region 6 spent $2M in 7 days to transport children to Georgetown T news

SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Managing oil for all Guyana

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he following was written in 2007, after the Arbitral Award on the Suriname border and the caution of Sir Sridath Ramphal that oil may not be an entirely unmixed blessing.

Mr Ramphal talked of imitating “best practices” to ensure that after our “potential” is pumped from the ground (or ocean as the case may be) we are not just left with gaping holes - as has happened with our gold.

Lee Quan Yu’s avowal that he was happy that Singapore did not have oil may seem counterintuitive, but the ground reality is that resourcerich former colonies in general, and oil rich ones in particular, have been the worst performers as far as increasing their growth rates are concerned. One study showed that countries that depended heavily on resource extraction in 1970 grew at a measly average of 1% between 1970 and 1989.

Consequently, their people Ravi Dev have not experienced the dramatic increases in standards of living in such resource-poor countries like Singapore. Such results cry out for explanation.

Recently, a strong correlation has been demonstrated between the growth of the resource component of the GDP and conflicts within the countries. While the causation for this effect is complex and contextual, it challenges the widespread hope that, with increased revenue, our present squabbles over whether “marginalisation” is real or imagined will disappear.

This effect of increased conflict is especially noticeable in divided societies, and should be of major concern to our policymakers.

Not surprisingly, most conflicts have at their base a nexus with economics, and as the stakes rise with the flow of oil revenue into the national coffers, it is natural that competition for those revenues would increase. In divided societies, it is not natural for the groups outside the administration to suspect that the “in-group” is being favoured.

If the increased revenues are not equitably distributed, the growth frontier of the country as a whole is inevitably constrained, since the creative potential of significant segments of the population is not allowed to flower – and becomes lost to the society. All modern growth theories show that sustained high growth rates are only possible when the widest possible cross section of the society are involved. Social capital and all that. Increased conflicts – whether hot or cold – inevitably hinder economic activity and growth, and in so many instances, precipitate a spiral of increasing poverty and death in the midst of “plenty”.

The most significant factor in ensuring that countries remain locked in low growth rates and mired in poverty while the dollars keep pouring in is what the economists like to call “rapacious rent-seeking” – but which we laypersons recognise by the catch-all expression “corruption”. Corruption, from all studies, appears to be the major by-product of resource extraction.

We have to come up with a model of development that would involve the greatest number of our citizens, as the oil revenue begins to flow in the next decade. We propose that the Government utilise the “National Development Strategy” as a source document to initiate a national discussion – along the lines of the Constitutional Reform Process in 1999 – to create a more focused strategy, with the understanding that the oil revenues would be utilised to fund the projects proposed by the strategy. A national consensus on development projects should go a long way towards ameliorating the conditions that precipitate conflict over “marginalisation” of any group.

We suggest that “Ethnic Impact Statements” accompany every project to address concerns over ethnic favouritism.

To ensure that the oil revenue does not flow into the pockets of corrupt politicians it would be best to constitute an independent “Oil Fund for National Development” (OFND), which operates on transparent accounting rules to ensure that all oil revenues are accounted for.

The rules of such transparency have now been fully endorsed by the international community, so it would not present any problem to so-called “privacy” needs of corporations. To place the oil revenue directly into the Consolidated Fund is to ensure that, at the very best (assuming no sticky fingers), the money will not be fritted away in pork barrel showy schemes, with no long-term impact on our sustainable development.

The OFND will have to ensure that the oil industry does not blossom at the expense of other previously important production sectors, such as agriculture and fishing; to ensure that the economy diversifies into manufacturing and higher technologies; and involve all sections of the society through the funding of a development bank.

he Region Six Administration had reportedly spent $2 million in seven days to transport school children from the region to Georgetown for rehearsals and Independence Day flag-raising ceremony.

This disclosure was made to the Region Six RDC by Zamal Hussain, a member of the Regional Tender Board (RTB), who explained that the Board was made aware of this huge sum spent only after the money had already been spent.

A document seen by this publication indicated that two million and eighty thousand dollars ($2,080,000) was paid a particular person for transporting children from Berbice High School to Georgetown between May 17 and 24.

The funds came from the Education Department’s budget, and were not budgeted for when the 2018 budget was prepared.

Other spending

The RTB’s Hussain said he enquired from the Regional Educational Officer about the spending, and was told that it is a policy of the Education Ministry to have Cadet Corps attend training in

Regional Tender Board member Zamal Hussain

Georgetown for the Independence celebrations.

“We at the Education Committee did not see anything in writing. I am puzzled to find out how we can get the

Minister of Education to direct the Region to spend $2 million to hire buses to take students to Georgetown,” Hussain said.

Regional Chairman David Armogan advised that the Education Minister should write the regional administration to justify the $2 million spending. “So that we know that it is done by an instruction of the Minister of Education, and not by discretion excised by anyone in the (Region 6) Administration.”

Also commenting on the issue, Regional Vice Chairman Dennis De Roop questioned the process of hiring the buses. He noted that a large sum of money has been expended, and opined that even if the administration had to hire buses, the process should be transparent.

“How many buses were hired, and what is the cost? A proper procurement transaction should have been carried out. They should have gotten quotations, and all that paperwork should have been done before the activity. You can’t utilise the buses and do the business and then after bring the documents to the Tender Board,” DeRoop noted.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

More Venezuelans seeking Air quality and refuge in Region 1 – Chairman noise management …says over 500 refugees recorded

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s Government continues to contemplate and implement measures to deal with the influx of Venezuelans fleeing to Guyana from political and economic turmoil in their homeland, the porous nature of this country’s borders remains of much concern, as communities in Region 1 (Barima-Waini) are seeing numbers of around 500 refugees. This estimation was given by Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley, who on Saturday again called on Government and donor agencies to provide more assistance to the refugees.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Ashley pointed out that the refugees are continuing to put a strain on the region’s medical resources.

“We would have estimated close to 500 persons,” he said, speaking on the Venezuelan influx on the border.

According to information

Many of the refugees were camping out in makeshift tents

provided, there are over 30 persons living in the Yarakita community, while over 55 foreigners have taken up boarding at Kaneville. It was also noted that Whitewater recorded the most significant set of settlers with 236, while another community, Kamwatta, had over 60. Only days ago, Government noted that the 260 confirmed Venezuelan refugees are occupying areas in Region One. Ashley said on Saturday that immigration officers

have been accompanying the team visiting the various communities to confirm just how many Venezuelans have actually taken up residence here. This should clear up the anomalies. At the same time, he highlighted that there is “a grave need for food supplies”, since the final hampers from general donations from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) were distributed on Saturday.

Guyana Times understands that the last set of supplies were sent to the Yarakita community, while Ashley noted that Whitewater has not as yet received any supplies from the CDC or IOM. He pointed out that from a regional level, Region One has been trying to assist, but resources to provide for the 236 persons are not sufficient.

“I was speaking with the Toshao and Councillors, and they were calling on us to help to assist more. Besides assisting these new persons, they already have their village population to take care of as well,” Ashley explained.

In light of all of these concerns, Ashley said, he is looking forward to being visited by Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and a CDC team, to address the growing numbers of persons now resident in the community from the Spanish-speaking nation.

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“Officers measuring particulate matter during an inspection”

hough it is all around us, air is one of the components of the environment often overlooked, because it typically cannot be seen. It faithfully serves all life on earth: plants, animals, and mankind, through unique intertwined processes in the environment.

Air quality, like other aspects of the environment, such as water and forests, is under threat from human action. Indoor and outdoor air quality is important for the quality of life on earth.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated, under the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05, Laws of Guyana, to stem the creation of pollution havens; preserve, protect and enhance the national air quality; and ensure that clean air is maintained while economic growth occurs. Further, the Air Quality Regulations and Noise Management Regulations, both established in 2000, are jointly enforced to manage air emissions in Guyana.

The Air Quality and Noise Management (AQNM) Programme of the EPA is tasked mainly with the enforcement of these regulations, which guide the establishment of parameter limits, the issuance of environmental authorization; monitoring and compliance assessment, and research for the management of air contaminants.

Who needs to be authorised?

turn to page 18

Any activity which emits any air contaminants in the construction, installation, operation, modification or extension of any facility relating to industry, commerce, agriculture, or any institution, must be authorised by the EPA. Some of these contaminants include smoke, solid particles (e.g. sawdust, cement), sulphuric acid mist, fluoride and hydrogen compounds, chlorine and carbon monoxide. Another important potential air contaminant is radioactive particles. These are typically utilised in medicine and industry, and must be managed safely. It is an offence under the Air Quality Regulations to start any such activity without the approval of the EPA. Penalties include fines of up to five hundred thousand dollars and imprisonment for six months.

Likewise, activities producing noise from construction, installation, operation, modification or extension of any facility must be authorised. Anyone who wishes to operate a loudspeaker or any other sound-making device or equipment at a public space (e.g. barbecues, shows, nightclubs) or at any private premises must seek permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Depending on the nature of the activity, the EPA grants two types of noise permits - Short Term Noise Permit and Long Term Noise Permit. The AQNM Programme processed 97.8 per cent of applications received for Environmental Authorisation in 2017.

Complaints Management

The EPA f re q u e n t l y responds to complaints regarding air pollution.

Most of these complaints are concentrated on the coast and are relating to odour nuisances from livestock rearing; fumes from spray painting activities; dust and noise from sawmills and construction; noise from restaurants, bars, and mechanic workshops. More than seventy (70) complaints related to air pollution were investigated in 2017. Noise- producing activities must comply with the noise limits specified in the Noise Management Regulations.

New Initiatives – Radiation Safety

Under the AQNM Programme, the EPA is engaged in improving the safety and security of sealed radioactive sources through registration and authorisation. Moisture density gauges used in the construction sector are an example of sealed sources found in Guyana. It is important that sealed sources be regulated to ensure that they are managed in safe, secure environments by personnel who have received specialised training. Serious injuries and death can occur when radioactive sources are not managed properly.

In its journey to improve the management of sealed sources, the EPA is receiving much support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the EPA is implementing two projects funded by the IAEA. The projects seek to “establish and/or improve a sustainable, safe, adequate and permanent cradle to grave control of radioactive sources, consistent with the IAEA Safety Standards”, and “establish and sustain the national safety infrastructure for the control of radiation sources”.

To date, under these projects, the EPA has benefited from three training workshops.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Driving inclusive economic growth – the role of the Private Sector in economic development

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n last week’s edition of this column, the author posited that there exists in Guyana no major symptom of political instability at this point in time. In that article, the notion of political instability was defined as a situation in which a country experiences politically motivated violence and/or crimes in society, violent protests, workers going on strikes, and so forth.

Political instability is also defined as the propensity of a government collapse, and when growth is significantly lower than otherwise. Poor economic performance, however, may lead to a government’s collapse and political unrest.

Notwithstanding, if one were to consider a few political scenarios; namely, the unprecedented event surrounding the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the uproar by several commentators and the political Opposition regarding the appointment of the GECOM chairman, the deadlock regarding the making of substantive judicial appointments; these events, one can argue, do constitute some degree of political instability. But in order for these events to lead to a full blown, politically unstable environment – it largely depends upon how the people and the political Opposition react to these circumstances.

So far, as it relates to the nine thousand plus sacked sugar workers, the political Opposition have remained quite calm and engaged in only peaceful protests so far.

In a similar manner, such is the reaction to all the other referenced politically controversial matters; as there has been no extraordinary reaction to these instances by the people and the political opposition in a manner that may destabilise the economy. However, this is not to say that should the economy continue its contractionary trajectory of poor economic performance in the short and medium terms, political instability may not prevail. At the same time, though, such may be an unlikely outcome, with the growing optimism and overly exaggerated hope that are being conveyed to the people of Guyana with first oil in 2020.

That being said, against the backdrop of last week’s topic: “the need for an improved economic relationship between the Private Sector and the Central Government to advance Guyana’s economic development”, this columnist is pleased to note that the very next day after this article was published (incidentally), the Minister of State met with executive members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to discuss increased collaboration between the Government and the PSC in the areas of the Green State Development Strategy and the setting up of the Department of Energy. This is very commendable, to begin with.

Turning now to the thematic discussion for today, the international community came together in 2000 to forge a common blueprint for global development, the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). At the highest level, they measure progress with respect to poverty and nutrition, universal education, gender equality, child health, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, environmental sustainability, and global partnership. The goals remain the most important source of international consensus on the overarching objective of development efforts: poverty reduction and improved quality of living. Each goal contains targets and indicators for monitoring progress.

While economic growth is essential to poverty reduction, such growth itself flows predominantly from the Private Sector investment and the job and business creation that follows.

Thus there has been growing consensus internationally that reducing global poverty depends on the facilitation of economic growth that includes the poor. It is also recognised that effective governance without strong public institutions, economic growth will be either inhibited and/or proceed in a way that does not benefit most members of a society.

Therefore, effective public institutions are necessary to ensure a sound enabling environment for private sector investment, and to manage the relationship between private sector activity and broader societal interests (Allison, 2012).

It is precisely for these reasons that there is a strong universal view that both the private sector and public sector are critical to implementing the vision of long term poverty reduction through inclusive economic growth, driven by private sector activity. The reality of global poverty has also been shifting, such that it is estimated that over two-thirds of the world’s poor people currently live in middle income countries, defined by the World Bank as countries with annual GDP per capita above US$1,000 (Guyana’s GDP per capita is just over US$4,500). Development scholars argue that this is a dramatic change from just two decades ago, when 93 per cent of poor people lived in low-income countries (Allison, 2012).

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Boat operators suspended for exploiting passengers – MARAD

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oat operators who refuse to comply with regulations of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) regarding the fare structure have begun to feel the heat, since quite of number of operators ferrying passengers between the Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop Stellings have already been suspended for double-charging passengers on Sundays and holidays.

This was related to Guyana Times by Harbour Master Michael Tennant, who explained that the move comes weeks after this newspaper had published several articles in which commuters called for

MARAD’s invention in the situation.

“We have already said that persons who are overcharging people and all such like, all the persons have to do is provide the name of the boat to us, and we will take the necessary action,” Tennant reminded this newspaper.

Tennant said he was unable to give an approximate number of boat operators who have been suspended, but he noted that MARAD has begun to clamp down on errant operators in an effort to stamp out exploitation.

Guyana Times had previously reported that boat operators were charging double fare on Sundays and

holidays, much to the discomfiture of the travelling public; and Tennant, in an interview with this publication, had said passengers need to report the incidents for MARAD to act.

He noted that complainants would be required to file an official report, which would require the name of the boat along with the time of the incident, since it would make the investigation easier.

This newspaper was informed that boat operators usually demand a fare increase of an additional $100 when they transport half the number of passengers on this route.

Passengers have also

The Georgetown Stelling

detailed cases when they were forced to pay the extra $100, some without even knowing that the additional fee is unlawful.

Back then, when Guyana Times visited the Georgetown Stelling, some disgruntled passengers opined that the fare increase was quite burdensome and “unfair” to them.

An angry passenger had said, “I ain’t get raise on my salary, so I ain’t concern with no raise of fare! I won’t go for no raise of fare!”

Another frequent boat

user had told Guyana Times, “I think that the fee increase on weekends and holidays is unnecessary and unacceptable. The boat captains and bowmen would have the maximum number of persons on board and still charge the $200 fee. It is a matter that should be looked into by the relevant authorities, because it’s an act of exploiting customers.”

Another passenger of the water taxis had said, “We have no other choice.

Sometimes — especially when they (boat opera-

tors) know that the bridge is closed — they try to exploit us, and I think that is unfair.”

“The double-fare being charged by boat operators on Sundays and holidays is definitely ridiculous! It’s unethical! This was never approved! I believe only persons who aren’t aware of this are the ones that are being targeted. I pay $100 on those days, especially when the boats travel with a full load,” another passenger had said.

A bowman who spoke to this newspaper had said the fares are increased on Sundays and holidays because those are not full working days.

“Sundays and holidays is $200 (charged) because we ain’t supposed to be working. So them man does come out because them ain’t got nothing fuh do (and them want) fuh try and help de passengers to get across more fast. $200 a head. Me ain’t know why them (passengers) does row, because this is de cheapest boat fare around here,” he had declared.

Accused bandit slapped...

One of those charges read that on July 25, 2018, while in the vicinity of Bagotstown, EBD, and while being armed with a gun, he robbed Debby Atwell of a quantity of jewellery valued at $230,000.

Another charge alleged that on July 24, 2018, at Eccles, EBD, while being in the company of others, and while being armed

with a gun, he robbed Ellis Valenzuela of a cellphone valued at $14,000.

The last charge alleged that on that same day and in the vicinity of Eccles, while being in the company of others and while being armed with a gun, Charles robbed Weifins Wong of a quantity of jewellery, cash and a cellphone, all valued at $2.6 million.

from page 12

The Police prosecutor objected to Charles being placed on bail due to the seriousness of the offences and the fact that a gun was used.

Charles was refused bail, and was remanded to prison. The matters were adjourned to August 13 and 17, when the cases will continue at the Providence and Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts respectively.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

900 garbage bins to be distributed to minibuses

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n an effort to curb garbage being dumped unwarrantedly in the environment, the United Minibus Union (UMU) has teamed up with the Communities Ministry to distribute 900 waste bins to bus drivers of 13 routes by August month-end.

On Saturday, UMU President Eon Andrews told Guyana Times that the donation of the bins was made possible through negotiation with the Communities Ministry subsequent to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parties last month.

“We are of the view that if Guyana does not up its stan-

dards, like having these bins in buses, we will be left behind, because remember tourism is increasing and there is first oil, so there is a lot of persons who may be here who are accustomed to a standard of living, especially in public transportation where you need to accommodate people,” he said.

The UMU Head further explained that the bin distribution was not only because of the expected increase in tourism.

“It’s not just because people are coming, we believe that Guyanese need to up their standards, up their living standards, the way they

behave. You know this idea of just taking life for granted and just throwing things through windows.”

He noted that a record was being kept of the buses which would have received the bins, so as to ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution process.

In addition to this, Andrews said that the drivers receiving bins would be tasked with the responsibility of informing passengers that a garbage bin was present in the minibus, so that they could make use of it.

On Friday, at least 105 bins were distributed to drivers in the Industry,

CCJ President disappointed...

Because Governments, when they don’t take a step that they should take, they do that because they are unsure of what the political consequences are likely to be; and if the Government is confident that the political consequences will not be unfavourable, then they will take that step tomorrow. And so we have to see what we can do, and our allies and stakeholders can do, in order to try to create a climate where the Governments of all the countries that have not yet acceded feel comfortable in taking the decision; which we feel is the right one to take,” he stated.

To this end, Justice

Saunders said the court has now embarked on a number of strategies to connect more with the ordinary people, including being more involved in, and active on, social media.

The CCJ President noted that some of the detractors of the court get away with purveying stories which are simply not true. He pointed to a recent instance when he heard a commentator on the radio calling the CCJ a “lazy man’s court” and that “they hardly do any work”.

Justice Saunders has dismissed those remarks, saying the facts of the CCJ’s work are in its performance.

“Between January and

from page 9

now, for the CommonwealthCaribbean countries that send their appeals to the Judicial Committee, that court has delivered 11 judgements.

And they have the ‘Big Two’ – Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica -- sending appeals to them… But in the same length of time, we delivered 22 judgements – double the amount,” the CCJ President asserted.

He said the court now has to work on ensuring that citizens in the region do not believe the “garbage” that is being spread, and instead provide citizens of the region with information that helps to dispel those myths.

From right: United Minibus Union President Eon Andrews hands over a waste bin to a minibus owner who operates along the UG/Industry to Georgetown route

Beterverwagting (BV) and Mahaica to Georgetown zones.

The Union President has since vowed to ensure that the remaining zones receive the much-needed bins within a three-week period.

According to him, both members and non-members of the Union will receive the bins.

Andrews explained that the MoU signed between the Communities Ministry and the Union was undertaken to bring about a change of behaviour in the public towards the management of solid waste, through public awareness and community development activities.

He nevertheless said that the Union would try as much as possible to monitor the usage of the bins in the minibuses.

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SUnDAY, august 5, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt lends support Digicel launches $700 top-up cards to WCB fire victims 8.

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Representatives of Digicel with the new top-up cards

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally with the fire victims at Kingelley, WCB

T

hrough the Social Protection Ministry and the administration of Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice), Government has provided support to the West Coast Berbice family of thirteen who lost their home to fire on August 1.

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally on Friday handed over mattresses, stoves, pots and pans, clothing, furniture, food items and other household necessities to the family.

During her stop at Kingelley, Minister Ally extended sympathy to the victims on behalf of the Social Protection Ministry and on behalf of President David Granger. The minister also handed over the sum of $500,000 to a local lumber dealer to enable the victims to purchase building construction materials. She assured the victims that they could expect continued assistance to rebuild their home in the form of sand, stone, cement and hollow blocks.

The Regional Administration of Region 5 also assisted with a number

of construction materials.

Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison disclosed that the building materials donated would help the victims substantially in their efforts to build another home.

Owner of the ravaged building, Shellon Long, has said the efforts of the Social Protection Ministry and the Region Five Administration to stand with her and her family at this time have been a source of considerable relief. She said life for herself, husband and their children are returning to some normalcy.

Reports are that tragedy struck Long’s family at just before midday on August 1: while most persons were enjoying their planned Emancipation Day programmes, her house was discovered to be on fire; and within minutes, the building was reduced to rubble.

Eleven children, aged 17, 15, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 3 and a 1-year-old baby, are among those homeless.

When this newspaper arrived on the scene, Maxwell McDonald, who shared the

home with his reputed wife Shellon Long, detailed that none of the children told him what had caused the fire, but he noted that they were all confused.

According to McDonald, as he returned home from work on Wednesday, he observed the thick smoke in the air. He said one of his work colleagues told him that it was his house on fire, and he quickly dismounted from the truck and ran home.

McDonald said he was only told by the children that the fire had started in the back bedroom.

Meanwhile, Officer in Charge of Operations at the Guyana Fire Service in Berbice, Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald, said the fire call was received at about 11:05h on Wednesday, and the GFS responded promptly. By the time they arrived on scene, the building was already flattened.

Fire Officer McDonald told this publication that the fire was caused by children who were left unsupervised and were playing with matches.

total of 33 high-end smartphones, credit and $1-million prizes are up for grabs this summer as Digicel officially launched its “Summer Grabs” promotion.

On Saturday, the promotion was officially launched which saw the introduction of $700 top-up cards, which would be available from Monday.

As part of the giveaways, when customers enter the pin number from any of the new $700 cards, a special letter or number will be sent to their phones. To win, they would have to obtain the letters G-R-A-B along with two other letters or numbers indicating the prize.

To win a Samsung Galaxy S8, one would have to obtain the letter S and the number

Similarly for the Galaxy S9, the winning code will be the letter S and the number 9, and the letters I and X for the iPhone 10. For the cash prizes of $1 million, customers would have to acquire the number 1 and the letter M. In the end, six characters would be necessary to determine the reward.

Representing the brand, Tamika Henry indicated that credit can also be won every time persons use the $700 top-up cards.

“Every time you top up with $700, you get a chance to win $1000 credit back.

Every single day, we’re giving 20 lucky customers $1000 in free credit.”

The promotion ends on September 9 and one individual can win multiple prizes.

“There’s no limit to how many times you can win, so keep topping up through this summer and you can win several times over.”

GWI pump stations unequipped with backup power

T

he majority of the pump stations which are operated by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) are not equipped with generators or any other backup power supply in the event of a power outage.

This was related by GWI Operations Director Dwayne Shako, who noted that only about 15 per cent of the stations could supply water when there was a power outage.

As a result, thousands of persons in highly-populated communities are affected when blackouts occur.

“The only locations that are equipped with generators are treatment plants and then we have major pump stations like at Diamond and Parfaite [Harmonie]. In those areas, say if the pump station cuts off, we have areas where thousands of people are affected, big distribution networks. Just around 15 per cent of our pump stations have standby power.”

Catering for emergencies, GWI Managing Director Richard Van WestCharles indicated, that the utility company has made proposals to the Government for the placement of genera-

tors at pump stations serving densely populated regions. He explained that with the absence of power, the company was unable to pump water during fires and other unfavourable circumstances.

“It’s as a result of this, in our proposal for support from the Government of Guyana, we’re seeking to purchase some additional generator sets for the large populated areas because the impact in terms of those areas, both from the point of view of security. In some cases, if a fire were to break out in these highly-populated areas, if we haven’t got a generator set there, we are unable to pump if there is a blackout.”

Meanwhile, Shako stated that they have introduced a new intervention to maintain the water pressure level, whereby the real-time pressure of the water could be detected at any time.

In the past, it was related that customers would have to report these incidents. Now, as soon as the level drops beyond a predefined mark, a team is dispatched to the location.

“Before now, we had a situation where we had to

wait on customers to say that they’re receiving water or they have low pressure.

Then we have to dispatch an operator who have to ride sometimes three [or] four miles with a motorcycle or vehicle only to find out there was a blackout and sometimes before you reach, the pump station comes on back again. In this case, we’re able to monitor real time and we have some information to understand what is happening,” he said.

“Once the pressure goes beyond a certain level at night and it drops below a predefined level, we send out a team. Sometimes, it might be just a simple power outage or low voltage in that area. We have operators that work shift 24 hour so we will dispatch one of the operators to site, he then does an assessment to see what is the issue,” he said.

In most cases, a power outage is the main cause of the disruption in supply.

“Many times, it’s just an issue of poor power quality.

We have blackout. We have low voltage and so on.”

The company operates 141 pump stations on the coast and over 400 wells in the hinterland.

More Venezuelans seeking...

Ashley stressed that refugees need not only food suuplies, but food and clothing as well.

Following conclusion of the third multi-agency coordinating committee meeting held at the Ministry of Citizenship, the subject minister had observed that the resettlement area would be self-reliant, so that the families can enter ventures such as cash crop farming and they can sell their surplus.

Many in the area have

expressed concerns for the safety, health, and accommodation of the migrants, and of the locals who live around them. It was reported last month that the refugees were undergoing health screening, as several were found to have malaria; there are signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, and some were reportedly HIV positive.

Venezuelan nationals were crossing into Guyana, especially at Region One, to seek medical treatment for

from page 14

malaria.

Ashley previously noted that the Region’s 2018 Budget currently does not have funds to provide for these refugees, but agencies such as Food for the Poor, the CDC, and other good Samaritans have provided limited clothing and food items to the refugees.

Many of them are from the Warrau tribe, and many reside along the border with Guyana.

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guyanatimesGY.com

SUnDAY, august 5, 2018

Ethan Lee wins another chess tournament – Sophia Singh takes Beginners Section E

than Lee played undefeated again to win the Advance Section of the Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation Emancipation Kids Cup. For him it is now four (4) tournaments in a row with remarkable statistics of 28 games, 26 wins, 2 draws and no loses. His highly anticipated match against Guyana National Junior Champion Joshua Gopaul was his last real test. Gopaul with the White pieces took an advantage in the Scotch opening after some inaccurate play from Ethan saw him losing a Rook for a Knight and a pawn.

However, to win this piece Gopaul had over extended his Queen into the opponent’s territory which resulted in it being trapped due to

miscalculation. After winning Gopaul’s Queen, Ethan made light work of the reminding pieces and secure his full point.

Ghansham Allijohn played to a solid draw against Ethan in round five (5) with the Black pieces. Ghansham known as Little Anand after Indian Former World Champion Vishy Anand simplified Ethan’s aggressive play to secure a draw. Round six however Ethan should have lost, being a Knight down against Savir Gookul but this is not the case.

Lee, even though a piece down played and pressured his opponent who was in time trouble which resulted in Gookul making some decisive error. By the last round Ethan had already secured the tournament and played

Ethan Lee recieving his trophy

her games won by checkmating each opponent.

The 15-year old St Joseph High School student, took a little over a year break from chess and showed that she still has it, especially when she defeated fellow female Angel Rahim in a lengthy game that lasted nearly 3 hours.

Her win against USA junior player Rashad Gilgeous should be noted since the players played in the sharp Evan Gambit when she sacked her Bishop to force mate in 3 in two different variations. Taking 2nd place was newbie Rahim who is playing chess for only one month now.

However, she shows that she is a quite the learner and she has the discipline to become great. Young Rahim executed chess principles perfectly from opening guidelines to basic tactics of pins, forks and skewers that was too much for her begin-

The winners pose with their medals and trophies

calmly where a draw was extended and taken by fellow schoolmate Odit Rodrigues. Ethan finished on 6 points from 7 games/ Taking second place was National Junior Champion Joshua Gopaul on 5.5 points and finishing in third were Jaden Taylor and Rajiv Lee, both on 5 points. Rajiv Lee’s performance must be noted after he lost 2 of his 3 games in the first 3 rounds.

However, he made an impressive comeback in the last 4 rounds winning all his games to secure his 3rd position. He defeated Savir Gookul, Allijohn, Jorrell Troyer and Jonathan Stephney with some tactical chess.

Allijohn and Rodrigues finished on 3.5 points each, followed by Ronan Lee and Jessica Calender on 3 points each, then Jorrell Troyer on 2 points and Jonathan Stephney on 1 point.

In the Beginners Section, Sophia Singh returned to chess with a bang winning all 7 of

ner opponents. Her only lost came to the more experienced Singh, where she put up a great fight.

Finishing in 3rd was 7-year old Triston Singh of Mae’s Primary School who accumulated 5 points with his losses coming to Sophia and Angel.

However, he proved he was good enough to finish third as Joshua Khan, Arysh Raghunauth, Jibril Alli, Kaiden Ali Rashad and Kyle Gilgeous all finished on 3 points each to for fourth, while Alia Gafoor and Asher Gafoor withdrew from the tournament.

The organiers extended a heartfelt thanks to all who helped make the tournament possible, namely, the National Sports Commission, American University of Peace Studies, Red Cherry, Julio’s Ice Cream, Mr & Mrs Lee, Bibi Rahim and Maurlene Lee.

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Tallawahs’ Charles sets himself 600run benchmark D

iscarded West Indies opener Johnson Charles has set himself a benchmark to force his way back into international cricket: 600 runs in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which starts August 18.

Charles, 29, has not played for West Indies since November 2016. In 48 ODIs, he has scored 1283 runs at an average of 26.72, with two centuries and four fifties, while in 32 T20Is he has managed 724 runs at a strike-rate of 121.68, with four half-centuries.

Charles will feature for Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2018 CPL, having managed just 158 runs in ten games for St Lucia Stars last season.

“Last year, I didn’t have the best of years, and so I am looking to get back up there in terms of runs because my main aim is to get the most runs in the tournament,” he told The Jamaica Gleaner. “I am eyeing 600 runs at least this year. It (batting) has been coming up because I have been doing some work, and it has been coming off better than last year, and so this year, hopefully, it all come together.”

In scoring heavily, Charles was hopeful of taking his new franchise to the CPL title.

“It is going to be a different feeling from back home playing for the St Lucia Stars, but it is all about adapting, and I am just looking to come out and give a good performance and a good account of myself and to help the Jamaica Tallawahs win,” he said. “The Jamaicans, they are very vocal, but they

sports

21

Johnson Charles

are not the most vocal in the world because I have played a lot of international cricket, and one way I have learnt to deal with crowd is to block them out and just play my cricket whenever I get out on to the field. I know that it is going to be a tremendous atmosphere at Sabina Park, and I am looking forward to this.”

Charles enters the CPL after a poor run in the inaugural Global T20 Canada, where he managed 65 runs in six innings. (Cricket County)

22

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, august 5, 2018

Conor versus Khabib

the biggest fight in UFC history – White

Hero CPL 2018

Tanvir backing Malik to lead Warriors well in Hero CPL 2018

By Clifton Ross

G

Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) is the lightweight champion after Conor McGregor (right) was stripped of the title in April for being inactive

C

onor McGregor’s comeback fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov is the “biggest fight in UFC history”, says Dana White.

McGregor will fight Nurmagomedov for the Russian’s lightweight title in Las Vegas on 6 October.

The Irishman, 30, who was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match in August 2017, has not fought in the UFC since November 2016.

In July he avoided jail after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct following an incident at a UFC media day.

The former two-weight champion had faced multiple criminal charges stemming from an altercation in April with other fighters.

McGregor was filmed throwing a metal dolly into a window of a bus parked at a Barclay’s Center loading bay.

The coach bus had been carrying a group of UFC athletes and employees at the time, including Nurmagomedov, and two fighters were injured.

Before the incident, McGregor was stripped of his lightweight title for being inac-

tive, which Nurmagomedov, 29, then won by beating Al Iaquinta to extend his record to 26 straight wins.

“We knew this was the fight to make, “ UFC president White told Fox Sports. “I believe it is the biggest fight in the history of the company, other than the Mayweather fight.

This thing is going to be massive.”

Asked if he was concerned following McGregor’s arrest and subsequent deal with US prosecutors, White told ESPN: “Conor came and did what he did and didn’t expect the results that happened. I think we are not going to have any problems with these guys.”

McGregor, who has a 21-3 UFC record, became the first fighter to hold two titles simultaneously when he beat Eddie Alvarez in his last UFC fight.

He then fought former five-weight world boxing champion Mayweather in one of the richest boxing bouts of all time.

“Conor is living proof of pound for pound, “ added White, “He is willing to fight anyone in the world who thinks they are better than him - it’s what makes him so popular, this is another fight to cement his legacy as one of the best ever.” (BBC Sport)

uyana Amazon Warriors seamer Sohail Tanvir said his countryman and new Captain Shoaib Malik will be a strong leader for the team who are geared towards bringing the title back home this.

Malik was named skipper of the team a few weeks back and with the Guyana Warriors bowling off their camp on Friday; Guyana Times Sport caught up with the Pakistani during the team’s training session on Saturday at Providence.

“He’s a very experienced guy he’s been playing international cricket for the past 20 years and he’s captained the sides whether it was international or franchise cricket. I played under him in PSL (Pakistan Super League) and I started my international career under him. He has the cricketing knowledge that skipper’s need”, Said Tanvir.

Tanvir further pointed out that while Malik is new to the Guyana Amazon Warriors family; he has been around ever since the inception of the tournament and has been one of the leading run-getters to date.

As such, his credentials as a captain and a player add invaluable experience to the team.

“Yes he’s new to Guyana but he has been involved in CPL since it started. Everyone knows him and even our local players know him”, he added.

Looking at not only Malik but his entire

team’s stats, the 33 yearold said that the Warriors have a nicely balanced squad, adding that he was happy to know the young players who performed well in the Canada T20 and Windies B team were among his future teammates.

“I’ve seen a few youngsters, Hetmyer (Shimron) was involved last year, I was inspired I was asking who was in our team from those boys and we’ve got three of them and I do hope that they grab their opportunities”, he said.

With the record of 5-3 against Barbados Pride last year, Tanvir who has the fastest fifty in CPL history said his new teammates as well as Head Coach Johan Botha will certainly add a major boost to the franchise this season. “I played with Johan Botha at PSL he was our assistant coach and he was tremendous and we hope he can continue. We have been playing good cricket throughout the entire CPL since it started and we are hopeful this time that we can bring the trophy to Guyana”. Tanvir ended.

Meanwhile, the Warriors engaged some hard work in the nets this past Saturday and will continue their preparatory camp up until August 7 ahead of their first game at Providence versus the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, august 5, 2018

TKR sign partnership with NLCB

Hero CPL 2018

Hetmyer geared for full season with Guyana Amazon Warriors I

23

By Clifton Ross

n-form batsman Shimron Hetmyer said he’s looking forward to a full season of playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), adding that he strong believes his team can finally bring home the spoils.

During an exclusive with Guyana Times Sport on Saturday, the West Indies left-hander; fresh off a hundred at home a few days ago said he was eyeing a full CPL season this year after having previous season’s cut short due to international commitments.

“It’s been hard work for me I was here a few years ago I only got to play one game because I had West Indies duties in England. Like it said it has been hard work this year will be a full season so I will take it one step at a time and see how it goes”. Hetmyer explained.

With some new faces in the side, coupled with a few familiar ones, Hetmyer believed that the hunger and desire to finally capture the elusive title will help the players tap into their AGame, adding that the experienced guys will also need to play bigger roles.

“I think we have a very good makeup cause it’s a bunch of guys balanced with youth and experience it’s always good to have in the team. Even with the guys who are not too experienced they are playing for franchise around the world, they share wisdom and work with us”.

He continue, “This year we have a very good chance to taking it to the end this year, to take the trophy but we have to take it one game at a time and process by process and see how it goes for us”. He added.

After pummelling the Bangladeshis in the second ODI for his 125, the highest by a Guyanese and West Indian at Providence, the former Windies U19 World Cup winning skipper said he was not fazed by his purple-patch but is instead working harder going forward.

He however did admit that he was happy about his current form and is happy to have performed well at home; especially with the Warriors playing 7 games in total this year at home.

“Form is very important, yes I did get a few score here the other day with the West Indies but I can’t get too complacent because that was the past I you have to look ahead to the future now”.

Concluding his interview, the Windies batsman said winning this year will call for a lot of hard-work and courage from the players but he’s confident that winning the title for the first time is a possibility this year.

“We have a few games here before we move into a next country, so I’m just trying to get as much at home where you’re most comfortable and know the soil. We just need to know that batting first we have to set a good total or we have to chase whatever the team posts”. Hetmyer ended.

Marketing and public relations officer Susan Worrell, second from right, with Trinbago Knight Riders’ Amir Jangoo, and at left, Kevon Cooper and Khary Pierre.

T

RINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) received another boost towards retaining the Hero Caribbean Premier League title, as the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) signed a partnership with TKR for this season which is worth more than $100,000.

TKR received the good news at the NLCB Hospitality Suite at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair, on Friday.

This is the second company that have announced its sponsorship of TKR this past week, as SurePay announced its partnership with TKR on Monday.

Susan Worrell, marketing and public relations officer at NLCB said, “I am pleased to announce the partnership with the Trinbago Knight Riders and the NLCB. Our continued support for Trinbago Knight Riders aligns with the NLCB’s five main pillars when it comes to national sustainability and local development.

“In addition to community, education, youth and culture, sport is one of our main cornerstones and we hope to once more help Trinbago Knight Riders showcase the spirit, resilience and inspirational essence of the country.”

Worrell is hopeful that, with NLCB’s support for another year, TKR can lift the title.

“We look forward to another year of success

from the Trinbago Knight Riders and you all to be winners of 2018 CPL tournament,” Worrell said.

A number of players on the TKR squad were in attendance for the announcement including captain Dwayne Bravo, Amir Jangoo, Khary Pierre and Kevon Cooper, along with team manager Colin Borde.

Cooper said sponsorship is always essential for a winning team. “We are very happy to have NLCB on board as one of our main sponsors. Without sponsorship nothing is possible...and hopefully we could go out there and showcase our talent with NLCB on our jerseys and be very proud to represent them,” Cooper said.

General manager of TKR Paul Skinner was also thankful for the assistance from NLCB. Skinner said, “It has been awhile in the making and the Trinbago Knight Riders are once again happy to partner with the NLCB for another year.

As returning champions we are looking to repeat this year again, and these partnerships are essential in our quest to pursue our goal of remaining as champions for this year.

“I will like to thank the NLCB for partnering with us this year and being one of our official sponsors. Welcome on board and let’s go again. Let’s play, win, repeat.” (Newsday)

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Hetmyer geared for Tanvir backing full season Malik to lead Warriors with Guyana well in Hero Amazon CPL 2018 Warriors Ethan Lee wins another chess tournament Hero CPL 2018…

Pg 23

Pg 22

– Sophia Singh takes Beginners Section

Pg 20

The winners pose with their medals and trophies

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

August 5, 2018

POWERED BY COACH

ASSISTANT

JOHAN BOTHA

RAYON GRIFFITH

SHOAIB MALIK

SOHAIL TANVIR

CHADWICK WALTON

CAMERON DELPORT

RAYAD EMRIT

IMRAN TAHIR

JASON MOHAMMED

LUKE RONCHI

VEERASAMMY PERMAUL

ROSHON PRIMUS

SHIMRON HETMYER

DEVENDRA BISHOO

GAJANAND SINGH

SHERFANE RUTHERFORD

ROMARIO SHEPHERD

KEEMO PAUL

SAURABH NETRAVALKAR

AKSHAYA PERSAUD

CHRISTOPHER GREEN

2 Sunday Times Magazine

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AUGUST 5 , 2018

Feature

O

ver the years, the Guyana Amazon Warriors have come extremely close to lifting the Hero Caribbean Premier League’s trophy but never quite made it across the finish line and according to Warrior Devendra Bishoo the team is hungry this year.

“This year we have a good bunch of guys, the previous years we had a good guys and stuff but this year I think everybody is more hungry for it. Over the years, we have been reaching finals, semis and we just need the one push more and I think we got it this year.”

The 32-year-old Berbician said the aim is to take one match at a time

Bishoo in action for the Guyana Amazon Warriors

and ensure that they perform their best. He noted that they will now commence training since most of the squad arrived in Guyana ahead of the August 8 bowl off.

“We have to put in the work when it comes to training because some the other teams start training already and we are now starting. We just have to believe in our ability, believe in our process, believe in ourselves and focus on one game at a time and take it step by step. Don’t look at the final because we haven’t qualified as yet so take it one by one and enjoy it the whole tournament.”

Bishoo has long been

looked upon as the man to revive leg-spin bowling in the West Indies. Having churned out wickets at the domestic level for Guyana, Bishoo's turning point came in the 2010 West Indies T20 tournament, when he helped Guyana win the tournament and also helped them qualify for the Champions League T20.

He won the Man of the series in that tournament, picking up 10 wickets in four matches at an astonishing average of 8.20 and with a superb economy rate of 5.12. Guyana put on a poor show at the Champions League, but Bishoo came out of the tournament with his head held high. His at-

tacking style of bowling won him many admirers and he was chosen to play in the 2011 World Cup. He made his debut against England at Chennai, India and made an immediate impression. He changed the course of the match by picking up the key wickets of Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright and ended up with 3/34 in his 10 overs. It was this fine spell that announced him on the world stage.

He continued to progress upwards. He had a wonderful T20 debut against Pakistan when he picked up 4/17 to help the Windies to victory. This earned him his first Man of the Match award.

He continued to torment Pakistan in the ODI series with 11 wickets at an average of 17.18. It was indeed a proud moment for him and Guyana when he was awarded the Test cap on his home ground. Like in the ODIs and T20Is, he had

Preparing to bowl

A younger Devendra Bishoo

an immediate impact by picking up 4/68. In the second innings, he shared a crucial 48-run stand with Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the last wicket to help the Windies get to safety.

Bishoo credits all his success to his parents. Having lost his father 17 years ago, his mother gave him the strength to achieve his goals. Every time he goes out on the field wearing the West Indies cap, he takes a moment to remember his father, who had wanted him to be part of the West Indies.

Today, looking at the rise of Devendra, Mohanlal Bishoo would be a very proud father indeed.

Bishoo's immense talent saw him deservedly bag the ICC Emerging Player Award in 2011.

Bishoo promises an extravagant show when the Guyana Amazon Warriors hits the field and urges Guyanese supports to come out in their numbers.

guyanatimesgy.com

AUGUST 5 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

Dynamic Primus ready for a Warriors victory

Touchdown!

R

oshon Shonelle Primus may not be as well-known as some of his fellow Warriors, but his talent is what defines him. The hard-hitting,

N

dynamic Bajan is a force to be reckoned with when he is on the field and that makes him an ideal player for the selectors.

Primus will celebrate

ew Zealander Luke Ronchi is excited to be back once again to play for the Guyana Amazon Warriors as they head into the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Ronchi was born in New Zealand and brought up in Australia and would have represented both countries on the cricketing scene. The wicket-keeper-batsman migrated to Perth, Australia at a very early age and played First-Class cricket for Western Australia. Even during the early part of his career, Ronchi was known for playing powerful shots.

With an impressive 2007-08 domestic season, he was called as a replacement for Brad Haddin against the West Indies. In the four ODIs Ronchi played, he showed his skill with the bat and behind the stumps.

Ronchi scored the third fastest fifty for an Australian in the fourth match of the West Indies series. His fifty came off just 22 balls.

However, after a fine start to his ODI career, his form with the bat declined and sub-

his 23rd birthday in just a matter of days, and hopes to continue on the upward trajectory in his cricketing career.

The young cricketer, who

sequently, was dropped from the state side as well.

After Ronchi was overlooked by Western Australia's think-tank, he shifted to the country of his birth. The Wellington set-up gave him a contract and he immediately made an impact, scoring runs and having a good time behind the wickets. After qualifying to play for New Zealand in 2013, he was called up for the series against England.

Ronchi has been considered as a specialist in the shorter formats of the game. He has been a regular member of the ODI and T20I squads since his New Zealand debut. He has played some crucial innings coming down the order.

He scored back-to-back fifties against South Africa at home in October 2014, before doing reasonably well against Pakistan in the UAE. He and Grant Elliott also ripped apart Sri Lanka's bowling attack to stitch a record sixth-wicket stand of 267 in the fifth ODI of the seven-match series in Dunedin. Consistent performances made him a certainty in the squad for the 2015 World Cup. New Zealand had a historical World Cup in 2015 as they finished runners-up, the first instance of the Kiwis making the finals in the showpiece tournament's history.

In 2017, the team management decided to push Ronchi to the opening slot in ODIs in a bid to create momentum at the top. The plan was with an eye on the Champions Trophy in England the same year and Ronchi did start to get his touch back.

Ronchi has been a superstar in T20 leagues and continues to enjoy himself there.

Nicknamed “The Rock”, the 36 year-old made a sudden impact in last season’s CPL immediately following his late arrival to the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad. Despite playing just four games for the Warriors after being drafted in for adopted Kiwi country-man and teammate Martin Guptill; the right-hander carved 172 runs at an average of 57.3 with two fifty plus scores including a best of 70.

The wicket-keeper/batsman racked up 14 fours and 9 sixes during his brief run but played a crucial role as his 70 helped knock the then defending champs Jamaica Tallawahs out of the tourney.

grew up in St Peter, remembers his childhood as one filled with sporting activities. Apart from cricket, he can play a good game of tennis as well as score a few goals on the football field.

Primus received his education at the Coleridge and Parry Secondary School in Ashton Hall, St Peter. He said that his love for the game developed at the age of 12 and like most cricketers he just could not get the game out of his head.

“At the beginning, it was like a hobby for me and just playing for the love of the game. As time passed, I started to think about travelling the world and make a life from cricket, so I worked hard and continue to work hard at it achieving that dream.”

The all-rounder made his First-Class debut for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2016-17 Regional Four-Day

Competition on November 11, 2016. During his debut, he took seven wickets for 68 runs with six of those wickets coming for 30 runs. His superb bowling would lead to Trinidad and Tobago winning with nine wickets to spare.

He made his List A debut for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2016-17 Regional Super50 on January 27, 2017 and made his Twenty20 debut for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on August 11, 2017.

Primus describes his cricketing style as dynamic, adding that it is an absolute pleasure to represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the second time. He says Warriors fans can expect a spectacle with the current team, adding that the squad this year is a beast.

This year, the Warriors

squad is being described as a force to be reckoned with.

They would be led by veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Malik, who is just three runs short of 7000 international ODI runs, is rated among the best limited-overs players in the world currently with almost 10,000 T20 runs in total, under his belt.

The other members of the squad are Sohail Tanvir, Chadwick Walton, Cameron Delport, Rayad Emrit, Imran Tahir, Jason Mohammed, Luke Ronchi, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Devendra Bishoo, Gajanand Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Akshaya Persaud.

The Hero CPL Tournament bowls off on August 8 with the first Guyana match on August 8.

4 Sunday Times Magazine

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AUGUST 5 , 2018

Feature

He received his big break when he was included in the West Indies squad for an ODI tour of India a few months before the 2007 World Cup. Emrit knocked hard on Windies selection after skippering Trinidad and Tobago to the title in the Los Angeles 20/20 Cricket tournament. Quite deservedly, he was picked for the tour. However, he played only two games though, and batted too low down the order to have a significant impact and took no wickets.

He has not

“

T

Emrit with his wife and daughter

here isn’t any shortcut to success. If you wanna be successful, you have to put in the hard yards and always remember to be honest to yourself.” These are the wise words of Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Rayad Emrit as he prepares to head into the 2018 Hero Caribbean

Premier League (CPL).

The 37-year-old Trinidadian all-rounder is representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the third time. He is known for his ability to deceive batsmen with slower balls and cutters which makes him one of the most valuable assets to the team.

Emrit poses with a young cricketer

received a WI call-up since, but he has been in Trinidad and Tobago’s scheme of things in all forms of the game.

Emrit is an asset for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and was elevated to captain shortly after Martin Guptill’s injury during the 2017 CPL. He is an intelligent bowler who has the ability to break up long-standing partnerships.

He describes hims e l f

a s someone who is humble and familyoriented, since he has been all about family since growing up. He says that his family did and still does almost everything together and that they have played a huge part in his success today.

Cricket has always been a part of Emrit’s life due to the fact that his father had his own softball team. However, he was not all that interested in the game initially, but at the age of 11, he decided that he wanted to make cricket his career. But, he knew that he also needed an education and would attend the El Dorado Secondary School in Trinidad.

“My dad had his own softball team and I was obviously the youngest, but was also the 12th man most of the times, but when I finally got my opportunity, I never looked back. I represented

T&T at the Under-19 level and then I went on to play in the leagues in England for five seasons. I got my opportunity to represent T&T in 2003 and thankfully, to this day I’m still playing.”

Emrit has played for a number of franchises throughout his career and some of the notable ones include the Stanford AllStars, Barbados Tridents, Kerala Kings and Chittagong Vikings.

However, he notes that of all the franchises he has played for, the Guyana Amazon Warriors are the most organised and his absolute favourite.

“I am, as some people say, the one who goes unrecognised but gets the work done, more often than not.

Guyana Warriors is one of the most organised franchises I have been with so far, and I enjoyed every minute of this experience.”

Emrit plans to continue taking those wickets and contributing with his bat, but, most importantly he plans to share his experiences with the younger players on the team this year.

“It’s an honour to represent Guyana and I take great pride in doing so.”

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AUGUST 5 , 2018

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Feature

O

ed and play cricket with his friends.

“I used to play softball in the street with neighbours and friends. I also used to get way to go the ballfield to play cause my mother always wanted me be home. So I used to make sure I finish my house chores before I leave the house without anyone knowing and play all day,” he reminisced.

Permaul said gradually his love for cricket developed as he played with the neighbourhood boys. He noted that he preferred to be on the field rather than in the stands and he continued to enjoy being on the field. While growing up, Permaul had never been privileged enough to witness a cricket match because of the absence of a television in their home.

“I never used to get allowed to go watch crick-

et game anywhere ‘cause it used to be a far way from where I lived. One day I saw it on the neighbour's TV and that make I love it more bad. I used to tell my friends them that I will become a cricketer and any other person who asked me what my ambition was.”

Permaul was just 13 when he first started to play club cricket. He joined the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club in 2002 before going on to represent his home county as well as Guyana at several levels.

He established himself on the West Indian domestic circuit when he made his First-Class debut for Guyana in the 2006-07 season. He was impressive right away scalping four wickets in his first game against Windward Islands. He then went

on to claim his first fivefor in First-Class cricket against Jamaica in the KFC Cup later that year.

Permaul continued to perform brilliantly at the domestic level and was outstanding in the 2011-2012 season, finishing with a haul of 37 wickets at an average of 22.05. He was exceptional in the West Indies High Performance Centre tour in 2012, where he troubled the Bangladeshi batsmen and picked up 12 wickets in just two matches. This performance earned him a place in the West Indies and he made his Test debut in the series against Bangladesh. He then impressed the selectors with eight wickets in two matches.

Permaul was selected for the West Indies tour of India in November 2013.

He played in the first Test

a n d bowled w e l l t a k ing two wickets but was

n February 2017, at age 37, Imran Tahir reached the pinnacle of limited overs cricket by becoming the No. 1 ranked ODI and T20I bowler in the world. It was a testament to his desire to succeed at the top level, a trait which has helped him defy age and turn it into

his trade in Pakistan. He even went on to represent the Pakistan U-19 team and was also a part of the Pakistan A side on some tours. However, he failed to make the transition to the next stage. Pakistan were blessed with some quality spinners and Tahir never re-

No. 1 ranking in ODIs for the first time in 2015, during the 2015 World Cup. At this point, he was already the frontline spinner for South Africa but the tournament enhanced his reputation further as one of the top limited overs bowlers.

He followed it up with another brilliant showing in the World T20 next year in 2016. It is impossible to predict where the finish line will be for someone like Tahir, who is still in great shape physically and who has expressed the desire to keep

a complete non-factor.

Be it his trademark celebratory sprints after picking a wicket, or the passionately charged roars on the field of play, Tahir's enthusiasm has kept him going.

That very love for the game stands out in what has been an unorthodox cricketing career.

Tahir was born in Lahore, Pakistan. He learnt

ally made his mark at the senior level to warrant a selection.

He was a wise man though. He decided to ply his trade elsewhere. He began playing county cricket in England but did not stay there for long. He made another jump, this time to South Africa. Another wise move, considering South Africa's perennial dearth of

quality spinners. He even met his wife, a South African citizen of Indian origin, and settled down in South Africa.

He got his first call to the South African Test team in 2010 when England where touring, but it was due to an embarrassing error by the selection committee. Tahir was not eligible to play for South Africa until January, 2011. He was quickly withdrawn from the team then, but found his way back almost immediately after becoming eligible to play.

He was selected for the ODI series against India, but was never picked in the playing eleven. Skipper, Graeme Smith, preferred to keep him as a surprise weapon for the World Cup in the subcontinent soon after. He impressed immediately, picking 14 wickets in the five games he played. He remains as an attacking option for the captain and is waiting for his first Test cap, which should come pretty soon.

He was also the highest wicket-taker in the 2014 T20 World Cup, with 12 wickets at an average of 10.91.

He continued to be a regular member of the South African side in all formats and played Test matches in spin-friendly conditions.

The variations at Tahir's disposal make him almost impossible to get away in the limited versions of the game, where he has found great success. Tahir attained the

ne of the greatest thrills of our childhood is sneaking out from the house to go play with our friends after being explicitly told not to do so, and this is exactly what Veerasammy Permaul did most days during his childhood.

The now 28-year-old Permaul grew up in the village of Belvedere on the Corentyne. He remembers his childhood as one filled with fun and brotherhood.

Now, Permaul is a household name because of his pure talent as a cricketer.

He is a deadly spin bowler and one of the hardest hitters.

He explained that his parents had preferred that he stayed at home rather than roam the streets with his friends. But being the kind of person he is, Permaul would escape after chores were complet-

I

dropped for the second game in favour of fellow Guyanese Narsingh

Deonarine.

T h e left-arm twirler exhibited good control in the subsequent Test series in New Zealand, but was pushed to the shade by

the Sunil Narine magic. Permaul is also a handy batsman to boot. If he can add some variety to his bowling, he can claw his way back into the ODI set-up, according to cricketing pundits.

This is not the first time Permaul is representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and for him, the opportunity to play for and represent home is one he cherishes. This year, he is in superb form and plans to contribute with the ball as well as the bat and in the field.

going for as long as he can.

We would most likely see Tahir as the star bowler on the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ squad when then begin their quest to capture the Hero Caribbean Premier League title.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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Feature

One of the many trophies

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f you enjoyed Gajanand Singh’s show-stopping performance in the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2017 tournament, then you are in for a treat this year as the Berbician promises an even bigger and better spectacle. Singh is currently returning for his second stint with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

He said it is a pleasure to be back on the squad noting that it is an opportunity to show what Guyanese cricketers are capable of.

Last year, Singh batted brilliantly for the Warriors and led them to their first victory in the tournament.

“It’s all about giving your best shot in the field

Full name: Gajanand Singh Born: October 3, 1987, Berbice, Guyana Current age: 30 years 304 days Major teams: Guyana, Guyana Amazon Warriors, West Indies Under-19s Batting style: Left-hand bat Bowling style: Left-arm medium and off the field and do your best for the team and produce in whatever situation you find yourself in. This year the fans can expect a bigger and better show. They will see the entire team working to get us over the finish line and lift that trophy we so want.”

Singh made his firstclass debut in 2008 for Guyana against Jamaica.

It was for the Guyana Amazon Warriors that he made his T20 debut against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. However, Singh is a talented but underutilized cricketer.

Singh was lost in the mix after his last first-class outing in 2011, however, now that he is back in the mix he plans to give a more

productive effort to fulfil his dream of playing Test Cricket one day. As early as youth cricket Singh was earmarked as one for the future, however, after playing at the ICC U-19 Youth World Cup and debuting at the first class level two years later, he faded from the scene.

There were always concerns about his absence from the local scene.

Nevertheless, after a hiatus from the game, he resumed playing in professional leagues outside of Guyana and due to his strides in those leagues he was encouraged to pursue his original dream which is to play at the international level.

Every step he takes he is getting closer and he believes once he is given a fair opportunity he will

reach there quickly base on self-application and maturity. He is grateful for the support from his family, friends and players.

“It’s always amazing to play cricket at a high level and even better to represent your home country. To be given the opportunity to play for thousands of fans here in Guyana and across the Caribbean and even fans who are overseas is one that I cherish and look forward to performing,” he says.

Singh is promising his all on the field and is urging the Warriors fans to rally around them as they hope to capture the trophy this year. The Warriors have already begun training and the guys are in top form waiting to hit the field against St Kitts and Nevis on August 9.

C

Gajanand on strike

ameron Delport is a swashbuckling South African cricketer who specializes more in the T20 format. He has carved out a niche for himself in South Africa. He was included in

Delport has played in the Big Bash League (Sydney Thunders) and the Caribbean Premier League for the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, and slammed 34 off 9 for Dolphins to brief-

the KwaZulu-Natal cricket team squad for the 2015 Africa T20 Cup. Delport, an aggressive left-handed batsman, has become a dangerous figure in Twenty20 sides around the globe, making an impact for Leicestershire in the NatWest Blast, Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League and also representing Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.

A career-best 109 from 59 balls against Nottinghamshire saw Leicestershire qualify for the T20 Blast quarter-finals in 2017 for only the second time in 11 seasons.

ly threaten Chennai Super Kings during a massive chase in the 2014 Champions League T20. He finished that tournament with a strike rate of 280.

He also represented Lahore Qalandars during the first edition of Pakistan Super League. Leicestershire Foxes snapped the South African for the Natwest T20 blast 2016 season. There is no doubt in his ability, but if he has to make it to the national side, Delport will have to find a way to be consistent at the top-order and should focus on converting the starts into big ones, according to the Cricketing Pundits.

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T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors is said to be in good hands this year under the captaincy of ‘Jack-of-all-trades” Shoaib Malik. Malik brings with him almost two decades of experience and is one of the most dynamic T20 cricketers.

A 17-year-old Malik debuted against West Indies in October 1999. His bowling style was a mirror motion picture of Saqlain Mushtaq and he scalped 2 wickets in his first game. But with time, batting took precedence and the first time he was promoted to number 4 in the batting order, Shoaib grabbed the bull by its horns and got a hundred against West Indies at Sharjah.

A couple of games later, he was

AUGUST 5 , 2018

asked to open and he vindicated the move with a splendorous ton against the Kiwis at Lahore. The bowling though continued to add to his dimension but received a jolt in 2004, when he was reported for a suspect action, only to be cleared after a few months. His batting though was enough a reason in the shorter formats to keep his place despite losing a bit of his potency thanks to his remodelled action.

Shoaib's love for India is second to none. His three top scores in ODIs are all against India. The stand outs being - 143 in 2004 at Colombo, Sri Lanka in an Asia Cup game and a majestic 128, where he literally 'cut' his way through the Indian bowling attack to dismantle them in a Champions Trophy

Sunday Times Magazine

game in 2009 at Centurion. No wonder his ODI average against India is almost 50, compared to his career average which is in the mid 30's.

His performance in the whites was a lot to be desired and didn't really seem convincing. He debuted in 2001 in Tests and after sparring appearances retired in late 2015 against England. He had come back to the Test team after almost 5 years and celebrated that with a double hundred in his comeback Test. But he decided to hang his boots after the third Test saying he wanted to focus completely on the shorter formats.

A double ton and a couple of ducks in his swansong series talks a lot about the oscillation of incon-

sistency that he was as a Test performer. His greatest moment as a Test player though was a dogged 148* off 369 balls against Sri Lanka in 2006, where he batted an entire day to save the day for Pakistan. That was the first of the three tons he scored in the whites in his 35 appearances. An average of 35.14 to end with was a major disappointment for someone who had the resolve, technique and the shots to succeed in the premier format of the game.

His T20 exploits are well documented and he led Pakistan to the finale in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and was a key member of the T20 World Cup triumph in 2009 in England. Though he was out of favour for the ODIs

jury. Tanvir returned to the domestic circuit and proved his fitness and was picked again for the ODI leg of the New Zealand series. Tanvir was named in the World Cup 2011 squad but was left out at the last minute yet again as PCB wanted an injury-free squad. He returned to the squad only on the tour of Zimbabwe in September 2011.

Meanwhile the caravan of T20 leagues had started and Tanvir represented the Rajasthan Royals Franchise in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League and ended the tournament as the highest wicket taker with 22 scalps to his name.

It included a record spell of 6-14 against

S

ohail Tanvir is a well-known name in the cricketing world and he is known as a beast when it comes to bowling, especially in the T20 format of the game.

This year the Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained him once again as they seek to win the coveted Hero Caribbean Premier League trophy.

The left-armer Tanvir made all the right noise when he burst onto the scene with his wrong-footed leap and delivery stride. Breaking the stereotype, his left foot landed ahead of the right one as he delivered the ball to bamboozle the batters with his incisive lines and his awkward action. A repertoire of slower balls also has the batsmen in soup.

The Pakistani cricketer started his first class career as a bowling all-rounder. He also bowls occasional left arm orthodox spin. With consistent all-round shows in the domestic circuit, Tanvir's selection to the national team was just a matter of time. It came in the year 2007 when he was picked as Shoaib Akhtar's replacement for

the inaugural World T20 Championships.

He had a fairly successful tournament, picking up 6 wickets from 6 matches and earned a spot in the ODI squad for the home series against South Africa. He retained his spot for the tour of India, and earned a Test call up as a replacement for the injured Umar Gul. But a couple of Tests in India were the only games for Tanvir in whites as after that he was type-cast as a white ball bowler.

Just when it looked like his career was going upwards, a big roadblock stalled his progress. Soon after the World T20 Championships in 2009, a major knee injury hit Tanvir and forced him out of cricket for more than a year. After missing major tours which included New Zealand, Australia and England apart from the T20 World Cup in 2010, Tanvir returned only in December when he was picked for all 3 formats on the tour of New Zealand.

However, he was pulled out of the tour at the last minute as Pakistan Cricket Board was not satisfied with his recovery from in-

7

for a period of 2 years after the Champions Trophy in 2013, it has never been the case in the shortest format. He plays for Karachi Kings in the PSL and has also played in the BBL and CPL for Hobart Hurricanes and Barbados Tridents respectively.

He was dropped from the ODI side after a poor campaign for Pakistan in the 2013 Champions Trophy but once he made a comeback post the 2015 World Cup, his average and Strike rates have swelled up.

The entire Guyana Amazon Warriors squad is confident in Malik’s ability to lead them to the cup. The Warriors would play their first match on August 9 against St Kitts.

the Chennai Super Kings. The IPL opened the doors to a barrage of T20 leagues and Tanvir became one of the sought after travellers, playing his trade all over the world in the shortest format of the game.

After being part of every T20 World Cup since the start, Tanvir was not picked for the 2016 edition. Form and injuries have continued to plague him and he made a comeback of some sorts to the T20 team in the tour to Windies, playing 3 T20Is but with modest returns. Sohail hasn't played an ODI since December 2014.

Tanvir is in tiptop shape this year and ready to hit the field with the squad.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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Profiles Jason Mohammed

Keemo Paul

Born: September 23, 1986, Trinidad Current age: 31 years Major teams: West Indies, Guyana Amazon Warriors,

Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago

Red Steel, West Indies A, West Indies Under-19s Playing role: Batsman Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak

Born: February 21, 1998, Guyana Current age: 20 years Major teams: West Indies, Guyana, Guyana Amazon

Warriors, Guyana Under-19s,

West Indies A, West Indies Under-19s Playing role: Allrounder Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium

Shimron Hetmyer December 26, 1996, Cumberland, Born: Berbice, Guyana 21 years Current age: Major teams: West Indies, Guyana, Guyana Amazon

Warriors,Guyana Under-19s, West Indies Under-19s Top-order batsman Playing role: Batting style: Left-hand bat Bowling style: Legbreak googly

Sherfane Rutherford Born: Current age: Major teams:

Batting style: Bowling style:

August 15, 1998 19 years Guyana Under-19s, West Indies B, Guyana Amazon Warriors Right-hand bat Right-arm fast-medium

Saurabh Netravalkar October 16, 1991, Mumbai Born: 26 years Current age: Major teams: United States of America, India

Under-19s, Mumbai, Guyana Amazon Warriors Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Left-arm fast-medium

Akshaya Persaud Born:

Current age: Major teams:

Batting style: Bowling style:

July 1, 1997, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, Guyana 21 years Guyana, Guyana Under-19s, Guyana Amazon Warriors Left-hand bat Right-arm medium-fast

Romario Shepherd

Christopher Green

Born: Current age: Major teams:

Born: October 1, 1993,

Durban, Natal, South Africa 24 years Current age: Major teams: Lahore Qalandars, New South Wales,

New South Wales Under-23s, Surrey

2nd XI, Sydney Thunder, Guyana Amazon Warriors Right-hand bat Batting style: Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak

November 26, 1994, Guyana 23 years Guyana, Guyana Under-19s, West Indies A, West Indies Cricket Board President's XI, Guyana Amazon Warriors

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Sunday Times Magazine 11

Cooking

A

s we prepare for biggest party in the Caribbean – the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) here are some quick recipes that will make game day preparation easy. Whether you

PART 2

are watching the games from the comfort of your living room at the Providence National Stadium cheering on the Guyana Amazon Warriors, these recipes are guaranteed winners.

Ingredients • • • • • •

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • •

18 chicken wings 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne cooking spray

SAUCE • • • • • •

1 cup barbecue sauce, preferably Hickory Smoke Flavor 1⁄2 cup honey 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons hot sauce 4 tablespoons butter 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

•

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash, dry, and season the wings with the salt, garlic, pepper, cayenne, sugar, and paprika.

Preheat the oven to 375.

2. Spray a cookie sheet with a generous spray of cooking spray.

3. Place the wings in a single layer on the cookie sheet, and place in the oven.

4. Cook for 35-40 minutes, depending on the size of the wings, turning once.

5. While they are baking, make the sauce by slowly simmering the sauce ingredients over the lowest heat.

6. When the wings are done baking, carefully dip them in the sauce, and place them back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling.

Ingredients

Tostones • 3 green plantains • oil for frying (canola or vegetable) • black pepper • salt • garlic powder (optional) Garlic Dipping Sauce • 1/3 cup olive oil • 1 tsp dried or fresh thyme/cilantro/parsley • black pepper to taste • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • 1/4 tsp salt (not pictured) • 1 tbsp lime juice • 5 cloves finely minced garlic

Instructions

• • • •

Instructions

2lbs white flaky fish - s easoned as desired 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp Old Bay Seasoning 1 tsp lime or lemon juice 1-2 scallions, chopped f inely freshly chopped herbs (optional) desired amount of hot pepper, chopped finely 2 tbsp onion-garlic puree or desired amount of onion/garlic, finely chopped 2 medium potatoes or cassava (yuca) 1 egg + 1 tsp water (optional) 1 cup breadcrumbs Oil for frying Mango Sour

• 1. Wash fish and pat dry with paper towels. Place fish • on a baking sheet and season as desired-I sprinkled black • pepper, salt, Cajun seasoning.

2. Bake fish at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

3. Place fish in bowl, flake, and add dry seasonings- mix thoroughly. Add chopped scallions, pepper, onions, garlic (or onion-garlic puree)- mix and set aside.

4. Peel and chop potatoes. Boil until potatoes are cooked, but not falling apart. Mash immediately after draining.

5. Add enough mashed potato, a little at a time to form a ball. Taste mixture and adjust seasoning to suit. Shape into small discs.

6. If using eggs: beat together one egg and 1 tsp water. Add fish cake to egg mixture, coat on both sides then immediately place in bowl with breadcrumbs. Coat on both sides. Heat enough oil in a shallow frying pan on medium heat and fry until golden brown on both sides.

7. If not using eggs: after shaping into discs, press firmly into breadcrumb coating on both sides, and fry immediately in a shallow pan until golden brown.

8. Top with mango sour and enjoy.

Ingredients

• • • • • • • • • • • •

1 cup cooked boneless chicken, diced ¼ cup room temperature cream cheese 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 green onion, finely chopped ¼ tsp cumin ¼ tsp black pepper ½ tsp salt ½ grated cheddar cheese ½ grated Monterey jack cheese 15 oz frozen pie crust dough 1 egg yolk ½ tsp water

1. Heat oil to a medium-high heat. In the meantime, prepare the plantains.

2. Peel plantains and chop into 1-inch rounds.

3. Fry 1 inch rounds for 6 minutes, remove from oil. Drain on paper towels.

Instructions 4. Smash each piece until flattened. Fry for a second time until golden brown.

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, garlic, green onion, cumin, black pepper, salt, Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you are using it, and set aside to cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. cool.

3. Prepare egg wash by beating egg yolk with water.

5. For the garlic dipping sauce, finely chop garlic cloves.

4. Unroll frozen pie crust on floured surface and cut into 5 inch circles.

6. In a deep bowl, add olive oil, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, 5. Drop about 2 tablespoon of the mixture into the center of the circle then brush around lime juice, and garlic. Whisk vigorously and enjoy with hot tostones. the edges with egg wash.

6. Fold in half and press the edges with a fork to seal.

Notes 7. Place on a baking pan and brush the tops with the egg wash.

If you do not own a tostonera (plantain press), you can smash the plantains 8. Place in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the with any canned item you may have in your pantry. oven and place on a baking rack to cool.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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Puzzles

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ACROSS Mensa qualifier (2 wds.)

Safari boss Rudimentary Apartment mgr.

Granola kin Hurried St. Teresa's town Zebras, to lions Waiter's offering Extra purple?

Explorer -- Tasman Take advantage of Chose Potpourri Houdini feat Country addrs.

Gave medicine More than misled Less experienced German industrial center Mammoth Cave loc.

Grasped Caught a fly Hamsters' digs Windmill blade Variety of onion Quipster Prosecutors Battery fluid Thicke and Bates Bad spell Nail polish Scottish accents Thrush's refuge Brief upturns -- tube Agrees silently Totally exhausted Subtle difference Billion, in combos Exotic island Collar victims Should Wise to Vacillate (hyph.)

Bramble Runs its course Cat call?

Sketches At -- -- for words Marseilles Ms. Slangy affirmative Where a medium isn't rare Bathtub item Overindulge Mushrooms, e.g.

Sri -Mocking comment Lebanon neighbor Out of -- (awry) Raucous laughs

96 Dove shelters

97 "Hud" Oscar-winner

98 The nearest star

99 Next year's alums

100 Voyageur's craft

101 Panhandles

102 Film spectaculars

104 Make wider

107 Stop a train

108 2001 to Augustus

109 Obeys

113 Can-opening aid

114 Rushed off

115 Shelve indefinitely

117 Filly's footfall

118 Investigate anew

119 Charged particles

120 Cheesecake name (2 wds.)

122 Blow away

123 Well-aware of

124 Wild ducks 127 Gulch

129 Byron's works

130 Hyundai model

131 Stage awards

132 Wrinkle-free

133 Slapped together

134 Good buys

135 Fixer-upper's aid

136 Fictional Queen DOWN

1 Contaminated

2 Medieval adventures

3 Sioux dwellings

4 Telepathy

5 Luge or sleigh

6 Bushed

7 Minor injuries

8 Thoreau's pond

9 Did something 10 Techie

11 Tooth-fillers' org.

12 -- out (rescued)

13 Dodge

14 Rural structure

15 Dot in the Seine

16 Party provisioners

17 -- -out (dazed)

18 Suave

19 Chirped

20 Mary -- Moore

27 Sheer fabric

31 Popular soft drinks

34 Bear's advice

36 Dry, as wine

38 Rents out money

39 Economy-size

41 Consumer voice

43 Rapunzel's pride

44 Sumptuous repast

46 Hoedown honey

47 DVD predecessors

48 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 61 63 65 66 67 69 70 71 72 74

Petitions Tip the scales Singer -- Lennox Boarding device Autobahn vehicle Keep -- -- out for Humdrum Salves Checkout scan Half a dangerous fly Give -- -- break Jungle knife Computer glitches Votes against Comb producers In the buff Have a -- to pick Wannabe prince Fleur-de- -Merely Swimming-pool loc.

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Music genre Napoleon's island Gung-ho Buzzes Calligraphy fluids "Tiny Alice" penner Postcard, maybe "Westworld" name Devious Perfume label word Rock climber's aid Bikini halves Shoplift Hopeless case Golfer Sam -Criminal of yore Colorful carp Rhythmic Let overflow Billowing garment Post-sneeze word

102 Diplomat's post

103 Jiffy

104 Mystery man's girl

105 Burned and looted

106 Lock horns with 107 Round after the semis

108 Food source

110 Seinfeld pal 111 Bummer 112 Fast

113 Horse handler 114 Shack

115 Implied but unsaid

116 Spine-tingling

119 Cuzco native

120 The "Elephant Boy"

121 James -- Jones 125 Guitar, slangily

126 Early jazz

128 Library abbr.

See Solution on Pg 14

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- HOWITZER

(HOWITZER: HOW-itzer: A short cannon.)

Average mark 30 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 41 or

more

words in HOWITZER? heir hero hertz hire hoer other weir whet whir whit white whiter whiz wire

with withe wither wore wort worth writ write writhe wrote wroth their thew threw

throe throw tier tire tiro tore tower trio zero zither riot rite rote

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

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14 Sunday Times Magazine

AUGUST 5 , 2018

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Bollywood/Hollywood

W

hile it may be a big day for Suhana Khan, not everyone is equally impressed by her debut on a magazine cover. Shah Rukh Khan’s 18-year-old daughter was revealed as the face of Vogue India’s August issue on Tuesday and the reaction from public has been mixed.

Suhana, who is still a student and hopes to join an acting course soon, makes her introduction on the cover of the magazine. In a long interview, she talks about her life as the daughter of a Bollywood superstar, her relationship with her father and aspirations for her future.

However, if we go by people’s reactions on Twitter, the decision to launch Suhana

with a magazine cover has not been very well appreciated. The magazine is being called out for promoting nepotism in Bollywood by featuring a superstar’s child, undeservedly.

“I have nothing against star kids and tbh it is not even about nepotism but to see Suhana Khan in the cover page of the August issue of @VOGUEIndia with NO reason as to why she should have been is ridiculous. Is she a model? No. A socialite? No. An actor? No. A change maker? No,” wrote a disappointed Twitter user.

“Student, theatre lover, future star, daughter of a star who will probably finance all her movies till she actually becomes a ‘star’.... but yea hello Suhana Khan. NepotismRocks: Karan Johar,” wrote another.

More reactions on Twitter were in the same vein. A struggling actor also tweeted her own woes and how the children of stars have it easy.

In her interview to the magazine, Suhana talked about online criticism and how it affects her.

“I still find it hard because people feel like they can judge you. Especially on social media. Pictures from my private Instagram account get leaked. There are so many people talking about you. They don’t know you, and they don’t know what they’re talking about, but they’re just talking. And that can mess with your self-confidence. I keep telling myself that haters are going to hate, but I can’t honestly say that I don’t get upset by it. It’s annoying, but I keep telling myself other people have bigger problems,” she said. (Hindustan Times)

D

or actor Gul Panag is the mother of a six month old baby boy Nihal. The latest update about the actor has come as a surprise to many as Gul kept her pregnancy under wraps. Married to pilot Rishi Attari for seven years now, Nihal is the couple’s first child.

Opening up about her new role in life, Panag told Mumbai Mirror, “Rishi and I have always valued our privacy. Becoming parents is a special experience and we decided that we’d like to go

through it without the distraction of public attention.

Crossword Solution

Family and close friends knew about Nihal but we refrained from posting anything on the social media.”

The 39-year-old actor also explained the meaning of her son Nihal’s name.

“Nihal means joy, success and victory that comes with the blessings of God. Rishi and I believe that leading principled, good lives leads to true and lasting success so the name resonated with us,” she said.

Like any other mother, Panag is also dealing with sleepless nights. She describes her last six months with her little one as a roller coaster ride. Gul Panag has been appreciated for her roles in movies like Dor, Dhoop, Manorama Six Feet Under, Hello and Ab Tak Chhappan 2. She has been a part of films that have been high on content and not very commercial.

D

isney is not planning on rehiring fired director James Gunn, despite the entire main cast of Guardians of the Galaxy signing a letter requesting the studio to reconsider their recent decision to remove the director from the third film in the series.

According to a Variety report, the studio is taking its time and waiting for an A-list director to become available, and has the cast locked down with airtight contracts.

There is widespread belief, the report says, that the cast including Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana, will return for the next film, regardless of their relationship to Gunn.

Gunn was fired by Disney after years-old tweets of his were discovered. The tweets were considered to be offensive in nature and

A

ctor Johnny Depp has claimed that his ex-wife Amber Heard had once punched him twice in the face when they were together. According to People, the 55-year-old actor made the revelation in the court documents filed as part of a libel case in the UK. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor claimed that Amber, 32, physically assaulted him after he arrived two hours late to her 30th birthday party in 2016. He said that when he arrived, Amber was “cold towards” him and began “criticising” him after the guests had left.

Depp said that when the alleged incident took place, he was not drinking. He said a drunk Amber became “aggressive and violent, punching him twice in the face” and he responded by “grabbing (her) arms to stop her punching him again and told her to stop.”

A representative of Amber trashed the claims of the actor, labelling them as “to-

W

hen it comes to sexual harassment in the workplace, Jennifer Aniston said she has been treated worse by women than men in Hollywood. Aniston was asked about the #MeToo movement and more in a new wide-ranging interview for the September issue of InStyle.

"I’ve definitely had some sloppy moves made on me by other actors, and I handled it by walking away," she told interviewer Molly McNearney, who is married to Jimmy Kimmel and has known Aniston for half a dozen years. "I’ve never had anyone in a position of power make me feel uncomfortable and leverage that over me.

In my personal experience I’ve been treated worse verbally and energetically by some women in this industry."

Still, she said, the #MeToo movement is "long overdue."

"But we also need to be better at listening to one another," she said. "That includes men.

They need to be part of this conversation."

The 49-year-old "Friends" alum, who stars in the new movie "Dumplin'," added that she

made light of topics such as rape and paedophilia. Gunn has since apologised for the tweets, which were made before he joined Marvel, and has removed them from his account.

“We were all shocked by (Gunn’s) abrupt firing last week and have intentionally waited these ten days to respond in order to think, pray, listen, and discuss,” the letter, signed Guardians of the Galaxy, reads. “In that time, we have been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish to see James reinstated as director of Volume 3 as well as discouraged by those so easily duped into believing the many outlandish conspiracy theories surrounding him.”

Gunn’s firing was approved by Disney’s films division chief Alan Horn, with his boss Bob Iger weighing in on the final decision.

“Those tweets were so horrible and Disney has a different standard than other studios,” the report quoted one source as saying. “I don’t see Disney re-hiring him.”

Gunn is considered to having been instrumental to the series’ success. The Guardians films have made a combined $1.6 billion worldwide, and were initially considered a box office gamble. The reports speculates that the film will be pushed back from its tentative 2020 release date.

tally false”. “These allegations are totally false.

One needs only read the recent Rolling Stone article about Mr. Depp to understand his state of mind,” he said.

“Mr. Depp is currently being sued in multiple

venues, including for assaulting a location manager on the set of City of Lies. On many occasions, eyewitnesses observed the extent of the abuse Mr. Depp inflicted on Ms. Heard,” he added.

has also gotten her "fair share of sexism in the media."

"Women are picked apart and pitted against one another based on looks and clothing and superficial stuff," she said.

"When a couple breaks up in Hollywood, it’s the woman who is scorned. The woman is left sad and alone. She’s the failure. F that.

When was the last time you read about a divorced, childless man referred to as a spinster?"

Contrary to tabloid reports, Aniston told InStyle, "I'm not heartbroken," since splitting from second husband Justin Theroux in February.

Aniston has been vocal in the past about being a target of the tabloids, both during and after her marriages to Brad Pitt and Theroux.

In 2016, she wrote a firstperson essay for the Huffington Post about the "objectification and scrutiny we put women through" and urged readers not to buy into tabloid stories about her or anyone else. (ABC)

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AUGUST 5 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

1. Donald Bradman’s last test match

Donald Bradman was an Australian Cricketer.

Fans know him as “The Don” of cricket game. Sir Donald Bradman globally acknowledged as the greatest test batsman of all time. He holds the record for the highest average of 99.94, which is statistically the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sports in the world. He made 29 centuries in 52 test matches and 117 centuries in 234 first-class matches. In his career in almost every match, he played a winning knock. That is why he was often called “The Don” of the cricket game. In his last test match he just needed 7 runs to be the first sportsman in the history who had 100% average but unfortunately, he was clean bowled at 0. The man who is known for centuries and winning knock in every game he played could not be able to make just 7 runs to get the perfect 100% average.

7. Jim Laker’s 19 wickets in a test match

English off-spinner Jim Laker missed only one of 20 wickets when he took 19 wickets for 90 runs against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956. He took 10 wickets in first innings and 9 wickets in 2nd. Anil Kumble has repeated ten wickets in a Test innings in 1999 against Pakistan, but 19 in a match? We will almost certainly never see it again.

6. Jack Hobbs 61,237 runs and 197 centuries

2. Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 Centuries

England’s Legend Jack Hobbs Scored 61,237 Runs in his Remarkable FirstClass Career, Including 197 Centuries. Jack Hobbs played First Class Cricket until he was past 50. His career figures now seem like no one can surpass them. His runs and centuries in First Class Cricket is an absolute wonder in the history of Cricket.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar born in India. The master blaster knows as “Little Master” is the world’s first batsman who scored 100 international centuries and completes 34,000 runs. Sachin did his debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan and after that, he never looked behind. Breaking all the records, he is the most successful player of his generation. He is the world’s first batsman who scored double hundred in One Day International match. Statistically, he holds 64 world records in Cricket. These stats simply tell you how much talent and greatness this man holds.

Cricket and the movies are two passions of the Indian nation and according to a survey, this man is the most popular among God, sports and film celebrities. After completing his 99th century it took a while to get his hundredth century. He played this fabulous inning against Bangladesh. After achieving the milestone, he just looked at the sky with tears in his eyes. That was the moment when everyone from every nation bows himself in his honours.

4. Brain Lara’s 400* runs in a test innings

5. Rohit Sharma’s 264* Runs in ODI

India’s Talented Opening Batsman Rohit Sharma has the world record for highest individual score in an ODI Innings.

On November 13, 2014, Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 264 runs against Sri Lanka having faced 173 balls during his historic ODI double century. Rohit Sharma broke many records during his 264 innings including most sixes in an innings of ODI by a player. He smashed 16 sixes on that day.

Brian Lara is popularly nicknamed as “The Prince of Port of Spain” and is widely acknowledged as one of the supreme batsmen of his era, and one of the finest ever to have graced the game. He holds several cricketing records, including the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket, with 501 not out. Lara also holds the record for the highest individual score in a test innings after scoring 400 not out against England at Antigua in 2004. He is the only batsman to have ever scored a hundred, a double century, a triple century, a quadruple century and a quintuple century in first-class games over the course of a senior career.

3. Muralitharan’s 1334 International Wickets

Muttiah Muralitharan undoubtedly one of the greatest bowler who ever played cricket. Muralitharan was capable to spin the ball even at glass due to his unique off spin action, which begins with an open-chested short run-up, and culminates with an extremely wristy release that had him mistaken for a leg-spinner early in his career by Allan Border.

There is no bowler who even comes close to Muttiah Muralitharan. Muralitharan has taken more than 1300 wickets in international cricket and he is the highest wicket taker in both forms of cricket with 800 Wickets in Test Matches and 517 in One Dayers. His most potent weapon is perhaps his infamous doosra, (A Creation of Saqlain Mushtaq) which no one has been able to master as he has done. Muralitharan’s career has been beset with controversy. His bowling action called into question on a number of occasions by umpires.

Especially by Australian Umpire Darrell Hair and sections of the cricket community. After biomechanical analysis under simulated playing conditions, the International Cricket Council, first in 1996 and again in 1999, cleared Muralitharan’s action.

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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AUGUST 5 , 2018

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Social events, physical challenges and intellectual debates will spark your interest and put you in a position that will lead to new friendships and pursuits.

Focus on what you can TAURUS learn from a situation you en(April 20- counter. Listen to the voice of May 20) reason and experience to find a way to bring about positive change. Make romance a priority.

Home improvements can GEMINI be made, but don't let anyone (MAY 28talk you into spending more June 20) than you can afford. Discuss your plans with an expert.

Don't make an impulsive decision.

Engage in events that can bring about positive change.

(June 21- Helping someone is admiraJuly 22) ble, but don't pay for someone else's mistake. Plan something special for someone you love.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Peanuts

Don't give in to someone trying to get you to overspend or be indulgent. Say no to excess and yes to better emotional, financial and physical health.

You may feel like you need a change of scenery, but don't let impulse lead you into a situation that could bring you up against authority or someone looking for a fight.

Be careful not to let someone take advantage of your generosity. Offer only what you can. Put your energy into pursuits that will make you happy.

A project that will make SCORPIO your living arrangements bet(Oct. 24- ter should be your goal. Work in Nov. 22) conjunction with a loved one to ensure that you come up with a plan that works for everyone involved.

SAGITTARIUS Make personal chang(Nov. 23- es that will help you improve Dec. 21) your skills or qualifications.

Search the job market and find out the best move you can make. Time is money.

Calvin and Hobbes

You'll be able to bring CAPRICORN about your desired changes to (Dec. 22- how or where you live if you Jan. 19) are willing to do the manual labor required to reach your goal.

Keep moving at a steady AQUARIUS pace and don't lose sight of (Jan. 20- your destination. Stick to Feb. 19) a plan and avoid shortcuts that could be costly. Protect against personal loss or injury.

Get together with interPISCES (Feb. 20- esting people. A former coMar. 20) worker will offer interesting facts that encourage personal and financial growth.

Romance is on the rise.