Guyana times november 23,2017

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Thursday, November 23, 2017

Issue No. 3401

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AFC's GECOM fallout

An Opposition AFC would have rejected President's unilateralism – leaked emails ...leadership under fire as US chapter slams party

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: President’s directive to PSC

Page 11

Jagdeo demands Govt come clean on Exxon's US$20M bonus Page 3

...asks "where did the money go?"

“Flagrant P7 disregard of the Constitution” – Chief Justice rules

Opposition wants Budget 2018 to focus on social P9 welfare Minibus driver charged for raping P8 schoolgirl

P10 GWI’s Sparendaam well to begin operations by mid-December …company to procure rig to do own drilling The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority, unveiled the Explore Guyana 2018 Magazine on Wednesday evening at the British High Commissioner Greg Quinn’s residence. During the event, the THAG Essay Competition winners were also announced. In this Carl Croker photo, winner of the secondary level of the competition, Rawletta Barrow of Queen's College and winner of the primary school category, Maryam Saeed Khan of the ISA Islamic School shares a photo moment at the event. Also in photo is Khan’s proud father. The fourth Annual THAG Essay Competition was held under the theme: “Ten Things that make Guyana a unique place to visit”

Drunken woman sets home on fire

Sales girl chopping

Page 12

Ex-lover slapped with attempted murder charge

School sex scandal

CEO to decide fatePage of BHS headteacher 9 – Education Minister

…calls intensify for teacher’s removal

Page 8

Escaped P2 robbery suspect recaptured with gun Hurricane relief

Over US$2B pledged at high-level conference in P2 NY

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thursDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Escaped robbery suspect recaptured with gun

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The .40 Smith and Wesson Pistol found on the teen

17-year-old robbery suspect was on Wednesday morning recaptured by ranks in A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara), some three days after he escaped from Police custo-

dy.

The teenager, who resides at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was charged with four counts of armed robbery and was scheduled to appear before a magistrate earlier this week,

when he escaped from a city Police station on Sunday last.

However, about 10:50h on Wednesday, the robbery suspect was recaptured at Middle Road, West La Penitence, inside a hire car. A search of his person revealed a .40 Smith and Wesson Pistol without any ammunition.

The teenager was taken into custody, He is being processed for court.

Additionally, the 35-yearold hire car driver, of South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, was also taken into custody and was assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the probe which was launched into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s escape is ongoing.

Hurricane relief

Over US$2B pledged at highlevel conference in NY

Participants at the high-level Pledging Conference held on Tuesday at the UN Headquarters

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s Caribbean countries undergo the rebuilding process following September’s devastating climatic events,

over US$2 billion in donations, loans and debt relief was pledged during a recent high-level conference in New York, United States, to support long-term recovery in the Region’s hurricane-affected nations.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom)United Nations (UN) high-level pledging conference, “Building a more Climate-Resilient Community”, recognised that the Region could only “build back better” with international support and urgent climate action.

Having recognised the urgent needs of Caribbean islands affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, a broad partnership was mobilised to support reconstruction efforts, including more than US$1.3 billion in pledges and over $1 billion in loans and debt relief.

This support derived from nearly 400 high-level representatives from Governments, multilateral and civil society organisations and the Private Sector gathered at UN Headquarters on Tuesday with the Secretaries General of the UN and Caricom to help ravaged countries to “build back better” as the first climate-resilient countries in the world.

Estimated amounts pledged were: US$702 million from The Netherlands; US$352 million from the European Union; US$140 million from the World Bank; US$78 million from Canada; US$30 million from China; US$27 million from Mexico; US$12 million from Italy; US$4.3 million from the United States; US$4 million from Japan; US$1 million from Kuwait; US$2 million from India; US$1 million from Venezuela; US$1.2 million from Belgium; US$1 million from Chile; US$500,000 from Denmark; US$300,000 from Colombia; US$250,000 from Haiti; US$250,000 from New Zealand; US$200,000 from Brazil; US$150,000

from Kazakhstan; US$100,000 from Romania; US$100,000 from Portugal and US$20,000 from Serbia.

Moreover, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) pledged US$1 billion in loans, while Italy did the same with US$30 million in soft loans and Venezuela also forgave US$1 million in debt – all geared at building a more resilient Caribbean.

According to the latest needs estimate, overall recovery costs surpass US$5 billion.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General António Guterres posited, “Countries in the Caribbean need support now to rebuild, and to take effective climate action. We need a new generation of infrastructure that is risk-informed, to underpin resilient economies, communities, and livelihoods.”

Climate-vulnerable islands were decimated, like Barbuda, the smaller of the two-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica, with deep social, economic and environmental impacts. Other severely affected islands were Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Haiti and St Kitts and Nevis also suffered damage. Sint Maarten/St Martin as well as Cuba and the Dominican Republic were impacted, in addition to Puerto Rico.

“Climate change is not a theoretical question for the people of the Caribbean. You live this reality daily. Our sentiments and well wishes will not be enough. Our messages of solidarity alone will not do. Right now, it is time for us to act,” said UN General Assembly President Miroslav Laj?ák.

Responding to the urgent needs, over US$1.35 billion were pledged by established partners and new ones, highlighting the importance of South-South Cooperation— from the Region and beyond.

news

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thursDAY, november 23, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jagdeo demands Govt come clean on Exxon's US$20M bonus

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 23 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, November 24 – 08:30h-10:00h.

...asks "where did the money go?"

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 23 – 06:45h-08:15h and Friday, November 24 – 07:20h-08:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers will prevail throughout the morning, with heavy rain showers in the afternoon and partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:03h and 19:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.45 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.87 metre.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

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O

ne week after making a promise to enquire of ExxonMobil whether a multimillion-dollar signing bonus was indeed paid to the Government, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said that he has information that would suggest that the Government has indeed collected the bonus.

The Opposition Leader on Wednesday told the media that he could ‘reasonably confirm’ that it was true, especially since members of Government have neither confirmed nor denied the allegation when confronted.

“They received this money it seems, almost a year ago. If this turns out to be true, then I believe that the entire Government should resign because this is if you cannot be transparent about receipts from a company or from any company in Guyana, particularly a company in the extractive sector…”

Jagdeo said that may be the most appropriate thing to do, especially since Guyana was now seeking membership from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an organisation that promotes open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.

He also queried the whereabouts of the money. “If this turns out to be true and the Government received the money and (Finance Minister) Winston Jordan did not know about this, then where did the money go? And if he does know about it and he lied to the country saying he did not know about it, then that is just as bad.”

The Opposition Leader said he still planned on asking ExxonMobil about the bonus when he met with its representatives.

However, he noted that the matter was of grave concern if it turned out that Government did in fact receive money from ExxonMobil and did not tell the nation.

Jagdeo promised to place this issue on the front burner until the truth was revealed. He said the issue has languished in the media, because no one felt that any Government would take such a move.

The allegation about Government receiving this bonus was first made by Chartered Accountant and Attorney Christopher Ram. Ram had said that this payment may be one of the reasons why Government was not disclosing the new contract between itself and the US oil giant.

Government’s Petroleum Advisor, Dr Jan Mangal has said he had told the Government to release the contract in the interest of transparency, but there have not been any comments from Government.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has been tight-lipped in re-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the media at his Church Street, Georgetown office on Wednesday

gard to receipt of this alleged bonus. Repeatedly avowing that releasing the contract could have national security ramifications, and that the Government has been “advised” against such, Trotman has said the release of the contract is not his decision, but Cabinet’s.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (Exxon’s subsidiary) is the operator, and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

In June 2017, ExxonMobil was granted its formal production licence. Before that, reviews were done of the technical and environmental aspects of the Liza Project Development Plan submitted by Esso Exploration and Production (Guyana) Ltd. As per the agreement the coalition Government made with Exxon, it will be two per cent royalty per barrel of oil and a 50/50 share of profits.

This two per cent is, however, below the global average.

The Government has jus-

tified the two per cent royalty by contrasting it with the 50/50 share of the profits, an arrangement that the Government has said is a reasonable one, arrived at through the advice of experts. Some had opined that a revenue-sharing arrangement would be a better option than a profit-sharing one.

There has been a flurry of activities in the Stabroek Block, since ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil find in Guyana. In May of that year, Exxon confirmed that more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs had been encountered at its Liza 1 exploration well.

In late June 2016, Exxon’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The company has announced that it had made its third significant discovery (Liza 3) in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana.

Drilling on Payara well began on November 12, 2016, with initial total depth reached on December 2, 2016. In January of this year, the oil giant had announced it had struck oil in its Payara-1 well.

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thursDAY, november 23, 2017

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

Grooming children for sex

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firestorm of indignation has broken out in Guyana over accusations that a named teacher of The Bishops’ High School (BHS), over the last decade, has been grooming female students who were in his classes at the institution, and then engaging in sexual activity with them once they attained the age of consent, which in Guyana, is 18 years. It is also claimed that the teacher had engaged in the same pattern of abuse during stints at four other high schools.

The individual has denied the “grooming” accusations, but conceded he has dated two ex-students after their graduation and, in fact, is in a relationship with one presently. However, while the matter was being ventilated over social media, several other students came forward to substantiate the accusations of his “sexualisation” of lessons and befriending female students who may have had personal issues and which he exploited under the cover of “helping” them with these issues and also on the subjects they were being taught.

While the phenomenon of “grooming” children for sexual activity cannot be new, it has become prominent over the last decade because of the increased opportunities occasioned by the anonymity combined with connectivity of the Internet. While it was on the radar of international agencies concerned with its linkage with human trafficking for decades, of recent, most jurisdictions have moved to introduce legislation to deal with the grooming activities from a standpoint of violating the rights of children by persons in positions of trust.

In Guyana, Act 7 of 2010 amended by Act 2 of 2013, bolstered the SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT, CHAPTER 8:03 by including the act of grooming of children for sexual activity. Even though the section has not been utilised for prosecution as yet, the act of grooming has been wellanalysed in other jurisdictions. From scrutinising one such model, one can envisage a carefully calculated programme which is designed to lure the child into a state of mind in which they become a willing partner in the sex abuse.

In the first stage, the victim is targeted by the sexual predator who would “size up” the child’s vulnerabilities such as lack of self-confidence and emotional deprivation or needs. It was alleged in the present instance, the teacher, in addition to being able to observe the targets in the classroom, also had access to their personal files. The second step is to gain the victim’s trust and this is done by the predator using the information gathered on the child’s needs and calculatedly showing that “he cares”.

In the next step, once the victim’s needs are satisfied, and more attention is given, along with gifts, etc, the groomer becomes more important in the eyes of the victim. The fourth step of “isolating the child” is now easily accomplished by teachers when they give “one-on-one” coaching in “extra lessons”. Even parents may approve of this extra attention from the teacher, since their child is supposed to benefit.

At this point, the relationship will now be explicitly sexualised gradually by increasingly explicit actions such as displays of nude pictures, etc, and ending with sexual acts that the child is encouraged to see as ‘exciting”. The last stage is to maintain control, through secrecy, shame and, of course, the gifts that would be missed. Eventually, it is generally the predator who will move on to a new, younger victim.

In Guyana, for prosecution in the instant case, our Act requires that the “person who is in a position of trust in an educational institution” must have “engage(d) in penetrative sex with a child under the age of 18”. The teacher must have been very familiar with the law since evidently, he did not proceed to the sexual activity stage until the students passed the age of 18.

However, if the other evidence can be verified, the carefully plotting and execution of the violations of these children are even more reprehensible. The spirit of the law must take its course.

A couple pose happily during a wedding photo shoot on a cliff face in China’s Henan Province (Sipa Asia/REX/Shutterstock)

GECOM is dead with respect to functional transparency Dear Editor, Citizens continue to witness the almost daily flagrant abuse of obligations by the leaders of the coalition, towards the implementation of key constitutional commissions. Only recently, David Granger’s violations took to a higher level as he publicly and shamelessly coaxed the North American Chapter of the PNCR to adopt approaches of the past to keep the party in power.

The President should be wary that there are many among us who experienced the stifling 70s and 80s administered over by the PNC’s ruthless dictatorship policies. Let it be known, therefore, that everything will be done to prevent such a curse on our beloved country and fellow citizens from ever occurring again, by undemocratic approaches!

Notwithstanding, however, citizens must recognise that even as this APNU/AFC Coalition at-

tempts to stretch the tolerance levels of the majority beyond the maximum limit, it is necessary to point out that the need to allow the civil and judicial processes to be exercised must also be allowed in addressing these signals. They will be challenged and exposed without fear and with unquestionable boldness, because our country is deserving of the freedoms earned.

As it relates to election matters, there is general awareness that the 2016 Local Government Elections are still largely un-finished; that serious problems in several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities exist, which would significantly impact any upcoming elections. Important also is the big problem with the register of registrants which has to be resolved, as thousands of Guyanese are not registered at the place where they are living.

Further, it is crystal clear that a new House-to-House registration is way overdue. Hence, it is imperative that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) go into full operational mode, immediately.

As it is, GECOM is dead with respect to functional transparency and nothing is happening in respect to election preparedness and readiness. But citizens have to be viper patient as these matters have to be addressed in due time even if delayed. It must be made clear to this Granger-led coalition that the Burnham era election approaches are also dead and gone. Rigging of elections will not be condoned and all the ‘unfit and improper staff’ at GECOM will have to be removed and a proper sanitisation done to reflect a balance.

It is unacceptable that despite confirmation of serious misappropriations, corruption and blatant pilfering at the GECOM

Secretariat reported by the Auditor General, the same persons will be approved to oversee the systems of voting. Rationally, the cleansing should have commenced before the millions of dollars were approved

by Parliament for the same corrupt persons to steal.

The use of the term ‘bitter and contaminated’ in describing the level of accountability and transparency at GECOM is mild and indeed an understatement. Even after the significant procurement breaches reported by the Audit Office; the Minister of Finance recently reported that GECOM did not submit a procurement plan which was a requirement according to the 2018 budget circular. It is the same questionable characters overseeing the process and who will be involved in monitoring election matters.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

We must all live here, right here, in peaceful co-existence Dear Editor, The posting on social media of the racial statement “Coolie people need to take their retarded ass back to the gutter they call India and leave Guyana to the Afro Guyanese, they are worthless garbage”, purportedly made by one Nigel Austin is an asinine and backward comment. These backward comments are the workings of a depraved group of persons who gain relevance in certain quarters. Allegedly

made by one Nigel Austin, and I doubt, that comment bears the signature statement of a certain racial clique who believes that they own Guyana. These extremists see Guyana as a stomping ground of “theirs” to do as they please. These comments come as nothing new; they only surface whenever a certain political party is in the ascendancy here. These non-productive, empty people would make these comments when they see their

State-sponsored existence is reduced.

If this “Austin guy” feels so strongly about Indians and believes that Indians should go back to India, then in the same token, why not Blacks go back to Africa? We are not the indigenous peoples of this country; we all came here under the same circumstances?

I am looking forward to condemnatory statements from all the Afro-based groupings in Guyana. I call

on them to distance themselves from such backward comments. But when you think about a place called Guyana, this might be wishful thinking. But I am, however, tolerant and very trusting that I can be proven wrong.

So, in closing we are all here; we must all live here, right here, in peaceful co-existence.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

thursDAY, november 23, 2017

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News

Expert group will move ‘green’ agenda from imagination to reality – President

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resident David Granger on Wednesday said that the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Multi-Stakeholder Expert Group will help to move the pursuit of a ‘green’ agenda from imagination to implementation and from reverie to reality.

The President made these remarks at the opening of the Expert Group’s Conference Wednesday morning at the Princess Ramada Hotel.

The Group is expected to provide inputs based on their technical expertise and experience into the process of developing an inclusive and comprehensive strategy. Noting that the Group was an essential element in the consultative and cooperative process, the Head of State said that it was expected to help to produce a “blueprint for a green state”, which would lead to the eventual development and adoption of a green development strategy. He noted that it was his expectation that the Group’s efforts and exertions would enable everyone to better understand why Guyana was pursuing the practices, policies and projects towards becoming a ‘green state’.

“This country… needs to develop a ‘total’ transfor-

mative plan at the household, community, regional, national and international levels. The Green State Development Strategy is not a whim or fancy. It is intended to become a rational roadmap to guide Guyana along the pathway towards the ‘green state’ and show how the ‘good life’ can be assured. It will develop the pathway towards a diversified and resilient economy; promote the sustainable management of our economy; protect the environment and steer the country towards the creation of happy households and happy people – the ultimate measure of the ‘good life’,” he said.

The President said that the GSDS was expected to build greater economic resilience by diversifying production and reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels; generating renewable energy from a number of sources – biomass, hydro, solar and wind – and emphasising low-carbon manufacturing.

“It will add value to production through cleaner, cheaper and renewable energy generation and propose plans to move closer towards the goal of full renewable energy by the year 2025, thereby reducing our exposure to the volatilities of oil markets. The Green

President David Granger

State Development Strategy will define the purpose, principles, policies and the processes, which will guide our path towards becoming a ‘green state’. A better understanding of the need for a strategy requires an appreciation of the rationale behind the ‘green state’,” President Granger is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.

President Granger reiterated that Guyana’s economy has been dependent for far too long on the six sisters – bauxite, fisheries, gold, rice, sugar and timber – and while these traditional sectors have served the country well, many of them are now aged and ailing. He further noted that Guyana’s high depen-

dence on commodity exports, coupled with its heavy reliance on the importation of fossil fuels, exposes the economy to exogenous shocks.

With Guyana so rich in natural resources, the President believes that it is only fitting that they must be developed for the benefit of this and all future generations.

“The ‘green state’ will pursue the sustainable management of our natural resources. It will ensure that these resources will be developed in such a manner that will not result in resource exhaustion or extinction. The Department of the Environment, established in 2016, was a step in this direction. It represented our resolve to ensuring a holistic and rationalised approach to environmental conservation and management through the coordination and integration of agencies with an environmental mandate that could effectively respond to the challenge of the ‘green economy’ and realise the concept of sustainable development,” he said.

The Head of State explained that the GSDS was intended to impact on the livelihood of every citizen by allowing for the protection of the country’s biodiversity and the promotion of eco-tourism and eco-education, the promotion of

Sophia man nabbed with gun, ammo The vendor was found in possession of an unlicensed revolver and four live matching rounds.

The vendor was found in possession of an unlicensed revolver and four live matching rounds

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anks in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) arrested a Sophia, Greater Georgetown resident after he was found in possession of

an illegal firearm along with matching ammunition.

The incident occurred during an intelligence-led operation on Wednesday morning at D Field, Sophia.

The 28-year-old suspect of D Field, Sophia Reserve was taken into custody and was being processed for court.

energy generation from renewable sources and the introduction of low-emission, low-carbon manufacturing and the preservation of our wetlands, waterways and lakes and the extension of the protected areas.

Meanwhile, Director of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers said that the GSDS represented the Government’s vision for inclusive growth and development of every sector of society. It represents, she said, the country’s response to a change in climate and model for the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“One of the main objectives of the strategy is to re-orient and diversify Guyana’s economy by opening up new and sustainable investment opportunities in higher value-added sectors and higher growth sectors.

The process to develop this comprehensive multi-di-

mensional document started with stakeholders’ consultations to define the prioritised areas to be developed in the Green State Development Strategy. This resulted in a document titled “Framework of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy and Financing Mechanism”.

This Framework document outlines the development of seven thematic areas to be examined and consulted upon as we embark fully on developing the Green State Development Strategy,” she said.

She noted that as the first meeting convenes, it signals the beginning of fruitful discourses and actions on the achievement of the ‘green’ state as envisioned by the President.

The participants are drawn from Government agencies and Ministries, civil society, religious organisations, international organisations, non-governmental agencies and organisations and other sections of society.

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Foundation

Should children be allowed to take mental health days?

– here’s what grownups need to know about mental health days for children

By Amy Morin

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ast summer, the story about a CEO who encouraged employees to take mental health days went viral. It led to numerous media stories about the importance of taking care of your mental health—including taking a mental health day when you need one.

But what about children? Should you let your child take a mental health day from school? Clearly, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

In my 15 years as a psychotherapist, I’ve encouraged a few parents to let their children take an occasional mental health day from school. But, I’ve also had to convince many other parents that their children’s mental health days were doing more harm than good.

How to know if your child needs a mental health day You wouldn’t question keeping your child home from school if she had the flu. But, it’s harder to recognise when your child needs to stay home for mental health reasons.

It’s important for children to power through some discomfort (like going to school even when they’re afraid of giving a presentation or when they don’t have their Maths homework done).

There’s a lot of value in showing

them they’re stronger than they think.

But, when they’re feeling so bad they’re struggling to function and going to school is likely to make them worse, a mental health day might be just what the doctor orders.

Letting children take the occasional mental health day – maybe once or twice a year – could reinforce to them that it’s vital to take care of their minds as well as their bodies. It can also be a great opportunity to help sharpen their emotional skills and help them build the mental muscle they need to stay strong.

How to make a mental health day helpful If you decide to let your child take a day off from school for a little emotional recuperation, make the best of her time off. Turn the day into an opportunity to help your child for the long-haul, not just something that will make her feel better for the day.

A good way to spend a mental health day is to use the time to: Solve a problem. If your child is stressed out by a specific problem – like being bullied on the playground or he’s fallen so far behind in one of his classes it looks like he won’t be able to pass – you might be able to turn a mental health day into a problem-solving opportunity.

Schedule a meeting with the school, sit down and problemsolve with your child, or meet with people who can help.

Practice self-care. If your child is exhausted, overworked, or rundown, an occasional day off may help him charge his batteries.

It could be an opportunity to jumpstart healthier habits, like going to sleep earlier, eating nutritious food, and getting plenty of exercise.

See a professional. If your child is struggling to attend school, seek professional help. Schedule an appointment with the paediatrician to talk about

your child’s mental health needs. A physician may refer you to a mental health professional if it’s warranted.

Avoid these activities on a mental health day Using a mental health day to escape reality or avoid problems could actually do more harm than good. After all, the problems will still be there tomorrow and going back to school will be even more challenging if the issues are still unaddressed.

Avoid these activities on a mental health day: Binge-watching TV. You might think a relaxing day in front of the TV or a chance to unwind playing video games will help. But research shows bingewatching TV is bad for mental health. A 2015 study published in International Communications Association found binge-watching TV increases feelings of loneliness and depression.

Sleeping all day. Staying in bed or being inactive all day could worsen your child’s symptoms. Even if your child is sleep-deprived, don’t let her sleep too much. You’ll disrupt her sleep cycle and it will be even more difficult for her to get back on track.

Rewarding your child for staying home. While staying home shouldn’t be a punishment, you also don’t want your child to think she’s skipping school to have fun. Resist the temptation to take your child out for lunch or to spend the day at the playground when she’s having a rough time. Doing so could send the wrong message.

Make mental strength building a priority If your child needs more than the occasional mental health day, it could be a sign he needs better coping skills, more guidance, and professional assistance to help him feel better.

You can’t prevent all mental health problems (just like you can’t always prevent physical illness). But, you can take steps to help your child build the mental strength she needs to stay as emotionally fit as possible. (psychologytoday.com)

By John D Rich, Jr

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painter sits down at his canvas, ready to paint his masterpiece.

What will the painting be? He decides to just let the brush move, and see what ends up being created. Which brushes will he use? The ones he was given by his own father, a mediocre painter who taught him everything he knew as he struggled to get his work recognised. Which colours will he use? Whatever he has lying around. Inspiration cannot be tamed by pesky details like themes, subjects, or equipment. Which techniques will he employ?

The ones he watched his father used. He reasons, if they were good enough for his father, they are good enough for him. Which painters of the past serve as inspirations for his work? How much preparation has he done – learning, studying, reading? He watched his father. No one else has anything to teach him. Those crusty, old school masters are dead in their graves. Their work cannot speak to this time – they are remnants of a distant past. Those academics writing about techniques, strategies, and history, sit in their ivory towers and dare to tell him how to paint? He believes, “I have everything I need to know right now to create something great.”

What are your predictions about this painting when it is complete? Doesn’t sound like it has much of a chance, does it? I would surmise that the best result this painter can hope to attain is the same level as his own father. Our painter projects a sense of false confidence, based only on a faith that it will work itself out.

He approaches art as if it is all inspiration and no preparation. He thinks of his creativity as a reflection of some abstract source – God, the muses, some inborn talent, sitting deep within him like a coiled spring, ready to be released on a world which is about to be amazed.

A recipe for greatness In fact, the best painters have spent an incredible number of hours studying, admiring, and practising. In addition, the painters whose work makes an observer whisper, “Wow,” invest in the very best tools. I remember an old friend of mine, an artist with incredible skills, named Javier. My most vivid memory of him engaged in his creative process was this phase he was in where he spent six to eight hours a day drawing peppers. He bought several expensive sets of pencils, several high-quality sketch pads, and bag after bag of peppers of all shapes, sizes and colours. He would take the peppers, place them randomly in a bowl, and then just sit and draw them. I remember watching him one time, fully absorbed in the effort to recreate every wrinkle and shadow, every overlap of skin and stem, transforming a 3-D reality into a 2-D image.

His floor would be littered with pages that he had torn out and discarded. His sketchpad would be filled with numerous drawings, which to me looked exactly the same, but to him were separate excursions into some magical world that I think only artists understand how to enter. He tried to draw the peppers the way different artists might approach them (impressionistic peppers, cubist peppers, Renaissance style peppers). He tried to draw them as if an imaginary light was shining on them from different angles, the shadows playing against their shine in hypothetical ways that I could not conjure.

The connection to parenting Your child is the canvas, and you are the painter. This is true especially when she is young, and her social world is under your exclusive control. Who she sees, what she does, and how she perceives life is based on the choices you make. Later in life, she will branch out on her own, and develop her own ideas, and make her own choices. Even then, her adulthood will be a reflection of your influence.

Read, study, ask questions, practice, try new things. Spend money and time creating experiences. Do everything you can to watch and learn. You can’t just replicate what your own parents did. Every parent, including you, has room for improvement. When you’re not sure how to handle a situation, seek out information from parents you respect, or from professionals who have an expertise on the subject.

Life passes by, whether we are intentional about it or not. Your child is going to grow up, whether you make time for it or not. Your opportunity to parent will shift and change, and take on different angles, whether you do anything or not. This is your chance – right now – to shine on through your children, whose adult lives will reflect back on your values and priorities. Putting your time and energy into learning about the most effective techniques, strategies, and resources will pay dividends for years. (psychologytoday.com)

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7

thursDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President’s directive to PSC

“Flagrant disregard of the Constitution” – Chief Justice rules T he court has ruled in favour of an applicant that filed a legal action challenging a directive issued in the name of President David Granger to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for a hold to be placed on planned promotions this year.

The court has granted the declarations sought by the applicant and ordered the Attorney General (AG) to pay to the applicant the sum of $200,000 as costs.

In a written ruling, acting Chief Justice Roxane George said the applicant, Rajendra Jaigobin, was justified in the public interest and, therefore, he has ‘locus standi’. The AG had opposed Jaigobin’s application on the grounds that he had no ‘locus standi’ to institute the proceedings.

Upon the expiration of the life of the PSC, the AG contended that the court should no longer determine

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

the matter because the life of the Commission had expired and the matter was no longer a live matter, that it was of academic importance only, and that the courts do not act in futility.

But the acting Chief Justice in her ruling said it spoke volumes that the AG did not defend the matter on the merits, but rather sought to hide behind legal arguments such as “locus

standi” and “that the matter is of academic importance”.

“It is clear that this issue is not of academic importance, but it is an issue of high constitutional importance,” the written ruling added.

The court found that the letter sent by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to the PSC on July 26 asking it to withhold work on the annual Police promotions was in flagrant disregard of the Constitution and was unlawful, null, void and of no effect. The acting Chief Justice also expressed the hope that the PSC did not act upon the unconstitutional letter.

The written ruling also pointed to the fact that only two years ago Minister Simona Broomes, another Government Minister, had issued similar directions to a service commission and although the Court with the consent of the AG had declared that that let-

Missing man’s body found on Corentyne Beach

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lmost two weeks being reported missing, the badly decomposed body of 58-year-old Rajendra Persaud, of Kitty, Georgetown was discovered lying face up in a clump of bushes along the Corentyne Beach on Wednesday afternoon. His father, Rohit Persaud, the former Regional Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) confirmed his identity.

The Police said that a cattle farmer, who was alerted by the stench, discovered Persaud’s body at Brighton.

Persaud, a shift operator at Sterling Products Limited, had been missing since November 11. A Police report was made after he did not show up for work, according to the compa-

Police and residents removing the body on Wednesday

ny’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Deodat Indar.

The elder Persaud said that his son visited him around the same time he went missing.

Persaud had several pieces of documents on his person, which were used to

identify him before relatives were contacted to confirm that it was the body of the former Regional Chairman’s son.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed as the Police investigations continue.

Police find 2 guns in Berbice, 1 arrested

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anks in Corentyne, Berbice on Tuesday found two illegal firearms in separate incidents and have since made an arrest.

In one of the cases, a 41-year-old farmer of Grant 1778 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, was arrested.

According to Police reports, acting on information received, ranks went to a camp at Crabwood Creek Backdam, about 17:30h and found the farmer with an unlicensed single-barrel shotgun, along with an empty cartridge and a small quantity of pellets.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day about 12:20h, a cattle farmer grazing his stock along a partially driedout trench in Number 63 Village, Corentyne, noticed a single-barrel shotgun

The two single-barrel shotguns recovered

wrapped in plastic.

He summoned the Police who responded promptly

and took possession of the weapon.

President David Granger

ter had been in violation of the Constitution, a similar palpable violation of the Constitution was repeated by another Minister.

The court noted that in the face of this flagrant disregard for the Constitution, which the State conceded two years ago, the State should have done the honourable thing and corrected the error rather than seek to defend these proceedings.

The court, therefore, concluded that the actions of Minister Harmon in writing that the President has directed that there be no consideration of promotion of Police Officers was a blatant disregard of Article 226 of the Constitution which insulates the PSC from influence and directions of any other person or authority, especially political directions.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency in August reported the President as saying that there have been many legitimate complaints by members of the PSC and aggrieved Police Officers of abuse and malpractice in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and it was for this reason that he has asked for the promotion of Police Officers to be delayed.

“We are investigating the complaints, which have been made to us and we have

asked the Police Service Commission to simply delay so that we can answer those queries and once those queries are satisfactorily answered, we will proceed.

It’s no intention on my part to impede the work of the Commission,” the President had said.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had condemned the President’s move, describing it as unconstitutional because the Constitution of Guyana prohibits instruction from anyone or authority to the PSC. The three-year term of the PSC ended on September 4, 2017.

The President’s request came just after a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into an alleged plot to assassinate him revealed alleged and perceived shortcomings in the functioning of the Police Force.

8 NEWS

THURsDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Sales girl chopping

Ex-lover slapped with attempted murder charge

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he ex-lover who hacked off the fingers of 23-year-old West Demerara sales girl Narainie Gopaul appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday charged with the offence of attempted murder.

Samuel Williams was remanded to prison until January 9, 2018 by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Gopaul remains in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. She was brutally chopped in front of her Lot 74 Railway View, Meten-Meer-

Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home on Sunday night.

Guyana Times understands that the accused pounced on Gopaul while she was about to enter her yard around 23:00h. Reports suggested that the 58-year-old man attacked her after she reportedly rejected his advances following the ending of a prior relationship.

She was dealt several chops about her body, including to her arms and right foot, while her right thumb and forefinger were severed.

After he allegedly commit-

The injured sales girl, Narainie Gopaul

ted the gruesome act, the accused had fled the scene, leaving the young woman in a pool of blood. Gruesome photographs of the woman made the rounds on social media.

Gopaul was initially rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital in a critical state, but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where her condition stabilised. The Ocean Garden, Meten-MeerZorg man was subsequently detained by Police in D Division (West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo).

2008 armed robbery at Agricola

Victim’s hands were up prior to being shot – pathologist

Dead: Melissa Payne was murdered after reportedly refusing to hand over her bag

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s the High Court trial of Jermaine Savory nears its conclusion, Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh testified to the wounds and injuries inflicted on Melissa Payne, who was shot to death on the Agricola Public Road on the morning of November 5,

2008.

Savory, of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was identified by Payne’s reputed husband, John Fraser, as the shooter during the trial earlier this week. Dr Singh testified on Wednesday that the woman’s hands were up in the air in the moments before she was shot. This conclusion was drawn since Payne was shot under the arm, some six centimetres from the armpit.

“It indicates that the hands were up if the wound was under the armpit,” Dr Singh observed.

The pathologist, who performed the Post-Mortem Examination (PME) on the woman on November 10, 2008, gave her cause of death as perforation of the lung and aorta due to gunshot wound. He also recalled her clothes being bloodstained when he examined her. The doctor further tes-

Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh

tified that Payne’s sixth rib was fractured, and her chest was filled with blood, signalling that there was massive blood loss in the brain. Dr Singh stated that one bullet was recovered and handed over to Police.

According to the State’s case, Savory murdered Payne during the course of

a robbery on November 5, 2008, in the company of at least one other accomplice.

Payne and her reputed husband had stopped at Agricola on their way to Georgetown in an effort to correct a mechanical fault on their canter truck in which they were travelling. The prosecution is contending that while Fraser was attending to the vehicle around 08:30h, armed bandits approached them. Although Fraser had managed to escape, Payne was shot after she refused to hand over her bag, which reportedly contained some $100,000 cash and other valuables. She died while being transported to hospital.

The murder accused is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay while Prosecutors Mandell Moore and Orinthia Schmidt are presenting the State’s case.

Minibus driver charged Technician charged for for raping schoolgirl receiving stolen property

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24-year-old Route 42 minibus driver was on Wednesday hauled before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for engaging in sexual relations with a 13-year-old schoolgirl.

The prosecution is contending that Kevin Loaffe, between March 1 and March 2, 2017 at Timehri Circuit, East Bank Demerara (EBD), engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

Reports are the minibus driver, who resides in Land of Canaan, EBD, and the now 14-year-old were involved in an intimate relationship over a period of time. However, after relatives were informed of the

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Accused: Kevin Loaffe

relationship, a report was made to the Police.

Loaffe was granted $150,000 bail, and was ordered to return to court on December 4, 2017, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

yan Callender, the 31-year-old proprietor of a cellphone repair shop, was slapped with a charge of receiving stolen property.

The prosecution is contending that at his Regent Street store, he received from an unknown person an iPhone 6 valued at $100,000, during the month of November 2017, knowing same to be feloniously obtained.

This case was heard before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to the prosecution’s case, the cellular phone belongs to Ryan Yorrick, another businessman and owner of an electronics store.

Yorrick appeared in court

and indicated that the smartphone was among other items stolen from his store, but it was the iPhone alone that was tracked and found.

The defendant, on the other hand, indicated that he owned a repair shop which specialised in buying and repairing phones and there was no way he suspected the item was stolen when he received it.

Although he indicated his willingness to compensate the complainant for the gadget in question, Yorrick was adamant on pursuing the case as he claimed that he had also lost other electronics.

Callender was granted bail in the sum of $50,000, and was scheduled to return to court for trial on December 13, 2017.

Cry for…

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…all the “groomed” ones our Eyewitness is quite chuffed at the response of the Georgetown chatterati at the violation of those poor schoolgirls by that psychopath of a teacher. You think your Eyewitness is overreacting? Well, think about how cold and calculating this turd was to groom those young, defenceless children by exploiting his position of trust. And having the patience to wait till they were over eighteen…so he wouldn’t be “breaking the law”!!

Well, your Eyewitness hopes the law will take this “grooming” business seriously, toss the predator into the slammer and then throw away the keys! And don’t for a moment think he was alone in his violating. Wasn’t that young teacher in Berbice charged for doing the dirty to two schoolgirls not so long ago? Surely, he must’ve done his share of grooming for the two girls to be lured into his lair.

But these “grooming” violations aren’t confined to teachers molesting troubled schoolgirls. If the truth be told, it’s the very heart and soul of our politics!! Think of it… They size us up and identify our weaknesses. Day in, day out, they show up at our bottom-houses and play up our worst prejudices. Then they craft their platforms and Manifestos with promises to take care of all OUR needs.

Why they even doled out T-Shirts, shared out rum to get our attention and danced on stage pretending they’re “one of us”!!

Then they moved in for the violation – telling us to go against our consciences and vote for them. And just as deadly, warning us NOT to vote for THEM – since they’re our “enemies”!! What could be worse than that?

We know they’re playing us, they know they’re playing us, but because they know we have this weakness for “voting for our own” – they put up candidates who look like us – and it’s KABOOM!!! We lose control of our minds – much less our fingers – and those Xs go exactly where they want them to go!

Now just like they have laws against those predators grooming young girls and then taking advantage of them before dumping them on the wayside and picking up some other young and nubile schoolgirl, shouldn’t there be laws to protect us against these political predators?

Just look at the evidence. They promised to “save the sugar industry”, then they go and reduce it by half, telling the 7000 workers on the breadlines, it’s “for your own good”!!

That’s like chopping a fella in two at his waist because his toe was infected! Sure his toe won’t bother him no mo’!

But how does he function in the loo? …the Integrity Commission Your Eyewitness was caught in such a paroxysm of laughter when he saw the AFC’s statement on the Integrity Commission, he nearly croaked!! Now here we are, halfway through the APNU/AFC five-year term and NOW the AFC discovers the Integrity Commission is a “matter of national urgency”?? What a crock!!

Wasn’t it the then Chairman of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, who came down from the mountain and handed down 10 principles for a Code of Conduct from behind a burning bush, to Moses Nagamootoo?? Wasn’t it Moses (on his way to parting the PM salary scale) who then insisted those principles be fused with the Integrity Bill??

And isn’t it the same AFC who gets to advise Prezzie during coffee breaks at Cabinet Meetings? If they could tell Prezzie it’s kosher to unilaterally appoint a geriatric (who never ran an election in his life) to the GECOM Chair, surely they could’ve brought up the lagging Integrity Bill?

After all, integrity’s all about being “fit and proper”.

And Prezzie’s got this down pat!! …Grace Mugabe First there was Imelda Marcos who was hounded out of her office because of her 10,000 pairs of shoes. Now Grace “Gucci” Mugabe’s suffering the same fate.

Do First Ladies have to take a vow of poverty??

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

News

9

thursDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Opposition wants Budget 2018 to focus on social welfare W ith just a few days left before the 2018 National Budget is presented in the National Assembly, the Opposition is hoping that several critical issues are addressed, particularly the welfare of Guyanese.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a media conference on Wednesday that the Opposition was hoping that these welfare issues address the needs of children, pensioners, and other vulnerable groups.

“I hope that the Minister of Finance (Winston Jordan) will come with a budget that sets out clearly a pathway to growth and development

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and that would have specific initiatives that will enhance welfare of our people,”

Jagdeo opined.

The former Head of State is also hoping that the Budget would outline clear measures to create jobs in the economy, noting that these were pressing concerns of the people. “Billboards don’t work.

I wonder how much is being spent on these billboards.

It’s the content of the budget that will matter,” he added.

The Opposition is not prepared to accept another budget similar to the ones presented before, which were often times baseless but included policies to overtax the Guyanese populace.

A promise was made by Minister Jordan that there would be no new taxes in

Budget 2018. But Jagdeo again reminded, “No new taxes are not a positive in itself, when you have already destroyed 1) confidence in the economy, 2) when you are in the process of killing many sectors like the mining sector, when the fiscal incentives, when the fiscal incentives to many businesses have been withdrawn…”

Last year’s budget was used to introduce several new taxes, a development that was heavily criticised by the Private Sector and the Opposition. But despite this, the Minister has spoken of Government’s Sustainable Livelihood Programme, which he explained provides

$100 million in outright grants.

Jordan said entrepreneurship would have to be the driving force for growth.

As many persons continue to approach Government for jobs, they would learn to understand that there are only limited jobs available. “Even the best of Governments tried going into economic activity, and for the most part it has failed. The latest is GuySuCo, and I always say that the one that has kept us going is GuyOil,” he added.

As part of preparations for Budget 2018, consultations are being held with various stakeholders across

Guyana. The budget team plans to meet with several trade union bodies, the Private Sector and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs). The 2018 Budget is expected to cater for the long overdue construction of the East Bank Berbice road, which will cost approximately $1.5 billion.

The 2017 National Budget of $250 billion was the largest presented to the National Assembly by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government since assuming office.

Budget 2018 will be presented to the National Assembly on November 27.

School sex scandal

CEO to decide fate of BHS headteacher – Education Minister …calls intensify for teacher’s removal

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he fate of the Headmistress of The Bishops’ High School lies in the hands of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson, who will make a decision soon.

This is according to Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who told the media on Wednesday that Hutson was responsible for deciding the fate of Winifred Ellis, in light of her shaming of female students of that institution.

“The Ministry would have certain mechanisms in place to address different issues whether it has to do with discipline misconduct, inappropriate sexual behaviour and the likes. Certainly, the way the headmistress addressed it may not have been the gold standard or the ideal way; therefore, the Chief Education Officer, who is responsible for teachers, would have to intervene and make the appropriate judgement call in keeping with the rules and regulations,” Henry related.

Ellis’s ‘shaming’ remarks came in light of the recent sexual assault allegations against a male teacher of the school, to which she allegedly turned a blind eye.

The Education Ministry has launched a full-fledged investigation into the allegation that Bishops’ High School economics teacher Coen Jackson groomed female students and then had sexual relationships with them.

The news first broke on social media, with several former students confirming the allegations. It was in light of this that BHS Headteacher Ellis called a general assembly where she berated students for not de-

fending Jackson.

"I remember once I am coming down the corridor and I had to step back and ask a child to close her legs.

A male teacher is teaching.

How many times I telling y'all, don't touch the boys.

Don't touch the boys. How much times I am standing at my office door and when y'all see me y'all running inside ‘cause you hugging and touching the boys? You are very slack. Very loose with youself,” Ellis told the assembly.

In response to this, Minister Henry said that she was in receipt of the complaint and would have asked CEO Hutson to ensure a comprehensive investigation is done.

“We would have taken a decision to send the teacher (Jackson) who these allegations were made against on administrative leave, so that due process can be served while the investigation is being carried out,” she said.

“What this (issue) speaks to is the need for awareness and understanding of the issues at hand. If this is the case of sexual misconduct and harassment then, both perpetrators and victims need some form of awareness especially if it is children.

They are particularly vulnerable in the school system and we would have to ensure that they are aware how to report, what to accept, what not to accept. These are part of the education that should accompany the mainstream and academic education,” Henry added.

Intensified calls

Braving the rain, several activists and members of civil society continued

Some of the protesters during their demonstration

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

their protest in front of the High School, calling for the ousting of the headteacher in light of her derogatory remarks against female students of the institution.

They are also urging the Education Ministry to ensure that all students, particularly females, receive counselling for their trauma.

Citizens Against Rape (CAR) representative, Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar said that the issue of sexual misconduct by teachers was not only isolated to the BHS, but noted that it was a worldwide problem. She identified the covering up of these issues as a systemic issue and called for change in the way it is dealt with.

“I would like to see mechanisms, first of all, training; first of all, I think the kids in this school need counselling, some sort of sit-down session with the children and they need some form of counselling. That should be standard procedures in the school. Teachers and school administration also need help and they also need help in terms of training of how to deal with these kinds of situ-

ations,” Thomas-Caesar added.

The CAR representative also called on parents to start educating their children about their bodies and creating a comfort zone so if someone were to touch or act inappropriately with them, they would feel comfortable relating that.

“It’s really sad and I hope that the psychological and emotional damage to these young ladies is not lasting and I hope that steps are taken to ensure that what was done is reversed by the Ministry. These young ladies need counselling after such an onslaught on their reputations and onslaught on

Bishops’ High School Headteacher Winifred Ellis

Embattled teacher Coen Jackson

their virtue and onslaught on their self-esteem, and onslaught on their self-confidence at the expense of a gentleman,” another protest-

er related.

The protest action is expected to continue today in front of the Education Ministry.

10 News

thursDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GWI’s Sparendaam well to begin operations by mid-December …company to procure rig to do own drilling

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he newly-constructed well at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, is expected to begin pumping water by mid-December serving the communities of Plaisance, Sparendaam and sections of Industry.

Additionally, the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has indicated that it would be procuring a new rig to begin drilling its own wells to cut costs.

Dutch firm De Ruiter Groundwatertechneik is in the final stages of drilling the well, but has already begun pumping water after approximately six weeks of

drilling.

GWI Operations Manager Dwayne Shako told reporters on site on Wednesday that the well would be fully operational by mid-December, adding that it would improve the level of service delivered to customers in those areas. He explained that the new well would be operating on a 24-hour basis with the capacity to deliver water at least to the first-floor level.

“Over the years, these areas have been suffering from very poor service and we didn’t have a choice, because we didn’t have enough wa-

GWI Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles having a taste of the water from the Sparendaam well

ter. So, before Christmas… by mid-December, we will have this well in operation along with the extension at Better Hope so the areas like Sparendaam, Plaisance, Ogle and parts of Industry would see a much better service level. We will move the Better Hope plant that is operated at 12 hours per day to 24 hours. Before Christmas we are hoping to ensure this area has a 24-hour supply at least at first-floor level,” he added.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the utility company, Dr Richard Van WestCharles said the cost of drilling the new well was $40 million, and added that over the years, the existing well at the location had begun dropping output.

“The production will double that of the existing well, so the residents should have no problem whatsoever…we have a few other demand areas, the pressing areas where we want to do before they depart, but we have to allow the procurement process, which we hope would not be prolonged. So, some of those communities such as possibly Hubu and Schoonord can

have some improvement in terms of their water supply,” he stated.

Cutting costs

The Managing Director explained that the company was in the process of procuring a rig to drill its own wells so as to cut costs. He also stated that it would result in the reduction of the number of drilling contracts.

“We have to look at the cost and how we can reduce that. The cost of drilling wells in Guyana has escalated and we have to pull that back and also the methodology which has been used is not the best and we have to look at that,” he stated.

“With climate change in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, we cannot have single dependency on surface water. We need different equipment because you have to go through rocks and so on.

It has been budgeted with some (of the money) from Government of Guyana and some from GWI and it has been approved by the Board,” he added.

The company is expected to commence drilling of the Sophia well soon.

Labourer jailed for ganja possession

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48-year-old labourer, of Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, was jailed for three years after he admitted to having 40 grams of cannabis in his possession.

Patrick George made his first appearance before Magistrate Ester Sam at the Charity’s Magistrate’s Court where he admitted that on November 19 he had the ganja in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case contended that on November 19 around 07:55h, George walked into the Suddie Police Station with a bag on his back acting in a suspicious manner. Ranks conducted a search of the bag and unearthed the illegal substance in a nut bottle. He was subsequently arrested and told of the offence, and later admitted that he was using the illicit substance for medical purposes.

Miner jailed for unlawful wounding

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hen he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday morning, with both hands and feet shackled, Ryan Persaud readily admitted to pelting a glass bottle in the direction of a truck driver, causing him injuries to the right hand.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore read the charge which detailed that on November 18, 2017, at Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, Persaud unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Euclin Nurse.

According to Police Prosecutor Simone Payne, on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant was driving a motor truck when Persaud took a bench and blocked his path. When the driver exited the vehicle to enquire why he did so, Persaud grabbed a bottle and threw it in the direction of the complainant, damaging his right hand.

The matter was reported to the Brickdam Police Station, and the defendant was arrested and told of the offence. He was subsequently charged.

In court on Wednesday, Persaud admitted to pelting the bottle in the direction of the VC, but denied any knowledge that the man received injuries as a result of his actions.

In a plea of mitigation, Persaud informed the court that he was a 54-year-old resident of Albouystown, Georgetown.

He then begged the Magistrate for leniency Given that the injuries were not life-threatening although a weapon was used in the commission of the offence, coupled with the defendant’s early guilty plea, the Magistrate handed down a sentence of six months’ imprisonment.

“Yea, My Worship…

Thank you,” Persaud was heard saying after his sentence was handed down.

News

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THURsDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM fallout

An Opposition AFC would have rejected President’s unilateralism – leaked emails …leadership under fire as US chapter slams party

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s the Alliance For Change (AFC), the minority party in the coalition Government, continues to grapple with inhouse fallout over the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), more leaked emails of top local and overseas executives revealed that the decision taken

by President David Granger is not going down well.

On Wednesday, a number of pieces of correspondence between top party executives were leaked to the media. In one of the correspondence amongst the party’s local and overseas executives, AFC’s David Patterson, who is the Public

AFC US Chapter Chairman Rohan Somar

resort.”

During the discussions among

AFC Executive David Patterson

Infrastructure Minister within the coalition Government, stated that he had serious issues with the decision to make a unilateral appointment – a move which, he bluntly pointed out, the party would not have accepted had it not been in Government.

“Were we out of office, would we have accepted such a decision to

AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan

unilaterally appoint a Chairman?

The answer is NO! Therein lies my first major issue—why are we accepting it now?” detailed the email sent by Patterson on October 22 at 10:02h.

He went on to say in the correspondence that, “This appointment now sets an unwanted new political procedure in our country…the PPP paid a heavy price for setting precedence when they prorogued Parliament in 2014. We should not be supporting the “loopholes” or “tie breaking clauses” in our Constitution – these should only be used in the absolute last

top AFC executives, several key members expressed their concerns about the unilateral appointment.

“Rogue elements” However, AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday blasted dissatisfied party executives who leaked the emails.

“I do not see any damage flowing from a frank discussion with members who want to know our position. If leaders are not frank with our membership, we won’t be an accountable party. There will be that and there will also be rogue elements in parties and that is what happened here…I don’t understand how that is responsible membership of a party by people who are educated and qualified.”

He further outlined that the party could take no disciplinary actions against those members, who leaked the correspondence to the media, since according to him they have severed ties with the party.

Canada fallout

Some three weeks ago, key members of the AFC Canadian chapter pulled out from the party, with Secretary of AFC-Canada, Laurence Williams, expressing grave concerns in a letter over the unilateral appointment of the new GECOM Chairman.

Williams said the party’s group in Canada agreed that the AFC should publicly call for the appointment to be rescinded and for one of the 18 persons nominated to be appointed. He also stated in that missive that AFC-Canada

would no longer be associated with the AFC. However, it said it would “continue to support the Guyanese people’s quest and struggle for national unity, democracy, transparency, accountability and peace and progress”.

However, in response to the correspondence from the AFC’s North American chapter, Ramjattan had told sections of the media a few weeks ago that the party will not backpedal on the decision to support the appointment based on the opinion of one group.

US fallout

Now, additional leaked emails showed that the sentiments expressed by the party’s Canadian grouping are shared by its United States chapter. In fact, Chairman of the US group, Rohan Somar, ridiculed the manner in which the party handled the situation. He was referring to the October 20 statement issued by the AFC in which it distanced itself from being involved in the decision-making process but supported the Head of State’s unilateral appoint-

ment.

“In my view, the AFC public disclosure of `We played no part in the process… yet… we support the decision to avoid a constitutional crisis!’ Really! This position makes the AFC looks weak and impotent.

You are seen by the common man as being treated as a stepchild or a poodle in the coalition,” Somar vented.

He went on to point out that the excuse given that the AFC supported the decision to make a unilateral appointment to avoid a “constitutional crisis” was nothing but a hollow excuse.

“You were already in a constitutional crisis with the continued delays in the GECOM and for variety of other reasons,” Somar posited in the correspondence, which was leaked.

Support for unilateral appointment

The AFC, in response to the leakage of internal correspondence, earlier this week reiterated in a statement that while it supported the President’s move, the party was not consulted on the

appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman. It further called the leak an act of “political mischief” attempted by “political opponents”.

Last week, the first set of leaked emails from Ramjattan to the party’s executives, detailed him admitting to advising the President that he could appoint a chairman outside the lists of nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Meanwhile, this most recent set of leaked emails contains correspondence from other top AFC executives including Dominic Gaskin, who is the son-in-law of President Granger, and Cathy

Hughes, in which they also expressed concerns over the unilateral appointment.

Gaskin reportedly said in the leaked email that he was not happy with the President’s decision, while flagging the Head of State for not handling criticisms headon.

“I’m not happy with this outcome, but I can’t think of anything we could have done to prevent (the President’s decision)...

Even more unfortunate, while the Leader of the Opposition has been elaborating on this matter at every opportunity over the last six months, the President has been issuing cryptic one-liners presumably to maintain some strategic advantage over Jagdeo. I believe this has backfired badly…,” Gaskin posited.

Moreover, Hughes, in her correspondence, outlined the potential impact that this decision would have especially in light of the “racial insecurities” and the PNC’s past elections rigging record.

12 news

THURsDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BHS sex scandal

Drunken woman More scrutiny needed sets home on fire

in schools – GTU I n light of recent allegations of a sex scandal at Bishops’ High School, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is urging the Education Ministry to conduct more frequent inspections at schools so as to prevent any similar cases from occurring and to weed out from the system these issues.

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald told Guyana Times on Wednesday this issue in particular brings to bear the fact that both the Union and the Ministry will have to work more closely at keeping much closer eyes on the things that happen within the education system across the country.

“We have to start doing some backpedalling, to check to see where we have been defaulting in terms of our supervision of what happens in schools. How often do we visit schools? We have to take some of the blame too…Let’s start doing some random checks at schools.

Let’s run the ward,” she asserted.

McDonald said these same issues could very well be happening at other schools and the officials were not aware of them. She said there might be allegations made against teachers and other persons and if these checks were done, then both the Union and the Ministry could unearth some of these issues and correct them or bring them to the attention of the authorities.

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

Despite this, the GTU General Secretary said the Union was extremely concerned because a number of things would have happened and there will be a ‘ripple effect’ coming out of this scandal. “It is not only about this teacher, who it has been alleged who have been performing all these acts, but it has negative effects for the reputation of the school, tarnishing the reputation of so many persons that are involved.”

The Union believes that all of the people involved will be negatively affected. “I am hoping that we can very quickly pull this whole issue out of the public domain and we sit like professionals and deal with this issue and wherever the chips have to fall, let them fall there…We need to move pass the ‘judgmental sentences and we have to be careful…it will have a psychological effect,

people,” she added.

The GTU, she said, does not condone teachers getting involved in acts that involve sexual contact with children. “We have always been saying to our teachers across this country: we are professionals and we expect our teachers to conduct themselves in a professional manner. We have been saying repeatedly to them: there must always be this distinct line between teacher and student or student and teacher.”

She continued, “At no time teachers should be found in compromising positions. Our students look up to us; they trust us and when we are going to betray the trust of those students, we are doing lots of damage to them. We are not going to allow that to happen to our children.”

Asked to comment on the derogatory remarks purportedly made by the Bishops’ High School Headteacher Winifred Ellis which came in light of the recent widely publicised sexual assault allegations against a male teacher of the school, McDonald said that she believes the principal acted out of frustration.

“I don’t think the intention of the head teacher is bad. I think it is out of frustration that she lashed out in the manner that she did.

But I think her intentions were good and she was trying to get her girls to be aware of the circumstances and situations that some-

times would befall them from time to time. And she was admonishing them in a manner that they should conduct themselves as girls in schools.”

Outraged by her actions, several former students, activists and members of civil society picketed the top secondary school on Tuesday.

A formal complaint against the male teacher of over 15 years was made to the Education Ministry over the weekend and was addressed to the Education Minister Nicolette Henry, among others.

Since then, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson has informed the media that an investigation has been launched, while the Social Protection Ministry issued a short statement outlining that it was aware of the allegations levelled against a senior teacher at the Bishops’ High School.

As news of the alleged sexual molestation involving the male teacher broke out on social media, a number of past students reportedly came forward and related similar experiences.

Meanwhile, in the presence of his attorneys – Jerome Khan, Priyanka Sookraj and Siand Dhurjan – the teacher broke his silence on the allegations against him, which claimed that he abused his position of trust as a teacher and groomed female, and some male, students for sexual activity.

The burnt-out house

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n out-of-control drunken woman on Wednesday set her East Canje, Berbice home on fire. This is the fourth fire to be recorded in Berbice within the past week.

Reports are Gem Cadogan lit her Lot 18 Adelphi Settlement, East Canje home on fire, but it was extinguished by residents. However, shortly afterwards, the 49-yearold woman in a drunken state again set the house on fire.

According to her sister, Desiree Haul, who lives next door, the first fire was set in the kitchen and a neighbour saw the flames and alerted the community. A bucket brigade was formed, and the blaze was extinguished.

“I call my neighbour and grandson and dem

boys out it and she light it again. Then she go in the house and lock the door and she throw something in the barrel and then it start to smoke, so l ask she if she light the fire again and she say no.”

Shortly afterwards, fire was seen coming from the house again. Reports are the woman stood at the backdoor with a cutlass in her hand and dared persons to attempt to extinguish the blaze. “And is old wood so it burn fast,” the woman’s sister related.

A fire unit from the Rose Hall Estate responded and was able to prevent the fire from spreading. Police arrived on the scene and arrested the drunk woman.

Residents told this newspaper that earlier in the year the woman had set the house on fire, but residents had extinguished it.

nesses, commercial banks and other financial institutions. Community Policing Group (CPG) members and Neighbourhood Police will be deployed in various communities, alongside uniformed ranks. Karimbaksh said CID Patrol will also be operating out of Mackenzie, Linden. He further promised networking along with Police in A, B and F Divisions (headquarters).

There will be the presence

of anti-crime motorcycle, ATV, vehicle, bicycle and beat patrols. The Linden Highway is slated to have a four-wheel traffic patrol.

Areas of focus at Mackenzie are the Mackenzie Market Square, Retrieve, Republic Avenue, Co-op Crescent, Green Heart and Pine Street. The Mackenzie area will also see the deployment of an anti-crime four-wheel vehicle patrol, anti-crime, beat, motor cycle and bicycle patrols, motorcycle traffic patrols and motor car traffic patrols.

Meanwhile, areas of focus at Wismar will include the Wismar Market, One Mile, Half Mile, Block 22, Wisroc and Blueberry Hill with traffic block spots at the One Mile Public Road.

Karimbaksh said foot and bicycle patrols will be conducted. Riverine patrols (Marine) will also be conducted in the Demerara River between Kairuni and Coomacka Mines, according to the Division’s Commander.

E Division rolls out Christmas policing plan

E

Division (LindenKwakwani) has rolled out its 2017 Christmas policing plan, with major emphasis on reducing heightened crime which usually occurs during the festive season.

Divisional Commander Fazil Karimbaksh presented the Division’s plans and successes in the presence of regional and policing officials at the Linmine Constabulary Hall in Linden. In his presentation, Karimbaksh noted that annually, there was usually an increase in social, cultural and economic activities during the Christmas season, resulting in an increase in shopping and visitors for the holidays. This in turn leads to the increase in activities in business areas and road traffic. Against this backdrop, the Divisional Commander noted that there would likely be an increase in opportunity crimes around this time.

As such, he noted that the

Divisional Commander Fazil Karimbaksh (far right) presenting the security plan to stakeholders

intention was to minimise possible criminal activities as well as traffic congestion and road accidents. He also pointed out the Division’s intention to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens, visitors, businesses and shoppers.

According to plans, E Division will be divided into three sectors, which will be commanded by an inspector and adequate ranks. Sector One will in-

clude Amelia’s Ward, while Sector Two will include Mackenzie and Sector Three, the Wismar area.

Karimbaksh said checkpoints would be established at Bamia, Tri Junction and Mabura.

There will be an established presence of the anti-crime, beat, bicycle and marine patrols, in addition to road blocks and cordons and searches. According to Karimbaksh, other meth-

ods that will be used are intelligence gathering, profiling of known criminal characters and an increase in traffic patrols (Operation Safeway).

Additionally, there will be monitoring of the Post Offices at Mackenzie, Wismar, Ituni and Kwakwani during the payout of Old Age Pensions as well as the monitoring of key and vulnerable points, including busi-

news

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THURsDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IOM to help build capacity US$250,000 to combat TIP upgrade for

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he Government is collaborating with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to strengthen the country’s capacity to effectively combat trafficking in persons and assist victims of trafficking.

At the official launch of the project at the Cara Lodge Hotel, Minister of Security Khemraj Ramjattan noted the project continues the work of the National TIP Action Plan which The three-year project will see workshops and consultations being conducted to develop standard operating procedures for victim-centered investigation, prosecution, identification and protection of victims of trafficking.

“It is an important step in the implementation of the overall project and a key intervention which will help to guide local stakeholders in the execution of their duties and avoid grey areas…regarding their respective roles and responsibilities.”

The SOPs are also important if Guyana is to maintain its tier one ranking on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, Minister Ramjattan stated.

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally pointed out that the SOPs will be instrumental in the protection of children. “The standard operating procedure will act as a guide for all stakeholders and relevant persons responsible

CPCE

T International Consultant Linda Eriksson; International Consultant Lori Mann; US Ambassador Perry Holloway, First Lady Sandra Granger, Robert Natiello, Chief of Mission at IOM and Regional Coordination Official for the Caribbean, Chairperson, Pauline Welch and Social Protection Minister Amna Ally at the launching

for combating human trafficking in Guyana, with an emphasis on child trafficking as well as improve their efficiency to protect victims of human trafficking within our country.”

First Lady Sandra Granger, who is a strong anti-TIP advocate applauded the efforts of the government to protect its citizens against trafficking crimes. “It is, therefore, in my view, imperative that comprehensive standard operating procedures be developed, widely publicised and implemented so that we in Guyana can eliminate the scourge of trafficking in human beings,” the First Lady is quoted by the Department of Public

Information as saying.

Also commending Guyana for taking action against TIP was US Ambassador Perry Holloway. “The prevalence of human trafficking globally presents an enormous challenge for us all. The Government of Guyana undoubtedly has taken a robust stand against human trafficking, and the standardisation of its operating procedures is a positive step towards facing its challenges.”

The consultations have already begun and are being spearheaded by international consultants, Linda Baca and Lori Mann. “One of the things that the standard operating procedures are going to be able to provide is a formalised ap-

proach to these aspects which mean more formalised reintegration plans and relationships between agencies that can foster more effective collaboration and cooperation,” Mann explained.

The finalised SOPs will be aligned with international standards and best practices and integrated into specialised training courses aimed at building the capacity of police, prosecutors, criminal judges, magistrates, and front-line officials from the Ministries of Social Protection, Public Security, National Resources, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Foreign Affairs among other agencies.

Guyana Diabetic Care Project notes achievements

T

he Guyana Diabetic Care Project convened its third annual stakeholder’s meeting, on Wednesday, at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, to review the work of the project and to ensure the programme is sustained and expanded.

Minister within the Public Health, Ministry Dr Karen Cummings during her opening remarks, said all stakeholders must take this time to celebrate the achievements of the project in Guyana.

“Today we should celebrate the successes of the Guyana Diabetic Care project. Since its inception over 700 women have been screened for gestational diabetes.”

Additionally, more than 2,000 persons have been screened for diabetic retinopathy through this project.

According to Project Coordinator, Dr. Brian Ostrow, reviews of the various project components included : eye care; diabetes in pregnancy; public awareness and networking and development of health information system.

“The fifth component is just to look at how the proj-

“In order to significantly build on the gains made thus far through the diligent work being done by the project, we at the Ministry

Project Co-ordinator, Guyana Diabetic Care Project, Dr Brian Ostrow

ect manages and that is pretty much on track,” Dr Ostrow explained.

One of the concerns raised was the expansion of component one. Minister Cummings lobbied for diabetic retinopathy screening to be extended to regional and district hospitals, to allow for more patients to access the services.

The minister noted that the project’s objective is to provide universal screening and treatment for diabetes that is equitable and accessible to persons living in Guyana.

of Public Health recognised that more needs to be done with the collective and collaborative involvement of all concerned stakeholders.”

he Government and the People’s Republic of China, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will result in the upgrade and expansion of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) Science Laboratory and Information Technology Department.

The MOU provides a $5million grant to the Education Ministry “to procure equipment and amenities to strengthen the science labs at CPCE,” Minister Nicolette Henry is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information, during the signing ceremony at the ministry’s Brickdam office.

She noted that this would facilitate the necessary upgrades that will allow the institution to deliver an effective science programme to its more than 1000 trainee teacher across the country.

Minister Henry said the donation will add to the initiatives already undertaken by the Government to strengthen the capacity of the training college, noting that “education is and will remain a major focus of this government.” “When we speak about teachers training, we speak about it in the context of teacher’s preparation and support,” Minister

Henry emphasised.

Currently, there are 22 specialised science teachers undergoing training at the college. Permanent Secretary, Vibert Welch noted that the intention is to enhance the knowledge content and skills of these trainee teachers, so they can deliver quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at both the secondary and primary school levels.

He noted that with the discovery of oil and the potential concomitant job opportunities, there is an increasing need for new and innovative technologies which will translate into a highly skilled and competitive workforce. Hence, the need for both students and teachers to be exposed to the resources necessary to help them to be excellent drivers for a STEM-educated workforce.

Meanwhile, Charge d’Affairs, Chinese Embassy, Chenqu Yang acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relationship between Guyana and China, especially in the area of education.

Yang explained that the implementation process will be monitored by the Chinese Embassy and the Education Ministry.

GTT Brand Warriors spreading message of hope to youths G

TT’s recently-introduced Brand Ambassadors Saiku, Poonam Singh and Drew Thoven teamed up with the company to take the message of hope to several schools across Guyana by sharing their stories of faith and persistence in achieving success.

The Brand Ambassadors highlighted that the platform given them as representatives provided the opportunity to reach out and inspire young people, a role which is perfectly aligned with GTT’s mission to connect and impact communities all across Guyana in a positive way.

The first round of the tour started last Friday at the

New Silver City Secondary and Mackenzie High Schools with positive and resounding responses from the teachers and students.

They sang along to the popular songs “G.U.Y.A.N.A.”, “You” and “Pillow Could Speak”, by Singh and Saiku respectively.

The Brand Ambassadors have been major acts on GTT’s “Million Dollar Smile” campaign, which has already visited several parts of the country, including Georgetown, Mon Repos and Linden.

The campaign moves to Bartica on November 24, when someone from that community would be given a chance to become a GTT “Million Dollar Smile” winner.

GTT’s Brand Ambassadors Saiku and Poonam Singh interacting with students on their recent outreach

The Ambassadors will at the same time visit the Bartica Secondary and John Baptise Schools to continue

sharing their positive messages, inspiring youths to follow their dreams to do more.

14 news

thursDAY, november 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Access dams leading to farmlands in Detained Venezuelan-US executives deplorable condition – Region 2 farmers to be tried as 'traitors' – Maduro

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A tractor topples with paddy

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ice and cash crop farmers living in various communities along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two are calling on the administration to give priority to access dam leading to cultivation areas. Rice farmers in particular related that several access dams leading to their rice lands are in deplorable conditions.

This newspaper was told that often times farmers are stuck along their way to the public road whilst transporting their produce.

“We need better farm to market access road in Region Two, the rainy conditions have worsened the state of most the dams and to get to your land its is so difficult,” a farmer related.

Another farmer noted that recently he was journeying to the back dam of Somerset and Berks when the tractor toppled. Luckily, he said persons jumped off and saved themselves. The farmer related that the trailer toppled due to the muddy dam.

Farmers at various locations including Golden Fleece, Perservance, Colombia, Aberdeen, Aurora, New Road are calling for main access dams leading to cultivation areas to be rehabilitated.

Rice farmers are currently in the process of preparing their lands and as such they require good access areas. Farmers are therefore calling on the Region Two Administration to have the access dams upgraded.

enezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday that Venezuelan-American executives at refiner Citgo who were arrested in a corruption sweep this week would be tried as “corrupt, thieving traitors” despite a request by the United States to free them.

Five of six executives of US-based refiner Citgo [PDVSAC.UL] who were arrested in Caracas this week are US citizens, according to a source familiar with the matter, possibly complicating Venezuela’s corruption sweep of the oil industry.

The six executives included acting Citgo President Jose Pereira, who has Venezuelan citizenship and US permanent residency, the source said.

Citgo did not respond to requests for comment.

Late on Wednesday, Maduro tapped Asdrubal Chavez, a former oil minister and cousin of the late president Hugo Chavez, to replace Pereira.

Military intelligence agents detained the Texasbased executives during an event at state oil company PDVSA’s headquarters in Caracas on Tuesday, two sources told Reuters. U.S.-based Citgo Petroleum Corp (Citgo) is

a Venezuelan-owned refiner and marketer of oil and petrochemical products.

Maduro said the USembassy had requested that its nationals be freed.

He mocked the demand and vowed that the men, who are also Venezuelan, would pay for alleged wrongdoing in a financial deal.

“These are people born in Venezuela, they’re Venezuelan and they’re going to be judged for being corrupt, thieving traitors,” Maduro said in a televised broadcast during which he also sang and danced salsa.

“They’re properly behind bars, and they should go to the worst prison in Venezuela.”

Relations between Caracas and Washington have long been tense. They have further soured under President Donald Trump since his administration imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials including Maduro, and economic sanctions that have impeded the OPEC nation’s access to international banks.

Venezuela has defaulted on sovereign debt and bonds issued by PDVSA after failing to make timely payments, a New Yorkbased derivatives group ruled on Thursday.

Late on Wednesday, a US State Department of-

ficial said, ”We have seen media reports of the arrest of UScitizens in Venezuela.

Venezuela is required under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to provide consular notification to the US upon request of a detained US citizen, and to provide consular access.

“When a US citizen is arrested overseas, we immediately request permission to visit him or her.

We have no additional information to offer at this time.”

Venezuelan state Prosecutor Tarek Saab has declared a “crusade” against “organized crime” in Venezuela’s oil industry. Saab told a news conference on Tuesday that his office had uncovered a roughly $4 billion planned deal with foreign companies, offering the refiner as guarantee in a detrimental deal for Venezuela.

According to Saab, the deal was with US investment fund Apollo Global Management LLC and Dubai-based Frontier Management Group LTD, and also included a Swissbased intermediary, Mangore Sarl. He added there was a “presumed” link between Mangore Sarl and the Citgo executives.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Courts Christmas Tree light-up dazzles Anna Regina T he town of Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast came alive Monday evening as persons gathered at Courts’ Richmond branch to witness the Courts Annual Christmas Tree light-up.

The simple ceremony signalled the goodwill of the Christmas season as Courts brought cheer to children of the Region. Children’s faces were lit up when they were introduced to Santa Claus and his helpers.

It was indeed a scene to behold, as many children were seen with mixed emotions – some cried and some were overjoyed to touch

Santa’s hands.

The helpers were around spreading the joy of the season to the children. The event is an annual one for Courts that foster togetherness as well as bring the joy of Christmas to the people of Essequibo.

The crowd also joined in singing contemporary renditions of classic Christmas carols such as “Little Drummer Boy”, “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Do You Hear What I Hear” among others.

Courts Sales Director Laverne Baker said that customers who made a purchase of $49,999 and over were given the opportunity to spin the

wheel. The spinning wheel enabled them to win prizes as well as even get their purchase free. According to Baker, 12 customers Monday last took home items among them a refrigerator, television, and even a laptop computer free after winning a 100 per cent discount.

Baker said that the road show and the light-up was a way of Courts spreading the joy of Christmas as well as ushering in the season.

Children had a rollicking time with Santa and were treated with goodies.

Persons who were not part of the light-up were outside on the road observing.

Cartoon characters performing at the Courts Essequibo Coast light-up

thursDAY, november 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Yei Winon Merisin Sepo

Medicine From Trees

Denise Winter

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confident voice brings me back to myself and the carefully packaged bottle of Yei Winon Merisin Sepo Crabwood Oil I held in my hand at the “Uncapped” expo, dispelling memories of the pungent smell of the prized skin treatment administered after an August vacation filled with ‘bush cooks’, backyard expeditions and tonnes of sweeties to restore my skin . This was not my mom’s crabwood oil, it was a lighter gold and less pungent, almost herbal. Denise Winter, the exhibitor manning the booth, with a wide smile, detailed the uses of the golden elixir and the other products derived from the plants of the North Rupununi on display – neem cream, kiambe cream, and crabwood oil soap, made by hand using the Makushi traditions after much research by the Makushi Research Unit (MRU) and the women themselves.

Yei Winon Merisin Sepo – Makushi for “Medicine from Trees” – the women agroprocessor group behind the medicinal products is the culmination of centuries of

Indigenous knowledge. It now comprises Winter, Veronica Farias (the lead person) and Amanda Cambridge, who all hail from Kwatamang, North Rupununi.

According to Farias, the group was formed in 2006 after the MRU compiled a book on all the medicinal plants in the North Rupununi by tapping the knowledge of the residents that had been passed down by their foreparents. The women underwent training and then, by trial and error and using newer methods, came up with a list of the most effective treatments: noni tincture, a remedy for pain in the joints and general sickness; kiambe tincture, which treats the early stages of cervical cancer; aruwera tincture, a natural remedy for pain caused by rheumatism, diabetes and hypertension; copaiba tincture, a natural remedy to reduce fever and relieve pain in the backbone, neck and joints; taratarataye tincture, for the pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis; shusuwa tincture, a natural tonic; neem cream, which

is good for rashes and itch; kiambe cream for cuts and sores; blood wood cream for rashes and itch, fungus and ringworm; while crabwood oil has healing, moisturising and insect repellent properties and coconut oil, moisturising and medicinal properties.

While formed under the auspices of the NGO ProNatura UK, with the support of the North Rupununi District Development Board and the Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network

( W A D N ) , Medicine From Trees has grown from strength to strength. Its products have been impressing patrons at expos over the years and are currently sold at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) office on Brickdam.

Farias – whose forthright and indomitable manner impressed – in offering advice to persons wanting to start up

the number one lesson she has learnt is there would “always be challenges, but you are there to overcome them”.

The chairperson of Yei Winon Merisin Sepo, whose goal is to be a sustainable community-based enterprise, providing job opportunities to the younger Amerindian generations and preserving the Makushi traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and trees, stressed that a humble and dedicated spirit was the most important quality of a n

similar groups, noted t h a t “you should always commit yourself to your goals, to always put your full commitment towards your goals”. She said

entrepreneur.

She advocated that greater access to funding was needed to boost entrepreneurship in Guyana. Contact: 658-0020; veronicafarias27@gmail.com.

Guyanese trio for Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India

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Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

Calculated at 94% purity, November 22, 2017

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

USD

$252,084

Gross

$252,084 $234,438

GBP

$272.54

$275.99

CAN

$161.52

$163.39

Net

USD

$205.98

$208.44

EURO

$241.91

$245.00

Indicators as on November 22, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$63.29

Price

USD

Change %

+0.56 Change %

Rough Rice

$273.31/ton

+0.39

London Sugar

$386.50/ton

-0.59

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1291.50

$1292.50

Low/High

$1279.60

$1279.60

Change

0.00

0.00%

Business Concept – Logistics Planning, execution, and control of the procurement, movement, and stationing of personnel, material, and other resources to achieve the objectives of a campaign, plan, project, or strategy. It may be defined as the “management of inventory in motion and at rest”. (Business Dictionary)

ocal three female entrepreneurs Arifa Mohamed, the founder of iMed Guyana; Abbigale Loncke, the founder/CEO of Community Health Care (CHC) Agency; and Jubilante Cutting, President of the Guyana Animation Network (GAN) will be representing Guyana at the eighth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, November 28-30.

This year’s Summit will highlight the theme “Women First, Prosperity for All”, and will focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth

globally.

Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump will headline the United States delegation to the Summit.

GES, a collaborative effort of the United States and India, is the preeminent annual entrepreneurship gathering

that convenes emerging entrepreneurs, investors and supporters from around the world. GES 2017 will create an environment that empowers innovators, particularly women, to take their ideas to the next level.

Investor’s Guide

Wall St flat ahead of holiday; ISPs rise on net neutrality bets

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S stocks were little changed on Wednesday, with telecom services shares among the biggest movers while the energy sector rose in line with gains in crude oil.

Verizon and AT&T rose 2.0 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively on bets they will benefit from the US Government’s plan to rescind net neutrality rules put in place by the Obama Administration.

These stocks are up “given the end is in sight for net neutrality as it had been defined in 2015,” said Kim Forrest, senior equity research

analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Pittsburgh.

“They would be allowed to charge the originators of the data to more accurately reflect the speed and the volume of data.”

With three Republican and two Democratic commissioners, the Federal Communications Commission is all but certain to approve the change.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 64.65 points, or 0.27 per cent, to 23,526.18, the S&P 500 lost 1.95 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 2597.08 and the Nasdaq Composite

added 4.88 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 6867.36.

The S&P 500 energy index rose 0.4 per cent as US crude prices jumped 2.1 per cent.

Many Federal Reserve policymakers expect interest rates to be raised in the “near term,” according to the minutes of the US central bank’s most recent policy meeting released on Wednesday. Stock investors were not surprised by the minutes and the market barely moved after their release.

Trading volumes were thin ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and an early close on Friday.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, november 23, 2017

Regional

Orinoco accident: Divers search for 10 missing people C olombian navy divers are searching for 10 people who disappeared on Tuesday after their boats capsized in the Orinoco River, which divides Colombia from Venezuela.

A total of 18 people were on board the boats, eight of whom were rescued.

Witnesses said one of the boats had a mechanical problem and was being towed by the other one when they hit a rock about 30 metres (100 feet) from the shore.

The accident happened 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) downstream from Puerto Carreño.

A local government official,

Divers are searching for the persons who disappeared on Tuesday after their boats capsized in the Orinoco River, which divides Colombia from Venezuela. A search of the riverbanks has so far yielded no result

Diego Zárate, said of the eight people rescued, two were Colombians and six Venezuelans.

Among the missing are thought to be a number of children.

Witnesses said the boat with mechanical problems was transporting watermelons while the one that came to its rescue was carrying passengers.

But a Colombian navy official said he did not know what the two vessels were doing navigating the fast-flowing river in the early hours of Tuesday when it was still dark.

A search of the riverbanks has so far yielded no result. (BBC News)

Jamaica to strengthen efforts to combat Barbados to benefit greatly from Sandals Canadian marketing incentive violent crime with help from IDB

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$20 million loan to support the Government of Jamaica’s efforts to measurably increase the conviction rate for murders and other violent crimes.

This project aims to help reduce homicides through intensified crime prevention activities as well as to improve the quality and rate of criminal investigations being managed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Key metrics will be the number of murder investigations and the overall murder conviction rate. The project will also fund the training of Jamaica Constabulary Force personnel in the use of

technology to combat crime and to improve criminal case management.

Jamaica’s violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 inhabitants continues to be among the highest in the Americas, and has negatively affected its economic growth prospects.

Between 2010 and 2016, the country averaged over 1200 murders. Out of this total, just 43 per cent resulted in an arrest and subsequent criminal charges being filed against a suspect.

Just 36 individuals ( three per cent) were successfully incarcerated on murder charges each year.

This project will also seek to address the high percentage of female murder

victims of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. During the last five years, 19 per cent of female murders were the result of domestic violence, as compared to three per cent of male murders.

“Modernising the intelligence of the Jamaica Constabulary Force through the use of technology and better surveillance techniques are important to enhancing policing and citizen security in Jamaica,” said Therese Turner-Jones, general manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Country Department.

“A modern, trained police force is fundamental to improving the lives of the people of Jamaica.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

C’bean sugar production surpasses projections – Sugar Association

T

he Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) Wednesday reported that sugar production in 2016/17 has surpassed its projection of 406,000 tonnes by 12,000 tonnes.

According to a release from the Association, the figure demonstrates the Region’s own capacity to supply the regional market, estimated at 320,000 tonnes for both brown and white sugar, and supports the argument for tariffs to be applied to imported sweeteners.

The SAC members are Barbados Agricultural Management Company, Belize Sugar Industries Limited, Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc, and Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Limited. At its 167th Annual Board Meeting in Belize last week, the SAC Directors also reaffirmed their plans to continue to supply the needs of the regional sugar market for both brown and white sugar.

The Association engaged

B

arbados was one of the destinations taking centre stage at Sandals Resorts International Overdrive Unveiling Tour, which travelled to over 21 cities in North America, the most recent of which were Toronto and Montreal, reaching a combined audience of nearly 750 Canadian travel agents.

Joining the Unveiling Tours in Canada was Sandals Barbados Hotel Manager Patrick Drake, along with representatives from various Caribbean tourism boards including Antigua, Grenada, Turks and Caicos and Saint Lucia.

“The brand is solid and Barbados is definitely on the lips of all those who we interacted with. This bodes well for us as a country and a resort which will open another 222 rooms on December 20 to our guests.

So I am extremely encouraged by the popularity of the destination and the reputation it has,” said Drake.

The tour has seen nearly 50 executive team members from Sandals and Beaches properties across the Caribbean, along with representatives from all

Baxter Travel Media President David McClung (left) presents the awards for 2017 Agents’ Choice Awards for favourite Responsible Travel Company and favourite All-Inclusive Hotel Brand, to Sandals Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart (second left) and Deputy Chairman and CEO Adam Stewart (right). Also sharing in the moment is Director of Sales, Maureen Barnes-Smith

of its destinations, travel throughout Canada and the United States to present travel agents with an exciting showcase of the company’s latest products and developments, including the opening of Sandals Royal Barbados, set to debut on December 20.

Also on display was

the planned reopening of Sandals Grande Antigua (December 17) and Beaches Turks and Caicos (December 14), as well as the upcoming debut of Over the Water Suites at Sandals South Coast and the new wedding options available at Sandals and Beaches. (Excerpt from Nation

News)

Argentina missing submarine: Concern grows over lack of oxygen

The Association engaged with the Ministers at the Caricom Council of Trade and Development (COTED) meeting held in early November to sensitise them on this issue

with the Ministers at the Caricom Council of Trade and Development (COTED) meeting held in early November to sensitise them on this issue.

SAC said it has noted that all other regional markets preserve their sugar industries through application of an import tariff, which permits their industries to be competitive.

“Regional producers requested of Caricom a uniform application of the 40

per cent Common External Tariff (CET) on all imported sweeteners. The four regional producers have the capability to supply the full market requirements and we plan to increase our outreach efforts to all stakeholders who use sugar to make the case for the application of the CET and to discuss with them how best to do so for the benefit of both producers and users,” noted SAC Chairman, Karl James. (Excerpt from CMC)

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rgentina’s navy says it is worried about oxygen levels inside the submarine that went missing last Wednesday in the southern Atlantic.

Forty-four people are on board the ARA San Juan, which vanished after it reported an electric breakdown.

A navy spokesman, Enrique Balbi, said a massive search operation would continue until the vessel was located.

Better weather conditions on Tuesday, after days of rough sea, have given new hope to relatives of the missing crew.

But Balbi cautioned: “We are considering all possibilities and obviously the most critical situation would be the fact that we are on the sixth day of oxygen.”

The search effort has now been narrowed down to an area of 20 kilometres by 20 kilometres (12 miles), he added.

On Monday, navy officials said that noises picked up by two search vessels did not come from the sub, The ARA San Juan was returning from a routine mission to Ushuaia, near the southern-most tip of

South America, when it reported an “electrical breakdown”.

According to naval commander Gabriel Galeazzi, the submarine surfaced and reported the breakdown, described as a “short circuit” in the sub’s batteries.

The sub was ordered to cut its mission short and return to the naval base in Mar del Plata immediately.

The last contact was made at 07:30 local time (10:30 GMT) on Wednesday, November 15.

It is not known what happened to the sub after that contact. (Excerpt from BBC News)

thursdAY, november 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

US gymnastics doctor Putin wins backing from Iran, pleads guilty to sex charges Turkey for new Syria peace push

F

ormer USA Olympic gymnastics sports doctor Larry Nassar has pleaded guilty to seven charges of sexual assault against women and girls in his care.

He was charged with molesting seven girls, many of whom are gymnasts, while working for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.

As part of the plea deal, Nassar, 54, could face at least 25 years in prison.

The hearing comes after a third former US Olympian, Gabby Douglas, accused him of sexual abuse.

In a statement to the court on Wednesday, Nassar said he was pleading guilty to “move the community for-

R

Dr Larry Nassar

ward and stop the hurting”.

“I’m so sorry that this was like a match that turned into a forest fire, out of control,” he said.

“I want them to heal.

I want this community to heal. I have no animosity toward any one. I just want

healing. It’s time.”

“You used that position of trust that you had in the most vile way - to abuse children,” Ingham County Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said, noting that sex abuse is a nationwide “epidemic”.

(BBC)

Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa promises jobs in ‘new democracy’

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imbabwe’s incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to create jobs after returning from exile to take over from Robert Mugabe.

“We want to grow our economy, we want peace, we want jobs, jobs, jobs,” he told a cheering crowd in Harare.

Some estimates say 90% of Zimbabweans are unemployed. Nearly three-quarters live on less than $5.50 (£4.15) a day.

Mnangagwa, who fled to South Africa two weeks ago, is to be made the new president on Friday, state TV said.

His dismissal led the ruling party and the military to intervene and force an end to Mugabe’s 37-year long rule.

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S Zimbabwe’s incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa

He told supporters at the headquarters of the ruling Zanu-PF party that the country was witnessing the “beginning of a new and unfolding democracy”.

He also said he had been the subject of several assassination plots and thanked the army for running the “process” of removing Mugabe peacefully. (BBC)

Europe’s worst atrocity since World War Two. The conviction, which marked the final case of the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal, was hailed as a victory for justice and a warning to others - including Syrian president Bashar al-Assad that the passage of time offered no protection to perpetrators of genocide. In a moment of drama Mladic was removed from the court

minutes before the verdict for screaming “this is all lies, you are all liars”.

But the UN Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) found Mladic guilty of 10 of 11 charges, including the slaughter of 8,000 Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica and the siege of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, in which more than 10,000 civilians died. (telegraph.co.uk)

Former US ethics official files complaint against Trump aide

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he former head of a US Government ethics watchdog said on Wednesday he had filed a complaint claiming senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway violated a law barring executive branch employees from engaging in political activity when she spoke on tele-

Presidents Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Hassan Rouhani of Iran meet in Sochi, Russia

pate constructively” in the planned congress, to be held

in the same city on a date they did not specify. (Reuters)

Uber under scrutiny after admitting to covering up data breach

Ratko Mladic sentenced to life in prison for genocide atko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military commander known as the ‘Butcher of Bosnia’ was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity.

The 74-year-old war criminal was found guilty of orchestrating massacres and ethnic cleansing during Bosnia’s 1992-95 war, including the massacre at Srebrenica,

ussia’s Vladimir Putin won the backing of Turkey and Iran on Wednesday to host a Syrian peace congress, taking the central role in a major diplomatic push to finally end a civil war all but won

by Moscow’s ally, President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian opposition groups, meeting in Saudi Arabia to seek a unified position ahead of peace talks, decided to stick to their demand that Assad leave power, Al Arabiya television reported, following speculation they might soften their stance after their hardline leader quit.

Two days after being visited by Assad in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, President Putin hosted his counterparts Tayyip Erdogan and Hassan Rouhani there. In a joint statement, the three leaders called on the Syrian Government and moderate opposition to “partici-

vision against a Democratic candidate for the US Senate.

Conway, in an interview on Fox News Channel on Monday, railed against Doug Jones, the Democratic candidate in the Dec 12 special election for an Alabama seat in the U.S. Senate.

Jones’s Republican rival, Roy Moore, has been ac-

cused of pursuing teenage girls when he was in his 30s.

Walter Shaub, who stepped down as director of the Office of Government Ethics in July, said in a Twitter post: “I have filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which investigates Hatch Act violations.” (Reuters)

truggling ride-hailing firm Uber [UBER.UL] faces a fresh regulatory crackdown after disclosing it paid hackers $100,000 to keep secret a massive breach last year that exposed personal data from around 57 million accounts.

Discovery of the US company’s cover-up of the incident resulted in the firing of

two employees responsible for its response to the hack, said Dara Khosrowshahi, who replaced co-founder Travis Kalanick as chief executive in August.

Britain’s data protection authority said on Wednesday that concealment of the data breach raises “huge concerns” about Uber’s data policies and eth-

ics.

The stolen information included names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers of Uber users around the world, and the names and license numbers of 600,000 US drivers, Khosrowshahi said. Uber declined to say what other countries may be affected.

(Reuters)

Merkel seeks to break stalemate

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he German president is pursuing efforts to broker a coalition deal which might include the centre-left Social Democrats.

The move comes after talks between Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats party, the pro-business Free Democrats and the Greens collapsed.

A “grand coalition” between Merkel’s conservative party and the Social Democrats (SPD) is one option.

Another option is new elections, a path preferred

by Merkel.

The FDP said it would not dismiss the possibility of further talks with Merkel’s conservatives and the Greens on a coalition government if a “completely new package” of proposals was put on the table.

“If it really was possible to build a modern republic in the coming years, then we are the last ones who would refuse to talk. I can’t imagine that this will work,” the Free Democrats’ Secretary General Nicola Beer said to German television station NTV. However, the lead-

Angela Merkel

er of the Free Democrats, Christian Lindner, contradicted this.

Lindner insisted that his party - which pulled out of coalition talks with Merkel on Sunday - would not be part of a new Government.

Germany has been without a stable government since elections on 24 September produced no overall majority.

This week, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is meeting the leaders of the political parties separately in order to try to break the

stalemate.

Pressure is growing on the SPD to try to form a coalition with Merkel’s party.

The SPD has so far refused to enter into a “grand coalition” of the two largest parties in the German parliament.

Andrea Nahles, head of the SPD parliamentary group, said the party did not want to prop up Merkel again.

“We are not an emergency stop-gap for Merkel,” she said. Merkel met Steinmeier on Monday. (BBC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, november 23, 2017

ARCHIE

Impulse will be what drags you down. Avoid mak(March 21ing snap decisions and unApril 19) necessary purchases. A disciplined attitude and smart calculations will be your ticket to success.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Enhance what you have to offer. Whether in your personal or professional life, getting along with the people around you will make the difference between success and failure.

Think matters through GEMINI (May 21- before you respond to them.

June 20) Taking your time will show your concern and desire to do what’s right. Positive change will enhance your personal life and relationships.

Take care of joint financial dealings before you face an (June 21- emotional problem. Protect July 22) your assets, but be fair toward those who owe and those who own. Don’t overreact or indulge.

CANCER

Peanuts

A little charm and a LEO fun-loving approach to life (July 23- will grab the attention and Aug. 22) help you need to accomplish your goals and bring about positive change at work or within your relationships.

An unexpected expense VIRGO should be questioned before (Aug. 23you open your wallet. Don’t Sept. 22) let anyone pressure you into something you aren’t ready to commit to. Make romance a priority.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Emotional matters will result in unwanted change if they’re not handled properly. Think matters through and talk to someone who has given you good advice in the past before you take action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You can make a financial change by checking into new ways to bring in a higher income. Your dedication and desire will motivate others to give you a chance.

Home improvements can SAGITTARIUS be made. Whether it’s mak(Nov. 23- ing mental, emotional or Dec. 21) physical adjustments, you should be trying to lower your stress and spend more time with loved ones.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

An explosive situation will develop if you act impulsively regarding a personal issue with a friend or relative. Think twice before you take action. Peaceful encounters will bring better results.

Be careful with your perAQUARIUS sonal information. If you (Jan. 20- want to help someone, do so, Feb. 19) but with suggestions only.

Focus on personal health and wellness.

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” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Whatever you decide to PISCES (Feb. 20- do, do it for the right reason.

March 20) If you jump into something too quickly, you will end up having to backtrack. Channel your energy into self-improvements and personal gains.

thurSDAY, november 23, 2017

19

Skeete to officiate in Australia hold aces but Women's U-20 qualifiers England determined The Ashes 2017-18…

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uyana’s lone female FIFA referee, Maurees Skeete, departed Guyana for St. Kitts and Nevis on Monday to officiate in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF) 2017 Caribbean Women’s Under-20 Quarter-Finals which runs from November 22 to 26.

Skeete is one of 12 female referees from the Caribbean who is officiating this fiveday competition. These games will determine the fixtures for the Finals of the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Under-20 Championship set to

take place in 2018.

In an invited comment, Head of GFF’s Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster said Maurees’ participation should serve as an inspiration to young female referees: “This is a great achievement for Maurees and Guyana as well. She is following in the footsteps of Diane Ferreira-James who officiated in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. My desire and goal are that other females aspire, not just to be referees, but to achieve as much as these women.”

The referee delegation arrived at the Marriot Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, St. Kitts and Nevis, November 20 and will depart on November 27.

Barca held to goal-less draw Lionel Messi was a surprise substitute in Turin, but still went close with a free kick as he helped Barcelona progress

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ionel Messi started on the bench as Barcelona qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League despite their second successive 0-0 draw in the group stage.

October’s goalless draw in Olympiakos was the first time in five years Barcelona had failed to score in a group stage game and they were again frustrated in Turin.

Ernesto Valverde’s side created the game’s better chances and were notably more in control of the match than on their last trip to Juventus, when they lost 3-0 in last season’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Barca have 11 points and will finish top of Group D as they have a better head-tohead record than Juventus,

H

aving played three series within two years from 2013 to 2015, Australia and England resume their rivalry with a pair of vastly recast teams when the first of five Tests bowls off.

There are new captains in Steven Smith and Joe Root, a pair of largely youthful and uncertain batting orders, while Australia’s much vaunted bowling attack boasts only one man - the skilful and durable Nathan Lyon - to have played a home Ashes Test before this week.

England have their two greatest

emerge victorious in four of five series.

At the same time Australia’s formidable record at the Gabba, making the most of its pace and bounce to be unbeaten in Brisbane for 29 years now, serves as a source of comfort to the hosts but also opportunity for the tourists.

Alastair Cook, Anderson and Broad can remember how the 2010-11 team escaped Queensland with a fighting draw that also fatigued the Australian bowlers, and the avoidance of defeat in this first match would take on even greater significance given the

matches, this encounter may well run a rather different course.

As expected, Australia left out Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers from their final XI, while Warner is likely to play despite suffering from a neck complaint during training in Brisbane this week although Glenn Maxwell was added as cover. Shaun Marsh had a stiff back as well so Maxwell could come in for either Marsh or Warner.

C a m e r o n Bancroft will debut at the top of the order with

Captains Steve Smith (left) and Joe Root hold the urn, the symbol of supremacy between the teams

who currently have eight.

But in the last round of group matches Juve - who went close to a late winner when Paulo Dybala’s drive forced a strong save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen must now beat Olympiakos in Athens to be sure of progressing.

Sporting Lisbon, who face Barca at the Nou Camp on 5 December, kept their own chances of reaching the knock-out stage alive by beating the bottom-placed Greek side 3-0.

Barcelona’s Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic saw his long-range free kick hit the post in the first half while France left-back Lucas Digne opted to pass to Uruguay forward Luis Suarez when he was better placed to score on 69 min-

utes.

Argentina striker Dybala, 24, who has been linked with a move to Barca, stood out for last year’s runners-up Juve, having the most shots (four) and creating the most openings for the hosts.

Messi, who replaced former Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu on 56 minutes after being rested before Sunday’s crunch La Liga game with second-placed Valencia, also went close with a free kick that rippled the roof of Gianluigi Buffon’s net.

Valverde said: “Leaving Messi out was difficult but he has played a lot this season and today we saw a long and tough contest so we thought a rest would do him good.” (BBC Sport)

ever wicket-takers in James Anderson and Stuart Broad, but for now at least there is no Ben Stokes, the best performer in an otherwise horrid 2013-14 series.

Perhaps because of the aforementioned newness, there has been plenty of talk about that encounter in particular. Lacking much in the way of firsthand experience, the Australians have sought to remind themselves as much as England of exactly what happened four years ago, with a hearty slice of intimidatory rhetoric thrown in. By contrast, Root has led his touring party in reminding all and sundry of the fact that few of the visitors went through that experience, which was the exception to recent Ashes history that has seen the Three Lions

conditions likely to favour English seam and swing in Adelaide, with its floodlights, pink ball and grassy surface.

Nevertheless, it is Smith who holds the most obvious aces in this series in the shape of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, a trio of contrasting yet highly skilled pace bowlers who possess an array of speeds, angles and approaches the envy of the rest of the world.

Australia’s tough talk is built upon a strong belief that these fast men can crack England open at the first time of asking much as Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle did four years ago. Should Root’s men be able to stand up to their examination after seeing nothing like the same pace or bounce in their desultory lead-up

Shaun Marsh at No. 6, and the wicketkeeper Tim Paine playing his first Test match since 2010.

Australia probable: Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt), Pete Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Jake Ball was named in the XI as the fourth seamer ahead of Craig Overton*, while Moeen Ali will be seen at No. 6 and Jonny Bairstow at No. 7 with the latter’s ability to bat well with the tail.

England probable: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thurSDAY, november 23, 2017

K

ris Jagdeo Construction in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) will be hosting a grand one-day horse race meeting with seven major events slated for Sunday November 26 from 13:00h.

All roads will lead to the Port Mourant Turf Club which is referred to as the ‘Big Yard’ by turfites because of the size of the track and seating capacity. The PMTC has not hosted a race in a while and this Sunday is expected to be a welcome return

Jack In My Style will once again be looking to blaze the trail at PMTC on Sunday

of high intensity and quality horse racing.

The feature race will be the “C” Class and lower which will see horses galloping over a distance of 1500M with the winner pocketing a whopping $800,000 while second place will walk away with a handsome prize of $400,000 and third place $200,000.

The other six events are for “E3” maidens and lower, the “H1” and lower, the 3-year old Guyana bred maidens and the “I” and lower. There will also be some excitement in the

races for the 2 year-old open horses, among the winners in the J, K and L Classes and the L Class non-winners.

Prizes for the event are expected to total over $5,000,000 with 50 of the country’s top horses competing for prizes and bragging rights. Some of the horses that will be on show include; Jack In My style, Golden Blue Echo, Good Will boy, Lady Budapest, Brave Sky, Storm Bird, Just Call Me Boss, Cat Messiah, Release the Beast, It’s My Choice

among others.

Registration has been extended to Friday and horse owners and jockeys may call C. Ramnauth on 337-5311 or Kris Jagdeo on 624-6123.

In addition to the gripping action on the track, there will be merry-goround and bouncy castle for the children while food from Hot and Spicy and drink will be on sale.

The track is reportedly in excellent condition and a full day of racing is anticipated.

Admission is $1,000.

Rain forces Guinness Football rescheduling – kick-off set for National Cultural Centre tarmac tonight

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F

ollowing the rescheduling of matches from Wednesday due to the consistent rainfall, the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone, commences today at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Mandela Avenue with 14 matches.

According to an official release from tournament coordinators, Three Peat Promotions, “The decision to reschedule the matches from the East Ruimveldt Tarmac to the National Cultural Centre tarmac was due to the heavy rain-fall which inundated the playing area and surrounding environs.”

The release further stated, “The opening night will now witness an increase in matches from the original 10 slated fixtures.

Fourteen games will be staged on the opening and we expect an electric atmosphere as teams tussle for the early momentum heading into the latter stages of the tournament.”

In the opening match at 19:00h, Bad-AYard will oppose GTI Ballers, while Broad Street will oppose Stabroek Ballers at 19:20hrs and Kingston battles North East La Penitence from 19:40h.

At 20:00h, West Front Road will battle Smyth Street, while North Ruimveldt tackles Judgement Yard at 20:20h, Bent Street engages Norton Street from 20:40h and Tucville faceoff with Sophia Bullies at 21:00h.

In the eight fixture from 21:20h, Channel-9 Warriors will match skills with Gaza Squad, while Alexander Village lock horns with Upsetters at 21:40h and Festival City battles New Market Street from 22:00h.

In the final four fixtures, California

Stopping Sparta Boss will be the aim of Ol Skool Ballers tonight

Square battles Queen Street Tigerbay at 22:20h, East Front Road opposes Future Stars at 22:40hrs, Back Circle tackles Trap Squad from 23:00h and Sparta Boss engages Ol Skool Ballers at 23:20h.

The event will continue on Saturday at the Albousytown tarmac. Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.

The runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The event is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Group Fixtures Day-1-National Cultural Centre-Today Bad-A-Yard vs GTI-Ballers-19:00hrs Broad Street vs Stabroek Ballers-19:20hrs Kingston vs North East La Penitence-19:40hrs West Front Road vs Smyth Street-20:00hrs North Ruimveldt vs Judgement-20:20 Bent Street vs Norton Street-20:40hrs Tucville vs Sophia Bullies-21:00hrs Channel-9 vs Gaza Squad-21:20hrs Alexander Village vs Upsetters-21:40hrs Festival City vs New Market Street-22:00hrs California Square vs Queen Street Tigerbay-22:20hrs East Front Road vs Future Stars-22:40hrs Back Circle vs Trap Squad-23:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Ol Skool Ballers-23:20hrs

obert Kubica will test for Williams in Abu Dhabi after this weekend’s season-closing grand prix.

The test is effectively the final step in an evaluation process to see if the Pole can return to Formula 1 in 2018 after seven years away.

Williams will also assess Renault reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin.

The Russian has emerged as a candidate along with Daniil Kvyat, Pascal Wehrlein and Paul Di Resta, although Kubica remains their first choice.

The team are keen to sign a proven talent alongside Stroll, who has generally struggled to match veteran Felipe Massa in his debut season this year, other than a couple of impressive drives in the Azerbaijan and Italian Grands Prix.

Massa is retiring from the sport after this weekend’s race.

Kubica has not raced in F1 since 2010 but has done a series of tests this year as he seeks to prove he can return despite the life-changing injuries he suffered in a horrific rally crash in February 2011.

The 32-year-old Pole has partial movement in his right arm, which also has atrophied muscles, as a result of the accident, in which a steel roadside barrier penetrated his car, partially severed his arm and left him with multiple fractures on the right-hand side of his body.

Robert Kubica claimed his only win in Formula 1 in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix

Kubica did three tests for Renault this summer before the team decided not to pursue signing him, saying they had “unanswered questions” about whether he could return.

But Williams were attracted by the idea of signing a man who was renowned for pace, consistency and technical feedback before his accident. He won the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix for BMW Sauber and was regarded as one of the leading talents in the sport at the time.

Kubica impressed Williams in two tests alongside reserve driver Paul Di Resta at Silverstone and the Hungaroring last month. If he proves in Abu Dhabi on 28 November that he can handle the more physically demanding 2017 cars, he will be signed as a race driver for 2018.

Sirotkin, 22, has done some work in the Williams simulator and is also now a potential contender for the seat, alongside Sauber driver Wehrlein and Russian Kvyat, who was dropped by Red Bull in October.

Kubica is to drive on the morning of the 28 November at Yas Marina circuit, with Stroll driving in the afternoon. Sirotkin will drive the following morning, before he too hands over to Stroll.

A Williams statement said: “The test is aimed at evaluating 2018 candidate tyres on behalf of the F1 tyre supplier Pirelli.

“Williams are excited to have this opportunity to assess the new tyres across such an interesting array of drivers: Lance, as confirmed race driver for 2018, Robert with his huge experience, and Sergey as a very promising young talent in F1.”

sports

thurSDAY, november 23, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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Part of the intense battle last Sunday at the MYO ground

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he Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana (MYO) InterJamaat 10/10 softball cricket competition in Memory of the late Br. Amanat Baksh of Queenstown Jama Masjid continued last Sunday November 19 at the MYO and GNIC grounds, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown with 10 matches.

The day certainly belonged to Lennox “Assassin” Marks who made a tournament record 178 not out as Farm rattled up a mammoth 226 without loss in the carnage. Additionally, it was another good day for Adventure who played three matches and won two to add to the two they won on the opening day of the tournament. They were beaten by hosts, MYO who won both of their games on Sunday.

In matches played at the MYO ground; Adventure beat Wakenaam by 151 runs Adventure batted first and made a whopping 181 for 3 wickets from their allotted 10 overs with Ameer Mohamed making 83 (11x6, 3x4) while Dovendra Mohan contributed 38 (4x6), Zameer Mohamed 24 and Shaz Grosvenor 23 runs.

Wakenaam’s most successful bowler was Seon Venture with 1 for 29 runs. In reply, Wakenaam found it very difficult during the course of their innings and was bundled out for a mere 29 runs in 5.1 overs. For Adventure, Muhammad Baksh was on target with 4 wickets for 4 runs in his two overs and was well supported by

Over at GNIC; Farm beat Land of Canaan by 9 wickets Land of Canaan batted first and made 103 for 6 in their allotted 10 overs with Irfan Shaw making 43 runs (4x6 and 1x4) and Nazir Mohamed making 19 runs (3x4). Bowling for Farm was Ameer Khan with 2 wickets for 14 runs in his two overs and was well supported by Sheldon Perch with 2 wickets for 16 runs. Farm got to their target in 4.1 overs with the loss of 1 wicket with Lennox Marks making 70 runs not out (11x6) and Budhan Baksh 18 (2x6,1x4) not out.

Andrew Ragnauth was the lone wicket take for Land of Canaan with 1 wicket for 33 runs in his 2 overs.

Farm beat Grove by 138 runs Farm batted first and made a record 226 without loss from their allotted 10 overs with Lennox Marks finding the boundaries with ease blasting a record 178 not out (21x6 and 6x4). Rawl Reid was the excellent partner with 55 not out (6x6, 3x4). Grove could not overcome that massive total as they eventually made 88 for the loss of 7 wickets when their allotment of overs was completed. Imran Khan and Erasto King made 27 and 19 runs respectively. Bowing for Farm was Budhan Baksh taking 2 wickets for 5 runs in one over and supported by Ameer Khan, Sheldon Perch and Rawl Reid with 1 wicket a piece.

Grove beat Queenstown by 27 runs

Lennox Marks

Grove after that trashing

by Farm made amends in their second game. Batting first and made a 124 for 6 wickets in their allotted 10 overs with Imran Khan making 39 runs (2x6,4x4) which and was well supported by Erasto King making 25 runs (2x6, 2x4). Bowling for Queenstown was Abid Haniff with 2 wickets for 17 runs. Queenstown in their reply at the crease were restricted to 97 for 5 wickets with Omar Kadir 25 runs (3x6) and Mohamed Najab 19 (1x6,2x4). Imran Khan was Grove’s best bowler with 2 for 14 runs from his two overs.

New Amsterdam beat Diamond /Grove by 10 wickets Diamond/Grove batted first and made 81 for 9 in their allotted 10 overs.

Bowling for New Amsterdam was Ricky Edoo, Raymond Busdjit and Abid Singh with

3 wickets each for 9,19 and 15 runs respectively. New Amsterdam in reply made 83 without loss in 5 overs with Carl Gilgeous making 33 (4x6,1x4) and Keion De Jesus with 42 (6x6).

Queenstown Masjid got a walk over from Enmore Masjid as they failed to show.

MYO got a walk over from Wakenaam as they failed to show up for their third clash after the two losses they suffered earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, the competition continues this Sunday November 26 with two preliminary round matches at the MYO ground; Queenstown will take on Farm at 14:00h while at 15:30h Land of Canaan will battle Grove.

The semifinals, third place play-off and finals are set for December 3 at the MYO Ground.

Bonner, Warde and Carter fined for code breaches

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Leyland Mc Donald with 2 wickets for 4 runs and Ehwaas Baksh with 3 wickets for 14 runs.

New Amsterdam beat Wakenaam by 10 wickets Wakenaam batted first and made 55 for 9 in their allotted 10 overs with Ansar Khan making 15 runs (1x6).

Bowling for New Amsterdam was YassimYassin picking up 3 wickets for 12 runs and Abid Singh with 2 wickets for 5 runs. New Amsterdaam then raced to 62 without loss in 4.5 overs with Carl Gilgeous hammering 51 not out while Keion De Jesus was not out on five.

MYO beat Adventure by 32 runs MYO batted first and made a competitive 183 for 6 in their allotted 10 overs with Wazir Hussain making 112 not out and supported by Safraz Hussain with 34 runs. Bowling for Adventure was Leyland Mc Donald with 2 wickets for 32 runs in his two overs.

Adventure was at one time threatening to overcome the massive target but fell short in the end and made 151 for 1 when their overs expired.

Shaz Grosvenor and Ameer Mohamed were the principal scorers with 66 and 63 runs respectively.

MYO beat Diamond/ Grove by 9 wickets Diamond/Grove batted first and made a 66 all out in 9.4 overs with extras top scoring. MYO at their turn at the crease made the total with ease for the loss of 1 wicket in 4 overs.

Ramo Malone and Timur Mohamed made 23 runs each.

Nkrumah Bonner

eeward Island Hurricanes pair of Nkrumah Bonner and Terence Warde as well Barbados Pride left-hander Jonathan Carter were all fined for breaches of the Code of Conduct during the fourth round of matches which ended on Sunday in the Digicel 4-Day Championship.

All three players admitted to their offences and accepted the imposition of the proposed sanctions so there was no need for formal hearings.

Bonner and Warde were reported by on-field umpires Carl Tuckett and Leslie Reifer Jr, along with reserve umpire Bernard Joseph, for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct during the match between the Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Bonner’s breach was upgraded to Level 2, due to this being his second breach within a year, and match referee Stewart Rawlins imposed a fine of 50 percent of the player’s match fee. The player breached paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct by showing dissent at an umpire’s decision when he showed his bat in obvious disappointment after being adjudged lbw in the 56th over of the Hurricanes’ first innings.

Rawlins however, imposed a fine of 10 percent of Warde’s match fee, after he similarly, breached paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct by showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, when he showed his bat in obvious disappointment after being adjudged lbw in the 49th over of the

Hurricanes’ second innings.

Carter was reported by on-field umpires Deighton Butler and Verdayne Smith, along with reserve umpire Roger Davis, for a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct during the match between the Pride and Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in Kingstown, St. Vincent.

Match referee Carlyle Felix imposed a fine of 50 percent of Carter’s match fee after the Pride player breached paragraph 1.3 of the Code of Conduct by using language that was obscene, offensive or insulting towards Volcanoes’ off-spinner Shane Shillingford when leaving the field following his dismissal in his side’s second innings. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thurSDAY, november 23, 2017

Master Woon-A-Tai

conducts historic Phoenix Karate grading

The successful Phoenix karatekas flanking Chief Examiner, Master Frank Woon-A-Tai (standing at centre), MS; Sensei Eric Hing (standing left) and Senpai Michael Hing (Photo courtesy of Artistic Marketing)

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n Saturday, November 11, Phoenix Karate formerly ‘Central Shotokan Karate-do Association’ saw history being made, and the beginning of a new chapter with high expectations ahead as they completed their last grading examinations for the year.

In all, there were 31 ka-

rateka that were graded, three of which attained the ranks of First Dan. The dojo’s successful first Dan students are also some of the first to have joined the fairly new dojo. Three other students also skipped ranks.

The exams were conducted by Shuseki Shihan, Frank Woon-A-Tai, M.S. at the Georgetown Cricket

Club Pavilion.

Master Woon-A-Tai was in Guyana to conduct the third and final grading examinations for the year at all of the IKD member dojos. He was assisted by Sensei Eric Hing and Senpai Michael Hing.

Promotions were as follows: 10kyu (white) to 8kyu (yellow) – Jared Smith,

Clear Waters supports international table tennis player

Daniel Grant, Daniel Singh, Mia Bailey, Meshach Keiler, Tyrique Haywood, Jaden Bacchus (Skipped 10kyu to 7kyu (Orange).

7kyu (Orange) to 6kyu (green) - Aiden Lovell, Chad Lovell, Gabriel Lewis, Uthan Henry (Skipped 7kyu to 5kyu (blue).

6kyu (green) to 5kyu (blue) – Raphael Ali, Jamacy

Holder, Kellon Barkoy, Mortimer Duke, Lucas Alencar (Skipped 6kyu to 4kyu (purple).

5kyu (blue) to 4kyu (purple) – Nicholas Alencar, Darrel Smith, Nathaniel Singh.

4kyu (purple) to 3kyu (brown) – Lataliya Norton.

3kyu (brown) to 2kyu (brown) – Daniel Cameron,

“No room for errors” – Adams – left-arm spinner looking to break into Jaguars 50-over team

By Clifton Ross

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Clear Waters Operations Manager Rickey Lucknauth (extreme left) looks on as Amarjeet Hardat hands over the sponsorship cheque to Yeudistir Persaud in the presence of his father Latchman Singh (far right)

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n Wednesday November 22, Clear Waters handed over a sponsorship cheque to the equivalent value of US$1,200 to Yeudistir Persaud to assist the athlete with his airfare and accommodation while in Washington, DC in his quest to reclaim gold in the Joola Table Tennis Championship.

Persaud, an internationally ranked table tennis player out of the Titan Tennis Club, Eve Leary, Georgetown will be playing in the open category where he will compete against over 1000 participants from 48 different countries.

In 2015, The Mae’s Secondary School student earned gold in the champion-

ship and then a Bronze in 2016.

He is extremely confident that he will reclaim his title as a gold medalist on this outing.

Clear Waters Marketing, Sales and Distribution Manager, Amarjeet Hardat stated that Clear Waters stands strong behind young local talent and is confident that Yeudistir will make Guyana proud, again.

Hardat further emphasized on the importance of sport in the development of today’s youths and that Clear Waters will always support in whatever way possible.

The Joola North American Table Tennis championship kicks off November 24 in Washington, DC.

Che Talbot, Reilon Smith, Keron Prescod.

2kyu (brown) to 1kyu (brown) – Ayden Doris, Kyle Couchman, Shane Sargeant 1kyu (brown) to 1Dan (black) – Aniyah Couchman, Ruel Norton and Kayla Richards.

The next grading examinations will be held in March 2018.

ssequibo Captain Anthony Adams said there’s no room for mistakes in the Jaguars 50 Overs tournament, adding that his team is looking to add the limited overs title to their collection.

Adams, the left-arm spinner and Guyana Jaguars player led his team to their maiden domestic title almost two months ago when they ran roughshod over the competition to capture the Jaguars 3-day league title.

It was the county’s first major title and their captain believes that his unit has what it takes to repeat similar performances in the shorter format; it was shown when they easily disposed of West Berbice in Tuesday’s opening round.

“I think the way we played the game (round one); we have good momentum going into the next game against Georgetown. I think it was a good start, it wasn’t a tight game and we weren’t under pressure but of course the competition will get more tough and we have to be prepared to work hard,” said the Captain.

Speaking about Essequibo’s transition from a 3-Day powerhouse to a potentially dangerous 50 over unit, Adams said the process wasn’t too difficult given the caliber of players in the squad; coupled with their form from the previous tournament.

“It’s not much of a transition for us, the 3-Day team that won the tournament, most of the guys are playing and we’re more suited for one day cricket. It shouldn’t be any changes, the batting and bowling is the same so there isn’t any much

Anthony Adams says his team has what it take to win the Jaguars 50-over title

change for us,” he added.

The success Essequibo achieved during the 3-Day League resulted in a more confident, dangerous team which apart from veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, features talents like; Ricardo Adams, Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Kevon Boodie and others who have been instrumental in the team’s success.

Adams pointed out that it’s essential for his teammates to stick to the fundamentals throughout the 50-over competition. “Of course in the shorter format as a batter it calls for more risk but 50 overs is also a lot of time to catch up if you’re behind. The important thing for us is rotating strikes when batting and

maintaining partnerships while in the bowling department, there’s no room for error you have to be as economical and bowl at your best to contain the batsmen and that something we will be focusing on,” declared Adams.

The MVP with close to 60 wickets in the 3-day league, Adams has been a key member for Essequibo for close to a decade and he admitted that while he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, he’s more than ever focused on carrying out his duties.

“My performances in the 3-Day is what help get us the tournament win and also helped us win a lot of games, so it’s important that I continue bowling well and supporting with the bat. Of course we’ll be full strength with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Keemo Paul back in the squad and that’s a boost for us,” said the left-arm spinner.

Concluding his interview with Guyana Times Sport, Adams who played one 4-Day match for Guyana Jaguars last season, is backing himself to keep doing well and hopefully cements a spot in either or both 50over or 4-day teams.

“In the longer format, I see myself as someone who can be consistent for a long period and in the short format I’m a bowler who can contain batsmen so I think I’m suited for both formats and my goal is to hopefully play both 50 over and 4-day cricket for Guyana,” he ended.

Essequibo will lock horns with Georgetown at the Everest Ground when round two of the 50 Over League continues today.

guyanatimesgy.com

thurSDAY, november 23, 2017

23

GCB/Jaguars 50-over League 2017

Heated brawls go down today F

Bhaskar Yadram

ollowing a good opening round to the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Jaguars One Day League, round two which bowls off today 23 will feature four more intense matches being contested at grounds across the country.

At the Enterprise Community Centre Ground on the East Coast of Demerara, the home team East Coast who lost their first match will

Ronaldo Alimohamed

Jonathan Foo

head into the encounter versus the West Berbice franchise much to gain after the

latter also failed to win their opening game.

The Everest Ground will host a big clash as Jaguars

3-Day champs Essequibo who seemed to have carried their form from the longer version into the 50 over contest; will lock horn with the under-fire Georgetown franchise. Essequibo got off to a winning start in the first game by handsomely beating West Berbice while Georgetown suffered mixed results after losing their first match by 131 runs.

Home-field conditions should prove advantageous at Albion when defending champs Lower Corentyne, who mauled Georgetown in round one tackle the East Bank unit who played well but lost their first match.

Ex-West Indies all-rounder Royston Crandon rolled

back the years with the first century of the tournament, giving the Berbice franchise a good start this season.

The last of four matches will feature two in-forms teams; West Demerara and Upper Corentyne; both fresh off respective wins their introductory matches, squaring off at the Tuschen Community Ground.

All matches are tentatively set to bowl off from 9:00h.

Meanwhile, GCB Territorial Development Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart confirmed that the venue change from Bourda to Everest was precautionary due to the risk of the inclement weather.

RHTY&SC assists Upper Corentyne Cricket Association

Teachers edified on boxing skills

Some of the physical education teachers and Assistant Director of Sport Brian Smith (centre) at the seminar on Wednesday

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n a bid to decentralise sport, the National Sports Commission (NSC) is hosting a seminar aimed at edifying Physical education teachers on the fundamentals of boxing.

subject at the Caribbean Examinations Council level.

“We would like to see that the students are taught the basic requirements of boxing which would be a requirement for the Caribbean

National Boxing Coach Wincell Thomas addressing the teachers on the elementariness of boxing

The three-day session which opened on Wednesday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora also has an emphasis placed on educating teachers about the basics of the sport to aid in their deliverance of the Physical Education

Examinations Council Physical education syllabus as well allowing you to be qualified at the basic level to conduct your training sessions at the school,” Assistant Director of Sport Brian Smith told the gathering.

National Boxing coach, Wincell Thomas explained that the sessions are not to teach the full contact aspect of the sport but rather the elementary positions.

Thomas further explained that schools can be competitive since they can be graded on having the proper posture and knowledge of basic striking shots and defence.

With a target group of 10 schools and 20 persons, Region three Sports Organiser Deon Carew hopes that despite the limited resources for the sport, teachers can use their newly acquired and to best instil the skills upon the students.

Next week a similar programme is expected to be held in Region Nine at Lethem, this time with the focus being on cricket.

Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over the trophy to Executives of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association

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he ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHT&SC), MS last weekend agreed to assist the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association with the hosting of a cricket competition for Primary and Secondary Schools in the Upper Corentyne area.

The ten teams King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division donated the winning trophy for the Secondary School Tournament and committed to provide other trophies, medals, cricket balls and educational materials.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the simple presentation stated over the last decade they have enjoyed a close and cordial relationship with

the association. The club over the years has assisted the Upper Corentyne Board on numerous occasion as part of its cricket outreach programme which seeks to promote the game across Berbice as an alternative to a life on the road for youths.

Foster stated that his club was quite passionate about the development of cricket in the ancient county as it was one of the best way for youths to not only get out of poverty but to become positive role models to their peers.

Rose Hall would continue to assist Clubs and sub-associations in 2018 with over 60 Clubs scheduled to receive about $4M worth of cricket balls, cricket gears, stumps, scorebooks, trophies, medals and educational materials.

A total of 53 Clubs, schools and Sub-Association and individual players benefitted in 2017 from over $3M worth of cricket items while numerous others re-

ceived assistance to enable them to play the games of football, volleyball, basketball, chess and scrabble among others.

The long serving Secretary/CEO praised the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Executives for the outstanding work they have been doing to lift the standard of the game in the Upper Corentyne area.

President Dennis D’Andrade, Vice President Sydney Jackman and Secretary Winston George all expressed gratitude to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its ten cricket teams. Jackman stated that the 2016 Guyana Cricket Board Club of the Year was a true friend of Berbice Cricket as it assists almost every Club in the ancient county. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association he stated would use the school tournament to identify potential players for the future.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB/Jaguars 50-over League 2017

Heated brawls go down today Pg 23

Romario Shepherd

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Pg 22

Master Woon-A-Tai conducts historic Phoenix Karate grading In front row; the club’s successful 1st Dan students; Kayla Richards, Ruel Norton and Aniyah Couchman pose with Chief Examiner, Master Frank Woon-A-Tai (back row, centre), MS; Sensei Eric Hing (back row, left) and Senpai Michael Hing (Photo courtesy of Artistic Marketing)

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