Guyana Times October 16,2017

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, October 16, 2017

Issue No. 3362

PRICE

Mother, sons among 5 killed in horrific Corentyne accident

Page 10

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Broadcasters warned to pay up or be pulled off the P12 air

M&CC cannot heed Lamaha Gardens P11 residents’ plea – Mayor

Regional economic outlook

IMF projects continued rise of inflation in Guyana Page 3

Mother P8 consented to rape of 12-year-old

…2-year-old sexually assaulted by greatgrandmother’s spouse

Spectators look on in awe as the third Annual National Diya Light-up brightened the East Bank Demerara corridor. The event was hosted by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) at Rahaman’s Park, Houston, EBD on Sunday evening (See story on page 14)

Son killed, father hospitalised Page 7

…as cutlass-wielding drug addict launches attack

Teen mechanic killed in Mandela Avenue accident

Selecting GECOM P9 Chair cannot be done "slothfully" ̶ Teixeira

Page 8

Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Medicine to open – medical tourism soon in Guyana high on agenda

Page 2

Affiance P7 residents call for EPA visit over air polluting rice mill

2 news

monDAY, october 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Medicine to open doors soon in Guyana

– medical tourism high on agenda

Construction work ongoing on the Ajeenkya DY Patil University at its Turkeyen location

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he Ajeenkya DY Patil University Turkeyen (Inc), currently under construction, is slated to be completed early next year and be ready to welcome its first batch of students by July 2018.

The School of Medicine is looking to build on its international networks and areas of expertise and deliver high-quality learning opportunities. It will deliver vocational and professional programmes that enable learners to meet and exceed their aspirations, ensuring that each individual achieves to the best of their ability.

According to the principals of the first-ever University School of Medicine, the facility will provide a ladder of opportunity for all learners, enabling them to progress onto further learning and into employment.

The University is geared at assuming a central role in

the educational, cultural and economic life of Guyana and the Region.

“We will work closely with all the stakeholders to ensure that there is a wide range of learning opportunities within the University and these will be available to all,” its principals said.

The self-financed institution aims to establish and run innovative educational programmes at the tertiary level leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral degrees in the domain of medical and health sciences.

The University School of Medicine will initiate international linkages with leading Universities across the world; deliver world-class curriculum using established international benchmarks and standards; and attract, develop and retain academic staff of the highest international calibre and make the Ajeenkya DY Patil University

of Turkeyen employer of choice for all staff in the international, national and local environments.

The University is looking to also tap into the much-vaunted area of medical tourism.

According to proposals seen by this publication, the University School of Medicine will be looking to approach Government for permission to build housing complexes, clinics and hospitals, and provide medical treatments to foreign patients and their relatives under medical tourism.

The University School of Medicine, come next year, will be offering Student Exchange Programmes with mainly US institutions for medical and nursing students; joint degree programmes with United States and United Kingdom-based institutions in nursing, dentistry, allied health and pharmacy programmes as well as recogni-

An artist’s impression of the Ajeenkya DY Patil University

tion by National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), US Department of Education.

Under the University School of Medicine, students will also be eligible to access special loan programmes from North America.

The University is expected to maintain complete control over all academic programmes development, course teaching and training along with permission to grant graduate and post-graduate degrees in medical and health sciences.

News of the impressive and expansive three-storey building built at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to house the facility, which was featured in the press back in 2015. The building is in its final stage of construction as the necessary equipment for the laboratories, among other ar-

eas, has already been sourced and is about to be shipped to Guyana.

The DY Patil Group has put in place all the resources and arrangements – human and material – to ensure the sustainability of the wide-ranging project in Guyana. The centrepiece of the University’s offerings will be the medical school incorporating all the latest pedagogical tools of the 21st Century.

The University, accredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) of Guyana, is a subsidiary of the DY Patil Group, one of the largest private educators in India, with branches in several other countries. The DY Patil Group was established in 1983 and its activities span the fields of education, healthcare, agriculture and sports. It owns the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai where international cricket and football games are host-

ed. It has over 180 institutes of learning in three universities based out of the cities of Navi Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur in India. The Group runs three medical colleges and hospitals with a capacity of over 6000 beds.

The management of the DY Patil Group projects that a large percentage of its student base will originate from outside Guyana and that there will be concessionary rates for Guyanese students.

Overall, there will be a substantial inflow of foreign currency into Guyana in addition to raising the international profile of Guyana in international markets, especially the fast-growing Asian and African economies. It is not surprising that an infamous local purveyor of fake news is now trying to discredit and deter the foreign investors from completing major benefial projects in guyana.

news

Regional economic outlook

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, October 16 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, October 17 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny weather can be expected throughout the day, interrupted by light rain showers in the early afternoon.

Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North-easterly to East Southeasterly between 3.57 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 14:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.45 metres.

Low Tide: 07:50h and 20:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.76 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, Ocotober 14, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

03

06 08

11

21

25

28 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 07 10 14 16

19

LUCKY 3 2 7 9

7

Afternoon Draw

2

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

09 10

12 14

IMF projects continued rise of inflation in Guyana

By Jarryl Bryan

Monday, October 16 – 14:25h-15:55h and Tuesday, October 17 – 15:05h-16:35h.

17 18 20

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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monDAY, october 16, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting Guyana’s inflation would continue to rise in 2018. This is a dangerous development, even as the country struggles to shake off the effects of a slowdown in the economy.

According to the IMF in its Regional Economic Outlook Update on Latin America and the Caribbean, economic growth in Guyana is being supported by two large gold mines and “positive sentiment ahead of oil production.”

According to the IMF, Guyana’s projected output growth (value for goods it produces) for 2017 is 3.5 per cent. For the year 2018 it is 3.6 per cent. But the IMF also projected a 2.6 per cent rise in inflation (rate at which prices for goods and services increase) for 2017, while a 2.7 per cent increase is expected for next year.

Indeed, inflation has been steadily rising over the years, with the financial organisation noting that in 2014 it stood at 1.2 per cent. In 2016 it rose to 1.5 per cent.

“After disappointing growth over the past few years, economic activity in Latin America remains on track to recover gradually in 2017–18, as the global economy gathers steam and re-

cessions in a few countries in the region come to an end,” the IMF stated in the report.

“Long-term growth, however, remains weak, hampering income convergence toward advanced economy levels. Fiscal space to support demand is limited, particularly for commodity exporters. But monetary policy can play a supportive role, because inflation has been

leased in July of this year.

It had stated that inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Georgetown, was recorded at 1.1 per cent in June 2017. According to the MidYear report, the main driver of inflation in the first half of 2017 continued to be food prices.

“Prices grew significantly for pulse and pulse products,

moderating rapidly,” it added.

The IMF urged Governments to urgently press ahead with much-needed structural reforms, to ensure that growth is sustained and inclusive. It recommended that countries improve their infrastructure, invest in human capital, encourage more females in the labour force, increase oversight of the labour market, enhance governance and anti-corruption efforts, and take steps to further trade.

14.5 per cent; condiments and spices, 7.1 per cent; cereals and cereal products, 5.2 per cent; oils and fats, 4.3 per cent; and vegetables and vegetable products, 4.1 per cent.

“Prices for transport and communication, medical and personal care; and education, recreation and culture also recorded increases in the first half of 2017,” the report had stated, also expressing optimism that the inflation rate would be kept in check.

The IMF’s observation that Guyana has gold to thank for its economic performance is telling, since

Mid-year report The Finance Ministry’s half-year report was re-

the Mid-Year report had revealed mining to be among the sectors on the decline when compared to the corresponding period in 2016.

The declining sectors had also included sugar, livestock, forestry, quarrying, and even the bauxite industry.

It showed that sugar production was recorded at 49,606 tonnes at the halfyear, and when compared to 56,645 tonnes during the first half of 2016, represented a decline of 12.4 per cent.

The livestock industry also contracted by 10.9 per cent in the first half of 2017, due to heavy rainfall severely affecting production, especially in the second quarter.

The forestry industry also showed an 18.2 per cent contraction in the first six months of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

Declining production within the forestry industry was due to structural changes in the industry.

The mining and quarrying sector contracted by 4.0 per cent, during the first half of 2017. Gold production fell by 1.7 per cent to 317,096 ounces in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

Also, it showed the bauxite industry declined by 11.5 per cent as a result of reduced production of higher valued grades.

Gunman hijacks taxi driver’s car

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North Ruimveldt, Georgetown man is now in a distraught state after he was held up by a lone gunman and robbed of his motor car on Saturday night.

Reports are Michael Jacobs stopped at East Street, Georgetown about 23:20h and was talking on his cellular phone when the lone gunman pounced on him.

Guyana Times was told that the hijacker pointed a gun at him and demanded his motor car, PSS 3274. The gunman also snatched an iP-

hone and a Blu Phone along with $2000. He then told Jacobs to leave the key in the ignition and exit the car, and the taxi driver complied.

The gunman subsequently made good his escape in the car.

The Mazda motor car was discovered stripped of its mirrors and battery around 10:30h on Sunday in Meadow Brook Gardens, Greater Georgetown.

The Police are currently hunting for the gunman as investigations continue.

Just seven days ago, a young couple of Grove, East

Bank Demerara (EBD) were attacked and robbed of their motor car.

Three men attacked Niketa Khan and her hus-

band and robbed them of the car, along with documents and some $90,000 in cash.

No arrest has yet been made.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 16, 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

Bridging the ethnic divide

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ost Guyanese would concede that ethnicity plays an inordinate role in our politics and that the way the latter has structured our political participation has not been positive. Since the claim that “modernisation”, set into motion after WWII , would soon make the “primordial” roots of ethnicity disappear has been proven quite premature, it behoves policymakers to take another look at our political system and institute changes that could steer our political behaviour in more positive directions. In fact, evidence gathered during the last 50 years had demonstrated that ethnicity and other bases of “identity politics” have now become the predominant form of political mobilisation – even in the developed countries such as Britain and the US. The call for “constitutional change” in Guyana is one initiative to achieve the positive aim, but unfortunately, most of its initiators have studiously avoided the elephant in the room: the aforementioned ethnic divisions that form the bases of our political activity. Unless we begin by acknowledging this reality and not wishing it would disappear by “post racial” incantations, we will be dooming ourselves to spinning wheels, that continue to take us backwards.

Ethnic politics is, first of all, encouraged by the logic of democracy which focuses on agglomerating numbers to form majorities. In such a milieu, it is to be expected that politicians will exploit any avenue, including the omnipresent ethnic identity to achieve the maximum agglomeration.

The promise of rewards if people “vote for their own” goes beyond material incentives, since power in the hands of one’s group offers a psychic satisfaction that springs from the ethnic identity itself.

Constitutional change, then, should offer incentives that would encourage politicians and political persons to not necessarily eschew their ethnic labels and constituencies but to reach across such constituencies. This normative practice becomes easier to achieve when, as in Guyana presently, no single ethnic group constitutes an absolute majority.

Politicians would be forced to moderate their rhetoric for any one group or against any other group and this behaviour should create a moderating centripetal mobilisation effect.

The present Guyanese Constitution, which was supposedly extensively amended in 2000 to address Guyana’s challenges, unfortunately left intact the requirement for a government to be elected with not even a majority of votes by the electorate but by a plurality. Additionally, it prohibits coalitions from being formed after elections, the most propitious time for groups, ethnic or otherwise, to modify their platform to strike bargains. These two stipulations must be changed at a minimum.

But outside of explicit constitutional strictures, the idiosyncrasies of an ethnically plural society also pose challenges emanating paradoxically from the most fundamental modern norm of “equality”. In these societies, the politics is dominated by the immanent feature of group comparison, leaving some groups “suffering” in that comparison, especially in the realm of economics. Equality of opportunity will not satisfy the “losing” group: they are looking to be guaranteed equality of outcome, while ignoring the personal and group attributes that are mediating factors.

Such groups will attempt to subvert the norm of equality in the political realm by asserting greater legitimacy than other groups which should allow them greater access to the national patrimony. Today, we see this feature taking centre stage in Guyanese politics and, rather sadly but predictably, it is accompanied by rhetoric decrying other groups’ legitimacy to their own share of the national patrimony.

While in all societies, especially in ex-colonies, there might be disabilities induced via past discrimination in some groups in terms of truly enjoying “equal opportunity” and therefore deserving of circumventing the equality imperative through “affirmative action” programmes, these must be crafted quite transparently so that backlashes are not precipitated from groups that will denounce “ethnic favouritism”.

For instance, there are some who claim Indian Guyanese are not represented to their proportion of the population in the Army and Police Force. But the historical discrimination must be proven before rectificatory action can be taken.

President David Granger lights the symbolic diya (lamp) as First Lady Sandra Granger and others look on at the Indian Monument Gardens as Guyana prepares to celebrate Diwali

The “blame Jagdeo and the PPP” syndrome (Pt 1) Dear Editor, After two and a half years into this APNU/AFC Administration, the People’s Progressive Party is still being blamed for everything that goes wrong in Guyana.

During the run-up to the 2015 general and regional elections, Guyanese were asked to vote for the Coalition, because they would fix everything that was wrong with the country. The APNU/AFC campaigned on getting rid of corruption and restoring accountability and transparency. They promised to improve the economy and to create jobs for our young people. They also promised to reduce crime and to get rid of the drugs’ trade.

But most importantly, they promised every Guyanese the “good life”.

They have failed miserably.

In his address to the National Assembly a year ago, President Granger said his Administration “entered a depressing financial landscape in May 2015… Economic mismanagement was accompanied by huge debts for unpaid in-

ternational obligations and court judgements.” He added that the absence of a policy to provide employment opportunities for youth and to reduce extreme poverty, and the failure to energise the manufacturing sector helped to weaken the economy (Guyana Times, October 14, 2016).

But compared to the bankrupt economy the PPP inherited from his party, the PNC, in 1992, the APNU/ AFC inherited US$670 million (G$134 billion) in foreign exchange reserves from the PPP/C in May of 2015 (source: the GlobalEconomy. com). This amount is in addition to the approximately $150 billion this Government inherited in recurring revenues, and the $35 billion from semi-autonomous agencies. In addition, Granger inherited an economy with the lowest debt payment in the entire Caribbean, only 4 per cent, as compared to 153 per cent of revenue that went to service foreign debt in 1992.

The new Government inherited an economy that was growing on an average of 4.5 per cent for the pre-

ceding eight years.

Our President was being less than truthful in his address when he claimed to have inherited a “depressing financial landscape”.

For, in fact, the APNU+AFC inherited a buoyant economy, good international reserves, a big revenue base, small debt-servicing, and an inflow of foreign direct investments of about US$400 million a year, with ExxonMobil spending hundreds of millions already; and from the two new gold mines that have already started large scale production. The APNU+AFC coalition is yet to attract a single foreign investor.

The economic crisis facing the nation and all Guyanese has nothing to do with the PPP. It is the economic mismanagement of the Granger Administration, led by runaway spending, which is responsible.

Is the PPP responsible for the 50% pay raise Granger approved for his ministers?

Did the PPP increase the amount of Government ministers from 17 under the Ramotar Administration

to the 26 ministers now in Government?

Is the PPP responsible for setting up new ministries as an astronomical financial burden to the Guyanese taxpayers? And could anyone in their right mind hold the PPP responsible for paying between $500,000 and $1.5 million for house rentals to accommodate Ministers, and $12.5 million to rent a drug bond from a PNC financier?

But this “blame Jagdeo and the PPP” syndrome is not only propagated by the Government, it is aided and abetted by a few Jagdeohaters, the likes of Dr David Hinds, Dr Eric Phillips, Lincoln Lewis, Freddie Kissoon and Adam Harris, all of whom have their own ax to grind with the former President and the People’s Progressive Party.

You would never hear them giving credit to Jagdeo and the PPP for all the good done for Guyana and the Guyanese people.

Sincerely, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

CJIA airport expansion Dear Editor, I visited the Cheddi Jagan International Airport this past week and was extremely disappointed with the current upgrade of the airport, pegged at US$150 million. Editor that's thirty-one billion, five hundred million (Gy$31,500,000,000) Guyana dollars.

The new arrivals terminal itself has no aesthetic appeal.

I ventured into the building, and it was a concrete jungle.

With that amount of money, one would have expected at least a roof and building sides with glass and steel to take advantage of natural lighting.

The structure resembles a concrete warehouse.

Looking at the proposed signage, it seems like it was done by someone on a basic word art computer programme. At least the letters in “Cheddi Jagan International Airport” could have been cut out from natural

wood in Guyana, or metal, and attached on the building. Let the contractor take a look at the Piarco, Pearson, Norman Manley signage and come up with something better.

An overview of the runway extension as seen in the media shows that the white sand was piled up and there is no concrete barrier on the runway perimeter. With the downpours in Guyana, this will lead to massive erosion and

will undermine the runway itself. More money will have to be spent in the future to correct that.

Editor, in some countries, a new airport with runway costs approximatelyUS$150 million; where did that same amount of money go in Guyana? What is being done at Timehri to justify this expenditure?

Sincerely, Concerned citizen

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

Guyana’s economic development People’s Progressive Party (PPP) press needs competence, experience Dear Editor, I listened/watched via live stream most of the sessions of the IDB/PSC Business Summit in Guyana last Wednesday and Thursday. I commend the organisers of this forum, and the participants for what was for me an informative and educative exercise. It is unfortunate that some aspects of the discourse turned out be partisan political, rather than analytical and solution-oriented.

In a previously published letter, I offered my views on certain aspects of the first day of the deliberations. In that letter, I suggested, inter alia, a reassignment of Minister Dominic Gaskin to the Tourism and Civil Aviation portfolio, as I proposed the creation of a Ministry of Economic Planning and Business Development. It seems that, in some circles, my suggestion was taken as an attack on Minister Gaskin.

I don’t share that view, and my intent was never to attack the minister. Some people reminded me that he is the President’s son-in-law and I should tread lightly. Well, I made it clear to those people that I could not care less about his familial ties, he is not immune from the focus of critical thinking and analysis on the future of Guyana,

since he holds public office. I once had reason to say -- in a private conversation with the late President Burnham, when I opposed the banning of wheat flour -- that he ought to bear in mind that Guyana was neither willed nor mortgaged to him by anyone, and therefore he was not immune from criticism of his policies.

And this applies to every President and political party, especially the one(s) that form the Government.

I have, on several occasions, met Minister Gaskin and interacted with him.

He is quite affable, humble, even-tempered, and seemingly decent and honest. He is what would be considered a nice guy. But the country’s economic development needs the competence and experience of more than a nice guy. At this critical stage of the country’s development, Government’s leadership in economic planning and business development needs to be in the hands of someone with the experience and knowledge; the nimbleness of intellect that would inspire and impress the private sector, potential foreign investors, and the international business community in general.

On Thursday, I listened to Gail Teixeira’s presentation, the delivery of which

was so impressive that some non-Guyanese colleagues in the office enquired about the very “cultured” voice they were hearing. I am sure I heard her say that Government needs to sit down for dialogue with stakeholders, including the political Opposition, on the economy.

I agree wholeheartedly.

But did the PPP/C participate in the budget consultations?

Not as far as I know. But I stand corrected if it did.

I also heard her praise former President Hoyte (hope I heard right) for the tough decisions he took on the economy, specifically the bauxite industry. It was good to know that the PPP/C thinks that the PNC did something it could praise.

Then there was the panel on tax reform, which really did not address tax reform and throw up any real recommendations.

Sam Hinds said many international agencies and foreign governments pushed his Government to offer incentives, including tax exemptions to investors, including the oil companies, so as to encourage their coming into Guyana; but they are today saying to the new Government, “We need to work with you, to ensure you don't give up too much.”

I found that an interesting comment coming from the immediate former prime minister.

But the most important and instructive information, for me, emanated from the representative of the banking sector on the panel that addressed access to financing. He said that local banks are very liquid, and had approved loans totaling billions of dollars as far back as three years ago to private sector companies, which loans are not being utilized. He opined that the reason for non-utilization of those loans is the wait-and-see approach of the private sector to the plans and programs of the new Government.

Is this the true reason, or are certain private business owners playing politics and withholding injecting money into the economy to spite the current Government?

I’m not sure. However, the Government indeed needs to put its leadership of economic planning and private sector relations into the hands of experienced, self confident and well exposed persons with the facility to discharge their functions creditably. I rest my case.

Yours truly, Wesley Kirton

GAWU is committed to good, positive relations with GuySuCo Dear Editor, GuySuCo says that GAWU correspondences are dealt with professionally. Maybe it is that GuySuCo has redefined the word. We say this taking into account that our correspondence of September 21 to the company’s CEO regarding the payment of wages on September 22 was not even acknowledged.

We further wish to remind the company’s spokesperson that the Union’s claim towards improving workers’ pay and conditions and benefits remains unaddressed at this point in time, in stark violation of the timelines set out in the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement. We say this because letters concerning workers’ matters, some weeks old, remain unanswered. We wonder where is the professionalism that the GuySuCo spokesperson speaks about. Quite clearly, it seems that the word professionalism has taken on a new meaning in GuySuCo’s context.

We are then accused of encouraging workers to engage in work stoppages. Again, it seems that the Corporation has fallen off its rocker. Many of those stoppages that GuySuCo speaks of occur in the early morning hours, very much before our Union’s offices begin to operate. One wonders how we can encourage a stoppage when we are not even aware of the situation. Moreover, why would a worker -- waking up in the wee hours of the morning, and having his wife waking up even earlier than him to

prepare his meals -- go to work just to resort to strike? But that is exactly what the Corporation is seeking to say. It seems rationality has completely departed the Corporation’s mindset.

The fact that the workers are forced to engage in work stoppages obviously speaks to the pressures they face when they must confront weedy, vine-infested and grassy fields, which require much greater efforts on their part to clear, and an arrogant attitude as they seek to obtain reasonable payments for the additional work they are required to undertake.

GAWU is then charged with impacting “production and productivity and the security of employment”. But is it the GAWU that is proposing to close and sell-out estates?

Is it the GAWU that is not applying inputs in a timely manner, or not applying inputs altogether in some cases? Is it the GAWU that is making decisions to cease cane planting?

Is it the GAWU that is making decisions on how finances should be allocated and spent?

These decisions, policies and directions are not influenced, considered or approved by the GAWU -- or the workers, for that matter. We are not even told about them until they are implemented. How then can we be accused?

But, then again, as we have being saying, the Corporation has no concern or respect for its hard-working workers and their organisations.

The Corporation continues to speak glowingly about having partnership, but that’s all it does. It looks as if this talk of

partnership is one based on its dictated terms and conditions.

Such an approach cannot lend to success. GAWU, as it has said many times before now, is committed to good and positive relations with the sugar company. Such partnership must

be founded on the bedrock of equality, mutual respect and understanding.

Yours truly, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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statement

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) notes Kaieteur News’ continuous downward spiral into gutter journalism. In any given edition of this newspaper, they are more lies than truths and more fake news that actual news published. Fortunately, more and more people are recognizing the level of deceit and lies, which are being published daily.

The “Guest Editorial” of Oct 15 edition of the newspaper is even worse.

It bore the title, “DISTORTION THE TRUTH”. It did just that: distorted the truth. It contains the following lies: 1. That the Skeldon factory cost $230M USD to be built. When the actual cost is approximately $125M USD; 2. It states that as President, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo did not disclose many contracts entered into by his Government. The truth is that almost every contract of worth was made public. Further, as Leader of the Opposition, Mr Jagdeo has repeatedly called on the Government to make these very contracts public. But they continue to refuse to do so, so that Kaieteur News can continue to peddle this falsity; 3. The editorial accuses Mr Jagdeo of stifling Paul Slowe’s promotion in the Force. The truth is that under Jagdeo’s Administration, Paul Slowe’s upward mobility in the Force landed him the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police. However, and most importantly, under the PPP Administration there was no interference with the Service Commissions as are blatantly taking place now, where two Ministers have separately given directions in writing to the Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission on behalf of the President, in relation to the promotion of Public and Police Officers.

The High Court has already ruled in a challenged filed in relation to the Public Service Commission, declaring the directions as unconstitutional. A ruling to which Attorney General Basil Williams consented. In relation to the directions given to the Police Service Commission, another challenge has been filed in the High Court and this is currently pending; 4. The editorial says that Mr Jagdeo met with ExxonMobil’s officials in Texas - a complete and utter lie; 5. The editorial next contends that Mr Jagdeo approved a feasibility study for the Versailles-Houston location for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge – another lie. A feasibility study was never done under any PPP Government. A pre-feasibility study was done in 2014, under President Donald Ramotar. It is public knowledge that Mr. Jagdeo demitted Office in 2011; Imagine all these lies are contained in only two articles of one edition of this newspaper.

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Foundation

What makes families resilient?

10 ways to – nurturing strength amid adversity become more resilient

By Marianna Pogosyan, PhD

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amily resilience has been defined as the family’s ability to “withstand and rebound from disruptive life challenges, strengthened and more resourceful” (Walsh, 2011, p 149).

From decades of research and clinical experience, Dr Froma Walsh, one of the leading authorities on family resilience, has identified nine processes around the beliefs, organisation, and communication of families that can shape their response to adversity.

Family resilience, as Dr Walsh points out, is not just about weathering a storm. Rather, it’s about turning adversity into a catalyst for the family’s growth. It’s about enriching relationships and making family members more skilled at coping with future stresses. We all strive for resilience.

Who wouldn't want the ability to meet life’s inevitable challenges with grace?

But how are resources for resilience built within a unit of unique individuals, circumstances, and dynamics?

With the magic of the small, everyday things, it appears. A conversation here, an activity there. Word by word, bond after bond, families fill their wells with strength and wisdom, hope and creativity. And the reassurance of this common well of reserves becomes a big part of their resilience. Here is Dr Walsh in her own words.

1) What has surprised you from your research on resilient families?

Earlier, the idea of strong families involved a set of traits: you either had them or you didn't. But families come with various values and structures, and what matters are their interactional processes: how they support each other.

In my research, I found that there was resilience not only in the “normal” families but also in the families that had gone through hard times. It was never about the “rugged individual” saying “I just did it on my own” and “I had all the ingredients inside of me.” Rather, resilience was more about relational support from others. Another surprise was how adversity itself can turn into an opportunity to become stronger, togeth-

er. Resilience is something that can be built at any point in the lifecycle, even in the most vulnerable families. As a clinician, it has helped me to see the possibilities for gaining resilience.

2) Is there something that resilient families seem to share?

Most families put the nine processes of resilience together differently and creatively, like recipes. The beliefs or practices can be either skills or ways of thinking and being together that promote adaptation to the situation and enable families to have hope in really dark times. They can also enable family members to take action when

talk to God. He helps our family to get through.”

3) How important is family resilience for the well-being of family members during challenging times?

A basic premise in family systems is: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It isn’t just that you have a strong mother or father who holds everything together. Rather, there has to be a sense of common purpose and mutual interdependency. We are here to support each other and care about each other. When one falls back or needs help, the others will step forward. This way, the resilience of the family unit

R

esilience can often mean the difference between handling pressure and losing your cool. Resilient people tend to maintain a more positive outlook and cope with stress more effectively. Research has shown that while some people seem to come by resilience naturally, these behaviours can also be learnt.

The following are just a few of the techniques you should focus on in order to foster your own resilience.

Find a sense of purpose in your life

In the face of crisis or tragedy, finding a sense of purpose can play an important role in recovery. This might involve becoming involved in your community, cultivating your spirituality, or participating in activities that are meaningful to you. they feel stuck or have a positive outlook. Another one is making meaning of what you are going through in a way that facilitates your adaptation. I like the saying “Master the art of the possible: understand that there are certain things you can’t change the situation and focus your energy on the things that you can change”. There is also transcendence; the idea that there is a larger purpose. There are the family role models, like a grandmother who kept them strong because they knew that it was possible. And in a lot of cases, there was their spirituality. For example, single mothers would say, “I

will trickle down to each individual, because each family member is participating in the resilience. For instance, when a parent starts to over-function and some of the kids end up feeling left behind, research shows that they’ll do much better if they participate. They could draw pictures, sweep up, or help Mom. The key is that everyone plays a part. It’s teamwork. A relational approach of resilience is how can we become strong on our own and build a network around us, that we are not forced to do it on our own. (Excerpt from psychologytoday)

To be continued

Build positive belief in your abilities

Research has demonstrated that self-esteem plays an important role in coping with stress and recovering from difficult events. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Becoming more confident in your own ability to respond and deal with crisis is a great way to build resilience for the future.

Develop a strong social network

Having caring, supportive people around you act as a protective factor during times of crisis. It is important to have people you can confide in. While simply talking about a situation with a friend or loved one will not make troubles go away, it allows you to share your feelings, gain support, receive positive feedback, and come up with possible solutions to your problems.

Embrace change

Flexibility is an essential part of resilience. By learning how to be more adaptable, you'll be better equipped to respond when faced with a life crisis.

Resilient people often utilizs these events as an opportunity to branch out in new directions. While some people may be crushed by abrupt changes, highly resilient individuals are able to adapt and thrive.

Be optimistic

Staying optimistic during dark periods can be difficult, but maintaining a hopeful

outlook is an important part of resiliency. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring the problem in order to focus on positive outcomes. It means understanding that setbacks are transient and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face. What you are dealing with may be difficult, but it is important to remain hopeful and positive about a brighter future.

Nurture yourself

When you're stressed, it can be all too easy to neglect your own needs. Losing your appetite, ignoring exercise, and not getting enough sleep are all common reactions to a crisis situation. Focus on building your self-nurturance skills, even when you are troubled. Make time for activities that you enjoy.

By taking care of your own needs, you can boost your overall health and resilience and be fully ready to face life's challenges.

Develop your problem-solving skills

Research suggests that people who are able come up with solutions to a problem are better able to cope with problems than those who cannot. Whenever you encounter a new challenge, make a quick list of some of the potential ways you could solve the problem.

Experiment with different strategies and focus on developing a logical way to work through common problems.

Establish goals

Resilient people are able to view these situations in a realistic way and then set reasonable goals to deal with the problem. When you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by a situation, take a step back to simply assess what is before you. Brainstorm possible solutions, and then break them down into manageable steps.

Take steps to solve problems

Simply waiting for a problem to go away on its own only prolongs the crisis.

Instead, start working on resolving the issue immediately. Focus on the progress that you have made thus far and planning your next steps, rather than becoming discouraged by the amount of work that still needs to be accomplished.

Keep working on your skills (Excerpt from verywell.com)

news

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monDAY, october 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Son killed, father hospitalised …as cutlass-wielding drug addict launches attack

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hirty-two-yearold Harrynarine Ramnawaj of Lot 8 Estate Road, Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara is now dead, and his father, 59-year-old Chandrapaul Ramnawaj of the same address, has been hospitalised after a known drug addict unleashed fury on them with a cutlass because they caught him destroying their farm at Estate Road, Cane Grove Mahaica on Sunday.

The addict has been apprehended, and is in police custody assisting with investigations.

Dead: Harrynarine Ramnawaj

Chandrapaul Ramnawaj lost two fingers in the ordeal, and is currently a patient at the Woodlands Hospital in Georgetown.

This publication understands that Chandrapaul Ramnawaj, together with his wife and son, had gone to their farm at Cane Grove Backdam to tend to their crops at about noon, and they encountered the suspect, who pounced on them with a cutlass.

The dead man’s sister, Kavita Birbal, said her brother was chopped to the arm, and may have possibly bled out, because he was

Affiance residents call for EPA visit over air polluting rice mill

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esidents living in close proximity to a rice mill at Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to visit the area with a view to implement mechanisms in an effort to reduce the level of pollution affecting residents.

Residents are currently being affected by dust, smoke and noise pollution emanating from the operations.

About eight families living in close proximity to the business operation are predominantly affected.

Interviews conducted with residents on numerous occasions revealed they met with the owners twice to state their concerns, most of which went unanswered. One resident related that negotiations with the entity began one year ago, when the entity agreed to construct new houses for the affected persons. Guyana Times understands that houses were

constructed at La Union, but when construction was completed, the business later put those lots for sale. As such, residents say, they continue to suffer on a daily basis.

Every morning they are awakened by loud noises emanating from the rice mill and chowmein factory, and there is also an unpleasant scent emanating from nearby chicken pens.

Frustrated, residents are currently contemplating legal action against the businessman.

Their plight has prompted a visit by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall to the region. He met with, and advised, affected residents.

During an interview with the MP, he explained that residents are surrounded by a factory.

Nandalall said that according to the Environmental Protection Agency Act, before any factory can be es-

tablished, an Environment Impact Assessment is required. This is basically an examination of the consequences the factory would have on the environment, as well as to the persons living in close proximity.

He further explained that the house lots residents are occupying were sold to them by the businessman’s family 40 years ago, but, to date, no resident has received transport for the land occupied, although residents have constructed permanent structures and have been living on the premises for over 10 years.

Nandlall has said he would make necessary representation for the residents, since they are severely affected. Residents are therefore calling on the businessman to provide the houses and house lots that were promised to them, or to come to an amicable solution on the way forward.

pronounced dead on arrival at the Woodlands Hospital.

“Me father and brother, when they see (the named assailant) in the farm, he was chopping down the plantains and banana suckers, and then they ask he what he doing; and he didn’t wait for nothing, he just start firing chops on them. And my brother first get chop on he (arm) and then he fall down and start bleed out. After he fall down, (the named assailant) run behind me father and fire a chop on he, but he block it and two ah he finger chop off,” she said.

“After that he run away, and then me mother start

holler, and then some people come help she, and then they rush all two ah them to Woodlands; but my brother died on the way there, and them admit me father,” the distraught woman detailed.

Birbal explained that her deceased brother was the father of a three-year-old boy who has just started nursery school, and he had recently secured a job at a local rice mill. She said he would usually assist their father with caring for their cash crops, and was doing just that when he met his demise.

As for the suspect, Birbal told Guyana Times that the man is a well-known drug

addict who had threatened to kill her father several times prior to this attack.

“Plenty time he say that he will kill my father when he go to the farm, because he and his wife left and he said he got to get a piece of land to build a house there. But my father would make a report at the station and ask the Police to warn him, because they don’t want any court story; and watch what he do today,” Birbal said.

The elder Ramnawaj has been farming in the same area for over 40 years.

Police investigations are ongoing.

8 NEWS

monDAY, october 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother consented to rape of 12-year-old

…2-year-old sexually assaulted by great-grandmother’s spouse

Y

et another case of child sexual assault has surfaced mere weeks following the recent rape-murder tragedy involving Sisters Village, West Coast Berbice teen Leonard Archibald.

Reports are that the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) are presently investigating two separate cases of sexual abuse involving two underage victims – a 12-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy – who were allegedly sodomised by relatives.

According to media reports, victims were injured to the extent that they both had to undergo medical treatment; in fact, the two-

year-old remains in hospital care.

Investigators were told that the 12-year-old’s stepfather, along with another close male family mem-

ber, has been sodomising the child for in excess of one year since her 11th birthday, with due consent of her mother.

The two alleged abusers

and the mother of the child were taken into custody on Friday and were expected to be charged and appear before the courts of law today.

Reports allege that the mother was herself repeatedly sodomised by her partner and she supposedly proposed that the man turn his attention to her daughter.

Meanwhile, the second victim (the two-year-old boy) was subjected to sexual assault by his great-grandmother’s reputed husband, and the perpetrator has gone into hiding since the matter was reported by the child’s mother. These incidents follow the case of Archibald, who was reportedly raped and dumped in the Berbice River.

Teen mechanic killed in Mandela Avenue accident A

17-year-old mechanic is now dead after a motor car struck him around 20:40h on Saturday while he was attempting to cross Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

Police investigations, so far, have revealed that motor car PRR 7624 was proceeding east along Mandela

Avenue when pedestrian Jhamallie Miles was attempting to cross the road.

Miles, who was wearing dark coloured clothing, reportedly dashed in front of the vehicle resulting in the accident. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police said that the 35-year-old driver, Lennox De Nobrega of Church Street, Georgetown was in custody assisting with investigations. It is reported that De Nobrega’s blood alcohol limit was 0.22 per cent, which was below the legal limit.

Miles’s mother, Yonette Ridley, said that she received a call around 22:34h Saturday informing her that her son has been in an accident and has been rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“My friend call me and tell me that Jhamille was in an accident and that they rush him to the hospital and that I should hurry up and come to the hospital. When I get there, they tell me that my child is already dead and then they take him to the mortuary and tell me to come back tomorrow (Monday) for a post-mortem,” Ridley said.

She added that she was informed that the driver was in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station and ventured there to investigate and “get answers”.

Accident victim: 17-yearold Jhamille Miles

“The driver told the Police that he did not see my son and was trying to overtake another car when he knock him down. The Police said that they have to wait on the post-mortem before they can do anything else,” the grieving mother said.

Ridley told Guyana Times Miles came home earlier in the evening and got dressed to head out with his friends. He leaves to mourn his mother and four siblings.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Boning up…

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…on oil S Ambassador Perry Halloway offered an excellent bit of advice to those Guyanese commenting on our incipient “Oil Industry”: just “bone up” on it before mouthing off. Of course, being a diplomat (a career one at that, and not one of those “political appointees”) he didn’t put it so bluntly. But he obviously knows of what he speaks, since he spent all of his previous stints in drug infested Latin American capitals.

At the time of his posting (2014), drugs would’ve been the only substance making Guyana show up on America’s radar. But with Exxon striking a “world class” oil find off our coast the following year, he would’ve had to have done some big time “boning up”!! That his boss over at the US State Department is the former boss of Exxon was probably an added incentive not to blot his copy book!

Anyhow, your diligent Eyewitness took his advice to heart and did some quick boning up this morning.

He focused his attention on the sub-Saharan Africa nations we most closely resemble in our governance and economic development - or lack thereof! And as far as the critiques of the Contract, what he found wasn’t much different from what the locals have been saying; and to which Resource Minister Trotman has been so surly in his responses.

Mr Halloway should really have asked him to bone up on the oil business earlier! But, then again, we now know Trotman became quite distracted after he attended COP 25 in Gay Paree with that trusty assistant!! Anyhow back to your Eyewitness’s “boning up”. Firstly, the quantum of the royalties we’re receiving from Exxon. The African base rate was 8.5% and went all the way to 15%!! And these were countries that’ve complained they were RAPED!! So, what should Guyanese say?

To harp on Guyana DOUBLING their royalties after Trotman’s RENEGOTIATION is really to insult the boning up. In all instances, the African countries (like Guyana) had to drop their pants BEFORE oil was found. That’s reasonable - the oil company was taking all the risks and all that. But after oil’s found and the contract has expired – it’s every country doing what’s best for itself.

And - voila! - they have their royalty rates at least four times ours!!

But what’s even more alarming is: in addition to their high royalties off the top, they also have profit-sharing of at least 30% - AND taxation of the oil company’s profits at 30%!!

Based on your Eyewitness boning up, he finds that THE GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA WILL BE PAYING THAT 30% FOR EXXON FROM GUYANA’S SHARE OF PROFITS!!

Say it ain’t so, Trottie!! …on behavioural economics Richard Thaler’s copping this year’s Nobel Prize for economics has perked interest in that esoteric branch of the field he practically pioneered - behavioural economics (BE). In fact, after the great crash of 2008 -- which ALL the standard orthodox models FALED to predict, and in which most of the developed world is still stuck -- BE’s about the ONLY branch left standing!

So your newly advised Eyewitness boned up!! And discovered behavioural economics just threw out ALL the three major premises of orthodox economics through the simple expedient of checking if those premises really held up in the real world!! Imagine since the 18th century, this “social” science that had the most pretentions to be a SCIENCE never checked its premises!! Your Eyewitness is distraught!!

Its major premise, of course, is folks behaved RATIONALLY when making economic choices - which was proven by psychology NOT to be so!! Political SCIENCE, of course, had long disabused itself of that quaint notion, as our Guyanese voting patterns show!!

So, are we going to send all our economists back to school? …on Sugar Optics Saw that pic of the “GuySuCo team” announcing another 5000 sugar workers being thrown to the wolves?

Where were the folks actually calling the shots?? Like Chairman Clive Thomas or Diversification Czar Jervis?

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

monday, october 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

9

News

Selecting GECOM Chair cannot be done "slothfully" ̶ Teixiera

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ver one year has passed since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been without a chairman and there is no clear indication as to whether this issue could be resolved any time soon.

Former Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira is of the opinion that the issue is not being handled with any level of urgency and importance, noting that it is not just another ordinary issue.

The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) told the recently-concluded 2017 Guyana Business Summit that how this matter was being handled had a lot to do with governance of the country.

The slothfulness, according to her, creates a certain image for Guyana, and this may, to some extent, cause investors to lose interest in starting up businesses here. But there are also other far-reaching implications if Guyana continues down the path of be-

Former Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira

coming politically unstable.

“We cannot go in the 10th month and have no chairman for GECOM,” she argued.

Teixeira explained that there was currently no continuous registration and people could not get registered because it was the Chairman of GECOM who would sign the order

to start that process. The GECOM Chairman is also responsible for giving approval for elections and to have both a preliminary and final voters list.

Further, the Opposition Chief Whip said she also disagreed with the arguments presented by United States Ambassador Perry Holloway, who recently opined that GECOM was not at a “crisis point yet”, even though it has been without a chairperson since Dr Steve Surujbally resigned in November 2016.

Teixeira told the recent Business Summit, “I don’t care if the US Ambassador says that the GECOM is not in crisis. He is not Guyanese; he is not going to vote in these elections.

We are.”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has so far submitted three lists of six candidates each to President David Granger, two of which have since been rejected by the President.

The President is cur-

rently reviewing the third list, which was submitted to him in late August.

The third list comprises former GECOM Chairman, Major General (retired) Joseph Singh; Attorneys Teni Housty and Sanjeev Datadin; businesswoman Annette Arjoon-Martins; Pastor Onesi La Fleur and former Magistrate Krishendatt Persaud.

President Granger has continuously said that the list submitted by the Opposition Leader must match the criteria set out

in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution for the selection of a “fit and proper” person to fill the post.

He said he was looking at the third list critically and would make his decision based on advice received.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane Wiltshire, in her written ruling which was handed down recently, had found that Granger’s case proved to be irrational, highlighting that while the Constitution states that nominees for the post should be a judge, former

judge or someone eligible to be a judge, the first two categories are not compulsory.

Furthermore, she noted that the term “any other fit and proper person” allowed more space to select the six candidates, while highlighting that “there is no mandatory category”.

President Granger has already rejected two lists and is currently considering the third list, all of which had been supplied by the Opposition Leader following consultations with sections of civil society.

Jagdeo opined that the President was merely engaging in diversionary tactics when it was reported that he was ‘dead set’ on appointing a fit and proper person, saying “whoever claimed in this country that the ruling interfered with his authority to appoint a fit and proper person, definitely not the Chief Justice and I did not say that.”

A meeting between President Granger and the Opposition Leader is yet to be finalised.

Govt blasted over failure to appoint constitutional service commissions O utspoken political commentator and attorney, Christopher Ram, has questioned Government over its reluctance to appoint several constitutional service commissions, stating that the time has come for these important organs to be given new life to serve the interest of the Guyanese public.

Ram, who was part of the audience at the recently concluded 2017 Guyana Business Summit, posed a question to Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan: Why has Government not made any concerted effort to appoint the many constitutional commissions, which include: Police Service, Teaching Service, Public Service, Local Government, Integrity, Ethnic Relations and Human Rights

Commissions?

The attorney further questioned whether this system of governance is tolerant, and whether these are matters of fundamental importance to Ramjattan’s Alliance For Change (AFC) party, especially given that the AFC’s 2011 Elections Manifesto had promised to deliver on constitutional reform, bill of rights, and a reduction in presidential powers, among other things that are yet to be realized.

In response, Minister Ramjattan promised that the AFC, part of the coalition Government, would deliver on constitutional reform. He said, “I am part of a cabinet, I am part of a Government; I take the blame, but there are certain reasons why as yet it has not happened. I wouldn’t want to get into all the rea-

sons, but, indeed, I will tell you that it is a model that leaves some deficit there.”

He continued: “In relation to your question about serial violations, constitutional law always has as the ultimate penalty the loss of government. You do not cut out the hands of a politician because he has violated the constitution. You do not do anything physical to him…

It is the people now (who) will determine: ‘They made serial violations, out they go!’ and that is what is always the case.”

The non-appointment of these commissions was described by the minister as a deficit. He said, “I will be the first to admit that it is a deficit in our regime. And yes, I take the blame as being part of the Government; but there are certain reasons why they all haven’t

Political commentator and Attorney, Christopher Ram

yet been established.”

While he did not give specific details, he did explain that the process of resurrection has started for most of these commissions.

Meanwhile, former AFC Chairman, Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes, has

said the Government could be taken to court to secure rulings that are binding on the executive.

“Where they fail to respect the constitution they should be taken to court.

You don’t need a sanction, because I would hope that we live in a country where, if the court declares that the Government has failed, then whichever Government is in office, if they don’t accept that ruling, then I would hope that they would not wait for the next elections, they would go the next day,” he said.

Hughes said Guyana’s Constitution is the most advanced in the Caribbean,

but enforcement is a major problem. He opined that the legal community is “not sufficiently agitated” to take the Government to court.

He urged Government to uphold democracy and appoint these commissions with earnest, as their appointments are long overdue. The prominent attorney also said that, with constitutional reform and these various commissions becoming functional, it would help to strengthen the justice system. He said it could help to eliminate speculation and doubts about governance, transparency and accountability.

10 news

monDAY, october 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother, sons among 5 killed in horrific Corentyne accident A

n accident on the Number 59 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday has left a mother, her two sons, her secretary and a friend dead.

Dead are Sabita Manglani, 42; Emmanuel Manglani, 18; Ethan Ramjit, 5; Reshma Seeram and Dhanpaul Kishandayal, called Navin.

Reports are that Kishandayal was driving motor car PPP 3394 in an eastern direction while the lorry bearing registration number GZ 2763 was heading in the opposite direction. Reports are Kishandayal dropped into a pothole, lost control of the car and slammed into the lorry.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times there were

ry off the road and sent the paddy-laden tray pitching off into the back of the Honda wagon removing the top half in the process. Manglani and her 18-year-old son, who were in the back seat, were tossed over the lorry as a result, with the woman landing on the parapet and the teen in the trench – both dead.

The body of the five-yearold, who was also in the

One of the mangled vehicles involved in the accident

The mid-afternoon accident also left lorry driver Budram Singh, also called “Budo”, 30, of Number 49 Village, Berbice, injured.

two carts parked on the road’s shoulder adjacent to the pothole.

The impact of the collision pushed half of the lor-

bottom half remained in the car.

Kishandayal and Seeram were pinned in the front seat and remained there until members of the Skeldon Fire Service arrived on the scene and cut open the vehicle to remove the bodies. In the meantime, undertakers had taken the other persons to the Skeldon Hospital, where they were confirmed as deceased.

The lorry driver was said to be bleeding profusely when he was taken away from the scene. “The windscreen broke and slice up his face and body bad,” one man said.

Police who arrived shortly after were able to secure the valuables of the deceased which included five cellular phones, a quantity of jewellery, $100,000 in local currency, and US$1200.

This publication was told that Kishandayal returned from New York three weeks ago for a vacation.

Meanwhile, at the Bel

Sabita Manglani with her sons Ethan Ramjit and Emanuel Manglani

Sabita’s husband and the father of her eldest son reportedly died of a heart attack some two years ago, while her father was killed in a Regent Street accident three years ago.

Meanwhile, residents in the area where the acci-

as the accident, the owner come and move them and put them in the street,” one villager said.

On Friday last, there was another accident in the same area which residents said was caused as a result of the same hole.

back seat, was severed at the waist, with the top half also flying over the lorry and landing in the trench running parallel to the road. The

The truck and the car at the scene of the accident

Air, Georgetown home of Manglani, her sister-inlaw was too distraught to speak.

However, an aunt of the now-dead woman who gave her name as Janet said

dent occurred said the parking of heavy-duty vehicles along the shoulders of the Corentyne Highway was of great concern and they have always complained about this issue. “The driver had

That accident left several persons hospitalised.

Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop told Guyana Times that he raised the issue with the Public Infrastructure Ministry

Police and funeral home workers as the bodies were removed from the scene

that the accident victims all left home around 07:30h on Sunday to visit Berbice.

nowhere to turn, because the two grain carts were parked on the roadside. And as soon

on several occasions, but to no avail. (Andrew Carmichael)

monDAY, october 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

cannot heed Lamaha Health Ministry targets M&CC Gardens residents’ plea – Mayor HPV, cervical cancer F …“Life is a big deal” – Minister Lawrence

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he “Big Deal Concert” saw tremendous support from the public, as persons turned out in their numbers in support of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness event, which was hosted by the Public Health Ministry on Saturday at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown.

The event is part of the Ministry’s campaign relaunching the HPV vaccine in Guyana, to control and prevent cervical cancer in Guyanese girls and women in sync with the “Pinktober” spirit of raising cancer awareness.

Statistics show that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women living in less developed and developing countries, and it is caused by sexually acquiring certain types of HPV. At the event, patrons heard from cervical cancer survivors, who shared their experiences and testified how they had a second chance at life.

The likes of Tennicia DeFreitas and Kwasi Ace, among other local artistes, were present to provide entertainment to the large crowd.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence was present and addressed the gathering, speaking on the Ministry’s commitment to prevent, reduce, and control cervical cancer.

“Life is a big deal for us, that is why the Ministry has been working to ensure persons understand the importance of the vaccine,” Minister Lawrence said, as she explained that clinical

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence as she addresses the gathering at the concert

trials have shown that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective in reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

The campaign, which commenced in September, has a goal of distributing 40,000 doses of the vaccine to young girls, and thus far, officials within the Ministry have been meeting with and engaging parents and Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) as well as private medical facilities to distribute free samples of the vaccine.

The journey does not stop there, as several outreaches are to cover remote areas across the country.

The Ministry is expected to take its campaign to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) during the course of the upcoming week.

Addressing concerns about vaccine safety and perceived lack of necessity, Minister Lawrence confessed that prior to her governmental appointment, she too was among the misinformed about the vaccine.

Lawrence stressed on the importance of the outreaches which would educate persons enabling them to have a correct understanding of what the HPV vaccine is and why young girls need to be inoculated.

Statistics illustrate that between 2003 and 2012, Guyana recorded 6518 new cases of cancers for an overall cumulative incidence rate of 867.7 per 100,000 population – 3956, 60 per cent, of cases involved females and 2561, 39 per cent, males, giving a female-tomale ratio of 1.54:1.

HPV is a group of more than 200 associated viruses.

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-toskin contact. It can be contracted by engaging in sexual contact with someone who has the virus. In addition, HPV is so common that nearly all men and women get it at some point in their lives and can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.

Symptoms sometimes develop years after the actual infection, making it hard to know when one first became infected.

In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer.

The three vaccines to prevent HPV infection are Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. Regular screenings can help diagnose HPV and related health problems, as cancers caused by the HPV usually do not present symptoms until the late stages.

Guyana’s foreign exchange reserves could see further depletion – fmr Minister

T

he situation in which foreign currency was in short supply earlier this year, in particular the US currency, has led financial experts to believe that Guyana could at any time face another foreign currency crisis. Former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill believes this reserve at the Central Bank could be further depleted through sizable spending for international travel by Government officials. The former minister said he has no doubt that, when Budget 2018 is presented, this particular line item would see a huge increase; but if measures are not taken to reduce Government’s international travel, it could lead to another crisis. “The question has to be asked, however, what we are getting in return.

Overseas travel is calculated in US dollars, and that is

Former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill

heavily affecting what is happening at the Central Bank,” he opined. Edghill said demand for huge amounts of foreign currency to facilitate the travel of a Government consisting of 27 ministers and dozens of technical staff

would lead to further depletion of the country’s foreign currency reserves. Over the past year or more, Guyana has experienced a reduction in its income, especially since many products that earn foreign exchange have underperformed, resulting in less foreign income. While sugar is one of those products, forestry and other export goods have seen some decline.

Under these circumstances, the Opposition MP expressed fear that Government may want a more controlled approach to how foreign currency is utilized by members of the public. The former minister said once this happens, there would also be the possibility of foreign currency not being available to purchase certain items, as those could be categorized as luxury items. continued on page 14

or the longest while, residents in Lamaha Gardens have been petitioning the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown to uphold the residential status of their community and bring into effect the various restrictions, inclusive of removing all existing businesses and restricting minibuses from traversing these roadways.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen has, however, said that City Hall is in no position to heed the request of these residents, and that they should be adapting to the “changing world.”

Residents are complaining that disregard of the zoning laws by both private citizens and those in authority is have a negative impact on their model community. They say the influx of businesses and roaming cattle from the neighbouring community of Sophia are among the issues plaguing their community.

The Lamaha Gardens Community Cooperative Society Inc has for months been petitioning the M&CC to erect a sign welcoming persons to the area and detailing rules and restrictions, such as no littering, no cattle and no businesses.

However, Chase-Green has said that although the Council has no issues with granting permission for the erection of the sign, the M&CC is in no position to enforce the restrictions although it is the policy of the council to mandate that all signs have

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

an environmental statement.

She has urged the Councillors responsible for various areas to explain this to their constituents.

“Read the laws to them, so they will know that if I have to move any permanent business (from) there, I would have to compensate (the business), and I do not have the compensation available presently. I cannot afford to pay salaries… So I hope the constituency reps would the laws to these people and let them know that while we have no objection to signs being put up, I cannot determine if a minibus could drive through the street or not,” the mayor has said.

“While I feel their pain, there is a developing community behind there in Sophia, and there are human beings living there too; and should we segregate who passes through a particular commu-

nity? I cannot do that.

“So I don’t know how often the constituency reps meet with these people, but I think they need to meet with them for them to understand that they are all human beings, and that regardless of how rich we are, we are all one in the sight of God,” ChaseGreen added.

The mayor said that she hopes the community members can come together and work out a plan to better approach the issues affecting their community, since the M&CC does not exist to segregate communities.

Town Clerk Royston King reiterated that the Council is in no position to compensate the businesses in the area, being financially strapped.

However, he noted that the City have the authority to declare the area a residential settlement with the various restrictions, but added that the M&CC is in no position to so do.

According to the residents, for the past 15 years, they have been trying to get the attention of the Council and Central Government to uphold the zoning laws.

They explained that the community was developed after the Civil Service Housing Association acquired the land from GuySuCo and developed it into a residential area.

They said their transports prohibit the rearing of cattle, and business and trade from taking place in the community.

12

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 16, 2017

News MoU with SleepIn was standard practice – former GO-Invest CEO

Parfaite Harmonie residents call for Police Station

…non-binding, meant to serve as precursor to actual contract …Minister Ramjattan says efore it demitted ofwere to be used to acquire on the net profit and there

B

fice, the previous Government concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SleepIn investor Clifton Bacchus.

Scrutiny has been brought to bear on that MoU, which was cancelled in 2015, purportedly for the concessions it promised.

The MoU was, however, not a binding agreement.

Former Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Burrowes made this distinction, when contacted by Guyana Times.

According to Burrowes, an MoU is only a precursor to a contract, adding that there are benefits with this arrangement, as an investor had to become compliant with the necessary requirements because the attainment of a contract was on the line.

"Whenever we gave contracts to some (investors), they would go to the bank and get monies using the contract and then they wouldn't follow through," he explained.

"You have certain things to do (with an MoU) and once you do these things, then we will move into a contract," he continued.

SleepIn’s Church Street branch has been making preparations for quite some time to set up a casino. Under the law, only three casinos are allowed in each Region in Guyana.

For Region Four, Ramada Princess has one, while another has been earmarked for the Marriott Hotel at Kingston.

SleepIn has sought the third one.

With the MoU made with

Former GO-Invest CEO Keith Burrowes

the previous Government being cast aside by the coalition and after being rejected initially by the Gaming Authority, Bacchus had reapplied for a licence.

It was understood that under the MoU, SleepIn was obligated to operate, maintain, upgrade and expand the hotel and casino "where deemed appropriate" by the investor.

Some of the other stipulations of the MoU included the investor providing training to local staff at an international standard.

Non-nationals were also to be kept to 25 per cent.

SleepIn was also supposed to work with appropriate local institutions and organisations in the tourism and hospitality sector to provide support in several areas. GO-Invest also required that SleepIn create a minimum of 1000 new direct jobs, with the official investment agreement expected to delve into more details on job creation.

The MoU also stipulated that, as far as possible, only local manufacturers

goods, equipment and services. This is provided that their quality and prices were competitive.

Not only was the hotel supposed to comply with statutory requirements necessary for the operation of a hotel, but it also had to ensure that the environment was protected from pollution.

SleepIn also had to invest a minimum of US$15 million in the construction of the hotel and casino. Under obligations of Government, the MoU had said that “subject to the approval of the President”, Government would provide the hotel division and oper-

will be an accelerated depreciation allowance and then unlimited carryover if losses from previous years according to the laws of Guyana.”

It is understood that the MoU could have been terminated by the mutual consent of Government and SleepIn. In addition, it could be terminated if SleepIn failed to live up to its commitments “without providing a reasonable explanation” or if the company became insolvent. There was a force majeure and a non-disclosure clause.

Additionally, the MoU had stated that all incentives for the casino that

ations with a corporate tax holiday. This was supposed to have commenced from the start of business.

The MoU also stated, “Subject to the official approval of the President, the casino division/operations will be taxed at 35 per cent

are granted by the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Gaming Authority to SleepIn would also have been offered to the other licensed casino operators under the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Act of 2007.

Broadcasters warned to pay up or be pulled off the air C able, television and radio broadcasters are being called on to pay up their fees and comply with the necessary legislative obligations or face legal action, this after the operators were given literally hours to reapply for licences as a result of amendments made to the Broadcast Act. According to a public notice issued over the weekend, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is calling on all of the operators to settle all fees due and payable to the Authority.

The GNBA has since warned, “in order to be eligible for the issuance of a broadcast licence, overall

compliance is required”.

The new fee regime has been challenged in the court with at least one broadcaster, Freedom Radio, having its Director filing a legal challenge also claiming that provisions in the Broadcast Act expropriate the business’s airwaves without compensation, causing it to lose on revenue during primetime.

As it relates to the fees, Freedom Radio, in filing litigation, pointed to the drastically altered fee regime which is now being charged under the principal Act. In the sworn affidavit filed by Freedom Radio Inc Director Irfaan Ali, the fees were said to have been in-

creased to $7.5 million annually, up from $2.5 million.

Freedom Radio Inc previously paid $2.5 million annually for its broadcasting licence in addition to another payment of $633,600 for its spectrum/frequency.

These fees were paid over to the then National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), the predecessor to the GNBA, which came into being with the assent of Head of State, David Granger to the amended broadcasting laws.

Under the new fee regime, the Administration introduced a zoning system with fees for each zone.

The People’s Progressive

Party (PPP) last week reminded that despite calls from the Guyana Press Association, Caribbean Association of Media Workers, Reporters Without Borders and other major organisations representing the cause of journalism and freedom of the press to the Government to withdraw the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2017, “the Government ignored all these calls, [and] passed the Bill in the National Assembly”.

After President Granger assented to the Bill, upon the directions of the Prime Minister, the GNBA has begun to enforce its provisions.

request “too late”

S

ecurity was among the top priorities discussed at a meeting held between law enforcement and Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara residents on Friday night at the community’s Primary School.

The meeting was the first in a series planned under an interactive community engagement programme by the Public Security Ministry towards addressing the security concerns of residents across the country.

At the meeting at the Parfaite Harmonie Primary School, a team – comprising D Division (West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo) Commander Leslie James; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Jennifer FerreiraDougall – addressed concerns about speeding of vehicles, loud music playing in vehicles, adults preying on schoolgirls and the dumping of garbage.

They also responded to calls made for the establishment of “a much-needed Police Station” within the community.

Minister Ramjattan advised residents that “it is simply too late” to get the funding for the construction of the Police Station into the 2018 Budget. It is “well past” the deadline for the submission of programmes and projects for inclusion in the Budget, the Minister explained.

In the interim, as the Ministry works to address this concern, the Minister encouraged the residents to form a Community Policing Group, that will be the “eyes and ears of the community”, the Department of Public Information reported.

Garbage disposal

As it relates to the sore issue of the wanton disposal of garbage in the community, the residents disclosed that some were refusing to pay $400 per week for disposal services and instead had resorted to disposing of their garbage around the community.

Ramjattan observed that this was an issue that could be addressed by the members of the community themselves. He suggested that the residents report such acts as soon as

they witness them. He also called on those residents who engaged in such actions to desist, and warned of the consequences.

To address the unhealthy situation in the community as a result of the dumping, the Minister told the residents that he would seek to have a Community Organised for the Restoration of the Environment (CORE) group established in Parfaite Harmonie. CORE is aimed at empowering and bettering communities through the formation of community groups aimed at the beautification of the environment.

Divisional Commander James assured that the issue of older men preying on schoolgirls was on the front burner for the Police. According to the Commander, he had instructed ranks a while back to embark on an intel-led operation. James stated, “I recalled three such persons were brought before me by my staff and I warned them, because when they were intercepted, they were not engaged in the act… we recorded it and they were warned sternly. Their excuses were that they were just relaxing, which, of course, was just an excuse.”

A campaign was also launched to address the issue of speeding, the playing of loud music and tinted vehicles. Since then, 10 persons were taken into custody and were scheduled to appear before the court.

The Commander told residents that he has an open-door policy and encouraged residents to visit his office whenever they have issues that need to be addressed. After the engagement, residents of the community expressed their gratitude on having a fruitful discussion.

Wilbert Vyphuis, who has been living in La Parfaite Harmonie for the past four years, said: “We have to understand that it all comes down to resources, what you have and how you can best make use of it, so I am satisfied with what he said and I can only hope that the promises that were made, that those promises will be kept.” The next security meeting is set for Sunday with residents of Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

news

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monDAY, october 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The day I set foot in the land of my ancestors

By Vahnu Manikchand

A

bout two weeks ago, at around 03:30h on October 1, I set foot on Indian soil – the motherland of my ancestors and a country I always dreamt and hoped of visiting, but never thought I would have had the opportunity so soon.

I was there for an Indian Government-sponsored familiarisation trip that lasted seven days, but the memories and friends I gained will definitely be embedded in my heart and mind forever. Along with me on this journey were 24 senior journalists and editors from various Caribbean and Latin American countries, including a fellow Guyanese colleague.

We were invited because the Indian Government felt that there was a gap between this region and its country, something it wanted to bridge and thought the media was the best avenue to so do.

Being a descendant of Indians, I’ve always felt connected to India, since we practise and uphold many of the traditions and cultures

Suicide Point at the Film City studio in Mumbai

tle Hindi (India’s official language) I’ve learnt from watching Bollywood movies over the years. I manage to do just that, and was most proud when I was communicating with other Indians and my Latino colleagues were looking on in amusement.

The highlight of my first day was a trip to the local market – Sarojini Nagar

following day was a national holiday in India, Gandhi Jayanti – the birth anniversary of the “Father of the nation,” Mahatma Gandhi.

The first official activity on our itinerary was a fourhour drive to neighbouring State, Agra, where the magnificent Taj Mahal monument is located. The marble mausoleum, which is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of

Myself and Colombian colleague Carlos Martinez with staff from the Government of Maharashtra Media Centre

that our ancestors brought with them to Guyana over 170 years ago, and passed down to generations. In fact, I was most excited about travelling to the “motherland” to practise what lit-

Market. The visit was short.

S.N. Market was bustling with people and activities that night. I was told it’s because Sunday is usually “shopping day”, but that day was extra busy, because the

Myself and fellow Guyanese colleague Tajeram Mohabir with Guyana’s Ambassador to India David Pollard

the World’, is one of India’s most prized possessions. It is said to be the world’s greatest symbol of love, and one of India’s most popular tourist attractions.

We marvelled in the tale behind the construction of the breath-taking edifice, told to us by our tour guide, and we took advantage of every moment to fill our respective camera rolls with digital memories of presence at the artistic masterpiece.

Another highlight was a visit to the Swaminaryan Akshardham Temple in Uttar Pradesh (the State where most of our ancestors came from). The intricate details of the edifice were remarkable, and left us awestruck when we learnt that it was all hand built by thousands of artisans, who took five years to complete the entire spiritual campus using intricately carved sandstone and marble.

No phones or any other devices were allowed into the mandir’s compound, so I have nothing but my memory and a single portrait photo that was taken by the staff there to reminisce on the experience there. On the bright side, this allowed us to take in and ruminate on the manmade wonder that surround-

ed us.

Following a tour of the temple and a brief history of the life of Swaminaryan, we were taken to the ‘step well’, where we were seated for the Sahaj Anand Water Show – a display of melodious music, water fountain, colourful laser lights and holographic effects.

Afterwards, the group was taken on boat rides for another intriguing display of the history and development of India, and inventions that were birthed from the minds of remarkable Indians.

The familiarisation trip also consisted of visits to several State offices and other organisations that reflect and highlight the development of India as a socio-economic society. These included: the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the Elections Commission of India, the studio of one of India’s newest and most popular news channel – Republic TV. Prior to my departure to India, I was told of experiences by a few persons who remembered Delhi as a highly polluted city. I may have been oblivious, but I did not see the pollution. What I saw was a city with huge, overgrown trees lined along the roadways and in many of the compounds we passed by. It was a “green state” in literal sense.

However, the same

could not have been said for Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, where we spent the last three days of our trip. The air pollution was so apparent that while on the western suburbs of Mumbai we could have hardly seen across the Mahim Bay (a bay part of the Arabian Sea which runs through Mumbai) over to the South Mumbai, which houses its central business district.

Apart from the pollution, another striking feature was the poverty in the suburban region of Mumbai.

In that city, which is in the thriving State of Maharashtra, we stayed at the mesmerising and luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which is located just opposite the Gateway of India, another one of the country’s popular monuments.

In Mumbai, we were introduced to some of India’s economy-drivers, such as Tata Consultancy Services, which is part of the multinational conglomerate Tata Group. We also had a brief meeting with Chief

City in Mumbai, where we got a glimpse of the shooting of a regional television serial. We also visited the sets of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooulta Chashmah, one of India’s longest running serials, and met with leading actors Dilip Joshi and Shailesh Lodha. One of our guides during the tour of the morethan-500-acres studio was actor Vijay Kumar Sharma, who shared screen space with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 2015 satirical film ‘Shamitabh’.

At the studio, we were taken to a hilltop location commonly referred to as “Suicide Point”, but known as Helipad Point (because helicopters land there for movie scenes). Most Bollywood movies have shot scenes at that or other location within the massive studio.

Scenes from popular movies like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Koyla (1997), Welcome (2007), No Entry (2005) and blockbuster Koi Mil Gaya (2003).

Overall, I’ve manage to collect a lifetime of memo-

A bustling Sarojini Nagar Market

Financial Officer of BSE Ltd (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) and Executive Member of Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL), Tushar Korday, as well as the Government of Maharashtra’s Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Brijesh Singh.

On the last day of our trip, we had a tour of Film

ries in just one very short week. From the people to the culture, the places we’ve been to, and of course the food! For the most part of my stay in India, I’ve devoured as many India cuisines as I could have. Those that stuck with me were: kofta, masala dosa, vada, idli, sambar, biryani, dal makhani, alu gobi, halwa, rice kheer, besan laddoo and several types of naans (bread/roti).

The group of journalists from the Caribbean and Latin America at the mesmerising Taj Mahal

14 news

monDAY, october 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) hosts 3rd annual Diya Light-up H

undreds of persons congregated to witness the National Diya Light-up at Rahaman’s Park, Houston, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) on Sunday evening.

Prior to the lighting of the diya, the large crowd was entertained by religious and traditional performances from the Caribbean Hott Shots Band, Nirvana Humanitarian Society and the Indian Cultural Centre.

Head of HSS, Ravi Dev, in his address to the crowd, reflected on just how far Hindus in Guyana have journeyed and progressed as a culture since the days of indentureship and colonialism. “Culture is not words, it is action!” said Dev, emphasising that if one was to realise his full

potential, he must take action rather than suppress the innate quality as he reflected on indentureship which sought to repress

survived the plantation experience, but we prevailed and, in fact, we have success that we can demonstrate to this nation…” he

HSS Global Head, Sri Saumitra Gokhole of India

the culture and progress of East Indians.

“Our people not only

said.

Dev also advocated for national unity, recognising that Guyana could not develop as a nation if there was division between the various ethnicities and cultures.

Also in attendance was HSS Global Head Saumitra Gokhole of India, who shared a message with the Hindu community present at the celebration, and ex-

A section of the large gathering. Also in photo are Head of HSS (Guyana), Ravi Dev and Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma

pressed his amazement at the way Diwali is celebrated in Guyana, in consensus.

“It (Diwali) is about light over darkness…darkness symbolised by ignorance, light symbolised by knowledge. The only way to do that is to get knowledgeable, to be educated… and that knowledge that

we start from the simple things knowing about this world to the deepest knowledge – about the knowing of one’s self… the spiritual light within each one of us…we are all potentially divine,” said Gokhole as he pointed to various forms of darkness and ways to overcome them, as he urged

persons to rise above difficulties.

The Light-up was the fruit of a successful collaboration between HSS Guyana, the Public Security Ministry and various Hindu organisations.

HSS Guyana performed a religious theme song as the national diya was lit.

Many lessons to be learnt from significance of Diwali – President

P

Third annual National Diya has been lit

resident David Granger has said that as Guyana strives for national unity and social cohesion, there are many important lessons to be learnt from Diwali, an important national Hindu festival which symbolises love and togetherness.

“I do believe that there are lots of lessons that all Guyanese can learn from the festival of lights. Guyana is blessed to be a country of many religions. Guyana is blessed to be a multi-cul-

Guyana’s foreign exchange...

Edghill believes the demand for foreign currency is causing businesses to dip into the foreign reserves to make foreign currency available locally. This, he explained, may be a prime reason why Cabinet has directed that the difference between the buying and selling prices of US dollars at cambios should not be more than Gy$3 dollars.

During April this year, commercial banks, claiming there was a shortage of foreign currency, had placed customers on a waiting list to effect payments to suppliers abroad. The converse situation had obtained for incoming transfers from abroad.

Central Bank Governor Dr Gobind Ganga and Finance Minister Winston Jordan had subsequently refuted these claims, and attempted to provide evi-

dence that such a shortage was non-existent by illustrating the level of foreign currency reserves held by the central bank and commercial banks, both locally and abroad; which the governor had contended was sufficient.

However, the Bank of Guyana’s Statistical Bulletin report for the years 2015 and 2016 revealed that net foreign assets held by commercial banks increased

by US$4 million, or 1.6 per cent, in 2016, in comparison to a decrease in 2015 by US $22.7 million; while a marginal increase was recorded in 2016, the composition of commercial banks’ net foreign holdings had evidently changed quite significantly.

The value of commercial banks’ investments in foreign markets in 2015 was recorded at US$204.3million, reflecting an increase of

from page 11

US$6.3million, or 3.1 per cent, in foreign investments. In 2016, however, commercial banks had increased their level of foreign investments by a whopping US$43.6 million, or 21.3 per cent.

This level of increase in foreign investments had in effect reduced the availability of foreign currency held by commercial banks to accommodate international trade emanating in the domestic market.

One of the main causes of this phenomenon was the significant increase of foreign investments by the local commercial banks coming down to the latter part of 2016. Commercial banks had also found foreign investments more lucrative at a time when the domestic economy was experiencing a decline in economic activities.

The audience was entertained by a packed cultural programme of music and dance by talented local artistes

tural country… there is so much we can learn from each other,” the Head of State said.

He made these remarks yesterday evening at the Indian Monument Gardens, where he and First Lady Sandra Granger joined members of the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) for the symbolic Diya (lamp) Lighting Ceremony and Cultural Show.

The President said Diwali has been observed in this country for the last 179 years, but it became a national holiday about 50 years ago owing to its significance, not only to the Hindu community, but to the country as a whole.

“It symbolises the victory of good over evil, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, it symbolises the victory of hope over despair, and I would like to feel that it symbolises the victory of knowledge over ignorance and of prosperity over poverty,” President Granger is quoted as saying by the Ministry of the Presidency.

He added he was pleased

that this festival has become embedded in Guyanese culture, as it is not confined to households and mandirs; and he informed that this year, State House, the official residence of the Head of State, will be illuminated with diyas on the evening of October 18.

Meanwhile, Indian

Guyanese to use this occasion to recreate the spirit of togetherness.

Diwali is linked to the worship of Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is also celebrated in honour of the end of a 14-year exile of Lord Rama, after he defeated a vicious demon, hence

A section of the audience at the Indian Monument Gardens

High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, told the story of Diwali and about the different ways it is observed in North and South India.

He also expressed his satisfaction that Diwali is celebrated with so much fanfare in Guyana, and urged

the spiritual significance of good over evil and light over darkness.

The event also featured a packed cultural show of music and dance by talented local Guyanese artistes.

There were also several booths with Indian craft, jewellery and food on sale.

15

MONDAY, octoBER 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

Sexual harassment in the workplace

I

n recent days, many women in the entertainment world have come forward with allegations that American movie executive Harvey Weinstein made unwanted physical advances or forced them into sexual activity. What are your thoughts on sexual harassment in the workplace and what can we do as a society to safeguard against such advances or assaults on colleagues?

Stephon Dookhan

Gavin Persaud “I have zero tolerance for such. Bystander intervention training is required.

This training is where if someone notices that someone is being harassed, they would intervene. It's something that we need to tackle head on, like the military people would do.”

Fitzgerald Adams

“Sexual harassment is not to be tolerated at any time; everyone should speak out, male or female, when it happens. I would say that if it is happening to you; report it immediately, for men that is harder though.”

“Sexual harassment in any place should not be condoned.

Many victims do not come forward to the authorities because of shame, fear of ridicule and stigmatisation.

Hence, businesses should have policies in place where victims can disclose confidentially what is happening to them. Businesses should deal with perpetrators in a discreet manner also. This will cause victims to be more comfortable relating their experiences.”

Neal Nauth

“I think that we need to encourage ‘respect more’ in the workplace. The approach that I think can be used is the audio-visual strategies. People need to see and hear what workplace harassment can cause to some people.”

Renata Bailey

Reaz Ali “As a man, I am not ashamed to say this, men should stop harassing women in the workplace; however, women need to speak out when this happens because this is the only way that workplace harassment will become a bigger issue, which will, in turn, be highlighted more.”

“We need co-workers that we can trust and bosses that will deal with these issues and not sweep them under the table. We need a strong chain of command in the work facilities and people need to speak up as soon as these things happen. If we don't speak up promptly, it goes unnoticed and it can happen again.”

Kester Whyte

Adecia Hytimiah

“There should be strict rules and regulations and protection for person who speak up when a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace. Qualified counsellors should also be readily available. Protection as in from public scrutiny and job security after they talk are also something to look at.”

“As a collective, we've gotten better at handling and reducing sexual harassment cases within the workplace; however, there is still work to be done, especially since there are more and more cases arising where men are also shown to be the victims of such harassment in addition to women. Two things need to be done. First, human resources policies across the board need to be strong and non-discriminatory as well as enforced. Second and more important, we, as a society, need to stop victim blaming, be more understanding, stand up for persons when necessary, encourage others to stand up for themselves and stop with the double standards against men. Human rights are for everyone; there is no exception.

Keoma Grant

Naresh King

“Well, sexual harassment in the workplace is common nowadays... However, in most cases, women voluntarily involve themselves in sexual activities with personnel high in authority for financial gain or in order to be assigned higher positions in the workplace.”

“I think sexual harassment in the workplace should not be tolerated in any form. Even if it’s just a "gentle/friendly" grab or tugging somewhere on your workmate's body that they find inappropriate and aren't comfortable with (regardless if the victim is male or female). They should make it clear to the person who made the advance on them that they aren't fond of it. And what we as a society can to prevent or resolve these shortcomings are by: 1) Making it known to individuals who maybe don't like these advances on them that they don't have to suffer in silence and they have the opportunity to report the matter to someone who can protect them and their job (if they feel it may be at risk) while ensuring the person who violated them is dealt with accordingly. 2) Also, if there aren't measures in place to listen and take action, resolve these issues. They should be created immediately so when such matters do come up, the right people are in place to take care of them.”

Odacia Hill

Laura George, Amerindian Peoples Association (APA)

“Persons in power, whether in private or public entities, must not abuse that power over their junior staff or colleagues. They must instead encourage, support and protect their co-workers and others in the fraternity. Grooming is also the way in which bosses subtly dupe junior workers. Our young workers need to look out for these and know what to do about it.”

“I believe that sexual harassment is totally unacceptable in the workplace or wherever it is perpetrated. Though there's much that can be done to safeguard against such in the workplace such as enforcing stricter punishments for perpetrators, better representation of workers by trade unions when they're affected by these issues, doing thorough background checks on individuals before hiring them and placing them in superior positions, etc, I believe that it all comes down to CHOICE. Subordinates have a choice whether or not they'll accept such treatment from their superiors, though it may not be an easy choice since their jobs may be at stake. More so, one does not have to submit to such treatment, this isn't the days of slavery. I firmly believe in preserving one's dignity at all costs even if it means losing material possessions. At least, your conscience will be clear.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 16, 2017

Regional

Downcast Venezuelan Opposition seeks PNM suspends blow to Maduro via ballot box party member

V

enezuela’s political crisis shifted from barricades to ballots on Sunday with gubernatorial elections that could hand the demoralised Opposition a major victory against President Nicolás Maduro’s Government.

The ruling Socialist Party controls 20 of 23 state governorships, but polls show the Opposition Democratic Unity coalition likely to upend that, given voter anger at hunger and shortages stemming from an economic meltdown.

Turnout seemed thin by early afternoon.

“I used to have enough food in my house to feed my children tomorrow, but now no longer. Hunger motivates us to vote,” said Zulay Acosta, voting early in southern Bolivar state.

Having failed to remove Maduro in protests earli-

A man walks in front of graffiti that reads “Neomar does not vote, neither do I” and “Your vote legitimises the dictatorship”, referring to Neomar Lander, who died during confrontations with security forces, during a nationwide election for new governors in Caracas, Venezuela, October 15, 2017

er this year that led to 125 deaths and thousands of arrests, the Opposition hopes a strong showing on Sunday

can be parlayed into victory in next year’s presidential election.

The Government has,

however, made liberal use of State resources in its candidates’ campaigns and has appealed to Venezuelans’ exhaustion with political turmoil to vote against “candidates of violence”.

“I am voting because I want peace, not terrorism,” said customs official Franquelsi Anciana, in the western city of Maracaibo.

Sources at Venezuela’s State oil company, PDVSA, said they had received phone calls pressuring them to vote.

The pro-Government election board has thrown up hurdles for the Opposition that could have an impact on final results.

There were also technical glitches such as electrical failures – ever more common across the country – though the Government said these were minimal.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he ruling Peoples’ National Movement on Saturday suspended longstanding PNMite Harry Ragoonanan from the party following Police probe of a Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) bus tender issue. Police are probing alleged manipulation concerning award of the PTSC contract.

PNM Chairman Franklin Khan announced the disciplinary move following Saturday’s General Council meeting at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain. Members discussed and approved the suspension of Ragoonanan, the PNM’s Oropouche constituency chairman of 17 years.

“As has been said by the party leadership, no one is above corruption and no one stands above the law,” said Stuart Young (Office of the

Prime Minister) and PNM Public Relations Officer.

Ragoonanan, a General Council member, was not present Saturday, nor was Prime Minister Keith Rowley.

Young said the party only found out about the Police probe Saturday. The Council acted immediately.

Young said the Police probe began in the last few months, regarding a tender for certain buses in 2016.

He added, “Our understanding is the probe was launched and what came to the party today was evidence of an audio recording on three separate occasions with Harry Ragoonanan – a voice identified as his – talking to a Chinese businessman about the alleged manipulation of certain tender processes at (PTSC).

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Shaw calls for urgent support for C’bean Barbados: Time countries affected by hurricanes to carry out agricultural census J

Schoolchildren in attendance at the opening ceremony of the farmers’ market

W

hile it has been observed in Barbados that there is some migration of persons out of the rural areas in search of better opportunities for self-improvement, there is the need for an agricultural census to determine the true status of agricultural production in the country and the extent of rural migration.

According to the Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer, Leslie Brereton, while the situation is currently being monitored, agriculture and rural development can address the root causes of migration, including rural poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, lack of social protection, as well as natural resource depletion due to environmental degradation and climate change.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management has a unique role to play in re-

ducing rural migration by assisting in the improvement of agricultural production and productivity in rural areas. This is in support of the creation of better conditions and resilient livelihoods in these areas,” Brereton said.

The Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer addressed the issue of persons migrating from rural areas last week as he delivered remarks at his Ministry’s farmers’ market, which coincided with the 2017 World Food Day celebrations, at the Ministry’s Graeme Hall headquarters.

World Food Day, which is observed today, has been themed: “Change the Future of Migration. Invest in Food Security and Rural Development”.

“The Ministry will also be reviewing its farm incentive programme to create a package to better assist agricultural development in the country,” Brereton said.

(Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

amaican Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw is calling on multilateral agencies to provide a combination of grant funding and concessional loans to assist Caribbean islands severely affected by the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Shaw made the call as he addressed the Caribbean and International Partners Action Dialogue on Hurricanes (CIPADH), held at the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC on Friday.

Grenada’s Prime Minister Keith Mitchell and Sir Richard Branson convened the event. Delegations from the Caribbean and multilateral agencies were also in attendance.

The Finance Minister emphasised that the events that occurred in certain Caribbean countries were unprecedented.

“The devastation has greatly impacted people’s lives and we need to act swiftly to address the needs,” Shaw said.

Meanwhile, Shaw commended the World Bank for the swift payout under the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility.

He also highlighted the need “for us

Jamaican Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw (centre) addresses participants at the Caribbean and International Partners Action Dialogue on Hurricanes (CIPADH) held at the Organisation of American States in Washington, DC on Friday, October 13. The Minister is supported by (from left): Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams

to review the insurance scheme, to see how it can be significantly enhanced for emergencies like these.”

The facility affords insurance coverage safeguards against tropical cyclones, earthquakes and excess rainfall.

Sixteen Caribbean Governments

are currently members of the facility: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands. (Jamaica Observer)

UK to set up Private Sector task force for posthurricane reconstruction in the Caribbean

T

he British Government is to set up a Private Sector task force to help long-term reconstruction in countries and territories hit by last month’s Caribbean hurricanes, International Development Secretary Priti Patel announced on Friday.

It will mobilise Private Sector support to rebuild critical infrastructure such as roads and power supplies essential to get economies up and running again, and better withstand future natural disasters.

The team of top busi-

ness leaders, either CEOs or chairs with experience in the Caribbean, will sit on the task force.

Patel announced the task force at a meeting to discuss the response to the hurricanes and how to enhance global crisis preparedness and response, hosted by the World Bank in Washington, DC. The task force will look at ways in which support from the Private Sector, both financial and technical, in industries such as construction, insurance, banking and tourism, can be used to help

Secretary of State for International Development, Priti Patel

reconstruction on the three UK Overseas Territories worst hit by last month’s

Hurricane Irma: British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos.

Patel will convene a meeting in London in November to discuss how best to maximise the contribution of the Private Sector.

The UK Government has already committed over £62 million (US$82 million) towards the immediate relief effort, and has delivered or procured nearly 180 tonnes of aid for the Region, including food, water, shelter kits, solar lanterns and building materials. (Excerpt from CaribbeanNewsNow)

monDAY, october 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

US diplomacy with North Somalia declares 3 days of Korea to continue until “1st mourning after blast kills 231 bomb drops” – Tillerson S T

he death toll from Saturday's truck bomb blast in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, has surged to at least 231 people, according to Police and medical sources.

At least 275 people were also wounded in the powerful explosion at a busy road junction, which flattened nearby homes and businesses and turned vehicles into burned wrecks.

Senior Police Officer Ali Hassan Kulmiye on Sunday confirmed the death toll to dpa news agency, with Madina Hospital Director Mohamed Yusuf counting 221 people killed and officials at Erdogan Hospital saying that there were another 10 victims from the blast.

Senator Abshir Abdi Ahmed also gave a death toll of 231, citing doctors at hospitals he had visited in Mogadishu on Sunday, according to The Associated Press news agency.

Many of the bodies in hospital mortuaries had not yet been identified, he added.

Earlier in the day, Abdulkadir Abdirahman, director of the city's ambulance service, told Al Jazeera that at least 85 people were killed in the attack, warning that the death toll was

ecretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday that President Donald Trump had instructed him to continue diplomatic efforts to calm rising tensions with North Korea, saying “those diplomatic efforts will continue until the first bomb drops.”

Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Tillerson downplayed messages that President Trump had previously posted on Twitter suggesting Tillerson was wasting his time try-

The blast also destroyed nearby homes and businesses [Feisal Omar/Reuters]

expected to rise.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo on Sunday declared three days of national mourning following the attack.

"We will observe three days of mourning for innocent victims, flags will be flown at half-mast. Time to unite and pray together. Terror won't win," Mohamed said in a statement posted on the presidency's official

Twitter account early on Sunday.

The President also urged residents to help those affected by the attack.

"I call on our citizens to come out, extend help, donate blood and comfort the bereaved. Let's get through this together," Mohamed said.

The blast, described by Mogadishu residents as the most powerful they had witnessed in years, also left dozens wounded. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ing to negotiate with “Little Rocket Man”, a derogatory nickname Trump has coined for North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. Trump “has made it clear to me to continue my diplomatic efforts,” Tillerson said.

Tillerson’s comments Sunday come amid soaring tensions between the United States and North Korea following a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang and a war of words between the two countries’ leaders. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Austrian conservative set to become world's youngest leader

Kyrgyzstan election: Sooronbai Jeenbekov wins historic election

V

oters in Kyrgyzstan have elected a new president in a historic election.

Sooronbai Jeenbekov, a former Prime Minister backed by incumbent Almazbek Atambayev, won outright, confounding predictions of a tight race.

His main rival Omurbek Babanov got just over a third of the vote.

The former Soviet republic, a close ally of Russia, is now on track for its first peaceful power transfer since independence in 1991. The first two Presidents were ousted by riots.

Unlike other Central

Sooronbai Jeenbekov was the preferred candidate of the outgoing President

Asian states, which have been run by authoritarian leaders, Kyrgyzstan is a democracy.

Presidents are restricted

to a single six-year term under a constitution that has been in force since 2010.

Election officials said Jeenbekov had secured well

over 50 per cent of the vote in Sunday's first round, against about 33 per cent for Babanov, an oil tycoon.

The election has been overshadowed by a row over allegations of interference from neighbouring Kazakhstan.

Current Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev angered the Kazakh authorities by saying Babanov, who made his money there, was their choice for President.

He has denied that he was backed by them.

In response Kazakhstan tightened customs checks at the border, leading to long queues. (BBC News)

China understands that India is no longer weak, says Union Home Minister

U

nder Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become a powerful country and its prestige at the international level has grown.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the country’s borders were “completely safe” and China has also understood that “India is no more weak”.

Singh said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has become a powerful country and its prestige at the international level has grown.

“India’s borders are completely safe, and China has started to understand that India is no more weak. Its strength has grown,” he said.

Singh, who represents

rorists” to India.

“It (Pakistan) tries to break India, but our security personnel every day kill two to four terrorists,” he added.(Excerpt from The Hindu)

A

Austrian conservative Sebastian Kurz

ustria's conservative People's Party, led by 31-year-old Sebastian Kurz, is set to win the country's general election, projections suggest.

The victory would make Kurz the world's youngest national leader.

The People's Party was set to win more than 31 per cent. It is so far unclear whether the Social Democrats or the far-right Freedom Party will finish second.

Short of a majority, Kurz's party could seek an alliance with the anti-immigration Freedom Party.

Before the election, Kurz served as Europe's youngest-ever Foreign Minister, after he was appointed in 2013 aged just 27.

In May 2017, he became the leader of the People's Party. He began his political career in the youth wing of the party, which he chaired before moving on to serve on

Vienna's city council.

N i c k n a m e d "Wunderwuzzi" (roughly translated – someone who can walk on water), he has been compared to the young leaders of France and Canada, Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau.

Much like Macron, Kurz has created a movement around himself, rebranding the People's Party –- which has been in power for more than 30 years – as "The New People's Party".

Immigration was the dominant issue in the runup to the vote, and Kurz moved his party to the right in the wake of Europe's 2015 refugee crisis.

He appealed to conservative and right-wing voters with pledges to shut down migrant routes to Europe, cap benefit payments to refugees, and bar immigrants from receiving benefits until they have lived in Austria for five years. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Catalonia: No sign of movement as Spanish deadline looms

T

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh being welcomed at a function of Lodhi Samaj in Lucknow on Sunday

Lucknow in the Lok Sabha, was addressing people at a programme organised there by the Bhartiya Lodhi

Mahasabha.

The Union Home Minister also hit out at Pakistan for “sending ter-

he leader of Spain's Catalonia region has attended a commemoration less than 24 hours before a Spanish deadline to give his final say on independence.

Carles Puigdemont and other senior politicians paid tribute in Barcelona to a Catalan leader who was executed under Franco in the Civil War. He said his Government was "against aggression and

against imposed rule".

Spain has given him until 10:00 (08:00 GMT) today to clarify whether he has or has not declared independence.

If he confirms that he has, he will have until Thursday to withdraw the declaration or Catalonia, which has substantial autonomy, faces the prospect of direct rule from Madrid.

On Sunday, Puigdemont and others, including the

Mayoress of Barcelona, Ada Colau, visited the grave of Lluis Companys near Montjuïc Castle on the 77th anniversary of his execution by firing squad.

The spokesman for Spain's ruling Popular Party, Pablo Casada, warned this week that Puigdemont might end up like Companys, clarifying later that he had only meant he might end up in prison.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, october 16, 2017

ARCHIE

Talks will bring about a change that will help you make (March 21decisions regarding work, April 19) co-workers, and your health and relationships. Don’t act in haste when you can take the time to digest the information you receive.

ARIES

Add to your qualifications.

TAURUS Bone up on the latest technol(April 20- ogy. Be prepared to push your May 20) way into a better position or to take on more responsibilities.

dilbert

Patience will be needed GEMINI (May 21- when dealing with children, a June 20) loved one or a friend. Keep in mind that everyone has bad days and that comfort will probably help more than a lecture.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Avoid temptation. Stick close to home and the people you know and trust. If you seek change, move things around at home or clear a space and pursue a hobby.

Keep your life simple and organized. Look at change as a good thing, not as something to make a fuss over.

Making personal improvements should be your goal.

Use your imagination to VIRGO come up with ways to pass (Aug. 23the time.

Getting out and enSept. 22) joying the company of someone who shares your concerns will lead to a worthwhile friendship.

Practical choices will spare LIBRA you from uncertainty and un(Sept. 23expected changes in relationOct. 23) ships with friends, relatives and partners. Don’t risk what you have just to gain something you don’t really want.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

How you handle or work SCORPIO with others will determine (Oct. 24how much you get out of your Nov. 22) day. You can stand out if you present your plans in a way others can relate to.

Information will be foggy SAGITTARIUS at best and not likely to give (Nov. 23- you what you need to make a Dec. 21) good decision. Deception will prevail if you don’t ask direct questions.

Work hard to finish some CAPRICORN lingering projects. Taking (Dec. 22- care of business and negotiatJan. 19) ing personal or professional contracts will help put your mind at ease.

SATURDAY’S WORD

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle Accepting what comes AQUARIUS your way and dealing with it (Jan. 20- one step at a time will help Feb. 19) you maintain control and make progress. Choose peace and love over chaos.

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

Business and personal rePISCES (Feb. 20- lationships will be in the spotMarch 20) light. Decisions regarding how you proceed through a tricky situation will help ease personal stress.

monDAY, OCTOber 16, 2017

19

Woods “making progress” with latest comeback

T

iger Woods has offered no word on when he might resume his golf career, but gave a positive update on Sunday.

Tiger Woods on Sunday revealed he is "making progress" with his latest attempt to resume his phenomenal career.

The 14-time major champion posted another video on Twitter showing him driving a tee shot, a week after another clip captioned "crisp iron shots".

A simple update of "making progress" was his most recent up-

date in a week during which the former world number one also shared footage of him on the range with Kevin Chappell at the Tiger Woods Invitational in California.

Woods has undergone four back operations in the last three years and has not set a target for when he might return to the PGA Tour.

The 41-year-old has not played a competitive tournament since pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic in February after suffering another injury setback. (Sportsmax)

Federer brushes aside Nadal to win

T&T secure historic SHANGHAI qualification MASTERS

to FIVB Women’s World Championship

T

rinidad and Tobago secured qualification to the FIVB Women’s World Championship for the first time in the nation’s history following a 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-22) over Costa Rica on Saturday night.

In the process, the twin island republic, who were crowned champions of the Caribbean after defeating Jamaica earlier this year, also became the first indoor team from the Englishspeaking Caribbean to qualify for the World Championships.

Galatasaray S.K. middle blocker Sinead Jack led the scoring for the T&T team, while veteran opposite Krystie Esdelle added another 13. T&T maintained momentum from a dominant show-

ing against an understrength Dominica who the team outclassed in another 3-0 (25-16, 257, 25-9) win on Friday night at National Cycling Centre, Couva. T&T had come close to achieving the feat before in 2014 but were on that occasion beaten out for the final NORECA spot at home

by Mexico.

Earlier Mexico cruised past Dominica 3-0 (25-7, 25-13, 25-7) in 54 minutes, on the back of 16 points by Melanie Parra. It will be Mexico’s eighth appearance in a World Championship.

In Santo Domingo host the Dominican Republic claimed the last remaining ticket with a 3-0 (15-14, 15-11, 25-6) sweep of Jamaica, led

by Bethania de la Cruz’s 11 points.(SPORTSMAX)

R

oger Federer brushed aside world number one Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 to win the Shanghai Masters on Sunday and register his fourth victory of the year over his Spanish rival.

The Swiss world number two beat Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open and Miami Masters and in the last 16 at Indian Wells earlier this year, and never looked like losing to his long-time rival in Shanghai, firing 10 aces as he cruised to victory.

Federer, the only man who can still stop Nadal ending the year as number one, took an hour and 12 minutes to claim his sixth title of the year and his second Shanghai crown with a clinical performance.

“I wasn’t here last year because of injuries, so it’s just so, so nice to be back in Shanghai,” Federer said. ”It’s a wonderful moment for me to be back here playing against my good friend and rival, Rafa... We didn’t think maybe we were going to have the year we did.

“I definitely didn‘t, so it’s just nice to share this court with you today and hopefully there’s more to come in the tournaments we’ve got left. It’s been a pleasure playing against you again today.”

Playing under a closed roof at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, Federer sprinted out of the blocks, breaking Nadal in the opening game and the Spaniard had little answer to the sheer variety of shots coming across the net.

The Swiss refused to take his foot off the pedal in the second set, breaking Nadal to go 3-2 up and keeping his cool to wrap up victory.

He sealed the win on his opponent’s serve, winning the second of three match points to claim his 94th career title.

Federer, who won the tournament in 2014, has enjoyed himself on the fast courts of Shanghai this year, while Nadal will look back on a successful stint in Asia after winning last week’s China Open.

“I want to congratulate Roger and his team for a great year. Today I think you played a fantastic match, so many congratulations,” Nadal said.

“This year has probably been the most successful of my career here in China... It’s been a great two weeks and I feel very happy after a long year to be able to have the results here. It’s very important for me.”(REUTERS)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, october 16, 2017

gives up Hope, Chase, Rampaul CPL for full-time Brathwaite find Derbyshire gig early form

Shai Hope

S

hai Hope, Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite began West Indies’ tour of Zimbabwe with fifties, guiding the visitors to 301 for 6 at stumps on the first

Kieran Powell for 1 at the start of the fifth over, but Brathwaite and Kyle Hope gave the innings direction with an 87-run partnership for the second wicket.

Then, both batsmen fell in

Roston Chase

day of their warm-up match in Bulawayo on Sunday.

After opting to bat, West Indies lost opener

successive overs, but Shai Hope and Chase perked the side up, hitting 19 boundaries between them

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings K Brathwaite lbw b Mashinge 53 K Powell c Musakanda b Chinouya 1 K Hope c †Mutumbami b Mavuta 42 S Hope retired out 85 R Chase retired out 79 J Blackwood lbw b Chinouya 15 S Dowrich † not out 10 JO Holder (c) not out 3 Extras: (b 3, lb 3, nb 3, w 4) 13

in a 175-run fourth-wicket stand before both batsmen retired out at the end of the 79th over.

Seven overs later, Jermaine Blackwood departed for 15, but wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich

TOTAL: for 6 (90 Overs) 301 Yet to bat: SO Hetmyer, ST Gabriel, ML Cummins, AS Joseph, D Bishoo, RA Reifer Fall of wickets: 1-7 (KOA Powell, 4.1 ov), 2-94 (KC Brathwaite, 41.5 ov), 3-94 (KA Hope, 42.3 ov), 4-269 (SD Hope, 78.6 ov), 5-269 (RL Chase, 78.6 ov), 6-288 (J Blackwood, 85.5 ov) Bowling: Chinouya 19-655-2, Tiripana 10-5-9-0, Mashinge 16-3-52-1, Chisoro 25-3-85-0,Mavuta 20-1-94-1

and captain Jason Holder closed the day without any further hiccups.

Seamer Michael Chinouya was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe A, ending with 2 for 55 in 19 overs. ( Cricinfo)

Sharapova wins first WTA title since return from ban

M

Maria Sharapova

aria Sharapova won her first WTA title in more than two years at the Tianjin Open on Sunday, showing plenty of grit and determination as she came from behind in each set to beat Belarusian teenager Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-6(8).

The former world number one, who returned to the tour in April following a 15-month doping ban, started the stronger, breaking Sabalenka in her opening service game, but struggled on serve and soon found herself trailing 4-1 in the first set.

The Russian managed to hold serve for the first time in the match at 4-2 and clung on grimly in the face of some hard hitting by her 19-year-old opponent before converting her fourth break point of the next game to get back on serve at 4-3.

Her nerves settled, Sharapova began to hit her stride, breaking Sabalenka again to go 6-5 up before closing out the set.

The Belarusian, playing her first WTA

final, came back in the second set, opening up a 5-1 lead before serving to send the match into a decider, but Sharapova once again fought back to erase the deficit.

The 30-year-old broke Sabalenka twice in succession and held her nerve when facing a set point on serve at 5-4 to level things up, and broke the Belarusian to give herself the chance to serve out the match at 6-5.

But there was more drama to come. The Russian, who sent down seven aces during the contest, double faulted when facing a break point to gift Sabalenka the game and send the set into a tiebreak.

Sharapova, whose last title came at the Italian Open in May 2015, had three match points but Sabalenka survived them all before double faulting with the score at 8-8 to hand Sharapova another opportunity.

This time, the Russian made no mistake, firing down a powerful serve to seal the victory. (Reuters)

De Kock, Amla put Bangladesh to the sword Q

uinton de Kock and Hashim Amla smashed unbeaten centuries as South Africa cruised to a record-breaking 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first OneDay International at the Diamond Oval on Sunday.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat on a flat wicket, setting their hosts a below-par 279 to win. South Africa reached 282 without the loss of a wicket and with 43 balls to spare.

It was the seventh time that South Africa have won an ODI by 10 wickets and the third time they have achieved this against Bangladesh. It was, however, the highest total chased by any team to win

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock became South Africa’s most prolific ODI partnership

by 10 wickets.

De Kock was the chief aggressor with 168 from 145 balls for a 13th ODI century that included 21 fours and two sixes.

Amla struck eight fours in his 110 from 112 balls, his 26th ODI ton, as the pair put on a South African record partnership for any wicket in the 50-over format.

Bangladesh’s innings of 278 for seven was underpinned by a fifth ODI century for Mushfiqur Rahim (110 from 116 balls), who became the first player from his country to score a ton against South Africa in any format.

Home seamer Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with figures of four for 43 in

F

Ravi Rampaul

ormer Windies quick, Ravi Rampaul, is now a Derbyshire cricketer after he signed a three-year contract, moving away from Surrey where he has played for the last two seasons.

Rampaul, who does not count as an international player because of his Kolpak status, will be available to play all three formats of the game in England, with Director of Cricket, Kim Barnett, saying the paceman is integral to fixing the team’s new-ball bowling woes.

“We identified new-ball bowling as an area we wanted to strengthen for 2018, and we’re delighted to secure someone of the calibre of Ravi,” he said.

Rampaul’s full-time status means if there are clashes with the Hero Caribbean Premier League, he will re-

main in England.

“Ravi will be available for all forms and has committed to Derbyshire full time, ruling out any clashes with the CPL during the English domestic season. It’s a massive coup for the club and shows our intent that we want to build on the progress we made in 2017 and kick on in 2018 and beyond,” said the Director.

“I’m grateful to Derbyshire for giving me this opportunity to extend my career in England and play across all forms,” said Rampaul.

“The club has ambitious plans for the years ahead and I’m excited by what we can achieve. Hopefully I can play my part, not only on the field, helping to win games of cricket, but also help the younger guys in the dressing room.” (Sportsmax)

his 10 overs.

The second match in the three-game series will

be played on Wednesday in Paarl, with the final game in East London on Oct. 22. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh Innings Imrul Kayes c de Kock b Pretorius 31 Liton Das c du Plessis b Rabada 21 Shakib Al Hasan c Amla b Tahir 29 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 110 Mahmudullah c Miller b Pretorius 26 Sabbir Rahman c Paterson b Rabada 19 Nasir Hossain c Amla b Rabada 11 Mohammad Saifuddin c Paterson b Rabada 16 Extras (lb-5 w-10) 15 Total (for 7 wickets, 50 overs) 278 Fall of wickets: 1-43 L. Das,2-67 I. Kayes,3-126 S. Al Hasan,4-195 Mahmudullah,5-237 Sa. Rahman,6-253 Nas. Hossain,7-278 M. Saifuddin Did not bat: M. Mortaza,

T. Ahmed, R. Hossain Bowling: Rabada 10 - 1 - 43 - 4(w-5), Paterson 9 - 0 69 – 0, Tahir10 - 0 - 45 – 1, Pretorius 10 - 0 - 48 - 2(w1), Phehlukwayo 10 - 0 - 60 0(w-4), Duminy 1 - 0 - 8 - 0 South Africa Innings Q. de Kock not out 168 H. Amla not out 110 Extras: (w-4) 4 Total (for no loss, 42.5 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: Did not bat: F. du Plessis, A. de Villiers, D. Miller, J. Duminy, D. Pretorius, A. Phehlukwayo, K. Rabada, D. Paterson, I. Tahir Bowling: Rubel Hossain 6 - 0 - 37 – 0, Mortaza 8.5 - 0 - 50 – 0, Taskin Ahmed 8 - 0 - 61 - 0(w-1), Shakib Al Hasan 8 0 - 48 - 0(w-2), Mohammad Saifuddin 5 - 0 - 46 – 0, Nasir Hossain 5 - 0 - 29 - 0(w-1), Mahmudullah 2 - 0 - 11 - 0

sports

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uture Stars continued their rich vein of form while Sparta Boss continued to throw their weight around as the two teams both booked respective

semi-final berths.

In quarter-final action on Saturday night at the National Gymnasium, Sparta beat Hustlers comfortably in a 2-0 victory.

C

hoirul Huda, who played his entire career with Persela Lamongan, has died aged 38.

Indonesian goalkeeper Choirul Huda has died at the age of 38 following a collision with a team-mate, his club Persela Lamongan have confirmed.

Huda collapsed after a coming together involving Persela team-mate Ramon Rodrigues in a match against Semen Padang in Liga 1, the top division in Indonesia.

A statement from Dr Yudistiro Andri Nugroho published on Persela’s official web-

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In just the second minute of the game, veteran sharp shooter Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson opened proceedings for Sparta, while Daniel Wilson doubled their advantage in the 10th minute.

However, credit must be given to Hustlers for not conceding more, as Sparta were frustrated in front of goal.

Billed to be a high octane encounter, Future Stars tamed Leopold Street in a 5-2 win, Jermain Junior further strengthening his claim for the Golden boot with four goals, while Jamal Cozier had one in Future Stars’ victory. Junior’s goal came in the 10th, 39th, 41st and 47th minutes, while Cozier struck in the 43rd minute.

Sheldon Profit got a consolation goal for Leopold Street while the other one came courtesy of an own goal.

Gold Meanwhile, is Money edged Swag Entertainment 5-3 in a thriller. Late goals from Colin Nelson and Carl Tudor sealed Gold is Money’s victory. Nelson opened the scoring for his

side in the fourth minute, while Deon Alfred doubled their lead just a minute later. However, Shane Luckie equalized with two goals for Swag in the 6th and 7th minutes.

It was game on from then, but Randolph Wagner edged Gold is Money ahead in the 19th minute. Six minutes later, Romell Pickering levelled things for Swag, but Nelson in the 32nd and Tudor in the 35th minutes respectively sealed the game for Gold is Money.

Albouystown-‘A’ played to a stalemate with Back Circle, but could not hold their nerve as they lost 3-1 in the penalty shootout.

The score was level at 2-2 after normal time, with Selwyn Williams and Jermaine Beckles on target for Back Circle, while Andrew Murray Jr and Moses Grittens had a goal apiece for Albouystown.

The tournament continues tonight with high octane semi-final matchups slated; as Future Stars face Back Circle while Sparta Boss clash with Gold is Money.

The first semi-final will be played at 21:00hrs.

Indonesian goalkeeper dies after collision

services

VACANCIES

21

Essequibo live the dream...

Apart from Adams, other notable performers were: left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who was named highest wicket-taker, with 61 scalps. He was awarded a trophy along with $40,000 cash incentive for his efforts.

Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) franchise player and West Demerara skipper Akshaya Persaud, who ended as the leading-run scorer, with 523 runs including two centuries. He too received a trophy and $20, 000, while the same was given to Essequibo glove-man, Kemol Savory, who was adjudged best wicket-keeper.

East Bank Captain Ronaldo Ali Mohamed was declared the Most Promising Player of the league, racking up 447 runs with 13 wickets.

For their efforts throughout the league, runners-up Upper Corentyne, who finished with 78.7 points, received a big trophy and $250,000 after leapfrogging Lower Corentyne to claim their spot, leaving former champs Lower Corentyne to be relegated to third position with 69.7 points.

Speaking at the post match ceremony, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie congratulated all the fran-

chises for making this year’s league better than last year’s edition. “It is hoped that we can continue to improve at all levels to make this the primary first class competition in the longer version of the game”, said Sanasie.

He added that sponsors have already begun to signal their interest for the upcoming 50 Overs and T20 formats, andd he hopes to secure full sponsorship for the third edition, as the board has injected in excess of G$20 million on this tournament alone.

site said Huda was immediately transported to hospital, but died shortly after arriving.

Dr Nugroho added that the initial analysis showed the “possibility of head trauma and neck trauma”, while the collision caused a “cardiac arrest”.

The match was completed, with Persela winning 2-0.

In a post on the club’s official Instagram, Persela paid tribute to one-club man Huda, writing: “Thank you for the inspiration you gave to Persela, Lamongan and Indonesian football.”

from page 22

Captain and MVP, Anthony Adams, accepts his award from GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, october 16, 2017

Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships 2017

By Michelangelo Jacobus

G

National teams looking to create history

uyana men’s and women’s national hockey teams will be looking to create history when the Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships begin today on home turf.

The women will be making their debut in the tournament, while the males go into this year’s competition with some experience, having won bronze at the last championships in Uruguay three years ago.

Both sides have been training together for the last six months, and will have some amount of chemistry, which should produce exciting matches. In addition, this is the first time that Guyana has had the opportunity to train on the same surface that they will be competing on, as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has imported a plastic tile playing surface.

Those factors, along with home crowd support, will be integral to the women, especially as they aim to medal on debut. For the men, it will be a case of using their experience and advantages to push for a better finish this time around.

Ahead of the tournament, which begins today, Coach of the women’s team, Dwayne Scott, told Guyana Times Sport that his charges are aiming to medal. Being realistic, he pointed out that it would be tough for Guyana to claim Gold, but ultimately the goal is to finish within the top three.

Scott’s side played two practice matches

over the weekend, and he expressed pleasure with the way they performed, as he noted that they matched their opponents in every possible way. During the tournament, he maintained that his side would need to execute their game plan meticulously as they bid for a historic medal.

Meanwhile, Coach of the men’s team, Robert Fernandes, took a different approach: he rested his players over the weekend as he pointed out that they “have been under intense training” for the last six months. While noting that Guyana was “right up there” in Uruguay and are the second ranked team in the competition, Fernandes said that they will not be taking anyone for granted.

He is of the opinion that Guyana, along with Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and defending champions Canada, are in the running for medals as Barbados and Mexico historically do not play a lot of indoor hockey.

The general make-up of the men’s national team is experience combined with youth.

The majority of the players were a part of the bronze medal winning team in Uruguay, while Kareem McKenzie and Hilton Chester are the newest members of the team. The addition of professional hockey player Marvin Dannett, who plays in England, will further bolster Guyana’s chances of gold.

The Canadians are the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s tournament. The opening game of this year’s championships will begin at 10:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). Entry fee to the venue is $500, while week long passes are available for just $2000.

Essequibo live the dream with 3-Day title win

Kadir Mohamed Memorial 80-mile road race

John takes GOLD

̶ Captain Adams named tournament MVP

By Clifton Ross

A

fter a long wait for their time in the limelight, a fired up Essequibo team, led by their MVP skipper Anthony Adams, proudly lifted the 2017 GCB/ Jaguars 3-Day League title on Sunday, following seven rounds of sheer dominance in this year’s competition.

After seven weekends of highly competitive action across venues in Guyana, one team, once billed the underdog of inter-county cricket, are now at the pinnacle of their game, having sat in the top position for nearly more than half of the competition.

Thanks mainly to their star performers: all-rounders Keemo Paul, Ricardo Adams wicket-keeper/batsman Kemol Savory and the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award, Captain Adams, Essequibo ended with a total of 88 points, 9.2 more than runners-up, Upper Corentyne.

Essequibo began their quest for glory in the first round when they defeated previous league champions Lower Corentyne.

Following that win, Essequibo were able to maintain their lead over the rest of teams through outright victories over West Berbice, Georgetown and Upper Corentyne,

Shiv Chanderpaul hands over the Most Runs Award to West Dem Skipper Akshaya Persaud

while gaining additional points from drawn encounters against Upper Demerara/ East Bank, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara.

Recipient of the coveted MVP tournament award, Adams, who ended with 52 wickets compliments of his wily left-arm spin, was also a force with the bat, scoring some 260 runs, with a century under his belt and a few fifties to cap off an exceptional domestic season.

Back Row - Marvin Dannett, Rayon Branford, Kareem McKenzie, Jason DeSantos, Aderemi Simon, Robert France (C), Andrew Stewart and Jamarj Assanah. Front Row-Hilton Chester, Anthony Cole (GK), Medroy Scotland (GK) and Aroydy Branford

The Essequibo captain told Guyana Times Sport following the presentation ceremony that he was so happy and proud of not only his personal achievements, but that of his teammates.

Adams said that while the feeling was indescribable, he has, all his life, been playing cricket to win, and he believes this victory will help to build a case for his national selection ahead of the Regional 4-Day season. turn to page 21

T

enacity and quality are two words that come to mind almost instantaneously when describing Jamaul John’s victory at the sixth annual Kadir Mohamed Memorial road race on Sunday.

The lanky rider, who currently enjoys the top spot of the GCN Classification table, held off and outsprinted National Champion Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey to cross the finish line with a winning time of three hours, 13 minutes and 3.61s, claiming the winner’s prize of an ounce of raw gold.

John, along with Jeffrey, Geron Williams, Alanzo Ambrose, Paul DeNobrega and Shaquel Agard, established the peloton from the early stages; however, John and Jeffrey broke away in the latter stages of the return leg from the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

This Team Coco rider was always a contender for the top spot, and he proved why when he sprinted away from Jeffrey in the final couple of hundred metres on Homestretch Avenue.

Finishing third, behind John and Jeffrey, was Orville Hinds; while fourth to eighth places went to Shaquel Agard, Geron Williams, Paul DeNobrega, Alanzo Ambrose and Christopher “Chicken Legs” Griffith in that order. The Sprint point prizes were shared among John (2), Griffith (2), Jeffrey (3) and Orville Hinds (3).

In the Junior category, Curtis “Chappy” Dey held off fierce competition from Nigel Duguid (second)

Jamaul John poses with his winner’s trophy and his ounce of gold

and Christopher Cornelius (third) to claim first place, while Marcus Keiler finished fourth.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Ramsuchit won the Juveniles event in two hours, 30 minutes and 17.11s, ahead of second placed Ralph Seenarine and David Hicks who was third.

Jude Bentley took first place in the Mountain Bikers race when he finished the race in two hours, 33 minutes and 17 seconds, ahead of Seon Budhan and Julio Melville, who took sec-

ond and third place respectively.

In the Veterans Over-45 category, Ian “Dumb Boy” Jackson prevailed over second and third place finishers, Oliver Younge and Kennard Lovell, in two hours, 28 minutes and 36 seconds; Junior Niles was the winner of the Under-45 veterans event.

John will be looking to defend his Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycling title next weekend at the outer circuit of the National Park.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 16, 2017

23

V Net Communications T20 Blast

Zaman’s all-round efforts lead Jaguars to title Z

ameer Zaman’s stellar performances with both bat and ball enabled San Souci Jaguars to assault the ‘G’ Square Cavaliers in the exciting final of the seventh V Net Communications T20 blast, played at the Wakenaam Community Centre Ground on Sunday.

Opening the batting, Zaman cracked a whirlwind 72 from 42 balls, then took 2 for 30 with his medium-pace, helping the Jaguars to a 37run victory.

Set a daunting 181 for victory, Cavaliers received an early jolt in their innings when Jagarnauth

The seam of Daniel Daniels (1-24) and Zaman caused the early trouble, shifting the stumps in their disciplined opening spell.

Komal Khan and Satronhan Shiwnandan (12) then undertook operation restoration, adding 40 for the fourth wicket, but Nokta Moses bowled Shiwnandan to mount the scoreboard pressure with their team on 57 for 4 in the 10th over, needing 124 runs for victory from the last ten overs.

Zaman returned to remove Chandrika Ragnauth (04), but the left-handed Khan continued his oneman assault on the bowlers,

Celebration time! The victorious San Souci Jaguars unit flanked by Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) and V Net Communications Managing Director Safraz Sheriffudeen (second from left) celebrate their success at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground on Sunday

Zaman Zameer receiving the Man-of-the-Final award from Director of Sport Christopher Jones

Manbodh (11), Satnarine Shadeo (02), and Bali Scott (01) were all left to be spectators with the score on 17for-3 in the fourth over.

causing spectators to constantly be on their feet.

A Herculean effort was needed, and Khan loosened his shoulders, reaching his

half-century from 37 balls.

Khan wielded his bat in the dying stages of the match, taking the equation to 49 from 12 balls.

Captain Siddique Mohamed bowled a splendid penultimate over, giving away just eight runs, which essentially won the match.

For his efforts, Khan finished unbeaten on 73 (6x4s; 2x6s), with Captain Lokeram Narine (15) being bowled off the final ball.

Earlier, against the backdrop of lush greens and towering coconut trees, Jaguars inserted themselves on a surface with an appreciable amount of grass, and got off to a flyer, thanks to some fantastic stroke-play from the in-from Zaman.

Anything short or even fractionally wide was given the treatment. The power play overs were finished, and Jaguars had 43 on the board without being breached, and the right-handed Zaman was well placed on 28 from 19 balls.

Safraz Mohamed (16), who played the anchor role in the early stages, began opening his arms, dispatching the left-arm spin of Khan into one of the nearby house lots to reach the 50-run opening partnership landmark.

Two balls later, Khan had his revenge when Narine pulled off a diving effort at short extra-cover, breaking the stance in the seventh over.

Boodoosingh confirmed for Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Caribbean Showdown’

T

rinidad and Tobago driving sensation Kristian Boodoosingh has been confirmed as one of the overseas competitors for the Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Caribbean Showdown’ billed for this weekend.

Organised by GT Motorsports in partnership with a host of sponsors, the eagerly anticipated event will speed off at 18:00h on Saturday (October 21) at the go-kart facility at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club near the National Park in Georgetown.

Boodoosingh, the 2015 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships’ Group Four runner-up, will make his second appearance at the Georgetown Grand Prix, after competing for the first time at the event back in April this year.

Back then, he lined up in the Shifter Pro Cup against the likes of Group Four rival Kristian Jeffrey, but didn’t get the desired results, finishing outside the top three in two

races, and failing to finish the third.

This time around, the Trini will do battle in the 125cc Senior Category and he is looking to right the wrongs of that April race meet.

“I am ecstatic about this opportunity given to me again

by Vishok Persaud to race under the lights at the GT Motorsports facility. This time I will be running in the 125cc class, coming up against the likes of the Jamaican racers.

Now having one event under my belt, it should put me in a better position to hopefully get on the podium this coming Saturday,” Boodoosingh said on Sunday.

He will be up against

Matthew Vieira, Denzel Hopkinson, Mikhail Persaud and first-timers to GT Motorsports, the Jamaican duo Senna Summerbell and Joshua Sigany.

Action will get underway at 18:00h, and admission to the

venue is $1,000 for adults, $500 for children and $4,000 for the VIP experience.

The Georgetown Grand Prix will set the stage for the ultimate motorsport event of the year -- the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship on November 12 at the South Dakota Circuit.

It is being supported

by Sun Burst Juices, RentA-Tent, Fly Jamaica, Stag Beer, Monster Energy Drink, Exxon Mobil, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Readymix Concrete, Scotiabank, Cloud 9, Optique Vision Care, Toucan Industries, Ticket Master Travel Agency, E-Networks, King’s Jewellery World, Hero Motor Cycles, Ray’s Motor Spares, Cyril’s Taxi Service, Bounty, Trophy Stall, Prem’s Electrical Store, Impressions, Truck Masters, Windjammer, Super Bet, The Track Bar, Ocean Spray Hotel, Secure Innovation and Concept, Clear Waters, Marics, Rid-O-Pest and Karcher.

Nokta Moses, who scored a century against the same team during the preliminary rounds, would have been licking his lips over the possibility of cashing in big again, but could muster a score of only 17 (1x4;1x6).

The innings defining partnership came from Beesham Moses and Zaman, who carried the total from 85 for 2 in the 12th over to 129 in the 16th over.

Having kept the ballboys busy for most of his innings, hitting ten fours and four towering sixes, Zaman finally fell, after facing 42 deliveries for his delightful 72.

Beesham continued the assault in his absence, powerfully pulling off-spinner

Manbodh over mid-wicket for a massive six. The up-tempo innings was, however, cut short when he attempted an unnecessary single, to be run-out for 38 (4x4s 2x6s) from 21 balls.

Mohamed added the final touches with a quick 15 (2x4s 1x6) from seven balls, setting the platform from a challenging total.

Khan, for his efforts, finished with 2 for 35 from his allotted overs; while Manbodh was the other wicket-taker with 1 for 39.

Nokota won both the highest wicket taker (15 wickets) award and the leading run scorer (172 runs) award of the tournament.

(Akeem Greene)

Walton's century powers Jamaica to ABCA T20 title

̶ Permaul wins tournament’s MVP Award

C

hadwick Walton’s marauding century helped Jamaica clinch the Antigua/Barbuda Cricket Association’s (ABCA) Tri20 title, beating Guyana by 36 runs in Saturday’s final played at the Sir Viv Richards Ground in Antigua.

The Jamaican skipper clobbered 101 off 68 balls, with nine fours and a handful of sixes; while Guyanese Trevon Griffith, who represents Jamaica, crunched an unbeaten 43-ball 69, helping Jamaica post a formidable 2062 in their 20 overs.

Seamers Romario Shepherd (1-41) and Chris Barnwell (1-37) were the only two Guyanese bowlers to make inroads.

Guyana, chasing a stiff target, were kept to 1678, with Anthony Bramble top-scoring a defiant 63 not

Chadwick Walton scored a match-winning ton for his team

out, while Barnwell’s 27 and Shepherd’s 24 * were the other notable scores, after Oshane Walters had bagged 4-21 for the Jamaicans.

Meanwhile, Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was named Player of the Tournament. The Guyana team was expected back on Sunday afternoon.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo live the dream with 3-Day title win Pg 22

̶ Captain Adams named tournament MVP A victorious Essequibo team celebrate with some champagne following their 3-Day title win at Tuschen

Kadir Mohamed Memorial 80-mile road race

John takes gold

Pg 22

Gold! Jamaul John celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey on Sunday

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