Guyana Times October 17,2017

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Issue No. 3363

President, Ministers should also pay personal taxes Page 7

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Gunmen rob cambio dealer P10

– Tax Reform Committee

...Jordan was advised not to tax electricity, water Forced to remove

Gold miner denies P8 beating man to death – High Court trial begins

Sophia squatters picket CH&PA, demand alternative housing Page 2 World Food Day event held in Linden

President David Granger assisting Deshanna Skeete, who won gold in the recently-concluded girls' 400 metres at the South American Youth Games in Chile, as she cuts the ceremonial ribbon on Monday to open the World Food Day event held at the Bayrock Ground in Linden

Wakenaam farmers “Transparency is critical” decry lack of to Exxon export markets Page 9

…residents say lack of opportunities also causes brain drain

Page 3

operations

…Director says as oil company builds base in Guyana

3 years without her son, mother of missing man still seeking P11 answers

Prison officer charged for assaulting cop P8

2 news

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Forced to remove‌

Sophia squatters picket CH&PA, demand alternative housing

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A Sophia squatter carried this placard during the picketing exercise

cores of Sophia, Greater Georgetown squatters who were affected by the recent demolition exercise executed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Monday, picketed the Housing Ministry calling for more time before their forced removal and more importantly, alternative housing arrangements.

Representing the residents of Sophia squatting area was Clayton Jarvis who Sophia squatters affected by the recent demolition exercise executed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority, on Monday picketed the CH&PA calling for more time before their forced removal and for alternative housing arrangements

came into agreement with the CEO of Central Housing and Planning Authority, Lelon Saul, to extend the time given to the Sophia squatters to be removed.

Jarvis, a squatter himself, made arrangements to work together with the CH&PA and the AntiSquatting Task Force of Constituencies five and six to remove squatters who are owners of house lots but continue to squat nevertheless.

He also agreed to police the reserves to ensure that no new structures are erected on the reserves, to provide status updates on applications submitted by squatters

and to also facilitate the registration of new applicants who are squatting on the reserves in the two constituencies.

The meeting was called after irate squatters picketed the Ministry demanding answers. According to Saul, persons were given notices of eviction and the Ministry will not tolerate squatting since it’s illegal. Jarvis stated that all he wants is for the authority to find alternatives for the residents.

Squatters whose houses were ripped down and soon to be demolished were heard venting their frustrations as they stood on the parapets

in front of the Ministry.

According to representatives of the housing authority, squatting is impeding the progress in the community of Sophia and as such, a task force was set up to address the issue.

Guyana Times understands that notice boards were erected on A,B,C and D fields Sophia informing persons to desist from squatting since it is illegal. Also ads were placed on the television to notify squatters of the demolition exercise; however, residents refute claims that they were ever in receipt of eviction notices.

(Yanalla Dalrymple)

news

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tuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, October 17 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, October 18 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 17 – 15:05h-16:35h and Wednesday, October 18 – 15:05h-16:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

“Transparency is critical” to Exxon operations …Director says as oil company builds base in Guyana right balance in providing transparency that allows people comfort and not putting ExxonMobil at a competitive disadvantage,” Brasington said.

In August, Guyana submitted its application for candidacy in EITI. “The EITI process is the underlying or undergirding principle in resources of a state which belongs to the people, and, therefore, the incomes earned must be accounted for and spent in accordance with both the people’s wishes,” Minister Trotman noted

WEATHER TODAY Thundery rain showers with heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, while sunny weather can be expected in the afternoon. Partly cloudy to thundery skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 02:41h and 15:03h reaching maximum heights of 2.50 metres and 2.58 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:36h and 20:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.62 metre respectively.

ExxonMobil’s Director of Public and Government Affairs, Kimberly Brasington

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xxonMobil believes that the Extractive Transparency Initiative (EITI) would alleviate the suspicions that currently exist among Guyanese about its operations.

Exxon’s Public and Government Affairs Director, Kimberly Brasington, believes that transparency is “critical” as the company builds a base here in Guyana.

Exxon, in partnership with Hess Corp and CNOOC Nexen, is currently developing the Liza field in the Stabroek Block located approximately 190 kilometres offshore Guyana. Since its first oil find in 2015 here, Exxon has made four other discoveries.

First-phase development at the Liza field is well underway for production of first oil in 2020.

However, there has been much speculation and criticism of Exxon’s operations in the public sphere.

Brasington said the company welcomed “hard questions” since they lead to dialogue. Although she is sympathetic to the calls for transparency by the public, Brasington notes the company does not “disclose our commercial competitive contracts”.

This is where the EITI provides answers to citizens, Brasington reasoned during an interview with the Department of Public Information.

Exxon is a founder of the EITI process, which requires all extractive industries – oil, min-

ing, and forestry – to disclose monies they pay to Governments. Likewise, the individual government discloses monies received and an independent third party evaluates and validates the information and publishes it.

“So, it (EITI) is a mechanism to account for and hold accountable both parties to the money. I think that is hugely important and we are committed to doing that. I do believe that we need to find the

in August.

It is expected that the application will be accepted at the EITI Conference scheduled for October.

Meanwhile, Brasington said Exxon would not shy away from providing information to the public to dispel misconceptions about the industry.

“The nature of the industry is a long-term industry and we’re going to be here for a decade.

Transparency is critical and ExxonMobil supports transparency,” Brasington said.

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tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

Views An afternoon graze 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

Blackouts

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he complaints coming from various sections of the population, both from private citizens and the business community, about the constant power outages and voltage surges have increased over the past few years. In fact, recently, there have been several letters to the editor where persons expressed frustration over prolonged periods of blackouts in their communities with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) doing very little to convince the populace that blackouts will be a thing of the past.

Despite promises from both the previous and present Governments that the nation will benefit from improved electricity supply, consumers are yet to see any measurable progress in relation to an affordable and reliable service. In fact, very little has changed under this Administration who used every opportunity while in Opposition to criticise the previous Government in relation to the manner in which the electricity sector was being managed.

With the opening up of new housing schemes around the country, there is an increased demand for electricity, which means that more energy has to be generated to satisfy the demand. If serious efforts are not made to produce more electricity to meet this increasing demand, there would always be pressure on the existing systems resulting in power surges and extended periods of blackouts.

Citizens have been complaining that the unstable electricity supply has resulted in their electrical appliances being damaged; a cost which they themselves have to bear as the power company seems to have no clear policy on compensation. Even if it does, consumers are not fully aware of such.

Likewise, businesses have also been very vocal about the huge negative impact the prolonged periods of blackouts have had on their operations. While it would be difficult to place a monetary figure on the extent of the economic loss resulting from unstable power, it would be correct to say that the losses in terms of down time and lost business have been quite significant. In addition to the disruption to manufacturing and trading, etc, there is also the disruption to the night-time entertainment industry.

An unstable electricity supply in any country serves as a deterrent to investors. While some large businesses in the manufacturing sector have opted for their own independent power supply, small businesses cannot afford to do so since the use of alternative power supply adds significantly to operating costs.

Of note too is that consumers, including manufacturers and service providers everywhere, are all of the opinion that the electricity charges at present are too high and have made numerous calls for the rates to be lowered. In addition to several complaints being made by residential consumers about the burden the electricity bill places on their household, manufacturers and service providers have expressed the view that they are sometimes unable to compete due to the high cost of electricity rates here.

That said, we are not oblivious to the many problems being experienced by GPL. These problems which include line losses, particularly owing to electricity theft, have been known for decades and have certainly had a tremendous impact on the company’s ability to provide better services to consumers.

The extent of electricity theft in Guyana is shocking and GPL must continue to tackle the issue frontally. The costs for stolen electricity are passed down to ordinary consumers, who are made to feel the brunt of such illegal actions. All efforts must, therefore, be made to ensure that persons who are involved in such practices are placed before the courts.

No doubt, once such issues are addressed, the company would be in a better position to perform better.

It is unacceptable that citizens are still faced with unexplained blackouts and voltage surges. In fairness to GPL, it is clear they understand the depth of the problem and how consumers and businesses are affected. However, the company and, by extension, the Government must take the necessary steps to fix the problem of blackouts, once and for all. Anything less is unacceptable.

Wakenaam is an island of about 17.5 square miles (45 km2) at the mouth of the Essequibo River of Guyana. One of the largest islands (the others being Leguan and Hog Island) in the Essequibo Islands group, it was settled at one time by the Dutch in the 18th Century; the name Wakenaam is Dutch meaning “waiting for a name”. Old Dutch graves can still be found at various locations on the island. On a quiet Saturday afternoon, a helicopter is seen flying over one of the many rice fields which seem to be the grazing spot for these few cattle

The “blame Jagdeo and the PPP” syndrome (Pt 2) Dear Editor, David Hinds and Eric Philips were both cut from the same bolt of cloth. They are only interested in the welfare of Afro-Guyanese, and brand the PPP as a racist party.

Their biggest fear is that Afro-Guyanese, who now see this “good life” as just an elusive dream, will see past their lies and find the PPP an attractive alternative to the failed Granger Administration.

Adam Harris is frustrated and feels betrayed by the many failures of the incompetent Government he supports. Yet he can hardly write a critical editorial of this government without some comparison to the PPP/C that suggests the PPP/C may have done the same thing or worse.

And the Dem Boys Seh column in the Kaieteur News can hardly mention Jagdeo’s name without the words “that scamp” preceding it.

Lincoln Lewis is a known Jagdeo-hater. His venom came about years ago when he took a personal loan of over US$20,000 from the bauxite company, to buy a car at the time he, as head of the bauxite union, was representing the interests of the bauxite workers at Linden. When his du-

ty-free concession for the car was cancelled, he blamed it on Jagdeo who was at the Ministry of Finance at that time.

Everyone knows Freddie Kissoon has his own selfish motive for hating Jagdeo and the PPP. He blames the PPP for his dismissal at UG. But the truth is, at the time of his dismissal, he had passed the age of retirement, and never published anything of substance to keep his job, a basic requirement of an academic.

Kissoon also blames the PPP for the “dismissal” of his wife from GO-Invest. In fact, Freddie’s wife served well into the Jagdeo tenure, and took an early retirement from her government job with full honours and gratuities after that agency was restructured.

Kissoon despises former President Jagdeo for revoking his privilege of swimming at the Castellani swimming pool. But this was only done after it was discovered that Kissoon was using the venue to eavesdrop on the conversations of other pool guests, and was using the information he was getting clandestinely to write his Freddie Kissoon columns in the Kaieteur News.

Some time ago, Kissoon complained that after a meeting with the former

President to discuss getting a duty-free concession for a car, Jagdeo was so harsh with him that he lost his sight temporarily when he went out on the road.

But despite his known hatred for Jagdeo, Freddie Kissoon always had access to the former President: In the swimming pool at Castellani, and in his office to ask for duty-free concession. I wonder how much access he has now with a President he helped put in office.

No one mentions about the positive things the PPP has done to bring about economic growth and prosperity in Guyana from a bankrupt nation in 1992, but the “blame Jagdeo and the PPP” syndrome continues.

Jagdeo was accused of giving away land to the owner of the Two Brothers Gas Station. That is, until the businessman, Shiraz Ali himself refuted this claim as preposterous as he was never friendly with the PPP Administration, given his well-known support of the People’s National Congress (PNC) long before Jagdeo even held a ministerial position.

Jagdeo was accused of giving away 11 radio licences to “family, friends and cronies of the PPP”, but no one mentions the names of the six non-Indians that were

given radio licences.

Jagdeo again was accused of giving away all of Guyana’s forest and off-shore oil blocks until those too were proven to be lies. Yet no one in the Government has the decency to apologise to the Leader of the Opposition.

It is time that the Granger Administration accept responsibility for the management of our nation. They can no longer blame Bharrat Jagdeo or the PPP for their incompetence, ineptitude, and the sufferings of the Guyanese people. They are in Government now. Whatever needs fixing, they must fix it.

After promising to give free land in Guyana to hurricane victims in the Caribbean, Hurricane Granger swept through Sophia, wreaking havoc and destroying 21 homes and the livelihood of poor Guyanese, leaving women and children homeless and exposed to the elements.

Surely, this cannot be the “good life” Guyanese voted for in 2015. If we have land to give to foreigners, we must find land to give to the less-fortunate among us.

Charity begins at home, Mr President; you can’t blame Jagdeo for this one.

Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

Sleep-In Hotel did not get a single unusual concession Dear Editor, I have seen the article headlined “MoU between PPP/C Government and Sleep-In secured Concessions Galore’ on October 13, 2017. The impression given is that the MoU offered more generous concessions than was the

norm.

I wish to state categorically that Sleep-In Hotel did not get a single concession that was not available for the type of investment it was making.

The main aspect of that MoU was that the recipient of the concession had

to construct a hotel with not less than 150 rooms.

The reason for this was stated many times before. It was part of our strategy in developing and promoting tourism. Creating jobs for our people and diversifying our economy.

Mr Clifton Bacchus has

delivered on those conditions and is, therefore, entitled to the concessions. The Sleep-In Hotel employs a large number of Guyanese.

It could do much more in employment and revenue generation if the APNU regime was more investor-friendly. continued on page 5

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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

Is Government serious about Mogadishu attack fighting corruption? ‘no big deal’?

Dear Editor, The Honourable Attorney General, Basil Williams, and his surrogates seem to be staring at the sky, while the pretence that ‘all is well’ continues.

Truly, “anti-corruption is everybody’s business”, as stated by Williams, at an Anti-Corruption Sensitisation Seminar at the Anna Regina Multilateral School Auditorium, Cotton Field Village, Essequibo Coast, as reported by Government’s Department of Public Information.

If the Government is serious about fighting corruption, why not set up the Integrity Commission, in keeping with the Integrity Commission Act, as promised? The reason for this call being that Ministers of the APNU/AFC Government – who have not made declarations since assuming office, and some not doing so even while they sat in the Opposition benches during the 8th, 9th and 10th Parliament – are facilitating corruption currently, by disallowing declarations by other public officers.

Case in point is the fact that the Procurement Act of 2003 mandates that the members of Tender Boards

– national, regional and district – as well as evaluators on panels who recommend and award contracts need to be making annual declarations to the Integrity Commission.

Since there is no Integrity Commission, no declarations are made, leaving the country in the dark as it relates to who, if any, of these persons are benefiting financially or are benefiting in other material forms from the award of contracts.

There can be no tracing of the accumulation of illicit wealth, if and where such cases exist, in the public service. How then can the Attorney General substantiate his comments about building an ‘unbribable’ public service? Between 2015 and 2017, more than $300 billion has been spent on goods and services, as well as capital projects, without this critical ‘anti-corruption’ framework being in place.

The rhetoric of APNU/ AFC about fighting corruption will ring hollow until concrete actions are taken to follow the laws and regulations, set out to minimise the risk of corrupt actions going undetected.

Secondly, the role of the heavily politicised

State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), which now falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, continues to be used as a tool to target political opponents of the current APNU/ AFC Government.

The Guyanese people cannot take the SARU CEO, Aubrey Heath-Retemyer, seriously, when he states that “procurement fraud – fraud relating to purchase of goods, services, or commissioning of construction projects” – is a major form of corruption, given the Unit’s inaction on the matter.

Why is SARU not pursuing questionable undertakings, including but not limited to: D’Urban Park; the $14 million being spent on the Sussex Street drug bond; the $605 million purchase of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies; the procurement of goods and services at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); and the countless other projects that fall under the purview of Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, as well as the other capital projects in various sectors, where tampering with and influencing of the tender process, to ensure a desired outcome, have been exposed.

Williams is also being called on to attempt to persuade his Government to pursue the engagement of an international firm to trace the assets, if any, of former and current government officials being held abroad, particularly to, once and for all, put to rest the allegations about corruption under the former PPP/C Government, which Williams and his journeymen are wont to repeat.

Maybe the Attorney General, as the principal legal adviser to the President, the Government and the Cabinet, in the interest of transparency, should also advise the President to host a press conference, where the questions of the people could be addressed. and clarity on a number of issues can be provided.

The APNU/AFC must stop hiding behind choreographed media encounters, stage-managed public appearances and replace the rhetoric with substantial deliverables, following their promise of transparency and accountability.

Sincerely, Juan Edghill, PPP/C Member of Parliament

Government has been doing virtually nothing to fight corruption.

Contractors worry they will lose contracts if they speak out against corrupt officials who demand bribes to get contracts. Fear of retribution (threat of violence) discourage people from whistle-blowing or report corrupt officers. People are dissuaded from getting involved in anti-corruption matters because they feel nothing would come from their complaint, and that they would be targeted by corrupt officials or crooked Police officers.

Government and the population at large need to understand that corruption weakens democratic institutions, including the rule of law. People would not want to follow guidelines and laws if they feel they can bribe officials or the Police.

In time, democracy can be undermined through corruption, as happened during the 1966-thru-1992 period.

Worse, corruption empowers politicians to act with impunity, as they enrich themselves while ignoring the voice of the people.

The public needs to take courageous actions to stamp out corruption. And

the Government needs to put measures in place to encourage people to report on crooked cops and officials.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

lives, I think we must give equal importance to every one of the lives that God created, whether that life is in the USA or in Mogadishu.

I wish more world leaders empathised with the victims and probably make it as important news all over the world, so that the world is awakened to neutralise the wicked groups such as al-Shabab, which has been hitting the soft targets in Somalia.

We call ourselves humans, but it seems like some of these groups have no humanity; without humanity, there are no humans. I can only imagine how the people of Somalia have been enduring the pain since al-Shabab launched its insurgency in 2007. Let us join our voices in prayer for the victims of the Mogadishu attack and let us make sure we make this ‘a big deal’ so that every one of us is aware of what is happening in Somalia.

Sincerely, Reverend Jerri Dias SJ St Teresa & Holy Rosary Church

Sleep-In Hotel did not... from page 4

Corruption on the rise Dear Editor, As I travelled around Guyana, some two weeks ago and in last July, to conduct opinion surveys, I heard widespread complaints from voters about rise in corruption (real and/ or perceived). Respondents in surveys I conducted in both July and September say corruption as pervasive.

People can hardly identify Government officials (elected representatives and bureaucrats) whom they feel are not corrupt. There are some whom people feel do not come across as being corrupt. But it is felt that the overwhelming majority of Government officials and senior public servants are on the take.

Worryingly, people feel most of the police are corrupt, saying that Police have been demanding bribes for virtually all matters.

The overwhelming majority of respondents in both surveys say corruption is on the rise, and that the

Dear Editor, It was disheartening to read about the attack in Mogadishu apart from the tragedy of the family that died in the gruesome road accident at No 59 Village in Corentyne. My prayers and thoughts are with the victims of these two disasters and heartfelt sympathies to the family. It was more demoralising to witness the less or no news coverage given to the attack in Mogadishu. It is not fair that the media did not create much of a sensation. The social media did not really got hold of the intensity of the situation in Mogadishu.

The whole world was pouring out its sympathies to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, which claimed about 60 lives, but the attack in Mogadishu, which claimed 276 lives, was given trivial condolences as if the lives of these people did not matter to the world. I am not condoning any sort of violence, whether in Las Vegas or Mogadishu. I am just trying to reflect, who does matter to us? Obviously, if we are concerned about human

I have spoken to Mr Clifton Bacchus, the owner of Sleep-In, and he assured me that all the materials used for construction of the hotel were made in Guyana; this includes furnishings, etc.

In the process, he created jobs for hundreds of other Guyanese and created tax revenues in the millions for our treasury.

I am proud that this investment began under my

presidency. It holds out great benefits to our whole country.

Some media houses would be serving a much better purpose if they encouraged investment instead of attempting to disparage them. Our country would advance further and faster.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

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By Shye Zhang

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rom babbles to the slap of sandals on pavement, the first three years of a child’s life passes like a colourful, unstoppable whirlwind. And like any good whirlwind, it brings about rapid changes with great distinction and significance. In fact, how a child develops in those first three years stays with them for the rest of their life.

Developmental milestones are truly a cause for celebration. Although each child develops at their own steady pace, expected times of development are not to be ignored. Developmental delays are best detected early to address the needs of their future progress. It can occur in one or many areas such as gross or fine motor, language, social, emotional, or cognitive abilities. It is an ongoing major or minor delay, and one of the most commonly misunderstood disability in children and adults.

While a diagnosis from a developmental and behavioural paediatrician or paediatric neurologist is the first step to ensure continued growth and progress, it fails to eliminate the enormous social stigma children with developmental delays face. For those with visible genetic developmental delays such as Down Syndrome, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome or other birth defects, the playground can be a harsh and unwelcoming environment. Even if it is a slight delay in speech or cognitive abilities, children with developmental delays are commonly mistreated by their peers. Deemed the weirdo, the outcast or even the school idiot, it is no surprise that they struggle with self-confidence and social anxiety from a young age.

The years seem to stretch from that first slur or nasty nickname. Children with developmental delays experience ongoing hurdles and unprecedented dis-

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Foundation

crimination that haunt them for the rest of their life. These bad building blocks commonly manifest as depression, agoraphobia and other mental illnesses in early adulthood. The damage is truly irrevocable and heart-breaking, not only for the child but the parents and caregivers of the victims.

Parents of children with developmental delays report higher levels of parental stress than parents of typically developing children. While the child’s behavioural problems are a source of stress – as with all parents – the majority of parental stress stem from external factors. Those caring for children with developmental delays experience consistent parent-shaming and social isolation, and commonly suffer from poor self-confidence, depression and financial difficulties.

Playground politics often extend to parents of children with developmental delays as they are stigmatized for their so-called ‘inability’ to control their children. Unsolicited advice and criticism from other parents with typically developed children only furthers the divide and showcases the incredible unfounded judgement that comes with having children with developmental delays. Indeed, the pressure and demand to have a ‘normal’ child results in significantly restricted social lives. Uninvited to birthday gatherings and unable to attend PTA meetings due to tiring schedules, parents of children of developmental delays are regularly isolated. Enjoyable excursions such as picnics, movies and visits to the zoo are difficult to navigate with children of developmental delays and can be profoundly alienating. Should the rare decision be made to take time off to oneself, the necessary arrangements are equally hard to come by.

Family members and babysitters,

as trustworthy and well-intentioned as they might be, are usually unaccustomed to caring for children with developmental delays over an extended length of time. If the child should have medical aids and/or require special attention, the options are even more limiting. The time and care necessary to ensure a comfortable environment and facilitate growth for children with developmental delays can be all consuming.

Unsurprisingly, for many parents, constant worry and parental stress force them to stay at home in order to provide for their child’s needs. Full time, and even part time, jobs are physically draining and challenging to maintain with night shifts as their primary caregiver. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal on Developmental Disabilities, “parents of children with delays reported significantly lower income than parents of children without delays.

Without a high earning potential, overworked and socially isolated, one can say that parents of children with developmental delays truly weather the bulk of the disability, like an unyielding umbrella caught in a whirlwind.

Children with developmental delays deserve everything that a child without delays has and more. Although it is important to focus on their quality of life, medical needs and social integration, the greatest gift is unyielding love and support. Parents will give freely and selflessly, and as a community and a country we need to do the same. Parental stress is the one of the biggest and easily managed obstacle when it comes to nurturing children with developmental delays. Compassion and understanding are the first steps of many, with emotional, social and financial support quick to follow. Together, let’s ensure that they see the rainbow after the whirlwind. (disabilitycreditcanada.com)

By Samiksha Athani

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low learners – Isn’t this clinical term deplorable for children with below average IQ levels? Seems like a lifelong tag suggesting that such children are non-achievers. On the other hand, slow learners are being a part of regular schools, thus only proving that they are not physically or mentally disabled but only pace disabled. The only problem with them is that they learn concepts and achieve developmental milestones at a pace slower than their peers if they do not suffer from any other disabilities.

Teachers and parents play pivotal roles in a slow learner’s life. Their support and motivation go a long way to help such children overcome their hurdles. This duly signifies that teachers and parents have added responsibility from schools and society toward them.

Creating a healthy and conducive environment for a slow learner is of utmost importance to improve their pace. Often teachers who have a slow learner in their class face grave problems: keeping up with the term syllabus, fear of losing empathy toward such students, and many others. We have put up a few motivation tips for teachers alike to help them cope with at least the basic issues.

10 tips to teach slow learners

1. Be patient with slow learners The foremost aspect of teaching a slow learner is that the educator should be patient and consistent throughout the entire process. The core problem of slow learners’ education is their weak cognitive skills coupled with the slow speed learning. A teacher has to be understanding and patient toward their ability to get distracted easily and having a low attention

span. Moreover, teachers must find creative ways to cope with this situation so that the entire class is not affected. One of them is patient repetition. Try repeating every basic instruction, keyword and concept time and again without being boring. Do not over speak, but over teach.

2. Seek school management’s help Request the school to arrange special classes for slow learners after/before school. Also, check whether you can get a co-teacher or an assistant teacher for your class. This will help you concentrate better on them.

3. Engage fellow classmates in your efforts Teach the other students to empathise with the special students. Specially ask them not to bully or tease slow learners. Inform them about their condition and how they could make a difference. Ensure you have these timely sessions in the slow learner’s absence.

4. Provide minimum homework We all agree that homework although with its benefits is more of a burden for a child and her parent. Slow learners, in particular, find it difficult to be attentive throughout the school day, let alone coming home and completing homework assignments. For such children, quality matters over quantity. Having minimum homework would help them understand learning and reduce their anxiety. This, in turn, would maintain their enthusiasm toward school.

An educator can assign and alter homework personally and leave out small details that may be of little importance. For example, a homework of writing an essay on an English chapter could be modified to reading the chapter twice, and telling the summary to the teacher would be a better idea. (logi-

croots.com)

to be continued

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tuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President, Ministers should also pay personal taxes – Tax Reform Committee

...Jordan was advised not to tax electricity, water

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he Tax Reform Committee that was established by the David Granger Administration had recommended that all Income Tax exemptions granted to certain office holders, such as the President, Attorney General, Chancellor, Chief Justice and Auditor General be removed.

The Granger Administration however never implemented this and other recommendations and Committee member, Christopher Ram is advocating that Finance Minister Winston Jordan, take on the measures that had been propose and implement these in his 2018 Budget. The Tax Reform Committee members are Godfrey Statia, Christopher Ram, Dr Maurice Odle and Dr Thomas Singh.

The measures that were recommended by the Government’s Tax Reform Committee were meant to be revenue neutral – meaning there was not supposed to be an additional burden on taxpayers – many of its measure were never implemented and committee Ram believes they

should be incorporated into the 2018 Budget.

These measures include the introduction of a progressive personal income tax, beginning at $62,500 per month.

This past week, the Guyana Business Summit delved into taxation during a panel discussion which saw the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia advocating an adjustment in the personal taxes paid in order to ensure that more disposable income is available to persons.

He was responding to assertions that the more than 200 tax measures introduced in the two previous budgets have in fact removed some $10 billion from the pockets

of the ordinary Guyanese.

According to Ram, the Tax Reform Committee “had estimated that its proposals excluding amnesty, Government transfers, and other such measures “would be revenue neutral, but that there would be some rebalancing in the system.”

Revenue neutral means the changes in the tax system would not increase or decrease the taxes received

by Government. This did not obtain and Government used its tax measures over the past two years to rake in billions more than had been projected.

Rich pay more

Ram over the weekend pointed to the unimplemented measures available to the

Bilateral relations between Guyana, India reinforced

B

ilateral relations between Guyana and India continue to be strengthened, as the Government of India is currently assisting with several local developmental projects.

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, said India is cognisant of the developmental needs of Guyana and is providing assistance.

Currently, India is assisting with the two Line of Credit (LOC) projects – the US$15 million East Bank/ East Coast Link Road and the US$17.5 million upgrade of three primary hospitals. The supply of pumps for US$4 million and an ocean-going ferry costing US$18 million, of which $8 million will be a grant.

Also, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology at the University of Guyana, which is a full grant project, is worth US$1 million.

Following a successful trial period, India will supply more Rice Husk Gasifiers, similar to the present prototype being used, and the High Commission is currently in the planning stages of hosting a Rice Food Festival.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam

A firm advocate of the versatility of rice, High Commissioner Mahalingam in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) said, “We are trying to popularise the usage of rice to make various food products.”

In other areas of cooperation, the two countries are looking to further develop cooperation in Guyana’s health sector and the coconut and sugar industries. “We will see how the Indian companies are going to respond to the advertisement given by the Minister of Agriculture to dispose of the sugar mills,” High Commissioner Mahalingam revealed.

It was highlighted that pharmaceuticals are one of the largest imports from India, while forest and forest-based products comprise the major exports from Guyana to India.

It is expected in 2018 that Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge will discuss further areas of cooperation, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

High Commissioner Mahalingam explained that “The relationship between Guyana and India is highly friendly irrespective of the party in power. We have been having the best of best relationships between us”.

Finance Minister that were prepared by the Tax Reform Committee.

On the matter of the progressive tax rate for employees, Ram called for the introduction of a threshold of $750,000 with three different bands. In short, a person earning between $62,500 and $83,000 would be taxed at 20 per cent, while a person earning between $83,000 and 125,000 per month would be taxed at 25 per cent and will progressively increase.

Higher salaries will attract a higher rate of tax.

This means that the more a person earns, the taxes paid become progressively higher. According to Ram, the Committee had also recommended that for Ministers, public officers and officials, Value Added Tax

(VAT) should be restored on all passenger car imports and the differentiation of cars by age should be removed.

According to Ram, as the Minister continues to work on Budget 2018, “he may wish to consider that the majority of the TRC’s recommendations remain unimplemented.”

These unimplemented measures, he said, includes reducing immediately the Corporate Tax rate on telecommunication companies from 45 per cent to 40 per cent; and on commercial companies from 40 per cent to 35 per cent.

Ram noted that the Tax Reform Committee had called on the Administration to provide tax incentives, which themselves should be based on clear and rational

criteria, through tax laws, which must include provisions for an annual review and withdrawal of the incentives where conditions are not met.

He said, in order to widen the tax net, grant a tax amnesty and address the presumptive tax.

As it relates to businesses, the Tax Reform Committee member called for an increase the VAT registration threshold from $10 million to $12 million. This would mean only businesses conducting business above $12 million would be required to register with VAT compliance.

Ram said too, “reduce the standard rate to 14 per cent and introduce an intermediate rate of seven per cent for some types of goods.”

8 NEWS

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Gold miner denies beating man to death – High Court trial begins

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12-member jury was empanelled before Justice James Bovell-Drakes at the High Court in Georgetown on Monday to hear the trial of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara resident Michael Britton, who is accused of murdering miner Refford Williams at 10 Miles Backdam, Port Kaituma, in the North-West District.

It was contended that Britton, also called “Rasta Man”, used a piece of metal pipe to carry out the gruesome act on July 25, 2013.

However, when finally given the chance to respond to the State’s accusation, four years after the crime was

Murder accused: Michael Britton

committed, Britton entered a plea of not guilty in a barely audible tone.

Williams, who was also known as “Kamarang”, met his demise by way of blunt trauma in addition to a ruptured spleen. Reports back then were that after an intense argument between the two miners, Britton retrieved the metal pipe which he used to inflict injuries on Williams.

The accused is being represented by defence counsel Ronald Burch-Smith while State Counsel Mandel Moore is leading the State’s case. The matter was adjourned to this morning when the first set of witnesses will begin testifying before the jury.

Prison officer remanded for assaulting cop

G

eorge Solomon was described as a repeat offender by the prosecution when he was brought before the court of Magistrate Leron Daly to answer to a charge of assault committed against the person of a police constable acting in accordance with his duties at the local Camp Street penitentiary, just a few months ago, following the prison fire and riot.

When the defendant made his appearance on Monday morning at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Prosecutor Richard Harris objected to bail on the basis that Solomon was arrested, charged, and convicted for a similar offence, and spent some time in pris-

Charged: George Solomon

on.

It is alleged that the defendant on the day in question became annoyed at the guard at the prison gate who subjected all entering the facility to searches, and re-

portedly chucked him to the chest in the process of the search.

Solomon denied the allegation and entered a notguilty plea after which the Magistrate pronounced that he be remanded to jail.

However, Solomon’s adamant lawyer, Stanley Moore, returned before the Magistrate in the afternoon session and made a petition for bail to be granted to his client, causing the prosecutor to become visibly disturbed.

“He has total disregard for the law and his own service…if it was unto me, I would not have represented this officer!” said Harris in response to Moore’s request to the court, as he re-

iterated that the defendant was warned at least four times for similar misconduct and convicted once at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on the West Coast of Demerara.

Prosecutor Harris continued that Solomon was previously charged for assaulting two school-age girls and violated a protection order moments after it was issued.

Magistrate Daly, having considered all mitigating factors, declared that she was not inclined to grant bail and remanded the defendant to prison, ordering him to make his next court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on November 6, 2017.

Ex-cop among 2 separately charged, remanded ...for unlicensed gun, ammo possession

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he case against 26-year-old Travis Moore, a labourer, was that on October 12, 2017, he was busted with one .38 revolver and five rounds of matching ammunition by Police on patrol in the Albouystown area, in Georgetown.

When Moore faced Magistrate Leron Daly on Monday afternoon, the defendant denied the allegation and maintained his innocence notwithstanding that the Police are contending that he confessed to the offence in a caution state-

ment during the investigation process.

It is alleged that on the day in question, the defendant was a passenger in a taxi when the vehicle was stopped by Police and searched. Prosecutor Richard Harris revealed to the court that searches on other passengers unearthed nothing, but the weapon was found in the possession of the defendant.

The matter was transferred to be heard before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts on October 30, 2017.

Meanwhile, a former rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Kwesi Moloney was slapped with a string of similar charges when he was hauled before the courts of law on Monday.

The first allegation detailed that the accused was in possession of a component of a 9 mm spent shell on October 12, 2017, while not being the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time. It is further alleged that Moloney was in possession of one 9mm pistol and 19 live rounds of FN 5.7×28

pistol ammunition on the said day and location.

Moreover, Moloney was charged for escaping lawful custody at the Brickdam Police Station in Georgetown where he was being held pending the above named charges on October 12, 2017.

The unrepresented defendant uttered a series of inaudible words which were interpreted to amount to a not-guilty plea and was remanded to prison on all charges.

He returns to court on October 30, 2017. (Paula Gomes)

Man remanded for ganja trafficking

A

pleading father of one was remanded to prison for allegedly trafficking narcotics after Magistrate Leron Daly refused bail.

Delon Andrews was cut short by the Magistrate and escorted out of the courtroom by court officers as he pleaded for release by bail.

He denied the charge

which stated that on October 13, 2017, he had in his possession 39.9 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The case continues be-

fore Magistrate Daly on October 30, and the defendant will remain incarcerated at the Camp Street Prison until the next court date.

Alternative…

Y

…indentureship our Eyewitness finds it quite amazing the PNC-led Guyana Government can casually announce (you think those four GuySuCo managers at the “head table were anything but the fall guys?) they’ll reduce the Corporation’s workforce from 17,000 to 6000 in a couple of years – and there are no riots in the streets of this country. Maybe the workers were happy to hear they’re not being “fired”, they’re being made “redundant”?

What’s going on? We’re talking about 10,000 X 5 = 50,000 men, women and children losing their jobs just like that, and it doesn’t bother anyone? What about all those well-dressed and well-heeled folks who came out in droves at the INJUSTICE of the City Council to foist parking meters on Georgetown. Sure that’ll take a bite out of 3000 pockets daily. But what about the 10,000 workers who’ll have NOTHING to put in their pockets for the rest of their lives?? Don’t they bleed also?

But, dear reader, your Eyewitness can hear you murmur, “What about that ‘Alternative Livelihoods Programme’ the GuySuCo PRO Audreyanna Thomas touted?” Didn’t she promise this programme “will equip the targeted workers with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to exist outside of the sugar industry”? So dear reader, let’s look a bit closer at the ALP – which the good lady says has three components.

The first component is for GuySuCo to “contract out” some services to the “redundant workers”. Something similar, of course, has been tried in Guyana once before.

After the abolition of slavery, the workers formed themselves into gangs that would “sell” their labour to the plantations. These fellas soon decided they weren’t going to work for what was essentially below slave wages, and showed up only when they needed some cash.

Your Eyewitness thinks that just like how the planters of yore didn’t like the uncertainty of that labour source, that’s why they’re insisting on labour on a “contractual” basis. This also had been tried before – it was called “indentureship”. These workers had absolutely no sources of livelihood because that was destroyed the government in their homelands. With death staring them in the face, they sold themselves into what was involuntary servitude. So the Government’s first option is to bring back indentureship to save the (reduced) sugar industry!!

Well, the Government has done their part to ensure the push factor for indentureship’s been fulfilled. With the death of all but one of the “six curses” the “redundant” workers have nowhere to go. It’s a matter of survival – even if like their predecessors, they have to accept wages even the freed slaves wouldn’t accept.

Happy days are here again – for GuySuCo, of course!

…skills The second component of the ‘Alternative Livelihoods Programme’ is “skills” training. The Government’s already unfurled this component on Wales and Enmore Estates where 1700 workers have been made “redundant” (Wales) and another 2000 will experience redundancy after Christmas at Enmore. The GuySuCo PRO was proud to report that from this pool of 3700 redundancies (not people, “redundancies”) ONE HUNDRED has accepted retraining as “sewing, cosmetology, caring for the elderly, catering, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, mechanical and electrical works, small business management and business proposals, refrigeration, air conditioning and computer repairs, project management and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)”!!

That there are just about six persons for each skill set illustrates the reality of this “option”: there are actually NO jobs in an economy that’s on life support…and the redundant workers know they’ll just be spinning wheels and twiddling their thumbs!

Folks who actually worked for a living (theirs) don’t have time to waste. …lands The last option – which was thrown in as an afterthought – is to lease lands to the redundant workers for farming. And this “option” is the most cruel hoax of all. Redundant workers would lease lands to produce what?

The Government has gone mute about the crops they claimed to’ve identified and found foreign markets for.

No land has been leased.

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

tuesday, october 17, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

9

News

Wakenaam farmers decry lack of export markets …residents say lack of opportunities also cause brain drain

Doodnauth Persaud

C

oconut and cash crop farmers on the Island of Wakenaam, in the Essequibo River, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) are complaining that the lack of proper markets, especially export markets, are hindering their economic growth.

They are calling on the authorities to assist them so they could start exporting

their produce and aid in the development of the island.

Coconut and ground provision farmer, Doodnauth Persaud, told Guyana Times that farming could be better with the availability of export markets.

“I have been a farmer all my life and the markets have been going up and down and the lack of market is a serious thing. This has been here for decades and we never have any export market, especially like in the Caribbean so that we can get a better price and become more economical for us and so we can be better farmers,” he explained.

Persaud said to date, they are yet to have a discussion with the authorities for them to start supplying their produce for export.

When asked about reason for the lack of discussion, he stated that when the authorities visit, they are mum when asked about the export markets or make promises that are yet to be realised.

the amount of produce the farmers reap.

“I does farm plantains and sometimes I does reap so much that we does have to give away it. Yes, people does come from town and we does take to the Parika Market to sell but that is not enough. Now if we had other markets and people we could supply, then it would be more profitable for us here,” he said.

Brain drain

Shiek Ahmad

“The coconut they have export market and it is the backbone of the island. We don’t have the exposure to the foreign market and it is the same thing that keeping the market down and we are the ones that suffer because sometimes we produce more than people need,” Persaud said.

Another farmer, Narine Persaud, said even local consumption is not sufficient for

Government, GPSU commence talks for 2017 salary increases

Representatives from the Government and the Guyana Public Service Union met on Monday to advance discussions on the proposed salary increases for public servants for 2017

T

he Government of Guyana and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) met on Monday to advance discussions on the proposed salary increases for public servants for 2017.

The Government’s side, which was led by Head of the Department of Public Service and Permanent Secretary, Reginald Brotherson; and Head of Political Affairs, Ministry of the Presidency, Frederick McWilfred, met with President of the GPSU, Patrick Yarde and other executive officers of the union.

In providing an update on the discussions which commenced on September 26, 2017, Brotherson said the meeting had the spirit of cordiality and discussions were frank and open. He noted that the Government has put forward an offer to the union for consideration.

“The Government has

given an offer for 2017, again, it’s based on last year’s formula and, in fact, the Government can only give an offer that the economy can afford at this point in time. The union has rejected it. They, of course, had indicated that they had given a proposal some time last year that should be re-looked.

They promise to resubmit those proposals and we look forward for those proposals, but in the interim, the Government of Guyana has given an offer to the union for them to look at and for them to reconsider,” he said.

PS Brotherson said the team has also agreed to start looking at allowances in a general way, particularly those allowances that have not been changed for almost three decades. “So we are trying to move the process forward but everything has got to be done in the context of what the econ-

omy can afford at this point in time. The issue of allowances is still on the table to be looked at in a holistic manner and I think the union finally acceded to that fact that allowances is going to take some time for us to look at,” he said.

With the team expected to meet within another week once information requested would have been provided, Brotherson said Government is looking to have discussions concluded in time for Budget 2018.

“The 2018 Budget is almost upon us. We implore upon the Union that any action they take, or they want to address, they must bear that in mind. We know that the Minister of Finance is in the final stage of concluding his budget and any action taken has got to be done in the context of that timeframe,” the PS said.

Additionally, most of the farmers are complaining that technical, and in some cases financial support from the authorities are lacking, and it often deter farmers causing the local economy to suffer. They explained that they are willing to adapt to modern farming practices but cited the lack of resources as one of the major hindrances.

“The young people willing to get into farming but they don’t have the support. Some of them would go to GSA (Guyana School of Agriculture) and study but

Cassavas from Doodnauth Persaud’s farm

when them come back here they don’t have the opportunities to make them succeed and then they would eventually leave the island and go to town or overseas and work,” Narine explained.

As a result of lack of opportunities, many families are migrating from the islands to Georgetown and other places. Head teacher of the Essequibo Islands Secondary School, Shiek Ahmad, said the island is losing its people to rural to urban migration.

“The migration numbers are high. We have limited opportunities here and it is

a causing the [island] population to decrease. We had over 13,000 people living here but now it’s just less than half of that and it is worrying,” he said.

He further explained that families are willing to stay but because of the lack of opportunities, they are forced to move elsewhere, especially the younger generation.

Residents all agree the island reeks of possibilities but both infrastructural and economic development is warranted for it to be realised.

10 news

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Transferred Wales Estate workers not reporting for duty

S

ome of the 350 sugar workers who were transferred from the Wales Estate to Uitvlugt have not reported for duty and are requesting severance instead.

Chief Industrial Relations Manager of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Deodat Sukhoo, said currently only 140 of the 350 labourers have begun working at Uitvlugt.

“During last crop, they refused to because they were asking similarly to their colleagues to be paid severance,” Sukhoo noted. Since dissolution operations began at Wales Estate, GuySuCo has paid severance to 389 workers to the value of $338 million.

At a recent press conference, GuySuCo dismissed claims being “peddled” in

Chief Industrial Relations Manager of GuySuCo, Deodat Sukhoo

the media concerning the non-payment of workers from Wales.

“Had those employees taken up their position or jobs at Uitvlugt between January and August, they

would’ve worked for over $100 million and so a lot of what is being peddled in the media and in other spaces is not necessarily true as it relates to the Corporation,” Senior Communications Officer Audreyanna Thomas noted.

According to the Department of Public Information, the estimated 200 workers now run the risk of self-termination if they do not report to work.

“If you don’t work three crops and qualify, you’re self-terminated and if you stayed away from two consecutive crops without work-

ing, you’ve self-terminated,” Sukhoo explained.

He added that while it may be too soon to declare self-termination, it appears that some of these absentee workers have been otherwise occupied. “What we understand also is that most of them have moved on in life; they are working with different companies,” Sukhoo disclosed.

The unions in the sugar industry were also called out for not working in the best interest of the workers.

Thomas observed that engagements pertaining to labour representation are of-

ten relegated to “second to the unions” which creates a challenge.

“We would like to engage the union specifically as it relates to labour representation as well as the business of sugar,” Thomas said.

Attendance and industrial actions, particularly strikes, are challenges to the Corporation’s production.

GuySuCo is reorganising its business model to become cash positive by 2020 as the sugar industry downsizes. Thomas said the unions must also reorganise their business models if the industry is to be successful

again.

It should be noted that the “transfer” violates the 10-mile limit for moving workers as per the labour agreement; and the union has challenged the transfer.

Gunmen rob cambio dealer

Chinese Ambassador Cui A Jianchun visits Thirst Park

Rum Factory Executive Robert Sugdeo offers a sample of D’Aguiar’s Mango Rum Punch to Ambassador Cui Jianchun and his delegation

A

delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, headed by Ambassador Cui Jianchun, met with Banks DIH Limited Chairman and Managing Director Clifford

Reis at Thirst Park during which projects and opportunities of mutual benefit were discussed.

Ambassador Cui, who was accompanied by Yang Chenqi, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Shen Huiyong, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, held talks with Reis and other senior executives, including Co-Managing Director/

Marketing Director George McDonald, Operations Director Michael Pereira, and Engineering Services Director Shabir Hussein.

The visiting delegation was also taken on a guided tour of the Thirst Park production operations, including the soft drink and beer plants, Brewery House and the Rum Factory.

cambio dealer was on Sunday evening attacked in front of his Meadow Bank, Greater Georgetown home by gunmen who relieved him of his jewellery and cash.

Trevor Benn, 51, had just arrived home around 18:00h when the incident occurred.

According to acting Police Public Relations Officer Shivpersaud Bacchus, Benn was about to enter his yard when he was ambushed by two unmasked gunmen who demanded that he hand over his valuables.

The dealer complied, handing over some $450,000 and a gold chain to the men, who then fled the scene.

The matter was reported to the Police. However, no one was held in connection with the robbery.

It was revealed that CCTV footage near the area is currently being reviewed by investigators.

North West miner slapped with larceny charge

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North West District, Region One (BarimaWaini) miner was slapped with a larceny charge and hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts accused of stealing hydraulic oil among other fuels.

Junior Robinson denied the charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that he broke and entered the premises of Shelly Narine between September 21 and 22, 2017 at Port Kaituma, Region One and stole a quantity of hydraulic oil among other fuels, valued in total $290,000.

The unrepresented man told the court that he was 22 years old and a dredge miner by trade.

The prosecution reported that the defendant admitted his actions and some of the fuels was recovered.

The case will continue at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Region One on November 7.

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

3 years without her son, mother of missing man still seeking answers

By Kizzy Coleman

I

t was three years ago – on October 15, 2014 – that 29-year-old Troy Greenidge of Lot 8 John Fernandes Housing Scheme at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was last seen and his mother Seeta Persaud is still seeking answers into his disappearance.

The grieving woman visited Guyana Times and once again shared the chilling story of the last day she saw her son.

Greenidge, a miner, had just returned home from the interior and upon his return, he left his home on October 15, to visit his employer who lived at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The purpose of the visit was to uplift his salary as was customary.

When he left his home, the then 26-year-old father of two boys was clad in black three quarter pants, a blue jersey, white and black Nike sneakers and his hair was braided. He never returned.

The following day (October 16, 2014), Persaud received a call from her sister informing her that Greenidge was reportedly arrested by Police.

As such, the woman rushed to the Providence Police Station, East Bank

Troy Greenidge and family

Demerara where her son was supposedly held and made enquires but was told that no such person was in custody there.

Searches were made at the Brickdam and other Police stations with the same result.

Persaud told this publication that she returned to the Providence Police Station and spoke to an officer, whose name was given as ‘Singh’, where she made a report.

It was then that she was told that there was an in-

cident in Greenfield Park, Providence, EBD, where a woman saw three men in her area, close to her home, and sounded an alarm screaming “Thief! Thief!”

Two of the men reportedly ran away and the third person, allegedly Greenidge, stayed. It was reported that Greenidge, who was in the area to reach someone concerning employment, was picked up by a man whose name was given as ‘Barry’ from the said area of Providence.

When Police Officers re-

ported to the scene, they were reportedly told by ‘Barry’ that they (he and others) already “dealt with the matter”.

The distraught mother recalled that the said Police Officer (Singh), who filed Greenidge’s initial missing persons report, arrested the man and reportedly told Persaud that the matter was being investigated.

According to Persaud, she visited ‘Barry’s’ wife who reportedly told her that her husband did apprehend Greenidge but subsequently released him.

The grief stricken woman relayed to this publication that she continued to visit the Police station and even reached out to a number of news entities where she told her story.

Following an airing of a news report on her son’s disappearance, she received a call from an unknown number. Persaud said “It was a woman, who asked me if I ain’t find my son as yet.

I said no and she said that she is from the said area in Providence where Troy went missing. She told me that she hear them bai talking

Troy Greenidge

and saying how they collect me son, beat he and killed him and buried his body somewhere right there, in Providence using an excavator”.

This information was reported to the Providence Police Station. However, searches in the area by Police proved futile and the matter was thrown once more on the proverbial back burner.

Persaud continued to reach out to the authorities to locate her son or even his body but said she received the ‘royal run around’. The

woman even visited the Police Headquarters at Eve Leary, where again no assistance was provided.

However, in December 2016, a male human skeleton was discovered on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway about 400 yards from the Splashmins Resort.

A bottle suspected to contain a poisonous substance was found some 40 feet away from the remains.

Next to the bottle were cigarettes, a lighter, sneakers, socks and a T-shirt.

Police suspect that the remains are that of a male of Amerindian heritage.

The remains were reportedly clad in three quarter black pants; similar to what Greenidge was last seen wearing. Persaud revealed that she was never allowed to see the remains and to date, it has not been identified.

The mother is pleading with Police to reopen the investigation as, “I need closure to this, I need to know what happen to my son; today make three years since I saw him. This is hard, it really hard”.

12

TuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | guya

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er 17, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Story about Beauty

B

asic Beauty Salon and Spa’s novel theme for the coming weeks is “Friends that spa together, stay together” and in lieu of that, they are offering half-off on any additional person accompanying you on your next visit!

Do note however that you will have to book in advance, and that this offer only extends to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, so you’ll definitely need to take advantage of these offers as soon as possible!

Remember, for the best spa experiences including massages, manicures, pedicures, steams, hair bleaching and colouring, full body and bikini waxing and many other services, head straight over to Basic Beauty where they have that magic touch!

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BECOME A DIAMOND

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ooking for that elegant look with good-quality hair extensions, then Daddy’s Enterprise, located on Albert and Regent Streets, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana, is the place for you.

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14 news

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Disasters becoming a norm – Harmon …Govt to implement preparedness measures

O

n the occasion of International Day for Disaster Reduction 2017, Minister of State Joseph Harmon posited that natural disasters are becoming a norm for Guyana and the Caribbean, following the massive destruction to hit the Region in recent weeks.

On that note, Harmon in his address to a public gathering of stakeholders in disaster reduction and risk management, on Friday indicated that Government is working towards the implementation of a number of measures aimed at reducing the dangers and effects of natural disasters.

In doing so, the Minister,

Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressing stakeholders in disaster reduction and risk management

who is the National Disaster Coordinator, highlighted that these damag-

ing events are the gateway to poverty and distress for vulnerable people, there-

STEM Guyana to design teaching apps for schools

by underlining the need for Guyana to be prepared to face the wrath of such natural forms of devastation.

As such, Harmon underlined that, “The aftermath of the hurricanes in the Caribbean and the prognosis that this will become the new norm as well as the potential for other forms of natural disasters such as drought and rising sea levels, all underscore the importance of developing resilience in all communities across Guyana and the Caribbean.”

He then alluded to the existing vulnerability of the coastal plain, where the larger sections of Guyana’s population and economy are facing a constant threat by being one to three meters below sea level.

With that in mind, the following recommendations were proposed; “First of all, an intensification of our ongoing programme of informing and educating our citizens about the ways in which they can safeguard

themselves when disasters occur and to device the most conducive and cohesive strategies for them to protect themselves and their livelihoods.”

The Minister further laid out that, “The development of new building codes and specifications to make our buildings, structure and infrastructure more disaster resilient.”

Adding to that, the head of Disaster Reduction in Guyana pointed out that there is a need for continuous development in communication which is essential in times of distress. “Thirdly, I want to suggest that we continue to improve and expand our communications networks, such as the establishment of radio stations in our regions, towns and rural communities to keep our citizens informed about disaster preparedness, mitigation, consequences and actions to be taken in the face of occurrences,” he relayed.

It was at the same event that Harmon indicated that Government has moved to establish disaster relief bonds in each of the 10 administrative regions of Guyana under the umbrella of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

This is paired with a number of training programmes within the regions to ensure that residents possess the capacity to act as first responders in cases of natural disasters hitting rural communities, rather than being forced to rely on rescue efforts coming all the way from Georgetown.

Aside from being readily able to withstand the effects and reduce the extent of damages in instances of sudden and widespread natural destruction, Harmon and his Administration is of the belief that Guyana should also be prepared to lend a helping hand to its Caribbean neighbours in such times of need. (Ashraf Dabie)

Foreign Service officers receive globalisation training

The STEM Guyana delegation led by First Lady Sandra Granger met with Minister Nicolette Henry and other officials of the Education Ministry

F

ollowing the success of the Guyanese delegation during the country’s inaugural participation at the Robotics Challenge in Washington, DC, the Education Ministry on Monday entered into a collaboration with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana which will see the designing of mobile and computer applications to be used as teaching aids in schools across Guyana.

This announcement was made during a courtesy call by First Lady Sandra Granger to Education Minister Nicolette Henry at the Ministry’s Head Office in Brickdam.

During the meeting, the First Lady underlined the importance of the pending apps, noting that this initiative would foster a pool of creative and critical thinkers among the younger generation that makes up a large part of our population.

According to Mrs Granger, the intention is to create apps for all subject areas taught in schools with the National Centre for Resource Development (NCERD) assisting with the necessary information to

populate these apps.

She went on to say that they would augment the teaching of specific subject areas and would allow for parents to monitor the academic development of their children as well.

Additionally, it will ensure that the children have enough materials available to exercise their minds and at the same time, put their skills to the test.

The First Lady is of the opinion that if action is not taken swiftly, youths in Guyana will always be playing ‘catch up’ as she believes it is imperative that the young population confirms to the norms of the evolving Information Communication Technology (ICT) era.

On that note, Mrs Granger, who is the head of the STEM Guyana team, relayed, “The main objective is to ensure performance improvement of our children.” She continued, “We are eager to work with the Ministry to move Guyana forward.”

Meanwhile, in responding to the First Lady, Education Minister Henry highlighted that the work currently undertaken by the STEM team aligned with

the mission of the Ministry.

Henry said the time has come for education delivery in the school system to adopt a modern approach and the building of the apps would help in this regard and, as such, she anticipated the fruits of this partnership.

Moreover, she further indicated that officials attached to the Education Ministry, including Senior Technical Adviser Brigette Hinds and Dr Marcia Thomas of NCERD, will work in tandem with STEM Guyana to chart the way forward for the project.

In fact, building on previous financial support, Minister Henry announced that the Education Ministry would be offering further tangible financial support to the team of youths to attend next year’s robotic competition slated for Mexico. This, she said, would be money “well spent”.

The apps, which are being crafted by the very team from this year’s robotics competition, are expected to be rolled out in schools by next year and will target students from Grades One to Six at various educational institutions throughout the country.

Participants of the globalisation seminar

S

everal Foreign Service officers commenced training in a Globalisation and Global Governance seminar hosted by the Republic of Chile in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday.

The seminar, which is being held at the Cara Lodge Hotel, will run until Friday and will look at several key components of the current wave of globalisation taking place.

In underscoring the importance of the training, Director of the Foreign Service Institute, Ambassador Ronald Austin told participants that it would help them to better serve Guyana at the diplomatic level.

Austin said the seminar would touch on many issues

such as global governance, the multilateral system, international regimes, integration in Latin America, and Chile-Guyana bilateral relations.

If the seminar proves to be a success, it will be used as a model to train other Foreign Service staff throughout the Englishspeaking Caribbean, with support from Chile.

The Guyanese diplomat touched on the importance of the Guyana and Chile relationship, and said this seminar was one of the fruits of that close relationship between the two countries.

In his remarks, Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas, said the training was important, given several global changes that have been taking place

in trade relations between countries.

“I would like to invite our colleagues from all the different divisions that are taking part in the seminar to challenge the ideas and have a very fruitful exchange of opinions with our lecturers,” he told the participants, noting that it would help them to deal with globalisation.

He continued, “It is clear to me that is the way forward and a must to our Region to find convergence among diversity in a pragmatic and holistic approach in dealing with international issues.”

The seminar is a result of a joint effort of the Diplomatic Academy of Chile (ACADE), and Chile´s International Cooperation for Development (AGCID).

news

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tuesDAY, OCTOber 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

20 day-care centres in Berbice licensed

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, regional officials and licensed day-care facilities’ representatives

T

he first group of early childhood/day-care centres was officially licensed by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Monday.

The 20 licensed facilities, located between Skeldon and East Bank Berbice, are among 37 within the district. Social Protection Minister Amna Ally urged the remaining 17 centres to register in order to receive accreditation.

Speaking to the recently-licensed childcare representatives, Minister Ally urged the maintenance of high standards and delivery of safe and developmentally appropriate services to ensure the holistic growth of their charges. Referring to studies, the Minister noted, children who attend high-quality childcare programmes are more likely to do well in school.

The Social Protection Ministry has been working to ensure that there was adequate documentation for early childhood/ day-care centres, and training for personnel. Based on reports from the CCPA, to date, more than 200 centres have been registered, and 53 licensed.

Day-care owners and early childcare providers must satisfy the criteria outlined by the Guyana Fire Service, and the Buildings and Public Health Unit of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council before they are certified. This entails completing the CCPA’s registration form, providing a valid police clearance, food handler’s certificate and medical certificate to be accredited. The documents must be submitted for the approval of the CCPA before a licence can be granted.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St Francis

Community Developers, Alex Foster noted that a similar licensing system, crafted by the Food For The Poor Guyana and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the previous Administration was not implemented. He commended the Government for ensuring that these bodies were licensed and the necessary personnel trained.

According to the Department of Public Information, Minister Ally reiterated that the CCPA would continue to monitor and improve the level of service provided by day-care centres, and was amenable to the establishment of 24hour centres.

To date, day-care facilities have been licensed in Regions Two (BarimaWaini) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) while efforts to have more licensed before year-end continue.

Sleeping Policeman accidentally shoots self

A

Constable attached to the Brickdam Police Station is now nursing a gunshot wound to one of his legs after he accidentally shot himself during a nap while guarding the Camp Street penitentiary.

Based on reports received, the Constable was reportedly sitting in a minibus when he fell asleep. At the time, he was in possession of a service revolver.

The weapon according to reports had a bullet in the breach and while sleeping on Friday evening, the rank mistakenly pulled the trigger.

Several senior officials

of the Guyana Police Force when contacted refused to comment on the issue.

At least two senior ranks claimed that they were not aware of the issue until after they were contacted by several media houses for a comment.

Only recently, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan lashed out at the Police for negligence and unprofessional behaviour which have caused the Force much embarrassment. In the past, a few ranks shot themselves either at Police stations while cleaning their service weapons or while on patrol duty.

In fact, a Constable on the East Coast of Demerara accidentally shot himself while he was in a vehicle at a Guyoil Service Station in the city. It was reported that his service revolver accidentally went off.

The bullet entered and exited his leg. Back then, Commander of C Division (East Coast Demerara), Marlon Chapman noted that there are certain Standard Operating Procedures that need to be adhered to as far as a firearm is concerned.

An investigation has been launched into the recent incident.

Cane Grove murder

Father discharged from hospital, charges expected soon

F

ollowing the severing of his fingers by a known drug addict who killed his son, 59-year-old Chandrapaul Ramnawaj, of Lot 8 Estate Road, Cane Grove, Mahaica, has been released from the Woodlands Hospital in Georgetown.

On Sunday, Ramnawaj; his 32-year-old son, Harrynarine; and his wife ventured to their Cane Grove Backdam farm, where they were confronted by the cutlass-wielding drug addict. The man was destroy-

Dead: Harrynarine Ramnawaj

ing the family’s crops and during the confrontation, he turned his blade on the father and son.

The man dealt the younger Ramnawaj several chops and then turned his blade on the older man severing two of his fingers.

Harrynarine was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect is in Police custody, and charges are expected to be brought against him soon. Police investigations are still ongoing.

World Food Day observance 2017 hosted in Linden

Schoolchildren visiting the various booths

As has become customary, a large number of schoolchildren participated in the World Food Day activity

O

fficials and patrons from across Guyana on Monday gathered at the official ceremony to mark the occasion of World Food Day 2017, observed under the theme “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development”. This year’s event was held at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground at Wismar, Linden, Region 10

(Upper Demerara- Berbice). It featured a wide range of agricultural as well as locally manufactured and non-manufactured food products, displayed by over 40 booths.

President David Granger, in delivering the feature address stressed the need for food security and working towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of achieving “zero hun-

Fruits and vegetables on display at one of the booths

ger” as he made it known that the right to food is a basic human right. Agencies which participated in this year’s event included National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana School of Agriculture, the Linden Hospital Complex, Guyana Agricultural Society, Women’s Ago-processors Development Network, and the Guyana Rice Development Board, among numerous others.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

Regional

Venezuela socialists win Governor seats amid fraud claims

E

lectoral authorities in Venezuela say the governing Socialist Party has won 17 of 23 state governorships in a crushing victory. President Nicolás Maduro hailed it as a victory for Chavismo, his party’s brand of socialism named after former President Hugo Chávez.

But Opposition Leaders alleged fraud.

The Democratic Union Roundtable coalition has refused to recognise the result and demanded a complete audit, campaign director Gerardo Blyde said.

He said that “neither Venezuelans nor the world will swallow this fiction”. The results were announced by the president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Tibisay Lucena. The Council is dominated by Government loyalists and has been accused of pro-government bias by the Opposition.

“I

do believe Cuba is responsible,” Trump told reporters at an impromptu news conference in the White House Rose Garden. “I do believe that.

And it’s a very unusual attack, as you know. But I do believe Cuba is responsible.”

The United States has not formally concluded Cuba carried out the attacks, some of which involved high-pitched sounds, but it “Chavismo’ is alive, in the street, and triumphant,” President Nicolás Maduro said after the result

The CNE came under fire earlier this year when the company providing the voting systems for July’s elections for the constituent assembly said the turn-out figures for that poll had been manipulated.

The CNE dismissed those

allegations and used a different company for Sunday’s vote. The Opposition MUD coalition won in the states of Mérida and Táchira, which have been at the centre of anti-government protests, as well as in Anzoátegui, Nueva Esparta and Zulia.

While the number of states the MUD now holds has increased from three to five, the opposition coalition had expected to win at least in 18 states. The state of Bolívar is still too close to call. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Search on for 40 missing as Haitian boat capsizes

S

even people have been rescued but the search continues for at least 40 others after a boat capsized off the Turtle Island, one of many islands named for their turtle shapes, north of the island, on Sunday.

Trump says he believes Cuba responsible for attacks that hurt US diplomats

The Marine Rescue Unit of the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) said three of the seven rescued people had been taken to the HautPalmiste hospital for medical attention.

The survivors said that

the boat from Turtle Island was carrying at least 50 Haitian migrants and was trying to illegally enter Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, 200 km to the north.

The DPC said the search

is continuing for survivors.

Despite warnings, Haitians have been making the dangerous voyage by sea in boats in a bid to escape poverty on the French-speaking Caribbean Community country. (Jamaica

Observer)

St Kitts-Nevis PM a no-show at IMF, World Bank post-hurricane meetings in Washington we need to achieve greater and better-quality growth...”

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

has said Havana is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of US diplomatic personnel and failed to do so.

At least 22 diplomatic personnel were affected by the unexplained incidents, which have caused hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues. Some private US travellers also have been affected. (Reuters)

UWI Mona targets energy self-sufficiency by 2018

T

he University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is moving towards liquefied natural gas (LNG) as it looks to achieve self-sufficiency in energy.

Deputy Dean and Director of the Mona School of Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr Paul Aiken, told JIS News that July 2018 is the target date for the UWI to start producing electricity for itself from LNG. “We have to find ways to reduce our operational cost,” he said, noting that 45 per cent of the university’s energy is used for cooling, with the bill coming to over $700 million annually.

He said that a combined heat and power plant using LNG is the solution to reducing this cost to the university. Meanwhile, Dr Aiken

said the university’s move towards energy self-sufficiency provides an opportunity for a new generation of electrical power engineers to be trained.

Students enrolled in the Electrical Power Engineering degree programme will participate in internships at the LNG plant, which will be managed by Mona-Tech Engineering Services.

“There is a lot of investment in LNG technology in Jamaica, and so they will need well-trained and knowledgeable engineers to operate the LNG plants,” he pointed out. He noted that Mona’s first cohort of electrical engineers are currently in their final year, and there were approximately194 applicants for the programme this year. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Authorities in T&T probe Chaguaramas oil spill

C

From left: OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell; and Virgin Group CEO, Sir Richard Branson

T

here is no official word from Basseterre why St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, was not among Finance Ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean and senior officials from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and the US Treasury Department at a meeting last Wednesday at IDB headquarters to discuss policy options to promote inclusive financial systems and

deeper regional integration to help strengthen economic growth prospects.

Harris was also absent from several other very important meetings including the Caribbean Partners Dialogue on Hurricanes with the Organisation of American States (OAS); the World Bank-Caricom meeting, the Small States Forum chaired by the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell, and the Virgin Group led by Sir Richard Bronson at which hurricane recovery was discussed.

Argentina’s Finance Minister Luis Andrés Caputo opened the meeting, attended by representatives from 25 countries.

Opening session speakers included IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, IMF deputy Managing Director Mitsuhiro Furusawa, World Bank Vice President Jorge Familiar, and the US Under Secretary of the Treasury, David Malpass.

“This is an historic opportunity to consolidate our population’s progress and to continue to reduce poverty,” Caputo said. “For this,

oncern has been expressed that action has not been taken quickly enough to contain an oil spill which has been spreading across Trinidad’s North-western coast since early Sunday.

Up to late Sunday, there was no confirmation of whether the substance was actually oil, or information on where it originated from. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) advised in a media release that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) and the Maritime Services Division (MSD) had all been notified.

A team despatched to investigate the spill with the assistance of the Air Guard confirmed that the black oily substance had been seen between Alcoa and Five Islands and was concentrated within

Beachgoers look at the black oily substance which could be seen along the North-western shoreline on Sunday

Williams Bay and along the Boardwalk in Chaguaramas.

Streaks of the oily sheen were reported near Harts Cut and the Five Islands, but nothing was observed further west of the Five Islands.

While investigations are continuing to identify the potential source of the oily substance, the EMA appealed for people with information to come forward.

The Maritime Services

Division has advised all marine craft to be aware of the oily substance in the water and to report the extent of the spill and any information about who might be responsible. The public can provide information by calling 680-9588 or email via complaints@ema.co.tt.

Officials later confirmed that Kaizen Environmental Services had been appointed by the Energy Ministry to do an assessment. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Iraqi forces enter Kirkuk as Kurds flee I

raqi Government forces have entered central Kirkuk after taking key installations outside the disputed city from Kurdish fighters.

Thousands of people fled the city ahead of the Iraqi advance.

The Iraqi military moved into Kirkuk three weeks after the Kurdistan Region held a controversial independence referendum.

They are aiming to retake areas under Kurdish control since Islamic State militants swept through

17

Iraqi federal Police advance towards disputed city of Kirkuk

the region.

Residents of Kurdishcontrolled areas, including Kirkuk, overwhelmingly

backed secession from Iraq in a September 25 vote.

While Kirkuk is outside Iraqi Kurdistan, Kurdish

only 111 of them have been identified.

A Turkish military plane is taking 40 of the injured to Turkey for medical treatment.

It is the deadliest terror attack in Somalia since the Islamist al-Shabab group

launched its insurgency in 2007.

Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Of those who were identified, one of the victims was a medical student who was due to graduate the next day. Her father had flown

voters in the city were allowed to take part.

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, had denounced the vote as unconstitutional. But the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) insisted it was legitimate.

US officials said they were “engaged with all parties in Iraq to de-escalate tension”, while President Donald Trump said they were “not taking sides”.

“We don’t like the fact that they’re clashing,” he added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Portugal and Spain wildfires: Dozens dead and injured

A

spate of wildfires in central and north Portugal which started at the weekend has killed at least 31 people, civil defence authorities say.

Dozens of the 145 fires still raging are considered serious, a spokeswoman said.

To the north, fires which broke out across the border in Spain’s Galicia region claimed at least three lives.

Thousands of firefighters are battling the flames, which erupted after a hot dry summer.

Conditions were worsened by Hurricane Ophelia, as it approached Europe’s western coast, bringing strong winds to fan and spread the flames.

More than 50 people have also been injured in Portugal; 15 are reported to be in a serious condition. Local media say several people are still missing there, including a monthold baby.

In Spain, two of the victims were found in a burned-out car by the side of the road. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Somalia attack: 165 unidentified bodies buried Madrid moves

A

s many as 165 unidentified bodies have been buried after a massive truck bomb attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday.

At least 276 people have died and the Government news agency Sonna says

to Mogadishu to attend her graduation, but instead witnessed her burial.

No group has yet said it was behind the bombing at a busy junction, destroying hotels, Government offices and restaurants. (Excerpt from BBC

towards direct rule over Catalonia

News)

Malta blogger killed in massive car bomb blast

Caruana Galizia ran the hugely popular blog Running Commentary blog [File: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters]

D

aphne Caruana Galizia, a prominent investigative journalist in Malta, has been

killed after a powerful bomb exploded in her car, Police said, in an incident that stunned the small island

North Korea warns states: Don’t join any US action and you’re safe

N

orth Korea warned countries at the United Nations on Monday in a statement: don’t join the United States in military action against the Asian state and you will be safe from retaliation.

The caution was contained in a copy of North Korean Deputy UN Ambassador Kim In Ryong’s prepared remarks for a discussion on nuclear weapons by a UN General Assembly committee. However, Kim did not read that section out loud.

“As long as one does not take part in the US military actions against the DPRK (North Korea), we

have no intention to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against any other country,” according to Kim’s prepared remarks.

“The entire US mainland is within our firing range and if the US dares to invade our sacred territory even an inch it will not escape our severe punishment in any part of the globe,” the statement read.

Tensions have soared between the United States and North Korea following a series of weapons tests

by Pyongyang and a string of increasingly bellicose exchanges between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Excerpt from Reuters)

country, The 53-year-old had just driven away from her home in Mosta, a town outside Malta’s capital of Valletta, when the bomb went off on Monday, sending the vehicle’s wreckage spiralling over a wall.

The force of the blast reduced her car to pieces and catapulted the journalist’s body into a nearby field, witnesses said. She leaves behind a husband and three sons.

Caruana Galizia ran a hugely popular blog in which she relentlessly highlight-

ed cases of alleged high-level corruption by politicians from across party lines.

She had also exposed Malta’s links with the socalled Panama Papers document leak, which revealed the identities of the rich and powerful around the world with offshore holdings in the Central American country.

“There are crooks everywhere you look now.

The situation is desperate,” Caruana Galizia wrote in a blog published on her site just half an hour before an explosion tore into her car.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mossos d’Esquadra officers, Catalan regional force, stand guard at Sant Jaume square in Barcelona, Spain, October 16, 2017

S

pain moved closer on Monday to imposing central rule over Catalonia to thwart its push for independence after Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont missed an initial deadline to make his intentions clear.

He now has until

Indian politician: “Taj Mahal built by traitors”

A

controversial Indian politician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has called the Taj Mahal a “blot on Indian culture” built by “traitors”.

Sangeet Som, a lawmaker in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, was addressing supporters in the city of Meerut.

The remarks, which come weeks after the famous mausoleum was excluded from an Uttar Pradesh tourism booklet, have sparked shock and outrage online.

The phrase “Taj Mahal” was trending on Twitter on Monday.

“Many people were pained to see that the Taj Mahal was removed from the list of [historical places in the UP tourism booklet],”

The Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim emperor Shah Jahan in 1643

Som said on Sunday.

“Is this history that the person who built the Taj Mahal imprisoned his father?

“Do you call it a history when the one who built the Taj targeted many Hindus in Uttar Pradesh and Hindustan?

“If this is history, then it

is very unfortunate and we will change this history, I guarantee you.”

Shah Jahan, the Muslim Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his favourite wife in 1643, did not imprison his father. He was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb until his death. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Thursday to back down.

The Spanish High Court, meanwhile, banned the Catalan Police Chief from leaving the country while he is investigated on suspicion of sedition.

In a confrontation viewed with mounting unease in European capitals and financial markets, Puigdemont failed on Monday to respond to Madrid’s ultimatum to clarify if he was declaring unilateral independence.

In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Puigdemont did not directly answer on the independence issue, instead making a “sincere and honest” offer for dialogue between the two men over the next two months.

In reply, Rajoy said Puigdemont’s stance had brought Madrid closer to triggering Article 155 of the Constitution, under which it can impose direct rule on any of the country’s 17 autonomous communities if they break the law.

The Catalan Government’s campaign to break away from Spain has pushed the country into its worst political crisis since a failed coup attempt in 1981. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

ARCHIE

Personal alterations will give you a polished, profes(March 21sional image that will help April 19) you get ahead professionally or draw the attention of someone you want to get to know better.

ARIES

Don’t waffle when given a TAURUS choice. If you want to make (April 20- changes, consider your opMay 20) tions and find out what’s required. Information is key to getting things done right.

dilbert

Choose to do something GEMINI (May 21- that makes you feel good June 20) about the way you look.

Spend time with people who make you smile and appreciate you for who you are.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Personal problems, stress and displeasure with someone you live or work with will weigh heavily on your mind.

Lighten up and stay focused on accomplishment, not on setbacks.

Improved health, proper diet and exercise and the direct handling of emotional issues will help you solve any dilemmas and reach your destination. A day trip will be educational.

Liven things up a little VIRGO by taking up a new pastime.

(Aug. 23Socializing more or spendSept. 22) ing time volunteering to help others will do you a world of good. Expand your interests.

Calvin and Hobbes

You may need to make adLIBRA (Sept. 23- justments if you want to fit in Oct. 23) to a group or situation that requires unity. Bend a little, and others will meet you halfway.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD – WITLESSLY (WITLESSLY: WIT-les-lee: Foolishly)

Emotional stress can SAGITTARIUS weaken your immune system.

(Nov. 23- Take time to rejuvenate beDec. 21) fore you take on more responsibilities. Overreacting or arguing will be exhausting. Aim to keep the peace.

Average mark 31 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 49 or more words in WITLESSLY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — SUBPOENA sane snap snob snub soap sone soup span spun upon bane base bean

beano beau bone bonus bosun paeon pane pause peon peso pone pose onus

open opus ebon epos nape neap noes nose abuse aeon apse aspen

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

Keep your plans simple SCORPIO and doable. If you take on too (Oct. 24much, you will fall short of Nov. 22) your goal. You can ride a wave to victory if you are careful and observant. Moderation is key.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Take a moment to gather CAPRICORN information. Being informed (Dec. 22- will help you avoid mishaps Jan. 19) when dealing with institutions or bureaucracy. Know what’s expected of you and what to ask for.

You have more leverage AQUARIUS than you realize. Step things (Jan. 20- up a notch and make clear Feb. 19) what you want to see happen. Love is highlighted, and a commitment can be made.

Look at your financial sitPISCES (Feb. 20- uation and at any joint holdMarch 20) ings you have. It’s in your best interest to move funds around to accommodate some of the plans you want to pursue.

tuesDAY, OCTOber 17, 2017

19

Azam, Shadab give Pakistan 2-0 series lead SCOREBOARD

B

abar Azam's seventh ODI hundred combined with a sublime all-round performance from Shadab Khan saw a listless Sri Lanka slump to their ninth consecutive ODI defeat. They lost by 32 runs, but the margin would have been much greater but for a fighting hundred by Sri Lankan captain Upul Tharanga; no one else scored more than 22. Sri Lanka were on top in the first quarter of the match, having reduced Pakistan to 101 for 6, before Azam and Shadab put together a gritty 109-run stand to propel Pakistan to 219.

It was a particularly grave indictment on Sri Lanka's batting display that they were in the chase for most of their innings, despite what was, by modern standards, a modest target. The batsmen didn't find many answers to the relentlessly accurate spin trio of Shadab, Mohammad Hafeez, and Shoaib Malik, on a surface on which runs were especially hard to come by. Tharanga was handed at least four chances during

Pakistan Innings (50 Overs maximum) Fakhar Zaman c Mendis b Gamage 11 Ahmed Shehzad c Siriwardana b Lakmal 8 Babar Azam c Mendis b Gamage 101 Mohammad Hafeez c Dickwella b Gamage 8 Shoaib Malik c Dickwella b T. Perera 11 Sarfraz Ahmed b Perera 5 Imad Wasim lbw b Vandersay 10 Shadab Khan not out 52 Hasan Ali run out (Dananjaya) 7 Rumman Raees c Dananjaya b Gamage 0 Junaid Khan not out 0 Extras (lb-3 w-3) 6 Total (For 9 wickets, 50 overs) 219 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-27, 3-40, 4-71, 5-79, 6-101, 7-210, 8-218, 9-218 Bowling Lakmal 10-0-42-1 (w2), Gamage 10-0-57-4 (w-1), Vandersay 9-0-44-1, Perera 10-0-34-2, Dananjaya 9-030-0, Siriwardana 2-0-9-0

Babar Azam middles one en-route to his seventh ODI ton

the course of his hundred.

The chasm between the sides appeared so wide that Pakistan could afford to be that generous and still bowl Sri Lanka out for 187.

With Sri Lanka's current

ODI plight and Pakistan's bowling prowess, Sri Lanka weren't expected to make light work of the chase on a slow surface. Sri Lanka lost two early wickets - Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis - and consumed plenty of dot

balls in attempting to absorb the pressure, as if surviving a tricky Test match session.

Tharanga and Lahiru Thirimanne added a scratchy 40 runs off 72 balls, and when the latter

Sri Lanka Innings (Target

was eventually dismissed, the asking rate had already climbed to close to 5.50.

The rut set in straight after as the spinners knocked the wind out of the chase.

F

T

he 2017 Guyana Cricket Board/ Scotiabank Kiddy Progress One Cricket, recommenced with matches in the Berbice riverine area among primary schools. These teams include Sand Hills, Wiruni, Ebini and Calcuni primary schools.

In the semifinal stages, Calcuni beat Ebini by 3 runs. Ebini won the toss and elected to bat, reaching 158 off their allotted 14 overs. In reply, Calcuni demonstrated good team work with the bat, reaching 161 to gain victory.

In the other semi- final match, Wiruni accumulated a competitive total of 187, to place themselves in a favorable position to gain a spot in the finals. Nevertheless, Sand Hills gave a strong reply, meeting 181 when

their overs were completed, to give Wiruni victory by 6 runs.

In the final, favorites Wiruni amassed a massive score of 186, to give Calcuni a challenging total of 187 in order to lift the 2017 GCB/ Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket title for the Berbice Riverain District.

However, Calcuni though competitive found the task difficult, as their concentrated batting effort, could only allow them to meet 172 at the end of their allotted 14 overs. Wiruni Primary won the match by 14 runs, to lift the 2017 GCB/ Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket championship for the Berbice Riverain District.

Five wickets fell off the next 33 balls. Shadab took a wicket in each of his first three overs, getting prodigious turn with both his legbreak and googly. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Turbo KO Football kicks off Wednesday

Wiruni crowned Berbice riverine champs

220, maximum 50 Overs) Niroshan Dickwella lbw b Khan 3 Upul Tharanga not out 112 Kusal Mendis c Shehzad b Ali 10 Lahiru Thirimanne lbw b Malik 12 Dinesh Chandimal b Khan 2 Milinda Siriwardana c Azam b Khan 3 Thisara Perera c Azam b Hafeez 7 Akila Dananjaya b Khan 1 Jeffrey Vandersay c Shehzad b Raees 22 Suranga Lakmal run out (Shehzad, S. Ahmed) 1 Lahiru Gamage run out (Raees) 3 Extras (lb-6 w-5) 11 Total (All out, 48 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-30, 3-70, 4-79, 5-83, 6-92, 7-93, 8-169, 9-172, 10-187 Bowling Khan 6-0-21-1, Raees 8-1-37-1, Ali 10-2-321 (w-2), Wasim 1-0-3-0, Hafeez 10-0-24-1 (w-2), Malik 4-0-17-1, Khan 9-1-47-3 (w-1) Result: Pakistan won by 32 runs Player of the match: Shadab Khan (Pakistan)

ootball in the city will continue Wednesday evening when the Turbo Energy Drink Knockout Football Tournament gets cracking at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The first match will pit Guyana Police Force FC against West Demerara’s Eagles United from 18:30h after which the youthful Pele FC will battle the improving Northern Rangers 20:30h.

Matches will continue on Saturday evening at the same venue with Georgetown Football Club taking on Silver Shattas followed by Riddim Squad against Pouderoyen.

The sixteen-team tournament has been split into two groups.

Group A will see Pele, Santos, Riddim Squad, Northern Rangers, Eagles, Silver Shattas, Uitvlught and Winners Connection.

Group B has Grove HiTech, Pouderoyen, Buxton Stars, Camptown FC, Mahaica Determinators, Kuru Kuru, Georgetown Football Club and Police.

– double header slated for Min of Education Ground

Admission to the venue is $500 and it will be the first official use of the recently installed floodlights. The lights were commissioned

In the absence of Western Tigers (yellow), the lawmen will count themselves as strong contenders for the title

The teams are competing for a first place prize of $500,000 while the runners up will receive $250,000, third place $125,000 and fourth place finishers will pocket $75,000.

by Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry after the project was undertaken by the Perta Organization with the help of local businesses and the blessings of the Ministry of Education.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

West Indies in control over Zimbabwe ‘A’

– Bishoo among the wickets

Stumps Day 2 West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite lbw b Mashinge 5 KOA Powell c Musakanda b Chinouya 1 KA Hope c †Mutumbami b Mavuta 42 SD Hope retired out 85 RL Chase retired out 79 J Blackwood lbw b Chinouya 15 SO Dowrich† c Mutombodzi b Mashinge 27 JO Holder* not out 19 Extras (b-5, lb-3, nb-3, w-4) 15 Total (For 7 wickets declared, 97.1 Overs) 336 Did not bat: SO Hetmyer, ST Gabriel, ML Cummins, AS Joseph, D Bishoo, RA Reifer, KAJ Roach Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-94, 3-94, 4-269, 5-269, 6-288, 7-336 Bowling Chinouya 19-6-552 (w-1), Tiripano 14-6-23-0, Mashinge 19.1-3-71-2 (nb-3), Chisoro 25-3-85-0, Mavuta 20-1-94-1 (w-1)

D

evendra Bishoo, who had a minimal role to play with the ball during the Test series in England, warmed up for Zimbabwe with a three-wicket haul on day two of the tour-opener in Bulawayo, but the more noteworthy effort came from their fast bowling duo of Shannon Gabriel and Miguel Cummins.

West Indians, who declared on 336 for 7, skittled Zimbabwe A for 143 in 44.1 overs. In their second innings, the West Indies went to stumps at 74 for the loss of Kraigg Brathwaite.

Cummins and Gabriel, expected to share the new ball, picked two wickets a piece while Raymon Reifer, pushing for his first Test cap, also did his chances no harm. Reifer picked up the key wicket of the experienced Chamu Chibhabha on his way to figures of 2 for 29.

Six Zimbabwe batsmen got into double digits, with just PJ Moor, the captain, topping with 32. The 39-run fifth-wicket stand between Richmond Mutumbami and Moor was the highest of the innings.

Brathwaite was out for two in the second over, but Kieran Powell and Kyle Hope, who appeared to be seeking solid match practice after failing to score a half-century on the Test tour of England, were unbeaten on 34 and 35 respectively. (ESPN Cricinfo)

M

ore known for his Super Bikes exploits, young motor-racer Matthew Vieira will make his debut at the Georgetown Grand Prix this weekend when he competes at the ‘Caribbean Showdown’ race meet.

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe A 1st Innings BB Chari c SD Hope b Cummins 5 CJ Chibhabha lbw b Reifer 27 TK Musakanda c SD Hope b Cummins 0 RP Burl lbw b Reifer 16 PJ Moor* c Hetmyer b Gabriel 32 R Mutumbami† c & b Holder 9 CT Mutombodzi c Powell b Bishoo 12 NP Mayavo b Gabriel 0

Devendra Bishoo

Vieira in gear for Georgetown Grand Prix debut Vieira, who is a regular at GT Motorsports Endurance Rental Cup, will suit up for the Georgetown Grand Prix for the first time, and he views it as a great opportunity to once again showcase his driving prowess.

The Super Bike standout is promising nothing but the best when he step on the track in the 125cc Senior category against the likes of Trinidad and Tobago’s driving sensation, Kristian Boodoosingh, and local rivals Denzel Hopkinson, Mikhail Persaud and his sister Emma Vieira among others. “The key is the set-up (of the kart), because everyone is going to have the same amount of weight, they’ll have the

Matthew Vieira

same engine, they’ll have the same chassis, so basically it’s whoever sets the kart up the best (will win), because we’re all equal.

The skills difference in the Senior is not that great so everyone is actually at the same level, so it’s going to be an equal race,” Vieira pointed out.

According to Matthew, competing on Super Bikes is a far more difficult task than karting, and he is looking to enjoy the experience come Saturday, October 21.

He is aware the 125cc Senior is a highly competitive group, but he is not backing down from the challenge. In fact, he’s positive about his chances of doing well and even finish top of the pile. “Just want to tell them (competitors) ‘good luck and watch out, I’m coming,” Vieira asserted.

The young driver also lauded the organisers for inviting Caribbean competitors, pointing out that it is a great initiative that will only serve to better the current crop of local motor-racers.

“When I was young-

er- at around 11-12 racing go-karts- we didn’t have an amazing facility like that (GT Motorsports) and we didn’t have the opportunity to race against a lot of foreign drivers. Also I think the sport will allow new people to come in and will grow and hopefully Guyana will produce very great drivers that could go all round the world and race,” Vieira explained.

The ‘Caribbean Showdown’ will see drivers from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago battling for supremacy in

different categories. 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, Rent-A-Tent, Fly Jamaica, Stag Beer, Monster Energy Drink, Exxon

TS Chisoro b Bishoo 13 DT Tiripano st †Dowrich b Bishoo 14 WT Mashinge not out 4 Extras (lb-6, nb-5) 11 Total (All out, 44.1 Overs) 143 Did not bat: NR Waller, B Mavuta, MT Chinouya, J Nyumbu, E Masuku Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-23, 3-48, 4-55, 5-94, 6-99, 7-99, 8-117, 9-138, 10-143 Bowling Gabriel 6-4-5-2, Roach 7-3-17-0, Cummins 5-28-2 (nb-2), Joseph 6-2-28-0 (nb3), Brathwaite 1-1-0-0, Reifer 5-0-29-2, Holder 3-1-4-1, Bishoo 8.1-2-28-3, Chase 3-0-18-0 West Indies 2nd Innings KC Brathwaite b Masuku 2 KOA Powell not out 34 KA Hope not out 35 Extras (lb-1, nb-2) 3 Total (For 1 wicket, 20 Overs) 74 Yet to bat: SD Hope, RL Chase, J Blackwood, SO Dowrich †, JO Holder (c), SO Hetmyer, ST Gabriel, ML Cummins, AS Joseph, D Bishoo, RA Reifer, KAJ Roach Fall of wickets: 1-3 Bowling Mashinge 5-2-150, Masuku 4-1-23-1 (nb-2), Chibhabha 4-110-0, Mavuta 5-3-160, Nyumbu 2-0-9-0 Position: West Indies lead by 267 runs with 9 wickets remaining

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, RidO-Pest and Karcher.

Holiday Super 6 cricket festival set for October 18

A

grand one-day Inter-Ministries and government agencies knockout cricket tournament organized by James Lewis is set for Wednesday October 18 at the National Cultural Center Tarmac.

The 6-Overs per side competition is expected to get underway from 09:00h with the winners expected to pocket $50,000 along with trophies and medals while the runners-up will get $20,000 and a trophy. The competition is part of the government’s social cohesion drive with the aim of helping young men to become better fathers in the future.

Registration deadline for the competition is Monday October 16 and interested teams must contact organizer Lewis on telephone number 628-1656 for more information.

sports

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Whitewash complete

Maximum points for confident Windies Women Windies reached 182/8 from their 45 overs.

Shashikala Siriwardene was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers, taking 3/26 followed by Captain Inoka Ranaweera with 2/24.

Dilani Manodara topscored in her team’s chase with 42 and Rebeca Vandort 34. The team was dismissed for 142 in 40.4 overs, 40

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runs shy of the target.

Stafanie Taylor took 3/29, while Shakera Selman had 3/30. Taylor was Player of the Match and the Series.

The tour now moves north, this time for Twenty20I matches, at the Coolidge Cricket Grounds in Antigua, on October 19, 21, 22 from 18:30h each day.

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21

Happy ladies! West Indies Women enjoying their series clean sweep at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday evening

T

he Windies Women completed a whitewash 3-0 over Sri Lanka with a 40-run victory in the final ODI in Trinidad on Sunday, as part of the ICC Women’s Championships for qualification to World Cup 2021.

It was a total team effort with batting, bowling and fielding, which allowed for the home team to take all 6 Women’s Championship points available this series.

Despite a 5-overs per side reduction due to rain, the Sri Lankans asked the Windies to bat first.

Hayley Matthews looked in solid form, stroking 4 fours in a gutsy 41 run contribution. Captain Stafanie Taylor a great all-round performance, making the

West Indies Women Captain Stafanie Taylor was the Player of the Series

Sri Lankan bowlers work hard on her way to an unbeaten 55 runs. Taylor and Matthews shared a 73-run

partnership for the second wicket of Matthews.

Merissa Aguilleira then posted 37 not out, as the

West Indies Women Innings (45 overs maximum) HK Matthews b Siriwardene 41 Kycia A Knight b Gunaratne 5 SR Taylor* b Siriwardene 55 CN Nation b Siriwardene 0 DJS Dottin lbw b Ranaweera 9 MR Aguilleira† not out 37 Kyshona A Knight c Siriwardene b Weerakkody 14 AK Peters c & b Karunaratne 0 ASS Fletcher st †Vandort b Ranaweera 3 A Mohammed not out 10 Extras (lb-2,w-6) 8 Total (For 8 wickets, 45 Overs) 182 Did not bat: SC Selman Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-91, 3-91, 4-112, 5-121, 6-150, 7-156, 8-168 Bowling Weerakkody 9-152-1 (w-1), Gunaratne 9-327-1, Karunaratne 8-0-40-1 (w-3), Ranaweera 9-0-24-2, Siriwardene 9-1-26-3 (w-2), Jayangani 1-0-11-0 Sri Lanka Women Innings (target: 183 runs from 45 overs) MDN Hansika lbw b Selman 0 BYA Mendis c & b Fletcher 18

AC Jayangani c †Aguilleira b Selman 11 MADD Surangika c & b Matthews 42 GWHM Perera run out (Taylor/ Mohammed) 8 RS Vandort† c Matthews b Taylor 36 HASD Siriwardene run out (Dottin/†Aguilleira) 7 H Karunaratne b Selman 0 SS Weerakkody c Dottin b Taylor 4 I Ranaweera* c Kycia A Knight b Taylor 5 HHC Gunaratne not out 4 Extras (lb-1, w-6) 7 Total (All Out, 40.4 Overs) 142 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-18, 3-51, 4-71, 5-101, 6-114, 7-118, 8-133, 9-134, 10-142 Bowling Selman 8-132-3 (w-3), Matthews 9-327-1, Fletcher 8-1-26-1 (w2), Mohammed 9-0-27-0 (w-1), Taylor 6.4-0-29-3 Result: West Indies Women won by 40 runs Player of the Match: Stafanie Taylor (WI) Player of the Series: Stafanie Taylor (WI)

Santos wins as golf returns to Lusignan

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E

valuating the winner by the Best Net score (normal for amateur golfing) two-time former Guyana Open Champion (1999 & 2000) Mohanlall Dinanauth chalked up victory over the competitors in the keenly contested Lusignan Golf Club’s Club Tournament of Saturday 14 October with a gross 1 over par performance. But it was reigning and three-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud whose performance was a historical marvel as he parred the course in a fascinating round of golf.

While Santos expressed that the cash prize was a great incentive for his good performance, he admitted that he had to pull out the stops to overcome Avinash Persaud. Meanwhile, Persaud on his part announced that he was serving notice to all would-be contestants - whether local or foreign - for the upcoming Guyana Open

Champion Prize, that he is in top condition and intends to defend his title at the Guyana Open scheduled for November 4 and 5.

The winners in Saturday’s Club Tournament were Best Net: 1st – Mohanlall Dinanauth (Net 64/Hcap 7); 2nd Troy Cadogan (65/26); 3rd Avinash Persaud (68/2)! Best Gross – Avinash Persaud (70) and Nearest to The Pin (approximately 4metres or 15 feet) – former LGC Captain Patrick Prashad.

Acting (and former) President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Brian Hackett was delighted at the keenness and camaraderie exhibited by the competitors, and hopes that this will be even greater for the Guyana Open. He indicated that while the Grounds are in fair condition they will be enhanced much more for the big international invitational at the start of November.

From left: Avinash Persaud, Mohanlall Dinanauth, acting President Brian Hackett and Patrick Prashad with their spoils after a rewarding day on the greens

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

Leonora Stadium to host ‘Nationals’ – Jones

By Akeem Greene

T

Director of Sport Christopher Jones

he annual National Schools Athletic Championships which is usually held in November enters its 57th year in existence and for the first time, it will be contested on a synthetic surface when the marque school event makes its mark at the National Track and Field facility at Leonora.

This disclosure was made by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport during his visit to Wakenaam on Sunday.

“I know for sure based on our discussions earlier in the year, the Leonora synthetic track is the venue that will be hosting this year’s school nation-

als. As what happens after I will not be able to say until that engagement further occurs with the Ministry of Education,” Jones revealed.

The one-week event which was held at the National Stadium, Providence in 2016, covers the disciplines from Track and Field, Swimming and Cycling is organised by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

At the conclusion of the event in 2015, the announcement was made they will move to the syntactic track, a facility which was certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 2014 and officially opened in April 2015.

Based on reporters, the initial concern of hosting the track and field events at the venue was finding the appropriate footwear for more than 1500 athletes who usually compete.

However, Jones explained that

based on the planning he would have been engaged in while his department was still under the auspices of the Ministry of Education they were been putting systems in place.

“As you know currently, the National Sports Commission [NSC] is now under the Ministry of Social Cohesion. A few months before when were under [Ministry of] Education we were essentially putting together a proposal which was to be submitted

by June. That proposal would have not only see this year’s school nationals being moved to the Leonora Synthetic track but of course future activities will be held at the same venue.” He added, “As it currently stands we have not been engaged by the Ministry [of Education] except for a meeting that was had a few weeks ago, in terms of our specific role” With other synthetic tracks slated be developed in region six and

ten, the Director contended the move would significantly aid in the development of the athletes.

“I recognise too in terms of the development of track and field, it will be a significant boost. The Ministry of Cohesion are putting down synthetic tracks in region six and ten. It provides an opportunity for our young people to utilize the facility and practice on a similar turf that they will be using if they participate regionally or internationally.”

The marque school event caters from the 15 education districts with District 10, Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani the defending champions.

They became the most successful district in the history of the championships by winning 15 titles.

The new page in history for the team came ahead of North Georgetown (District 11) who have 14 titles.

Caribbean invasion for Sunday’s T20 charity match S

Rayad Emrit

ome of the Caribbean’s top Twenty20 players are expected to grace these shores on Sunday for a Charity match at the National Stadium, Providence which is aimed at raising funds for hurricane victims in the region.

This announcement was made by Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board Anand Sanasie in an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Sunday.

“We thought of our Caribbean brothers and sisters, especially in Dominica and Barbuda with the mishap that occurred, across the region we have been discussing ways of assisting. We have partnered with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and some other sponsors to raise funds and

assist with the national and government efforts in the hurricane relief,” the Cricket West Indies Director stated.

The match will be contested between a Caribbean allstars consisting of the likes of Andre Fletcher, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Nicholas Pooran, Javon Searles, Rayad Emrit, Kevon Copper, Samuel Badree, Kesrick Williams who will battle a Guyana All-Star XI from 17:00h.

The administrator is urging all the Guyanese fans to come out in their numbers to make the event a success given the charitable gesture. It connotes for persons who are still reeling from the effects from the hurricane.

Just Saturday night, Trinidad

and Tobago hosted a similar event where their national team played a Caribbean All-Star XI at the Queen’s Park Oval but lost in the high scoring thriller.

Admission to the Party Stand is $1,500 while all other stands cost $2,000. This upcoming match is so far sponsored by Carib Beer, Camex Restaurant, GTT and Courts. ( A k e e m Greene)

Lendl Simmons

Guyana invited to Barbados Independence Archery Games …as World Archery Barbados collaborates with local body

O

n Wednesday October 11, 2017, representatives from World Archery Barbados met with representatives

from Archery Guyana to share best practices and discuss future areas of collaboration between the two regional entities, both of which

Secretary General of Archery Guyana, Nicholas Hing receives a complimentary shirt and cap from Ron Field of World Archery Barbados

are duly affiliated to the international governing body.

Archery Guyana was invited to participate in the upcoming Barbados Independence Invitational Archery Games. President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, expressed hope that in the near future Guyana can be part of the Southern Games, which venue rotates every year so very soon, this is an area which will tremendously boost Guyana’s visibility and encourage sports tourism.

President of World Archery Barbados, Richard Morris spoke on the major developments in Barbados with the Schools Training

and Junior Programme and the tremendous support they receive from their National Olympic Committee to ensure that Archery is one of the forward moving sports in Barbados. Morris together with representative Ron Field, exchanged pro-tips for working with Juniors with Archery Guyana representatives and shared best practices.

It is also envisaged that Archery Guyana will soon start a Para-Archery Programme.

SecretaryGeneral Nicholas Hing noted that at the recently concluded Indigenous Heritage Archery Games, there was a wheelchair-bound young man who expressed an in-

terest in archery. This is an area Archery Guyana will explore to ensure that all persons with disabilities

are also given opportunities to participate in Olympic sports.

President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon receives World Archery Barbados’ Plan and developmental information to assist Guyana from President Richard Morris

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 17, 2017

23

Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships 2017

Mixed fortunes for Guyana, defending champs send stern warning ute when Uruguay was awarded a penalty which Constanza Barrandeguy duly converted to the dismay of the home crowd.

Guyana’s next matchup was against the rampant Argentina Women who had earlier demolished Barbados in the day’s opening game 14-1.

Guyana fared little better as they lost by three goals to nil with Julietta Luna, Maria Navaez and

ons campaign underway.

In the other Women’s game of the day, USA Women’s team came from behind to defeat Trinidad and Tobago 7-2. Despite going down two goals early on, the USA rallied and launched an impressive counter attack.

Guyana Men beat Barbados Men 5-4

Meanwhile, Guyanese men

in

the their

Aliyah Gordon had an impressive performance in Guyana’s loss

By Michelangelo Jacobus

T

he sixth edition of the Pan American Indoor Hockey tournament opened on Monday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown with nine games on the opening day in both the Men’s and Women’s categories. On a day of mixed fortunes for the home team it was the women’s team that was first on the court.

They immediately showed their readiness for high-level competition on their debut when they opened against the more established Uruguay Women’s team with a heartbreaking 3-4 defeat.

Nerves were always going to be a factor for the home team with a number of young players, however after Uruguay took an early lead in the fourth minute through Augustina Nieto, Guyana seemed to settle into the game nicely.

They deservedly equalized through captain Trisha Woodroffe who buried a penalty in the 13th minute.

The Uruguayans were

physically imposing and it showed in the 15th minute when Maria Vianna bulldozed her way through the Guyanese defense to net Uruguay’s second goal. Milagros Algorta was next on the scoresheet as Uruguay extended their lead in the 22nd minute. The Guyanese goalie Alyssa Xavier was spectacular in goal as she repeatedly kept her side in the game with some quality saves.

Especially impressive was Aliyah Gordon who was earmarked as one of Guyana’s key players prior to the tournament and she showed remarkable skill and composure in the 23rd minute to net from distance as Guyana clawed their way back into the game.

In the 30th minute Gordon yet again took it upon herself and was the architect of a brilliant move which led to Nicole Eastman prodding the ball into the back of Uruguay’s goal.

There was a cruel twist to come in the 39th min-

Guyana’s Marvin Dannett (No 5) on the attack

Guyana’s Hilton Chester (centre) reacts after scoring against Barbados

Josefina Casteneda scoring a goal each while their defense stifled Guyana’s constant attack.

The Barbados Women’s misfortune continued when they played their second game of the day against defending champions Canada who made light work of them. This time though the score remained under double figures as Canada put five past them while conceding a single goal.

Canadian captain Lee Allison scored a brace while Angela Lancaster netted a hat-trick to get the champi-

opening game against Barbados held their nerve to win 5-4 as captain Robert France led from the front with a hat-trick. The diminutive France opened proceedings for Guyana in the sixth minute and added another in the 14th minute, Hilton Chester would make it 3-0 in the 24th minute when he finished a well-played team move to the delight of the crowd.

However, Barbados’ Che Warner recorded a double in the 25th and 28th minutes to leave the home team reeling.

Akeem Rudder lev- they won in Uruguay in eled proceedings in the 2014.

Meanwhile, earlier 32nd minute for Barbados but Jamarj Assanah got in the men’s opening fixGuyana back in front with ture, defending champia goal in 33rd minute while ons Canada gave Mexico France sealed his hat- an old fashioned shellacktrick in the 36th minute ing as they stormed to a to settle some nerves. Neil 10-0 victory to send an omFranklin however scored inous warning to would-be for Barbados in the 38th challengers for their title. minute but Guyana held on Leading for the Canadians to walk away with the valu- was Jonathan Roberts who notched up a hat-trick. able three points.

Speaking to Guyana Roberts who has Guyanese Times Sport after the roots received valumatch, local hero France able backup from teamacknowledged that the side mates Joshua Kuempel, needs to stick to their game Devohn Texeira and Adrien plan while noting that they D’Anrade.

Games will continue towere taken by surprise as Barbados is not known for day at the same venue with playing much indoor hock- the first game at 13:00h. ey. He further declared that G u y a n a will not be Time Game taking any one team 13:00h Canada vs Guyana (Women) for grant14:15h Canada vs Barbados (Men) ed as they 15:30h Argentina vs Trinidad and Tobago (Women) aim to do 16:45h Guyana vs Trinidad and Tobago (Men) better than 18:00h Uruguay vs USA (Women) the bronze 19:15h Mexico vs Argentina (Men) medal that

Day 2 Fixtures

Minister Norton promises to look into GHB land ambitions – as Pan Am championships officially opened

T

he Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) on Monday evening received some good news almost on cue even as they host the Pan American Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton promised to carry the GHB’s request for a plot of land to the “highest authorities”.

Minister Norton was at the time delivering the feature address at the official opening on day one of the championships. He promised that within a week he would have some sort of answer for the local hockey

board.

His revelation came after Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President, K.A Juman Yassin who had earlier called on the Minister and Director of Sport to make every effort to ensure that the GHB has a plot of land to make their home on.

Meanwhile, Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) representative Derek Sandison thanked the GHB and their team for volunteering to host such a prestigious event, he also commended them for the playing surface that they imported especially for the tournament pointing out that the opening day

Minister George Norton delivering his address at the official opening of the Pan American Championships

produced a number of captivating games.

Sandison also remarked that he has noticed Guyana’s marked improvement in hockey especially the outdoor format as the country has risen in the Pan American rankings.

GHB President Phillip Fernandes thanked all the fans, guests and participants for making the tournament a success as the GHB hopes to put on a good show.

Fernandes also singled out main sponsor Exxon Mobil for their invaluable support of the tournament and expressed hope that the relationship between the company and the GHB will

continue to grow.

The Canadian men and women are the defending champions. This year’s female competition is the largest in its history with seven countries participating; Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the USA and Guyana.

In the men’s competition Canada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Argentina and Guyana are vying for the gold and a spot at the 2018 World Cup. The Championships are on daily at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and entry is $500 while week long passes are available for $2,000.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships 2017

Mixed fortunes for Guyana, defending champs send stern warning Pg 23

Guyanese Goalie Alyssa Xavier saves a Uruguayan shot at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

Pg 22

Leonora Stadium to host ‘Nationals’ – Jones The stage is now set for some of Guyana’s budding junior athletics stars to make their mark at the Leonora Synthetic Track

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