Guyana times october 19, 2017

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Issue No. 3365

Sheriff Street/Mandela Ave upgrade price doubles

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$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Agriculture P9 census more unnecessary spending – Gaskin

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...as foreign companies bid for lion’s share of US$60M project

GDF Lance Corporal killed by drunken motorcyclist Pages 2&9

…security guard dies in 3-vehicle smash-up

Tax committee recommends 7% VAT

Speedboat operators threaten P10 legal action against MARAD

Page 7

Linden business donates lumber to Dominica's P15 rebuilding efforts

Diamond fire P15 leaves 5 homeless

A splendor of colour and lights illuminated the streets of Georgetown and the East Coast Demerara Highway as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Diwali motorcade made its way to the culmination point at La Bonne Intention, Guyanese were treated to a grand showcase. Below left: two young ladies light diyas at Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville; right is one of the many houses adorned with lights and diyas

Irate man sets home on fire …douses wife in gasoline, accuses her of infidelity

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Sugar Estates closure P2

250 workers to be made redundant at Enmore Estate

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thursDAY, october 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GDF Lance Corporal Sugar Estates closure killed by drunken 250 workers to be made redundant at Enmore Estate motorcyclist and these are all signs that ith less than three stewards and field secretary

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uyana Defence Force Band Corps’ Lance Corporal Devon Fraser was on Wednesday morning killed after a drunken motorcyclist struck him from behind while he was walking along the Lethem Public Road in Region Nine.

Based on reports received, the 28-year-old Fraser, of Lot 48 Goedverwagting Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was with a colleague when the motorcyclist, who was riding at a fast rate, collided with him. As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist also sustained injuries to his body.

Both Fraser and the motorcyclist were taken to the Lethem Hospital to receive medical treatment; but Fraser was pronounced dead on arrival, while the 39-year-old cyclist, of Central Lethem, was admitted a patient at the medical facility.

He was tested and found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Tiana Fraser, the late Devon Fraser’s sister, told Guyana Times that the family received the news of her brother’s demise at about 07:00h on Wednesday.

“Someone called us and informed us about the accident, and that my brother (had) died… Shortly after, officials from the Guyana Defence Force contacted the family and related that he had passed as a result of the injuries he sustained following the accident,” she detailed.

Dead: GDF Lance Corporal Devon Fraser

She explained that arrangements are being made for the body to be transported to the airport at Ogle to facilitate a post-mortem in the city. However, she could not give additional information about the accident. “We were only told that he died after a drunken man struck him from behind while riding a motorcycle,” she explained.

She related that her brother had joined the Guyana Defence Force about 12 years ago, and had been stationed at Camp Ayanganna in the city, but had travelled up to Lethem to participate in an event there.

The father of one had been expecting his second child in a few months. He leaves to mourn his wife, one-year-old son, mother, and five siblings.

The Police have launched an investigation into the fatal accident.

months left for the end of this calendar year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has already started the process of downsizing the sugar industry.

The first move will take effect on November 11, 2017, when some 250 sugar workers attached to the East Demerara Sugar Estate (Enmore) will be officially made redundant.

This is according to General Secretary of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, who told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the union was informed of that decision. Narine said he is certain that those who are likely to be affected by this move will face the same fate as those workers who were made redundant at the Wales Sugar Estate.

“I am certain it will happen, and I am most worried,” he declared, explaining that GAWU has made a request to meet with the management of GuySuCo to discuss the issues at the Skeldon Factory.

“We are unaware about what they are doing at Rose Hall, and at Skeldon there seems to be confusion.”

In a recent meeting held between the management of GuySuCo and the shop

from that estate, it was disclosed that GuySuCo is not budgeting to have a crop for 2017.

It was further disclosed that, as of January, 2018, the special project set up under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) will take control of the estate.

Only last week, GuySuCo announced plans to retrench 2,500 more workers by the end of this year. This will add to those hundreds from the Wales estate who were made redundant last year.

According to reports, this will be the single largest planned layoff in decades.

Narine said GuySuCo has somewhat back-pedaled on its original plan, which was aimed at getting the sacked sugar workers to continue working in agriculture. However, as of recent, the Corporation had made mention that it would be seeking to have these workers trained to become mechanics.

“They are talking different things at different times.

This is contrary to what they have put in the White Paper -- that they will give the people land,” Narine contended.

A delegation from the European Union (EU) is currently in Guyana conducting various assessments to assist in transitioning into

GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine

farmers the workers who will be made redundant, but Narine has said that GuySuCo has been silent on these actions and the overall plan to downsize.

“This is absolute craziness, because they haven’t said a word about what will be the future of the workers, and what they intend to do. The Government, in its White Paper, (had) said that they are going to divest themselves from Skeldon, so one expect you keep the property in good order and you maintain it properly so you get the best price; but we are seeing the opposite taking place,” he declared.

According to Narine, there has been no planting, no fertiliser application, and no chemical control activities ongoing at the estate,

there is an impending closure at year-end.

Earlier this year, Government announced plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, and reduce the annual production of sugar, among other new measures.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had said that this process would result in improving the relationship with some cane cutters, estate staff, and about 1710 private cane farmers. He declared that GuySuCo’s sugar operations would be limited to the Albion-Rose Hall, Blairmont and UitvlugtWales Estates.

The minister had also revealed plans to cut sugar production to approximately 147,000 tonnes per annum. This, according to him, will satisfy the demand in the local market (25,000 tonnes per annum); Caricom and other regional markets (50,000-60,000 tonnes per annum); the United States (12,500 tonnes per annum) and the world market (50,000 tonnes per annum).

The downsizing and subsequent closure of sugar estates would lead to the loss of more than 15,000 jobs and the potential threat of poverty for between 50,000 and 100,000 people.

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thursDAY, october 19, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, October 19 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, October 20 –05:00h-07:30h.

Thursday, October 19 – 16:15h-17:45h and Friday, October 20 –16:45h-18:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunshine in the late afternoon while cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East South-easterly to East Northeasterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 16:13h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.

Low Tide: 09:50h and 22:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.46 metre respectively.

tuesDAY, October 17, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS 06 09 12

20 21 27

02 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 06 14 15 19 21 LUCKY 3 3 1 0 Afternoon Draw

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...as foreign companies bid for lion’s share of US$60M project

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The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

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Sheriff Street/Mandela Ave upgrade price doubles

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Evening Draw

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03 05 10 11 15 17 18 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

ith an Engineer’s Estimate now standing at two times the original price — coming in at sixty-one million, four hundred and fifty thousand, seven hundred and ninety-four United States dollars (US$61,450,794), local companies have all been locked out of the lion’s share of the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue road upgrade project.

According to the notices issued by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the project entails rehabilitative works, but observers are questioning how exactly Government proposes to finance the project, since US$30 million of the US$66 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan would have been diverted towards a housing project.

At the opening of bids on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was discovered that the project has been divided into six lots. Lot Six attracted a bid security of US$200,000 for the slot of the project estimated to cost US$30.7 million.

There were only three bidders for this component of the project—all foreign-owned firms—when bids were opened on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Those bidders were Surrey Paving and Aggregate Construction Limited of Jamaica, with a bid of US$33.8 million; Namalco Construction Limited of Trinidad and Tobago, with a bid of US$43.6 million; and the Chinese-owned Sino Hydro Corporation, with a bid of US$31.1 million.

Four local companies submitted bids for the project, but none submitted bids for the most lucrative portion — Lot Six. R. Basso and Sons Construction Company submitted a bid for Lot Four of the project at US$5.1 million; while S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services submitted a bid for Lot Three at US$6.6 million.

BK International submitted bids for each of the five smaller components of the road upgrade project.

The other companies bidding for various lots of the project included Hookman Ally Limited of Trinidad of Tobago, in association with Samaroo Investments Limited, H. Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering, Amalgamated Engineering Services Limited of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kee Chanona Limited, also of

A section of Sheriff Street

Trinidad and Tobago.

The six lots into which this road network upgrade and expansion programme has been divided are as follows: Lot 1: From Rupert Craig Highway to Lamaha Canal.

The Engineer’s Estimate for this lot is seven million and sixty-three thousand, three hundred and forty-four United States dollars (US$7,063,344).

Lot 2: From Lamaha Street to David Street. The Engineer’s Estimate for this lot is seven million, four hundred and fifty-nine thousand, five hundred and sixty-four United States dollars (US$7,459, 564).

Lot 3: From Lamaha Street to the DSL Intersection. The Engineer’s Estimate for this lot is seven million, four hundred and eighty-nine thousand, three hundred and forty-three United States dollars (US$7,489,343).

Lot 4: deals with structures, and the Engineer’s Estimate for this lot is seven million, nine hundred and sixty-three thousand, nine hundred and for-

ty-four United States dollars (US$7,963,944).

Lot 5 deals with traffic signals and street lighting, and the Engineer’s Estimate stands at one million and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and sixty-eight United States dollars (US$1,039,968).

Lot 6: deals with road

works, drainage structures, street lighting and traffic lights from Rupert Craig Highway to where the project ends on Mandela Avenue. The Engineer’s Estimate for this lot stands at thirty million, seven hundred and thirty-four thousand, five hundred and forty-two United States dollars. (US$30,734,542).

The project, a Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) undertaking, had initially raised eyebrows over allegations that the bidding pool has been restricted.

The MPI, in its notice inviting bidders, had requested bidders to lodge up to Gy$41 million (US$200,000) in bid security before their proposals could even be considered for evaluation. turn to page 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

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

Eradicating poverty

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ctober 17 was observed by United Nations member countries as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. According to the UN, some 1 billion people live in extreme poverty, and more than 800 million endure hunger and malnutrition. The UN has noted that poverty is not simply measured by inadequate income, but is manifested in restricted access to health, education, sanitation, and other essential services; and too often by the denial or abuse of other fundamental human rights.

According to the UN, vast inequalities threaten economies, communities and nations, trapping people in a cycle of poverty and marginalisation. The State of World Population 2017, a flagship report of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), notes that these inequalities are not simply a matter of wealth, but also include social, racial and political dimensions which are all mutually reinforcing. The report says that, around the world, gender amplifies these inequalities. For example, too many women and girls do not have access to sexual and reproductive health care, which means they are unable to receive family planning services or antenatal care, and may be forced to give birth in unsafe conditions.

Pressed into motherhood early or repeatedly, these girls and women are less able to finish their education or enter the paid workforce, leaving their families poorer and their children with bleaker futures.

In Guyana, too many citizens are still considered living below the poverty line, and many more are still waiting to access the opportunities that would allow them to lift themselves out of poverty.

President David Granger has said before that Guyana has enough resources to banish poverty forever. However, the nation is still waiting to see what concrete plans and programmes are being put in place to address poverty, and to create “the good life” for all, which was promised on the campaign trail some two and a half years ago.

Further, rather than creating opportunities for their continued employment, thousands of sugar workers are being placed on the breadline. In spite of the mounting calls for the Coalition Government to reconsider its decision to downscale the sugar industry via closure of sugar estates, the Administration seems unmoved, and is bent on moving in a direction that would see these workers and their families being severely affected.

It could be recalled that, on May 8, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder presented to the National Assembly Government’s White Paper on the future of the sugar industry. He had announced that several sugar estates would be closed and the annual production of sugar would be reduced, among a number of other measures, as part of a new policy on the sugar industry.

Cognisant of the huge impact these closures would have on their lives, thousands of sugar workers and their families have taken to the streets over the past few months to highlight their concerns on the matter, with the hope that the Government would stop to listen. While alternative mechanisms have been touted to cushion the impact, nothing substantial has been earmarked that would stem the swelling of unemployment occasioned by the closure of these estates.

Certainly, the estates are a major source of sustenance, and their closure would be felt deeply far and wide.

Workers and their families are rightly fearful that their communities would be destroyed, families broken up, and incidents of crime and other social problems would increase.

We had suggested that the issue be brought at the national level for discussion and debate with the involvement of all stakeholders, but this was ignored.

It is the duty of the Government to address systemic socio-economic inequalities, and to facilitate the governmental engagement of all citizens. This is a necessary ingredient if Guyana is to seriously work towards eradicating poverty.

Two young ladies depict Hindu Goddesses in during the Diwali Motorcade at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara on Tuesday evening

GuySuCo’s black Friday press encounter Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), through reports appearing in several sections of the media, has taken note of the reported comments and statements made by officials of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) on October 13, 2017.

Interestingly, we noted that the corporation’s press encounter took place on a most inauspicious day – Black Friday. Maybe it was mere coincidence; or maybe, given the terrible news that GuySuCo shared, the day was most appropriate, as it only served to rub salt in the deep wounds that have been and are being inflicted by the sugar company.

Our Union noted, too, that members of the top-level of the Corporation’s hierarchy surprisingly absented themselves from engaging the press; and, instead, a second tier team was sent to do what really its ‘bosses’ should have done. We wonder why the Corporation’s top-brass chose to stay away. Is it a case of them avoiding the press, as they may be called on to defend their stewardship? It seems there may be more in the mortar than the pestle can pound.

It was most ironic that

the Corporation’s officials were like proud peacocks, beaming brightly to deliver the heartlessness and cold news that thousands of sugar workers would be sent on to the breadline. The displaced workers will join the many who have suffered a similar fate in recent times.

As the sad news was delivered, it seemed that the GuySuCo team was almost joyful when it sought to justify that such a harsh approach was necessary.

It is surprising that the sugar company, as a stateowned entity, has taken an approach of putting profits before people. Such positions are normally adopted by private enterprises, not state-owned corporations.

State enterprises the world over play an important role in promoting employment in an effort to minimise poverty and social problems.

Even in the United States, one of the bastions of capitalism, private enterprises were given support by that country’s Government in an effort to protect workers and the wider economy.

Similar factors were also recognised by then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham when he decided to nationalise the sugar industry.

The Corporation then spoke highly about its

Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP), which it says will seek to give displaced workers new skills.

While not seeking to completely throw cold water on the Corporation’s programme, we recognise that many of the skills touted are already heavily subscribed to in the local labour market. It creates a great deal of mystery as to where the jobs will come from to support the trained workers, especially in view of a generally-recognised economic slowdown.

Moreover, we are aware that the Government, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and other such programmes, has been offering such skills training to youth, among others. Over the last several years, thousands of Guyanese have benefited from such training. It would be interesting to know what has been the rate of success of those trained in obtaining jobs. We remember a study conducted not too long ago by the TVET body, which did not show very encouraging results.

The sugar company delegation then spoke about its rice experiment at Wales Estate. The public is told that some 27 bags of paddy per acre were obtained

vis-à-vis an expectation of 35 bags. The Corporation’s Diversification Options report, dated October 26, 2016 and given to our Union on December 31, 2016, says at page 13 that “…GuySuCo can achieve approximately forty (180lb) bags per acre”.

Has the Corporation lowered its expectation? It would be interesting to know the reasons for such reduction.

The Corporation’s Black Friday press encounter, in our view, only served to further expose the company’s disdain for its workers and their organisation. The show which played out at the NCN studios failed miserably to assuage the real and significant concerns that the sugar workers have with the plans for the industry.

Several concerning issues, in our mind, still remain unaddressed. The charade by GuySuCo in seeking to justify its sad and wrong positions, stands exposed for the nation, indeed the world, to see. History will not judge kindly those who lead and promote the Corporation’s plans to bring hardship to so many of our compatriots and their families.

Dear Editor, In what has been described as one of the worst accidents on the Corentyne Coast, the recent accident to have occurred at Number 59 Village, in which fatalities are horrifying, is the latest of senseless deaths.

I would appreciate some answers from the relevant ‘authorities’ on the following: Daily we see unsafe

roads, lack of signage, no lighting in dangerous areas, etc. What is being done to address these deficiencies and protect the lives of our citizens?

Many used-car dealers purchase from insurance companies cars which are written off for one reason or the other. Many of those vehicles have lost their ability to withstand collisions, having already been involved

in accidents, some with repaired chassis. Is there any specific check by the Guyana Revenue Authority to ensure that the history of the vehicles can withstand scrutiny and be considered safe for passenger use?

I would also suggest that the families of the victims seek redress from car dealers if full disclosure was not made and the severity of the accident could

have been reduced had the car been road worthy. This will ensure that people’s lives are placed before profits when car dealers import vehicles.

I would appreciate responses from the relevant authorities of these departments, if the Editor chooses to publish this letter.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine, General Secretary GAWU

Carnage on our roads

Sincerely, Roy Beepat

guyanatimesgy.com

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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

IAC calls for all facts of Deputy Solicitor General’s termination Dear Editor, The Indian Action Committee (IAC) is very concerned about two publicised high-profile incidents that occurred recently in relation to two persons; one remains in the employ of the Government, and the other was dismissed arbitrarily by the Public Service Commission hours before her term of office expired.

The IAC is referring to the clearance of any wrongdoing by Lloyda NicholasGarrett, the President’s Press Officer, by President Granger; and the termination of the services of Prithima Kissoon, Deputy Solicitor General.

The IAC strongly believes that, based on what has been published by the media, the perception of uneven treatment of these two officers, given their distinct ethnic backgrounds, can cause much unease and lack of confidence and faith in the established systems.

The IAC wishes to remind the public that the organisation had called on the Ministry of the Presidency to make public its findings in the allegation of racial slurs made by Lloyda NicholasGarrett against staff members of Indo-Guyanese origin.

The IAC is now calling upon the Government to

make public all the relevant facts concerning Prithima Kissoon’s termination of service, so that an independent determination can be made, thus enabling a fair examination of all the circumstances in an impartial manner.

The IAC expects due process to be followed in this matter, so that the final outcome can be confidently expressed to the satisfaction of the entire nation.

The IAC urges civil society, trade unions, the religious bodies, human rights organisations, the diplomatic community, and members of the National Assembly to give serious examination to

these two instances, in the interest of fairness and the concomitant removal of any suspicions of bias or discrimination.

The IAC urges strongly that these controversial episodes, based on public revelations by the various parties involved, if not dealt with judiciously, can convey a perception of unequal or unfair treatment, and therefore should be taken very seriously in the interest of social cohesion and national unity.

Yours sincerely, Indian Action Committee

Employees' mental health critical Dear Editor, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) absolutely agrees with the Director of Mental Health, Dr Util Richmond Thomas, that smart employers do foster their employees’ positive mental wellbeing. Such employers develop policies that support employees by ‘normalizing’ mental illnesses as health conditions that carry no shame; facilitate access to care, and adopt effective work re-entry programs for individuals with mental health problems.

Employers who want to maximize work productivity need to know that they will have greater success when they spend some time and resources on addressing mental health at the office.

The fact is that six in 10 people say poor mental health has impacted their concentration at work -- meaning that they are physically present but seriously underperforming.

Addressing employee mental health needs comes with a cost, but ignoring mental health in the workplace is not an option; the costs tri-

ple and quadruple when we turn a blind eye to the issue - which doesn’t make any sense. The fact is that just $1 of investment in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of $4 in better health and ability to work.

A 2008 World Health Organisation report on Guyana stated that, “75,000 to 112,500 Guyanese suffer from mental disorders and require some level of mental health care services. Of these, approximately 22,500 to 37,500 would be expected to suffer from severe mental illness. One can easily estimate the massive losses to employers and the economy because of this reality, especially since today those figures would be significantly higher”.

It is in recognition of these realities that TCV launched our Employees Mental Health Workshops last year; which, like all our other workshops, is offered for free to businesses.

We urge the Ministry of Public Health to make sure that mental health professionals are available 24/7 at

public hospitals; and where there are psych wards, mechanisms, including signage providing directions, must be put in place to make access to such wards easy and quick for anyone seeking help, given that delays and consequential frustration/anger can lead to loss of lives.

Also, the media recently reported the case of an individual with mental health issues being sentenced to imprisonment in the court.

This begs the question as to whether magistrates and judges should not first mandate psychiatric evaluation and treatment for such persons, if deemed necessary.

Perhaps Government should ensure such a mandate is in place for survivors, and

that the offer of counselling would not be selectively offered.

Finally, we believe that Guyana should join other nations, such as the US and UK, and mandate counselling in all cases where mental health issues are identified, especially at workplaces, schools and homes.

This would ensure that employers in both the private and public sectors become responsible for the mental well-being of their employees, and consequently become the smart employers that Dr Util Thomas referred to, which is desirable.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram

Why insist on resiting the Indian Arrival Monument?

Dear Editor, The report in sections of the media on October 17 suggests that the ‘authorities’ are bent on rewriting history by persisting with erecting the Monument generously donated by the Indian Government at Palmyra as opposed to Highbury, which is unquestionably the actual site where our forefathers from India first arrived in the then British Guiana. It baffles any iota of logic and is virtually sacrilegious.

I recall writing in the media somewhat jocularly in April this year, when the initial attempt to erect the monument at Palmyra collapsed, that it seemed like “cosmic justice”. And in a more serious note added that “….shifting the location of the monument….insults our collective intelligence… is obviously insensitive to

the true sentiments of the descendants of the original Indian immigrants…it is tantamount to celebrating the Berbice Slave Rebellion in Essequibo or observing the Enmore Martyrs Day at Blairmont or Skeldon”. I am now of the view that the reported continuation with Palmyra as the site for the monument is a show of arrogance and complete indifference to the facts of history as well as the sentiments of all the descendants of the original Indian immigrants.

I now call upon all like-minded descendants of the Indian immigrants to voice their disapproval while appealing to ‘the authorities’ to recant and re-site the monument to its only rightful location -- at Highbury.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

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Foundation 14 ways to be a better role model for your children

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

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our children are watching your every move, and they’re even more perceptive than you probably realise. For better or worse, they observe, learn and then imitate your behaviours, values, words, and even your expressions.

You are in a position of tremendous power because what you model will impact your children for life, but are you directing them where you want them to go? Are you the role model you want to be?

Ask yourself these 14 questions — be completely honest even if it’s scary to admit certain things about yourself.

1. Do you model a life of passion and purpose, a life in which you feel vibrant and alive?

Or, does your life include things (eg, your job) that you constantly complain about and profess to hate?

2. Do you model taking good care of yourself physically? Or, do you

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eat junk food, continue to be overweight, smoke cigarettes or not exercise?

Do you resolve conflicts with other people effectively? Or, do you withdraw, stomp your feet, slam doors, get mad or do everything you can to avoid confrontations?

Does your family see you handling life’s disappointments with a rational, positive strategy? Or, do you medicate the problems with addictive behaviours, such as overeating, or using alcohol or drugs?

Do you model financial responsibility with regard to your bills and dealings? Or, do you overindulge and live beyond your means?

Do you model high morals by avoiding such behaviours as gossiping, lying, cheating and cursing?

Do you model social responsibility by volunteering at your church,

school or local shelters and hospitals?

8. Do you model properly defined self-worth and self-esteem based on character traits? Or, do you pursue worth and value through material things, such as designer clothes and fancy cars?

9. Does your family see you reaching for something more? Or, have you gotten too comfortable in the nonthreatening sameness of your life?

10. Do you model competency in situations, or does fear slip into your interactions and keep you from doing many things?

11. Do you approach problems and setbacks as opportunities, or label every problem a crisis?

12. Do you model relationships with other people that are loving, affirming and supportive? Or, do you criticise other people, tear them down or talk behind their

backs?

13. Do you go through the day with energy, feeling totally alive? Or, are you constantly tired, stressed, emotionally flat or even depressed, worried and unhappy?

14. Do you spend genuine time with your family, including being involved in and supporting their activities, or do you back off because you’ve “got too much on your plate”?

After you evaluate your responses, it may be time to start requiring more of yourself as a parent. If you’re not modelling positive behaviour, it’s never too late to make a change.

Where do you need to improve your behaviour so you can set the right example for your children? You’re not the only role model in their lives, but you’re the only one whom you can control, so start being the adult you’d hope your children become. (HuffingtonPost)

ome parents welcome the fact that we live in an increasingly diverse society. Others may feel more hesitant, especially if they haven’t had much exposure to people different from themselves. Many children are way ahead of their parents regarding exposure to cultural differences. Their circle of friends, their schoolmates, and their athletic teams are much more varied than those of even a generation ago.

Still, parents should help their children prepare to live, learn, and work in communities that will become even more diverse. The person who is open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life.

In short, your child’s success depends on it. Success in today’s world – and tomorrow’s – depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.

About tolerance

Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity and tolerance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too.

Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds.

Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.

But does tolerance mean that all behaviours have to be accepted? Of course not. Behaviours that disrespect or hurt others, like being mean or bullying, or behaviours that break social rules, like lying or stealing, should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behaviour. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated.

How tolerance is taught

Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Children of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about.

Many parents live and work in diverse communities and have friends who are different from themselves in some (or in many) ways. Parents’ attitudes about respecting others are often so much a part of them that they rarely even think about it. They teach those attitudes simply by being themselves and living their values. Parents who demonstrate (or model) tolerance in their everyday lives send a powerful message. As a result, their children learn to appreciate differences, too.

Of course, celebrating differences of others doesn’t mean giving up your own heritage. Your family may have its own longstanding cultural and religious traditions that are something to be proud of. Families can find ways to celebrate differences of others while continuing to honour and pass down their own cultural heritage. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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thursDAY, october 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tax Committee recommends 7% VAT

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inance Minister Winston Jordan is preparing to lay the Annual Expenditures for 2018 (Budget) in the National Assembly, but many of the measures that had been presented by the Tax Reform Committee—measures recommended in support of local businesses, including the introduction of a seven per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain items -- remain unimplemented.

The matter was recently brought to the fore when committee member Christopher Ram reiterated calls for the Administration to implement them, especially the support tax measures aimed at helping to cushion small busi-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

nesses. According to Ram in a recent public missive, “the Tax Reform Committee never had the opportunity to discuss the Report or any of its

recommendations with the Minister.”

One such measure that Ram is advocating the Minister implement is reduction of 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.

The Tax Reform Committee, according to Ram, called for implementation of unlimited carry-forward and unlimited utilisation for losses incurred in the first three years; losses incurred in subsequent years should be limited to seven years and subject to a 50 per cent recovery in any one year.

Ram wants to see the

Irate man sets home on fire …douses wife in gasoline, accuses her of infidelity

The blaze that gutted two homes at Da Silva Street, Newtown

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everal persons are now homeless after a man deliberately set fire to his home located at the junction of Da Silva and De Abreu Streets in Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown on Tuesday evening, accusing his wife of infidelity.

The man, Kerwin Jarvis, reportedly arrived at the wooden-and-concrete house located on the eastern half of the property and had a heated argument with his wife, Joanne Jarvis. The two were wed sometime in January last, but he would often confront her over alleged extra-marital relationships.

Guyana Times understands that Jarvis, threatening to kill his wife, dealt her several cuffs about the body before reportedly dousing her with a liquid believed to be gasoline. Investigators said he also sprinkled the substance around the house as the attack continued. The suspect set the house alight at about 22:30h before flee-

ing the scene.

One neighbour recalled hearing a commotion in the

Relatives told this publication that the woman has since gone into hiding, fearing for her life, since her husband is still at large.

Guyana Times was told that the fire from the Jarvis home quickly engulfed the building and spread to the home that Adonie Orderson shared with her three children. She was at home at the time with her three children, and they lost everything apart from a few important documents. Orderson’s tenant, a male who lived in the lower flat, also suffered losses.

Kerwin Jarvis was said to be a drummer at the

The gutted buildings

house the couple shared, but the Da Silva Street resident did not make much of it, since it was a regular occurrence.

The woman managed to escape the attempt on her life by jumping out of a window, falling among several pieces of broken glass.

She received cuts and bruises, and was immediately rushed to a city hospital, where she was treated.

Princes Street church which the couple attended. The wife has two children from a previous marriage, and reportedly co-owned the house with her brother.

Police Public Relations Officer Shivpersaud Bacchus told Guyana Times that Police are on the hunt to apprehend the suspect as investigations into the matter continue.

Sheriff Street/Mandela Ave...

The rate set for Lot Six is US$200,000 (G$41.6 million). Lots One through Three are set at a rate of US$50,000 (G$10.4 million). Lot Four has been set at a rate of US$30,000 (G$6.2 million) while Lot Five has been earmarked at US$20,000 (G$4.1 million).

The IDB had initially approved some US$66 million for the road upgrade project, but the coalition Administration opted to divert US$30 million of that

amount towards the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for works to be undertaken in Sophia.

Piloted by the previous Administration, the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Road Upgrade project has been on the cards for a number of years, but its scope has been revised under the current Administration.

Critics have also raised eyebrows at the level of the bid security being asked, and pointed to recent lamenta-

from page 3

tions by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who had alleged tampering with the procurement process in order to award contracts to favoured supporters.

The original Engineer’s Estimate for the entire project had been set at thirty-six million, three hundred and seventy-seven thousand, five hundred and sixty-four United States dollars (US$36,377,564), but the procurement process was annulled on previous occasions.

Administration provide more 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.”

During the course of the recently held Private Sector Commission’s Business Summit, the matter of balancing taxes charged and concessional incentives offered to the business community was raised as a matter of concern.

Ram recalled that the Tax Reform Committee, in order to widen the tax net, recommended granting a tax amnesty and addressing the presumptive tax.

As it relates to supportive measures for the business community, the Tax Reform Committee had recommended the Administration increase the Value-Added Tax registration threshold from $10 million to $12 million, reduce the standard rate to 14 per cent, and introduce an intermediate rate of 7 per

cent for some types of goods.

Increasing the threshold for businesses would mean that, in addition to the reduced tax charged, businesses with a turnover of less than $12 million would not have to fall into the accounting regime.

The TRC had recommended that education services be exempted from taxation; and 21 items of education materials, including all textbooks, children’s books, dictionaries, pencils, lunch kits and charts, continue to be zero-rated; while others, including recipe books, instructional newsletters and music manuscripts, be charged at an intermediate rate of 7%.

The TRC had also recommended that VAT Returns should provide for explicit adjustments to credit carry-forwards caused by refund claims or rejection of these claims, and that GRA pay all refunds within 15 days of a claim being verified.

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 measures were never implemented, and Ram believes they should be incorporated into the 2018 Budget.

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.

The calls from Ram came following Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s statement that there would be no new taxes in the 2018 Budget— an announcement made a day before the opening of the Business Summit.

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thursDAY, october 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kitty man charged with “Saga”’s murder …jailed for ganja possession

Dead: Godfrey Scipio

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wenty-six-year-old Aubrey Bobb, main suspect in the murder of Godfrey Scipio, called “Saga”, a businessman of D’Urban Street Georgetown, was on Tuesday remanded to

prison after his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that on October 12, 2017 in Kitty, he murdered 64-year-old Scipio during the course of a robbery.

He was remanded to prison and is expected to make his return to court on November 1.

This suspect has also been charged for possession of some 58 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking, and has admitted to the court that he had same in his possession.

The cannabis was unearthed by Police when they

Audrey Bobb

swooped down on his residence in Kitty to arrest him in connection with the murder.

He pleaded guilty to that charge and was handed a jail sentence of three

years, together with a fine of $34,000.

This accused, recently released from prison, was arrested by Police after CCTV footage reportedly placed him at the scene of the murder.

After his arrest, Bobb reportedly confessed to Police that he had borrowed a gun and committed the crime.

Scipio was attacked and shot dead outside of a Kitty hotel while leaving with a female companion. He was shot as he was about to enter his car. The gunman escaped with his jewellery.

Following the shooting, Scipio was rushed to a private city hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Businessman on bail for fraud

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drian DeSouza, the 42-year-old proprietor of Central Auto Spares, was on Monday charged for fraudulently converting to his own use and benefit a motor vehicle belonging to a customer in 2015.

It is alleged that the defendant converted to his own use and benefit a Toyota Hiace minibus val-

ued at $3.5 million, while being the bailee of the said minibus, which was entrusted to him for repair by Virtual Complainant (VC) Frederick Lowe, between October 1 and October 31, 2015.

DeSouza pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his lawyer, in a petition for his client to be released on his own recognisance,

disclosed that the defendant was a popular businessman, a father of two, and the sole breadwinner of his family.

The court heard that the defendant resides in Campbellville, Georgetown and Happy Acres on the East Coast of Demerara. Moreover, the lawyer said DeSouza had always assisted in

the investigation and was in the process of repaying the monies to the complainant.

The prosecution had no objection to bail, and Magistrate Daly granted the defendant $100,000 bail pending the outcome of the trial, which is expected to commence on November 6, 2017 before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Republic Bank robbery suspects on bail

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he four men charged for the infamous botched robbery of Republic Bank just a few months ago appeared before the court of Magistrate Leron Daly on Monday as two employees of the financial institution took to the witness stand to give sworn testimony to the court.

Police Constable Anfernee Blackman, 21, of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown;

former Republic Bank employee Shawn Grimmond; Rural Constable Gladston George, 24, of 55 Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown and Keron Saunders, 24, of Lot 59 Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara were charged for allegedly attempting to rob Republic Bank on Water Street, Georgetown on July 4.

The fifth accomplice, a former bank employee

named Jamal Haynes, the reputed best friend of Elton Wray, who was shot during an exchange of gunfire with the Police, was jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to the above charge.

However, Haynes is before the courts for another robbery charge and discharging a loaded firearm at a police officer, which he had denied.

Testifying before the Magistrate on Monday were Monifer Watson and Cheyan Khan, who recounted the events of the fateful day and were grilled by the defence team to test the validity of the evidence pre-

sented to the court.

On Monday, the Magistrate accepted the defendants’ lawyers’ applications for bail, which was granted in the sum of $500,000 each. The accused men will make their next court appearance on November 10, 2017 for the continuation of the trial.

The conditions of bail stipulate that the men are to lodge their travel documents with the court and report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary on a weekly basis pending the outcome of the trial.

Friends charged for illegal gun, ammo

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ark Young, a 39-year-old businessman of Duncan Street Kitty, and his 22-year-old friend Jamal Henry, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were on Tuesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of illegal possession.

The charge against the duo alleges that on October 11, 2017 at Queen Street, Kitty, they had in their possession one .38 revolver along with six matching rounds of ammunition with-

out either being the holder of a firearm or ammunition licence.

The two men were reportedly apprehended when ranks invaded the room in which they were staying at a Kitty hotel and discovered a bag which contained the illegal items.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers revealed that either man both denied ownership of the items, throwing blame on each other.

They were both remanded to prison to reappear in court on November 3.

Talk on…

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…on food here’s been a lot of talk about food recently in Guyana. Could it be because hunger stalks the land?

People talk about what they don’t get, don’t they?

We don’t talk about the air here, do we? But we would if we had the pollution of, say, Mexico City!! So back to the food talk. Or is it because of Diwali? Your Eyewitness just learnt Diwali began an autumn post-harvest festival!!

Food!

Pressie went up to Linden and preached a new message: “Food it is; not bauxite and gold”. He was, of course, referring to the traditional economic mainstay of Region 10, which earned them the appellation of “Mining town”. This he was advising had to go - and food production was the way forward! Now, in and of itself, this wasn’t bad advice. Mining extracts stuff from the ground, and once it’s gone, it stays gone! At best, all the natives are left with are big holes in the ground.

Young folks forget the glory days of bauxite, when workers there were the nobility of the working class both in their rates of pay and living standards. Then there was nothing…zero…zilch. Lewis can blame the PPP all he wants, but both the PNC and PPP could do nothing in the end. And this is what’ll happen with gold in a while - and eventually oil.

So it seems Pressie has glimpsed this truth and is suggesting the good folks of Linden turn towards the production of food. Your Eyewitness will pass over his refusal to make the spiel to the sugar belt, where thousands and thousands of acres of drained and irrigated land are being allowed to revert to “bush” (Wales) or sold as house lots (EBD). He wants to know how Pressie will get those Lindeners -- who’ve been used to free electricity since the 1960s -- to get their toes in the mud. Like they say, once they’ve seen the bright lights, how do you get them back on the farms? Especially when there weren’t any farms to begin with!

Then there’s a letter from a well-meaning returnee to Buxton about returning Guyana to the “breadbasket of the Caribbean”. He was bigging-up farming on the coast and reminding us about the Herculean efforts of the freed slaves in creating the Village Movement. But, in his enthusiasm, he missed the central point: why those heroic folks failed in the end. they didn’t develop a commercial export crop like bananas or arrowroot etc.

But the Government can change all of that at Wales, where there are African and Indian farmers and sugar workers who can do just that.

Why has the Government left them “on their own”? …development fence Your Eyewitness has finally figured out why Guyana economy’s shrinking faster than a star collapsing into a black hole. The PNC-led APNU/AFC government hasn’t the slightest clue as to what is “development”. And you don’t need the IDB’s scathing analytical conclusion that the lack of vision goes all the way to the top. Just look at that humungous article in the Chronic about the PNC going ga-ga over their massive “development” in Region 3 -- a fence in front of their party headquarters!!

Can you believe this? Reflecting on the fence, a top PNC official complained that they’ve been “fixing a broken State,” which was inherited from the PPP. The PPP broke their fence? He continued, “This is a party of transformation, this party is on the move, it is one to be proud of!” A fence? The report concluded: “Amna Ally (Chairman of the PNC) indicated that the erection of the fence is testimony to the kind of leadership which the PNC has.”

It certainly does!! …Rodney’s indomitable spirit Celebrating their heroes, Jamaicans remembered Dr Walter Rodney and the invaluable role he played while teaching at UWI, Mona. He raised their consciousness to reject the neo-colonial Shearer government.

They asserted that “Rodney’s indomitable spirit lives on”. Maybe in Jamaica, but certainly not in Guyana!!

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

News

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thursDAY, october 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

census more Security guard dies in Agriculture unnecessary spending – Gaskin 3-vehicle smash-up G

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security guard attached to National Hardware died on Wednesday morning following a three-vehicle smashup at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is 52-year-old Joseph Harmon of Lot 9 Supply Village, EBD. Reports are the now dead man boarded a minibus and was heading home after working the night shift. As the minibus travelled along the East Bank Public Road, it stopped for a passenger.

Harmon had reportedly exited the bus, bearing registration number BSS 8672, to accommodate the passenger when a truck with registration plates GRR 9592 lost control and slammed into the bus. The security guard who was standing on the pavement was crushed while the minibus was tossed into the path of a motor car which was travelling in the opposite direction. As a result of the impact, Harmon sustained injuries to his body including lacerations to the head and a broken foot.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the truck was taken into Police custody.

When contacted, the dead man’s elderly mother, Jocelyn Harmon told Guyana Times that she was at home and re-

The minibus following the accident

ceived the news of her son’s demise almost four hours after the accident. She noted that a supervisor at the National Hardware Bond contacted her to offer his condolences and it was then she knew that her son was dead.

The grieving mother, along with other relatives travelled to Lyken Funeral Home, where she identified his body. She noted that she last saw her son as he was leaving for work on Tuesday evening. “A chair was outside, so he put in the chair and told

me to lock up the door and he left,” the woman stated.

He was in high spirits when he left home, his mother added. Harmon, the father of four boys, had been working at the National Hardware Bond at Coverden, EBD for the past 11 months.

The elderly woman told this publication that Joseph lived with her and was her only child in Guyana.

The security officer leaves to mourn his mother, four sons, and siblings among other relatives.

overnment’s recent move to acquire funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to conduct an agriculture census has been heavily criticised by outspoken economist Ramon Gaskin, who sees no dire need for such a survey to be conducted now.

Gaskin has said that, although the loan from the IDB would help to address weaknesses and gaps in the current agricultural statistics and improve agricultural data collection, he believes the US$1.9 million can be better utilized, and can instead be used to create job opportunities in agriculture.

“We need to take the money and, instead of doing a census, take the money and give it to people along the coast to do poultry and pig rearing, so we don’t have to depend on foreign imports,” he opined. The outspoken economist described this move as a “total waste of time and money.”

According to him, Government needs to spend more wisely, and such a large financial loan could have been better used to tackle not only unemployment, but many bread-and-butter issues affecting Guyana.

“It just goes to show that this Government is overtaken by ignorance. You are taking US$1.9 million to conduct a survey

when people don’t have food to eat and (don’t have) jobs? Young people are turning to crime every day because of a perceived lack of job opportunities; create avenues for employment now!” he opined.

Gaskin said that most international lending agencies are prepared to provide loans to Guyana, but that only leaves the country with a higher debt, and this leads to a poorer economy.

He said the Government of the day must prioritize its spending, and understand that these agencies do not have any obligation to the country but are in the business of lending large financial sums for projects they deem necessary.

According to him, this might necessarily be the same for Guyana, and it therefore means that the politicians and decision-makers in the Government must do intensive work before they go out to borrow loans that would have little to no impact on the Guyanese economy, or help to improve the lives of people.

He said this is a continuous mistake that has been made by past and the current administrations.

It has recently been reported that the census is aimed at providing data that would yield a sampling frame for the design of probabilistic surveys, benchmark data of the follow-up and evaluation of agriculture policies and projects, and becoming

a national agriculture statistic system.

The Government has said that the census would also help to enhance the country’s capacity to monitor the priority agriculture policy areas identified, such as food security, higher and sustainable incomes for farmers, ensuring better prices for agriculture produce, and facilitating access to various markets.

It was also revealed that the census would provide a framework for the overall social and environmental dimension of agriculture in rural development, including areas relating to health, education, water supply, electrification of rural areas, and transportation networks.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said the census would also allow for the daily functioning and decision-making, and allow for the obtaining of an impression of the state of the agriculture sector.

Government has already received approval from the IDB for the financing of the census. The administration has since recommended that FAO be the service provider for the implementation of the census. This, however, is still in the negotiation phase.

The Agriculture Ministry will be the implementing arm of the census, and the FAO the technical service provider. A steering committee has also been established to work along on the project.

10 news

ThursDAY, october 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Recaptured prisoner’s Speedboat operators threaten legal action against MARAD attempted murder trial commences S

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tafrei Alexander, one of the infamous set of prisoners who had fled the Camp Street Penitentiary in the midst of an inferno earlier this year, was on Tuesday arraigned in the High Court for the attempted murder of Curtis Thom, who was shot hours after his daughter’s christening on March 23, 2015.

The Prosecution alleges that on the day in question, at Lot 138 Laing Avenue, Georgetown, Alexander discharged a loaded firearm at Thom in a bid to murder him.

Alexander entered a not guilty plea, and Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken later addressed the empanelled 12-member jury in the presence of presiding Justice Brassington Reynolds on the State’s facts, detailing how Alexander had allegedly executed the act.

Lyken told the court that Thom and Alexander were known to each other, as they had grown up in Laing Avenue, but were not friends. According to the State, after the christening,

Thom was feeding his dogs in the early hours of March 23, 2015. Based on his beliefs, he proceeded to walk into his home backwards, when Alexander mumbled remarks and pointed a gun at him. Thom was shot twice, and was hospitalised for seven weeks, during which he obtained surgery to correct his injuries.

Detective Constable Jason Kyte of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ruimveldt Police Station was the first witness to testify in this trial.

Stafrei Alexander, who is also known as Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander was apprehended in late July after a special operation in Berbice. This came weeks after he had fled the Camp Street Penitentiary around the same time when several prisoners, including death row inmate and Bartica mass killer Mark Royden “Smallie” Williams and now dead former Policeman and prisoner Uree Varswyck, had fled.

At the time of his ar-

Recaptured Camp Street prisoner Stafrei Alexander

rest, Alexander was said to have been receiving medical attention for an existing wound. Alexander had previously fled lawful custody for six months before finally being recaptured at Kurupukari Crossing, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) in May 2016.

ome 60 members of the Parika/ Wakenaam/ Supenaam Speed Boat Association have registered their disagreement with a reported Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) missive released on May 11, 2017 to advise operators that they could not sell their “turn within the turn system” without receiving approval from MARAD. The operators contend that MARAD moved to change the policy without hearing their concerns, which according to operators “renders that decision contrary to the rules of natural justice; null, void and of no effect”.

“I have advised my clients to ignore the aforementioned letter, and they are hereby informed that any attempt to interfere with the “turn system” in the manner referred to in the said correspondence will be met with a strong legal challenge,” Attorney-at-law for the operators, Anil Nandlall, stated earlier this week.

The operators, who ply the Parika-to-Supenaam route, on Monday responded to MARAD’s “unsigned” May 11 directive, which reportedly indicated that, with immediate effect, no boat owner is authorised to sell his/

Speedboats docked at the Parika Stelling

her “turn” within the “turn system” unless so approved by the Administration”.

“Those owners desirous of discontinuing their speed boat operation must communicate same to MARAD, which is the only authority to determine the availability of the turn. Be further advised that there is no guarantee that the person who is purchasing the seller’s boat will be given the seller’s turn,” the operators have said they were told.

Guyana Times understands that the “turn system” was designed and implemented in 2002, and regulates the manner in which passenger-carrying speed boats are docked in order to be loaded with passengers. And each operator is obliged to operate his/her vessel in the very system.

“I am further instructed that over the last fifteen (15)

years, whenever my clients buy or sell these vessels, they do so with the ‘turn” to which the vessel is assigned within the “turn system”. In other words, the “turn” to which the vessel is assigned has become a part and parcel of the vessel, so much so that the value of the vessel is severely influenced by the “turn” that it enjoys in the “turn system”, the attorney representing the boatmen expressed.

According to Nandlall, the move by MARAD “takes away and deprives” his clients of their proprietary interests without compensation, which he observed is in contravention of Article 142 of the Constitution of Guyana, which guarantees a citizen the protection against deprivation of private property by the State without compensation.

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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News “Diwali is good for all of us” – President

Nachgana Dance Academy stun guests with their striking dance moves

By Paula Gomes

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t was a delightful evening at the State House on Saturday as guests, decked out in colourful traditional Indian attire, made their way into the Baridi Benab just as the sun dipped behind the garden greenery, to join in the Diwali Utsav (festival) as the nation celebrated the festival of lights.

The cordial host of the evening, President David Granger, took to the podium to welcome his guests, which comprised of various Hindu organisations and mandirs across the region from as far as Leguan in Essequibo, Saraswati Vidya Niketan School, members of the diplomatic community and Government officials, to the Diwali light up ceremony at the State House in

Main Street, Georgetown.

“It is my simple duty to welcome you here to State House in what I believe is the start of the annual series of observances…I would just like to commit to the people of Guyana that this house is a house for all Guyanese!” said President Granger in his welcoming remarks.

The President dubbed the celebration of Diwali as a national holiday a “gift of independence” by reflecting on the colonial days when the metropole refused to recognise cultural events as national holidays; consequently, locals were unable to observe their traditional holidays as such.

“This is a gift of independence, and I believe that this observance would help to build respect and understanding among the peo-

Trio nabbed with illegal firearm

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hree men were, in the wee hours of Wednesday, arrested by ranks after they were discovered in possession of an illegal firearm.

According to Police, the men, all between the ages of 22 and 26, were found at about 00:30hrs in a white Toyota Premio motorcar travelling along Sussex Street, Charlestown

Georgetown.

The vehicle was stopped and searched by ranks carrying out a standard “stop and search” operation, and the 9mm pistol, along with one matching round of ammunition, was unearthed.

The men are expected to be arraigned in court shortly. The pistol is to be tested to see if it was involved in commission of any crime.

ple of Guyana… I think this kind of observance helps Guyanese to understand each other, it demystifies the religious precepts, and it helps Guyanese to come closer to each other,” he firmly stated.

President Granger underscored the meaning of Diwali -- interpreted to mean the “festival of lights”, to symbolise the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, unity over divisiveness; while stressing that such observances on a national scale can act as a catalyst in achieving social unity and cohesion.

“It is a lesson that all Guyanese can learn: that it is not a Hindu thing, it is a national thing. Anything that brings Guyanese closer together is good, and I believe Diwali is good for all of us. Every region of Guyana should hold Diwali observances, because it is a national observance; it is no longer a geographical obser-

President David Granger and students of the Hindu College

vance. All Guyanese need to learn the lesson of coming together and overcoming poverty, overcoming illiteracy and ignorance, overcoming divisiveness…” were the influential words of the Head of State as he opened the floor for the commencement of the evening’s activities.

A series of Bhajans (devotional songs) was performed

by Success Hindu Temple

(Leguan); De Hoop Mandir, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and Huntley Shiva Mandir (ECD).

Meanwhile, the Nachghana Dance Academy of Diamond (EBD) surely did not disappoint the applauding audience with their catchy dance moves and choreography.

Students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan learning institution performed the

chanting of Shri Sukta (a devotional chant) while His Excellency lit State House’s first diya.

The guests lent a helping hand in lighting and placing hundreds of glowing diyas around the President’s residence, before engaging in a scrumptious meal of seven curries in the welcoming atmosphere of the fluttering lights.

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thursDAY, october 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese Yesu Persaud honoured CWWA President urges review of disaster preparedness

by Warwick University for water safety

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he University of Warwick in England on Monday honoured former Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Yesu Persaud for his stellar contribution to the development of global education and unveiled a brand-new stateof-the-art lecture theatre bearing his name.

The simple reception was held in the Demerara Bank auditorium on Monday, and esteemed Guyanese scholars and Warwick University representatives showered Persaud with praise for his contribution towards the advancement of education, both globally and locally.

Guyanese scholar, Professor David Dabydeen, of the Office of the President at the University of Warwick, said that the Yesu Persaud Lecture Theatre symbolises the longstanding relationship between Persaud and the University. He dubbed Persaud a model Guyanese with humble beginnings who reeks of patriotism and a passion for educational and economic development.

He noted that the University was one of the top learning institutions in the world and has always afforded Guyanese scholars the opportunity to study and lecture there. Dabydeen placed special emphasis on the Centre for Caribbean Studies, which is the first of its kind in Britain and afford persons the opportunity to learn about the history and work of Caribbean scholars.

Meanwhile, Associate Director in the Development Office at the University, Luke Taylor, lauded Persaud’s contributions to both the University and the local education sector. He also commended the businessman for the leadership roles he took on as Chairman of DDL and for the establishment of both Demerara Bank and Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED).

Persaud’s colleague and friend, Demerara Bank Limited Director Sheila George related fond memories of her late husband and Persaud. She credits him for contributing towards the restoration of free and fair elections in Guyana when he, along with others, formed the pro-democracy movement, GUARD. When his time came to speak, Persaud said that he worked tirelessly to achieve all his dreams and that to date, he has accomplished almost all of his goals. He credits hard work, dedication, determination, and perseverance as some of the qualities responsible for his accomplishments.

He said that he was not yet finished with aiding in the development of the local education sector, and cited the role he played at the University of Guyana.

He notes that Guyana needs a plan to lure skilled Guyanese with the ideas for

T

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan opens the five-day conference

Former Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Yesu Persaud receives the honorary plaque from Luke Taylor of the University of Warwick

development and that is the only way forward.

Persaud was born in 1928 at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, and started his first job as assistant to the assistant rat catcher at a sugar plantation. He went to England to study and learnt accounting before returning home to join the public service as an Inspector of Taxes.

He was instrumental in the changeover of Bookers into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). He joined Demerara Liquors Limited and Demerara Sugar Company and transformed them into DDL. He then pioneered the El Dorado brand rum, the Demerara Bank Limited, Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc, and the Guyana Trust Company Limited. He is also the Chairman and driving force behind Demerara Bank

Limited, the first indigenous Private Sector bank.

Recognising his stellar contribution, the University of Warwick granted Persaud an honorary doctorate for his work in helping in the restoration of democracy in Guyana in 1992 plus his skills as a businessman in making El Dorado into a quality world brand and the creation of IPED. He is the recipient of several national and international awards inclusive of the Gandhi Organisation Plaque, the Cacique’s Crown of Honour, the Glory of India Award and the Certificate of Excellence by the India International Friendship Society in 2005. One year later, in 2006, he would receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for his outstanding contributions to business and Indian history and culture.

he Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) kicked off its five-day conference at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, where the body’s President, Alphonsus Daniel recommended that Caribbean countries meet to review their disaster preparedness and mitigation plans to ensure that water safety measures were in place.

The CWWA collaborated with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to host the 26th Annual Conference and Exhibition, which is being held from October 16 to 20.

At the opening ceremony on Monday evening, the CWWA President highlighted the devastating impact from an intense hurricane season, saying Caribbean nations must learn from each other’s successes in guarding against such effects.

“Our friends, colleagues and peoples of the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin

Islands, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Puerto Rico and parts of the Southern United States have felt the brunt of the wrath, [but] I see signs of resilience that is required to ensure the people of the Region get back on their feet and build stronger, more resilient structures,” Daniel stated.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles observed the need for enhancing longterm water security measures in light of water pollution risks spurred by climate change. To this end, InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Representative Sergio Campos emphasised that hurricanes remind the Caribbean of its fragile water sanitation system.

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) representative O’Reilly Lewis added that the Region must pursue more resilient infrastructure as the countries continue to rebuild.

“How we manage our wa-

ter resources and dispose our liquid and solid waste impact all of today’s leading global challenges, including energy generation and usage, food security, national disaster management and the management of the environment,” he said.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan noted that CWWA member states should better address water management in the Region to reduce the threat of climate change.

“Disasters are now occurring with greater frequency that makes building climate resilience in the water sector an urgent necessity and that stronger regional cooperation has to be forged,” the Minister stressed.

The Conference and Exhibition, for which more than 400 regional and international participants were expected, will showcase new technologies, products and services that the Caribbean can utilise. It will close on Friday.

Dominican Housing Minister appeals for help D ominica’s Minister for Housing, Lands and Water Resource Management, Reginald Austrie has appealed to Caribbean States to as-

Dominica’s Minister for Housing, Lands and Water Resource Management, Reginald Austrie

sist the island, as its people continue to rebuild their lives following the widespread devastation caused

by Hurricane Maria.

On September 19, the ferocious storm made landfall as a Category Five Hurricane with winds of 160 miles per hour (260 kilometres per hour), killing 15 as it ploughed through the country, damaging the infrastructure and water systems.

Minister Austrie, in an address at the opening of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), on Monday evening noted that 70 per cent of water systems on the island was totally destroyed.

He, however, observed that 50 per cent of water access was restored.

He told the gathering that flooding was still affecting the island, noting the rivers and waterways were already compromised. He added that almost all of the nation’s agricultural supply was lost which was a far cry from the times when the island was virtually self-suffi-

cient in terms of food security.

“Over 85 or 90 per cent of our housing or infrastructure was damaged, but knowing the resilience of our people, we have started putting the pieces together. There has been tremendous support from our regional and international partners. We have done quite a bit in the last three weeks,” he stated.

He cautioned that Caribbean States must implement more measures to ensure that the nations were ready to stand against the impacts of climate change, observing that much of the disasters emanate from “man-made elements”.

Among some of the other needs, he cited, were potable water tanks, generators, welding plants, treatment plants, solar panels, and qualified engineers. Mobile phone, radio and Internet services were all damaged during the hurricane. Apart

The devastation Maria inflicted on Dominica

from Dominica, Maria affected Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States.

With Category Five winds and rain, another hurricane, Irma completely devastated Barbuda and also affected jurisdictions such as St Maarten, St Barts, St

Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands.

Chartered flights have been used by Government to transport Guyanese returning home, especially from the island of St Maarten. Charity cricket matches have been planned to raise money for relief.

news

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thursDAY, OCTOber 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Diamond fire leaves 5 homeless 21 Linden youths graduate

F

ive persons are now homeless after a mid-afternoon fire in Diamond, East Bank Demerara razed their wooden flat house on Wednesday.

The blaze started just before 16:00h at the Lot 1892 20th Avenue, Great Diamond home.

Guyana Times understands that the house is divided into two apartments owner Carmalita Singh lived in the front half, while her daughter and three grandchildren occupied the other half that was separated by a wall.

At the time of the fire, Singh was at home with the three grandchildren – aged 12, nine and five.

Speaking with this newspaper, the distraught woman related that she had just finished her chores, and was taking a shower when she heard her grandson screaming loud-

A distraught Carmalita Singh

ly. Singh said she thought the lad had taken a beating from his mother, but she decided to investigate anyway.

“So I decide to run in the house by my daughter side, and when I reach in, the fire was close to the bedroom area, high up,” she recalled.

The woman said her grandsons were playing with firecrackers all morning, and she had cautioned them to desist from so doing.

However, she could not say whether the fire was lit by the children, but added that it could be that the explosives they were playing with could have fallen into the bedroom unknowing to them.

from HEYS Programme

T

The completely destroyed house

“Whole morning I telling them don’t play with this (sparkle), and I said y’all don’t play with this thing…(One of the boys) was lighting like a steel wool, he was playing with a steel wool or whatever, and I don’t know if he was conscious that piece fall in the bedroom,” Singh explained.

The woman went on to relate that after seeing the fire, she attempted to turn off the main switch which was in her daughter’s apartment, but the heat was too much. She then rushed over to her quarters to grab her documents, but the fire had already started spreading into her space as well.

She continued that she ran out to full water and at the same time alert her neighbour.

“It didn’t really had nobody around that I could have called. I called for the neighbour, but she live alone, so it didn’t had any male persons around to help me. I get so stupid I call for the other neighbour, and by then people start running coming…

One of my son’s friend come and he started dipping gutter water, and then everybody started helping,” the woman recalled with tears in her eyes.

Singh further told this publication that about two months back, one of her other grandsons had started a fire next to the gas bottle, burning two kitchen towels. She has since been cautioning the kids against playing with fire, and had warned their mother to keep a close eye on them.

“I’m just confused… I

work and build this, nobody don’t help me,” cried the woman who moved into the house only three years ago.

At the time she was speaking with this newspaper, Singh had a towel wrapped around her back – that was the only belonging she is left with. Her neighbour had to provide her with clothing to change into, since she was showering at the time of the fire and rushed out wrapped in her towel.

However, after dousing the blaze, fire fighters were able to salvage some of Singh’s important documents, like her transport, but that was all that was saved.

Meanwhile, her daughter, Nicole Singh, related to Guyana Times that she was at her place of business when a neighbour called and told her that the house was on fire. However, she thought the man was pulling a prank on her, until he put someone else on the phone to confirm the news. She said she immediately left to go home.

“When I was coming, the fire truck was actually in front of me, and when I reach home, the place was almost burnt to the ground,” she recalled. The woman said she does not know exactly what happened, but her mother told her that the children were playing with explosives in the house.

Luckily, none of the kids were injured in the fire. “I lost everything, every single thing that was in the place…Was a good house, we had everything inside,” said the daughter.

wenty-one youths of the community of Swan, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, on Friday received certification in auto mechanic work and catering after successfully completing the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme.

The one-week training exercise concluded with the participating youths displaying their skills in both areas studied.

The youth were trained in five core areas: capacity-building, entrepreneurship, agriculture, eco-tourism, concentrated language experience, and several vocational skills.

Minister Valarie Garrido-Lowe of the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry (IPA) expressed satisfaction with the training exercise in Linden, noting that it would definitely give the developing community a boost to its tremendous potential.

“You know that when people come to visit your community they want to eat good food, they want to eat tasty food, they want to eat healthy food prepared in a hygienic manner…this will

...says charges based on evidence, not wild recommendations

T

The DPP, in lashing out at the Police said, “In doing quality investigations, they must obtain the relevant evidence in relation to the ingredients of the offences they are investigating.”

Responding to that media house, Ali-Hack’s missive read, “The DPP is not facing any major dilemma in this matter.”

She observed: “This file will be treated like all other files, and advice will be given based on the evidence contained in the file and the relevant law thereto, as is done in all files...The DPP has a constitutional mandate under which the work is done at the Office.”

The matter was brought to the fore as SOCU, while investigating accounts belonging to the State-owned

lead if you don’t have skills or education. So we are preparing you to be our future leaders” she explained.

Raphael Paris was responsible for training the auto mechanic students, while Magaret Cornette trained those pursuing culinary arts. Commending the youth for their full participation and initiative displayed, Cornette said she is proud that the group made good on the opportunity afforded.

The HEYS programme is geared at empowering Indigenous youth throughout Guyana.

L

inden-based business Chetram Brothers Sawmill has joined in the Dominica relief efforts by donating a container of greenheart lumber to assist with the rebuilding efforts of the hurricane-hit island.

Dominica’s Housing, Lands, Settlement and Water Resource Management Minister, Reginald Austrie was present during the handing-over of the materials on Monday.

The sawmill, which is located at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, is owned and op-

DPP scolds Police over ‘quality of investigation’ for charges to be filed against the GBTI Directors and its Board Chairman, for refusing to turn over ‘evidence’ to that Police outfit.

The DPP missive was directed at that publication, which alleged that Mrs AliHack is facing a major dilemma, since she is being asked to pronounce on a case against her own lawyer, Robin Stoby.

Stoby, Chairperson of the GBTI, is currently in a standoff with SOCU for refusing to hand over details of transactions with the US dollar and other bank accounts of the state-controlled GRDB. The bank had, in a public statement, pointed out that in the interest of protecting its customers’ information, it was complying with the relevant laws.

also help you to prepare delicious meals for your own family. So I would like to congratulate each and every one of you, and to wish you all the best, and (advise that you) keep the standards high,” Minister Garrido-Lowe encouraged.

The Minister added that the IPA Ministry is determined to build the capacity of Guyanese youths, especially in the hinterland areas.

“We are focusing on building capacity among the youth; because the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and you cannot

Linden business donates lumber to Dominica’s rebuilding efforts

GBTI fraud

he Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs Shalimar AliHack, has lashed out at the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force over its handling of the investigation involving a US$500 million alleged fraud involving the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

“SOCU needs to focus on doing quality investigations before sending files to these chambers for legal advice, because charges are based on evidence and not wild recommendations,” Mrs Hack said in response to an article published in the local press claiming that the DPP is slothful in carrying out her duties.

SOCU has been pressing

Some students of the culinary arts displaying a number of their dishes

GRDB, had unearthed the questionable transaction.

That investigation was triggered following the completion of a forensic audit into the operations of the GRDB and its financial affairs.

Former GRDB General Manager, Jagnarine Singh, and his then deputy, Ricky Ramraj, along with former board members Dharamkumar Seeraj and Nigel Dharamlall, have been charged and are before the court. Dharamlall and Seeraj are both Members of Parliament for the Opposition People’s Progressive Party.

The transactions that led to the SOCU investigations revolve around the Guyana/ Venezuela oil for rice deal (PetroCaribe).

Rory Chetram (left) and Dominica’s Housing, Lands, Settlement and Water Resource Management Minister, Reginald Austrie stand next to some of the donated greenheart lumber

erated by brothers Amar and Rory Chetram, who are noted for assisting with reconstruction efforts of people affected by unforeseen tragedies.

Speaking at the simple handing over, Rory Chetram said he was happy to assist, noting that the company may donate more in the future.

The Dominican Minister also noted how happy and grateful he was for the donation, as he pointed out that following the recent hurricane, the Chetram brothers wasted no time in offering assistance to the island, which suffered approximately 90 to 95 per cent housing destruction. He said while there has been support and pledges from across the Caribbean, the Chetram Brothers Sawmill is the first company from Guyana which has made a practical decision to assist with construction materials.

“They were willing to make a contribution to the relief effort. We appreciate this very much. Our needs are great, and so whatever we get from our friends and our partners we’re quite pre-

pared to accept it and we’re very happy that a small business could have come forward to make such a contribution”, Austrie said.

He explained that the island was presently still in the “clean- up” phase and was looking at tougher housing solutions to resist hurricanes stronger than Category Fiver, as he stated his belief that there can be future business in utilising greenheart lumber. Austrie said while it may take years, the island was trying to rebuild bigger, better, and stronger.

“Our reconstruction effort is going to take tremendous effort and tremendous sums...with friends like the Chetrams, we believe that we can rebuild our country,” he said.

Austrie noted additionally that he welcomed anyone with housing solutions that could withstand Category five and beyond hurricane winds to come in and discuss with them to see if a possibility of business could be arrived at to assist in the rebuild effort and future development of Dominica.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

Regional

Brazil: Amazon deforestation Security forces get special powers in crime“drops by 16%” ridden community in Jamaica’s capital

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mazon deforestation is down by 16 per cent in the year to July 2017 compared to the previous 12 months, the Brazilian Government says.

Satellite date suggest 6624 square kilometres (2460 sq miles) of forest were destroyed, down from 7893 km sq in 2015/16, Environment Minister Jose Sarney Filho said.

But the figure is still above Brazil’s climate change target.

Sarney Filho cited stiffer controls and more agents on the ground.

“When the illegal loggers know that [officers of] the Brazilian State are on location, they diminish their activities,” he said.

The size of the deforested area from August 2016 to July 2017 was four times that of Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo.

Taken state by state, the picture was mixed.

While deforestation diminished by 55 per cent in Tocantins state and by 43 per cent in Roraima, it rose by a massive 86 per cent in Amapa, according to the satellite data gathered by the Programme for the Estimation of Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon

I

Deforestation in Brazil was at its lowest in 2012

(PRODES).

Amapa is the state where the National Reserve of Copper and Associates (Renca) is located.

There was an outcry in August, when President Michel Temer signed a decree opening up parts of the reserve for mining.

A court blocked the move and the government revoked it in September.

Sarney Filho said that while the

drop was welcome news, a change of attitude was needed for a more lasting change.

“Surveillance and control help, but it is not a solution,” he said. “We will only end deforestation when we value the standing forest.”

Some environmentalists have cast doubt on whether the drop is caused by Government Police. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Fresh UN mission on the ground in Haiti with new mandate curity issues, will consolidate the progress achieved by MINUSTAH, particularly by ensuring that the Haitian National Police can function independently.

It will also work on some major new projects in the area of the rule of law, such as combating impunity, strengthening the judiciary’s professionalism and independence and establishing a prison system that is compatible with the country’s needs and respects the rights of prisoners.

MINUJUSTH will also have to work closely on the ground with the United Nations country team, which from now on will be the actor in the forefront in dealing with the country’s other challenges, especially where the Secretary General’s new approach to combating cholera is concerned.

The UN flag is raised at the opening ceremony for the new United Nations Mission For Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH)

T

he UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), which comprises 1275 Police Officers and 350 civilians, began its tour of duty on Monday dedicated to supporting the rule of law.

It replaced the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti

(MINUSTAH) which ended its operations in the French-speaking Caribbean nation after 13 years. MINUSTAH had been aimed at bringing stability to a politically chaotic Haiti.

UN officials say MINUJUSTH, a much smaller successor mission that is going to assist the Government on se-

“I am still convinced that Haiti will be able to seize the opportunity offered by this MINUJUSTH deployment to strengthen the political stability of recent years in order to pave the way toward a democratic, stable and prosperous future for all Haitians,” said UN humanitarian coordinator Mamadou Diallo. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

CDB sued by former employee T he Region’s leading lending institution is bracing for a major legal battle over the sacking of one its senior officers.

Former Director of Information Technology and Solutions at the Barbadosheadquartered Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Mark Taitt is suing the Bank, claiming he was unfairly dismissed on June 30 this year.

Little is known of the circumstances surrounding Taitt’s departure from

the financial institution which was established in 1969 to help promote economic growth in its borrowing member countries.

However, it was evident from the claims filed by Attorney-at-Law Hal Gollop, QC, that Taitt’s position was made redundant.

In the matter, which came before Madam Justice Sonia Richards on Monday, Taitt is challenging his termination on the grounds that the bank does not sat-

isfy a claim of redundancy.

Gollop said efforts at a negotiated settlement proved unsuccessful, leaving his client with little choice but to file a lawsuit against his former employer.

“Following a breakdown in negotiations between Mr Taitt and the bank, aimed at coming to an amicable resolution, Mr Taitt has filed a lawsuit. In that suit, he is asking the court to make a number of declarations,” Gollop told Barbados Today.

Some of the declarations are that the CDB is subject to the laws of Barbados under the Caribbean Development Bank Act Chapter 323; that the Bank is liable to all of the concomitant obligations associated with one’s right to enter into contract and to institute legal proceedings and that it can lay no claim to its immunity from suit under the present circumstances. Gollop said his client is also asking for costs incurred in this case. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

n a tough crackdown on crime in the West Kingston community of Denham Town, the Jamaica Government has declared the area its second zone of special operation (ZOSO) in just over a month.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the move during a news conference Tuesday, 46 days after Mount Salem, St James was the first community to get the designation. Under the Zone of Special Operations legislation, security forces are given special powers.

According to Holness, rampant gang warfare, which had resulted in murders and other crimes, had forced authorities to take what he called “strategic” action.

“The selected zone was deemed to have met the first order criteria for being considered and declared a zone,” Holness explained. “Those first order criteria would be ongoing gang warfare, ram-

pant criminality, escalating violence and murder, and a threat to rule of law.”

Police Commissioner George Quallo disclosed that there were 12 gangs currently operating in the volatile community.

“The ongoing gang feud has resulted in increased violence in the area which directly affects the free movement of residents and also has a negative impact on economic and social activities within the communities and surrounding areas,” he said.

The Top Cop added that perpetrators were generally dons and top-tier gang members who dominated the communities through illegal activities such as extortion, armed robbery and contract killings.

The first phase of Denham Town’s ZOSO saw a curfew being imposed in the area and a police-military team will take control of the area. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Bahamian girl falls to her death on Carnival Cruise Ship

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Zion Smith died aboard the Carnival Glory

dream vacation turned into a nightmare for one family after an eight-year-old Bahamian girl fell to her death on a Carnival Cruise ship over the weekend.

Zion Smith was aboard the Carnival Glory docked at Port Miami when she fell two stories on Saturday around 08:15h.

Emergency personnel from the Miami Dade Fire Rescue administered first aid to the child who was rushed to the Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Centre. However, she succumbed to her injuries.

Recounting the incident during an interview with Miami-based television station 10 WPLG, Fire Rescue Captain Ignatius Carroll said Smith was brought to the trauma centre in extremely critical condition.

Retired emergency man-

agement technician Bobb Dorr, who was among the first to perform CPR on the girl until the doctor arrived, said she had “severe injuries” as a result of the fall.

Passengers said it was traumatic experience.

Tyrone McKelvey told 7 News that when it happened, “people started screaming, people started running everywhere.”

“When we got down, we saw the body on the ground and all the blood and what not,” he added. “It was very traumatising and devastating.”

According to reports, Smith’s family had just completed a week-long cruise when the tragedy occurred.

Carnival Cruise Lines, in a brief statement, expressed condolences to the girl’s family, stating: “Our most heartfelt care and concern is with the family at this very difficult time.” (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

China's Xi lays out vision for “new era” led by “still stronger” Communist Party

C

hinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday laid out a confident vision for a more prosperous nation and its role in the world, stressing the importance of wiping out corruption and curbing industrial overcapacity, income inequality and pollution.

Opening a critical Communist Party congress, Xi pledged to build a “modern socialist country” for a “new era” that will be proudly Chinese and steadfastly ruled by the party, but open to the world.

Although his wide-ranging address made clear there were no plans for political reform, Xi said China’s development had

17

China's President Xi Jinping speaks during the opening session of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, October 18, 2017

entered a “new era”, using the phrase 36 times in a speech that ran nearly 3-1/2 hours.

“With decades of hard

work, socialism with Chinese characteristics has crossed the threshold into a new era,” Xi said.

The twice-a-decade

event, a weeklong, mostly closed-door conclave, will culminate in the selection of a new Politburo Standing Committee to rule China’s 1.4 billion people for the next five years, with Xi expected to consolidate his control and potentially retain power beyond 2022, when the next congress takes place.

The 64-year-old Xi, widely regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, spoke to more than 2000 delegates in Beijing's cavernous, red-carpeted Great Hall of the People, including 91-yearold former President Jiang Zemin. Security was tight on a rainy, smoggy day in the capital. (Excerpt from Reuters)

White House says Trump opposes Senate's bipartisan Obamacare deal

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bipartisan deal from two senators to stabilise Obamacare by restoring subsidies to health insurers suffered major setbacks on Wednesday with the White House saying President Donald Trump now opposes it and senior Republicans speaking out against it.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan signalled opposition to the deal announced on Tuesday by Republican Lamar Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray to shore up Obamacare by reviving billions of dollars of federal subsidies to insurers for two years to help lower-income Americans obtain medical coverage.

Alexander said on Wednesday Trump had

“completely engineered” the bipartisan proposal, but the President backed away from support he had expressed a day earlier.

On Tuesday, Trump said the White House was involved in the negotiations and that the agreement was “a very good solution” short-term approach but later on Tuesday and then on Wednesday said he would not support a plan that enriched insurance companies.

Trump has cut off subsidies to the companies, saying Congress has not provided money for them and that they enrich insurers.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump does not support the deal in its current form, although she called it “a good step in the right direction.”

EU leaders to call for end to North Korea's weapons programme – draft Kenyan political crisis deepens in E run-up to election uropean Union leaders will demand on Thursday that North Korea end its nuclear and ballistic weapons programme, according to the draft final statement of an EU summit.

The statement, to be delivered after a discussion among leaders on Thursday evening, will follow the lat-

est EU sanctions agreed on Monday by Foreign Ministers, which go beyond United Nations measures.

Leaders will tell Pyongyang “to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner”, the draft said.

Leaders will also say they are ready to consid-

er further measures, without specifying what they might be. Diplomats said they could include sanctions on non-EU countries still doing business with Pyongyang.

Among other steps, the European Union has now banned the sale of oil and oil products to North Korea, although that is largely

(Excerpt from Reuters)

symbolic, aimed at encouraging countries that have more significant levels of trade with the country to follow suit.

China and Russia have resisted an outright ban on crude exports.

The EU has imposed a blanket ban on doing business with North Korea.

(Reuters)

Khamenei says Iran will 'shred' nuclear deal if US quits it

I

ranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran would stick to its 2015 nuclear accord with world powers as long as the other signatories respected it, but would “shred” the deal if Washington pulled out, state TV reported.

Khamenei spoke five days after US President Donald Trump adopted a harsh new approach to Iran by refusing to certify its compliance with the deal, reached under Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama, and saying he might ultimately terminate it.

“I don’t want to waste my time on answering the rants and whoppers of the brute (US) President,” Khamenei said in a speech to students in Tehran quoted by state television.

“Trump’s stupidity

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gestures as he speaks during a meeting with students in Tehran, Iran, October 18, 2017

should not distract us from America’s deceitfulness ...

If the US tears up the deal,

we will shred it ... Everyone should know that once again America will receive a slap

in its mouth and will be defeated by Iranians.”

Trump’s move put Washington at odds with other parties to the accord – Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union – who say Washington cannot unilaterally cancel an international accord enshrined by a U.N. resolution.

Khamenei, who has the final say on Iran’s state matters, welcomed European support but said it was not sufficient.

“European states stressed their backing for the deal and condemned Trump ... We welcomed this, but it is not enough to ask Trump not to rip up the agreement. Europe needs to stand against practical measures (taken) by America.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Delhi acts against pollution menace I ndia's capital is enacting a plan to combat hazardous smog, as air pollution in Delhi hits "very severe" levels.

The plan, which includes traffic restrictions and the shutdown of a major power plant, was announced after Delhi saw severe pollution last year.

The measures, which were ordered

by a Supreme Court mandated panel, come days before the Hindu festival of Diwali. The court has already banned the sale and distribution of fireworks in Delhi ahead of the festival of Diwali.

Diwali, the most important Hindu festival in north India, celebrates the victory of good over evil.

However in the last few years, cele-

brations have seen air pollution rise to hazardous levels after many firecrackers were set off.

The winter months in Delhi already see high pollution levels due to farmers in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana burning stubble to clear their fields, and the burning of rubbish in the city. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Opposition Leader Raila Odinga has called for mass protests on October 26, presidential election day [Baz Ratner/Reuters]

T

he political crisis in Kenya appears to be deepening, with the head of the election board saying it cannot guarantee next week's presidential election rerun will be free, fair and credible.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited the country's political leaders to meet in advance of next week's vote, which President Uhuru Kenyatta insists will go ahead.

Wafula Chebukati, the IEBC Chairman, has also asked all parties to stop interfering in the election process.

Kenya is scheduled to hold a presidential election rerun next week after the country's Supreme Court annulled the results of the August 8 vote because of "irregularities" and "illegalities" in the electoral process.

In that election, more than 15 million people cast their ballots, eventual-

ly leading to a victory for Kenyatta, who secured 54 percent.

Chebukati's comments came as rallies were held in the capital Nairobi on Wednesday by the two main political parties.

The Opposition has demanded that some electoral officials in charge of the last poll should be replaced.

Opposition Leader Raila Odinga called for mass protests on October 26, the day of the presidential election, which he has refused to take part in.

"Protests will go on. On the 26th [it] will be the biggest demonstrations in the whole country," he told a rally of thousands of supporters in a suburb of Nairobi.

Odinga received almost 45 percent of the vote in the August 8 election.

Kenya has witnessed weeks of street protests leading to the deaths of several Opposition supporters.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

ARCHIE

Situations will escalate quickly.

Don’t provoke an ar(March 21gument or take on something April 19) that will put you in a bad mood. Accept the inevitable, but don’t fuel the fire.

ARIES

Look for opportunities that

TAURUS will raise your income over (April 20- time. Overreacting to changMay 20) es and situations will not help

dilbert

you maintain a good position.

Contribute tangible suggestions, not anger and frustration.

Put your own spin on GEMINI (May 21- whatever you pursue. Not evJune 20) eryone will appreciate your unique touch, but the ones who do will be accommodating and helpful. Romance is in the stars.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A change of location, surroundings or people will give you better insight into what you want out of life and what you need to do to improve your current situation.

An emotional situation VIRGO involving your offspring or (Aug. 23someone who depends on you Sept. 22) should be handled with care.

You can only do so much.

Don’t promise what you cannot deliver.

You’ll be sensitive to the LIBRA (Sept. 23- way others react. Try to conOct. 23) tain your feelings and refuse to let the little things get to you. Overreacting will put you in an awkward position.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Inch in the direction you want to go. Follow a path that you find interesting. Take on an intellectual challenge and let your memory and experience lead you to victory.

SUDOKU

Work from home if posSCORPIO sible. Plan to do things with (Oct. 24people who are just as unique Nov. 22) as you. Taking a different approach to the way you conduct your life is favored.

A steady pace and a plan SAGITTARIUS in place will help you bring (Nov. 23- about positive changes that Dec. 21) will improve your situation or surroundings. Pitching in will lead to new connections.

An even, methodical ap-

CAPRICORN proach will help you reach your (Dec. 22- destination. Don’t share too Jan. 19) much information with people

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

who may use it against you.

Listen carefully and respond with accuracy. Conduct business matters professionally.

You’ll have trouble thinkAQUARIUS ing straight. Be careful when (Jan. 20- dealing with joint ventures or Feb. 19) someone who isn’t reliable.

Situations will easily spin out of control if they’re not monitored closely.

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

Emotions will escalate PISCES (Feb. 20- when it comes to financial, March 20) legal or contractual issues.

Stay calm and use your intuitive intelligence to guide you in the right direction.

thursDAY, OCTOber 19, 2017

19

Carlos Takam has 35 victories, three defeats and one draw from his 39 professional fights

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nthony Joshua will defend his IBF and WBA heavyweight world titles against Carlos Takam after Kubrat Pulev withdrew through injury.

The bout is scheduled for 28 October at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with more than 70,000 tickets already sold.

It will be Joshua’s first fight since stopping Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April, adding the WBA title to the IBF belt he claimed in 2016.

Pulev suffered a shoulder injury in sparring, with Takam the next in line.

The CameroonianFrench 36-year-old had been on standby for the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn said.

“I received a call from [promoter] Kalle Sauerland late afternoon to inform me that Pulev had injured his shoulder and may be ruled out of the fight - this was later confirmed by his doctor,” he added.

“IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line, which is Carlos Takam.

“When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam’s team to begin camp and be on stand-

Briton Joshua has 19 wins by knockout from his 19 professional fights

by for this fight. When I called them this evening they were overjoyed and good to go.”

He added that the change of opponent put Joshua in a “difficult position”.

“Having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam,” Hearn said.

“This hasn’t happened in his career before but he is ready for all comers on 28 October.”

Speaking in September, Hearn said Joshua’s aim was to face Pulev before

meeting Cuban Luis Ortiz, the mandatory challenger for his WBA title.

He also stressed that Joshua does not want to vacate either of his belts and would rather defend them before hopefully facing WBC title holder Deontay Wilder of the United States in the summer of 2018.

The heavyweight division’s fourth recognised title is held by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, who retained the WBO belt with a points victory over Briton Hughie Fury last month. (BBC Sport)

Kemol Savory racked up 465 runs in the just-concluded Jaguars 3-Day League to pick up the best Wicket-keeper Award

By Clifton Ross

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icket-keeper/ batsman Kemol Savory has credited his time at the Guyana Jaguars Academy, saying the stint has remarkably improved his cricket both mentally and physically.

Savory, who was part of the 2017 Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day champion side Essequibo also found personal success after his 20 dismissals in the competition earned him the best wicket-keeper award for the second consecutive season.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday about his accomplishments the lefthander said, “It means a lot to me because it’s 2 years in a row that I got best keeper award. I worked hard and it paid off, credit also goes out to my coaches”.

The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) player was also among

an elite few who featured in the leading runs-scorer list with knocks of; 68, 30, 0, 25, 138, 24*, 33, 16, 20, 49, 23, 15 and 24; ending the tournament with a whopping 465 runs from the seven rounds played.

“It’s very important for me as a keeper batsman to be at the top of my game because I have to contribute with both the bat and behind the stumps for my team. I got best keeper last year but I didn’t contribute a lot with the bat as much as i wanted, but this year I worked harder and it paid off because I got runs on the table for my team and best keeper Award,” admitted Savory.

When asked on the difference between last season and this one with regards to any improvements to his game, the 21 year-old easily identified the academy as the reason behind his success. “I must say hats off to the academy, it has helped me both mentally and physically; it’s keep me fit

and improves my cricket every day. I also enjoy training with the senior guys which I learn a lot from and thanks to all my coaches as well”.

He continued, “I worked on my batting so I can bat for long periods at the wicket while being patience and scoring runs. As for my keeping, I work hard on my mental fitness so I can keep for long periods,” he admitted.

Apart from Savory, a number of youngsters in the Essequibo side had shone brightly in the 3-Day games, which lead the team to their first major domestic title.

Team Captain, Anthony Adams won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the tournament and was the second leading wickettaker while Ricardo Adams was brilliant throughout the League, scoring 464 runs with 28 wickets before joining the Guyana T20 team for the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket

Association Independence Tri20 Tournament.

Speaking on the achievements of his teammates and the overall teamwork which allowed them to secure title, Savory said “It’s a great feeling for me and my team to bring home such a win. It’s a team effort all the guys worked hard and played well so I am glad to have been able to play my part.”

With roughly a week left till Guyana prepare to open their Cricket West Indies Regional 4-Day title defence, the young batsman said while he wasn’t overly optimistic about being selected he was still confident that his performances in the league will boost his chances of making the senior team in the future. “I am very thankful that the season was good for me because the regional 4 Day team will be selected from the results of this tournament, so hopefully I will be considered,” he ended.

Steven Nobrega will hope he can have another productive outing in Bath Settlement

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he highly exciting grass track series will have its next instalment on October 29 at the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground, West Berbice.

After rounds at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground and at the aforementioned ground, the trilling action returns under the flagship of Banks DIH under their Banks Beer brand.

Organiser Sheik Yassen told Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday, that preparations are well on course for another crowd pleaser. Yassen contended that the sport continues to grow and given the enormous crowd which came to witness the action when a day/ night version of the event was held in Anna Regina, he expects the Berbicians to

come out in their numbers again.

While not confirming the number of riders slated to participate, he disclosed that it will be more than 25 including the likes of Andrew Wong, Steven Nobrega and Kenrick Spellen.

There are 10 races carded for the day, five of which are professional (12 laps each), three for the novice riders (10 laps each) and two for the newcomers (10 laps each).”

When the event was last held at the Bath Settlement ground in April, Spellen riding under the banner of R & Ganesh Mining Enterprise took the Champion rider of the day with 60 points.

Spellen was followed closely

by Junior Da Silva with 50 points and Stephen Nobrega 30.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

AB smokes

Rose Hall added to BCB 176 in comeback match T20 tourney – South Africa take series

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outh Africa’s massive 353 for 6, amplified by a career-best 176 by comeback-man AB de Villiers, proved too much for Bangladesh as they went down by 104 runs to concede the series. The win in Paarl was also made sweeter by Andile Phehlukwayo’s four-wicket haul that helped skittle out Bangladesh for 249.

De Villiers added 136 runs for the third wick-

et with Hashim Amla to drive the innings from 90 for 2. Once Amla was out for 85, de Villiers went berserk, s t r i k ing six of his seven sixes in 17 deliveries. The six-storm raised hopes of a double ton and South Africa’s 400. But that wasn’t to be as de Villiers holed

SCOREBOARD South Africa Innings (50 overs maximum) HM Amla c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Rubel Hossain 85 Q de Kock† lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 46 F du Plessis* b Shakib Al Hasan 0 AB de Villiers c Sabbir Rahman b Rubel Hossain 176 JP Duminy lbw b Rubel Hossain 30 F Behardien not out 7 D Pretorius c Imrul Kayes b Rubel Hossain 0 AL Phehlukwayo not out 0 Extras (lb-2, w-7) 9 Total (For 6 wickets, 50 Overs) 353 Did not bat: K Rabada, D Paterson, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-90, 2-90, 3-226, 4-343, 5-353, 6-353 Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 10-0-82-0 (w-1), Taskin Ahmed 9-0-71-0 (w-3), Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-60-2 (w1), Nasir Hossain 8-0-49-0, Rubel Hossain 10-0-62-4 (w1), Sabbir Rahman 1-0-11-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-16-0 (w-1)

Bangladesh Innings (target: 354 runs from 50 overs) Tamim Iqbal lbw b Pretorius 23 Imrul Kayes c de Villiers b Imran Tahir 68 Liton Das lbw b Phehlukwayo 14 Mushfiqur Rahim† c Duminy b Pretorius 60 Shakib Al Hasan c †de Kock b Imran Tahir 5 Mahmudullah b Phehlukwayo 35 Sabbir Rahman c du Plessis b Imran Tahir 17 Nasir Hossain b Phehlukwayo 3 Mashrafe Mortaza* lbw b Phehlukwayo 0 Taskin Ahmed not out 3 Rubel Hossain b Paterson 8 Extras (lb-4, w-9) 13 Total (All out, 47.5 Overs) 249 Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-69, 3-162, 4-171, 5-184, 6-219, 7-234, 8-234, 9-239, 10-249 Bowling: Rabada 9-1-40-0 (w-2), Paterson 8.5-0-67-1 (w1), Pretorius 10-0-48-2 (w-2), Phehlukwayo 10-1-40-4 (w-3), Imran Tahir 10-0-50-3 (w-1) Result: South Africa won by 104 runs and lead the series 2-0 Player of the Match: AB de Villiers (South Africa)

out at deep square i n

t h e 48th over.

Bangladesh lost openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das b y t h e 11th over.

Imrul Kayes a n d Mushfiqur Rahim added 93 runs for the third wicket thereafter, but they hardly threatened South Africa as the required run-rate escalated above eight an over by the 19th. By the 33rd over, it had crossed 10 per over.

Imrul reached his first half-century across formats in 2017, but he couldn’t convert, falling to Imran Tahir for 68. Shakib Al Hasan followed in Tahir’s next over, while Mushfiqur became Dwaine Pretorius’ second victim in the 34th over when he reached out too far to a slower, wide bouncer.

He could only slice an easy catch to JP Duminy at cover. From there, the innings was largely in a freefall as Tahir and Phehlukwayo made merry.

Earlier, South Africa started steadily through their openers again. Despite hitting just three boundaries in 17.3 overs, Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla still added 90. But when Shakib removed de Kock and Faf du Plessis in the space of four deliveries, Bangladesh had an opening.

But, they somehow found ways to fluff their l i n e s a n d

AB de Villiers marked his return with a 68ball hundred (Getty Images)

concede the advantage.

Mahmudullah missed a run-out opportunity while Nasir Hossain wasn’t swift enough in the slips when an edge flew past his left. Both were chances to remove de Villiers early in his innings.

He cashed in and brought up his half-century off just 34 balls, and a further 34 to bring up his 25th ODI century. All of his seven sixes came between backward square-leg and midwicket while a majority of his fours came through the covers.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

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he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has included Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in its upcoming T20 Competition slated set for October 22, 2017 at the Chesney Cricket Club Ground, Berbice.

According to a BCB release, the T20 will be one day affair played among four of its second division members ahead of the board’s 2nd division season which is scheduled to bowl off in November 2017.

Captain Ameer Rahaman of the Rose Hall Community Center Cricket Club has announced that the following players will represent the Club in Sundays’ game; Kristoff Bahadur, Balram Samaroo, Adrian Haralsingh, Sasenarine Sukhu, Sanjay Khan, Ameer Rahaman, Mark Sampson, Andrew Williams, Compton Hope, Kishan Ramsarran, Latchman Ramotar, Shafik Khan and Isia Thorne.

Whim Cricket Club also released the names of a few: Mahendra Charan, Deraj Venkiah, Arnold Deosaran, Tameshwar Harinarine, Navindra Deonarine, Kindal Deonarine, Yougindra Sooknannan, Umarnauth Sookshine, Venod Samaroo, Joshua Persaud, Hardat Bhual, Darmendra Balkarran, Kumar Motain, Lomas Appadu ans Surendra Budhu.

The competition will be played from at 09:00h with the preliminary matches be-

Dhieranidranauth Somwaru

ing played at 15 overs each per side. The finals will be contested in a 20 overs affair with, Mount Sinai battling Whim Cricket Club and Chesney Cricket Club squaring off against Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in the semis. The winners will then contest the final.

All teams are kindly asked to report to the Chesney Cricket Club ground for 08:00h while newly elected BCB President Dhieranidranauth Somwaru is appealing to members of the public to come out and show their support for cricket in Berbice and support the teams to ensure that the game of cricket is taken to the next level. The fixtures for the BCB’s second Division competition will be distributed to Clubs in the near future.

Powell, Hope warm SCOREBOARD up with useful knocks – 3-day game ends in tame draw

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ieran Powell (77) and Kyle Hope (61) completed half-centuries in West Indies’ second innings as the visitors had a useful outing in their tour match against Zimbabwe A. After their 126-run second-wicket partnership, West Indies’ middle order notched up useful contributions before allowing their bowlers to have a go at the Zimbabwe A batsmen. In 27 overs bowled by West Indies in the closing stages of the match, they managed to snuff out four top-order wickets before the game ended in a draw.

Powell and Hope began the final day on an overnight score of 74 for 1 and both brought up their respective fifties soon after. The Zimbabwe A bowlers failed to dismiss either set batsmen, and both of them chose to retire out instead. That allowed the West Indies middle order to have another bat, and Jermaine Blackwood (25), Shane Dowrich (37) and Shimron Hetmyer (48) took their total to 263 before they chose

to declare.

Shannon Gabriel then quickly removed the hosts’ opener Brian Chari, before a brief resistance between C h a m u Chibhabha ( 2 4 ) and Tarisai Musakanda followed.

But Raymon Riefer then removed Musakanda, after which Chibhabha and Ryan Burl returned to the pavilion as well in quick succession. The game ended with Peter Moor (10*) and Richmond Mutumbami (1*) at the crease. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Kieran Powell

Stumps Day 3 West Indies 1st Innings 336-7 decl. (S Hope 85, R Chase 79) Zimbabwe A 1st Innings 143 (D Bishoo 3-28) West Indies 2nd Innings (Overnight 74-1) KC Brathwaite b Masuku 2 KOA Powell retired out 77 KA Hope retired out 61 J Blackwood c Chibhabha b Chinouya 25 SO Dowrich† not out 37 SO Hetmyer c Chisoro b Burl 48 RA Reifer not out 0 Extras (b-4, lb-3, nb-6) 13 Total (For 5 wickets declared, 68 overs) 263 Did not bat: SD Hope, RL Chase, JO Holder (c), ST Gabriel, ML Cummins, AS Joseph, D Bishoo, KAJ Roach Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-129, 3-172, 4-177, 5-261 Bowling: Mashinge 10-523-0 (nb-1), Masuku 6-129-1 (nb-3), Chibhabha 9-3-20-0 (nb-1), Mavuta 11-4-51-0, Nyumbu 15-1-530, Mutombodzi 5-0-23-0 (nb-

1), Chisoro 6-0-34-0, Chinouya 4-0-18-1, Burl 2-0-5-1

Zimbabwe A 2nd Innings (Target 457) BB Chari c †Dowrich b Gabriel 5 CJ Chibhabha st †Dowrich b Bishoo 24 TK Musakanda c KA Hope b Reifer 12 RP Burl c †Dowrich b Cummins 4 PJ Moor* not out 10 R Mutumbami† not out 1 Extras (lb-8, nb-6) 14 Total (For 4 wickets, 27 Overs) 70 Did not bat: CT Mutombodzi, NP Mayavo, TS Chisoro, DT Tiripano, WT Mashinge, NR Waller, B Mavuta, MT Chinouya, J Nyumbu, E Masuku Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-41, 3-52, 4-65 Bowling: Gabriel 4-0-12-1 (nb-1), Holder 4-2-6-0, Roach 3-0-12-0 (nb-2), Reifer 3-111-1 (nb-1), Bishoo 7-3-51 (nb-1), Cummins 3-0-11-1 (nb-1), Brathwaite 3-1-5-0 Result: Match drawn

sports

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tefan Jeffrey will step out of the Shifter Pro Cup and dabble in the Easy Cup Heavy and Easy Cup Light at Saturday’s Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Caribbean Showdown’, organised by GT Motorsports.

Jeffrey, who is fourth in the points standing in the Shifter Pro Cup, will battle against the likes of Easy Cup Heavy points leader Shan Seejatan, Haniff Mohamed, Raymond Seebarran and Rameez Mohamed among others, while he will face off with Easy Cup Light top competitors Haniff Mohamed, Raymond Seebarran, Jean Claude Jeffrey and Brian Tenpow just to name a few.

“I’m actually weighed in to run Four-Stroke Heavy, but I will try my faith with the Four-Stroke Light boys; if the weight differential doesn’t affect me too much it should be real close battling,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey said both classes “should be fun to watch” given the “competitive” field that has signed up to the face the starter’s orders.

In terms of his preparations for Saturday’s mega race meet, which will feature drivers from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, Jeffrey, who will be powering kart #24, said he has had to overcome a minor challenge and he is now ready for the task at hand.

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T

he West Indies Full-bore Shooting Council’s (WIFBSC) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Friday which was geared towards the planning of their agenda for the next few years; according to Secretary Ryan Sampson.

Sampson told Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday that the meeting, headed by WIFBSC President John Nelson of Jamaica, touched on numerous topics pertaining to the united expansion of the sport and its affiliate members which include; Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda and Guyana.

While there were no elections, the AGM did however see member country Barbados being declared hosts of the 2018 WIFBCS tournament which is set for May. The Secretary also noted that the Guyana are aiming to participate in 2019’s Palma shoot in New Zealand, but will need to sort out the logistics a bit further.

Guyana recently celebrated their 150th anniversary as a shooting federation and Sampson said that sights are also set on attending the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Rifle Association which is set for August 2018.

He noted that while he’s optimistic of Guyana attending, it will be important for the other affiliates to try and sponsor their shooters so the members can then form a West Indies team to take part in the Canadian event.

Financially, Sampson said the WIFBSC were in a healthy position as they are currently debtless.

However, he explained that

Stefan Jeffrey (left) and his father Gavin with cart number 24 at GT Motorsports

“I’ve been driving almost every single day for the past month, except for the last week and a half where I had a minor accident; had to basically take care of a broken seat and an almost damaged back, but I should have the kart working by tonight, and hopefully drive the rest of the week and we should be ready by Saturday,” he explained.

Action will speed off at 18:00h and admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults,

$500 for children and $4,000 for the VIP experience.

The event 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-ATent, Fly Jamaica, Stag Beer, Monster Energy Drink, Exxon Mobil, Hand-inHand 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 Farm Limited, Trophy Stall, Prem’s Electrical Store, Impressions, Truck Masters, Windjammer, Super Bet, The Track Bar, Ocean Spray Hotel, Secure Innovation and Concept, Clear Waters, Marics, Rid-O-Pest and Karcher.

Ryan Sampson

despite the council giving them US$1,000 to help offset some of the finances of the recently concluded tournament, corporate sponsorship remains a huge area of concern for the National Rifle Association.

Sampson added that the WIFBSC had commended the NRA for their works in ensuring the 150th shoot was a resounding success despite its many challenges.

“They (WIFBSC) were satisfied; they also commended us for the tournament and for the markers because we had an excellent set of markers thanks to the total support of the entire Guyana Defense Force (GDF),” said Sampson.

Regarding the challenges faced while preparing for the 150th championship, the local shooter noted that more commitment from sponsors is needed going forward, adding that the team captains are in the process of filing a report to reputable ammunition manufacturer Hornady, regarding issues with some of their ammo used during the recent tournament.

UG Sport Organiser Lavern Fraser (left), accepts the donation from Anand Kalladeen as Colin Stuart looks on

I

n wake of their continued drive towards ensuring grounds across the country are cricket-ready, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), donated one Honda Brush Cutter to the University of GuyanaTurkeyen Campus.

The donation was done on Monday October 16, at the university’s Turkeyen campus in the presence of UG staff as well as

GCB Executives. Sports Organizer, Lavern Fraser accepted the token from GCB Treasurer, Anand Kalladeen and Territorial Development Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart.

Fraser thanked the Board for their donation, stating that the brush cutter will be put to good use as it is beneficial to the sports department, especially in the sport of cricket at the insti-

tution. The GCB has taken up the initiative of donating brush cutters to various organizations with the aim of enhancing cricket in and around Guyana.

As such, a number of cricket clubs and associations located in Linden, Berbice, Essequibo, East Bank and on the East Coast have received brush cutters compliments of the GCB.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

Rugby Americans North 7s…

Members of the victorious Guyana rifle team pose with the Milex/Crown Mining Long Range and WIFBSC Short Range trophies (Photo courtesy Stephan Sookram)

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The rush is on for Rugby World Cup 2018

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he National Rugby Team, commonly called Green Machine, will meet the force of their counterparts from Barbados and Cayman Islands when their Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens campaign gets cracking in Mexico City from November 25-26.

Guyana who are in pool A, are the current Caribbean Champions despite their loss in the final to Canada 5-52 in Trinidad and Tobago last year November.

Pool B pits together Jamaica, Bermuda and Dominican Republic while Pool C contains the host along with Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao and British Virgin Islands.

The men’s competition on day 1 will be a pool round robin, with seeding based on the 2016 standings. On day one, the top two teams in each pool go through to the play-off in two further pools and the remaining four teams will play off in a separate round robin tournament.

The format allows for 6 teams after day one to be in contention to win the tournament and qualify for Central American and Caribbean Games which will be held in 2018 in Barranquilla, Colombia.

On the other hand, the female team which finished fifth overall in the championships and fourth in the

Caribbean after winning the “bowl final” 17-12 against Bermuda will certainly hope they can top the six other teams.

The other teams will come from Mexico, Bermuda, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago and French Guiana. On the women’s side, a round robin tournament over two days will take place, where every team will play each other (3 matches each day per team) and final positions will be based on the standings.

Both teams are expected to continue their rigorous training scheduled this weekend in the National Park.

ollowing a long week of expert marksmanship, curtains in the 150th West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council’s (WIFBSC) Championship came down on Sunday, with team Guyana holding heads high following the final day of action at the Timehri Rifle Ranges.

A number of world-class snipers from across the globe were a part of the commemorative event of the Guyana National Rifle Association (NRA) who were celebrating their 150th anniversary alongside the WIFBSC’s championship tournament.

The hosts were up to the task, retaining their long and short range titles while a few of their shooters gave good accounts of themselves during singles action.

Irishman and Worldfamous shooter David Calvert emerged winner of the 150th individual cham-

pionship shoot-off which took place on Sunday after rain interrupted Thursday’s remaining ranges. The veteran Calvert completed his shoot to end with an aggregate of 198.18; just enough to beat off Guyanese and second place shooter Lennox Brathwaite who scored 196.12 points.

The Caribbean’s newly crowned Best shooter, National Captain Mahendra Persaud who copped the WIFBSC individual championship after an intense jostle with Calvert and fellow Irishman Alexander Gill was only the third Guyanese to feature in the final 20 batch of shooters who contested at the final 900 and 1000 yards ranges.

Persaud, who placed 11th with a collective of 186.9 points along with second place Brathwaite and Vice-captain Dylan Fields who finished 14th with

185.9; were the best of the lot for Guyana, after warding off some strong competition to finish in the last stages of the shoot.

The aforementioned shooters also played a crucial role in the team events sponsored by Milex/Crown Mining for the Long Range Cup which was contested by only West Indies teams. The International Long Range shoot sponsored by Queensway Group of Companies also belonged to team Guyana who made it their duty to capture both the West Indies and International Cups.

Apart from personal and team achievements, the facility itself at the Rifle Ranges benefitted tremendously from the works done by the NRA Executives who worked relentlessly to ensure that international standards were met for the shoot and tournaments beyond.

GFA/Stag Premier League 2017-18…

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Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (standing at the back) with Wakenaam Domino champions All-Stars last Sunday

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ll-Stars chalked up 74 games to win beat out V-Net Communications and Eat and Beat in the final of the Mike’s Pharmacy dominoes competition which was contested on Sunday last at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good

Success.

All-Stars were led by Mohamed Kalam and Satnarine Singh with 14 games each while V-Net Communications edged Eat and Beat to second place.

Both V-Net and Eat and Beat were tied on 72 games, but V-Net prevailed after ac-

counting for more sixes (6) ahead of Eat and Beat who made five.

James Ramnarine and Krishundat Hansraj made 13 each for V-Net while Sherwin Narine made 17 games for Eat and Beat to earn the Most Valuable Player award.

antos FC, Beacon FC, Police FC, GFC and Camptown FC shared the spoils of victory after the first two nights of the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Stag Premier League.

On Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground Beacon defeated Black Pearl 4-1 to get the tournament underway. Quacy McAulay led the line for Beacon with a brace in the 32nd and 50th minutes while Deron Bowen also snared a double, netting in the 25th and 45th minutes respectively.

Jason Clark scored Black Pearl’s consolation goal in the 56th minute.

Also playing on Sunday were Camptown and Pele with the former winning that matchup 2-1 with Richie Richards finding the back of the net twice for the winners while Lloyd Anderson hauled one back for Pele.

Meanwhile, in the feature match for that night, Police brushed aside Riddim Squad 4-1. Kester Dundas,

Shemar Fraser, Travis Jones and Dwayne Jacobs scored a goal apiece for the lawmen while Riddim Squad’s lone goal came courtesy of Amos Ramsay.

On Monday evening, hosts GFC secured a walkover from Flamingo while Santos brushed aside Northern Rangers 3-0.

The tournament will continue on Friday with another double-header at GFC and continue on Sunday with a triple-header at the same venue.

On Friday, Police are down to play Flamingo from 18:00h and Northern Rangers come up against Camptown from 20:00h. On Sunday, GFC will take on Black Pearl from 16:00h, Riddim Squad will oppose Beacon from 18:00h and Pele face Santos from 20:00h.

23

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, october 19, 2017

Pan-Am Indoor Hockey Championships 2017…

Guyana’s Gabriella Xavier on the attack during her team’s game against Barbados

By Michelangelo Jacobus

A

c o m m a n d i n g performance from Guyana’s captain Robert France who had an attackers dream of a game ensured Guyana blew away Mexico 120. While they looked disjointed and out of sorts on Tuesday, the Guyanese rebounded spectacularly to make light work of the Central American visitors as action in the Pan American Indoor Hockey Tournament entered day three in Georgetown.

On Diwali day in Guyana, France lit up the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when he provoked the Mexican defence with a double helmet-trick. The Guyanese captain opened proceedings with two goals in the third minute before Jason De Santos got in on the act in the 9th minute. France then sunk another double in the 12th and 14th minutes before Jamarj Assanah made it 6-0 in the 15th minute to cap a commanding first half performance.

When the second half began, it was a situation of different period-same result as France picked up from right where he left off. The captain was in scintillating form when he netted four more goals in the 24th, 25th, 27th and 29th minutes to take his game haul to a whopping eight goals.

Mexico had no answer to Guyana’s attack and were equally clueless going ahead.

Andrew Stewart and Hilton

Chester rounded off the victory for the home side with goals in the 26th and 34th minutes.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport after his side’s victory, France explained that he came into the game “angry” because of their loss to Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday. He noted that that it was important for Guyana to win and gain confidence as they will be facing the defending champions Canada today.

Canada beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 In other day three action, defending champions Canada Women made light work of the ladies from Trinidad and Tobago as they won the opening game of day. Once again Canada was led by the in form Kathleen Leahy who scored twice from penalty corners to cement her team’s top spot in the Women’s Division. Despite the game going scoreless for the majority of the first half, Leahy made the breakthrough in the 20th minute. She made it 2-0 in the 31st minute while Shannon Pereira made sealed the victory with an eye catching field goal in the 32nd minute.

champions Canada as the only undefeated teams thus far.

The twin island republic was led with hat-tricks from Akim Toussaint and Jordan Vieira.

Barbados took an early lead through Neil Franklin in the fifth minute but Trinidad’s Marcus James leveled proceedings just two minutes later. Next up for Trinidad was Jordan Reynos who made it 2-1 in the 9th minute. Toussaint then added two goals in two minutes (18th and 19th) as Trinidad began taking the game away from Barbados. Meanwhile Jordan Vieira scored three successive goals in the 23rd, 36th and 39th minutes while Toussaint sealed his treble in the 40th minute. Barbados’ Che Warner managed to pull one back in the 39th minute.

USA beat Argentina 4-2 The USA women showed their title credentials as Ali Campbell scored all four of their goals in their 4-2 defeat of Argentina. Campbell struck in the 10th, 18th, 22nd and 31st minutes as USA seemed to be running away with the game.

However, the Argentines hit back with two late goals to add a bit of a twist. Julieta Luna and Emma Yanzi scored in the 35th and 39th minutes but it was too little too late.

Trinidad and Tobago beat Barbados 8-2 Meanwhile, the Trinidadian men’s winning streak continued with an 8-2 drubbing of Barbados. With the win, the Trinis joined defending

Guyana down Barbados 5-1 With Aliyah Gordon out of the tournament due to a torn ligament, the Guyana National Women’s team needed someone to step up their game and take the reins; Gabriella Xavier raised her hand and answered the call as she had a terrific first half against Barbados in her side’s 5-1 victory.

Xavier netted from two penalty corners in the fifth and 14th minutes to give Guyana a 2-0 lead early in the game. Kerensa Fernandes then extended the lead in the next minute with a well worked field goal following some skillful

Leon Johnson

Rayad Emrit

familiar T20 big guns like; Jonathan Foo, Robin Bacchus, Steven Jacob, Ronsford Beaton, Chris Barnwell and others.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean XI are also expected to field some of the more sought after T20 power players with the likes of; Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher, Fidel Edwards, Kevon Cooper, the very animated Kesrick Williams

among others.

The half-time show is expected to feature live performances from Guyanese acts such as; Timeka Marshall, Natural Black and Jomo with tickets for that Party Stand costing $1,500 while the Red, Green and Orange stand tickets cost $2,000.

The start time on Sunday afternoon is 17:00h while tickets are expected to go on

Day 4 Fixtures

After a very fast-paced game between USA and Argentina Women, it was the South Americans that were left standing

work by Chantel Fernandes.

However, Barbados pulled one back just before halftime through Cher King with a penalty corner in the 19th minute. At the interval, the score line read; Guyana 3, Barbados 1.

In the first minute of the second half, Nicole Eastman added to the visitors’ misery with a shot on goal before Marzan Fiedtkou expertly dispatched a direct penalty in the 32nd minute to completely take the game away from the

Barbadian ladies.

Meanwhile Coach of the Guyana team, Dwayne Scott is of the opinion that his side is not out of the running for a top three finish as was reflected in their defeat of Barbados.

While acknowledging that the loss of Gordon is a huge setback he pointed out that the team is still a good one with numerous other players able to step up at times, the plan for the remaining games is to execute their plays as much as possible.

G

uyana’s lone FIFA female referee, Maurees Skeete, is currently in Costa Rica attending the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF) 2017 Women’s Elite Referee/Assistant Referee Course from October 19 to 22.

Skeete is the only participating referee from Guyana in this four-day course, which is taking place at the Barcelo San Jose Hotel in Costa Rica. Manager of Refereeing, Mark Cahen, and Refereeing Administrator, Michelle Savani, will oversee the entire initiative.

In brief remarks, Head of Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster expressed: “Based on Skeete’s continued

Time

Game

11:30h

Canada vs Uruguay (Women)

12:45h

USA vs Barbados (Women)

14:00h

Trinidad & Tobagao vs Guyana (Women)

15:15h

Trinidad & Tobago vs Mexico (Men)

16:30h

Canada vs Argentina (Women)

17:45h

Uruguay vs Barbados (Women)

19:00h

USA vs Guyana (Women)

20:15h

Guyana vs Canada (Men)

21:30h

Barbados vs Argentina (Men)

high performance she has been placed as a Tier 2 CONCACAF Referee. This will serve as an encouragement to

up and coming female officials and help to motivate other females to come onboard. We need an increase in our female referees, not just in numbers but in quality.”

CONCACAF’s Technical Instructors Kari Seitz, Jennifer Bennett, Luis Hernandez and Leonel Leal will conduct the course complemented

by Fitness Instructors Allan Browne and Kelesha Antoine.

The Women’s Elite Referee Course is designed to continue the development of the Women Elite Referees and Assistant Referees and will field 38 participants. Activities for the course will include technical / practical training and physical fitness testing. It will utilize classroom and field sessions, including video tests.

Dwayne Smith

Ronsford Beaton

Lendl Simmons

sale from Friday at Poonai’s Pharmacy in Rose Hall Town, Little Rock Hotel in New Amsterdam, M&Ms on the East Bank Demerara, Saro Boy Groceries in Buxton, Nimbus Water in Vreed-en-Hoop, Big Yard Auto Sales in Tuschen and Dan’s Snackett in Parika.

Guyana T20 team: Leon Johnson (Captain), Robin Bacchus, Sherfane Rutherford, Johnathan Foo, Gajanand

Singh, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Ricardo Adams, Chris Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton and Ramaal Lewis Caribbean All Stars: Rayad Emrit (Trinidad & Tobago) (Captain), Lendl Simmons (Trinidad & Tobago), Dwayne Smith (Barbados), Andre Fletcher (Grenada), Nicholas

Pooran (Trinidad & Tobago), Kjorn Ottly (Trinidad & Tobago), Kevin Cooper (Trinidad & Tobago), Kesrick Williams (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), Javon Searles (Barbados), Fidel Edwards (Barbados), Suleiman Benn (Barbados), Lennox Cush (Guyana), Joshua Wade (Guyana), Andre Stoll (Guyana) and Romain Muniram (Guyana).

Guyana’s only female FIFA Referee, Maurees Skeete

L

eon Johnson will lead Guyana’s T20 team into battle against the Caribbean All Stars side led by Rayad Emrit on Sunday October 22 at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence as part of a Hurricane relief initiative.

The match, according to Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sean Devers will be played solely on the basis of providing assistance for victims of the recent hurricanes which ravaged parts of the Caribbean including Dominica, Barbuda and St Marteen, while providing a scintillating environment for T20 cricket lovers.

Johnson will lead the T20 side which recently returned from the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Tri20 invitational T20 where his team played well to reach finals before losing to Jamaica.

Guyana will bring out their

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Pan-Am Indoor Hockey Championships 2017…

Pg 23

Guyana’s Captain Robert France lit up the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Diwali Day with a double helmet-trick against Mexico

Marzana Fiedtkou (partially hidden) buries her penalty to seal Guyana’s victory

Rugby Americans North 7s…

Pg 22

Sevens is the format of the sport in which the Green Machine has enjoyed the most success (Photo courtesy of Ash Allen Photography)

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