Guyana times october 23,2017

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, October 23, 2017

Issue No. 3370

PRICE

GECOM Chair selection

Deep fear created over prospect of future elections Page 7

– fmr Speaker

3 killed in Vreed-en-Hoop accident

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Indigenous people P13 deserve respect

…says newly-crowned Miss Cultured Guyana

Recaptured prisoner’s attempted murder trial

Was there another P12 shooter?

Page 9

Guyana P2 walks away with 11 CXC awards

The car driven by Mohan

Dead: Deodat Mohan

Dead: Tillesha Terika Singh

The fallen utility pole

Suspect who burnt wife’s house to make court appearance today Page 11

Dead: Reaz Barakat

Unilateral Page 9 appointment of GECOM Chair makes no political sense – WPA executive

…Bhopaul named CSEC Top Performer …Queen’s College dubbed "School of the Year" by CXC

NA family P12 fearful after teen makes second attempt to burn their home

2 news

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana walks away with 11 CXC awards …Bhopaul named CSEC Top Performer …Queen’s College dubbed “School of the Year” by CXC

E

ven with the Ministry of Education initially indicating dissatisfaction upon announcing the country’s performance at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examinations this

runner at the Caribbean Examinations.

Continuing on his reign of academic success is Queen’s College student Michael Bhopaul, who single-handedly won four of the nine CSEC Awards.

Grades Ones at all 25 of the subject areas he pursued.

Stemming from his landmark achievement, the QC boy was named the Most Outstanding Performer at CSEC 2017.

But as if that were not

Best Performer in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, CAPE 2017, Shannon Woodroffe Queen’s College, Camp Street

year, Guyanese students collectively managed to cop a total of 11 of the Regional Awards offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Of the nine Regional Awards up for grabs at the CSEC level, Guyana walked away with a whopping seven, placing the country once again as a front

Preliminary results revealed that Bhopaul secured a groundbreaking 25 passes at the secondary level regional assessment, 24 of which were Grade Ones, along with 1 Grade Two. However, confident in his performance, the 16-yearold reviewed his results and subsequently discovered that he in fact scored

enough, Bhopaul also won himself the Best Performer title in three other categories by scooping up the Business, Science and Technical Vocational awards.

Adding to that, Queen’s College produced two other regional awardees emanating from the 2017 CSEC examinations. They are

Rawletta Barrow, who secured the Best Humanities prize; and Aatiqua Roshandin, who walked away with the first ever ACCA Accounting Award offered by CXC, which took effect as of this year.

Meanwhile, a student of the St. Stanislaus College won the Best Short Story prize. The remaining two awards, which were for

CSEC Top Performer 2017 Michael Bhopaul

the top spots in Visual Arts (Two-Dimensional) and Visual Arts (ThreeDimensional), were respectively copped by students from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

Guyana’s Queen’s College has, for the second year in a row, been dubbed the School of the Year by the Caribbean Examinations Council.

Moreover, two Guyanese students who sat the

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) this year recorded remarkable achievements for their schools and country by earning regional awards at this level as well.

QC Sixth Form student Shannon Woodroffe was ranked as the Best Performer in Natural Sciences as well as Mathematics.

She was joined by St. Roses High School’s Shawn Shewram, who raked in the Best Business Studies and the ACCA Accounting awards at CAPE 2017.

Woodroffe now holds the record of being one of two students throughout the region to win awards at both the CSEC and CAPE levels, while Shewram goes down in history as the first ever recipient of the ACCA Accounting award at CAPE. Guyana has, in recent years, been known to sweep the top prizes at the CXC awards, particularly for the CSEC examinations.

However, this year has seen a significant improvement after the country managed to secure only two prizes at CSEC 2016.

Despite Guyanese dominating at the CXC Hall of Fame this year, the Ministry of Education is yet to issue an official statement acknowledging the accomplishments of the nation’s top performers.

news

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monDAY, october 23, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

GECOM Chair selection fiasco

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 23 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, October 24 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 23 – 05:55h-07:25h and Tuesday, October 24 – 06:30h-08:00h.

Opposition will win battle against ‘dictatorship’ – Gaskin predicts

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 cloudy skies in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East South-easterly to East Northeasterly between 0.89 metre and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 06:12h and 18:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.63 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:58h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.

SATURDAY, October 21, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

11

15 16

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28 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 01 02 11 13

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

Political commentator and economist Ramon Gaskin

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo as he vows to oppose the appointment

By Samuel Sukhnandan

W

hile describing as unlawful and unconstitutional the recent decision taken by President David Granger to unilaterally select someone of his choice to head the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), outspoken economist and political commentator Ramon Gaskin has said that on that basis alone, he is confident the parliamentary Opposition would win the battle against ‘dictatorship.’

He maintains that the Constitution says the GECOM Chair has to be picked from a list presented by the Opposition Leader, and unless there is no list presented, the President cannot himself pick someone.

“The Constitution is clear.

We have been following this system since 1992. We know the system, and there is no need to change it now. There are no ifs and buts about that,” he asserted.

Gaskin, a former advisor to late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, told this newspaper that regardless of the current situation, he feels the Opposition will fight this decision until the end; and will win.

“The struggle against this movement towards dictatorship the PPP will fight…

They will fight it in the courts, and they will fight it in the estates and in the econ-

President David Granger as he swears in Retired Justice James Patterson to the post of GECOM Chairman last Thursday night

omy. That is how the PPP will fight. They won’t make a lot of noise. They have the capacity to fight it and win,” he stressed.

However, the political commentator is of the opinion that President Granger had always wanted someone of his choice to be Chairman of GECOM, for his own intents and purposes. He said if this issue is not challenged, Guyana could have rigged elections like it once did under the PNC regime.

“Dark days are ahead if we are to head down that road.

We have to remain a democratic country, and we must

fight for what we believe in and what the Constitution states,” he added.

But another issue of concern for Gaskin is that this move, coupled with the

Opposition’s refusal to cooperate with Government on matters of national importance, could have an adverse effect on the local economy for several reasons. turn to page 8

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monDAY, october 23, 2017

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

The bitter fruits of discontent and resentment

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esentment can stir up a spirit of seeing yourself as a victim threatened by a person who instills doubt or fear. His or her opinion of you may infect you with a low self- image, a lie about yourself that blinds you to your true identity. The one you resent robs you of your freedom and inner peace, and makes you a discontented person. Nagging discontent, in turn, can create an inner emptiness.

Envy has been defined as the desire of that which isn’t yours, and the begrudging of the individual who really possesses it.

And the object of the coveted possession may not be merely material possessions, but could cover a wide-ranging cornucopia of desirability: such as good looks, a job, academic achievements, social popularity, ability to overcome difficult circumstances and advance despite inhibiting constraints, among a plethora of others.

The twin sins of envy and covetousness have destroyed many relationships, and laid waste to lives and the quality of life of those victimised because of the greed, envy and covetousness of others.

According to philosopher and student of human behaviour, Lansing, “covetousness is the desire of that which is not yours, and is presently unattainable as it belongs to someone else or lies outside of your ability to get.” But he should have clarified “… to get except by nefarious or criminal means.”

Commenting on the negative emotion of jealousy, Lansing posits: “People get envious in a relationship once they really feel that someone else is trying to destroy, steal, or take over that romantic relationship. A lady will get jealous when she thinks her guy is spending as much time with, or around, an additional woman. A man will get jealous when he sees an additional guy flirting with his girlfriend or wife.”

Victims of those who are covetous, envious and/or jealous often revert to defensive emotion, which seeks to protect the victimised individual from the actions of those who do not choose to suppress their negative emotional traits. Some become depressed and withdraw into themselves, while others react in multiple other ways, sometimes even leading to violence.

In the biblical Book of Proverbs, jealousy is deemed as ‘the rage of a man’. Those who possess the negative emotional traits of envy, jealousy and covetousness are often irrational, and most times act with vindictiveness and spitefulness toward their victims.

The psychological attachment to things coveted, and the envy of the possessor by the covetous, can have dire consequences, and afflict the object of desire as well as dependents; such as the instance of a spurned lover burning down the house of a woman, who is cremated alive with her children. Thus these emotions can become lethal if acted upon.

A blog on the page of the popular Greg Gardner posits: “Covetousness will be the emotional desire for, and attachment to, something that isn’t yours and is presently unattainable. The Bible clearly forbids us to covet our neighbour’s wife. Once we allow a psychological attachment and desire for someone which has reserved himself or herself to another person, we’re strolling on a very treacherous floor.

“You can say that it’s covetousness that produces envy. When a partner starts to covet an existence outside of his relationship, he is certain to provoke his spouse to jealousy. When a lady starts to covet a man currently married, she will provoke that man’s spouse to jealousy.

“Covetousness is a signal of discontent. If you are beginning to appear outside your marriage for a happy existence, plainly you have to get assistance with your relationship. This discontent often provokes other people to jealousy, which only compounds the problem.”

Discontent with one’s lot could be a precipitator for striving for enhancement of one’s life and lifestyle; or it could induce one to harm the object of their desire; or to wrest the coveted article by violent or criminal means.

Rancorous feelings toward someone emanating from envy and/or jealousy of that person, or greed and covetousness for the possessions of someone else, can lead to situations of conflict that could very well be avoided, if one tries to be content with his/her lot and endeavour for their own upward mobility through their own efforts.

Envy, greed, jealousy, covetousness are bitter fruits of discontent that could poison one’s entire life, inhibit one’s capacity for enjoyment of their life, and dampen the zeal to achieve to one’s optimum potential for personal growth and development. Even worse, the innocent victims of their desires are the collateral damage of their egomania and psychoses.

In the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt, a freediver swims near an artificial reef shaped like an elephant. As coral reefs around the world are threatened, artificial reefs can be a boon to the underwater ecosystem, and an artistic take on one provides added enjoyment to underwater enthusiasts (Photograph By Guillaume Bihet, National Geographic Your Shot)

A ‘dark day’ has arrived in Guyana compliments of President Granger Dear Editor, October 19, 2017 was a day of infamy in the annals of Guyana’s history.

It follows that game plan of a previous such declaration made on December 14, 1974. In 1974, the then political dictator Forbes Burnham formally declared that the role of the PNC party was unapologetically “paramountcy over the Government, which is merely one of its executive arms”.

That one senseless and selfish declaration created more than a decade of economic, social and political chaos for all Guyanese, including the Burnham family. Are we at exactly this same point now in 2017? Is a burgeoning dictator, Mr David Arthur Granger, trying to reinvent those 1974 attitudes? Are the decisions made in Congress Place more important than the welfare of the State today, so much so that the State is merely an executive arm of the PNC? But what about the voices of what is left of the AFC and WPA? This dastardly act from the Granger regime was pre-planned from weeks ago, and thus the act of asking for more names was just a charade. But the charade was an act of gross indecency and slyness on the part of the players who were asking for more names.

I must recognise the willingness of the PPP to submit new names in order to subscribe to the principle of democracy.

I was particularly excited at the inclusion of the name Lawrence Latchmansingh, who has been a UN man most of his life, exclusively working around the world in the area of elections management, conflict resolution, and peace-building and so on. Mr. Latchmansingh is as bipartisan and fair-minded as you can get in Guyana.

My second choice was, of course, the very experienced Major General (Rtd) Joe Singh who already served in the role, and thus would have jumped right in and delivered the local government elections in short order. I can find no living judge in Guyana who can do a better job at elections management than these two gentlemen; none whatsoever.

So a grave injustice has been imposed on the nation by a very unfit and improper Mr. Granger.

In light of such grave unrighteousness, we must not roll over and run, but strengthen our resolve for the fight back.

The Granger regime has made its move, but it was not a surprise offensive against the Guyanese people. Many knew this was what was going to happen because the nature of the beast is the same old PNC. I was surprised because I was expecting some level of decency from Mr. Granger, but I was wrong.

This unilateral appointment of Mr. James Patterson speaks for it-

self. The people of Guyana have already formed their opinion; and, over the coming days, thousands of others will do the same. I am convinced that the overwhelming majority of my nation would understand the very existence of the nation is at risk just like it was after that Sophia Declaration in 1974. We must have no doubt about it: there is, around Mr. Granger, a small cabal that is committed to a programme of putting Guyana firmly on a slippery slope to another period of dictatorship. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!

It shall not happen, because sons of Guyana like me will not let it happen; and we have so many more tools at our disposal today compared to our foreparents in 1974. Just look at the shellacking social media is giving the unfit and improper Granger regime these days.

Now fully aware of this reality, the time is now when we all must band together for a collective fight-back. This is not a PPP vs. PNC struggle; this is a battle between righteous Guyana vs. an unrighteous Guyana. This is a battle for the souls of a people who are overwhelmingly supporters of the rule of law and good governance. This struggle had nothing to do with race, religion, ethnicity or gender; it has everything to do with the principle of putting Guyana back on

the path that adheres to transparency in public action and public decency in decision-making.

In that regard, I call on all Guyanese to individually -- in their own little way -- commence a period of non-cooperation with this Granger dictatorship, just like Gandhi and Mandela did; peaceful but firm. The collective fight-back has to start now.

We in the main diaspora centers have a big job to sensitise our Senators and House Members (Washington DC), Members of Parliament (Ottawa and London) of the plight of the people who are in the trenches of Guyana. This is a partnership between the locals and the diaspora that is designed to connect and serve the people of Guyana.

A ‘dark day’ has arrived in Guyana, compliments of Mr. David Arthur Granger.

But do not despair, collectively we can overcome this evil. Individually we all must light a candle, a diya and a lamp for democracy in our minds by systematically rejecting this Granger regime at every opportune moment.

The first thing that is critical is that the business community and the workers’ unions must call for a national day of rest all across Guyana. It can be done; it must be done; it shall be done!

Regards, Sase Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 23, 2017

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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

The Town Clerk should be charged Dear Editor, Could someone in authority tell the citizens of Georgetown how it is possible that the Town Clerk of Georgetown could have been in possession of reports of a serious crime having been committed by one of the members of his staff, and at a municipal location, and took two whole months to report it to the national police?

Is it not illegal to knowingly fail to report a felony in a timely manner?

Can the Town Clerk not be charged for failing to report an offence that resulted in the statutory rape of a juvenile?

How is the Town Clerk, who is not legally trained and who is not a police officer, allowed to carry out his

own investigation into the matter? And worse, hold a confrontation with the victim and the perpetrator, which could have only exacerbated the trauma that is being experienced by the juvenile; and then withhold this information from the Council and the authorities for two months?

How is the Town Clerk allowed to exclude the Childcare and Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Protection from the matter? Is he not required under the laws of Guyana to report such an incident to this agency?

How was the Town Clerk allowed to keep the alleged sexual deviant on the job for a whole two months after the incident, hiding him at a remote municipal loca-

tion in order to avoid him being seen to be working by his colleagues and workmates? Was he not obligated to interdict the man immediately upon the receipt of such a serious report, while the investigation was being undertaken?

How was the Town Clerk allowed to so glibly dismiss all the media reports, and to ignore the concerns being expressed

by Councillors on the matter?

And finally, how is it that the Town Clerk was allowed to re-employ this alleged sex offender in the City Constabulary after he was dismissed for committing a similar act?

Sincerely, James Mc Onnell

The nonchalant manner in which a whistleblower was fired Dear Editor, A Corporal of the Georgetown City Constabulary reported to his functional superiors his discovery of a colleague engaged in gross misconduct; that is: performing a sexual act on a prisoner who is a juvenile. And what happened to the whistleblowing corporal? He gets fired for his handiwork. Unbelievable, but true.

It seems that, at the City Council, there is no law that protects employees who disclose illegal or improper activities that are ongoing at the municipality. And this is clearly the case in order to intimidate other employees, who would be clearly reluctant to report the many wrongdoings of their seniors for fear of being fired as well.

Everywhere else in the world employees are shielded from retaliatory action

once the employee voluntarily discloses information regarding dishonest or illegal activities within an organisation. The administrators can't take, or threaten to take, action against the employee.

Generally, this means the administration can't fire, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, or discriminate against a whistleblower.

But at the Georgetown City Council, the Town Clerk -without the Council’s fiat, without the Minister’s overt endorsement, like an imperial overlord -- can just nonchalantly fire a whistleblower, giving the absurd excuse that he did not make an entry of the incident in the station diary.

Why is the Georgetown City Council allowed to make up its own rules to protect the interests of the

senior cabal there, to the detriment of the lower level oppressed municipal workers who are subjugated, persecuted, subdued, repressed, tyrannised, ground down, crushed, enslaved, burdened, weighed down, and exploited daily?

Sincerely, Amber Valentine

Public Sector pay rise imposition disturbing Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has taken note of the recent announcement

by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, regarding the Government’s decision to impose for the third consecutive year pay rises for employees in the public service.

Depending on their income, the workers, according to the Minister, will receive increases of between 8 per cent and 0.5 per cent, since that’s all the Government could afford.

Our Union finds the Government’s expressed rationale insincere. We believe that, with more prudent spending and less extravagance and unnecessary expenditure, much more could have been found to give the workers. In recent times, we have seen the multi-million-dollar rental of a condom bond; the more-than-billiondollar expenditure on glorified drill square; the ‘greening’ of Government buildings and complexes; the erection of fences like the Great Wall of China; frequent non-essential travel by high-ranking Government officials; and chariot-like, luxurious vehicles for certain officials, among other things.

The GAWU strongly contends that the workers, especially those at the lower end, are deserving of much more substantial pay hikes. Now-adays they must contend with less disposable income and heavier burdens arising from the series of tax measures which have negatively impacted their and their family’s standard-of-living. We are

very disheartened, too, that the Government, despite its clear-as-day commitment to respect and observe Collective Bargaining in the public sector, has chosen to forcefully impose its will on public servants. The posture adopted smacks of clear disrespect for our Constitution, our laws, and relevant ILO conventions which have long been ratified by our country.

We see the engagement with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) as mere theatrics, meant to convey an impression of engagement. The Administration’s advisors need to tell those in charge that there is a Grievance Procedure which clearly sets out the modus operandi in cases of breakdown and deadlock at the bilateral level.

Furthermore, beyond the GPSU, several other unions, including GAWU, represent workers employed by State agencies. Our Union hasn’t had any opportunity whatsoever to engage the respective agencies with respect to the proposals.

While the Government has approved pay rises for its workers amounting to 28 per cent over three years, if we go by the Administration’s yardstick, it still represents just a little over half of what the Cabinet members received a few days after they assumed office. That magnificent increase also has to be taken together with the several benefits and superb allowances they enjoy, including the recently contracted Medical Insurance which has seen State officials enjoying treatment in exotic places like

Ireland. It is opportune to recall the discontinuance of the Specialty Hospital in Guyana.

But while it is said that we should be thankful for the little mercies, our nation’s hardworking sugar workers remain left in the cold. These workers, who face similar circumstances and realities as other workers, continue to receive pay rates last updated in 2014. They have suffered tremendously when account is taken of nominal and real declines in their incomes.

If GuySuCo’s ‘Black Friday’ press encounter admission is taken into account, the workers, between 2015 and 2016, have seen their earnings declining by not less than 20 per cent. This is a substantial decline in such a short period, and one which has brought about tremendous hardship for them, their spouses, and their children.

Our Union, several weeks ago, submitted our proposals to the GuySuCo; and beyond a mere acknowledgement, we are yet to hear from the State-owned enterprise, though clear timelines are set out in our Collective Labour Agreement.

The GAWU, at this time, calls on the Administration to ensure that the naked and glaring discrimination comes to an end. We seek that the sugar workers benefit, like their compatriots in other sectors of the State’s employ, from a reasonable pay rise, which could be reached without further delay at the bargaining table.

Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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monDAY, october 23, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation removed with a needle or during a small operation. Then, the tissue is examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

The biopsy may be benign which means the lump is not cancer. If the biopsy shows cancer cells, the lump is malignant. If a breast lump does contains cancer cells, the woman, along with her doctor and family, will decide what to do next.

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ou may have heard about special events, like walks or races, to raise money for breast cancer research. Or maybe you’ve seen people wear those little pink ribbons on their clothes.

Breast cancer is a common cancer among women. It occurs rarely in men and it doesn’t affect children. But children might want to learn about it because they know someone who has it or because they want to learn how to check for it when they are older.

What is breast cancer?

The human body is made of tiny building blocks called cells.

Your body creates them, replacing those that die with new ones.

Usually, the body creates healthy, normal cells that do just what they’re supposed to do. This includes cells in the breasts, the two rounded areas on the front of the chest.

But if a cell changes into an abnormal, sometimes harmful form, it can divide quickly over and over again without dying, making many, many copies of itself. When this happens, a tumour, abnormal body cells grouped together in the form of a mass or lump, can start to form and grow.

Breast cancer is a kind of tumour that develops in the cells of a person’s breast. You may think that only women can get breast cancer, but because all people have breast tissue, men can get breast cancer as well – though this is very rare.

A tumour can form anywhere in the body. Someone has cancer when those abnormal cells will not stop growing, and then cause sickness in the body.

Someone with breast cancer may have cancer cells in just one

part of the breast, which might be felt as a lump. The cancer can spread throughout one or both breasts. Sometimes breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, like the bones, the liver, or elsewhere.

Why do people get breast cancer?

Any woman can get breast cancer, but doctors have found that certain factors make some women more likely to get it.

Family history: A woman w h o s e mother, sister, aunt, or daughter has had breast cancer is more likely to get breast cancer.

Age: As women get older, they are more at risk for breast cancer. Teens – as well as women in their twenties and thirties – are less likely to get breast cancer.

Diet and lifestyle choices: Women who smoke, eat high-fat diets, drink alcohol, and don’t get enough exercise may be more at risk for developing breast cancer.

What are the signs of breast cancer?

A woman who has breast cancer may have no problems, or she may find a painless lump in her breast. If women examine their breasts monthly, they can help find lumps or other changes that a doctor should examine.

Most breast lumps are not

cancer, but all lumps should be checked out by a doctor to be sure. Breast lumps that are not cancer may be scar tissue or cysts (fluid-filled lumps or sacs) or they can be due to normal breast changes associated with hormone changes or aging.

Girls who are beginning puberty might notice a lump underneath the nipple when their breasts s t a r t

developing.

Usually, this is a normal. You can ask a parent or your doctor about it to be sure.

What will the doctor do?

Sometimes a doctor will discover a lump in a woman’s breast during a routine examination or a patient might come to the doctor with questions about a lump she found.

In other cases, a mammogram may find a lump in the breast that can’t be felt. A mammogram is a special kind of X-ray of the breast that helps doctors see what’s going on inside. Sometimes, other kinds of pictures, like an MRI, also can be taken.

When a lump is found, the doctor will want to test it. The best way to do this is usually with a biopsy. In a biopsy, a small amount of breast tissue is

Breast cancer treatment

Treatment for breast cancer usually depends on the type of cancer and whether the cancer has spread outside of the breast to the rest of the body.

Here are some common treatments: * Lumpectomy, which removes the cancerous tumour from the breast. A woman usually has this surgery when the cancer is found early and when the lump is small and in only one part of the breast. * Mastectomy, which removes the whole breast. This surgery is done when cancer cells have spread through the breast or into other parts of the body. It is a good way to remove all or most of the cancer, and it can help prevent the cancer from spreading or coming back. Sometimes, a woman who has a mastectomy may choose to have an operation to reconstruct (rebuild) the breast, so her shape will be more like it was before. * Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which are often used after lumpectomy or mastectomy to make sure that all the cancer cells are destroyed and do not grow back. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill the cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy, or chemo, is special medicine that travels throughout the entire body and kills cancer cells.

Living with breast cancer

Dealing with breast cancer can be very hard for a woman and her family. A woman who has breast cancer surgery or treatment may not feel well for a while. She may be depressed if she had her breast removed. If a woman needs chemotherapy, she may lose her hair and she may feel

sick to her stomach. She also may worry that the cancer will return and she’ll get sick again.

The good news is that many times, especially if a lump is caught early, women with breast cancer go on to live full, healthy lives after treatment. Some join support groups so they can talk to other women with breast cancer who are feeling the same emotions.

There are even groups that children or other family members can join to talk about their feelings when someone they love has breast cancer. Find a trusted adult to talk with if you’re worried

F

or most people this is a painful and personal topic, and the information shared here may be hard to read at times. You might want to read a little at a time in private. Pacing yourself gives you a chance to absorb painful information.

A terminal illness cannot be cured or controlled and is expected to lead to the person’s death. By the time you’re told your cancer is terminal, you’ve probably already been dealing with it and its effects on your family for many months or even years. A few people find out that they have cancer when the disease is quite advanced, so they may not have as long to deal with its effects on their family. But no matter how long cancer has been part of your life, it still can be very hard for you and your family to think about all the things that go along with the end of life.

This is one in a series of pieces covering topics to help children when someone in the family has cancer.

The others cover diagnosis, treatment, recurrence, losing a parent, and psychosocial support services.

In this discussion we will try to answer common questions parents have and help you take steps to prepare your child to cope with death. Although it’s not possible to control the reality of dying, it is possible to make a real difference in how your kids manage it and go on with their lives after you’re gone.

It’s important to take into account the child’s age when deciding how to talk about coping with sickness and death. The following general guidelines can help you and the other adults in their lives decide how to best approach each of your children.

about a loved one.

Breast cancer prevention

Doctors and scientists are working to find cures for breast cancer. They are researching new medicines that may even help prevent the disease. But in the meantime, it’s important for women to catch the disease early.

Regular mammograms – together with monthly breast self-exams – are the best ways for women to protect themselves.

You may want to ask the women you care about if they are taking these important steps to stay healthy. (KidsHealth.org)

Infants or very young children

Infants and children under 3 don’t understand death in the same way adults do.

Still, they need to be told that the parent is very sick, but not with something that you get over, like a cold or sore throat. The goal is to take advantage of the time the parent has left with the child. It’s also important to try to keep the child’s routine as normal as possible so that they feel loved, safe, and cared for. It helps children to know that Mom or Dad will be in bed more as death nears, and won’t be able to play or even talk much. Remind them that it doesn’t mean that the parent is mad or doesn’t love them. Gentle cuddling, hugging, or holding hands may be possible.

Answer any questions the child asks as honestly as possible, in words they can understand. As the child gets older, they’ll be able to understand in more detail what happened with the parent.

Have a parent or trusted adult who is a regular part of the child’s life spend time with the baby or child daily.

Keep the baby or child near the parents or regular adult caregiver if possible.

Get your relatives, nanny, or day care providers to help keep the baby’s or child’s routine.

If the parent must be away for care (in the hospital or inpatient hospice), caregivers can use video, phone, and other means so the child can see and hear them in real time.

Arrange for visits while they are in hospital.

Record lullabies, stories, and messages for after they are gone.

Cuddle and hug often.

Talk with the team social worker or nurse about your own emotions in dealing with your child’s distress. (cancer.org)

To be continued

news

7

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM Chair selection

Deep fear created over prospect of future elections – fmr Speaker F

ollowing the announcement that President David Granger had unilaterally selected a new Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the person of Justice (retd) James Patterson, there has been much debate and controversy surrounding the legality of such a move.

More importantly, this decision has, to a large extent, created deep fear and anguish over the prospect of future elections.

This is according to former Speaker of the National Assembly, Attorney-atLaw Ralph Ramkarran, who, in his weekly column, ‘Conversation Tree’, declared that Guyanese have been victims of rigged elections in Guyana since 1968. More specifically, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its supporters have been those victims.

Ramkarran recalled that for democracy to be restored to Guyana, it took 24 years of hard and painful struggle, during which Guyana’s economic and social development was severely damaged; and he said the country is still recovering from that period.

“The deep fears of the

PPP, arising from the initial impasse over the selection of the Chair and now the eventual breakdown of the process, must be instilling deep fear and anguish over the future and the prospect of being rigged out of office for another twenty-five years,” he opined.

Ramkarran was keen to point out that the PPP went to extraordinary lengths over the past 10 months to find 18 Guyanese willing to agree to have their names submitted to President Granger for consideration to be appointed to what he described as one of the most difficult, controversial and thankless of jobs – Chair of GECOM. And according to him, of the last six names submitted, two immediately stood out and met the President’s criteria of ‘fit and proper,’ which he has been referring to continually.

While many of the other nominees are also well qualified, Ramkarran said, no one can seriously assert that the political persuasion of either of these two men, if any, would influence their decisions. He was referring specifically to retired Major General Joe Singh and Attorney-at -Law Teni

Former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran

Housty. Ramkarran noted that Singh had been a highly respected Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, and was Chair of GECOM for the 2002 elections, which were credibly held. And Housty is a well-respected, well-qualified, senior experienced, lawyer and former President of the Guyana Bar

Association.

Meanwhile, in addressing another matter, Ramkarran said that while the PPP has announced that it would mount a constitutional challenge to the President’s appointment of a Chairman for GECOM, he believes the best time for this was after the President

had rejected the first six names, and in so doing had suggested that the names should be of only judges, former judges, or persons qualified to be judges.

“The results of the case, which was filed after the Leader of the Opposition had submitted a second set of names, showed that it could have been possible to obtain an order from the court directing the President to choose a name from that first six,” he explained.

But having submitted two further sets of six names, each at the invitation of the President, the Opposition Leader had been deprived of the opportunity of having the court issue an order in relation to the first six names.

He insisted that the Constitution provides thus: “If the Leader of the Opposition FAILS to submit a list as provided for,” only then can the President proceed unilaterally to make an appointment of a judge, former judge, or person qualified to be a judge to the post of GECOM Chairman.

Ramkarran pointed out that the Opposition Leader had submitted a list which was amended twice by the

substitution of names. He said that in that case, the Opposition Leader did not fail to submit a list, and the President’s appointment is therefore void.

Touching on the PPP’s decision of declaring non-cooperation with the Government, Ramkarran said it is not the first time in the PPP’s history that non-cooperation was declared.

He recalled that after the 1973 elections, at which the People’s National Congress (PNC) had seized a twothirds majority, the PPP had declared non-cooperation and did not take up its seats in the National Assembly for 18 months.

“The PNC did the same after 1992, and did not take up their seats in the National Assembly for long periods of time in the years thereafter.

In both cases, the respective governments had carried on their business with little disruption, but with great bitterness.

“Based on past history with the PPP and PNC, the PPP’s non-cooperation would mean very little in practical terms to the government’s agenda,” Ramkarran asserted.

8 NEWS

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Dartmouth resident nabbed with 168g of ganja during Police raid

P

olice from G Division (Essequibo Islands and Coast) have unearthed 168 grams of cannabis from the house and yard of a Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast resident during a raid on October 21.

The house of 29-year-old Sherville Clarke was visited by Police ranks who found a quantity of seeds and leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa (ganja) under a mattress. When Police approached Clarke, he attempted to escape.

A search was also carried out in the yard next to the bathroom and a black plastic bag was found which contained 17 green ziplock plastic bags and 16 blue ziplock

plastic bags. Each contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Clarke was told of the offence and was cautioned where he admitted his guilt.

Police then observed that be-

hind the bathroom, there was a small opening in the fence where there was a track that led to a clump of bushes about five feet away from the fence. They then followed the track and found a black plastic bag containing a transparent plastic bottle with a red cover. Inside the bottle was a black plastic bag which contained 89 green ziplock plastic bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems.

Clarke was arrested and taken to the Anna Regina Police Station where the transparent plastic bags were weighed and their contents amounted to 168 grams. The man remains in custody, assisting with investigations.

(Indrawattie Natram)

Essequibo farmer nabbed with 1g of ganja

E

jon Spooned, a farmer of Lot 58 Queenstown village on the Essequibo Coast, is presently in Police custody after he was caught with one gram of cannabis (gan-

ja) in his possession.

According to information, on October 18 around 23:30h, Police ranks were on patrol in the Queenstown area when two males were seen

walking on the eastern side of the road. Police approached the males and one of them fled.

Spooned attempted to escape, but was caught and searched.

A transparent ziplock plastic bag was found in his left pants pocket.

He was told of the offence to which he admitted and was placed in custody pending charges

Wrong turn?

On Sunday morning, the driver of this Route 44 minibus lost control of the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the Eccles Assembly of God Church on the East Bank Demerara Highway

Opposition will win battle against...

from page 3

He said while the revenues from oil will start to trickle down from 2020 and beyond, the economy as it is right now is underperforming.

“This recent move will only add pressure to the already poor performance that has been recorded over the past two years. This economy is suffering now, and (because of) the decision by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to fight the Government, the economy will suffer more in terms of production, consumption, investment, export, and confidence in the economy,” he opined.

The economist also referred to the lack of foreign and local business investment, stating that the climate that has been created by this move will only lead

to greater levels of hopelessness and uncertainty for the local economy. He said many investors may feel demotivated and may be unwilling to take risks, especially during these times; as there is now a growing level of political instability being created by the unilateral decision.

“This level of uncertainty is certainly not good for business,” he asserted.

The Opposition have declared that they will challenge, by court action in the courts and at the Caribbean Court of Justice, as necessary, “the steps undertaken by President Granger to subvert and thwart the spirit, letter, and intent of the Constitution.”

The Party is expected to also roll out a countrywide sensitisation campaign relative to “the ongoing threat to

democracy and the Guyana Constitution, and to resist the stealthy move to an authoritarian state; undertake meetings countrywide to sensitise the Guyanese people; and to use other means, including social media and (mainstream) media, to (inform people of) the reasons for non-cooperation and the progress of the campaign.”

The Party also intends to brief and consult civic society bodies which participated in the consultations, and which produced the names of the 18 individuals submitted by the Leader of the Opposition to the President for the post of Chairman of GECOM, between December 2016 and August 2017.

All of this will be done even as the Party consistently and regularly engage with national and regional stake-

holders to hold Government accountable and ensure that democracy is not derailed.

The People’s Progressive Party has already pulled out of participation in the Border Commission, which was slated to meet this week following a recent flare-up in relations between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Opposition Leader, on Thursday last, met briefly with the Head of State, who informed him that the third list of nominees for the post of GECOM Chairman was unacceptable, and that retired Justice Patterson would be appointed.

The President formally rejected the third list on Thursday, and immediately swore in Justice (rtd) Patterson, who himself was notified of this development only hours earlier.

The law is not an ass…

P

…on GECOM Chair

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo became a lawyer is his old age, and maybe should be excused for deliberately ignoring its nuances. After all, at that age, the choice of such training could’ve only been an expedient decision to burnish his credentials to become President of Guyana. He’d abandoned his position as Minister of Information under Jagan when he made that decision to enter law school as a big, old man!

That the very best he achieved under the PNC-led APNU/AFC government was Information Minister -- after all his contortions and betrayals -- just proves that poetic justice is alive and kicking!! Anyway, all of this gnashing of teeth by your Eyewitness was fuelled by Nagamootoo excusing Pressie’s unilateral choice on the GECOM Chair as ‘necessary to prevent a constitutional crisis”!!

Can you believe how low Nagamootoo would sink to preserve his perks? What else would persuade him to make such a ridiculous statement? So Pressie averts a crisis by breaking the Constitution, the highest law of the land, by which he’s bound? What is this? To avoid a storm that threatens a ship, the captain sinks the ship?

This is “saving”?? At what cost?

What about the passengers? In this case the Guyanese people -- now that Pressie has shown he considers judicial pronouncements on constitutional appointments as “perception” - which don’t trump his “perceptions”. And this is why Pressie has dug a fatal hole in the Guyanese ship of state: he’s echoing his hero Burnham’s Declaration of Sophia, announcing the paramountcy of the Executive over the Judiciary; and since he is already paramount over the Legislature, he‘s now paramount over the state.

And this is what Moses Nagamootoo is willing to cravenly defend. He was screwed over once, when Pressie threw out the Cummingsburg Accord with all its promises of increasing his powers as PM and gave him ‘Larwah’. Is he now willing to have all Guyana screwed over?

He speaks of “crisis”!! If there was any crisis over the GECOM Chair, it was because of Pressie’s incredible assertion that because Art 161 (2) mentioned the word “judge” four times, that means only a judge was qualified for the position!!

So what is this? Constitutional interpretation by “word count”?? And Nagamootoo, more than anyone else in or out of Guyana, has to have known about Pressie’s compulsion to do his things his way and the devil take the hindmost. Look at what a plaything he’s become!

Your Eyewitness has a question for Nagamootoo: If Pressie can unilaterally appoint the GECOM Chair, what’s the point of the Price-Carter formula to involve the Opposition Leader?

Is the law such an ass?

…on ‘elephant in the room’

Even commentators who’re not noted for taking “slants” couldn’t fail to notice the elephant in the room in which the 84-year old ex-justice was chosen as GECOM Chair. Pressie had explicitly announced the only reason he’d humiliated ex-Justice Kennard and summarily kicked him off the Police Complaint Board was because of his age!!

The urgency was presumably caused by concluding the aged Kennard wouldn’t be able to properly evaluate the complaints in front of him. Now, Kennard hadn’t shown any signs of incipient senility; so what was the rush? After all, the position still hasn’t been filled, and the complaints are spilling out of the windows!

The only seemingly visible reason for the disparate treatment of Kennard - who’s actually younger than Patterson - is easy for readers to surmise.

This surmise is buttressed by Pressie also appointing 80+old Hamilton Green to high office, and sacking Prem Persaud, who’s younger that Green.

…on swearing-ins

So why was Patterson sworn-in in the heat of the night - just two hours after selection? The experts say it was to prevent a court challenge.

So what makes this different from the condemned Janet swearing-in?

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

News

9

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 killed in WCD accident

Dead: Tillesha Terika Singh

Dead: Reaz Barakat

Dead: Deodat Mohan

By Lakhram Bhagirat

Ruimzeight Gardens, WCD and 17-year-old Tillesha Terika Singh of Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

According to the Police, investigations have so far revealed that Mohan, with Barakat and Singh as his passengers, was driving motor car PPP 4014 at a fast rate when, at about 16:00hrs, he lost control of the vehicle and it slammed into motor car PHH 7894 that was parked at the side of the road, before further slammed into a utility pole, breaking the pole at its base.

Mohan and Singh were pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, while Barakat was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed while receiving medical treatment.

According to reports from eyewitnesses, Mohan’s car was attempting to overtake a minibus when he lost control of the vehicle and it immediately flipped.

Mohan’s mother, Vanie (only name given), was inconsolable after hearing the news of her youngest child’s demise. Relatives told this publication that the young man had been a taxi driver at the Top Notch Taxi Service, a family business.

They said he had been a relatively safe driver, and they were unsure of the circumstances that had caused the accident.

This publication was informed that both parents of Tillesha Singh have passed away, and she and her other siblings reside with an aunt at Diamond, East Bank

A

teenage couple and a taxi driver lost their lives when the vehicle in which they were travelling became uncontrollable and collided with a car parked on the public road at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara on Sunday evening.

The taxi driver has been identified as 22-yearold Deodat Mohan of 44 New Road Vreed-enHoop WCD, and the passengers as 18-year-old Reaz Barakat of Lot 12

The fallen utility pole

Demerara. The relatives were reluctant to speak to the media, but the aunt informed that Singh had left home after midday, claiming she had to attend lessons. The aunt said she is unclear how her niece had reached on the West Coast of Demerara.

Based on her social media account, Singh and Barakat, both students of the Diamond Secondary School, had been in a relationship. Their The bodies of Singh and Mohan were taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, while Barakat’s body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital morgue.

Police investigations are ongoing, and a post mortem is expected to be performed today.

Just last Sunday, Sabita Manglani and her two sons, Ethan Ramjeet and Emanuel Manglani, along with her secretary Reshma Seeram and friend Dhanpaul

The car that Mohan first collided with

Kishandial, lost their lives following an accident on the No. 59 Village public road on the Corentyne.

According to the details, Kishandial was driving at a fast rate when the vehicle encountered a pothole and became uncontrollable, crashing into a lorry.

The body of Manglani’s younger son, Ramjeet, was severed in two following the impact of the motorcar on the lorry. Eyewitnesses told

The car driven by Mohan

Guyana Times there were two carts parked on the road’s shoulder adjacent to the pothole.

The impact of the collision pushed half of the lorry off the road and sent the paddy-laden tray pitching off into the back of a Honda wagon, removing the top half of that vehicle in the process.

Manglani and her 18-year-old son, who were in the back seat, were tossed over the lorry as a result, with the woman landing on the parapet and the teen in the trench – both dead.

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

The bottom half remained in the car.

Kishandayal and Seeram were pinned in the front seat, and remained there until members of the Skeldon Fire Service arrived on the scene and cut open the vehicle to remove their bodies.

Unilateral appointment of GECOM Chair makes no political sense – WPA executive – questions President’s lack of meaningful consultation with coalition partners

By Jarryl Bryan

W

hile it is not against the Constitution of Guyana to so do, the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a “politically senseless” move.

This is according to political commentator and Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member Dr. David Hinds. Zeroing in on the controversial appointment by President David Granger, he affirmed that Government should always avoid authoritarian-like decisions.

Instead of the unilateral appointment, Hinds said, the President should have continued to work with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. He said that instead of the process being

WPA Executive Dr. David Hinds

pushed to unilateral action, Granger in fact pre-empted that process.

“I felt that while it (Patterson’s appointment) would be beneficial to the President’s partisan interests, it would, in the broader scheme of things, be counter-productive.

The President and his govern-

ment needed to find a way short of unilateral action to get the person they want,” Hinds stated.

Hinds also questioned the level of consultation Granger had with the main parties comprising the coalition - the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the Working People’s Alliance

(WPA). This comes after the AFC released a statement saying that while it supported the President’s decision, it was in no way involved in the process.

“It was not helpful that the AFC has revealed that it was not consulted on this decision. I am sure the President would say that the AFC leader was consulted, since he was present at the meeting with Mr Jagdeo,” Hinds argued.

“I doubt that the WPA was consulted. Maybe the PNC, as a party, was consulted. In any case, once again we come face to face with the problem of little or no meaningful consultation within the coalition outside of the Cabinet. My views on this are well known.”

Retired Justice James Patterson, currently a legal advisor in the Ministry of

Legal Affairs, was sworn in a few hours after President Granger met briefly with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. According to the Head of State, his decision to select a GECOM Chairman was done in accordance with Article 161 of the Constitution for the appointment of a GECOM Chairman.

What the law says

According to Article 161 (2), (Amendment) of the Constitution of Guyana, “The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds, or who has held, office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or who is qualified to be ap-

pointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.

“Provided that the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.”

Turn to page 14

10 news

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Road fatalities

Limited infrastructure remains sore issue in Guyana – IDB – notes vehicles exceed road capacity, lack of provisions for pedestrians cidents and 54 deaths over the same period last year.

There was also a 39 per cent decrease in overall accidents for the same period.

Some 398 accidents have been recorded, as opposed to 651 accidents the previous year.

It is understood that private cars account for most of the vehicles involved in

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he rate at which new motor vehicles have been introduced locally has in fact exceeded the capacity of Guyana’s roads to accommodate them. This is according to a recent report from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which threw a spotlight on this discrepancy.

According to the IDB’s “Reformulation of the road network, upgrade and expansion program” report, this situation is directly contributing to congestion and accidents.

“Georgetown faces limited road infrastructure combined with a rapidly growing fleet (of) 100,000 new registered vehicles over the last decade (which) contrib-

fatal accidents, standing at 12, while there were four pedal cycles, three minibuses, four motor lorries, four hire cars, one motor pickup and four motor cycles.

The GPF said speeding remains the major cause of accidents, accounting for 14 accidents in the first quarter of the year. Other caus-

sions, but to no avail.

Under the previous Government, a road strategy plan was unveiled by the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC). It is believed that this strategy should be updated, however, and there had been talk that an updated document would be produced.

A National Road Safety

utes to congestion and accidents,” the report stated.

The report notes that limited infrastructure includes the average roadway’s two-lane configuration and pavement widths of 9-12m. The organisation said that 80 per cent of the pavements were in fair-topoor condition.

“Traffic levels peak 1500 vehicles per hour on a road with capacity for 1,320 and no provision for non-motorized pedestrian (and) bicycle traffic,” the report also notes.

The Police Traffic Department had said it recorded a 26 per cent decline in fatal accidents for the period January 1, 2017 to May 15, 2017. Thirtysix fatal accidents and 40 deaths were then recorded, compared to 50 fatal ac-

168 GPF ranks graduate from Pedal Cycle Course

Officials of the Guyana Police Force joined by a fraction of the graduating ranks of the Pedal Cycle Course

J

es were inattentiveness, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to confirm to road traffic signs, and pedestrians crossing in the paths of approaching vehicle.

Guyana has, over the past week, witnessed a particularly gruesome accident that claimed the lives of five individuals. The mid-after-

ust two months after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) cashed in on a total of 200 specially equipped bicycles donated by the Georgetown-based US Embassy, some 168 ranks successfully graduated from a Pedal Cycle Course, which sought to train the officers to maximise the efficiency of these crime-fighting tools.

The course, which commenced on September 4 and ended on October 20, focused on much-needed capacity building in cycle repairs, tactical positioning of bikes and training group ride, among other areas.

The ranks participating in this initiative comprised 162 Constables, three Corporals and three Lance Corporals, from the various policing divisions across the country.

Upon successfully completing the training, the 168 officers of the GPF were awarded certificates and subsequently briefed by their respective Divisional Commanders and other senior officials on the ways in which they can apply their newfound knowledge and skills in relation to the safe use of these bicycles in combating crime.

The GPF Pedal Cycle Course was spearheaded by Corporal Kareem Hoosein and Woman Corporal Haley Fraser. Both Hoosein and Fraser were among the 12 officers who benefited from a safe use and efficiency forum, which was hosted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, in Nevada, prior to the handing over of the bicycles earlier this year.

It was back in August that the

US Embassy in Georgetown presented the Police Force with the 200 pedal cycles and accessories as part of the country’s commitment to promoting community policing in Guyana.

This contribution, stemming from the US Government’s Big Brother Mission, carries a value of US$145,000.

At the handing-over ceremony, US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway underscored the significance of this endowment by saying, “The United States Department of State through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) assists countries around the world in strengthening the capacity of their law enforcement and supports their efforts to promote the rule of law.”

The overpass under construction at Peters Hall

noon accident, which involved a car and a lorry, left dead Sabita Manglani, 42; Emmanuel Manglani, 18; Ethan Ramjit, 5; Reshma Seeram, and Dhanpaul Kishandayal, called Navin.

Reports are that Kishandayal was driving motor car PPP 3394 in an easterly direction on the Corentyne highway while the lorry was heading in the opposite direction when Kishandayal inadvertently drove into a pothole, lost control of the car, and slammed into the lorry.

The impact of the collision pushed half of the lorry off the road and sent the paddy-laden tray pitching into the back of a Honda wagon, removing its top half in the process.

Residents in the area of the accident said the parking of heavy-duty vehicles along the shoulders of the Corentyne Highway was of great concern, and they had always complained about this issue.

During the previous week, there was another accident in the same area, and that, residents said, was caused by the same hole. That accident left several persons hospitalised.

Regional Vice Chairman Dennis De Roop told Guyana Times he had raised the issue with the Public Infrastructure Ministry on several occa-

Plan 2017-2019 was launched on May 03, 2017.

The aim of the plan was to assist Guyana to meet the Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020 plan: to reach 50 per cent death reduction by 2020.

Infrastructure

Government has been taking steps to cater to pedestrians in its infrastructure planning. Though plans for a Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) pedestrian overpass were scrapped, one is being built at Peter’s Hall. In addition, projects such as the Sheriff/Mandela extension are in the works.

The IDB is behind the “Road Network Upgrade and Expansion” programme, worth US$69.2million, having approved the operation following a request from the then PPP Administration. The objective of the Multiple Works (MW) Programme was to enhance urban and suburban mobility and safety by reducing vehicle operating costs, travel times and road fatalities.

The loan included civil works for primary roads, and safety components in the capital of Georgetown and surrounding regions.

This included proposals to improve transport systems along Georgetown’s Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue road, the sample project.

news

11

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna's

Greening GECOM

GAICO pledges 10 street lights to light up Parfaite Harmonie ue to do everything to ensure the children were kept safe. Just last week, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan visited the community and had addressed several pressing issues, including security and the matter of older men preying on children in the community.

Ally, whose Ministry deals with the welfare of children, encouraged the community to form groups to carry out patrols for the protection of their children while reassuring residents that she would follow up the request for better street lighting with the relative authorities.

It was at this point that Singh, who resides in the community, pledged his support towards lighting la Parfaite Harmonie. In addition to the street

T

he public outrage which rocked Guyana over the last few days -- when the nation discovered that President Granger had unilaterally appointed a GECOM Chairman in the person of retired High Court Judge James Patterson -- is quite comprehensible, considering that he neither served prior notice nor consulted with stakeholders, in particular the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). Interestingly, the Department of Public Information (DPI) justified the appointment by invoking both the Constitution and the ruling previously delivered

by Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire. However, Granger had publicly shrugged off Justice George-Wiltshire’s ruling when she had pronounced on the matter, declaring that he would rely on his own interpretation of the Law in moving forward with the controversial GECOM impasse he had instigated.

So, if we are to believe the Government’s propaganda, Granger would have been guided by Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, in particular an excerpt which reads: “If the Leader Anna Correia of the Opposition fails to provide a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a Judge (…)”.

Incidentally, one does not necessarily have to be a trained legal practitioner to understand that the Constitution has been violated on the basis that not less than three (3) lists of eighteen (18) candidates were already submitted by the Opposition Leader since the resignation of Dr Steve Surujbally earlier this year. The Opposition Leader subsequently did not fail to submit a list, but instead actively engaged in the selection process, despite each list being consecutively rejected by the President without justification; and unreasonably so, when one considers that the candidates represented diversity on all levels.

Evidently, Granger knew he was infringing on our constitutional rights (again!), which is most likely the reason why he appointed Patterson and then immediately had him sworn-in before breaking the news to the nation on October 19th. This is the same man who campaigned in 2015 for a united Guyana, yet, by his unabashed refusal to abide by the Constitution, he has deliberately shattered all expectations and hopes for a system of inclusive governance through which the Guyanese electorate can be equally represented.

He has demonstrated immense lack of political will for cooperation, and continues to stymie the development of democratically sound institutions.

Moreover, by appointing a chairman who in 2020 will be eighty-seven (87) years old, President Granger has gone against his very own definition of what “fit and proper” should be. One would recall that in February 2017, Justice Kennard, at the time eighty (80) years old, was removed from his position as Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) because of his age. President Granger had at the time justified this decision by stating to the media that “the Government is focused on creating an atmosphere in which other persons who are younger are able to take the lead”. Patterson is almost a decade older than Kennard. But perhaps this is Granger’s definition of greening GECOM. The President’s behaviour can be compared to that of a bully who will settle for nothing less than what he wants, irrespective of the law, the obligations and duties of his office, and professional ethics. This is a man whose military background, gout for historical revisionism, and idolatry for a dead dictator seem to cement his resolve to maintain a firm grip on power. His decision to install Patterson has rendered palpable the fear that the PNC would revert to old methods of electoral fraud and rigging embedded in the Burnhamite DNA. Granger’s authoritarian move now leaves us confronted with the grim possibility that GECOM may not be able to resist the PNC’s attempts to cheat the country once again come 2020.

This is why civil society, local and regional representatives, as well as citizens nationwide must consolidate their voices and demand that the democratic processes be reestablished and respected. The international community must be alerted on the decay of our institutions, and all instances of violations of our civil and constitutional rights as a people must be documented. The law must continue to be our ally, and we must not buckle in the face of these exactions.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

ing that the access street to the primary school be lighted, since some students go there late in the afternoons especially close to examination time for after-school study activities.

For years, residents in the Housing Scheme have been petitioning the relevant authorities to have their streets lighted and the bushes cleared from the sides of the roads, since ever so often criminal elements would ambush them. The residents also complained about the lack of a proper road network since most of the roads were rapidly deteriorating with little, or, in most cases, no maintenance work being done.

Back in August, the Housing Minister had said that works were supposed to commence on the roads

GAICO Construction CEO Komal Singh

By Lakhram Bhagirat

G

AICO Construction Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Komal Singh has pledged to donate 10 street lights to the La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme on the West Bank of Demerara after residents complained to Social Protection Minister Amna Ally about the dark streets and criminal elements attacking them as a result.

The pledge was made on Saturday at an outreach in the community. The residents said that there was a need for improved street lighting since robbers were targeting them. They also stressed the need for a Police Outpost in the community.

Minister Ally said she would contin-

A section of the residents of La Parfaite Harmonie at the outreach on Saturday

lights, Singh would also be donating a bus as part of the Five Bs initiative.

The bus would be handed over to the Regional Education Department very soon.

Additionally, residents are request-

in Westminster and La Parfaite Harmonie, through a reformulated Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan, but the works are yet to commence. The estimated cost is somewhere around $500 million.

Suspect who burnt wife’s house to make court appearance today

Kerwin Jervis to make his court appearance today

N

early one week after burning two houses at Da Silva and De Abreu Streets, Newtown, Georgetown following a heated argument with his wife, Kerwin Jervis, 44, is expected to appear in court this morning.

Jervis’s alleged actions on Tuesday last caused some 10 persons to become homeless.

Investigators are working with the theory that he deliberately set his home on fire after accusing his wife of infidelity.

Guyana Times reported last week that Jervis arrived at the wooden and concrete house located on the eastern half of the property and argued with his

wife, Joanne, whom he reportedly wed in January this year.

Neighbours said he threatened to kill his wife before he dealt her several cuffs about the body before reportedly dousing her with a liquid believed to be gasoline. Police said that he also sprinkled the substance around the house from a Busta (soft drink) bottle, which suggested that the arson was planned.

Before the ordeal could come to a violent end, the woman had managed to escape the attempt on her life by jumping out of a window after which she fell to the

ground, which was laced with pieces of broken glass.

The suspect set the house alight around 22:30h, before he fled the scene.

His wife received cuts and bruises, and was immediately rushed to a city hospital, where she was treated, but she subsequently left the medical institution and went into hiding, as her husband was at that time still not apprehended.

However, the hunt for the suspected arsonist came to an end on Thursday night after Jervis surrendered himself at the Brickdam Police

The two houses that were destroyed by fire

Station in Georgetown.

The Jervis’ neighbours were not spared from the inferno’s wrath. Adonie Orderson and her three children were home at the time and they lost everything apart from a few important documents.

Orderson’s tenant, a male who lived in the lower flat, also suffered losses.

Jervis was said to be a drummer at the Princes Street church which the couple attended. His wife has two children from a previous marriage and owned the house, along with her brother.

12 news

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

N/A family fearful after teen makes second attempt to burn their home

The house at Glasgow

By Andrew Carmichael

A

New Amsterdam family has claimed to be now living in fear after a person who had allegedly perpetrated acts of terror against them was recently released from police custody, and is allegedly continuing to terrorise the family.

Tractor operator Marlon John, in a recent interview, told Guyana Times that he saw the suspect leaving his premises last Wednesday evening. That was the same night when arson was carried out at his home at Lot 852 Glasgow New Housing Scheme, Greater New Amsterdam, Berbice.

John, 35, observed that the suspect, recently released from prison, is the son of a police officer, and had in the past been placed before the court for setting fire to the home in which John lives.

John’s neighbour had, in March, allegedly set fire to the toilet of John’s home and had broken

Marlon John

several windows of the home. On Saturday, when this publication visited, there was still evidence of the March fire.

The matter was reported to the police and the 19-year-old suspect was charged. He was subsequently sent by Magistrate Alex Moore to

the National Psychiatric Hospital, where he was evaluated and then discharged.

According to John, the issue started when the 19-year-old suspect was forbidden from conversing with John’s 15-year-old daughter. According to John, on many occasions stones have been thrown on to roof of his house, sometimes even in the wee hours of the morning. Recounting what transpired on Wednesday night, John said he was awakened by a strange sound, and when he looked outside he saw his neighbour exiting the yard. He noted that when he ventured outside there was a fire on the wall downstairs.

John explained that he had on Wednesday seen the suspect using a cutlass to damage the fence separating the two yards, and when he raised an alarm, he was verbally abused and treats were made on his life, as well as towards his wife and daughter.

According to John, he was

The burnt wall

also told that his house would be burnt with his family inside if he continued to obstruct the friendship between the two teenagers.

Police had arrested the suspect on Thursday.

Meanwhile, owner of the house in which John lives, Hardea

Harrylall, also expressed concern at the situation, telling Guyana Times that she has a lot to lose.

The woman alleged that when she went to make a report, she was told that she could not report the matter since she is the landlady, and not the tenant.

Recaptured prisoner’s attempted murder trial

Was there another shooter?

– defence disputes quality of Police investigation

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he trial of Stafrei Alexander for the attempted murder of fellow Laing Avenue resident Curtis Thom continued before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court, where the defence sought to discredit the quality of the investigation, accusing the Police of not pursuing other possible suspects.

The prosecution’s case is that on March 23, 2015 at Lot 138 Laing Avenue, Georgetown, Alexander discharged a loaded firearm in a bid to murder Curtis Thom, who was shot hours after his daughter’s christening.

At the hearing late last week, Attorney for the accused, Stanley Moore, SC, grilled Police Corporal Rawle Bacchus on why he did not act on information obtained that a male, apart from the main suspect, was seen “in the passageway” on the day of the shooting, which occurred in the early morning hours. Bacchus was stationed at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost at the time of the shoot-

ing and was the principal investigator of the attempted murder allegation.

Moore asked Corporal Bacchus whether or not the Police had a duty to pursue fairness when investigating crimes to which the witness responded in the affirmative.

However, as the cross-examination continued, the 12-member jury heard Bacchus saying that he acted on the information which the victim relayed to him while being in hospital, which was that Alexander was the perpetrator that shot him. However, Senior Counsel Moore referred to a section of the victim’s statement, which was taken by Bacchus, wherein Thom recalled seeing someone else nearby.

“I saw [an] East Indian male... standing in the eastern side of the passageway,” an excerpt from Thom’s statement noted.

Although a continuous back and forth ensued between the witness and defence counsel, Corporal Bacchus held out that Alexander was the positively identified suspect for which he

was looking.

Pronoun usage takes centre stage

The Queen’s English or colloquial usage of the word ‘they’ was debated as to whether or not the pronoun was used in the singular or plural form. When Police interviewed the victim’s wife, Rhonda Thom, she recounted to Police that “they shoot him!” Attorney Moore insinuated that Corporal Bacchus was attempting to ‘rewrite the English language’, but the Policeman concluded that in this context “they” was used in a singular context.

“In street talk, ‘they’ could be one person,” the Police witness stressed.

Shots fired from one gun – ballistics expert

Detective Sergeant Nigel Gravesande, who is a firearm and ballistics examiner stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), testified that both gunshots, which were inflicted upon the victim, were fired from the same gun. Based on his examination of the bullet frag-

ments, Sergeant Gravesande concluded that a .38 revolver was the firearm of choice on the night in question.

However, when the prosecution had presented its opening address on Tuesday, the jury was told that the weapon used was not found. Thom was shot twice and was hospitalised for seven weeks during which he underwent surgery to correct his injuries.

Alexander, the accused, is one of the infamous group of prisoners who fled the Camp Street penitentiary in the midst of an inferno earlier this year. He was apprehended in late July during a special operation in Berbice after being on the run. Previously, Alexander fled from lawful custody for six months before finally being recaptured at Kurupakari Crossing, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) in May 2016.

The State’s case is led by Lisa Cave in association with fellow prosecutors Shawnette Austin and Tiffini Lyken. The trial continues before Justice Reynolds on Tuesday at 09:30h.

Stafrei Alexander on trial for attempting to murder fellow Laing Avenue native Curtis Thom

news

13

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Indigenous people deserve respect …says newly-crowned Miss Cultured Guyana However, her talents did not end at these, as the gathering was informed that the pageant’s winner was the designer of most of the costumes that adorned her, including the gown worn during the evening wear segment.

Her noted inspiration for joining pageantry was her belief that it could promote transformation and build confidence in women, while encouraging participants to celebrate their beauty, femininity and intelligence.

The delegates competed in the categories of Introduction,

Talent, Presentation on an Indigenous Cultured Personality, Catwalk Challenge, Creative Cultural Cocktail Wear, Creative Cultural Creek Wear, Professional Wear, Intelligence and Creative Cultural Evening Wear.

Twenty-two-year-old Faith Harding, whose hobbies include poetry and singing, copped the first runner-up spot while aspiring model Jenel Bennett, 23, secured the second runner-up spot. The remaining contestant Akita Joseph, 18, did not participate on the night

of the pageant. The Miss Cultured Guyana Pageant came into existence in March 2016 under the stewardship of Lloyd N De Arts Production.

Delegates were exposed to various cultural activities such as an educational training programme designed to revive their knowledge about our local culture and training sessions on cultured topics. The inaugural MCG Pageant had seen seven beautiful, talented and cultured young women competing for the title. (Shemuel Fanfair)

The moment the 20-year-old was crowned

Contestants in the Miss Cultured Guyana Pageant, which was held at Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown

Health Ministry to take HPV campaign to private schools T

Winner of this year’s Miss Cultured Guyana Pageant, Romichelle Brumell said that her fellow Guyanese should respect Indigenous people (Carl Croker photo)

T

wenty-year-old crowd favourite Romichelle Brumell was crowned Miss Cultured Guyana (MCG) on Saturday evening in an electrifying ceremony at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, where she underscored the value of the Indigenous experience and perspectives.

She made these comments in response to her final question, which sought to ascertain which aspect of her platform she would pursue to achieve the objective which read “to promote the importance of a comprehensive Indigenous curriculum to erase cultural erasure”.

In Brumell’s view, there is want of readily available comprehensive information on Indigenous literature which, according to her, could bring more awareness of their culture, a response which was made at a seemingly fit-

ting venue, the Umana Yana, an Indigenous cultural landmark in Guyana.

“The aspect I would choose would be literature, because for Indigenous literature, there isn’t much information on the Indigenous people. You can check the textbooks, you can check online – there isn’t much and I believe that as our first people, they deserve the respect to have a concise curriculum focused on them, so that children would not become ignorant of their culture,” the young lady noted.

Brumell’s response was greeted by a resounding round of applause from audience members, who were unapologetic in their favouritism towards her throughout the night’s events. The young woman’s noted hobbies included singing, playing hockey, painting, writing and being a volunteer.

he Public Health Ministry is set to take its human papillomavirus (HPV) campaign to privately-owned primary and secondary schools during the course of the week. This is according to Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Officer, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton.

Dr Hamilton on Friday disclosed that, thus far, 24 private schools in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were contacted by the MCH Unit to explain its ongoing national drive to vaccinate nine to thirteen-year- old females against the virus.

The Ministry was also able to successfully relaunch its renewed HPV drive in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) through collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO); Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and the Private Sector.

Though the vaccine was received voluntarily by over 22,000 females in 2014 and 2016, lack of public education and counter-attacks from both local and interna-

Maternal and Child Health Officer, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton

tional interest groups served to slow the drive.

However, there are reportedly no known adverse effects stemming from the administration of the injection, contrary to public be-

lief.

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses, some of which can lead to cancer. In women, HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar can-

cers, but the administration of the vaccine can help to prevent the infections that lead to these cancers.

Globally, there are some 530,000 new cases of cervical cancer detected annually which kill approximately 266,000 women or 50.2 per cent of those infected.

Cervical cancer is the second highest killer of women in Guyana accounting for 100 deaths per year, the highest in the Caribbean with an incidence rate of 46.9 per cent and a mortality rate of 21.0 per 100,000 persons.

“Vaccination is the number one public health success story in Guyana,” said the doctor, noting that theoretical scepticism vanishes when children and the younger generation become educated.

In the space of the upcoming six months, several projects will be launched in the health sector, including the introduction of the birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine and the design and piloting of the electronic vaccine records.

14 news

monDAY, october 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Age is only a number” 2-week investigation lands former – says PNCR Magistrate, eyewitness in custody General Secretary Marcus Bisram murder probe

– for witness tampering; Police pursuing perjury charges …on appointment of tody in late July after State 84-year-old Patterson to Prosecutor Stacy Goodings ess than two weeks afhad accused him of obstructhead GECOM ter a New York Judge ing the course of justice in

By Shemuel Fanfair

L

ruled that murder accused and high-profile suspect Marcus Bisram be extradited to Guyana, a prominent lawyer who was a magistrate and an eyewitness are being investigated for perjury. It is expected that charges will be laid against them in the coming days.

Police confirmed that the lawyer was detained on Sunday afternoon, sometime after a witness in the case, a young man, had also been arrested. Guyana Times understands that this young man had approached another witness in the investigation about changing statements.

Other reports suggest that he was attempting to contact other witnesses as well.

Police sources disclose that in days following the eyewitness’s dialogue with the other witness, the lawyer got involved in the discussions and offered advice on what course of action the young man should take when speaking to police investigators. An insider revealed that witness tampering investigations lasted for some two weeks, and the prominent lawyer’s alleged actions in subverting the course of justice with the eyewitness were unearthed.

Guyana Times was told that if found guilty of per-

Marcus Bisram

jury, the suspect can face a lengthy prison sentence.

Over the last several months, relatives and associates of Bisram, both local and foreign, have been accused of using various means to obtain the silence of witnesses. Bisram is suspected to be the ‘mastermind’ in the brutal murder of 27-yearold Number 70 Village Corentyne carpenter Fayez Narinedatt.

In July, a 16-year-old key witness that was expected to testify against Bisram was reportedly given poisoned food by a relative of the alleged murder mastermind. Days after, the same attorney-at-law, who was not on record for representing the five accused for the murder, was taken into cus-

the midst of court proceedings.

Earlier this month, Judge Peggy Kuo found that the Government of Guyana had substantiated its request for Bisram’s extradition with adequate documents. He has been incarcerated in a New York holding facility until the resolution of technical facets with the process. This newspaper understands that the necessary preparations are still being made to formally hand him over to local authorities.

Bisram, 27, was charged in absentia last year for the murder of Narinedatt.

Two of the accused had reportedly confessed to investigators that they were ordered by the overseas-based Guyanese businessman to kill Narinedatt, after which they dumped his body on the Number 70 Village public road to make his death seem the result of a hit-and-run accident.

The five men charged for the November 1, 2016 killing of Narinedatt were Radesh Motie, 39; Diadatt Datt, 18; Harri Paul Parsram, 49; Orlando Dickie, and Niran Yacoob, 37. Additionally, the businessman’s mother and sister were also charged and remanded to prison after they allegedly offered bribes

Deceased carpenter, Fayez Narinedatt

to Police ranks to “duck the case”.

Shinella Indarally, 45, and Mary Anne Lionel, 25, both of Lot 171 Section ‘B’ No 71 Village, Corentyne, were charged for deliberately attempting to obstruct the course of justice. It was reported that they offered a police corporal $4 million to release the four men who were detained for the murder, and to cease efforts to apprehend Bisram.

Bisram had reportedly made sexual advances to the now dead Narinedatt, but was rejected as the carpenter had slapped him several times. Out of embarrassment, Bisram allegedly instructed his associates to “get rid” of the father of two.

Go home, Tillerson tells Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

U

S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Sunday it was time for Iranian-backed militias and their Iranian advisers who helped Iraq defeat Islamic State to “go home”, after a rare joint meeting with the leaders of Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The United States is concerned that Iran, a Shi‘ite regional power, will take advantage of gains against IS in Iraq and Syria to expand the

influence it gained after the US invasion in 2003, something Sunni Arab rivals such as Riyadh also oppose.

“Iranian militias that are in Iraq, now that the fight against Daesh and ISIS is coming to a close, those militias need to go home. The foreign fighters in Iraq need to go home and allow the Iraqi people to regain control,” Tillerson said at a joint news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir.

Tens of thousands of Iraqis heeded a call to arms in 2014 after IS seized a third of the country’s territory, forming the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which receive funding and training from Tehran and have been declared part of the Iraqi security apparatus.

A senior US official said Tillerson had been referring to the PMF and the Quds Force, the foreign paramilitary and espionage

Unilateral appointment of GECOM...

Three lists of nominees were in fact submitted by the Opposition Leader in the run-up to Patterson’s appointment. The first list, submitted in December of last year, had contained the following nominees: Governance and Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh; Attorney-at-Law and outspoken anti-corruption advocate Christopher Ram; Retired Major General Norman Mc Lean; Business Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; Businesswoman Rhyaan Shah, and History Professor James Rose.

The second list, submitted in May of 2017, read as follows: Retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy; Retired Justice William Ramlal; Former Magistrate OneidgeWalrond-Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar, and Captain Gerald Gouveia.

The third list of nominees comprised former GECOM Chairman and retired Army MajorGeneral, Joseph Singh; Attorneys Teni Housty and SanjeevDatadin; vocal conservationist Annette Arjune-Martins; Onesi La Fleur, and Krishnadatt

Persaud Businessman and engineer Marcel Gaskin had, in March of this year, moved to the High Court to challenge the constitutionality of President Granger’s reasoning behind his rejection of the list of nominees.

In July, Chief Justice Roxanne George, SC, overruled the President’s interpretation of the Constitution regarding the appointment of a Chairman for GECOM, finding that there is no particular preference for the appointment of persons within the Judiciary.

In her determination,

arm of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif berated Tillerson’s remarks as influenced by Iran’s oil-rich regional rival Saudi Arabia.

“Exactly what country is it that Iraqis who rose up to defend their homes against ISIS return to?” Zarif said in a tweet. “Shameful US FP (foreign policy), dictated by petrodollars.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

from page 9

Justice George found that there was no valid argument to support the idea that the Chairman should be a judge, former judge, or person eligible to be a judge; and noted that persons from each category were equally eligible for the post.

She had also found that Granger is required to give reasons for his rejection of any name submitted to him, and his failure to so do could be subject to judicial review.

To date, Granger has not provided details on why the 18 nominees were unfit for the GECOM Chairmanship.

Social Protection Minister and PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally at Saturday’s outreach on the West Side

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

ocial Protection Minister Amna Ally told residents of La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, on Saturday during an outreach at the community’s primary school, that President David Granger did not act unconstitutionally when he unilaterally handpicked retired Justice James Patterson to occupy the post of GECOM Chairman.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary assured that the President did not breach any law when he hastily swore in Patterson to the position at 08:30pm last Thursday. Further, she said that “age is only a number”, and added that President Granger acted within the law, citing Article 161-2 of the Constitution to substantiate her assurance.

“The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be appointed by the President from among persons who hold, or have held, office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or who are qualified to be appointed as any such judge,” Article 161-2 states.

Minister Ally advised her audience not to become distracted by the Opposition’s claims of non-cooperation a year ahead of local government elections, noting that there are plans to move ahead with the development of the country.

The minister told residents that now that GECOM is fully commissioned, there will be plans to move ahead with local government elections scheduled for next

year.

Just last week, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced that Mortimer Mingo, Clement Corlette, Marlon Williams, Joan Ann Ramascindo, Andrew Garnett, Carol Sooba, Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore had been appointed to serve on the Local Government Commission. The appointments came after constant pressure was brought to bear on the Government to name their nominees, since the Opposition had named theirs more than one year ago.

The sum of $30 million has been allocated to the Local Government Commission in the 2017 budget, but an office, staff and other facilities are yet to be arranged for.

Ever since President Granger hurriedly swore in Justice Patterson to fill the GECOM chairmanship position, there have been widespread criticisms for the action. Many persons have deem[LM1]ed the President’s action unconstitutional, a slap in the face of democracy, and blatant disregard for the acting Chief Justice’s ruling on the issue.

Additionally, the Opposition have since signalled their official position of non-cooperation with the Government, and there are plans to engage international bodies while taking their demonstration to the streets. Moreover, the President’s action would be challenged in court.

The Guyana Bar Association has also threatened legal action if the President refuses to give reasons for the rejection of the 18 names that were submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

15

MONDAY, octoBER 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

President Granger’s unilateral appointment of new GECOM Chair P resident David Granger on Thursday made the move to unilaterally appoint Retired Chief Justice James Patterson as the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This is even with the submission of three lists of nominees by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, all of which were denied by the President. As citizens are still on the edge over the swearing-in of the new GECOM Chair, the Guyana Times has asked persons their views on the President’s decision to appoint the 84-year-old Justice Patterson. Following are the views received:

Havendra Sookraj “Personally, I believe the President’s decision

was disheartening. It did not reflect impartiality and the meaning of a true democracy. As a youth advocate, I must say that it would have been refreshing to see the appointment of a younger, more vibrant person to head GECOM. Nonetheless, the President has gravely disappointed the nation. In my opinion, his dictatorial actions should be condemned, the decision should be rescinded and an apology to the nation should be made.

After which, he should reengage the Leader of the Opposition.”

Mahendra Narine “Well, there seems to be a game of egos going on.

The fact that Justice James Patterson was unilaterally selected and sworn in

overnight clearly shows that the President never considered any of the lists Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted. It is a sad day for democracy in our country. This is a move I would expect from the PPP. It has really caught me off guard because Mr Granger has portrayed himself to be a man of God and his electoral campaign boasted about integrity; then he comes up with a conniving and cheeky move like this.

Maybe if Mr Granger can explain why the nominees from the previous three lists were not ‘fit and proper’, then he can probably justify his unilateral decision.”

Jare Humphrey “Honestly, nothing this government does surprises me anymore and I personally think that President David Granger had it in mind to put the

person he appointed there in the first place, hence his reason for rejecting the names submitted to him.

I would really like for him to provide us with some reasons for his rejection of the other names so that we could have some clarity on the issue. Justice Patterson, for me, is way past the age for that position, because it requires a lot of physical and mental strength and I am not entirely convinced he possesses those fundamental qualities.

Therefore, I would like to see due process observed and reasons to be given for this unilateral selection.”

Amrita Edywn “It’s absolutely ridiculous for the President to have rejected 18 nominees from a

total of three lists submitted by the Opposition and not give any plausible reason for such rejections.

Such is his narrow interpretation of who should be deemed “fit and proper”.

As if this was not enough, he not only unilaterally appointed Rtd Justice Patterson – though he is undoubtedly intellectually fit and proper— at 84, the same cannot be said about his physical condition and health which undermines the very criteria that is required in a chairman.”

Gabie Silva “Earlier in 2017, the President had justified the

Lester Glenn “Hope he don’t fall asleep election night. Well, President Granger found him fit enough. I think President Granger is looking for his age group.”

Toolsie Heralall “This is a big portfolio.

Patterson, as a man of God, should’ve never accepted that portfolio. Then the President said he don’t want a priest to hold this portfolio, so how we can give him that work? I want the Opposition Leader to hold strong to what he said Thursday, that he will not assist the Government with anything. I support the Opposition in not agreeing with them (the Government) for anything.”

Randy Persaud “I think that it is totally unfair to the people of this country, because there were many other suitable

applicants presented to the President yet he goes ahead and chose someone who is highly age inappropriate.

The President also stated in his campaign leading up to the 2015 elections that he was going to give youths a chance (in this case persons younger than Justice Patterson), yet he selected someone that is relatively older than the other applicants. His move is not a good move, and he should have thought twice before he went ahead with the appointment.”

Anurama Ramgobin “Personally, I don’t agree with what the President did,

John Milton Fraser

“One glance at the Constitution and you see zero clauses requiring the President to justify his rejection of the list. It just says the list must be acceptable to the President.

It also says the chairman

replacement of persons serving on several State Boards and Commissions on the basis of the new policy on age proposed by his government.

According to the Head of State, this new age policy would’ve enabled younger persons to serve in the public domain which would have a long-term effect of having a pool of experienced and expert personnel/professionals in the younger generation.

How is then the selection of an 84-year-old man giving the younger generation this opportunity?”

given the volatile nature of our political scene. Having unilaterally appointed a Chairman to GECOM, after having 18 names submitted by the Opposition Leader, will give the political Opposition a field day to drive home the notion that our democracy is being fiddled with. In addition, it’s my firm belief that the coalition will lose some votes from its supporters, since this move is seen as one that will undermine the fairness of elections that GECOM has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring. must be a judge, a retired judge, someone qualified to be a judge or if none of those are willing, then someone ‘fit and proper’.

The Constitution itself justifies the President’s actions. And in fact, had the Opposition submitted names of people of that calibre, the President likely won’t have acted as he was forced to do. The first list had zero qualified people.

The second list included two qualified persons, neither of whom were likely acceptable to the President.

No one on the third list is more qualified than Patterson or even qualified at all as none are judges or even retired judges or even persons qualified to be judges.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 23, 2017

Regional

Citizens still reeling from China, Jamaica partner on 3-year flood disaster in Trinidad project for sport development

T

W

ith an estimated 2500 households severely affected by flooding up to Saturday, the unrelenting Inter-Tropical Conversion Zone over the past four days is proving to be even worse than Tropical Storm Bret.

Senior Disaster Coordinator in the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government Rishi Siew said because of this, line minister Kazim Hosein has called for all hands on deck. Siew said even the few regional corporations that were not affected were mandated to assist other regions with manpower and resources.

“This is actually worse than Tropical Storm Bret.

The impact of this weather is severe and this is in fact what we would call a disaster that we have never seen before. The magnitude of the damage is still being assessed. Currently, I am heading down to Mayaro where the Defence Force is helping with their trucks to bring supplies to the people of Kernaham and Mafeking who have been affected bad-

he Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in Jamaica will today sign a Letter of Exchange with the People’s Republic of China for the provision of coaching and sport equipment in six sporting disciplines.

According to a release from the Ministry, the Chinese Government has agreed to a three-year technical cooperation project

A Pluck Road, Woodland resident takes his cow out of a flooded area

ly.

“Minister Kazim Hosein is collaborating with entities to provide meals and supplies to affected people during this critical time.”

Siew said the Princes Town Regional Corporation was the hardest hit so far, with flooding in Moruga and Barrackpore. This was followed by the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, especially lower Barrackpore, Suchit Trace, the SS Erin

Road and Ramai Trace.

Sangre Grande, Tunapuna/ Piarco, San Juan/Laventille and the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo regions followed in that order.

Almost 1000 affected residents in Woodland were fearing more rain as they tried to put their already soiled furniture on higher grounds. Meanwhile, farmers undertook a dangerous operation to rescue the livestock that was trapped in the flood. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Venezuelan President to visit Trinidad and Tobago

V

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to sign new agreements with the twin-island republic when he visits in the coming weeks.

Maduro, who was speaking with the International media last week, said he will sign a fresh round of broad ranging agreements, including pacts on joint exploration of cross-border LoranManatee gas fields and the possible establishment of a water taxi between ports in Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago .

“I expect to visit Trinidad and Tobago soon to sign new agreements worked on be-

forehand by the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Governor of Sucre state, “ said Madura, who is the head of the ruling socialist party Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV).

Earlier this month, Maduro during a visit to Russia said he hoped to strengthen cooperation and development between Russia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Russia and Venezuela are members of the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) sub-committee that determines its oil production and pricing.

While in Russia,

Venezuelan Minister of Oil Eulogio Del Pino met with Trinidad and Tobago’s representative Franklin Khan in Moscow to discuss the exploration of natural gas in the offshore Loran-Manatee territory that the two countries border.

The discussions began in 2013 and representatives are confident they will reach agreements on how to explore the area in the coming weeks. (Excerpt from CMC)

on sport with Jamaica, the first phase of which will see China sending coaches to Jamaica for a one-month period in January 2018.

While there, the coaches will conduct specialised training in gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, basketball, football and badminton.

According to the release, a group of about 150 Jamaicans made up of athletes, coaches and offi-

Barbadians urged to reconsider their values

B

arbadians are being asked to think deeply about their current value system and consider whether the values they now hold are superior to the ones cherished dearly by their grandparents and great grandparents.

The call for a reassessment of the current value system held by most Barbadians, came recently from the Most Reverend Dr Charles Jason Gordon, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown, Barbados, who will be leaving the island towards the end of December, to be installed as Archbishop of Port-of-Spain.

Archbishop-elect Gordon, in delivering a parting message to Barbadians, has suggested that this reassessment is key, if the country is to head in the right direction.

“The waters have been rough … and with those waters, it is very easy to lose both hope and a sense of a destination point. And it is my fear that at this time, Barbados is losing focus on both. The problem is not a problem that political parties can solve in the first in-

Most Reverend Dr Charles Jason Gordon, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown

stance. It is a much deeper societal problem that we have come to,” Gordon commented.

“I have said it in many different ways. We had some old-time values that grandmothers used to pass on to the children, (but) we threw out baby and bath water together. And as long as we throw those old-time values

O

28-year-old tattoo artist and indigenous rights activist from Veinticinco de Mayo, whose body was found on Thursday, nearly 80 days after his disappearance in a case that has captivated the attention and political discussions of the entire country.

“We were able to see the body, we recognised his tattoos, we are sure it is him,” Sergio Maldonado, Santiago’s brother, announced to the press gathered in front of the Buenos Aires judicial morgue on Friday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

out with everything, then we replace them with a new set of values that is really about getting rich or dying trying,” he added.

“That rugged liberal capitalist model has really infected the soul of this nation and has created great grief among our people,” the Archbishop-elect maintained. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

St Lucia records significant increase in tourist arrivals

Argentine activist’s death overshadows elections ne person’s shadow will loom large over Argentina’s legislative elections on Sunday.

It isn’t Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner’s, the former two-term President running for a senatorial seat that could either propel her into a third presidential bid or potentially end her lifelong political career.

It isn’t that of Education Minister Esteban Bullrich, Fernandez’s main opponent.

Instead, the name that will be at the forefront of voters’ minds will be Santiago Maldonado, a

cials will subsequently visit China and participate in intensive training sessions.

The cooperation project runs from January 2018 to December 2020.

The signing will take place at the Jamaica Pegasus, between Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange and Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, Niu Qingbao. (CMC)

The island also recorded the third highest percentage increase for August at 11.4 per cent, followed by Belize at 19.1 per cent and Grenada at 16.9 per cent

S

t Lucia’s tourism sector continues to enjoy robust performance, recording the second fastest growth in the Region among Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) member countries.

Figures released by the CTO says

Bermuda leads the member countries as at August with 11.9 per cent increase in stayover arrivals over 2016, followed by St Lucia at 9.2 per cent.

The island also recorded the third highest percentage increase for August at 11.4 per cent, followed by Belize at

19.1 per cent and Grenada at 16.9 per cent.

August marked the third consecutive month of double digit growth for St Lucia and fourth for the year; a feat surpassed only by Bermuda with five double digit increases so far for the year.

The United States continues to be the market leader with total stay-over visitor arrivals of 12,922 in August 2017.

The United Kingdom (UK) showed a marked increase of 36 per cent, a significant jump, after a difficult year for the UK market in 2016.

In August, cruise sector visitor arrivals were 20,341 a 6.3 per cent increase over the previous year, contributing to the sectors strong performance.

Year to date, the cruise sector has recorded an increase of 21.1 per cent.

This sector is poised for greater increases in 2018 as the port expansion at Pointe Seraphine Berth Number 1 is scheduled for completion in December.

(Excerpt from CMC)

monDAY, october 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Abe to push reform of Japan’s pacifist Spain urges Catalonia secessionists to Constitution after election win

J

apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling bloc was headed for a big win in Sunday’s election, bolstering his chance of becoming the nation’s longest-serving premier and re-energising his push to revise the pacifist Constitution.

Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party-led (LDP) coalition has won a combined 310 seats, reaching a two-thirds “super majority” in the 465-member lower house, with 11 seats still up for grabs, broadcaster TV Asahi said.

A hefty win raises the likelihood that Abe, who took office in December 2012, will have a third three-year term as LDP leader next September and go on to become Japan’s longest-serving premier. It

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

also means his “Abenomics” growth strategy centred on the hyper-easy monetary policy will likely continue.

Final official results from the election, which coincided with an approaching typhoon, are expected early today.

The US-drafted Constitution’s Article 9, if taken literally, bans the maintenance of armed forces.

But Japanese Governments have interpreted it to allow a military exclusively for self-defence.

Backers of Abe’s proposal to clarify the military’s am-

biguous status say it would codify the status quo. Critics fear it would allow an expanded role overseas for the military.

Abe said he would not stick to a target he had floated of making the changes by 2020. “First, I want to deepen debate and have as many people as possible agree,” he told a TV broadcaster. “We should put priority on that.”

The LDP’s junior partner, the Komeito, is cautious about changing the Constitution, drawn up after Japan’s defeat in World War Two. Several Opposition parties favour changes, but do not necessarily agree on details.

Amendments must be approved by two-thirds of each chamber of Parliament and then by a majority in a public referendum. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

WHO cancels Robert Mugabe’s Goodwill Ambassador role

T

he World Health Organisation has revoked the appointment of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe as a Goodwill Ambassador following a widespread outcry.

“I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns,” WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

He had previously praised Zimbabwe for its commitment to public health.

But critics pointed out that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system had collapsed in recent years.

During the first 20 years of his 37-year rule, Mr Mugabe widely expanded health care, but the sys-

President Robert Mugabe often travels abroad for medical treatment

tem has badly been affected by the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy since 2000.

Staff often go without pay, medicines are in short supply, and Mugabe, who has outlived the average life expectancy in his coun-

try by three decades, travels abroad for medical treatment.

Tedros said he had consulted with the Zimbabwean Government and decided that rescinding Mugabe’s position was “in the best interests of” the WHO.

He said he remained “firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders” to build universal health care.

Tedros, elected in May under the slogan “let’s prove the impossible is possible” had said he hoped Mugabe would use his Goodwill Ambassador role to “influence his peers in the region”.

But the appointment was met by a wave of surprise and condemnation. The United Kingdom Government, the Canadian Prime Minister, the Wellcome Trust, the NCD Alliance, UN Watch, the World Heart Federation, Action Against Smoking and Zimbabwean lawyers and social media users were among those who criticised the decision. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Tillerson visits Qatar in new push to end Gulf crisis

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman spoke to reporters in Doha [Alex Brandon/Reuters]

U

S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Saudi Arabia is not willing to begin direct talks to resolve a monthslong diplomatic crisis in the Gulf.

The top US diplomat made the comments on Sunday during a visit to Qatar, where he arrived following a stop in Saudi Arabia as part of a new

push to end the dispute.

In Qatar’s capital, Doha, Tillerson held talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

In a joint news conference with his Qatari counterpart, Tillerson said he is not hopeful Saudi Arabia is willing to enter discussions to resolve the crisis.

“In my meetings with [Saudi] Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, I asked him to please engage in dialogue, [but] there is not a strong indication that parties are ready to talk yet,” said Tillerson, referring to his earlier discussions in Riyadh.

“We cannot force talks upon people who are not ready to talk.”(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

obey Madrid

T

he Spanish Government on Sunday urged Catalans to accept direct control from Madrid and ignore instructions from the restive region’s secessionist leadership once it has been removed from power.

Sunday’s message came a day after Madrid resolved to take the unprecedented constitutional step of firing the Catalonia Government, a last resort to thwart its independence campaign and calm fears of unrest and economic turmoil in the heart of the euro zone.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont rejected the decision, to be implemented this week, and thousands of pro-independence protesters marched in Barcelona on Saturday.

The regional Parliament’s Speaker, Carme Forcadell, said she would not accept Madrid’s move and accused Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of staging a “coup”.

Spanish Foreign Minister

Alfonso Dastis responded on Sunday with the call to obey Madrid.

“All the Government is trying to do, and reluctantly, is to reinstate the legal order, to restore the Constitution but also the Catalan rules and proceed from there,” Dastis told BBC TV. “We are going to establish the authorities who are going to rule the day-to-day affairs of Catalonia according to the Catalan laws and norms ... I hope everyone will disregard whatever instructions they will be planning to give because they will not have the legal authority to do that.”

However, Dastis sought to calm nerves in the region, saying Madrid would not conduct arrests among the pro-independence leadership, though two prominent secessionists were detained on court order this month on allegations of sedition.

“We are not going to arrest anyone,” he said. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Raqqa: US coalition “wiped city off Earth”, Russia says

R

ussia has accused the United States-led coalition of bombing the Syrian city of Raqqa “off the face of the earth” during the fight against so-called Islamic State.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) took Raqqa last week and on Sunday said they had taken Syria’s largest oilfield.

Pictures suggest much of Raqqa is in ruins, and Moscow compared it to the Allied destruction of the German city of Dresden in World War Two. The US-led coalition says it tried to minimise risks to civilians.

Russia has itself been accused of committing war crimes for its bombardment of Aleppo last year.

UN war crimes investigators said last week that there had been a “staggering loss of civilian life” in Raqqa.

Syrian activists say between 1130 and 1873 civilians were killed and that

many of the civilian casualties were the result of the intense US-led air strikes that helped the SDF, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, advance.

A Russian Defence Ministry spokesman said the ruins evoked the destruction of Dresden.

“Raqqa has inherited the fate of Dresden in 1945, wiped off the face of the earth by Anglo-American bombardments,” Major General Igor Konashenkov said.

He said the West now appeared to be hurrying to send financial aid to Raqqa as a way of covering up evidence of its crimes.

The US-led coalition said it had adhered to strict targeting processes and procedures aimed to minimise risks to civilians.

The SDF declared victory in Raqqa last week after a four-month battle to retake the city from IS, which had ruled it for three years. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

China fuels boom in domestic tech start-ups

T

he Chinese Government has spent more than US$1 billion on domestic start-ups in the hope of becoming a world leader in artificial intelligence and other technologies, according to accountancy KPMG. The spending is part of the “Made in China 2025” plan, put in place in 2015, to im-

prove China’s technology industry by spending hundreds of billions of dollars through venture capital funds guided

by Government policy.

In recent years private investors around the world have cooled on funding early-stage companies, particularly in the US. In the second quarter of

Beijing has made it a priority to support strategic technology sectors such as AI and robotics (Bloomberg)

this year, investments in private tech companies in Asia topped those in the US for the first time, according to analysis by CB Insights and PwC, with US$19.3 billion pouring into Asian start-ups compared with US$18.4 billion in the US, the traditional home of venture capital.

(Excerpt from Financial Times)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 23, 2017

ARCHIE

Add to your qualifications.

Learn, explore and figure out (March 21the best way to move forward.

April 19) Make today the beginning of a new adventure. Personal gain is within reach.

ARIES

Take care of your financial TAURUS and domestic affairs person(April 20- ally. Someone you think you May 20) can trust may feel entitled to use or abuse a privilege you have offered in the past.

dilbert

Question your motives.

GEMINI (May 21- You may get more than you June 20) bargained for if your intent isn’t made clear to everyone you are dealing with. Physical fitness will ease your stress.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Be brave and explore what life has to offer. Do things differently and you’ll surprise and please the people you care about most. Let your creative imagination lead the way.

Don’t let changes at work or at home get to you. Deal with your responsibilities and move on to the things you enjoy doing. A personal improvement will lift your spirits.

Communication will be VIRGO your ticket to positive change.

(Aug. 23Stick to the truth and explicSept. 22) itly lay out your plans. Tell anyone who balks that they are welcome to take a pass.

Calvin and Hobbes

Make up your mind and LIBRA (Sept. 23- stick to your plans. Take Oct. 23) care of your health and walk away from discord. Physical improvements will boost your confidence and attract compliments and romance.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Guard against impulsive SCORPIO and unpredictable people (Oct. 24pressuring you to follow the Nov. 22) herd. Create the life and the future you want, instead of accepting what someone else is pushing on you.

Embellishing a story or SAGITTARIUS making fun of someone will (Nov. 23- invite criticism and create Dec. 21) emotional distress. If you offer kindness and consideration, you’ll be praised, not chastised.

SATURDAY’S

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Learn from experience when CAPRICORN dealing with emotional mat(Dec. 22- ters. You are best off not makJan. 19) ing changes without getting the necessary approval first. If someone pushes for change you don’t want, back away.

Less talk will help to alAQUARIUS leviate conflict. Hard work (Jan. 20- will pay off and leave no room Feb. 19) for criticism. A professional change looks promising.

Personal achievements and improvements are favoured.

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

Stay on top of sensitive PISCES (Feb. 20- situations. Using intelligence March 20) and understanding will help you dodge a problem, leaving you more time to focus on creative pursuits and personal investments.

monDAY, OCTOber 23, 2017

19

Packed programme rolled out for CMRC Herstelling EBFA /Ralph Green U-11 League…

Some big names are expected to be on show in Guyana like never before

beat Diamond United 2-0

– 27 races carded for South Dakota

A

twenty-seven race programme was unveiled on Friday evening as the Guyana motor racing and sports club gets ready to host the final leg of the 2017 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships at the South Dakota Circuit on November 11 and 12.

The sturdy programme will feature two days of racing action including the much talked about Suzuki Radical SR-3 display on both days as well as drifting action.

According to the president of the Club Rameez Mohamed, the 27 events will have to be done over two days to ensure that there is enough time to run off the local and Caribbean Championships and as well as several new dimensions that the

club is planning.

“We have a jam packed programme for November. There are so many things that we want to show the Guyanese public that we needed to have two full days of racing,” Mohamed said.

“Our committee has confirmed so far that there are going to be two professional drift cars from Trinidad to showcase their skillset for the locals,” the GMR&SC boss added.

He continued, “In addition to those drifters, there will the much talked about SR-3 Radicals from Barbados. We have four coming for a couple of exhibitions. That is in addition to the foreign competitors for the Caribbean Championship.”

He noted that after looking at the programme, the volume of races was too much for one day, hence the committee decided to do qualifying and four events on the Saturday, November 11.

Saturday, he noted, will be treated just as a race day, with charges for spectators, safety precautions and rules applying.

Qualification will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:00h with races beginning from 14:00h. Scrutinising will take place on Thursday and Friday and before qualification on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the club is organising weekend passes for patrons desirous of viewing both days of action as well as VIP passes.

Marian Academy Invitational Inter-School Basketball Tournament

Plaisance crowned champions

Mocha Champs’ Kerry Boyce (#2) watches as her teammate takes the attack to Grove Hi Tech

W

hen play in the second annual Ralph Green sponsored East Bank Demerara Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League continued on Saturday at the Grove Playfield, Mocha Champs stormed back from a goal down to draw with Grove Hi Tech in the feature match.

female player who has been a tower of strength in the side, 10-year-old Kerry Boyce took the fight to the Grove team as they searched for the equaliser.

They were finally rewarded in the 24th minute when Boyce netted her third goal of the competition, a first time volley on a throw in close to the Herstelling Raiders FC Solomon Austin (left) and Luckos Fohtehelles

The school teams pose with their spoils following the short tournament

P

resident’s College Royals and Plaisance High School emerged winners of the Marian Academy twoday inter-school tournament which concluded on Saturday afternoon at the school’s Carifesta Avenue court.

The competition organized by the 5th form students of Marian was used as a basis to further prepare the students for next year’s CXC Physical Education exams. Friday saw make and female teams from; St Roses, Plaisance, President’s College and Marian duking it out for an opportunity to secure spots in the finals.

Action between President's College and Plaisance

After an intense day of action on Friday, President’s College ladies locked horns with the Marian Academy girls, beating them 5-2 in a very low-

scoring encounter to secure the female title with Saffiya Green being adjudged MVP for her 2 points and five rebounds.

Following the disposal of

President’s College boys on Friday, Plaisance asserted themselves as the top team by destroying Marian Academy boys 62-31. MVP Nigel Bowen racked up 17 points, 20 rebounds, 4 steals and 5 turnovers. Andrew Johnson chipped in with 17 points and Shemar Payne 15 points, ensured the victory was a commanding one.

At the post match presentation, the students and teachers thanked the participants for their commitment and for making the venture a success.

Herstelling Raiders continued their winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win over Diamond United while Samatta Point/Kanville was awarded a walk over against Diamond Upsetters which showed up late for their encounter.

Grove had taken the lead in the 8th minute of the match thanks to a well-directed shot off the boot of Jamal Cordis that sailed into the back of nets. Mocha, featuring one

corner line. Grove’s goalkeeper, Ramesh Persaud was outfoxed

by Boyce who pounced on eth ball in a flash to hit it into the back of the nets.

Herstelling Raiders, which had trounced Samatta Point/ Kaneville one week before, duplicated the same score line in beating Diamond United. On target for the winners were Captain Solomon Austin in the 11th minute and Luckos Fohtehelles.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, october 23, 2017

Latham, Taylor ace chase against India T

om Latham hit a masterful unbeaten hundred and added 200 in a stand with Ross Taylor to help New Zealand to a comfortable six-wicket victory over India in the first one-day international at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 281 for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the touring side reached their target with six balls to spare on a hot and humid night at the ground overlooking the Arabian Sea. Latham remained unbeaten on 103 while Taylor was out on 95 with the side just one run away from the win.

India captain Virat Kohli hit 121 off 125 deliveries to register his 31st century in ODIs and anchor the hosts to 280 for eight after winning the toss and opting to bat.

New Zealand’s chase got off to a decent start with an opening stand of 48 between Martin Guptill and Colin Munro but India fought back with three quick wickets to reduce them to 80 for three.

With the hosts boasting wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in their bowling armoury, few would have placed a wager on New Zealand winning

Tom Latham looked the part in the middle order (BCCI)

from that stage but Taylor and Latham had other ideas.

Chahal and Yadav played a big part in India winning nine of their last 10 ODIs against Sri Lanka and Australia but the New Zealand batting pair made them ineffective, using powerful sweep shots and deft placements.

The 25-year-old Latham brought up his fourth ODI

hundred in 95 balls, his innings studded with eight fours and two sixes.

Earlier, New Zealand paceman Trent Boult gave his side an ideal start with the ball in his first spell, sending back India openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cheaply while conceding just seven runs in his five overs.

Kedar Jadhav then fell

for 12 to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, reducing India to 71-3 and leaving Kohli to rebuild the innings through a 73-run fourth-wicket stand with Dinesh Karthik.

The 32-year-old Karthik, who did not play India’s last two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, scored 37 before giving paceman Tim Southee the first of his three wickets.

Kohli, who was dropped on 29 by Santner off seamer Colin de Grandhomme, also added 57 for the fifth wicket with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (25).

Boult returned to peg back India with the wickets of Dhoni and Hardik Pandya, who made 16, and finished with figures of 4-35 from his 10 overs.

Playing his 200th 50-over match, Kohli brought up his three-figure mark with a single off Southee, overtaking former Australia batsman Ricky Ponting to climb to second spot on the list of most ODI hundreds behind Sachin Tendulkar (49).

Kohli, who will turn 29 next month, hit nine boundaries and two sixes before falling to Southee in the final over of India’s innings.

Pune will host the second ODI on Wednesday. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD

India Innings R Sharma b Boult 20 S Dhawan c Latham b Boult 9 V Kohli c Boult b Southee 121 K Jadhav c&b Santner 12 D Karthik c Munro b Southee 37 M Dhoni c Guptill b Boult 25 H Pandya c Williamson b Boult 16 B Kumar c Nicholls b Southee 26 K Yadav not out 0 Extras (lb-4 w-10) 14 Total (for 8 wickets, 50 overs) 280 Fall of wickets: 1-16 S. Dhawan,2-29 Ro. Sharma,3-71 K. Jadhav,4-144 D. Karthik,5-201 M. Dhoni,6-238 H. Pandya,7-270 V. Kohli,8-280 B. Kumar Did not bat: J. Bumrah, Y. Chahal Bowling: Southee 10 - 0 - 73 – 3, Boult 10 - 1 - 35 - 4(w2), Milne 9 - 0 - 62 - 0(w-3), Santner 10 - 0 - 41 - 1(w-3), C de Grandhomme 4 - 0 - 27 - 0(w-

A

Aiden Markram made a fifty on ODI debut (AFP)

iden Markram scored a halfcentury and took two wickets on his one-day international debut as South Africa completed a clean sweep of their three-match series against Bangladesh with a crushing 200-run victory at Buffalo Park on Sunday.

Markram contributed 66 from 60 balls as South Africa posted 369 for six from their 50 overs, with Faf du Plessis (91 from 67 balls) and Quinton de Kock (73 from 68) also in the runs.

Du Plessis retired hurt with a lower back strain and has been withdrawn from the two-match Twenty20 International series that starts in Bloemfontein on Thursday as JP Duminy takes over the captaincy duties.

Bangladesh slipped to 61 for five in reply and were eventually all out for 169 as Markram claimed two for 18, including the wicket of Shakib Al Hasan (63 from 82), who provided the lone score of note for the visitors. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka ‘A’ 1st innings 294 West Indies ‘A’ 1st innings 137 Sri Lanka ‘A’ 2nd innings 267/9d West Indies ‘A’ 2nd Innings (target: 425 runs) M Hodgec †Weerakkody b Rajitha 14 J Campbell c DM de Silva b Pushpakumara 1 S Brooks (c) c Jayasuriya b Pushpakumara 7 V Singh c †Weerakkody b Pushpakumara 9 J Hamilton † c Pushpakumara b DM de Silva 6 S Ambris lbw b Jayasuriya 41 R Cornwall c PWH de Silva b Pushpakumara 2 D Jacobs lbw b Pushpakumara 0

New Zealand Innings M Guptill c Karthik b H Pandya 32 C Munro c Karthik b Bumrah 28 K Williamson c Jadhav b K Yadav 6 R Taylor c Chahal b B. Kumar 95 T Latham not out 103 H Nicholls not out 4 Extras (lb-11 w-5) 16 Total (for 4 wickets, 49 overs) 284 Fall of wickets: 1-48 C. Munro,2-62 K. Williamson,3-80 M. Guptill,4-280 R. Taylor Did not bat: C. de Grandhomme, M. Santner, A. Milne, T. Southee, T. Boult Bowling: B Kumar 10 - 0 - 56 - 1(w-2), Bumrah 9 - 0 - 56 1(w-1), Yadav 10 - 0 - 64 – 1, H Pandya 10 - 0 - 46 - 1(w2), Chahal 10 - 0 - 51 - 0

South Africa complete series sweep over hapless Bangladesh

Sri Lanka ‘A’ level series with devastating 280-run win S ri Lanka ‘A’, on Saturday levelled their unofficial threeTest series against the Windies ‘A’ with a devastating 280-run win inside three days at the Trelawny Multiplex in Jamaica.

Batting first Sri Lanka ‘A’ piled up 294 before bowling out the Windies ‘A’ for 137. Going out onto the square for the second time, Sri Lanka ‘A’ scored 267 to give themselves a 425-run lead with two days to go in the ‘Test’.

The Windies ‘A’ fell woefully short, dismantling for just 144, still 280 runs shy

1), Munro 7 - 0 - 38 - 0(w-1)

S Cottrell lbw b Pushpakumara 17 K Joseph not out 13 O Thomas b Jayasuriya 18 Extras: (b 6, lb 5, nb 3, w 2) 16 TOTAL: all out (54 Overs) 144 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (JD Campbell, 2.2 ov), 2-13 (SSJ Brooks, 6.2 ov), 3-27 (VA Singh, 12.4 ov), 4-39 (JN Hamilton, 16.6 ov), 5-66 (MV Hodge, 30.4 ov), 6-80 (RRS Cornwall, 36.4 ov), 7-80 (DK Jacobs, 36.5 ov), 8-103 (SS Cottrell, 42.1 ov), 9-119 (SW Ambris, 47.1 ov), 10-144 (O Thomas, 53.6 ov) Bowling: Pushpakumara 21-8-46-6, Jayasuriya 18-0-48-2, de Silva 2-0-7-1, Rajitha 6-1-13-1, Fernando 4-29-0, M Shanaka 3-0-10-0

Oshane Thomas is bowled watched by wicketkeeper Sandun Weerakkody to bring a close to the match

of the target.

Only Sunil Ambris, 41, provided any resistance for the Windies against the bowling of Malinda Pushpakumara, 6-46, and Shehan Jayasuriya, 2-48.

There was a wicket apiece for Dananjaya de Silva and (1-7) and Kasun Rajitha (1-13).

Pushpakumara ended with match figures of 12-98.

Sri Lanka ‘A’s first innings was bolstered by an

unbeaten 102 from Dasun Shanaka, who would score 60 in the second innings to crush the spirit of the Windies ‘A’.

In that second innings there was also an unbeaten 50 from Wanindu Hasaranga, and 86 from Roshen Silva.

Historic Sabina Park in Kingston will host the third and final “Test”, a day/ night affair, starting next Thursday. (Sportsmax)

South Africa Innings T. Bavuma c Das b M. Hasan 48 Q. de Kock c&b M. Hasan 73 F. du Plessis retired hurt 91 A. Markram run out (Kayes) 66 A. de Villiers c Mortaza b R. Hossain 20 F. Behardien not out 33 W. Mulder lbw b Ahmed 2 A. Phehlukwayo c Rahim b Ahmed 5 K. Rabada not out 23 Extras (lb-3 w-5) 8 Total (for 6 wickets, 50 overs) 369 Fall of wickets: 1-119 T. Bavuma,2-132 Q. de Kock,3289 A. Markram,4-325 A. de Villiers,5-329 W. Mulder,6-335 A. Phehlukwayo Did not bat: D. Paterson, I. Tahir Bowling : Mortaza 9 - 0 - 69 - 0(w-1), M Hasan 10 - 0 - 59 – 2, R Hossain, 10 - 0 - 75 – 1, Shakib Al Hasan 10 - 0 - 56 0(w-2), T Ahmed 7 - 0 - 66 2(w-1), Mahmudullah 3 - 0 - 33 - 0(w-1), S Rahman 1 - 0 - 8 - 0

Bangladesh Innings I Kayes c Behardien b Paterson 1 S Sarkar c Markram b Rabada 8 L Das lbw b Paterson 6 M Rahim c Rabada b Phehlukwayo 8 Shakib Al Hasan c sub b Markram 63 Mahmudullah lbw b Mulder 2 S Rahman c de Kock b Markram 39 M Hasan c de Villiers b Tahir 15 M Mortaza c de Kock b Paterson 17 T Ahmed c sub b Tahir 2 R Hossain not out 0 Extras (b-1 lb-1 nb-1 w-5) 8 Total (all out, 40.4 overs) 169 Fall of wickets: 1-3 I. Kayes,2-15 L. Das,3-20 S. Sarkar,4-51 M. Rahim,5-61 Mahmudullah,6-128 S. Al Hasan,7-135 Sa. Rahman,8-163 M. Mortaza,9-169 T. Ahmed,10-169 M. Hasan Bowling: Rabada 8 - 1 - 33 - 1(w2), Paterson 9 - 0 - 44 - 3(w1), Mulder 8 - 0 - 32 - 1(nb-1 w-1), Phehlukwayo 4 - 1 - 13 – 1, Tahir 8.4 - 1 - 27 - 2(w1), Markram 3 - 0 - 18 - 2

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sports

21

Royals brush aside Raiders 96-56 to reach semi-finals

T

he pre-tournament favourites from Georgetown and Linden eased through to the semi-finals when the Sixth Brusches Classic Invitational basketball tournament got started Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

In the opening games, Colts brushed aside Pepsi Sonics 71-52 and Victory Valley Royals cruised past Retrieve Raiders by a whopping 40 points, 96-56.

Specifically back for this biennial championship are the Brusche brothers James and Mike and Auric Tappin, all past outstanding national players, while also in attendance were major sponsor Monty “Tanner” Profitt, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation President Nigel Hinds and Linden Amateur Basketball Association President Lawrence Simon. Hinds Financial Services is also a part sponsor of the tournament.

Chris Williams

Playing in the first game, Colts turned back the challenge from

Pepsi Sonics, overpowering their opponents 71-52 after trailing 1417 when the first period ended.

However, the Colts quickly asserted their game and from a 22-15 run, would be ahead 36-32 when the half-time whistle came.

Another 19-10 run by the Colts would propel them into a 55-42 advantage as they galloped home finally with the win, 71-52, led

by Dennis Niles’ top score of 16 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals, as their captain Shelroy Thomas with 13 and Shane Webster with 12 spread the floor for the winners.

M Richards and D Lewis each with 13 had the top scores for the losing Sonics.

In the match between the Linden sides, Victory Valley Royals showed their form this season remained intact with a 9656 crushing of Retrieve Raiders.

This was set in motion as the Royals opened a 17-13 first-quar-

ter lead to a 45-27 game at half time. They then turned up their game and were flowing at 68-37 before they recorded an easy victory by a 40-point margin.

Leading their charge was their captain and shooting guard Chris Williams, with a top score of 20 points with five rebounds and two assists while Alwyn Rodney returned with a good 19-point performance as Harold Adams contributed 17 points, five steals and a similar number of assists and two blocked shots and Trevor Profitt chipped in with 13 points.

Omally Sampson fought inside to get 16 points for the Raiders while Alexander Rose added 14 points and Duel Montrose contributed 13 points, four rebounds and three assists in a losing cause.

Sunday night, Half Mile Bulls and Amelia’s Ward Jets faced off while Plaisance Guardians and Ravens played in the next game.

GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket

2017-18 GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL

Charlestown, St Enmore, Stanislaus College Lusignan open record wins their campaigns S

t Stanislaus College and Charlestown Secondary secured recent victories in the Guyana Cricket Board/Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/National Sports Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) which continued this past week.

In the match between Charlestown and Dolphin Secondary Schools, played at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) Ground, Woolford Avenue, Dolphin batting first were bundled out for 37 in 8.3 of their allotted 30 overs.

National Under-15 opener Shamar Yearwood was the top-scorer with 21 after Colin Smart bagged 4 for 18 for Charlestown. Smart was well supported by Satesh Shivrattan with 2-17 and Raymond Bandhu (2-4).

Needing 38 for victory, Charlestown Secondary raced to an eight-wicket win after ending on 40-2 from a mere 3.3

overs, a n d

with Shivrattan Bandhu ending unbeaten on 14 and 1 7 re-

spectively.

Over at the GNIC Ground, Brickdam Secondary School, who won the toss and batted first, only managed 53-10 in 14.2 overs. No batsman got into double figures as Munnasseh Ferreira was the top-scorer with 9. Medium pacer Nathan Hackett grabbed 3-11 while off-spinner Travis T h o m a s claimed 2-8.

In reply, St Stanislaus College surged to 59-0, compliments of knocks from the unbeaten pair of Veeraj Persaud (26) and Rene Huston (18).

The action continues this week.

with wins T he first day of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket saw Lusignan, along with Enmore, emerging winners of their respective encounters against defending champions Enterprise Primary and Valmiki Vidayala School.

Both matches were played at the Lusignan Ground, with teams allowed to field 14 players at a time. Enmore Primary got off to a good start by trouncing the defending champs by a whopping 12 wickets.

Enmore Primary had won the toss and decided to bowl, keeping Enterprise to 157-5 from their allotted 14 overs, with Mathew Crawford crunching 70, which included 7 sixes and 6 fours, along with Joel Lalman, who hit 6 sixes and 4 fours in his innings of 54.

Enmore, needing 158, raced to their total in 11.2

overs losing just two wickets. Darshawn Kaladin blasted an unbeaten 81 with 6 sixes and 5 fours, while Mathew Ballkission made 43 not out, inclusive of 5 sixes and 2 fours.

Match two saw the home team Lusignan Primary whipping Valmiki Vidayala School by 6 runs. Lusignan won the toss and batted first, but could only muster 85 for 6 off 14 overs, with Yograj Rambarran standing out with a top-score of 33. Bowling for Valmiki Vidayala was led by Torana Seepersaud and Johnathan Ramessar, who both ended with identical figures of 2-6.

Chasing a moderate target, Valmiki Vidayala were amazingly restricted to 79 all out in their allotted 14 overs. Travis Jagnandan resisted with 19 while Nicholas Rukdeo took 2 wickets to hand Lusignan a comfortable 6-run win.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, october 23, 2017

Bishoo spins Windies into commanding position Sublime Sophia Courts/Malta Schools Pee-Wee Football

W

est Indies dominated day two in Bulawayo, dismissing Zimbabwe for just 159 before building significantly on a first-innings lead of 60 Zimbabwe were unable to capitalise on their encouraging opening day in Bulawayo as Devendra Bishoo helped West Indies fight back to seize command of the first Test.

On Saturday, a home side strengthened by the returns of Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis restricted the Windies to 219 all out, despite Shai Hope's unbeaten 90, before closing on

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings 219 Zimbabwe 1st innings H. Masakadza c Dowrich b Bishoo 42 S. Mire c K. Brathwaite b Roach 27 C. Ervine lbw b Bishoo 39 B. Taylor c Blackwood b Bishoo 1 S. Williams c Dowrich b Roach 7 S. Raza c Gabriel b Bishoo 6 M. Waller b Holder 11 R. Chakabva c Chase b Bishoo 12 G. Cremer b Holder 0 K. Jarvis not out 2 C. Mpofu c Dowrich b Gabriel 10 Extras (lb-2) 2 Total (all out, 61.3 overs) 159 Fall of wickets: 1-44 S. Mire,291 H. Masakadza,3-93 B. Taylor,4-110 S. Williams,5-123 S. Raza,6-133 C. Ervine,7-139 M. Waller,8-147 R. Chakabva,9-147

G. Cremer,10-159 C. Mpofu Bowling : Gabriel 11.3 - 4 24 – 1, Holder 14 - 5 - 25 – 2, Bishoo 24 - 4 - 79 – 5, Chase 1 - 0 - 6 – 0, Roach 11 - 5 - 23 - 2 West Indies 2nd innings K. Brathwaite not out 38 K. Powell b Cremer 17 K. Hope not out 32 Extras (b-1) 1 Total (for 1 wickets, 33 overs) 88 Fall of wickets: 1-25 K. Powell To bat: S. Hope, R. Chase, J. Blackwood, S. Dowrich, J. Holder, D. Bishoo, K. Roach, S. Gabriel Bowling: Jarvis 5 - 1 - 6 – 0, Mpofu 3 - 1 - 12 – 0, Williams 10 - 2 - 19 – 0, Cremer 9 - 1 - 36 – 1, Raza 6 - 1 - 14 - 0

Leg-spinner Grame Creamer is expected to be a threat to West Indies batsmen today

19 without loss in reply.

However, Zimbabwe could only muster a paltry total of 159 in reply on day two, losing nine wickets for 68 following a promising start as Bishoo (5-79) took centre stage.

The Windies duly hammered home their advantage in the evening session, an unbroken partnership of 63 between Kraigg Brathwaite (38 not out) and Kyle Hope (32 not out) carrying them to 88-1 and a lead of 148 at stumps.

Bishoo's first ball of the day was hit for six

by Hamilton Masakadza, Zimbabwe's top scorer with

42, but the leg-spinner was soon causing problems aplenty on a pitch that once again offered appreciable turn.

After Solomon Mire had fallen to a Kemar Roach slower ball for 27, Masakadza and Craig Ervine (39) moved the total on to 91-1.

Yet the departure of Masakadza, caught behind off Bishoo, triggered an alarming collapse, with none of the remaining batsmen passing 12.

Although Bishoo, who also accounted for Ervine, was the chief destroyer, there were valuable contributions from West Indies' seamers. Skipper Jason Holder and Roach picked up two scalps apiece while keeping things tight and the similarly economical Shannon Gabriel rounded things off with the wicket of Christopher Mpofu.

Kieran Powell made just 17 in the Windies' second innings before being bowled in Graeme Cremer's first over, but there was a costly missed opportunity two balls later when Hope was put down at short-leg.

Hope then survived a review for lbw on five and was able to make it through to stumps alongside the patient Brathwaite, leaving Zimbabwe firmly on the back foot. (Sportsmax)

GFF Referee Fitness Instructor Workshop underway

inch closer towards title

– St Agnes, Marian Academy also in winners' row

S

Sophia’s David Weeks (yellow bib) about to work his magic during the clash against Tucville Primary

ophia Primary remain the team to beat when they crushed Tucville Primary 4-0 in round-of 16 action in the seventh annual Courts/ Malta School Pee-Wee football continued on Saturday at the Banks DIH Thirst Park, ground.

Sophia who are still unbeaten had Leonard King and the prolific David Weeks at the helm of their destruction.

King was in ominous form as he netted a hat-trick (8th, 15th, 35th) while Weeks powerfully breached the defence in the 29th.

Losing 2016 finalist, St Agnes Primary continue to show they

seeming all but certain for extra time Norville scored again in the 32nd.

More so, the match which had parents biting nails was the School of the Nations and Mae’s Primary clash which the former won 3-2 on penalty kicks.

It was a match built on a tense second half as after Mikhil Mason struck for Mae’s in the 9th and in the 26th, it was all School of the Nations. The duo of Ewart John (27th) and Timothy Braithwaite (40th) then pulled off the stunning heist, rescuing their side’s hopes.

The steamrolling then begun when West Ruimveldt humbled

A glimpse of the intense action between St Ambrose Primary (blue) and Enterprise Primary

T

The Referee Fitness Instructor trainees (standing) pose with seated from left, Head of GFF Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster; GFF President Wayne Forde and Member Association Fitness Instructor Lindley Langhorne

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Saturday commenced a two-day Referee Fitness Instructor Workshop in the GFF boardroom for eight newly-selected trainees.

Present at the workshop were GFF President Wayne Forde; Head of Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster; Member Association Fitness Instructor Lindley Langhorne, and the participants, many of whom are physical education teachers.

Lancaster, while explaining that the goal of

the course was to equip each region with a technical and fitness department, said: “The course has been redesigned and we are now implementing the Referee Development Officer (RDO) in all the areas.

That person will be responsible for the technical training of referees from beginners all the way up to FIFA. We have to match the technical with the fitness aspect of the sport. Therefore, with the large recruitment drive coming up, we have to start teaching the teachers. This coming week we will identify

one person who will become the fitness instructor for their location. Each area will have a RDO, who is the technical instructor, working along with the fitness instructor to teach the referees.”

Langhorne, who recently attended a FIFA Futuro III global training course for referee instructors in September 2017 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is conducting the workshop to share his knowledge locally.

In brief remarks, Forde said: “The GFF is committed to the continued development

of its match officials. This fitness programme is just one component of that overall capacity building agenda.

“Each programme that we do is part of our continued investment in building the capacity of the refereeing fraternity, so that the delivery of service to the wider football community can improve over time. We are proud of the involvement and attendance by our referees and we wish them every success as they continue to take specific steps to aid in their own development.”

are in a train headed to another final after they defeated Goed Fortuin 2-0. First half goals from Darius Chester (12th) and Justin Alcindor (17th) sealed the comfortable victory.

Meanwhile, inaugural champions Marian Academy were pushed to the limit by F.E. Pollard Primary, requiring extra time to find a winner.

The Carifesta Avenue unit, who displayed a great level of technicality when they play, found the critical goal from Chad Henry (40+2).

Likewise, former champions Stella Maris edged South Ruimveldt Primary in a 2-1 thriller.

Nashawn Bristol placed South Ruimveldt in the ascendency when he scored in the 19th minute.

Tensions were brewing with some missed chances by both sides. Stella Maris broke free when Fedel Norville had his first of two important goals in the 27th minute. With the match

Den Amstel 7-1 with Ian Daniels leading the route with a helmettrick. Daniels scored in the 3rd, 5th, 16th, 19th while Scyon Sampson (21st, 39th) and Jonathan Andries (31st) added the final touches. Keishan Humphrey was lone scorer for the West Coast unit in the 24th.

St Ambrose Primary were on the receiving end of a thumping when they went down 0-3 to Enterprise. Shamar Richardson (18th, 37th) and Mark Eastman (25th) were architects of destruction.

Additionally, La Parfait Harmonie Primary lost 1-2 to Redeemer due to goals from Kevin George (27th) and Migwell Alexander (37th).

Joshua Daniels’ 33rd minute strike was not enough for the West Bank Demerara outfit.

With no more teams being eliminated at this stage, matches will continue on Saturday at same venue from 10:45h.

(Akeem Greene)

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 23, 2017

By Michelangelo Jacobus

G

uileful riding by professional cyclist Geron Williams ensured that he added Digicel’s Cancer Awareness Cycling title to his ever-growing list of accolades on Sunday at the outer circuit of the National Park.

Last year’s winner Jamaul John dropped out of the feature 35-lap race, citing fatigue and the blistering sun as factors; however, Williams who stuck with the lead pack for the entirety of the race conserved energy as much as possible never letting Paul DeNobrega, Curtis “Chappy” Dey nor Andrew Harris out of his sight.

The Foundation rider made his move in the penultimate lap, but he was followed by Dey. The sprint to the finish line was never in doubt as Williams is known for his clinical finishes; this was yet another fine example of tactical riding as he crossed the finish line ahead of Dey to win in two hours 54 minutes and 19 seconds.

Jornel Yearwood came in third; Andrew Hicks, fourth, Mark Harris, fifth and DeNobrega, sixth.

In the junior category, Dey carried away the trophy and first prize while Briton John and Adealie Hodge were second and third respectively.

In the Veterans Over45 event, Ian “Dumb Boy” Jackson claimed the accolade for first place with Kennard Lovell and Amrit Sankar taking second and third place respectively.

Meanwhile, Junior Niles was impressive in the U-45 veterans’ race, finishing first ahead of Paul Cho Wee Nam and Stephen Fernandes in that order.

The Prime prizes for the feature race were shared

by Williams, who claimed three, and Walter Grant Stuart and Dey, who snared one apiece.

The Digicel Cancer Awareness Cycling meet is in its sixth year of existence, and this year has been the

GCA/Carib Beer T20

23

The winners look on as Digicel’s CEO Gregory Dean hands over the cheque to Dr Syed Ghazi of the Guyana Cancer Institute

third consecutive year that the Evolution Cycling Club has collaborated with the telecommunications giant to organise the event.

Digicel at the event handed over a cheque worth $472,000 to the Cancer Institute of Guyana; the money was raised from reg-

istration fees and private donations from individuals which Digicel matched as a company to reach that figure.

GT Motorsports’ Georgetown Grand Prix

T

GCC skipper Leon Johnson is caught and bowled by Stephan Harris during Saturday’s semi-final at Bourda

Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed smokes a big six during his unbeaten knock of 30

T

he Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) secured a place in the final of the Carib Beer First Division T20 tournament after arresting the Police team by five wickets in Saturday’s semi-final played at the Bourda Ground.

Batting first, Police managed 131-7 in their 20 overs, thanks to a collective bowling effort by the home team led by left-arm spinner Anthony Adams, who grabbed 2-8. National pacer Ronsford Beaton was a bit expensive, going for 41 despite claiming two wickets while Joshua Wade chipped in with 2-31.

Mark Gonsalves stroked

four fours in his top score of 25, with other contributions coming from Lennox Andrews (20*); Sherwyn McPherson (18) and Jason Heyliger (17), capping off an ordinary batting outing by the Police unit.

In reply, GCC, despite a few hiccups, strolled to 1325 on the backs of Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed, who scored an unbeaten 30 and Martin Pestano-Belle, who played maturely for his 23. GCC began their chase in typical aggressive fashion thanks to openers Robin Bacchus (25) and Khemraj Jaikarran (22), adding 40 for the opening stand.

When Bacchus was re-

moved by Heyliger, the captain, Leon Johnson sought to impose himself quickly by smashing a huge six over mid-wicket to record his first boundary. The six would, however, be the last of the innings as the GCC skipper miscued a shot and was caught and bowled for 10 by Stephan Harris, who ended with two wickets from his spell.

After Johnson departed, Pestano-Belle and all-rounder Ali-Mohammed repaired the innings after the departure of the top order. Ali-Mohammed was savage during his brisk innings, which featured three fours and two big sixes while Pestano-Belle played a watchful hand, striking some three fours in his, before falling victim to pacer Raun Johnson, who had two catches put down on him at the back end of the innings.

After Pestano-Belle departed, GCC endured a shaky patch as Wade (02) soon followed, leaving Deonarin Seagobin (01*) and top-scorer Ali-Mohammed to take their side over the line with relative ease.

GCC will now play DCC in the final, whose date is set to be announced later.

he Jamaicans made their presence felt, copping eight podium finishes, but the shocker of the night was the unbeaten record of Kristian Jeffrey at GT Motorsports’ Georgetown Grand Prix coming to an end owing to an unfortunate mishap.

After coasting to an opening win in the first 125cc Senior race of the ‘Caribbean Showdown’ event, Jeffrey seemed in ominous form and another clean sweep of his category appeared inevitable. However, the drama unfolded in race two, which was a reverse grid with Jeffrey starting in fifth.

The two-time Caribbean Group Four champion, participating in this category for the first time, had gradually worked his way up to third and was challenging for the top spot when another driver got into contact with him, resulting in him spinning, a rare sight for the #261 driver. Although he managed to recover and continue racing, the time was too short to mount any serious challenge for a podium position, much less the top spot. He eventually finished fifth with Matthew Phang taking top honours.

It was the first time Jeffrey failed to make the podium at the Georgetown Grand Prix, after winning all six of his previous races in the Shifter Pro Cup. Jeffrey, however, returned with a bang in the final race of the night, dis-

Kristian Jeffrey (centre) with Matthew Phang (left) and Kristian Boodoosingh

tancing himself from the competition and winning in his usual dominant fashion. He was voted champion driver.

Meanwhile, for his two wins and a second-place finish, Jeremy Tenpow was voted champion driver of the 60cc Sunburst Kids Cup, while Jamaica’s Senna Summerbell with a first, a second and a third copped the award for the 125cc Juniors.

With two victories and a third-place finish, the consistent Raymond Baksh lifted the champion driver trophy in the Easy Cup Rookie, while Raymond Seebarran was unstoppable in the Easy Cup Heavy and Light, copping the champion driver ac-

colade in both.

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Geron Williams celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Curtis “Chappy” Dey

Pg 22

Devendra Bishoo returned among the wickets to put West Indies in control after day two

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