Guyana times october 25 ,2017

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Issue No. 3372

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Joe Singh resigns as Presidential Adviser

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

...after President dubs him not "fit or proper" for GECOM Chair

Gunmen rob business entity, customers before P15 hijacking car

…at Lust-en-Rust

GECOM Chairman saga

Opposition briefs Private Sector, unions Page 7

3 charged in connection P8 with missing CID drugs bailed

Canadian teen further remanded …for heroin possession

P8

– PPP secures early date for GECOM case Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP/C officials meeting with representatives from the TUC, FITUG and Private Sector bodies for consultations on the GECOM matter, at the Office of Leader of the Opposition. Consultations are expected to continue today (Carl Croker photo)

Harbour Bridge to close for 7 hours Saturday

Page 2

– commuters warned to put measures in place

Pay raise imposition on public service unacceptable – FITUG Page 11

…says workers with lower wages have greater need

Sophia squatters’ relocation

Demolishing exercise to recommence soon – CH&PA CEO Page 15

…residents threaten standoff

Town Clerk denies ‘interrogating’ sexual assault P9 victim …Mayor says City Constabulary needs reshuffling

Dharmic Sabha rises up against GECOM P14 appointment …calls on Granger to review decision

2 news

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Harbour Bridge to close for 7 hours Saturday – commuters warned to put measures in place

T

he Demerara Harbour Bridge will undergo critical maintenance within the next few days and commuters who transit the bridge

are asked to put necessary measures in place to deal with extended bridge closures.

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge

Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, told media operatives that these closures are as a result of long over-

Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation General Manager Rawlston Adams briefing media operatives at a press conference on Tuesday

due rehabilitation works.

The Bridge will be closed for seven hours on Saturday morning from 08:30h.

Adams explained that one of the extra-large pontoons used to support the bridge has to be changed.

He explained that two weeks ago, the Bridge was closed for six hours to accommodate the replacement of one of the pontoons under the retractor span on the western side. However, he added that the “last of the extra-large pontoons under the retractor span on the eastern side which should have been changed over a year now, will be

changing one of the large pontoons. According to the Department of Public Information, the DHBC has already replaced four of its five pontoons catered for in its 2017 work programme.

July 2018 will be the 40th anniversary of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Adams maintains that there continues to be challenges including difficulties with some of the panels. “We’re seeing cracks and we’re doing work which them and we’re in discussion to change those panels next year which would means that the bridge

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

changed.”

According to the General Manager, today the engineers will remove the walkway, stairs, and platforms.

Following this, on Thursday they will disconnect hinges, hydraulic pipes and install the temporary pontoons, and on Friday remove the hydraulic hinges and pipes.

Saturday the switching of the pontoons will be completed.

Finally, on Sunday the system will be reconnected.

There will be system checks conducted on Monday and

by Tuesday the Bridge should return to normal retractions.

“We’ve decided that we will do it one at a time and the method is to close the bridge to marine traffic, opened to vehicular traffic except for Saturday where we’ll be closing for a very lengthy period,” Adams highlighted.

Later in the year during the springtide period in the first week of November, DHBC will be

would have to be shut down for three days in the first quarter, but we’re discussing what would be done.”

Another challenge the bridge is plagued with is the sourcing of parts. Adams indicated that recently, the DHBC has been storing dismantled components from the railway embankment bridges, especially pins and cardboards.

“We want to make sure we harvest all those components that come off those bridges and we use them for our maintenance purposes. We have harvested a couple hundred cardboards which are very important for keeping all the panels and the frames together.

The issue is that the quality of cardboards that we would buy is not the same quality as the original so we prefer to use the original,” Adams underscored.

The Department of Public Information said the works on the bridge will be carried out at a cost of $102 million.

news

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, October 25 – 08:30h-10:30h and Thursday, October 26 – 08:30h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, October 25 – 07:00h-08:30h and Thursday, October 26 – 07:45h-09:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with light cloudy skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:26h and 19:38h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.40 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:59h and 13:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.70 metre and 0.91 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, October 21, 2017

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 02 17 18 22 LUCKY 3 6 1 6

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Joe Singh resigns as Presidential Adviser

...after President dubs him not "fit or proper" for GECOM Chair

By Jarryl Bryan

J

ust days after the controversial appointment of a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman by the President, one of the main nominees for the post, Major General (retired) Joe Singh, has resigned as a Presidential Adviser.

Singh, a former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), had at the time been serving as a Special Adviser to President David Granger. But on Tuesday, the retired Major General officially tendered his resignation to the Ministry of the Presidency.

In a brief interview with Guyana Times, Singh declined to detail the exact reasons behind his resignation, but noted that he did not wish to continue in the position. Singh stated that he wanted enough time to efficiently hand over his portfolio.

“I submitted my request to the Ministry of the Presidency. I told them that I do not wish to continue my contract beyond the onemonth mandatory notice that I have to give,” he related, when contacted.

“So I’ve given that notice, that one-month notice, during which time I will ensure my portfolio responsibilities are properly handed over,” Singh, also a former Chairman of GECOM and the Guyana Geology and Mines (GGMC), said.

Since the resignation of Dr Steve Surujbally last year, there has been an intense search for the next GECOM Chairman. As per the Constitution, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had submitted three lists of six nominees each to the President.

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 Ramlall; former Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar; and Captain Gerry Gouveia.

Major General Singh, who has held several positions over the years, including Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Chief Executive Officer (CEO), was included on the third list of nominees submitted on August 25. The other nominees were

Resigned: Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh

Attorneys Teni Housty and Sanjeev Datadin, vocal conservationist Annette ArjuneMartins, Onesi La Fleur and Krishnadatt Persaud.

But that list was ultimately rejected by President Granger and on Thursday, October 19, retired Justice James Patterson was sworn in as GECOM Chairman.

Patterson was not nominated on any of the three lists and since his unilateral appointment, there has been a crescendo of criticism.

A number of individuals and organisations spanning a wide cross-section of society have soundly criticised and condemned the President’s unilateral decision, including the Guyana Bar Association; the Berbice Bar Association; the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

Criticism has also come from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and members of the Diaspora. In addition, the

political Opposition filed a legal challenge in the courts on Monday, seeking to revoke Patterson’s appointment.

Major General Singh’s experience includes serving as Director General of the Guyana National Service from 1981 to 1990, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force from 1990 to 2000, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission for the 2001 Elections, Executive Director of Conservation International from 2001 to 2005, GTT CEO from 2005 to 2010, and GGMC Chairman from 2010 to 2012.

Singh also served as Chairman of the Government of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission’s National Working Group for the Millennium Development

Goals from 2005 to 2010, and Chairman of the Regional Steering Committee for the European Union-funded Guiana Shield Initiative from 2005 to 2009.

He is also a Fellow of the UK Chartered Management Institute; a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society; and an Officer of the Order of the Golden Ark. His commendations include the Military Service Star and national and military awards from Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Cuba and the Netherlands.

Further, as an author, he has contributed articles on a wide range of topics for local, regional and international publications. Singh’s contract with the Ministry of the Presidency will end in December of 2017.

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wednesDAY, october 25, 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

Return to the drawing board

M

any have expressed shock and disbelief over the number of road fatalities over the past few weeks and it has now become clearer that the efforts being made by law enforcement and other authorities to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents are not achieving the desired results. In fact, 2017 will go down as yet another year when Guyana experienced some of the most horrific road accidents resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to countless others.

Just recently (last Sunday), a teenage couple and a young taxi driver lost their lives when the motor car in which they were travelling became uncontrollable and collided with a parked vehicle on the public road at New Road, Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara. According to information gathered thus far, the driver of the motor car was speeding when the accident occurred.

And just a few days prior, a Berbice woman and her two sons, along with her secretary and friend lost their lives following an accident on the Number 59 Village public road on the Corentyne. Here again, according to the details, the driver of the vehicle was driving at a fast rate when the vehicle encountered a pothole and became uncontrollable and then crashed into a lorry.

The body of the woman’s five-year-old son was severed in two following the impact of the motorcar on the lorry.

Eyewitnesses also related that there were two carts parked on the road’s shoulder adjacent to the pothole. For both accidents referred to above, a total of eight lives were snuffed out in just a matter of days.

We are very much concerned about the number of persons losing their lives on our roadways. Too many families have been broken as a result of losing a loved one due to road accident, most of which could have been avoided.

There are several actions which could be taken immediately to reduce the number of road accidents. To begin with, the authorities should start fixing all the potholes on our streets and highways which no doubt poses a serious threat to people’s lives. A case in point is the Corentyne accident: it is highly believed that the huge pothole on the road was a contributory factor to the accident. Why haven’t the Neighbourhood Democratic Council officials in the area sought to have this problem fixed after many complaints from residents?

Additionally, the authorities should immediately start clearing the parapets and roadways of all encumbrances such as old, abandoned vehicles, tractor trailers, carts, etc, as these have been known to contribute to accidents. At the same time, tougher action should be taken against persons who are bent on encumbering the roadways.

Of note too is the fact that even though this country has enacted the relevant legislation to ensure persons use the roads in a responsible manner, there are still major lapses in the system which needs to be addressed. There is need for greater enforcement of the traffic laws. There is legislation in place in relation to driving under the influence, loud music, overloading, speeding, etc, but if the laws are not adequately implemented they become useless.

Further, there is need for all Guyanese to move away from the culture of disregard and irresponsibility in relation to using the roadways. The Education Ministry and other relevant stakeholders should examine the possibility of strengthening the school’s curriculum with the aim of increasing knowledge, skills and understanding among children and young people about the responsible use of our roadways. Similar efforts should also be made targeting the adult population as they too are sometimes found to be irresponsible when using our roadways.

The number of deaths and disabilities as a result of road accidents is indeed very worrying and something must be done urgently to bring a halt to the level of irresponsibility and recklessness on our roadways.

Guyana is too small to have this high percentage of road accidents. There seems to be no effective leadership, both from a political as well as an administrative/technical standpoint to confront the challenge. We believe the time has come for all stakeholders to return to the drawing board and reexamine their approach to road accidents since what currently obtains has failed the nation.

While driving through Northern California, National Geographic ‘Your Shot’ photographer Josh Heidebrecht experienced a moment of photographic serendipity after he and his friend pulled over to see what they could find in the grove. “While searching, a squirrel briefly chattered above me, causing me to look straight up,” he remembers. “Luckily I had my wide-angle lens with me so I could capture this perspective of the partially burnt redwoods towering above us in an eerie silence”

Baffled at comments made by the US Ambassador Dear Editor, On October 6, 2017, the Guyana Chronicle in an article captioned “GECOM not in crisis” quoted US Ambassador Perry Holloway as saying with respect to the absence of a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) “that while a Chairman should be named soonest, in the interest of the people, there is no crisis situation…I don’t think we are at a crisis point yet.”

Of the procedure for appointing a Chairman, Ambassador Holloway said “There is a process and it is dictated by law and regulation in Guyana. I think the process is largely being followed.” These are interesting comments from Ambassador Holloway.

With respect to his comments on the process, I am baffled that this gentleman, who could not be heard to say that he is unaware of the ruling of Chief Justice Roxane George which shredded earlier legally unfounded positions of President Granger with respect to the appointment process of a Chairman for GECOM, could say the process is largely being followed.

For example, Ambassador Holloway must be aware that President Granger had openly expressed his pref-

erence for the appointment of a Judge as the Chairman of GECOM. Justice George negated this contention as well as the President’s contention that a mixed list of “fit and proper persons” and persons who the President in the exercise of perhaps both legal and moral judgment, considered not to be “fit and proper” did not allow him ample breadth of consideration for the selection of a Chairman for GECOM. The decision of the Chief Justice demonstrates in no uncertain manner that the President was hopelessly wrong in the way he approached the selection process of a Chairman for GECOM and that his erroneous views on the relevant article of the Constitution resulted in considerable and unnecessary delay in that appointment. How in these circumstances can Ambassador Holloway say that the procedure is largely being followed?

Then, in the circumstances which obtain at GECOM, Ambassador Holloway says there is no crisis at GECOM. My first observation in relation to his remarks was that Ambassador Holloway appear to be speaking on behalf of GECOM. The Stabroek News, in its October 16, 2017 edition reported Chief Election

Officer Lowenfield as saying that the absence of a Chairman at GECOM “was undoubtedly affecting the operations of GECOM” and that “the absence of a constitutionally-required chairperson, no doubt will impede on the smooth processes of the agency.”

Commissioner of GECOM Sase Gunraj supported the views expressed

by Lowenfield. He said Commissioners of GECOM were frustrated in their roles because of the non-appointment of a Chairman for GECOM. These comments from these GECOM officials openly contradict the statements of Ambassador Holloway who is to be seen as having put his foot in his mouth on this issue. What excited my thoughts and provided justification for the view that Ambassador Holloway was speaking on matters that were not really his to make, was the Ambassador’s comment that “I don’t think WE are at a crisis point yet.”

What entitles Ambassador Holloway to speak of “we” in relation to GECOM? The United States Government openly facilitated the People’s National Congress (PNC) into government and then turned a blind eye to the PNC’s electoral malpractices by which they continually im-

posed themselves into government for nearly three decades.

The United States Government in the past did not understand or did not care about the nature of the PNC beast it was dealing with. The beast has returned as the Trojan Horse – the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the people of Guyana are once again facing Burnhamism which translates into corruption and racism.

Ambassador Holloway, by his recent comments seems more than ready to prop and support this faltering, bungling, inept APNU/ Alliance for Change coalition Government. I politely refer him to the Stabroek News editorial of October 16, 2017, which stated “As in many other areas: the Integrity Commission, the code of conduct, the Local Government Commission and constitutional reform, the Government has failed to deliver good governance.”

Thousands of people in this country concur with those views. Please Mr Ambassador, the people of Guyana are now more discerning than in the sixties.

Try to demonstrate the required neutrality expected from your office.

Sincerely, Selwyn Persaud

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Defending President’s unilateral President has exposed his duplicitous, diabolical appointment of GECOM Chair double standards

Dear Editor, At the outset, allow me to join the number of organisations and persons who condemn President Granger’s unilateral appointment of a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman and apologise to all 18 nominees who were insulted by Granger’s decision to reject all of the lists and appoint his own person as Chairman. All of the nominees have had distinguished careers and years of service to our beloved country and many of them would have made stellar chairpersons for GECOM. I have read the subsequent statements from the President that he is advised that there is no legal require-

ment to give reasons for his rejection of the lists of nominees submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, and allow me the opportunity to expose the duplicitous and diabolical double standards thereof.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it state that the President has the right to act unilaterally once a list is submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

That point was inserted into the debate (in my legal opinion incorrectly and is now the subject of an appeal) by the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag) which further states, as others have already pointed out, that such point is merely academic under the extant circumstances as more than one list was

sought and submitted.

The President sought, therefore, to justify his action which is not justified by the Constitution by the said ruling but refuses to accept the point in the very ruling which states that reasons “must” be provided for the rejection of the list.

Granger cannot cherry-pick the parts of the ruling which are helpful to him and refuse the parts of the ruling which are unhelpful to him. In so doing he has exposed his duplicitous and diabolical double standards.

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Attorney-at-Law Former Member of Parliament

Dear Editor, President David Granger’s action to unilaterally appoint Justice (retired) James Patterson as the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was clearly within his constitutional power and duty as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, given that the Opposition failed to submit a nominee that was acceptable for the position.

The President over the past few months has made valiant efforts to consult and have open dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition and members of the political Opposition regarding the requirements as stipulated under the Constitution for the selection of nominees for the position of the GECOM Chairperson.

Unfortunately, the three

separate lists of nominees that the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted over the past few months proved to be unacceptable for the post of GECOM chair.

According to the Constitution, the President has the discretion to determine the person who is duly qualified for the position and has a duty to appoint that person.

Justice (retired) James Patterson has been deemed to be fit for the post in accordance with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution which states that, “the Chairman of the Guyana 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 appointed as any such Judge.”

The comment made by Opposition Leader Jagdeo – for all to adopt a non-cooperative approach with Government – is reckless and threatens the stability of our democracy. We urge all Guyanese to deter from any such action and let us all work together for the betterment of this great nation of ours.

We look forward to the commencement of work in preparation for Local Government Elections in 2018 given the lengthy delay in appointment of the Chairman.

Respectfully, Amna Ally, MP General Secretary People’s National Congress Reform

Is this a non-violent coup d’état?

Dear Editor, Are we expecting a coup d’état? Since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration took power in May 2015, there have been a number of questionable decisions made which could have been justified as coincidence and maybe, incompetence but now, a sinister plan is clear by the unilateral appointment of this Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman by President David Granger.

Further, the construction of the high fence around the compound of the Ministry of the Presidency has made me realise that something sinister is afoot. The dismissals and displacement of professional civil servants, forced retirement of elder statesmen (former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard who was asked to step down as Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Prem Persaud who was asked to resign from the Public Utilities Commission and the Judicial Service Commission due to their ages et al), the harassment of Public Sector employees and the instalment of elder, retired military officers have shown a ‘modus operandi’ of changing this civilian Government into a military government camouflaged and protected under the Constitution of Guyana.

Unfortunately, monies owed by this Government to persons like the undersigned is not being paid even

though judgements have been made in court. At one point, the President had communicated to me that the Finance Minister would make contact to deal with a particular matter expeditiously and despite several months of patiently waiting, no response has been forthcoming. I am of the opinion that certain actions have been taken to target me and my company. However, this may very well be a good thing, as it is opening up my heart to serve my country in another dimension as an independent person. Currently if we examine the CEOs/ REOs/Chairmans/Permanent Secretaries who were/are appointed, we will find an excessive lump of retired military and paramilitary men (with allegiance to a political party) being pushed into these bastions.

This is evident because of the manner in which these persons have been ushered into powerful positions across the length and breadth of this country. Is this a coup d’état?

A particular gentleman who was next in line to be the Chief-of-Staff of the Army was transferred very carefully into another department to overlook “special events” of the Government. Another dubious move which should be critically examined to my opinion.

Personally, I have no problem with who governs this country. I am not a political maverick or a political maniac. I just love Guyana, and I wish to remain a professional.

As a Guyanese, I feel very

hurt that the President unilaterally appointed this ‘retired, very very tired gentleman’. Judging from our past elections and the anticipated election in 2020, the GECOM Chairman requires and will require a powerful personality, an administrator who can function with decisiveness, fairness and precision. It is known that Justice Patterson would have had previous political loyalties and he serves as an advisor to the Attorney General Basil Williams who works directly for the President. There has been no mention of his resignation from this position at this juncture. This has caused many to consider the future of free and fair elections in our

fragile democracy.

From this appointment, it is clear that Justice Patterson will not be able to effectively do the job. In my view, he is expected to be a figurehead. Strangely, every detail surrounding GECOM and its business has been methodically controlled; from security services to staff and employees.

It is as though we have managerial control freaks in our country’s system. It appears as though GECOM will be run by a very strong man that people fear at the Ministry of the Presidency… a kind of war lord. It is unbelievable and unimaginable that a man who shed bitter tears as he received news of his election victory would now cause the nation to

shed tears for giving him the mandate to serve.

I have personally travelled from one end of the country to the other in recent months on the coastal plain. I have met business syndicates/representatives and had discussions, I’ve reached out to ordinary citizens, cane cutters, peasant rice farmers, fishermen, taxi and minibus drivers, contractors and builders and the message is always one of gloom, pain and degradation.

They are seemingly calling for a new entity without political ambition and self-seeking adventures to sacrifice themselves for a mere seat or two in Parliament to become the watchdog/controller for the people… the People’s

Avenger. Any Government who should behave with excessive greed, corruption, deceit and disrespect can be brought to their knees and voted out of power in conjunction with the Opposition of the day. The people are tired of political henchmen, political cuss birds, political self-seekers, political profiteers and power-loving ‘Tasmanian devils’. Eating and destroying everything for self-gain. From all the points highlighted above and so much more that space will not allow, I hereby submit to the nation that we have had a non-violent coup d’état.

Yours sincerely, Hajji Roshan Khan Sr

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Foundation

Helping children when a family member has cancer Part 3 Children age 6 to 8 Children this age are better able to understand death, including that death is permanent.

Some children may see it as a monster, ghost, bogey-man, or some other such creature. Death often takes the form of an outside person who can come to catch them and if they run fast enough, they can escape.

Children in this age group worry about monsters under the bed,

witches, or devils, and it can be hard to reassure them that such creatures don’t exist. They may also think that the other parent or another loved one could have prevented the illness or death from happening.

Children at this age may come up with their own explanations of things, like why a sick parent won’t play with them (“Mommy doesn’t love

me anymore because I told her I hated her.”) It’s important to explain changes right away. (“Mommy can’t play with you because she’s sick. She loves you a lot and still wants you to have fun.”) Once children believe their own interpretation, it can be hard to change their minds, and it requires lots of repetition and reinforce-

ment.

Be patient trying to convince a child that a parent has really died.

Don’t be hard on yourself if it seems like you can’t get through a child’s normal defence against such a difficult reality.

Here are some tips that may help: Keep the child up to date about the parent’s illness and treatment,

S

and be sure to explain what the child sees and hears. You may need to keep repeating this information.

Prepare the children for bedside visits and explain what they will see. Give more information and offer time for questions after.

Answer all questions honestly, including, “Will Mom (or Dad) die?”

Get help from the social worker and cancer care team if needed.

Listen for unasked questions, and pay attention when the child talks about fears and concerns.

Encourage and help youngsters to identify and name feelings.

Encourage expressing and talking about feelings, especially anger, and safe ways to do it.

Teach the child about feeling and managing anxiety.

Assure the child that it’s OK to be upset, sad, anxious, or angry and that their parent still loves and cares for them. (Excerpt from cancer.org)

treet harassment in Guyana is truly a public ail. It is extremely difficult for women to walk down the streets of our country without unsolicited comments being thrown at them.

Now I understand that on the spectrum of effects of sexism, compared to rape and gender-based violence, street harassment seems like a minor issue, but to me the fact that it is so blatant and widely accepted is sort of a middle finger to the progress made towards gender equality. Issues of rape and domestic abuse are often met with public outrage, and rightfully so, but what we fail to address is the culture that allows for these incidents Ashley Anthony to occur in the first place.

In Guyana, there is a sexist, misogynistic culture. Some people do not intend to be, but they are because it is what they have been raised to believe.

This sexism can take varying forms, and intensities, ranging from extremes such as the belief that women should be homemakers and that alone, to the belief that women should be allowed to work but are still expected to maintain the home as well, with no contribution from their partners. No matter the intensity, all sexism is rooted in the fundamental belief that by being a woman, a person is automatically less. It is this ideology that gives men the agency to commit crimes against women, and enables street harassment.

I am not sure if people do not see the connection between serious crimes and street harassment, but for me it is obvious.

Although unwarranted comments are not endangering physically, they send the insidious message that a woman’s body is open to be commented on, critiqued, and essentially public property; or in other words, not solely her own. What perhaps is the most annoying thing about this practice is that perpetrators tend to construe the comments as compliments when they are far from. The literal definition of a compliment is the POLITE expression of praise or admiration. There is a difference between yelling at a woman when she passes you by, and speaking to a woman face to face, when she is open to listening to what you have to say. In doing the first, you are implying that you do not care about if this woman wants to listen or not, you do not care about how the comments make her feel, and you definitely do not care if she responds negatively to the words.

Would we regularly “compliment” our friends, neighbours or families if we thought that they would not like what we had to say? Would we, upon meeting a new person, immediately draw attention to their bodies? So why then, do we do this to women on the street? Why is it that men feel as though there is nothing wrong with what they are doing?

I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the women behind the witness project, a campaign to stop street harassment, and she communicated that many men indicated that they did not realise their comments made women feel uncomfortable and even endangered. If this is the case, they are thoroughly disillusioned. If you are reading this and are guilty, I urge you to think back to all of those occasions, and see if you remember the reaction of the woman. Was it a smile, or was it a scoff and the shake of her head? Did she turn around to flirt with you, or did she speed up her walking? Ask yourself these questions, and if you realise that the answer is that she responded negatively, but you’re going to continue to “compliment” women anyways, you are part of the problem. If you are against the sexual and physical abuse of women, you should be against other forms of harassment. It does not make sense to abhor one and participate in the other, because at the end of the day, they are rooted in the same beliefs. Although this might not be your intention, you are supporting the men who commit sexual and physical abuse, by indirectly saying, “Hey, I believe women are inferior as well -- Just look at what I feel I am entitled to say to a woman as she walks on the road!”

Finally, to those men who say that you don’t participate in street harassment because she could be a mother, daughter, or wife, you too are part of the problem. Women should be respected on their own merit, not because of their relationship to men. Reevaluate your thinking, and stand up. It is not a compliment.

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM Chairman saga

PPP secures early date for GECOM case

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date has been set for the hearing of the matter involving the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall told this newspaper that the matter will be heard before Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 13:15h.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had filed an injunction in the High Court on Monday to rescind the appointment on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

Nandlall has said that the injunction is seeking a declaration that Justice Patterson is not qualified to be appointed in provision with Article 161-2 of the Constitution of Guyana.

The injunction is also seeking an order to have the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM quashed and directing the President to choose a person from the 18 names submitted to him.

The injunction was filed in the name of the Executive Secretary of the PPP and Member of Parliament (MP) Zulfikar Mustapha, who is an elected official that has legal authority.

Opposition MP Anil Nandlall

Apart from that, the Opposition MP said he also planned to write the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards requesting that the matter be heard expeditiously, while noting that the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo will also make a similar request.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told sections of the media that Government is not bothered by the PPP’s move to the High Court, stating that the Administration is more than ready to defend its decision.

Last Thursday evening, President Granger appointed Justice Patterson at State House following a meeting with Opposition

Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

At that meeting, the President reportedly informed Jagdeo that he’d disapproved of the third list of nominees which was submitted several weeks ago.

President Granger said he found the third list of nominees, which he received from the Opposition Leader on August 25, to be unacceptable, within the meaning of the Constitution.

He also stated that he paid careful attention to the ruling of Justice GeorgeWiltshire in the case, Marcel Gaskin vs the Attorney General before arriving at his decision.

Asked why he decided to hand pick 84-year-old Justice Patterson for this position, the President said it is because of his extensive experience as a former Chief Justice of Grenada.

“He has long judicial service and we feel that he is a fit and proper person. So it’s important for the reason I mentioned, that we bring this to an end and continue with the business of Guyana,” he added.

The decision has not gone down well with the political Opposition. During a press conference on Thursday last, Jagdeo announced that his party would be withdrawing its support from any form of cooperation with Government and would also

Exxon partner sells off int’l oil fields to focus on investments in Guyana

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S-based oil exploration – Hess Corp – one of the ExxonMobil partners developing the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana has this past year sold off a large portion of its asset base in order to focus on its long-term development of its Guyana assets.

The company has executed some $2.7 billion in oilfield sales this past week as part of its strategy of giving up steady production to help fund what could be one of the world’s biggest discoveries into the next decade.

The oil explorer with operations on five continents said Tuesday that it’s selling North Sea assets off of Norway for $2 billion and seeking a buyer for wells off Denmark.

The news came a day after Hess sold drilling rights in offshore Equatorial Guinea for $650 million.

Counting a June deal to sell properties in Texas, the New York-based company has sold off almost $3.3 billion in assets this year.

ExxonMobil Corp, the major partner in the Guyana venture, has said the initial building phase may cost $4.4 billion and take until 2020 to deliver its first oil.

The divestments “all

Hess Corporation CEO John Barnett Hess

make strategic sense" and “will help bridge the sizable funding gap that Hess faces over the next few years," Capital One Securities analyst Phillips Johnston said in a note to clients Tuesday.

“These assets have not been competing for capital, so by monetising them, Hess will prefund part of the development of its major Guyana discoveries."

Hess through its transactions has essentially given up operations that produced 16 per cent of its total oil volumes and almost a quarter of its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, he said.

Hess is due to announce its third-quarter earnings

on Wednesday. After opening the day up, the shares fell 2.4 per cent to US$44.14 at 00:34h in New York trading. Before Tuesday, the shares had fallen 27 per cent for the year, putting them among the10 worst performances on the S&P 500 Energy Index.

The total sales proceeds are also more than the explorer’s projected share of the Guyana project and some analysts have questioned whether the company was selling too much. Hess has estimated that its share of the project’s initial phase will be about $1 billion.

Hess in a statement said there would be other benefits – $500 million of the proceeds will be used to retire debt next year and the company also gets to cancel $3.2 billion in liabilities for closing and cleaning up the operations it’s selling.

Hess also announced a goal of cutting $150 million in annual expenses, a plan that will lower its per-barrel production costs 30 per cent by 2020, it said.

“We are focusing our portfolio on higher return assets and reducing our break-even oil price," according to Chief Executive Officer John Hess.

mount a legal challenge to the appointment.

In addition to expressing his intention to raise the matter with the diplomatic community, Jagdeo indicted that the PPP will be calling

on its support base countrywide for the national boycott.

Both civil society, the business community and trade unions have come out in strong opposition

and have slammed the decision taken by President Granger. The Private Sector Commission has since condemned the decision as “dangerous” and a threat to democracy.

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 charged in connection with missing CID drugs bailed

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he three men, including an ex-Cop held in connection with some 588 grams of cocaine which went missing from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters last month, were on Tuesday granted bail when they appeared at the High Court.

The ex-Cop, 21-year-old Louie Dublin; 28-year-old Delvor Bunbury; and Gavin Harris were charged and were all remanded to prison after they pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

It is alleged that they were found to be in possession of 588 grams of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on March 17, 2017 for the purpose of trafficking.

Bunbury and Harris were accused of handing the bag containing the narcotics to the ex-Cop.

The maximum leader…

Delvor Bunbury

Louie Dublin

Gavin Harris

On the day of their arrest, a sting operation was carried out by ranks at the Lotus Restaurant and Bar located at CJIA, when the former officer was found with a bag containing the cocaine.

Following his arrest, he reportedly gave Police a caution statement revealing that the bag was given to him by the other two defen-

dants, Harris and Bunbury.

Bunbury was placed on bail for that matter and was later slapped with another trafficking charge.

In that matter, he denied that on September 11, 2017, at Bel Air, Georgetown, he had 1.858 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The illegal substance is related to the case involv-

ing ex-Policeman Travis Mendonca, who was only recently sentenced to three years in prison after almost four pounds of cocaine was discovered stashed in a false bottom of his suitcase.

On September 27, 2017, however, the 588 grams of cocaine which the three were charged with being in possession of, went missing from CID Headquarters.

Canadian teen further remanded …for heroin possession

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he 19-year-old Canadian teen who was earlier this month charged with being in possession of some four pounds of heroin hidden in her suitcase was on Tuesday further remanded to prison when she appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann

McLennan.

Yuniyka Bovell, of Canada, who had been at the time of her arrest residing in Guyhoc Park, Georgetown with her mother for nine months, denied the allegation when it was put to her.

The charge stated that on October 5, 2017, at the

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she had 1.602 kilograms of diamorphine (heroin) in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford objected to bail being granted to the

Yuniyka Bovell

teen given the seriousness of the offence. The teen was then remanded to prison.

However, on the defendant’s second appearance before the Chief Magistrate, Sandiford requested an additional three weeks for an analyst’s report to be provided to the Court.

However, Bovell’s Attorney, Siand Dhurjon, made a petition for full disclosure to the Chief Magistrate.

He further requested that the defendant be granted her pretrial liberty on the grounds that the prosecution has already been granted three weeks for the testing of the substance which it has failed to do to date.

Dhurjon added that the prosecution was further requesting another three weeks which is unfair to the teen who has already suffered two severe asthma attacks while in prison.

The Attorney disclosed to the Court that his client’s life was at risk as she was not receiving proper treatment.

However, Magistrate McLennan denied his request for bail and granted the prosecution an additional three weeks for the analyst’s report to be provided.

Bovell was further remanded to prison, and was expected to appear in court again on November 14, 2017.

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…doesn’t have to explain sked about why he didn’t tell Burnham he disagreed with one of the latter’s decisions, Hamilton Green replied wryly, “Who could tell Burnham anything once he made up his mind?” And that’s precisely the reason Guyana’s on the brink of another dictatorship right now. Burnham set the mould for those who’d want to follow in his footsteps – such as Prezzie who promised to do just that.

Burnham didn’t give a hoot as to the consequences of his decisions for Guyana. Asked in a documentary whether he’d change course for Guyana if his “socialist experiment” failed, Burnham replied the experiment would continue come hell or high water. As he announced in Parliament, “Back to back; belly to belly; I don’t give a damn, I done dead already!!”

So those who think Prezzie will change his mind on the GECOM appointment or will offer reasons for his decision just wasted a thought. Why should the President give reasons, when he is a General, “moulding” Guyanese to fulfil the vision of the Founder Leader? Does anyone out there really believe Burnham traipsed around in a full General’s outfit because he ran out of civilian garb?

Pleeease!! And Prezzie’s a REAL general, who spent his whole life having EVERYONE bowing and scraping.

When a General gives an order to jump, there’s just one choice: “How high, sir?!” Now on the matter of offering reasons, the Judge told him that based on the political realities, Guyana needs “discussion and compromise” and he really should tell the people why he rejected those 18 nominees.

But Prezzie’s response was to demand he be shown where in the Constitution he’s supposed to do that. But that’s being quite disingenuous, isn’t it? Where in the Constitution did he find the criteria he set Jagdeo as to who’s a suitable candidate? And that’s the nub of the question, isn’t it? A constitution cannot specify the rule for every contingency a country will confront for all times.

What it does is to propose PRINCIPLES that should be used as guidelines in those contingencies. Now it’s patently clear to anyone not seized of a maximum leader syndrome that Art 161 (2) was inserted in 2000 to encourage “consultations and compromise”. This is the SPIRIT of the constitutional rule – which must be followed if the leader is serious about “obeying” the Constitution.

In England, for instance, there’s no written constitution, the principles have been solidified into traditions that have a greater force than the stated law.

As soon as any leader begins to insist on following the LETTER of the Constitution, know that he’s playing games!

Dangerous games for the people. …and the ABC countries The local plenipotentiaries of the ABC countries are being importuned to intervene in Prezzie’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair. The local and domestic Guyanese implorers are begging them to “do the right thing”. But they should know no nation’s ever done the “right thing” for purely moral purposes. It’s always about their “national interest”, isn’t it?

And this isn’t a theoretical thing for us. Just peruse the declassified US files between 1960 and 1968 out there in the worldwide web. There, the AB (“C” wasn’t needed!) pretty much created the Maximum Leader Burnham, funded his PNC and closed their eyes to the rigging and other crimes against the Guyanese people – because it suited their interest.

Guyanese shouldn’t take this personally – it really had nothing to do with them, per se. What they should do is look at Spike Lee’s movie “Do the Right Thing” and listen to Public Enemy’s title song: “You got to fight the power, fight the power, fight the powers that be.” …and pork-barrel politics The Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman just gave an ANNUAL GRANT of $100 million – from the Ministry’s coffers? – to UG for “technological pedagogy”.

So whatever happened to the US$10 million – or GY$2 BILLION that was given for the same purposes by the World Bank?

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

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Town Clerk denies ‘interrogating’ sexual assault victim

…Mayor says City Constabulary needs reshuffling

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

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own Clerk Royston King has denied interrogating the teenaged victim who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a Lance Corporal of the City Constabulary in August and informed the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that it was not necessary for him to submit a report to the Legal Affairs and Security Committee. The incident allegedly occurred when a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on August 17 and placed before the court

on a charge of wandering. At some point during his detention, for reasons unknown, the minor was transferred to the Regent Street Outpost where the alleged incident occurred between August 22 and 23, 2017.

The alleged perpetrator has been dismissed for gross misconduct while his colleague, who claimed that he witnessed the assault, was also given the boot after he failed to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

Although the incident occurred in August, it was never reported to the Police until October 17. The matter was also brought to the attention of the M&CC’s Legal Affairs and Security Committee after one month, and City Hall has since been accused of covering up the incident.

There have also been calls for King to be disciplined, since he knew of the incident, interviewed the victim and failed to report it. At Monday’s Statutory Meeting, King read a prepared statement in which he sought to cast blame on the Committee for act-

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

ing slothfully resulting in him reporting the incident to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the commencement of a criminal investigation.

“The approximate onemonth period with which the Committee was seized with the matter without a final report or recommendations could have possibly subjected the Council to an allegation of interference with the administration of justice, particularly in circumstances where the welfare of a child was involved where the Council, as is

every other institution in Guyana, mandated by law or morally to protect.

It is upon that a decision was made, by me, as the Chief Administrator of the Council and as Head of the Constabulary to turn the matter over to the Guyana Police Force,” King said.

However, this part of the statement did not go down well with Head of the Committee, Sherod Duncan, who pointed out that the Town Clerk’s actions were unacceptable, since he failed to report the incident and was yet to submit a report on his ‘interrogation’. It was identified, and attested to by Mayor Patricia Chase Green, that the work of the Committee is being stalled by the withholding of critical reports by Constables and King as well.

King told the M&CC that he had since met with acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, who has since committed to assisting the City Constabulary to build capacity. This involves training of ranks, possible secondment of officers from the Guyana Police Force to the

Town Clerk Royston King

Constabulary to help foster a greater level of discipline and more interaction between the Police Force and the Constabulary.

Reshuffling the Constabulary The Mayor said she was utterly dissatisfied with the performance of the City Constabulary, noting that she and King were the ones that have to face public criticism for the actions of every officer at City Hall. She said there was great need for a complete overhaul of the City Constabulary while is-

suing a stern warning to Chief Constable Andrew Foo, to start reining in his officers.

“Nobody is attacking the Chief Constable for what is happening at the City Constabulary; they’re attacking me and the Town Clerk. Everything is Pat and Roy, and nobody is blaming Andrew and Andrew must be held accountable for all his errors,” Chase Green said.

She said Foo needed to be more proactive in the execution of his duties and that all matters must be reported immediately to the Council as opposed to having to report on it after it would have surfaced in the media. “The Chief Constable must take the flak for all that is happening here and from the investigations department right through everybody needs reshuffling. Chief Constable I’m saying to you, if you have to have help from the national police or the Guyana Defence Force, wherever, you have to have people seconded here to straighten out the Constabulary department; you must do it,” she said.

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Joint Guyana-Suriname Commission to engage African oil producers

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atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has returned from neighbouring Suriname following the New Petroleum Producers Group Annual Meeting held in Suriname from October 15 to 20, 2017 where the South American neighbours have agreed to a joint study tour of identified African oil-producing countries.

During the meeting, Minister Trotman met with representatives from the oil and gas institutions and agencies of Suriname, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone to share experiences for the benefit and enhanced development of the countries gathered.

During the meeting, country representatives shared innovative ideas on petroleum management governance structures and geological experiences.

To advance efforts, Minister Trotman proposed a joint GuyanaSuriname study tour of Liberia, Ghana and Sierra Leone during 2018 when technical officers from Suriname would join their Guyanese counterparts and expand on initial discussions to further develop country-to-country exchanges.

It was agreed that the countries could benefit from sharing information

Elections Jumbie

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From left: Natural Resources Ministry Legal and Technical Officer Joanna Homer; Suriname’s Natural Resources Minister, Regilio J Dodson; and Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; and Suriname’s Finance Minister, Gilmore Hoefdraad

and experiences on exploration programmes and development plans, which in turn would better enable Governments to optimise and manage petroleum reservoir development.

The representatives agreed that it was very important to gain increased understanding of the technologies that were most efficient in specific geological contexts.

The joint GuyanaSuriname study tour proposal was accepted by those in attendance and several follow-up actions have been agreed on to make the study tour a reality, with Chatham House being asked to take the lead on organising the upcoming activities.

Meanwhile, on Thursday last during his visit to the neighbouring country, Trotman met with his Surinamese counterpart, Regilio J Dodson and Suriname’s Minister of Finance, Gilmore Hoefdraad, to discuss areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Accompanying the Guyanese Minister was Joanna Homer, Legal and Technical Officer of the Natural Resources Ministry.

The meeting aimed at identifying specific areas of cooperation and determining the next steps to optimising the cooperation process.

The Natural Resources Ministers of the two neigh-

bouring countries will be the primary facilitators of the engagements.

Gold and diamond mining, bauxite production, water as a natural resource commodity, hydropower, agriculture, infrastructure, and oil and gas exploration, development, production and oil-spill response were among the key areas identified.

The meeting acknowledged the existing general cooperation agreement and working committee of Suriname and Guyana, but acknowledged that further attention is required on the specific areas as noted. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to be held in Guyana in November 2017.

atiricus slowly sauntered into the Back Street Bar. The usual steady drone of voices, occasionally punctuated by raucous laughter, was much more animated than normal. After the doldrums of Diwali, Prezzie’s audacious appointment had loosened up tongues even more effectively than the regular flow of spirituous substances.

“Suh, Sato me fr’en, tell abee wha guh laang, na?” said Bungi as Satiricus started on his first beer.

“Don’t you fellas read the papers?” Satiricus replied a bit gruffly.

“But we want the inside scoop, man,” said Hari. “From your newspaper sources and your fearless leaders Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man.” “Don’t tell me about Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man,” said Satiricus gruffly. “Those are two real scamps.”

“Hol’ it, Sato,” blurted out Cappo finally, as the table fell silent. “Da you a talk? Nah…jumbie mus’ee hol’ yuh or somet’ing!!”

“I can’t believe the two of them would go along with Prezzie’s nonsense,” he complained with a faint whine.

“Budday!” exclaimed Bungi. “Me an Cappo bin tell yuh, w’en man done suck cane ‘e does dash peelin’ pan ground!”

“Nagga Man an’ Rum Jhaat always bin a cane peelin’,” said Cappo. “Dem cyaan do nuttin now?”

“But what they’re doing doesn’t make sense,” Satiricus continued. “Do they think we’re fools?”

“Yuh na wan fool, Sato,” said Cappo. “Yuh jus’ fall fuh dem sweet talk!”

“So why you fellas didn’t fall for the sweet talk?” Satiricus wanted to know. “Tell me.”

“For me,” started out Hari. “Was when Prezzie broke the Cummingsburg Accord, gave Nagga Man larwah and he didn’t do anything!”

“Nagga Man shou’da know: “Fish and cast-net nah friend,” said Cappo firmly. “Me nevah believe de Pee an’ See wou’da change dem stripe. Dem neva trus’ PeePeePee people.”

“Fuh me,” said Bungi, “Me nevah trus’ wan man who na look in me eye w’en ‘e a talk to me!!”

Their laughter broke Satiricus’ tension and they all clinked beer bottles.

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pay rise imposition in public service unacceptable – FITUG …says workers with lower wages have greater need

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e s c r i b i n g Government’s recent imposition of a pay rise for public servants as high-handed, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG) on Monday criticised the move , stating that it was illegal, immoral and not in keeping with the good faith of wage negotiations.

FITUG noted that both major parties in the Government –A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) — had made a commitment in the elections manifesto to adhere to the collective bargaining process when arriving at a wage increase. However, they have since moved to impose a pay rise for the third consecutive year.

In addressing the media, FITUG President Carvil Duncan said it was also a sentiment expressed on several occasions by officials in the current Administration. He said it was, therefore, disconcerting that the Government has again employed such an approach and in the process, undermined the cred-

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

ibility of its commitments.

“This imposition approach runs contrary to our Trade Union Recognition Act, the Constitution of Guyana and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. It also does not send a positive message to other employers in our nation,” Duncan told the media.

The trade unionist also expressed concerns over the quantum of the pay rises that were approved by Government. He noted that for those at the bottom end,

their salaries would rise by $4445 from $55,555 to $60,000 per month, having benefited from an eight per cent rise.

“Though we accept that all workers deserve higher wages/salaries, it is those at the lower end who are in greater need. It is low-earning workers that find it difficult to put meals on the table, to send their children to school, to pay their bills, to afford medical care and medication, to have adequate shelter and the basic comforts of life, and to meet life’s basic necessities.”

One of the main members of the umbrella trade union body, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has also taken note of the recent announcement and said it was an insincere move taken by Government. GAWU strongly contended that the workers, especially those at the lower end, were deserving of much more substantial pay hikes.

“Nowadays 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.”

GAWU views the engagement with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) as mere theatrics, meant to convey an impres-

sion 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,” the Union said.

In announcing this imposed increase, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson, indicated that the increases were expected to pile on an additional $3.6 billion to the national wages bill. turn to page 14

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

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wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Plans moving apace to have Lethem Industrial Estate operational by 2019 estates providing jobs for about 4000 Guyanese. The main industries are wood-processing, cement and block-making, food pro-

Site and Consulting Engineers providing Business Minister Dominic Gaskin with updates on the Lethem Industrial Site

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t a recent site visit to the Industrial Estate in Lethem, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), Business Minister Dominic Gaskin expressed satisfaction with the works being conducted.

Roads, culverts, and drainage works are currently being carried out at the site.

There had been a decline in the pace of works being conducted by the contractors, a few months ago.

However, following the tour of the site by the consulting

a business incubator with immediate impact for the Region.

Through this ‘incubator’, Gaskin explained that operators of small businesses will be provided a temporary space that they can occupy.

“An incubator needs to incubate (develop) and then you move on and other persons come in and have a chance at inclusivity and also keeps its objective, which is not to keep a business at one level but to propel it into higher category of businesses.”

The Minister revealed

local and Brazilian investors, especially in the agro sector.

According to the Department of Public Information, Gaskin further added that the Government was looking to tie agriculture with the processing of products and other support services to an export strategy, which is being developed.

The Industrial Estate was scheduled to be completed this year, but had to be reviewed because work appeared to have been done

Works being done at the Lethem Industrial Estate

engineer, Minister Gaskin reported that the issue has been ironed out and works were almost on the original schedule.

According to Minister Gaskin, the world-class industrial site built on the outskirts of Lethem will be a source of employment for the community and also

that the plan was to create an industrial hub for the entire Region Nine and take advantage of that particular area and the huge market to the South, Brazil, which allows for favourable access to a number of products in Guyana. This, he explained, will make an attractive investment prospect for both

haphazardly.

Also, the Estate did not initially cater for small businesses.

The Business Ministry has responsibility for industrial estates at Lethem, Belvedere, Eccles, and Coldingen. The latter two have a combined total of 120 developed plots, which houses close to 60 developed

cessing, fish processing, furniture manufacturing, metal fabrication and pharmaceuticals.

In the 2016 Budget,

$212 million was allocated for the development and repair of the industrial estates at Belvedere and Lethem.

14 news Dharmic Sabha rises up against GECOM appointment wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…calls on Granger to review decision

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Tuesday joined the long list of organisations and bodies that have come out and publicly registered

condemnation of President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Commission Elections

(GECOM).

The Dharmic Sabha said it is “disturbed at the unprecedented action” of President Granger in unilaterally appointing 84-year-

old Patterson to the post of Chairman of GECOM. The Sabha, in a statement, noted that the Constitution of Guyana, which is its supreme law, prescribes a process for the selection of a GECOM Chairman which has up to this moment been respected and adhered to by all past Presidents.

“While the Constitution provides for the also President to appoint a Chairman to GECOM in the instances where no list is provided by the Opposition Leader or if those persons on the list are found to be unacceptable, the Dharmic Sabha is deeply concerned that the President has chosen to ignore the three lists provided by the Leader of the Opposition without giving any reason as to the unsuitability of those nominees.”

The Hindu religious representative body said the lists were submitted “after a

process of wide consultation”; thereby including Guyanese in the decision-making process.

It noted that the Carter Formulae crafted to ensure transparency in the process of selection of the Chairman espoused inclusiveness and engendered participation of civil society. “To ignore the lists of diverse and competent Guyanese smacks of arrogance and a desire to thwart the democratic process in place for all of Guyana to feel confident in the electoral process going forward,” the Sabha declared. It said too that “the indecent haste to appoint someone late in the night has also raised many valid questions as to the genuine desire for a transparent electoral process”.

In addition, the Sabha said the choice of candidate as someone who is currently employed by the Government in an advisory capacity and who has had long association

with the ruling party, also raises concerns about impartiality that is necessary for this key constitutional post.

“Free and fair elections are intrinsic to democracy and Guyana’s democracy has been hard won. All Guyanese should feel confident that our elections are free and fair with the results reflecting the wishes of the population. The manner in which the President has appointed the new GECOM Chairman, a person who will be tasked with ensuring the transparency of elections, has raised lots of questions and feelings of distrust across the country. The President has caused Guyanese to question his genuineness with regard to ensuring a democratic free and fair electoral process.”

To uphold democracy, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is calling on President Granger to review his decision and to act in the best interest of all of Guyana.

CANU ranks urged to look out for ‘intelligent criminals’

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

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ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Monday told ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) that they have to be prepared for the wave of intelligent criminals who are engaging in the narcotics trade.

He made the charge at the opening of the Unit’s annual counter-narcotics staff training.

He said the smuggling of narcotics was dangerous to the democracy of any nation and it hindered economic growth while taking away from the “human-ness” of the population.

“It is a completely evil thing dealing and smuggling in narcotics. It has made billions for some people, but it had destroyed so many lives and so many families and the

temptation for indulging in this kind of conduct is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking,” Ramjattan said.

“We are in this war against drugs, and you are going to be our best soldiers in that war.

The training is important. I want transformational change in almost every Department of Government, including CANU, and that kind of transformational change must come by you being prepared to do the honest and the right thing; the thing that will bring dignity to you and enhance your integrity,” he added.

He said that it was important that radical change brought radical impact and urged the CANU ranks to place special emphasis on the ethics and professionalism aspects of the weeklong training, adding that through professionalism great officers were made. The Minister urged the officers to take the moral high ground in order to improve the reputation of the Unit.

He told the officers that they must take the initiative, since they were part of a Unit that dealt with the laws and ingredients of the offences they charge persons for.

“I am happy to see that this is going to be a continuous training and you will be inhouse trainees to have a better understanding of the Act, the offences, the evidence you require, the manner in which you handle that evidence and

Deputy CANU Head Lesley Ramlall

how you marshal your facts to get the substantive convictions. Convictions are so important and I have watched the records and there have been many interdictions with investigations and sometimes as it reaches the court; our records must be improved as regards to convictions…and convictions is the big six you all want,” Ramjattan said.

Deputy CANU Head Lesley Ramlall underscored the importance of the training session while urging the ranks to make full use of the training. The ranks would be engaged in a weeklong training session at the National Racquet Centre in Georgetown and would be better equipped to deal with investigations, charges and the laws that govern their operations.

Pay raise imposition...

Brotherson said that the final offer made to the Union was not countered, since the GPSU was still of the view that the talks over the 2016 increases were not completed. He said, however, all negotiations for wages and salaries for 2016 have been completed.

While in Opposition, both APNU and the AFC

had condemned the previous Government for arbitrarily increasing wages and salaries for public servants. They had also demanded that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration respect the collective bargaining agreement with the GPSU and enter into sincere and serious negotiations

from page 11

with the Union aimed at paying reasonable increases to public servants.

In 2014, APNU had said in a statement that public servants were frequently unable to afford to meet some basic household expenses and further stated that the Administration must adhere to the ILO Conventions ratified by the Assembly.

news

15

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sophia squatters’ relocation

Demolision exercise to recommence soon – CH&PA CEO …residents threaten standoff

campaign in the community on Tuesday.

He said that they would continue working with the residents to find viable alternatives since they have until January 31, 2018 to remove or be forcefully removed. He added that if

Lamaha Conservancy. We get our drinking water from this conservancy and I just want you to look at it and you will recognise that there are persons squatting on the dam and there are pit latrines also in that close vicinity. There are buildings

CEO Lelon Saul addressing the media

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

ll unoccupied and newly erected structures on the Government reserves in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is scheduled for demolition as soon as today or possibly within the next two weeks according to Lelon Saul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning

Authority (CH&PA).

“Those structures like that (unoccupied and newly erected) would be taken down, all structures under construction would be taken down, maybe in the next two weeks or maybe tomorrow. We have all systems in place to deal with anyone who tries to cause harm (to the demolition officers),” Saul told media operatives while on a sensitisation

A concrete structure now being constructed scheduled for demolition

sons on the reserves cannot be regularised and CH&PA have been engaging these people for a long time and they are aware that squatting is illegal,” Saul added.

A section of the Lamaha Water Conservancy

that date comes and there are residents still living there without any viable option to relocate, then the CH&PA would continue working with them until a way forward is determined.

Saul said the purpose of the visit is to show the wider public a first-hand look at the impact of informal settlements, particularly in the Sophia-Cummings Lodge areas.

“People are squatting in close proximity to the

in the buffer zones and no one should be living there.

In addition to that, people swim in the conservancy, they dump trash in the conservancy and those are the things we try to combat to ensure the safety of citizens is maintained,” he said.

“People are squatting on the reserves and it is a serious issue for us and we want to work with them to have them removed. The issue of squatting in this area is a long one. The per-

The situation

During the visit to the community, it was observed that a number of shacks were on the dam of the Lamaha Conservancy and many with pit latrines or “flying toilets.” The term “flying toilets” refers to the act of duping fecal matter into the conservancy, and in addition to the pit latrines, serve to contaminate the water. The Guyana Water Inc uses water from that conservancy for drinking and other purposes.

In addition to contaminating the water, the residents are aiding in eroding the dam that protects the legitimate residents from water in the conservancy.

On the visit, it was also observed that almost all of the squatters have illegally connected wires to the GPL poles and those wires are connected in bits and pieces, either buried in the ground or overhead. The possibility of electrocution is very high in the area and children are constantly traversing the section.

However, as residents overheard CEO Saul speaking about demolition, they began threatening to have a standoff with the officers when the time comes.

Public Infrastructure Ministry’s CORE team to assist homeless Diamond family Squatters lining the dam of the Lamaha Water Conservancy and part of the badly eroded dam

Gunmen rob business entity, customers before hijacking car …at Lust-en-Rust

T

hree gunmen on Monday evening reportedly carried out a daring robbery on a West Bank Demerara (WBD) business place, along with customers who were at the store, before hijacking a car and making good their escape.

According to Police D Division (West DemeraraEast Bank Essequibo) Commander Leslie James, the incident occurred around 20:45h at the Simone’s Variety Store at Lust-enRust, WBD. Guyana Times understands that the men entered the business place and first attacked the owner, Simone Banwari.

As the owner was being subdued by one of the bandits who was reportedly armed with a shotgun, the other two bandits attacked

the customers.

This publication was informed that a female customer was attacked and robbed of her gold earrings, a quantity of phone cards and cash totalling over $80,000.

Another customer was relieved of some $17,000 in cash that he was carrying.

Following the robbery, another female customer was attacked and one of the gunmen demanded that she hand over her car keys.

The perpetrators then boarded the hijacked car, a white Toyota Premio bearing registration number PPP 8667, and made good their escape.

Police are said to be reviewing CCTV footage to ascertain the identities of the gunmen.

Investigations into the robbery are ongoing.

…seeks to rebuild home gutted in Diwali fire

O

ne of the teams attached to the C o m m u n i t y Organised for the Restoration of the Environment (CORE) initiative which operates through the Public Infrastructure Ministry has embarked on a charitable mission aimed at assisting the family now homeless after their Lot 1892, 20th Avenue, Great Diamond, East Band Demerara home was burnt to the ground on Wednesday last.

Just last week, Guyana Times reported that amidst the Diwali celebrations, a fire, believed to be the result of children playing with explosives, ripped through the Singh’s family home on the East Bank of Demerara, completely destroying their possessions and leaving the five occupants without shelter.

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

After news of this unfortunate event made its way to the CORE team responsi-

The completely destroyed Diamond, EBD house

ble for that area, the group reached out to the displaced family, offering assistance in the recovery efforts.

As a part of their undertaking, the team comprising of 10 members commenced clearing the rubble from the gutted house but ultimately seeks to aid the family in rebuilding their home.

With this aim in mind, the CORE group has made an application to the Public Infrastructure Ministry for support in sourcing the building materials needed to accomplish this mission.

Speaking to this publication on Monday was Travis

Clarke, the leader of the East Bank Demerara CORE initiative, who explained what prompted his team to extend a helping hand to the Singh family.

In doing so, he indicated that the group was engaged in a beautification project in Little Diamond, EBD, when they were made aware of the fire. As such, they took it upon themselves to aid the homeless family as their next assignment.

The team leader went on to explain that they began clearing out process on Monday and this is expected to last for two days. Given

that they are awaiting confirmation from the Ministry, the group is unsure as to whether or not they will be provided with the materials and therefore unable to say when the construction work will kick off. Nevertheless they are hoping for the realisation of this mission at the earliest possible date.

Clarke further pointed out that his team consists of a number of builders and contractors who will be able to work on building the family a new home.

The CORE initiative was established earlier this year, which saw 20 teams being employed throughout the various administrative regions so as to supplement the work of the Special Projects Unit (SPU).

Each group consisting of 10 members holds the responsibility of ensuring environmental upgrades, drainage, and sanitation improvements and the general aesthetics of the works being undertaken by the SPU. However, this is the first time the CORE team has taken on a project of such charitable nature and therefore sees this as paving the way for other similar ventures to follow in the future.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

Regional

Venezuela swears in Opposition Governors despite boycott

F

our newly-elected Opposition governors in Venezuela have agreed to be sworn in by the constituent assembly, defying their coalition’s official position.

The Roundtable for Democracy (MUD) had said none of its candidates would kneel before the pro-government assembly, which it regards as illegitimate.

However governors for Táchira, Mérida, Nuevo Esparta and Anzoátegui have all pledged allegiance.

The MUD says it was denied victory in several states in the October 15 vote.

The move means that four of the five MUD governors to boycott the previous event in

Delcy Rodriguez (left), swears in four Opposition Governors in Caracas

which 18 newly elected so-

cialist governors were sworn

in have changed their stance.

The head of the constituent assembly, Delcy Rodriguez, said the remaining holdout Opposition governor, Juan Pablo Guanipa of Zulia state, would suffer consequences for his refusal.

Guanipa, who is from a more radical party than the other governors, said his state would never bow before what he described as the dictatorship of President Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro, who described the election result as a victory, said that governors who refused to be sworn in by the constituent assembly would not be allowed to take up office. The Opposition argues that the elections, in which the majority of Venezuela’s 23 regional governorships were won by pro-government candidates, had been fraudulent. They have published what they say is evidence of fraud in the state of Bolívar, where the Government candidate was declared the winner after a two-day delay. (BBC News)

Belize House of Assembly gives nod to decriminalisation of small amounts of marijuana

I

n a rare show of support, legislators in Belize’s House of Assembly have stamped their approval on amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, which decriminalises the possession of marijuana in amounts not exceeding 10 grams.

However, the amended legislation still has to be passed in the Senate and must then get the assent of the Governor General to take effect.

The amendment seeks to decriminalize the smoking of marijuana in private premises and imposes a fine, which does not become a criminal record for the offender, instead of police arrest, and for the possession of small amounts of marijuana less than 10 grammes on school premises.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow described the move as landmark and said he

would not be deterred by critics.

Opposition Leader John Briceno, however, suggested the amendments should have gone one step further towards the legalization of marijuana.

“I believe that there are numerous benefits to legalizing the use of marijuana in small quantities.

“For example, studies have proven that adults who smoke weed lose weight, they can keep in better shape, they have a smaller waist size; they are better [with] insulin levels.

I won’t say names but they will be…slim, trim and fit,” he told legislators.

Minister of State Elodio Aragon Junior said the amendment would be significant for the hemp industry, since the bill excludes industrial hemp from the definition of cannabis. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Antigua’s Tourism Minister fired after arrest in London

– but he’s released hours later

A

trip to London left Asot Michael in Police custody and without his job as Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism and Investment.

Even though he said he didn’t know why Michael was arrested by London Metropolitan Police when he arrived in the United Kingdom’s capital on a British Airways flight yesterday morning, Prime Minister of the twin-island nation Gaston Browne kicked him out of his Cabinet after learning of his detention.

By night time, however,

Michael had been released, although he was advised he may be wanted for further questioning. He is being represented by UK lawyer James Guthrie.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Browne released a statement disclosing that he had received news from Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner in London, Karen-Mae Hill, that Michael was arrested on his arrival in England.

Browne committed to release information regarding the arrest when he received it. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Bogota taxi drivers block streets in Uber protest

Police disperse taxi drivers in Bogota as they protest at private hire companies such as Uber

T

housands of taxi drivers in the Colombian capital Bogota have blocked roads and clashed with Police in protest at hail services such as Uber.

Yellow cabs lined the streets of the city on Monday as drivers objected to what they said was an unfair advantage awarded to appbased services.

The protesters are calling for more regulation on technology companies like Uber and Cabify, who they say are not obliged to pay insurance.

The strike caused major disruption.

Cab drivers blocked major intersections in the capital. As protesters began attacking those who refused to join the strike, Police threw tear gas at the crowd to disperse them, Reuters news agency reports.

“We want the government to stop Uber, Cabify and any other applications that try to come here,” said taxi driver William Trivino, 38. However, authorities in Colombia have said that they are unable to prevent start-ups like Uber and Cabify from operating in the city.

It comes after a government decision to force drivers to replace taxi meters with GPS-based software applications that can be used to calculate and collect fares.

Drivers argue that the technology is expensive and makes them more vulnerable to theft.

Demonstrators are also protesting against the city’s recent drive to offer on its roads preferential lanes for buses and bikes. There are more than 50,000 registered taxis in Bogota, which is home to about eight million people. (BBC News)

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

New chapter, new era for China – Xi Jinping tells CPC

T

he 19th National Congress of the Communist party of China (CPC) has concluded with leader Xi Jinping committing to a new chapter for a new era.

This congress has major significance not only for China but also for the world as China has been revealing increasing global influence.

At the closing session on Tuesday, Xi Jinping told the 2336 delegates that the decisions and plans made at the congress will play a vital role in guiding and ensuring “success in our major endeavours.”

The five-yearly congress kicked off last Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in the famous Tiananmen Square.

At Tuesday’s closing session, a resolution was also passed for the amendment to the Party’s constitution, which enshrined Xi Jinping’s thought on socialism with an insertion for a new era as a new component of the Party’s guide for action.

According to Xi Jinping the party must “make comprehensive efforts” to ensure that “the fight against corruption keeps going.”

today.

of 2017.

Global significance

The five-yearly congress kicked off last Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in the famous Tiananmen Square

“Through these many years of struggle with tenacity, our Party has united and led the Chinese people and the Chinese nation in ending once and for all the miserable plight of old China, which had been bullied by foreign aggressors following the Opium War of 1840, and in walking completely out of poverty and weakness,” Xi said.

The CPC also included Xi’s military direction and the Party’s “absolute” leadership over the armed forces, as well as other statements including “following

the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, and pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative” into its Constitution.

“In our Party, each and every one of us must always breathe the same breath as the people, share the same future, and stay truly connected to them,” he said.

“The aspirations of the people to live a better life must always be the focus of our efforts,” Xi said.

The new Central Committee will host its first plenary session

The issue of China’s global significance has been discussed extensively on the side lines of the congress.

Speaking to the local media in China, one of Kenya’s leading economic professors, Kern Ogembo said that the decisions taken at the congress will have significance for those outside of China as it will have global impact. Ogembo added that the role of China in global affairs has grown much so the world will be watching.

Adding to the discussions on global significance on the side lines of the congress, Director of ChinaBrazil Centre for Research and Business, Ronnie Lins said that China’s stability is very important for the world since it has become the driving force of global economic development.

Meanwhile, in its latest report, the International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for the global economy. One of its reasons it noted for this change is the stronger than expected performance of the Chinese economy in the first half

Climate change

David Shambaugh, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a leading US think tank, said that China “has a particularly important leadership role to play in global governance.”

He mentioned various areas in which the world has seen China significantly increase its contributions, including climate change, global health, international peacekeeping, global economic governance, energy security and reshaping multilateral institutions.

As Chinese President Xi said on Wednesday last in his report at the opening session of the 19th CPC National Congress, China has taken a driver’s seat in international cooperation on climate change and become an “important participant, contributor, and torchbearer” in the global endeavour for ecological civilisation.

The country more than met its carbon emission reduction goals last year, and pledged a package of US$3.1 billion to the South-South Cooperation Fund on Climate Change for developing countries.

Trump in tax meeting amid Kenya election: Last-minute fight with Republican Senator court bid to block poll

P

resident Donald Trump began talks with Republican Senators on Tuesday to try to build consensus for proposed tax cuts in a meeting that was overshadowed by an exchange of insults between the President and one of the lawmakers.

Trump has asked his fel-

low Republicans who control Congress to pass a package of tax cuts, including a deep reduction in the corporate income tax, by year’s end.

But hours before he was to promote the tax plan at a weekly lunch for Republican Senators on Capitol Hill, Trump engaged in a distracting tussle with one of those

lawmakers: Bob Corker, a leading fiscal hawk and the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Bob Corker, who ... couldn’t get elected dog catcher in Tennessee, is now fighting Tax Cuts,” Trump wrote on Twitter, later adding that the Senator is “incompetent”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Myanmar Rohingya crisis: US withdraws military assistance

T

he United States is withdrawing military assistance units from Myanmar over the country’s treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine state.

The State Department said it had also dropped travel waivers for Myanmar military officials, and was considering economic sanctions.

Almost a million Rohingya people have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh, says Bangladesh’s envoy to the UN. Myanmar’s military says it is fighting militants and not targeting civilians.

“It is imperative that any individuals or entities responsible for atrocities be held accountable,” the US

Refugees in camps on the Bangladesh side of the border face difficult conditions

state department said.

“We express our gravest concern with recent events in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and the violent, traumatic abuses Rohingya and other communities have endured.”

Last week, US Secretary

of State Rex Tillerson said his country held Myanmar’s military leadership “accountable” for its crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority, adding that the US was “extraordinarily concerned” by the situation.

Uhuru Kenyatta won the August poll

K

enya’s Supreme Court will hold a last-minute hearing to decide whether the re-run of the presidential election can go ahead.

The court will hear an urgent petition by human

rights activists arguing Kenya is not ready for the vote.

The election is due to take place the following day, on Thursday.

The Supreme Court in September took the unprec-

Syria: Russia vetoes extension of chemical weapons inquiry

R

ussia has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution extending the mandate of the only official mission investigating the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) was set

up in 2015 to identify perpetrators of chemical attacks.

It is due to report later this week on a deadly nerve agent attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in April.

Russia has rejected a separate report from UN human rights investiga-

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Kuwait emir warns of GCC collapse and crisis escalation

T

he emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, warned of the collapse of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – an alliance of Gulf countries – should the crisis with

Qatar remain unresolved.

In a statement at a Kuwaiti Parliament session on Tuesday, the emir warned GCC leaders of the potential dangerous military and political intervention that may ensue as a

result of the political deadlock.

“Contrary to our wishes and hopes, the Gulf crisis has the potential of escalating; therefore, all of us must be fully aware of its potential consequences,”

edented decision to annul the presidential election and demand a re-run.

Chief Justice David Maraga said the August 8 election had not been “conducted in accordance with the constitution” and declared it “invalid, null and void”.

This was the first time in Africa that an Opposition court challenge against a presidential election had succeeded.

However, the main Opposition candidate Raila Odinga is boycotting the vote.

He told the BBC’s Newsday programme on Tuesday that it was a “sham” election “which will not represent the will of the people”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sheikh Sabah said.

“Any escalation will bring with it an outright call for regional and international intervention, which will destroy the security of the Gulf and its people.”

The GCC is a political and economic alliance of countries in the Arabian peninsula, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

(Excerpt from AL Jazeera)

tors blaming the Syrian Government.

The JIM’s mandate expires next month and Russia had been pushing to postpone a vote on its extension until after the report on Khan Sheikhoun was considered.

But Russia could not get enough support and instead used its veto to block adoption. Russia, along with the UK, China, France and the US, have veto powers at the Security Council.

It is the ninth time Russia has blocked action against its ally Syria, something rights group Amnesty called “a green light for war crimes”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

ARCHIE

Go with the flow no matter what happens. Reach out (March 21with understanding and comApril 19) passion to find a way to overcome any dilemma that crops up. Don’t make a rash decision.

ARIES

Travel and communication

TAURUS are highlighted. Associating (April 20- with people from different backMay 20) grounds will be eye-opening.

dilbert

Collaboration will help you find solutions to matters that concern you.

Get whatever job is exGEMINI (May 21- pected of you out of the way.

June 20) Look for alternative ways to use your skills, qualifications and experience to get ahead.

Personal improvements are highlighted.

If you share your thoughts

CANCER and emotions, you will resolve (June 21- issues that have been botherJuly 22) ing you. A business trip or con-

Peanuts

ference will lead to a window of opportunity. Explore new possibilities.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don’t raise your temper.

Keep your promises, but don’t feel you must go above and beyond the call of duty to please others. Take time to relax and pamper yourself.

You’ll find it difficult to VIRGO deal with peers or relatives.

(Aug. 23Don’t get into an emotional Sept. 22) dispute. You are best off letting matters settle before you address issues and disclose your plans.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keeping secrets will be difLIBRA (Sept. 23- ficult. Unexpected changes will Oct. 23) cause discord in an important re-

lationship, resulting in the need to question motives and find solutions. Follow your heart and concentrate on personal gains.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Clear a space at home or SCORPIO make a move that is condu(Oct. 24cive to following a lifelong Nov. 22) dream. Travel, education and communication will help you reach your goal.

If you want to make a stateSAGITTARIUS ment or draw attention to (Nov. 23- something you believe in, you Dec. 21) must take action. If you have an important presentation coming up, make sure it’s visually captivating.

Get down to business and CAPRICORN don’t leave anything unfinished.

(Dec. 22- Your precision and attention to Jan. 19) detail will be impressive and will help you gain respect and confidence.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle Get along with others and AQUARIUS get things done. Avoid over(Jan. 20- spending or making unrealisFeb. 19) tic promises. Live up to your own expectations, not to the expectations of others. Take a moment to relax.

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

A sound mind and a schedPISCES (Feb. 20- ule that will allow you to exMarch 20) plore your options is favored.

Change may entice you, but know what you are getting into before you take flight.

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

19

Persaud keen on cementing Jaguars spot – batsman looking to continue rich vein of form

By Clifton Ross

G

uyana Jaguars newbie Akshaya Persaud said cementing a spot in the senior team is what he intends to do once he’s given the chance to play when the 2017/18 Digicel Regional 4-Day tournament bowls off on Thursday.

Persaud, the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded Jaguars 3-Day League was the lone new face in the 13-man Guyana team which was released on Monday. Following his practice session at the venue of the Jaguars opening match; the Providence Stadium, the batsman was delighted to have finally been rewarded with a senior call-up.

“First, I must thank almighty God for making this possible, I know from my hard work I must get the rewards in the future. I was keeping it simple and keep the basics going, last year I had a good tournament, I got over 400 runs this year I got over 500-odd runs so it was due to come,” Persaud said.

The West Demerara skipper cracked two tons this season including 151 as he ended with 520 runs at an average of well over 70 runs from 7 rounds played.

His form which seemed to continue from last season where he tallied over 400

Guyana Jaguars skipper Leon Johnson pulls one during a net session at Providence on Tuesday

Middle-order batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj doing some last-minute fine-tuning in the nets

runs, was coupled by the batsman being offered an Academy contract which has seemingly aided in his growth from strength to strength.

Regarding the technical aspects of his game, the Cornelia Ida resident said he doesn’t stray too far from the fundamentals as he stressed on keeping in touch with the basic side of training and execution. “I was just doing the basics right, a lot of extra work, batting and bowling especially in the rainy season I was in the indoor facility at LBI so I’ve been putting in extra work.”

Nephew of former national batsman Rabindranauth Seeram, Persaud credited

advice from his uncle whom he works with a lot at home along with the invaluable relationship he shares with veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul who he refers to as “Pops;” as significant figures in the development of his career.

“The coaches in the academy and the players in the senior team, also at home I work with my uncle Seeram also I must thank Shiv for some advice he gives me throughout my career, my parents and my village who have all helped med throughout my career,” he explained.

He further added that Seeram has placed special emphasis on teaching him

the ins and outs about cricket, saying “He tells me to keep it as simple as possible and don’t rush anything and keep it simple while sticking to the basics.”

A Junior member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team over the years, the lefthander said his stint with the warriors during the CPL has helped to improve his cricket from a physical perspective which has played a pivotal role in his recent success. “That has boosted my career a lot, especially my fitness because the trainers are very hard-working, it has helped my batting and bowling but it helped my fitness especially.”

Despite making the 13,

the young batsman was aware that he still needs to learn as much as he can while he can, especially that hopes of securing a permanent spot in the team were at the forefront of his goals.

“I think what I was doing in the 3-Day tournament that brought me success I will keep doing, I just have to be a bit weary because there is a lot of international bowlers in the regional tournament so I just have to go and adapt” admitted Persaud.

Although Guyana will commence their title defense minus five of their top players; Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh, Shimron Hetmyer and Davendra Bishoo who

are all on international duty, Persaud who could likely make his first class debut said he’s maintaining composure as he knows the importance of being focused ahead of such a big tournament.

“At the moment I’m just relaxing and just doing my batting and bowling, probably on that day I might have a few nerves but it’s just for me to go out there and keep my focus as well as my concentration”. He ended.

Guyana will square off against the Jamaica Scorpions from Thursday October 26 at the Providence National Stadium, Guyana from 9:30hrs.

Work on stream at GFF’s National Training Centre W

ork on the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Center (NTC) is underway and the deadline for the first phase of the project is expected to remain the same.

The GFF facilitated a media visit to the site at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday. At the visit Executive Member Rawlston Adams who is in charge of the project pointed out that despite work commencing a week later than was originally scheduled things are going along smoothly and the first phase is still expected to be completed in January of 2018.

The construction of an artificial turf pitch is the first phase and that is being done by an international company Greenfields who have sub-contracted S. Nabi and Sons to build the foundation for the pitch.

The depth of the foundation will be almost one metre as the GFF aims to have the turf at least 30cm higher than the highest point of the road so as to ensure that flooding is not an issue.

Plans are afoot also for the implementation of lights for the pitch once it is finished as the GFF will be looking to utilize the facility even as other infrastructural works will be ongoing around the pitch.

GFF President Wayne Forde and Executive Member Rawlston Adams at the site

There is an existing building at the front of the site and Adams disclosed that the GFF will be “cleaning up and refurbishing” that building with plans of turning the building into a dormitory for the junior players; GFF president Wayne Forde also hinted that the GFF might move their technical department from its current Campbellville, Georgetown location to Providence.

The NTC is expected to bolster the development of football in Guyana as it will include a Futsal pitch, a beach football pitch and a dormitory; the latter it is hoped will help to cut accommodation costs for teams.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

GFSCA/Guyana Softball Cup VII… MVPs will cash in with diamond studded gold pendants

I

f it’s not broken, why fix it… That’s the underlying message when Steve’s Jewellery and the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) teamed up for the seventh consecutive time for the prestigious Guyana Softball Cup tournament.

With just days to go before the seventh edition of the tournament bowls off, proprietor of Steve’s Jewellery Steve Naraine presented the tournaments’ Most Valuable Players (MVP) prizes to representatives of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association at the company’s Church street location on Tuesday.

The Steve’s Jewellery prizes which are now major parts of the annual tournament has evolved from a a gold bracelet for each category to gold pendants

Surendra Nauth commended Naraine and his company for devotedly supporting the premier international softball tournament, noting that the prizes will go a far way in encouraging the players to play to their optimal.

The champion team in

A Steve's Jewellery staff presents the pendants to Surendra Nauth in the presence of other GFSCA officials. Steve Naraine (right) looks on

shaped like cricket bats studded with diamonds to which Naraine gave an es-

T

ransport Sports Club (TSC) recorded comfortable back-to-back wins over Joint Services when action in the New Building Society (NBS) 40 over 2nd Division competition continued across venues in the city, this past weekend.

On Saturday October 21, TSC registered a clean 17-run win over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) team after scoring an imposing 281-9 in their 40 overs. Chemroy Kendall (49), Jamaul Wilson (38),

Shaun Massiah

timated cost of $100,000 each.

GFSCA member

Charwayne McPherson (37), Rafael Singh (32*), Devaugn Nandan (31) and Anthony Antonio (21), all chipped in to add to their team’s winning total.

Bowling for the army, Nicdteo Nester snatched up 4-59 with support coming from Jermain Moe (247) and former West Indies Under-19 captain Kwame Crosse with 2-54. It seemed like an ordinary mission for the army after the experienced Leon Andrews slammed 101 and Nester returned to score a vital

The precious pendants that are up for grabs at this year’s Guyana Softball Cup

84 but TSC bowlers held their nerves to snatch the win. Oslyn Batson’s 4-36 and Antonio’s 2-38 were on target to see GDF being bowled out for 264 in 38.5 overs.

TSC then served up some “police brutality” when they handed the Police officers a 4 wicket defeat. Police were bowled out for 205 in 39 overs with impetus coming from opener Andrew Lyght Jr. who thumped 61 with support from national youth batsman Alex Algoo (37) and

BCB/ West Berbice 2nd Division 40-Over Tournament…

Hope Town, Bush Lot set up big wins

T

he Berbice Cricket Board's Second Division Season in the West Berbice Zone continues with two exciting matches on Sunday October 22 at the Bush Lot Community Centre and Paradise grounds. At the Bush Lot Community Center, hosts Bush Lot United defeated Achievers Cricket Club by 20 runs in their 40 over affair. Batting for Bush Lot, R. Hemraj top scored with 67 while B. Jaikarran and J Dilchand offered support with 25 and 23 respectively. All the other batsmen failed to reach double figures as the home side were bowled out for 187 in 38.2 overs. Rendell Bobb of West Berbice took 3 for 43, Randy Wade, Natasha Gangoo and S. Angel took 2 wickets each

for 33, 28 and 12 respectively.

Batting for Achievers, R Mitchell scored 72, Darius Nedd 18, Randy Wade 14 and Royston Wade 11 as they were bowled for 168 in 24.3 overs. In Bush Lot's bowling attack, N Persaud took 4 wickets for 14 runs in his 6 overs, while T Persaud had figures of 2 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs. R. Henraj and J Dilchand each took one wicket. At the Paradise Ground, Hopetown Cricket Club defeated Paradise by25 runs in their feature game.

Batting first, Hopetown scored 142 with Derrick McCalmon 29, and Steffon Adams 52.

Bowling for Paradise Linden Davidson took 3 for 37 and Enoch Carmichael 4 for 17. Troy McKenzie took 2 for 32 in

his 7 overs.

In Paradise's reply, only Enoch Carmichael looked solid with the bat as he contributed 30 runs. All the other batsmen struggled against the bowling attack of the Hopetown lads, as Paradise was eventually bowled out for 117. Derrick McCalmon, bowling for Hopetown proved himself useful as he took 6 wickets for 34 runs. Stefon Adams and Kelwin Bennett took 2 wickets each for 26 and 8 runs respec- t i v e ly.

The competition continues on Sunday October 29.

Oslyn Batson

the All-Star category will receive $800,000, while winner of the Masters division is assured of $600,000.

Matches will be played at the Police, Guyana Defence Force, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes and Georgetown Cricket Club grounds.

In 2016, Speedboat XI pulled off a massive heist by dethroning defending champions Regal All-Stars to win the Open segment, while Floodlights XI outplayed Fishermen XI to win the Masters category.

The tournament has received corporate support from Stag Beer, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jewanram Printery, WJ Enterprise, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand Auto Spares and Survival Group of Business.

Reginol Rodrigues (26).

Rafael Singh 3-39 along with good returns from veteran spinners Shaun Massiah 3-45 and Kevin Ross 2-34, highlighted the bowling for TSC who ended on 208-6 from 36.2 overs compliments of; Charwayne McPherson (49*), Ryan Hemraj (48) and Akeem Redman (24). Kelvin Leitch was the most successful bowler for Police with 2-35.

The action is expected to resume this weekend with more matches across Georgetown.

Everest Masters ready for Florida challenge

O

The inform Everest Masters are ready for battle

n Thursday October 26, the Everest Masters will host the visiting United All-Stars out of Miami, Florida in a feature 35 overs a-side match.

The hosts are fresh off of a nine-wicket victory over the visiting Guyana Foundation out of the United Kingdom thanks to a blistering unbeaten century from Basil Persaud.

The game on Thursday is expected to begin at 11:00h with trophies and plaques compliments of the Trophy Stall up for grabs.

Teams; United All Stars will come from Nandkishore Phanisnaraine (Captain), Bhim George, Rangendra Sooknanan, Vivian Gooniah, Vian Gooniah, S. Persaud, M. Lallbeharry, Balham Persaud, Jaipaul Seenauth, Muneshwar Lall and Divin Baldeo.

Everest Masters squad includes; Rajesh Singh (Captain), Sahadeo Hardaiow, Basil Persaud, Hemraj Garbarran, Saheed Mohamed, Imtiaz Sadik, Rohan Sarjoo, David Harper, Rakesh Gangaram, Ronald Jaisingh, Johnny Azeez, Satyendra Khemraj, Ramesh Narine and Anil Beharry

sports GFA Stag Premier League…

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Riddim Squad, Santos

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record wins

Which Is It: Deflection, Decoy, Diversion or... Attraction?

Does It Really Matter?

W

ith the forced checkmate in three combination of 1...Nf3+ 2.gxf3 (2.Kh1 Nf2#) 2...Rg6+ 3.Kh1 Nf2 checkmate are we: Deflecting the g2-pawn away from the King; Giving up our Knight on f3 as a decoy to open the g-file; doing both, making this a simple diversion themed tactic; or are we attracting the pawn to f3 in order to allow 2...Rg6+?

Which is it? For now, it doesn't really matter how we classify this puzzle, or others like it. The general goal or outcome of all four of those tactical motifs tends to be the same: Forcing the opponent to move a piece somewhere that it doesn't want to go! Whether that be because the piece is guarding something or because the piece itself is walking into a

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21

problem, something bad is about to happen Destroying the Defender Example 1: Breaking Open the Enemy's “King Position”!

Like the tactical motifs before it, learning to “destroy” your opponent's defensive position is an extremely valuable pattern. Generally, sacrificial ideas designed to create access to the opponent's castled King position are on display when this tactical motif is referenced.

Unlike all the other fundamental tactics taught in our curriculum to this point (including fork, pin, skewer, etc) – there is no specific piece that can “destroy the defender” nor is there any particular “image” created.

Likely though, the opponent has few pieces surrounding the King, which

GFC’s Curtez Kellman was among the goals on Sunday

Jessica Clementson

makes it vulnerable to attack. After white's 1.Nxh7!! black has no way of stopping 2.Qg6 and mate on g7 to come.

Destroying the Defender Example 2: Sacrifice Whatever It Takes!

Once again, though this time it is white who comes under fire, the King has few defenders. This type of scenario always opens up the possibility for tactics! Can you see black's biggest strength in this position? Whenever attacking the enemy King, consider every move!

Black can play 1...

Qxe3!!, sacrificing the Queen to open up the 2nd rank. After 2.fxe3 black has forced mate with 2...Rg2+ 3.Kh1 Rxh2+ 4.Kg1 Rcg2 checkmate. Not capturing the Queen doesn't help white either, as black will bring the entire royal army to the f2 square next move.

A

ction in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Stag Premier League continued last Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with

Santos and Riddim Squad emerging as the latest victors.

In the opening fixture of the triple header, Riddim Squad needled Beacon FC through a Wendell Joseph’s goal in the 19th minute.

However, Beacon must be credited for keeping their steady attacking opponents at bay for the remainder of the game.

Meanwhile, Santos blanked Pele FC comfortably on their way to a 2-0 victory.

Goals on either side of the interval from Ryan October and William Europe ensured that their side walked away with maximum points.

October was on target in the 41st while Europe slotted home in the 55th minute to seal the deal.

Home side GFC drew with Black Pearl FC 1-1 in

the game of the night. Devon Henry opened the scoring in the 13th minute for the former but GFC’s youthful midfielder Curtez Kellman equalized just three minutes later. The remainder of the game remained in a deadlock and petered out to an entertaining draw.

The third round of the league will begin on Friday (October 27) with two matches at GFC. Flamingo will face Santos at 17:30h while GFC will lock horns with Camptown FC at 19:30h.

On Sunday GFC will be the venue once again for another triple header. Police FC will look to arrest Black Pearl FC at 15:00h, Beacon FC clash with Northern Rangers at 17:00h while Pele FC will look for a win when they face Riddim Squad at 19:00h.

Exciting Banks DIH, Citizens Bank Golf tees off on Saturday

Happy faces at the launch of this weekend’s golf classic; from left: Guy Griffith, Troy Peters, Brian Hackett, Shusila Persaud, Neville Skeete and Puran Mathura

B

everage giants Banks DIH in partnership with Citizen’s Bank on Tuesday launched their pre-Guyana Open Golf Tournament set for Saturday October 28 at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC).

The one-day event is expected to feature some 60 golfers both locally and internationally who will be vying for top prizes with the bigger goal of getting themselves acclimatized ahead of the Guyana Cup set for November 8, which the upcoming tournament is being used as a prelude to.

Present at the launching held at Banks DIH’s conference room, Thirst Park, were; Citizen’s Bank Credit Officers Shusila Persaud and Puran Mathura, Citizen’s Bank Credit Manager Neville Skeete, LGC Secretary Guy Griffith, Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters and Vice-President of the LGC Brian Hackett.

During his brief remarks, Hackett said that the LGC itself was happy to be a part of the event which has been staged numerous times in the past. He added that the spectators as well as the participants have made the event a big deal and one where golfers could further prepare themselves ahead of

the mega Guyana Cup tournament.

Hackett further lauded those responsible for preparing the Fairways and greens as he said the effort was a huge one while thanking the sponsors for being loyal to them over the years. Skeet pointed out that the tourney was just another opportunity for Citizen’s Bank to throw their support behind the sport, adding that while they have missed a few years of sponsorship, support for future ventures was confirmed.

Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters on behalf of the company said it was good to have such a solid base and partnership with the bank that has been in support of Golf for a long time. Peters pointed out that the basis of Saturday’s event is to help golfers get themselves fully-prepared ahead of the Cup as he expects a healthy turnout from golfers as well as fans.

Seven-time golf champion Avinash Persaud along with female golf star and current champ Joan Deo are among some of the high-profile golfers set to be in action this weekend. Tee off time is set for 1:00pm on Saturday. (Clifton Ross)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

By Akeem Greene

J

amaica Scorpions batsman Trevon Griffith is optimistic that his team can add pressure onthe inexperienced members of the Guyana Jaguars when they open the 2017/2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel 4-Day tournament at the National Stadium, Providence on Thursday.

Seasoned and proven campaigners Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Devendra Bishoo, Raymon Reifer, Keon Joseph and Shimron Hetmyer are

Scorpions to capitalise on Jaguars’ ‘inexperience’ - Griffith absent for the three-time defending champions due to prior commitments.

“Most of the experienced guys for the Jaguars are missing due to other duties and I think we can cash in on that. There are a couple of inexperienced guys for the Guyana team right now and it gives us a big opportunity to put them under pressure,” the former Guyana player stated.

Other than Veerasammy Permaul (93), Captain Leon Johnson (89), Rajendra Chandrika (56) and Anthony Bramble (38), no

WCC/ Badri Prasad Memorial T20…

Good Success, Maria’s Pleasure open with thumping wins T

he Badri Prasad Memorial T20 competition began last Sunday on the Essequibo island of Wakenaam with Good Success and Maria’s Pleasure recording thumping victories in their opening fixtures.

The highlight of the day came from Essequibo U17 player David Chalitar with a five-wicket haul for Good Success over San Souci and Leorayan Ramlakhan who blasted an unbeaten 94 against San Souci Jaguars.

In the opening game, Good Success defeated Sans Souci by four wickets at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Chalitar bowled impressively to finish with 5-17 as Sans Souci were bowled out for 97 in 17.2 overs, batting first.

Omal Bacon made 25 as skipper Imran Khan and Vickram Ramnarine supported Chalitar with 2-10 and 2-17 respectively. Good Success responded with 99-6 in 13.3 overs with Khan scoring 31; Bacon returned to capture 2-24.

In the second match of

other player in the current Jaguars’ 13-man squad has played more than 20 FirstClass matches.

The visiting Scorpions themselves are faced with a similar dilemma since several of their senior players are absent for this opening round and possibly the next which leaves the shoulder of responsibility on another Guyanese player, Assad Fudadin.

“We are looking forward to the start of the season, coming to Guyana and playing our first match for which we have a decent squad.

Fudadin will be leading the batting as the most experienced player and we also have Brandon King, Paul Palmer and myself. We are really looking forward to the challenge.”

Further commenting on the impact, Fudadin, a Test batsman with over 4,000 First-Class runs will have with the team, he explained, “He has been through this cricket year after year and it is a privilege to play with him on this team since we go way back playing for Guyana. He has a large appetite for scoring a lot of runs which is a big plus for the team.”

A typically pugnacious batsman who shot to the lime light during the 2010 Youth World Cup, the

player has admittedly not lived up to his potential, something he is seeking to change this season.

“Runs is the name of the game and I have been doing that recently. In Antigua against Guyana I got some runs [69 in T20 match]. I’m Just looking forward to the start of the season. Just

looking to be consistent, score big and keep it simple.”

Since Jamaican won the 4-day title during the 20122013 season, they have struggled to play with the same venom, with their batting particularly, being the weak output.

“Looking back at the last

Badminton champ selected for Pan AM Camp

Leorayan Ramlakhan

the double header, Maria’s Pleasure beat Sans Souci Jaguars by six wickets.

Sans Souci Jaguars took first strike and scored 156 all out in 17.4 overs. Safraz Mohamed struck 49, Siddiq Mohamed 26 and Gladwin Henry 21. Alec Clemenson bagged 4-28 and Kennard Lewis 3-29. Maria’s Pleasure responded with 158-4 in 11.5 overs with Ramlakhan leading the chase. Timothy Singh contributed 23 not out; Derwin Daniels took 1-23.

The competition continues on Sunday at the same venue.

Trevon Griffith

couple of seasons, the batting has let us down, bowling always [did] well with the likes of Nikita Miller, [Damion] Jacobs, they are missing now but can still do well. We are looking to place more focus on the batting that and score a lot of runs.”

After their arrival on Monday, the Scorpions meet a rainy Providence which hampered their preparation on Tuesday. The unit is hopeful for clearer skies today to get some practice sessions ahead of Thursday’s opening.

Nikita Miller is expected to miss the match after the veteran left-arm spinner underwent a medical procedure recently and has not recovered in time.

However, he has been included in the squad and named captain even though he will miss the first two matches. In his absence, Paul Palmer has been named the interim captain.

Scorpions Squad: Nikita Miller (Captain), Paul Palmer (Interim Captain), Trevon Griffith, Garth Garvey, Brandon King, Assad Fuddadin, Fabian Allen, Romaine Morris, Jason Dawes, Derval Green, Paul Harrison, Damani Sewell, Dennis Bulli and Keno Wallace.

G

Priyanna Ramdhani

uyana & Caribbean Ladies Badminton Champion Priyanna Ramdhani has been selected by the Pan American Badminton Federation Development Director to participate in the Young Talents Camp 2017 set for November 9 to 15, 2017 in Paramaribo Suriname.

The selection was made after her incredible performance at just 15 years of age to reach the quarter finals of the recently concluded South American Youth Games in Chile where she was also ranked at number four in the South American ranking.

Priyanna also won two gold medals and one silver at the Caribbean Badminton Championships (CAREBACO) held in Trinidad playing in August this year.

This Young Talents Camp will be involved in sessions twice per day under the direction of the Pan American Programme coach. After the conclusion of the camp, Priyanna will then take part in the Suriname International Open Badminton Championships from November 15 to 18 at the Ismay Van Wilgen Sports Hall. Her Goal is to start building her World Ranking Points to help her qualify and attend future tournaments and games.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, october 25, 2017

23

Bishoo spins Windies to crushing win

D

evendra Bishoo cut through Zimbabwe’s batsmen for the second time in the match, finishing with 4 for 105 in the innings - and 9 for 184 in the match - as West Indies surged to a 117-run win on day four at Queens Sports Club. Brendan Taylor, in his comeback Test match, topscored with 73 in the second innings but Zimbabwe struggled to capitalize on a promising opening stand and West Indies chipped away regularly. With plenty of spin on offer all day, the slow bowlers did the bulk of the damage, Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite contributing three wickets between them to support Bishoo’s effort.

As was the case in the first innings, too often Zimbabwe were the authors of their own demise.

Sean Williams charged unnecessarily at Bishoo to be stumped, Sikandar Raza cut a long hop to extra cover, Malcolm Waller was run out after being called through for a non-existent single, and Regis Chakabva offered Chase a simple caught-andbowled. Taylor, finally, took on Brathwaite’s arm for an unlikely two and was run out with minutes to go before the scheduled close of play. From a relatively healthy 219 for 4, Zimbabwe stumbled to 253 for 8 with

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was named Man of the Match with figures of 9 for 184 in the match

Taylor’s needless dismissal, prompting West Indies to ask for an extra half hour that allowed them to romp to victory with a day to spare.

The balance of the match had been completely different during the first session of the day. Asked to survive six sessions or score 434 to avoid defeat after Roston Chase fell for 95 and

West Indies were bowled out for 373 this morning, Zimbabwe’s openers were off to steady start. They responded to testing spells from Bishoo with positive intent despite the turn and bounce on offer, setting a platform for an unlikely rearguard with 76 runs before lunch.

Masakadza once again profited from the pull shot,

while Mire mixed crunching hits into the leg side with dabs and steers through gully.

Such confident strokeplay was the hallmark of the opening stand, which was by far the longest of the innings, but it was eventually broken by Brathwaite’s part-time offspin. Masakadza reached fifty from 87 deliveries - his first half century at this ground - but soon afterwards popped a regulation catch to Shai Hope at short leg.

With that, the hosts were 99 for 1, and that soon became 109 for 2 when Mire couldn’t quite get his bat down on a Roach yorker in time. From there on, West Indies continued to peg away picking up wickets at regular intervals including that of Brendan Taylor who is back in Zimbabwe colours after playing at the 2015 World Cup. When Chase held onto a return catch from Chakabva and Bishoo also induced a caught-and-bowled to get rid of Cremer with the new ball, Zimbabwe were 263 for 9 and the match seemed, for all intents and purposes, over.

Chris Mpofu and Kyle Jarvis weren’t quite done yet, however. Matching each other stroke for stroke, their devil-may-care batting provided the small crowd with

some wonderful entertainment. Mpofu, in particular, drew smiles and cheers from his home crowd while spanking a career-best 33 during a last wicket stand of 53. When he was caught

at long on attempting another big hit, West Indies wrapped up a victory that had seemed unlikely when they were bowled out for just 219 in their first innings on Saturday. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings 219 (S Hope 90*, Powell 56) Zimbabwe 1st innings 159 (Masakadza 42, Ervine 39; Bishoo 5-79) West Indies 2nd innings (Overnight 369-8) K. Brathwaite lbw b Sikandar Raza 86 KOA Powell b Cremer 17 KA Hope lbw b Jarvis 43 SD Hope lbw b Jarvis 44 RL Chase b Williams 95 J Blackwood st †Chakabva b Williams 3 SO Dowrich† c Masakadza b Williams 12 JO Holder* c Mpofu b Cremer 24 D Bishoo c Williams b Cremer 44 K Roach b Cremer 0 S Gabriel Not Out 0 Extras: (b-3, lb-2) 5 Total:(All out, 1256 Overs) 373 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-107, 3-174, 4-211, 5-224, 6-244, 7-277, 8-369, 9-369, 10-373 Bowling:Jarvis 24-1-66-2, Mpofu 10-3-30-0, Williams 35-8-91-3, Cremer 34-5114-4, Raza 19-4-53-1, Mire 2-0-5-0, Waller 2-0-9-0

Zimbabwe 2nd Innings (target: 434 runs) H Masakadza c SD Hope b Brathwaite 57 SF Mire b Roach 47 CR Ervine lbw b Bishoo 18 BRM Taylor run out (†Dowrich/Brathwaite) 73 SC Williams st †Dowrich bBishoo 6 Sikandar Raza c Chase b Bishoo 30 MN Waller run out (SD Hope) 11 RW Chakabva† c & b Chase 1 AG Cremer* c & b Bishoo 9 KM Jarvis not out 23 CB Mpofu c Powell b Chase 33 Extras (b-5, lb-1, nb-2) 8 Total (All out, 90.4 Overs) 316 Fall of wickets: 1-99, 2-109, 3-141, 4-155, 5-219, 6-246, 7-249, 8-253, 9-263, 10-316 Bowling:Roach 13-3-341, Gabriel 10-2-50-0 (nb-2), Holder 12-4-30-0, Bishoo 328-105-4, Chase 13.4-2-612, Brathwaite 10-1-30-1 Result: West Indies won by 117 runs Series result: West Indies lead the 2-match series 1-0 Player of the Match: Devendra Bishoo (West Indies)

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies drew first blood against Zimbabwe with a day to spare in Bulawayo

Bishoo spins Windies to crushing win Pg 23

Pg 19

Persaud keen on cementing Jaguars spot – batsman looking to continue rich vein of form Newly selected Guyana Jaguars batsman Akshaya Persaud takes a break following an intense workout on Tuesday

Work on stream at GFF’s National Training Centre Work ongoing at the NTC Site at Providence

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Pg 19