Guyana times october 26 ,2017

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Thursday, October 26, 2017

Issue No. 3373

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Questions raised on veracity of Patterson's CV

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Sweeper/cleaners’ issues P11

GPSU accuses Minister Henry of disrespect

Page 9

...no information he was Chief Justice of Grenada – Bharrat Jagdeo

GECOM fallout

Opposition launches counter-offensive ahead of 2020 polls Page 3

Motorcyclist charged for P8 soldier’s death at Lethem – granted $1M bail

..."it is clear to me they are planning to rig the elections" – Jagdeo

9 nabbed with highpowered rifles, ammo in NWD

Convicted murderer gets 22-year jail sentence P7

Page 2

Oil and gas lecture

Chris Ram Brazilian national resigns from shot dead after Govt post attacking security Page 7

...says Granger’s blatant violations must be of grave concern to all

officer

Page 10

Govt urged to set up P2 Petroleum Commission expeditiously

2 news

thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

9 nabbed with high-powered rifles, ammo in NWD

The suspects just before they were flown to the city for further interrogation

The high-powered weapons and other illegal items found in the suspects’ possession

ine males, including three foreigners, were arrested on Tuesday evening following the discovery of two high-powered weapons along with matching ammunition and other prohibited items in Region One (Barima-Waini).

According to reports, after receiving information that a gang of armed men was in the Churches Landing Mining Community acting in a suspicious manner and appeared to be a mix of foreign nationals and Guyanese, a party of Policemen from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in F Division (Interior locations) and ranks from the Guyana Defence

suspects, three of whom are foreign nationals from Cuba, Jamaica and Venezuela.

They are 53-year-old Delroy Mairs, a mason of Albouystown, Georgetown and of Jamaica; 33-year-old Rafael Ramon, a Venezuelan citizen; and 25-year-old Samuel Alvaroz from Cuba.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Junior Jack, a sailor of Mabaruma, NWD; 38-year-old Donstant Rodrigues, a boat captain of Mora, Moruca, NWD; 49-year-old Shawn Phang, a miner of Port Kaituma, NWD; 44 yearold Dexter Valensuela, also a boat captain of Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD);

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Force (GDF) Coast Guard travelled to the Barima River, North West District (NWD), to investigate.

There, they underwent a stake-out for almost 24 hours before intercepting a metal boat with four occupants, including the captain. The vessel was also towing a blue and grey fibre glass boat carrying another five passengers.

Upon searching the boats, the lawmen unearthed an AR-15 rifle and an AK-47 rifle, along with one magazine each, and a total of 19 live rounds of ammunition, one bullet proof vest and 1.5 kilograms of cannabis.

The discovery led to the arrests of nine

48-year-old Corwin Griffith, another boat captain of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and 62-year-old Carrigon Khan, a boat captain of Pomeroon River.

The suspects were escorted from Mabaruma to the Police Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, via air on Wednesday afternoon for further investigations.

According to the Police Force, these arrests are significant since there were reports of piracy a few weeks ago in the Waini River area, several miles from the Police Floating Base MV Tamakay.

Oil and gas lecture

Govt urged to set up Petroleum Commission expeditiously A

former Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has urged Government here to work expeditiously to set up the Petroleum Commission (PC) so that they could start building capacity in the oil and gas sector ahead of the first oil production, which is set to begin officially in 2020.

Addressing a small audience at Duke Lodge on Wednesday during a public lecture on the oil and gas sector, Kevin Ramnarine who served as a Minister on the twin-island republic for over four years said it is important because it will help the country to better prepared for this new industry.

Ramnarine was keen to state that setting up such a Commission six months before oil production begins is counterproductive and will not help to manage the sector in the way it ought to be managed. He said this Commission must be established now and strengthened right away.

According to him, Chatham House recommendations on accountability states that (oil) producers at an early stage of development of their resource base should start with one credible body, which in this case is the PC, of which the Government is already looking into establishing.

Former Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kevin Ramnarine

The former Trinidadian Minister noted that it is equally important that checks and balances are particularly important in small countries that have few qualified personnel to oversee the sector. With the absence of this, it could lead to just a handful of people dominating the governance system.

Ramnarine told the audiences that while credibility, intellectual capacity, resourcing and public trust in the Commission are paramount, he said public trust in the Commission, as well as earning respect from international oil companies and openness and transparency, are also key elements to its success.

While taking a closer

look at the draft Petroleum Commission Bill, the former Energy Minister made several recommendations that could help to strengthen the Bill in its current form. One of those recommendations was to extend the life of the board beyond one year.

The reason for this, he said, was mainly because international oil companies develop relationships with these entities and the faces behind them, and over time when they remain in that post for a longer period of time, it gives these companies some level of certainty.

Another one of his recommendations was to allow the Board to appoint the Commissioner, instead of having the Minister responsible for the industry to appoint that individual. He said the same should obtain for the Secretary of the Board who he thinks should be an attorney with extensive experience at the bar. He went as far as to say that the minimum experience should be 15 years.

While there is provision within the draft bill for a member of the parliamentary Opposition to sit on that Commission, Ramnarine said the Bill should be clearer so that they do not have to revisit the act quickly, allowing for the representative to be appointed on the written ad-

vice of the Opposition Leader.

Further, he believes that while there is provision for one individual to be recommended from civil and or academic to sit on the Board, he believes that there should be individuals from both areas. He is also of the opinion that representation from an environmental agency should also sit on that Board.

The former Trinidadian Minister didn’t stop there, he went on to state that the Board should include the

ty. Majority decisions should require special majority or should require unanimous vote. The Commission should be self-funding and any surplus fund should be deposited into the Consolidated Fund,” he added.

He said in the next two years Guyana will be presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to get it right and to create a tremendously prosperous future. It is therefore essential that Guyana gets it right from the start to

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman during the last session. This Bill seeks to pave the way for the setting up of an agency that would manage the impending oil sector in Guyana. The Bill is now before the Special Select Committee.

The parliamentary Opposition had criticised the Bill stating that it gives the Minister too much power. Without the Board, the Minister would be granted the power to discharge the

A section of the audience during the lecture on oil and gas

Commissioner of the Lands and Surveys Commission, mainly because in composing the Board, they may want to legislate for geography and gender, as it was done in the Ghanaian model.

“Decisions should not be made only by simple majori-

avoid any difficulty down the road. “Getting it right means always doing what is in the national interest. The national interest must always win,” he posited.

The Petroleum Commission Bill was laid in the National Assembly by

functions of the Board. The Opposition believes the Bill in its current form will allow for the creation of an independent agency that would be able to carry out its mandate in a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory manner.

news

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

GECOM fallout

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 26 – 08:30h-10:30h and Friday, October 27 – 09:30h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 26 – 07:45h-09:15h and Friday, October 27 – 08:45h-10:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Opposition launches counteroffensive ahead of 2020 polls ..."it is clear to me they are planning to rig the elections" – Jagdeo ter flies in the face of the rule of law and said the only persons in support of the President is the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and its apologists.

He was adamant about the President’s departure from the 25-year-old precedent accepted by both the PNC and PPP in the form of the Carter Formula.

According to Jagdeo, the President’s actions have “grave implications for our future and for the well-being of the country.”

“This seems to be the first shot in a path that would lead to rigged elections... that this is just the

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to thundery skies 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-easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 08:13h and 20:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.24 metres and 2.26 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:42h and 14:00h reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 1.03 metre respectively.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) believes the President’s unilateral action in appointing retired Justice James Patterson as head of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is but the first shot in a pathway to a rigged 2020 elections.

As such, the Party has moved to set-up an internal group meant to combat any rigging attempts by the David Granger-led Administration, including the early training of its polling agents among other measures.

The counter measures were announced on Wednesday by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who was at the time speaking at a media conference at his Church Street Office in Georgetown.

Jagdeo was adamant that the fight for free and fair elections was not one for the PPP but for all Guyanese.

The Opposition Leader told media operatives that in light of what transpired over the appointment of the GECOM Chairman, the Party now has a healthy distrust for the list of voters.

“This is not about who wins the election,” the Opposition Leader told media operatives, as he disclosed that among the outreaches, the Party will also be reaching out to the United States of America, Britain and Canada.

According to Jagdeo, the PPP currently harbours concerns about the database at GECOM over what happen in this period.”

The Opposition Leader in pointing to his party’s belief that Government is setting the stage for a rigged 2020 elections, pointed too to fears over the poten-

tial tampering of birth certificates at the Ministry of Citizenship headed by Minister Winston Felix.

“We are training our polling agents already,” he disclosed as the party prepares to ensure that votes cannot be stolen at the level of polling place.

Speaking to media operatives on the matter, the former President used the occasion to point out the furor that has been sparked across the country by civil society organisations, the Private Sector, religious leaders and individuals to speak out against the appointment.

Jagdeo insists the mat-

precursor of many other similar undemocratic acts that will follow that will lead to a denial of free and fair elections in Guyana,” Jagdeo told journalists on Wednesday.

He reminded that “this fear is justified given the documented history of the rigging of elections by the PNC”.

Jagdeo used the occasion to also react to those that have been calling for the Opposition to drop the matter and move on, reminding that the action of the President is in fact a violation of the Constitution. tURN TO PAGE 10

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thursDAY, october 26, 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

Political culture matters I

n light of the storm unleashed over President Granger’s unilateral appointment of former Justice James Patterson as Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, it might appear matters of culture may be farthest from the mind of the average citizen right now. But that would be a mistaken view, and in fact, “culture” in general and political culture in particular, lie at the heart of the storm – the eye of the hurricane, so to speak.

We all know “culture” is our “way of life”, and no matter how divided we may believe our country to be, there is a “Guyanese culture” and as part of this, a Guyanese political culture. That this may be one that plural, fractious and conflictual is beside the point: it would do us good for us to recognise that reality and deal with it face front. Refusal to do so just ensures perpetual political turmoil.

Political culture consists of the attitudes, beliefs, values and orientations about politics in a given population at any given time. In Guyana, our political “attitudes, beliefs, values and orientations” are dominated by ethnicity and our elections have been called with much truth, “ethnic censuses”. We have to just look at the blogs on the stories concerned with the GECOM chair issue to confirm that “race” still rules the political roost, contrary to those who have proclaimed the dawning of a “post-racial” Guyana.

The structures of a political system, as in any social system, refer to the regularised activities, which make up that system. These regularised behaviours are passed down during our socialisation, especially by our families when we are very young. Consequently, while we may not be making explicit political choices as children, the seeds of such behaviour are already set; ready to sprout. Structures are comprised of roles which are guided by norms; the totality of norms or rules which govern a particular structure would be referred to as an “institution” – for instance the institution of the family that is the earliest socialising vehicle as mentioned.

To a large instance, if we want to change our political culture, we have to begin with the family. However, most overt interventions occur in the school/educational system, which is generally run by the State or which sets the curriculum. There has been a concerted call by several elements of civil society for a “civics” component that teaches widen civic virtues to be added in our educational system starting from the nursery level. But while this has fallen on deaf years up to the present, it is not too late to begin.

At the overt “political” level, Parliament is a structure – set of patterned activities of its members, such as the Speaker, Clerk, etc, fulfilling roles defined by rules.

Parliament is then, simultaneously an institution – the total set of rules that delimit its permissible activities. “Structure” is a more inclusive term than “institution”, since rules rarely describe the full range of incumbents’ activities. Political culture and political structures are two sides of the same coin and they interact continuously to shape, influence and direct each other. But even though the rules of the institution were designed to guide its members into a more nationalist responsible direction, of recent there has been a sad fall from such graces.

Political culture, structures and institutions are typically shaped by a nation’s history and evolve out of the interaction, disagreements and conflicts among social forces, as they attempt to resolve their common problems. In Guyana however, the political culture, structures and institutions were imposed by a colonial power whose concerns were not to solve the contradictions of the society but to rule and extract resources most efficiently for its benefit.

While there have been several institutionalised attempts to intervene and change our political culture, structures and institutions it is clear that what our country needs now is a “root and branch” approach. Maybe this latest crisis will convince the fence sitters to become involved.

For Seattle native and National Geographic ‘Your Shot’ photographer Tim Durkan, photographing the city’s iconic Space Needle never gets old. And last summer, Durkan was in the right place at the right time to capture this shot. “The full moon rose just after sunset,” he remembers, “and took on quite the moody appearance behind some clouds”

The constitutional interpretation of Article 161(2) Dear Editor, As expected, the highly controversial appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been delivered into the realm of our legal system to once again rule on a matter which had already been fairly and justly been pronounced upon by the learned Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane GeorgeWiltshire with regards to the interpretation of Article 161(2) of the Constitution.

If the President had acted in accordance with this ruling, then the necessity for this second court ruling would not have arisen.

This time the Chief Justice will be asked to rescind the appointment of the Chairman on grounds of it being unconstitutional.

The injunction is also seeking to direct the President to choose a Chairman from the 18 names submitted to him.

I have already dealt with the literal interpretation of Article 161(2) which identified four categories of nominees: a currently sitting Judge, a former Judge, a person eligible to be a Judge

and any other fit and proper person. This Article further states that a list of six names must be submitted to the President by the Leader of the Opposition, and he the President must choose one as the Chairman who is acceptable to him.

If the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit such a list then the President can unilaterally appoint the Chairman.

Even if we take the textualist and strict construction approach, the originalist approach or the contextualist approach and scrutinise the intent of the framers, it will be concluded that the Chief Justice interpretation of this Article is legally correct.

However, what is important to note is that the Chief Justice accepted this interpretation but went further and submitted, obiter dicta, that even though the President is not obligated to give reasons, he should have given reasons for the rejection of the three (3) lists comprising 18 names. This is where the Chief Justice’s ingenuity is at its best. In the case of Unity vs Dow, it was remarked that the

courts ‘must breathe life into the Constitution to assure its healthy growth of the State through it’. It is further stated that, ‘it is the primary duty of Judges to make the Constitution grow and develop in order to meet the just demands and aspirations of an ever developing society which is part of the wider society governed by acceptable standards of human dignity’.

If Article 161(2) is allowed to remain static then it will never be able to grow and ‘meet the just demands and aspirations’ of the Guyanese people. However, we have a situation where instead of progressing Article 161(2) is deliberately placed in a retrogressive mode.

This Article must be made to exist in harmony with Article 9 which says that sovereignty belongs to the people and Article 11 which made it a legal obligation to adhere to the consultative and participative process. The consultative process in Article 161 cannot be dispensed with.

Therefore, if the President had given reasons for his rejection then this would have allowed

this democratic process to grow and develop. This would have made the consultative and participative process easier for both the President and the Leader of the Opposition and would have given life to Article 161. By not permitting this to happen the President did not ‘avert’ a constitutional crisis’ but actually courted one, since what he had done was not only unconstitutional but a retrogression of the democratic process outlined in the Constitution itself and incorporated in Article 161. The preamble and the national objectives and directions of our nation as enshrined in our Constitution were literally thrown aside.

In conclusion, when the Constitution is interpreted as whole the great wisdom in the Chief Justice’s ruling will become more compelling and will afford us another reason to contemplate and conclude that the President has erred.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor – Region Six

Indian Arrival Monument should be erected at Highbury Dear Editor, Nowrang Persaud has for some time been advocating, quite correctly, the Indian Monument to be donated by the Indian Government should be located at the point of arrival of the first Indian

Immigrants at Highbury. A few years ago, I led a delegation from the Indian Commemoration Trust supporting that a fitting memorial should be erected at that spot because it is physically the area where the first batch

of Indians arrived, and if in doubt, I could send a copy of the book by Peter Rohoman who has taken the time and effort, without compensation, in writing the history of Indians in Guyana in their first 100 years (from 1838 to

1938). Well, it seems that the Gods are against erecting a monument at a place that is not considered suitable as the entire thing caved in.

Regards, Yesu Persaud

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Withdraw the 14% VAT on lumber The AFC is sleepwalking into an immediate oblivion Dear Editor, I have read the public statement by the AFC on the GECOM chairman appointment tragedy and I must respond to three points contained therein. First, the AFC stated that it “played no part in the selection process”.

This statement is profoundly revealing in that it shows without question that since the APNU or Granger chose not to consult them on a critical national and current matter then the AFC is seen and/ or treated as an irrelevant partner in this purported Coalition government.

Second, the AFC said it “holds GECOM to the highest standards of electoral integrity and will stridently challenge any threats to the preservation of democracy”. The ludicrousness and absurdity contained in that statement is both monumental and disturbing at the same time.

How can the AFC imagine that it could hold GECOM

to the highest standards of electoral integrity and will stridently challenge any threats to the preservation of democracy when it is not even capable of holding the APNU to the terms agreed in the Cummingsburg Accord? How can the AFC hold GECOM to the highest standards of electoral integrity when it admits it had zero say in the selection of the Elections Commission Chairman and more importantly all of the non-opposition Election Commissioners are not AFC – Vincent Alexander (PNC), Charles Corbin (PNC and brother of former leader of the PNC), Sandra Jones (friend of Granger)? How? Third, the AFC stated that it condemns the Opposition Leader for his reckless and unpatriotic stance of non-cooperation and civil disobedience and the party will hold him personally accountable for the consequences of any civil unrest which may en-

sue.” Let there be no uncertainty that the Leader of the Opposition is not speaking on behalf of himself in his personal capacity but as the Leader of the Opposition which represents all of Guyana and as General Secretary of the single largest and most popular party in this country and this country’s history.

The AFC is sleepwalking into an immediate oblivion and they do not even see the omens of their demise. The old saying in politics is that “you are only relevant so long as you are useful”. When the PNC or APNU sees that the AFC will not be able to deliver the required share of votes at the next election why would a Coalition ticket with the AFC be useful?

The March of Folly continues!

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Esq

Time for City Constabulary to be disbanded Dear Editor, Having just completed reading a book titled The Con Men: Hustling in New York City which is about how con artists use verbal persuasion, physical misdirection, and sheer charm to convince others to see and do things which they want them to, I could not help but see the similarity between the actions of the characters of this book and some of the operatives of the Georgetown municipality.

The Town Clerk of Georgetown, in a statement addressed to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) stated that the City Police have “a legal and statutory duty to uphold and enforce the law, not to disrespect and break,” and as such asserted that “anyone who has chosen to disrespect, disregard and break the law is not worthy to be part of the City Constabulary.”

Which City Police Department is he talking about? The Georgetown City Constabulary which has allegedly been involved in innumerable scams over the years including bail money, disappearance of ammunition, sex scandals, uniform purchases, shaking down

of vendors, harassing of businesspersons to name a few infractions? The Town Clerk could not be serious.

But he does admit that the City Constabulary is incapable of dealing with matters of a criminal nature, which according to the laws of Guyana must be dealt with by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), contrary to his earlier rantings that the City Constabulary is the oldest law enforcement service in Georgetown, and that it has the same power the national Police (GPF) has in the maintenance of law and order in this country.

I would hope that he would now stop having them perform guard duty at residences outside the limits of Georgetown, and performing bodyguard duties as he and the Mayor gallivants around the country.

It is time for the City Constabulary to be disbanded and its ranks absorbed into the Guyana Police Force where they could be better utilised.

Already the GPF has had to take responsibility for the security of our capital, whilst the Constables spend their time chasing itinerant vendors.

The ramblings of the

Town Clerk of Georgetown including that his actions were made to “preserve the good name and image” of the City Council and that the Council has an almost sacred duty to provide strong spiritual, moral and civic leadership, makes me ask the question whether he is just an arrogant administrator who imagines himself to be above scrutiny or is he suffering from episodes of psychosis which causes him to have false beliefs, and to see, hear and feel things that are not there?

Sincerely, Nadine Jerrick

Dear Editor, Two news items caught my attention recently. One, the generous donation of lumber by the Government of Guyana to hurricane ravaged Caricom member states. I am sure my fellow citizens will agree that this gesture was fitting, coming from a lumber producing country.

The other news item was the move by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to demolish a number of homes and businesses in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, which were deemed illegal. The images of the demolition crew in action and the reaction of the occupants was most heart-rending. These poor people will now have to seek to rebuild their homes, on government issued house lots. And this is indeed the right approach. The CH&PA has since announced a deadline of January 2018, for all squatters to remove from the Government reserves in Sophia. Then there are the squatters in the Ruimveldt

and La Penitence areas, who are to be relocated.

A surge in housing construction is anticipated in the coming months by the relocated squatters.

The Minister with responsibility for housing has cautioned against the construction of shacks and shantytowns.

She has rightly called for improvements in building standards.

Editor, my principal concern here is the application of 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on lumber by the Administration.

Housing is a basic need of humans.

We all, no matter our social or economic status, deserve proper and safe housing for our families – a place to call home. We now have a situation where lumber, the preferred choice of building material by the poor, is being taxed. Should not the authorities be promoting the use of lumber in home construction, given that we are a lumber producing country?

To charge VAT on lumber, which pushes prices up-

ward, is likened to penalising citizens for its use. This policy is not in the best interest of the grass roots and working class people of our country, and indeed all Guyanese.

The ongoing housing drive by Government has the potential to stimulate economic growth with purchases of lumber and other building materials, furnishings, transportation, and employment. Our Guyanese home owners, current and new, deserve the support of the Government as they seek to create homes and a safe place for their families. To charge this tax on lumber sends the wrong message.

I therefore respectfully call on the relevant authorities, in this budget season, to withdraw the 14 per cent VAT on lumber, and bring some relief to the many ‘squatters’ and other Guyanese home builders.

No one will donate lumber to them.

Respectfully, A Bacchus

For the 1st time in over 20 years, the annual Phillip Vanderhyden AIDS Walk will not take place Dear Editor, This year will mark 30 years since AIDS was first detected in Guyana and indeed the country has made many strides in reducing the spread of this virus in all administrative regions.

But alas, there is a sad note on this milestone and that is for the first time in over 20 years, the annual Phillip Vanderhyden AIDS Walk will not take place on the last Sunday in October.

At the beginning of the heavily funded AIDS campaign, there were over 30 non-governmental organisations which were directly involved in the “AIDS fight” and Lifeline Counselling Services was one such organisation which also hosted the annual AIDS Walk in October.

Unfortunately, the NGO has little or no presence in the Guyana Civil Society landscape and hence no AIDS

Walk. This is disgraceful and totally unacceptable. Where are the founders of this organisation? Some moved on to greater fields and no doubt turned their ungrateful backs on an institution which was a bedrock of the HIV fight.

Shame!

On October 28, there will be no AIDS Walk and a community marginalised

by AIDS and related stigma and discrimination will continue to live in despair as to “who will be there for them”?

Thank you LIFELINE for your fight over the years.

Hope you can make a great rebound soon.

Regards, Brian Singh

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Foundation

Helping children when a family member has cancer Conclusion

By James Lehman, MSW

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hy do some kids turn to bullying? The answer is simple: it solves their social problems.

After all, it’s easier to bully somebody than to work things out, manage your emotions, and learn to solve problems.

Bullying is the proverbial “easy way out,” and sadly, some kids take it.

Look at men who beat or intimidate their wives and scream at their kids.

They’ve never learned to be effective spouses or parents. Instead, they’re really bullies. And the other people in those families live in fear – fear that they’re going to be yelled at, called names, or hit.

Nothing has to be worked out, because the bully always gets his way. The chain of command has been established by force, and the whole mindset becomes, “If you’d only do what I say, there’d be peace around here.” So the bully’s attitude is, “Give me my way or face my aggression.”

Aggression can either take the forms of violence or emotional abuse. I’ve seen many families that operate this way.

I’m not just talking about the adults in the family, either – there are countless children who throw tantrums for the same reason: they’re saying, “Give me my way or face my behaviour”. And if you as a parent don’t start dealing with those tantrums early, your child may develop larger behaviour problems as they grow older.

Ask yourself this question: How many passive bullies do you know? They usually control others through verbal abuse and insults and by making people feel small. They’re very negative, critical people. The threat is always in the background that they’re going to break something or call somebody names or hit someone if they are disagreed with.

Realize that the behaviour doesn’t start

when someone is in their teens –it usually begins when a child is five or six.

Portrait of a bully

Bullying itself can come from a variety of sources. One source, as I mentioned, is bullying at home – maybe there are older siblings, extended family members or parents who use aggression or intimidation to get their way. I also think part of the development of bullying can stem from some type of undiagnosed or diagnosed learning disability which inhibits the child’s ability to learn both social and problem-solving skills.

Make no mistake, kids u s e bul-

lying primarily to replace the social skills they’re supposed to develop in grade school, middle school and high school. As children go through their developmental stages, they should be finding ways of working problems out and getting along with other people. This includes learning how to read social situ-

ations, make friends, and understand their social environment.

Bullies use aggression, and some use violence and verbal abuse, to supplant those skills. So in effect, they don’t have to learn problem solving, because they just threaten the other kids. They don’t have to learn how to work things out because they just push their classmates or call them names. They don’t have to learn how to get along with other people – they just control them. The way they’re solving problems is through brute force and intimidation. So by the time that child reaches ten, bullying is pretty ingrained – it has become their natural response to any situation where they feel socially awkward, insecure, frightened, bored or embarrassed.

Here is what an aggressive bully often looks like: He doesn’t know how to get along with other kids, so he’s usually not trying to play with them. When you look out on the playground at recess, he’s probably alone. He’s not playing soccer or kickball with the other children; he’s roaming around the perimeter of all the interactions that take place at school on a daily basis. And whenever he’s confronted with a problem or feels insecure, he takes that out on somebody else. He does this by putting somebody else down verbally or physically. A child who bullies might also throw or break things in order to feel better and more powerful about himself. When the bully feels powerless and afraid, he’s much more likely to be aggressive, because that makes him feel powerful and in control. That’s a very seductive kind of thing for kids; it’s very hard for them to let go of that power. (Excerpt from empoweringparents) To be continued

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dolescents may have a particularly tough time with the loss of a parent.

This is easier to understand if you keep in mind what a teen needs to accomplish in growing up. The major task of the teen years is to achieve a separate identity from their parents and discover themselves as young adults. The struggles that go on between parents and teens are a normal and necessary part of gaining a new identity.

Teenagers often behave in unpredictable ways – one day they feel independent and the next they retreat into the safety of childhood. As every parent of a teenager knows, it can be a delicate balancing act between giving a teenager enough independence to learn and experience the world while

Teens

information.

Keep the teen up to date with what’s happening with the parent’s treatment. Answer all questions honestly, even as death approaches.

Let the teen spend as much time as they like with the parent, if possible. Suggest topics to talk about.

Explain that even though the parents have less time and energy for them, they still love and value them.

Tell the teen’s teachers, coaches, and other school staff about the family situation.

Discuss any spiritual concerns related to illness, death, and dying.

Try for as normal a life at home as possible.

Don’t expect the teen to take on caregiving and other difficult tasks. Talk with the cancer care

trying to protect them from what they’re not yet mature enough to handle. These struggles go on in every household.

Teens are old enough to know that their lives will greatly change due to their parent’s illness and death, and they struggle to deal with this threat.

They may cope in ways that are hard for parents to understand, such as refusing to talk about the illness or trying to take control. Others may adapt, try to get closer to parents, and/or try to restore order to the home.

As the parent gets sicker, the teen may want to sit with them for short times each day. Some teens may want to be as far away as possible from their sick family member and thoughts about their death. Most want to spend time with the parent, but still have some time to be a kid.

It’s OK for the teen to help out, but they should not be in charge of their parent’s care.

Some tips on helping teens at this time: If they are interested, give teens details about the parent’s condition, symptoms, possible side effects of medicines, what they might expect in the next few days or weeks, and other

team about your family situation and see if you can get other help.

When possible, let the teen have a voice in where to go after school and in whose care they prefer to be when a parent can’t be there.

Be sure teens know that having fun and spending time with friends are important parts of their lives, and there’s no need to feel guilty about it.

Encourage teens to keep up their usual involvement in school and other activities.

Ask a relative or trusted friend to take a special interest in the teen.

Address feelings of anger and frustration (even if they are unspoken).

Being willing to tolerate some reluctance to share thoughts and feelings.

Teens may try to protect parents by trying to hide their sadness, anger, or fears. Check in with teens often and let them know that everyone has feelings that can be confusing and overwhelming. Tell the teen it’s OK to ask you questions and express feelings that they think might upset others.

Encourage your teen to keep a journal or log. (Excerpt from cancer.org)

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chris Ram resigns from Govt post ...says Granger’s blatant violations must be of grave concern to all

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ttorney-at-Law, eminent Chartered Accountant and vocal social activist Christopher Ram has resigned from his position on Government’s negotiating team for the establishment of a Law School in Guyana.

The move by Ram comes a day after another distinguished Guyanese, Major General (rtd) Joseph Singh also resigned from all of his Government posts.

Many have since speculated that the move was in retaliation to President David Granger’s snobbish rejection of the nominees for the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Major General (rtd) Singh confirmed his resignation on Wednesday and on Thursday, Ram in a public missive said his resignation was “in support of the heroic and exemplary decision by Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh to resign from all Governmentrelated posts.”

According to Ram, “I am today (Thursday) informing the Attorney General, Mr Basil Williams of my withdrawal from membership of the Planning Committee and de facto leader of the Guyana negotiating team for the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School.

The outspoken activist – critical of both the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic and now the coalition

Christopher Ram

Government – Ram in his strongly worded statement said, “While I remain committed to serving my country, I make the clear distinction between Guyana and the Government.”

He is of the conviction “the blatant disregard by the Granger Administration for the Constitution, the courts, the principles of good governance and for social cohesion, is a matter which should be of grave concern to all of us who claim respect and love of country.”

According to Ram, “Given that the Constitution deems me a fit and proper person makes President Granger’s assessment of me of no import... Indeed, I am fortified in my conviction that his decision is entirely wrong and unconstitutional.”

He used the occasion to quip also, “If the truth be told, Mr Williams has been so impressed with my con-

tribution that he asked for my CV to recommend me for a national award... I declined, saying my service was for country, for neither award nor reward.”

Ram’s resignation from his Government position is seen as another crippling blow to the David Granger Administration as the fallout continues over the unilateral appointment of Justice (rtd) James Patterson on Thursday last, by the Head of State – in the process ignoring the 18 nominees that were submitted by the Opposition Leader.

Singh, a former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), at the time of tendering his resignation was serving as a Special Adviser to President David Granger.

Singh, when contacted by <<<Guyana Times>>>, declined to detail the exact reasons behind his resignation, but noted that he did not wish to continue in the position.

“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 Commission, said.

Convicted murderer gets 22-year jail sentence

Morris Fredericks, who was a teenager at the time he became a murderer, will spend the next 22 years behind bars

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wenty-four-year-old Morris Fredericks who earlier this month admitted to killing former Kara Kara, Linden resident Allister Creighton at

Kokerite Landing, Barima River was on Wednesday sentenced to 22 years by High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall.

Fredericks, a logger, admitted to killing 33-year-old Creighton on November 29, 2011 by chopping him in the neck. According to reports back then, Fredericks was tied up after the incident and beaten about the body before he was handed over to Police.

At Wednesday’s sentencing, the young man begged the court for mercy, offering apologies for what he had done which contrasted with the prosecution’s call for the maximum sentence to be imposed. After his brief pleas were over, Justice Ramlall announced that she started the sentence at 40 years, but subtracted 13 years for his guilty plea and an ad-

Deceased, Allister Creighton

ditional five years for time served awaiting trial. The accused was represented by Attorney Maxwell McKay. State Prosecutors Seeta Bisundial and Narissa Leander presented the case for the State.

Major General retired Joe Singh

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.

Major General Singh, who has held several positions over the years, in-

cluding Guyana Telephone Telegraph Chief Executive Officer (CEO), was included on the third list of nominees submitted on August 25. The other nominees were 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; the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association

President David Granger

(GMSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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.

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Motorcyclist charged for soldier’s death at Lethem – granted $1M bail

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he allegedly intoxicated motorcyclist involved in a fatal smash-up which claimed the life of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) as he was making his way home from the Lethem Town Week celebrations one week ago was on Wednesday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Hilroy Pedro pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, detailing that on October 18, 2017 on Lethem Public Road in Central Rupununi, he rode a motorcycle in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the

The deceased GDF Lance Corporal, Devon Fraser

death of Devon Fraser.

Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield led the prosecution’s case and did not ob-

ject to bail being granted.

The defence counsel in a submission for bail related that the defendant was a 39-year-old father of three permanently residing in Lethem, and was gainfully employed as a mechanic.

Pedro has no antecedents and was a well-known and respected individual in the Lethem community, according to his lawyer.

The defence counsel further contended that the accident was an unfortunate mishap as his client tried at all costs to avoid it. Moreover, the defendant was reportedly seriously injured, as he claimed that he was beaten by ranks of the Police Force. He appeared to be in dire pain when he appeared before the court.

Prosecutor Mansfield alleged that on the day of the accident around 02:40h, the defendant was riding home with his wife while under the influence of alcohol, proceeding south along the Lethem Public Road.

As the motorcycle passed the GDF headquarters, Pedro rode into the path of the now deceased man who was walking in the company of another.

Fraser received severe injuries about his body and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Lethem Public Hospital.

Magistrate Latchman set bail at $1 million, and the matter was transferred to be heard at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on November 18, 2017.

Miner on bail for larceny

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hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday granted bail to Leroy Pedro, 34, a gold miner of South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face a charge of larceny.

It is alleged that Pedro on October 13, 2017 at Mousie

Backdam in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), demanded from Royston Gilbert, called “Troy”, six ounces of raw gold valued at $1.3 million, with intent to steal, property of Steven Chung.

Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore alleged that the parties are known to each other and the incident in fact stemmed from a “deal” gone sour.

Gilbert is employed

by Chung as the General Manager (GM) of the mining company. On the day of the incident, the defendant went into the complainant’s camp and demanded from Gilbert, six ounces of gold.

Naturally, the complainant refused and the accused produced a rope and threatened to tie Gilbert and drag him

through the trail causing the complainant to become fearful.

Faced with pressure under fear, the complainant handed over the day’s earnings which fell short by one ounce of the demanded quantity.

Bail was granted to the accused at $100,000 and he was ordered to return to court on November 8.

Albouystown man remanded on trafficking ganja charge

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ornell DeSantos was remained on Wednesday for allegedly being in possession of 65 grams of cannabis (ganja) for trafficking purposes on October 21, 2017 at Albouystown, Georgetown.

The defendant had denied any knowledge of the charge

when he was brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday morning and, instead, accused the Police of fabricating the allegation.

DeSantos unsuccessfully pleaded for bail to be granted in his favour on the basis that he was the sole breadwinner for his family and

was expecting a child soon.

Magistrate Azore refused bail given the amount of narcotics involved and the fact no special reasons were advanced.

Prosecutor Simone Payne said that the defendant was observed by one Corporal Eastman with a

bulky black bag and acting in a suspicious manner. A search conducted on his person revealed the suspected narcotics in small ziplock bags.

He will remain incarcerated until the next court date, which is November 8, 2017.

2 charged for fraud M

ohan Jahabadeen, a 53-year-old resident of Herstelling, East Bank of Demerara, was on Wednesday brought before the court of Magistrate Fabayo Azore, to face charges which alleged he tricked a business partner into purchasing lands in Essequibo.

Details of the case state that on July 9, 2017, at Herstelling, Jahabadeen fraudulently obtained $4 million from Virtual Complainant (VC) Roopchand Maraj under the pretence that he was

in a position to sell 11.5 acres of rice land in Leguan, Essequibo River.

The father of two pleaded not guilty to the offence and was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 after the Prosecutor did not object to bail being granted.

This case will be called for continuation on November 22 before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Meanwhile, a 40-yearold man of Wales, West Bank Demerara, was ordered to pay a fine of $25,000 or serve a default of three months in prison after

he pleaded guilty to a fraud charge.

Sunil Persaud is accused of making and signing a false statement, purporting that he was “Ronald Persaud”, for the purpose of securing a Guyanese passport on February 1, 2016, at the Central Immigration and Passport Office in Georgetown.

According to the prosecution’s case, the defendant was at the time the holder of a Republic of Guyana Passport which became damaged. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne related that

the accused visited the passport office and sought to ‘fix’ his travel document but became discouraged when he was told that the process would take three months. The impatient defendant subsequently borrowed a birth certificate in favour of Ronald Persaud and used same to apply for a new passport which was successfully issued to him shortly hereafter.

It would not be long before the authorities caught up with him and he was arrested and charged with the present offence.

Affirmative action…

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…for older folks here’s been a tsunami of protest over Prezzie’s appointment of the 84-year-old ex-Justice James Patterson (Any relation to the mystery novelist? His appointment’s certainly been a mystery!) to the chair of GECOM. Your Eyewitness was certainly part of that wave and so he wasn’t surprised he received a missive (Thank God it wasn’t a missile!) taking him to task.

What intrigued your Eyewitness was he hadn’t looked at the issue quite from the perspective of his interlocutor. Which was: “Prezzie was simply complying with the Brasilia Declaration”. The fella anticipated your reaction, dear reader – which was the same as your Eyewitness’ – What the heck is the “Brasilia Declaration”?

Up to that point, your Eyewitness had being going on the premise that Prezzie was reflexively following his mentor Burnham’s “Declaration of Sophia”.

So your Eyewitness was edified to learn that the Brasilia Declaration – issued in 2002 – had to do with how we treat our “older folks” in terms of their human rights.

Seems there was a consensus that folks remained human even as they become older – and retain their human rights. So Guyana promised to pull its sagging socks up in this area within five years – which just happens to end this year!!

And just to focus our attention on our responsibilities about what we’ve already signed along the dotted line, this year the UN declared at the beginning of this month, which just happens to be “International Day of Older Persons”, that its theme is: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.” So according to my interlocutor, rather than hauling Prezzie over the coals for appointing Patterson to the GECOM chair, we ought to give thanks to him for appointing OLDER PEOPLE to high positions in his Administration – starting from the very beginning of his term.

Patterson’s just the last in a long line of oldsters hired through Prezzie’s affirmative action. In fact, because the UN’s getting serious about enforcing its resolutions – such as sending in troops under the R2P (Right to Protect) doctrine – Prezzie’s saved us from some serious blows. The UN is especially explicit on how governments treat older people’s “right to work”; “Sometimes older people are deemed ‘unemployable’ because of their age – this is a VIOLATION of a person’s rights in the workplace, everyone has the right to free choice of employment.”

In view of the foregoing, your Eyewitness demands that naysayers desist immediately from criticising our ohso prescient Prezzie. He was the one instrumental in our dodging that UN bullet on older folks.

This is a country for old men!! …for Prezzie Some might be snickering that the PNC and its various arms (and legs) supporting Prezzie’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM chair, is like gilding the lilly.

After all, isn’t he like, the “Leader of the PNC”? But is he? We have to remember, dear reader, Prezzie’s a new comer to the throne. He wasn’t there is the trenches, say, in 1998, to earn street cred when the real PNC were “wukking pon” Janet Jagan.

Being a fella who was parachuted into the leadership of the PNC, Prezzie’s kinda like Hoyte, who succeeded Burnham because the latter just happened to pass away unexpectedly. Because of that, fellas like Hamilton Green mounted a challenge to Hoyte – especially when he started the “cleansing” of the “Burnhamites”.

Against that background, we should remember Prezzie was vigorously challenged by Greenidge at the last Congress and there were accusations of fraud when the latter was “defeated”.

So the PNC, National Congress of Women (NCW) and YSM’s endorsement of Prezzie is quite significant, thank you!! …and odious comparisons It’s said all comparisons are “odious”. But isn’t it particularly odious that the PNC, which cussed out the PPP for two decades for its “lack of morality” and a “criminalised state”, is now using the PPP as their benchmark??!!

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

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Questions raised on veracity of Patterson’s CV ...no information he was Chief Justice of Grenada – Bharrat Jagdeo

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any questions still abound over the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson to the helm of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including ‘Did he lie on his Curriculum Vitae (CV)?’ Another proffered question is whether the President acted callously since the timelines presented to the nation do not add up.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday raised the queries and pointed out that on the CV provided for the post of GECOM Chairman, it was pointed out that in 1987, Patterson had served as the Chief Justice of Grenada.

Jagdeo told media operatives that based on checks made by the Party, it is yet to substantiate this.

The Opposition Leader was handed a copy of Justice Patterson’s CV by President David Granger ahead of his appointment on Thursday last.

He has since told media operatives the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

Retired Justice James Patterson

now harboured apprehension over “serious concerns raised about whether Justice Patterson was ever the Chief Justice in Grenada”.

The PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader informed media operatives he has been in receipt of numerous communications with respect to whether the GECOM Chairman served as the Grenadian Chief Justice.

Cursory Internet searches by <<<Guyana Times>>> indicate that in 1986 the

post was held by Dennis Byron (acting), who was succeeded by Sir Samuel Horatio Graham the following year.

“We are going to dig into it a bit more; we are going to try to confirm this, because that is on his CV that I have received,” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader reported that information coming out of the Caribbean island from persons including lawyers that worked there during that time indicate that “they don’t know about this”.

He suggested to media operatives that if it was that Justice Patterson did in fact make a dishonest claim in his CV and “put something on his CV that is not true”, it would immediately disqualify “him from acting impartially and with integrity at GECOM”.

Jagdeo suggested that should this be the case, it was reason enough for him to be removed from the helm of GECOM, since the President’s determination that he was ‘fit and proper’

Prison officer caught smuggling prohibited items into Mazaruni Prison

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junior prison officer was on Wednesday morning caught read handed during a sting operation as he was attempting to smuggle several prohibited items into the Mazaruni Prison.

The rank reportedly was off-duty but was seen sneaking into the correctional facility via a sea dam. He was nabbed as he made his way to the Bachelor’s quarters by senior ranks that were monitoring his moves.

A search was conducted on his person during which nine cellular phones, six chargers, four headsets, one GTT sim-card, a quantity of marijuana and two packs of bamboo cigarette paper were found. He was handed over to the Police and is expected to be charged shortly.

An investigation has been launched.

It is based on these occurrences that prison officials, along with Police ranks, conduct raids at the various

holding facilities. Over the past months, several contraband items were discovered during raids.

In fact, over 40 improvised weapons, 20 cellphones, three tattoo machines, 28 packs of cigarettes, 33 lighters and drugs were seized at the Timehri, Lusignan and New Amsterdam Prisons in August.

was, among other things, based on his CV. “That was an influencing factor...that alone should make the President want to dismiss him if that is true.”

The Opposition Leader was adamant if this was not the case and the CV prepared elsewhere, “it meant that the President himself doctored the CV that was given to me, so either way something is wrong with this if proven true”.

Jagdeo told media operatives that there was information in the public domain to vitiate claims that Justice Patterson was in fact partisan given his association with the People’s National Congress (PNC).

The Opposition Leader in speaking to Patterson’s close ties to the PNC pointed to his treatment at the funeral of the late President Desmond Hoyte.

Jagdeo reminded that Justice Patterson at the time of Hoyte’s death and funeral had been part of the inner enclave.

“At a private ceremony made up only of PNC members, if you look at the pall bearers there, a private ceremony he was there,” Jagdeo said.

He also drew reference to a social media profile bearing retired Justice Patterson’s image and information, which shares ties with PNC rally groups.

“His impartiality is yet to be proven, but from all we see he is partial and he is pro-PNC,” according to the Opposition Leader.

Jagdeo was also adamant “we have grave concerns about his impartiality and about the truthfulness about the qualification”,

President David Granger

based on emerging information.

Speaking to the questionable timelines presented

by President Granger, the Opposition Leader pointed out that while it took weeks at a time for the President to consider his nominees – submitted in batches of sixes – retired Justice James Patterson was identified, considered and found to be fit and proper within a matter of hours.

Jagdeo as required by the Constitution, was obligated to submit six nominees for the President’s consideration and the President had requested the CVs of the persons nominated.

The Opposition Leader told media operatives “weeks after having the CV for people when asked by the media what’s going on, he said ‘I am still studying the CVs’.”

Jagdeo juxtaposed this with the comments made by Justice Patterson following his swearing-in on Thursday

last.

Patterson had at the time told media operatives that he had only been asked earlier in the evening (Thursday) to serve as the GECOM Chair, and indicated “I was never approached prior to tonight.”

Expanding on revelations over the selection of the GECOM Chairman, Jagdeo told members of the media he received a copy of Justice Patterson’s CV at 18:00h that evening when he met with the President which meant he had received it shortly before.

“So he had the CV maybe a couple of hours maximum, because Patterson said ‘I was only asked tonight’...so in two hours he had a CV and he discovered that this person is suitable.”

Justice Patterson, he observed, was sworn in immediately after submitting a CV while the President spent weeks at a time considering the CVs belonging to the 18 nominees.

“This smacks of someone lying; it smacks of a plot,” Jagdeo surmised.

The Opposition Leader posited that despite the pronouncements of the President, he was unsure that Justice Patterson was “acceptable to the Guyanese public as a whole; in fact, most people think he is not”.

Jagdeo suggested: “It’s either Mr Patterson is not being truthful that he was asked long before or the President callously just decided.”

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Brazilian national shot dead after attacking security officer

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Brazilian national who operated a shop in Dukwarie, Cuyuni River, was shot and killed during a scuffle with a member of a private security firm, who intervened in an argument between the deceased and his wife on Tuesday.

The dead man has only been identified as Nemar.

Based on reports received, the now deceased man and his wife were involved in a heated argument

when the security officer intervened as peacemaker, but instead, he was attacked by the now dead man who was reportedly armed with a cutlass.

As the man reportedly advance towards the security officer, he discharged a round, fatally wounding the businessman. The gun was confiscated and the security officer was arrested. He is now assisting with the investigation.

Cops, prison officers charged over prisoner’s escape

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hree Constables attached to the Guyana Police Force, along with one prison officer, are expected to make their court appearance in connection with the escape of alleged rapist Dellon Blake from the Lusignan penitentiary on October 4, 2017.

Following legal advice, the charges were instituted under the Criminal Law Offences (Act), Chapter 8:01. The four men were reportedly performing duties at the facility on the morning Blake successfully escaped.

Thirty-five-year-old Blake of Kamuni Creek, West Bank Demerara, was, however, recaptured two days later in the vicinity of the Linden- Soesdyke Highway.

Based on reports received, Blake used his bed sheet and wooden pallets to

ted to the prison on July 24, 2017. He was on remand for raping a relative.

Days after the incident, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan bashed the officers on duty at the time for negligence, and dubbed the behaviour of the ranks irresponsible.

“It is shocking when prison wardens, under their noses, people could escape like that,” he said. “You are so embarrassed by certain staff members within these units, and that is why sometimes

Recaptured: Dellon Blake

climb over the fence on the northern side of the facility in full view of Police ranks performing duties in the tower. That area, according to Police, was well-illuminated.

The fugitive was admit-

you sack them, you terminate them,” he explained, after which they “will come pleading that they are left unemployed”.

The Minister noted that after visiting the facility following the escape, he was told that Blake had placed a few pieces of wood under a platform where the Police Officers were stationed, and scaled the barb-wire fence.

“It is horrific, the irresponsibility of our policemen,” the Public Security Minister declared.

Opposition launches counter-offensive...

fROM PAGE 3

Speaking to the matter of constitutional reform, Jagdeo told those in attendance at his Church Street Office, that the PPP was looking for compliance with the constitutional provisions.

Turning his attention to the perceived disdain with which the President views the Chief Justice’s ruling, Jagdeo pointed to Granger’s reported assertions that he did not have to provide reasons for the refusal of any of the 18 names provided since it was unenforceable.

According to the Opposition Leader, the pronouncement by the Chief Justice was not a statement – as it was referred to by the President – but rather a court ruling that has to be complied with.

He was quick to point out also that while the President may be immune from personal prosecution, his decisions can be challenged in court.

The Opposition Leader also used the occasion to expand on his party’s decision to adopt a campaign of non-cooperation with Government but clarified that elected and constitutional positions will not be shirked.

According to the Opposition Leader, the Party is looking to be guided by three core principles in this regard. “Where ever we have to perform statutory function by virtue of being elected by the people, or function required by the Constitution and by law the Party will participate,” he declared.

Jagdeo said too that the PPP will remain engaged in activities where it can be afforded the opportunity to expose the wrongdoings and corruption on the part of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Administration.

He reported too that the Party has since taken a position on its participation in the National Assembly.

According to Jagdeo, “We will go to Parliament,” as well as to continue to field its GECOM Commissioners.

Jagdeo explained the po-

sition saying, “our fear is they could very well take decision that in our absence will be inimica….it is clear to me they are planning to rig the elections and we are not going to disappear because that is their intention... We are not going to cringe up and go into a corner… and we are not going to get away from the country and hand it over to them.”

According to Jagdeo, “we will participate in bodies where we can advocate for the benefit of the people and we can defend their interests.”

He was adamant, however, that the Party will not be participating in any Government related activities that are on the periphery of its core focus.

The Opposition Leader told media operatives that as the PPP ‘ups the ante,’ the President will be met with protest action in each of the regions he will travel to.

According to Jagdeo, President Granger will be “faced with protest action exposing the illegalities he committed.”

Jagdeo said he is convinced that the President “and the others knew that he was acting unconstitutionally and against the Chief Justice’s ruling and that is why they hurried in the late hours of the night and swore in Patterson.”

The Opposition Leader is adamant that the action on the part of the Administration to swear in Patterson at 20:30h was in order to prevent the Opposition approaching the court to halt the entire affair.

Jagdeo will, on Friday, lead a delegation to Berbice where the Party intends to continue with its sensitisation campaign following the unilateral appointment of Justice (rtd) Patterson – in the process rejecting a total of 18 nominees submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

He this past weekend, fielded a delegation to Region One (Barima-Waini) as part of the Party’s reaction to the GECOM fallout.

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Judge sentences “Short Man” to 23 years for killing fireman

Sweeper/cleaners’ issues

GPSU accuses Minister Henry of disrespect E …says court action is last resort

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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ice President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Mortimer Livan, said the Union is dissatisfied with the steps taken by Education Minister Nicolette Henry, in relation to addressing the sweeper/ cleaner issue that has been plaguing the education system for some time. He noted that the Union got involved in the matter when the sweeper/cleaners appealed to them in August after they were informed that they would receive less pay than they worked for.

Livan said this prompted a series of protests from the sweeper/cleaners calling for their work to be regularised.

The Ministry with Union reps held a meeting and a set of recommendations were adopted. That included regularisation of work and an increase in wages, coupled with provisions for National Insurance Scheme payments and leave.

Those recommendations were submitted to Minister Henry for consideration and a meeting was scheduled with the GPSU but was later cancelled.

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

“The GPSU wrote the Honourable Minister of Education on September 7, 2017 for a meeting to bring some clarity to the situation. The Secretary of the Minister through a telephone call informed that the Minister will not be meeting with the GPSU since the matter was discussed with the Minister of Social Protection,” Livan said.

“It was very disturbing when on Thursday September 28, 2017, we were visited by a group of disgruntled sweeper/ cleaners who were summoned to a meeting by the Honourable Minister of Education and was advised

by the Honourable Minister that she will not meet with a third party, be it the GPSU or the media. The GPSU condemns that type of behaviour from a senior Government functionary. It is very highhanded and disrespectful,” he added.

He further stated that the GPSU entered into negotiations on behalf of the sweeper/cleaners with the Education Ministry and that all communication should have been done through the Union. According to him, the Minister’s comment is “a blatant disregard” of the Agreement for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU. “It is not the view of the Union that the Government is behaving with the requisite haste and sense of urgency in the matter of alleviating the suffering of the sweeper/cleaners. Their circumstances continue to give eloquent expression to the concept of the working poor.

We wish to state categorically that the plight of the sweeper/cleaners remains decidedly unresolved,” he said.

GPSU Vice President Mortimer Livan

Livan said the Union was very happy when they saw that Cabinet approved a recommendation for the regularisation of the sweeper/cleaner’s appointment.

However, he noted that to date, the Union is yet to be informed of the details of the regularisation. In addition, the sweeper/cleaners said they are yet to be informed of the new details of their regularisation and are still receiving the same pay, despite working eight hours per day.

The Union indicated that they would consider legal action against the Government as a last resort.

rrol “Short Man” Williams, 33, who brutally chopped to death a well-liked and dedicated fireman on September 15, 2009, was given a prison sentence of 23 years for his crime. Wednesday’s sentence was handed down

by Justice James BovellDrakes at the High Court in Georgetown and he observed that society must be sent a strong signal for others to be deterred from such violent acts.

On the day in question at Lot 99 Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, the deceased fireman, Patrick Daly, was using an outdoor toilet in his yard when the accused, Errol Williams, and two other men who resided in the same yard, armed themselves with cutlasses and other weapons and proceeded to bang on the toilet door continuously. After Williams and his henchmen got the door open, Daly ran out and fled but the men subsequently caught up with him and chopped the deceased about the body using a cutlass.

Williams then fled the scene and was on the run for six years before finally being recaptured in 2015.

Guyana’s application for EITI candidature approved

T

he Extractive I n d u s t r i e s Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board, currently meeting in Manila, Philippines, decided to approve Guyana’s application to join the EITI. This is momentous as civil society and other stakeholders have been advocating for Guyana to join the global transparency standard since 2010 in a bid to ensure its natural resources wealth is governed well.

The country’s candidacy was approved during the 38th EITI International Board Meeting. Guyana officially submitted its application to the International Secretariat of EITI in Oslo, Norway, in August.

Guyana’s EITI National Coordinator, Dr Rudy Jadoopat is attending the Board meeting, accompanied by Curtis Bernard, Co-Chairman of the MultiStakeholder Group, representing civil society.

Following the announcement, former Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud said it was significant progress after a long, tedious process. Although the initiative started under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) Government, Persaud congratulated the current Minister, Raphael Trotman and his team for continuing Guyana’s bid.

“Critical too has been the support of local and international stakeholders, particularly the United States Government. A good day for transparency in the

lish what they pay to Governments, and Governments publish what they receive in an annual EITI country report.

In many countries, most of the revenues from natural resources accruing at subnational levels are not derived from company payments to local government

extractive sector including oil and gas,” Persaud said.

Ahead of the last round of countrywide outreaches in July, a Multi-Stakeholder Group was formed, made up of Government institutions, mining companies and civil society organisations.

This group has developed a work plan for the first few years of implementing the EITI and will oversee the activities with support of the GYEITI Secretariat in Guyana.

Dr Jadoopat had said that the initiative was to ensure that oil and gas companies operating in Guyana publish what they pay to the Government in taxes and royalties.

Under the EITI standard, companies pub-

entities, but from transfers to the central government.

Depending on the revenue-distribution frameworks in place, these transfers can be a considerably larger source of revenue for subnational entities than taxes and fees collected at local levels. The revised EITI standard requires that such transfers are reported where mandated by law and where material.

Where companies are legally or contractually required to make social contributions, these must be disclosed, under EITI standards. Where countries collect significant revenues from the transportation of oil, gas and minerals, such as pipelines, the Government will also be re-

quired to disclose the revenues received.

The requirement to publish annual activity reports is not limited to compliant countries, the EITI said. It is foreseen that countries will report on progress with meeting the EITI requirements as well as (on) efforts to achieve the objectives set out in their work plans.

Validation is procured and managed by the EITI’s International Secretariat rather than by implementing countries. Countries undertake validation more frequently, with compliant countries being revalidated every three years as opposed to every five years under the old rule.

Guyana’s first EITI Report must be published within the next 18 months and the country will be required to commence validation within two and a half years. Where validation verifies that Guyana has made satisfactory progress on all of the requirements, the EITI Board will designate the country as EITIcompliant.

The EITI is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources.

Deceased fireman, Patrick Daly

He was living in Cayenne, French Guiana and made back and forth visits to Guyana. He even formed a relationship and fathered a child in French Guiana.

Before the sentence was issued, Williams was on the verge of tears as he told the court that he desired to have a lenient sentence.

“I am sorry for what I have done; I am begging you to have mercy on me. I am asking for a lesser sentence to turn my life around,” Williams noted, telling the court that he wanted to see his three-year-old daughter who was born while he was on the run from Police.

Justice Bovell-Drakes, while observing his calls for leniency, took into account Williams’ actions on the day of the attack, which the Judge termed as “disturbing”. The matter stemmed from a complaint that Williams’ livein friend made against Daly which prompted him to react. On this point, Williams who had been barely audible, was now attempting to

Errol “Short Man” Williams

raise his tone over that of the Judge, which promoted Justice Bovell-Drakes to reprimand him.

“Do not speak, I have heard you!” the Judge remarked.

Justice Bovell-Drakes reminded him of the multiple injuries he inflicted on the fireman who suffered seven incised wounds, with one to the top of his head and others to his legs, around the knee, upper left thigh, one 17 centimeters on his buttocks and one to the ribs. Daly’s official cause of death was given as haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds.

Before computing his sentence, the Judge highlighted that based on the evidence, the dead man had no knife and no gun to defend himself from the attack. He added that based on Williams’ conduct, the court must send a message to the public that you cannot inflict incised wounds on others and “get away easily”.

The Judge started the sentence at 60 years but took away several years because Williams accepted responsibility and did not waste the court’s time when he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Williams took the plea shortly after the 12-member jury was empanelled.

Justice Bovell-Drakes told him that while incarcerated, he should take some time and pursue academic studies in order to be an example to others.

“Change your mindset,” the Judge warned.

Probation report

In a probation report presented by probation officer, Ariana Gibson, Williams had a sheltered life growing up with his parents which was drastically altered when they separated, as he became “unsettled”. He too suffered separation when his own marriage lasted only six months. The court heard that he had no prior convictions.

Williams was represented by Attorney Maxwell McKay, while Prosecutors Mandel Moore and Orinthia Schmidt presented the State’s case. (Shemuel Fanfair)

12 NEWS

thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

SOL launches annual Shell Christmas promo …over $3M in cash, prizes up for grabs

Winners in the SOL trivia on Facebook get an early taste of the exciting prizes

ing Shell fuels – which improve mileage, enhance power and performance, as well as reducing vehicle Retail Executive of SOL Guyana Renee Armstrong teasing the audience about the huge cash prizes up for grabs in Shell’s Christmas Promotion

S

OL Guyana on Wednesday officially launched its annual Christmas programme which will allow valued consumers a chance to win over $3 million in cash and prizes during the holiday season.

Retail Executive of SOL Guyana, Renee Armstrong explained that every motorist who invests in Shell fuels and spends over $3000 will be given a chance to take home the grand prize.

According to Armstrong, the promotion officially commenced on Tuesday and will continue for eight weeks,

concluding on December 20.

“During the promotional period, all customers spending $3000 with Shell V-Power, Shell Fuelsave and Shell Deisel will be given a coupon. All customers completing their coupon will get a chance to win the grand prize draw of $2 million,” she told media operatives.

Furthermore, in an effort to make the promotion even more appealing to motorists, the SOL Guyana representative disclosed that customers spending $5000 will be given the chance to win up

to $100,000 cash in the spot cash booth.

“Every week, we will be having weekly drawings of all our participating stations,” she said, while emphasising that there are 10 participating Shell Service stations including Shell Belair Park, Shell Camp Street, Shell Regent Street, and Shell Ogle – which is expected to be opened soon.

Armstrong also noted that through promotions of this nature, SOL Guyana looks for different ways to reward their customers outside of the advantages of us-

maintenance costs.

Following the launch, several persons who were winners in the SOL trivia

on Facebook were also announced and received prizes.

GMSA’s agro-processing fair “Uncapped” kicks off this Friday

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is set to kick off its inaugural Agroprocessors Exhibition, Market and Food Festival dubbed ‘Guyanese Flavour Uncapped’ this Friday at the Sophia Exhibition Site.

The two-day event was launched back in July and will serve as an avenue for local agro-processors to showcase their products, as well as to seek additional regional and international markets.

The exhibition aspect will also provide the opportunity to highlight new methods, technologies and innovations that are available for local agro-processors to take advantage of.

The agro-processing fair is a collaborative effort being led by the GMSA and involves the Ministry of Business, IPED, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Sterling Products Limited, among other contributors.

At the launch, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had said that the event will not just be a business ven-

GMSA President Shyam Nokta

ture or just an agro-one but also, a food security initiative as it will feature foods from Guyanese farms. This, he noted, is in a bid to ensure that Guyanese produce more of what they consume and consume more of what they produce.

“This is how we intend to build our capacity to feed ourselves and to feed others, to make agriculture and agro-processing an important part of our national economy and our national security in a way that is sustainable…

Our economy simply cannot

sustain an appetite for foreign food. We’re pressuring ourselves unnecessarily by importing foods that we can very well be producing. It is going to affect the quality of our lives and those of our children if we don’t start making smart choices about the foods that we consume,” the Minister said.

It has been reported that the Caribbean region – which is a net-importer of food – spends in excess of US$4 billion every year, an increase of 50 per cent since the year 2000.

According to GMSA’s President, Shyam Nokta, the region is projected to double its spending on food by the year 2020. This, he added, provides an opportunity for countries like Guyana, a producer of food and agro-products and agro-businesses to step up to the plate.

He went on to say that while many agro-processors have access to regional markets, most of their products are unknown in the domestic market place. It is against this backdrop, that the GMSA came up with this initiative, he had explained.

news

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Cane Grove fatal chopping

Family seeks justice as suspect granted bail …says suspect’s presence drives fear into them

From left: Chandrapaul Ramnawaj, Sattie Ramnawaj, Ana Alcazar and Kavita Ramdial

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he family of 32-yearold Harrynarine Ramnawaj of Lot 8 Estate Road, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, said they feel cheated by the justice system since the man that killed Ramnawaj and maimed his father received “a slap on the wrist” and is now out on bail, driving fear into them.

On October 15, 2017, Ramnawaj and father, Chandrapaul were at their Estate Road, Cane Grove farm when they were confronted by a cutlass wielding alleged ‘drug addict’ who unleashed fury on them.

Harrynarine was chopped to the arm and bled out while on route to the hospital and

one of his father’s fingers was severed.

The suspect, Ramesh Persaud, 43, of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, was on Monday last charged for the manslaughter of Ramnawaj, as well as the wounding of the dead man’s father, Chandrapaul; all on the same day in question. Persaud was granted $300,000 bail and is expected to return to court on December 1.

However, the dead man’s parents are now calling for their son’s killer to be charged with murder and not manslaughter. They added that they are fearful for their lives and cannot go about their day normally, as the suspect resides a few houses away from them.

Guyana Times contacted a senior member of the Guyana Police Force – who asked not to be identified – for clarification purposes, and it was disclosed that the decision to charge Persaud with manslaughter and not murder was made based on legal advice which was sent to Police from the Director of Public Prosecutions. In addition, this publication was also told that manslaughter is a bailable offence in Guyana.

The dead man’s mother, Sattie, said since the incident, the family is yet to go back into their farm and they are suffering financially. “Nah far from we he live. We ga pass he fuh go the backdam. Me nah come out from da house fuh go no-

where before meh see am,” she said.

In addition, Ramnawaj’s relatives explained that they have reasons to doubt the intentions of the Mahaica/ Cane Grove Police, since they had not even informed the family of the initial court date.

“When we went ah the Mahaica station, them tell me husband them want he deh. When we guh, he give a statement and them tell we when ah the court date them guh inform we. Sunday was we funeral, and we aint know that them got court Monday up Mahaicony. Them nah tell abbey that them got court on Monday at Mahaicony but them been seh them guh inform we… Them seh them guh mek we know which day we ga go to court,” the grieving woman lamented.

The distraught woman explained that after the funeral, and with no information forthcoming from the Police, she decided to venture to the Mahaica Police Station where she was informed that the case was already called in the court.

“When meh guh, ah come the Corporal come from court. He seh today is court day, he looking out for Chanderpaul. Me seh ‘how yuh guh looking out fuh Chanderpaul? You nah mek

Dead: Harrynarine Ramnawaj

me know that Chanderpaul have to go to court’. He seh yes, he send two Policeman at the funeral to inform abbey… This time no Policeman nah come ah the funeral,” she said.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s wife of five years, Ana Alcazar, told this publication that her major concern was the fact that her husband’s murderer received bail.

“Three hundred thousand dollars bail nah supposed to be granted. He kill my husband and he walking on the street like nothing happened. Our lives are in constant fear. He leave me and my son and family to mourn and he walking on the street. How can that be fair? We need the

Government [and relevant authorities] to see and come out and give us justice,” she said while noting that an example must be set.

Alcazar said she is finding it hard to cope. The woman cried for justice for her husband, noting that he was the sole breadwinner.

It was previously reported that on October 15, 2017, at around 13:00h, the now dead father of one and his 59-yearold father, Chanderpaul went to their cash crop farm when they came across Persaud cutting their vegetation and a wooden structure had been erected.

Upon approaching the man to enquire what was happening, the accused reportedly began to threaten the father and son before whipping out his cutlass and dealing Harrynarine one chop to his left arm.

The 31-year-old reportedly fell to the ground and when his father went to his aide, Persaud dealt another chop in his direction. The 59-year-old man blocked the attack with his right hand, resulting in his index finger being severed.

With a bloodied hand, Harrynarine fled the scene and managed to use his cellphone to contact his brotherin-law to inform him of the attack.

GECOM Chairman saga

Opposition continues consultation with civil society organisations

L

eader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday continued consultations with civil society organisations on President David Granger’s “unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional appointment of a GECOM Chairman”.

The consultations are being held at the Office of the Opposition Leader on Church Street in Queenstown, Georgetown.

Wednesday’s gathering (seen in photos) comprised

representatives of women, youth, Amerindian, among several other non-governmental organisations.

Over the coming weeks, the Leader of the Opposition will continue to meet various stakeholders countrywide. On Tuesday, he met representatives from the Guyana Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and Private Sector bodies.

14 news

thursDAY, october 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Head of OPR receives Annandale woman busted Medal of Service (MS) with ganja

R

etired Assistant Commissioner and head of the Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Heeralall Mackhanlall, was one of the 69 recipients who were rewarded with national awards and the first in the Guyana Police Force to receive an individual Medal of Service recently

by Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, President David Granger.

Mackhanlall was born on November 10, 1952 and joined the Guyana Police Force on March 1, 1974 with regulation number 9531.

On March 1, 1978, he joined the Criminal Investigation Department where he served until he retired on November 30, 2007, as the Crime Chief with the rank of Assistant Commissioner, after 33 years and 10 months of service.

Immediately after his retirement, he was attached to the Office of Professional Responsibility as the Deputy Head and was appointed as the head of the said office on August 18, 2013, the present position he still holds.

During his tenure in the Guyana Police Force he served as the Divisional Detective Officer in all of the policing divisions with the exception E (LindenKwakwani) and F Division (Interior locations).

According to the Department of Public

A

Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Heeralall Mackhanlall

Information, he conducted numerous high-profile investigations in all the divisions, including E and F Divisions, in which scores of persons were arrested, charged and convicted. He benefited from several professional development courses including Summer Courses at the University of Guyana and was a participant of the 108 session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Academy, United States Department of Justice, at Quantico in the State of Virginia for a period of 11 weeks ending March 24, 1995.

He further attended the FBI National Academy Retraining Session, which was held in Brazil in 1997, where he obtained a Certificate of Achievement in

Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.

On three occasions he achieved the Guyana Police Force overall Best Cop award and the Runner-up Best Cop award on one occasion.

Further, on four occasions he achieved the Divisional Best Cop award, surely an outstanding achievement which may not be surpassed in decades to come.

On August 16, 1999, he was the recipient of the Force’s 150 Anniversary Medal and the Discipline Services Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct and now a Medal of Service.

He continues to serve the Guyana Police Force with dedication, commitment and distinction, since enlisting 43 years ago.

47-year-old female resident of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, is currently in Police custody after she was nabbed with a quantity of narcotics on Wednesday afternoon.

She was arrested sometime around 17:40h at the Bartica Stelling, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to Police reports, acting on information received, ranks went to the said location, where they intercepted the woman and conducted a search on a bag she was carrying.

The ranks subsequently discovered the illegal

The illegal substance amounted to some 2.311 kilograms of cannabis sativa

substance in taped parcels amounting to some 2.311 kilograms of cannabis sa-

tiva.

The woman is currently being processed for court.

Works progressing on East Coast Road Widening Project

Senior Cop being investigated over ‘sexually explicit’ video

T

he Office of P r o f e s s i o n a l Responsibility (OPR) is now conducting an in-

vestigation against an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to G Division (Essequibo coast-Islands) af-

ter he was responsible for a pornographic video going viral on October 15, 2017.

According to information received, the Officer is a member of a Community Policing Group on Whatsapp, and on the day in question, he posted a video –which appears to have been filmed by him – of two individuals performing sexual acts.

The CPG Whatsapp group reportedly has several prominent members of society, including Ministers, Ministry representatives and senior Police ranks.

This newspaper was informed that the Police Officer failed to issue an apology to the members of the group and instead opted to remove himself.

Following the outcome of the investigation, legal advice will be sought, according to the Police.

Ongoing road works at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara

D

espite challenges, the East Coast Demerara Road Widening and Improvement Project is moving apace, with the Public Infrastructure Ministry remaining optimistic on meeting key milestones.

Technical Services Manager Nigel Erskine said the mobilisation of plants, equipment, labour, and materials is ongoing for execution of the 17-kilometre stretch of road from Better Hope to Belfield Village.

Erskine said that vital pieces of equipment, a concrete batching plant and hot asphalt mixing plant are due to arrive in the country shortly from China.

Providing an update

on the project, Erskine explained that the contractor, China Railway First Group Company Limited, commenced works on August 29, 2017.

“Physical quantities executed so far include 1.8km of sub-base, which are now under the placing of the lower base layers and completed an effective length of 1.0 km with bottom and top layers, just waiting for the final top layer of granular base for a thickness of 175mm,” Erskine was quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Other works under preparation, to be concluded by end of October, include the digging of side drains and placement of retaining structures, Erskine added.

The relocation of utilities

by GTT is expected to begin shortly.

Last November, the Government and the People’s Republic of China inked a US$45.5 million concessional loan for the completion of the widening and improvement of the road between Better Hope and Belfield on the East Coast of Demerara. Guyana has con-

tributed $2.7 billion towards the project.

The estimated total cost of executed civil works has been adjusted according to the addition of the amount of US$3.2 million per addendum, and the total estimated value is now US$50.20 million.

Earlier, Chief Works Officer Geoffrey Vaughn had reported a lengthy delay in a loan agreement which resulted in increased consultancy fees for the project.

To date, the consultant has completed the design review and the report.

Some modifications have been proposed, including the reworking of substandard side drains on both sides within the four-lane section, and other modifications are likely to take place.

According to Erskine, maintenance of the existing four-lane facility has begun with the cleaning of canals and existing bridges, and will extend to pothole repairs with asphalt mixture, sealing of cracks, cleaning and rehabilitation of signage, and repainting of road lines.

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

old related; nonetheless, fitness training was not in his sights as a career.

As he was writing the Cambridge O Levels in Fifth Form – which necessitated a break from helping oth-

and told his dad; however, “not everyone was in agreement with my decision,” he reminisced. But Singh was determined to make his passion his job, so he went to “every gym in Guyana”, but

J

oshua Avinash Singh, affectionately known as Rex or Mr Rex, understands the struggle it is for most of us to keep fit, and he is all about helping people become fit and motivating them to maintain that fitness.

The former School of the Nations student has personally experienced the pain of being overweight and the negative repercussions on health and esteem. As an obese child, life and school were quite uncomfortable for Singh, who was bullied, so one day he decided to do something about it: he started working out after school – dancing, weight training, cardio... “Every day, I would come home from school and I would work out.”

Over time, he invented his own workout programme and terminology, and the pounds melted off. He would eventually lose 125 pounds in one year. People noticed and started asking what he did to lose the weight, holding him as a role model. By the time he was in Third Form, Singh had progressed from providing weight loss tips to actually helping his classmates work out in the National Park – “fitness had taken over my world, I would ditch lessons to help people to train” – but he had

Joshua Avinash Singh and “Rexers” at his unique detox fitness event – commitment, self-discipline and good team members will take you far

no intentions of becoming a trainer, although others recognised his gift. “’One guy I was helping said to me, ‘you know Joshua, you have a talent for this and you genuinely care about people and their fitness…’” I was like wow, that’s cool….,” the 23-year-

ers exercise – he still did not know what he wanted to do until a teacher’s question to that effect crystallised the realisation that he wanted to be a gym trainer who would change people’s lives with a more effective and fun workout. He went home that day

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Buying

point,” said the trainer, who is currently pursuing international certification to further develop his professional skills.

Singh would go on to take a job as an airport clerk with an online company, while he plotted ways of making his dream a reality. It would be his sister who would point him to an alternative pathway of providing fitness training when one day she

results. With more than 75 incredible transformations to his name, including one client losing more than 128 pounds in approximately eight months and others raving about starting to see results in one week in a judgement-free space, Singh’s ever-changing, high-energy workout programme definitely packs a wallop.

“Fit-Rex is an unbelievable experience. Fit-Rex is

called him at work, frantic, asking that he come and train her right away. When he protested that he was at work, she said: “I will pay your taxi fare, I will pay you.

Joshua, you have to come and train me now”, and that was that. He said he did personal training initially for a period of six months, as he wanted to prove to his family, it would work as a career. The January-born fitness maven, who says he is self-motivated, has now trained more than 1000 persons in the five years he has been active. “My way would actually motivate…” Like the tyrannosaurs (T-Rex) he named his Bel Air gym after, because they “symbolise power, determination, energy, drive, motivation”, the Joshua Avinash Singh method focuses on high energy and motivation to prevent boredom, lack of enthusiasm, and plateauing of

not just about me. It’s about people connecting and motivating each other.”

The name Fit-Rex is significant for another reason.

The ‘reptile-aholic’ further revealed that he was born on the day “Jurassic Park” was released in Guyana.

Singh, who will be running a 25-minute session to open the Cancer Institute of Guyana’s Breast Cancer Walk this Saturday, believes that perseverance is the most important quality entrepreneurs must possess and advised budding business people to start small.

“You have to keep getting back up [Don’t look at people. Don’t rush into things too fast] – think you can do it. Success is not easy. It’s a lot of late nights working, a lot of background work. You need to stay with your vision and trust and believe it.”

Contact: 695-6600, fitrex_fitness@hotmail.com

Investor’s Guide

Cambio Rates Cur

his dream of being a trainer seemed destined to die a premature death – they all rejected him. “They told me I was not fit [enough] for the job; they told me only bodybuilders were trainers…that kind of wrecked me a little, but now I wanted to prove a

15

Calculated at 94% purity, October 25, 2017

Selling

GBP

$272.97

$276.60

CAN

$162.23

$164.12

USD

$205.98

$208.44

EURO

$ 242.50

$245.60

USD

$1275.00

Gross

$249,743

Net

$232,261

Indicators as on October 25, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$58.44

Price

USD

Change %

+0.19 Change %

Rough Rice

$256.74/ton

-2.55

London Sugar

$374.10/ton

-0.19

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1278.90

$1279.90

Low/High

$1270.60

$1280.80

Change

+1.7 0

+0.13%

Business Concept – Viral Marketing Explosive growth in sales, or spread of product information through customer contact (referrals).

The term was coined by the US venture capital firm Draper, Fisher, Jurveston. (Business Dictionary)

Higher bond yields, soft earnings weigh on Wall St

U

S stocks fell on Wednesday, with the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 indexes suffering their worst day in seven weeks, on a batch of soft quarterly earnings and a rise in bond yields.

Benchmark US 10-year note US10YT=RR yields hit a seven-month high of 2.475 per cent, buoyed by economic data, recent optimism over progress on tax reform by US President Donald Trump’s Administration and anticipation of a nominee to head the Federal Reserve.

Equities pared losses as yields retreated, following a Fox Business interview with Trump in which he said he was still considering keeping current Fed Chair Janet Yellen in the position. The 10-year was

last down 9/32 in price to yield 2.4371 per cent.

“It is possible the market may be taking some solace that Yellen is still in the mix,” said Mike Beale, senior managing director at US Bank Private Wealth Management in Portland, Oregon.

“The market may be saying, maybe one of the more hawkish, (John) Taylor or (Kevin) Warsh, is off the table.”

Low interest rates have been a driving factor in the eight-year bull market, with investors pushed into equities as other lesser-yielding instruments are viewed as unattractive by comparison.

Earnings season so far has been largely positive, with 72.1 per cent of the 165 S&P 500 companies that have reported to date topping expectations,

matching the average for the past four quarters.

However, with US indexes at record levels, investors have scrutinised earnings to see if they justify stretched valuations.

Also weighing on sentiment: President Trump and the US House of Representatives’ top tax law writer reopened the door on Wednesday to changes in the 401(k) retirement savings programme, just days after Trump seemed to rule out such a step. The debate could present another hurdle to a tax reform deal.

Downbeat earnings from AT&T sent shares in the United States’ second-largest wireless carrier down 3.9 per cent, pulling down other telecom stocks Verizon and CenturyLink. (Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

Regional

Brazil’s Chapada dos Veadeiros PAHO says Caribbean leads in vaccinating pregnant women against influenza park ravaged by fire

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A

fire in a national park in the state of Goias in central Brazil has destroyed almost a quarter of the protected area. The park’s director told BBC Brasil he suspected arson was the cause of the fire.

Chapada dos Veadeiros national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous for its biodiversity. About 54,000 hectares (130,000 acres) have been razed by the fire so far, park officials said.

Park director Fernando Tatagiba said the fire had started inside a firebreak, an area cleared of vegetation by park officials to prevent blazes from spreading, leading him to believe it was started deliberately.

Despite more than a hundred people fighting the fire, it still has not been brought under control. About 60,000

Almost a quarter of the park has been destroyed by the fire

people visit the park annually, but due to the fire the park has been closed for visitors.

Officials said the fire was the worst in the recent history of the park, which was created in 1961 by the president at the time, Juscelino Kubitschek.

In June, the government increased the park’s size from 65,000 to 240,000 hectares, a measure welcomed

by environmentalists.

The fire, which started on October 17, has so far destroyed at least 22 per cent of the area. The park harbours many threatened species such as pampas deer, jaguars and giant armadillos.

It is also home to the Brazilian merganser duck, one of the most threatened waterfowl in the world. (BBC

News)

‘Science fiction’: Cuban officials dismiss claims of sonic attack on US diplomats

C

uban officials investigating US complaints of mysterious incidents that sickened American diplomats in Havana have described allegations of sonic attacks as “science fiction” and accused Washington of “slander” and refusing to cooperate fully with Cuba’s inquiry.

Donald Trump said last week he believed Havana was responsible for 24 diplomats being harmed.

Washington expelled 15 Cuban diplomats and recalled more than half the US diplomatic personnel from Havana earlier in October.

While Cuba denounced the expulsions as “unjustified” and accused the United States of insufficient cooperation, three Interior Ministry officials and a doctor heading the inquiry provided more details in an interview in Havana.

Cuba had deployed about 2000 security officials and experts, from criminologists to audiologists and mathematicians, to investigate the incidents after it became aware of them in February, the investigators said.

The investigation has not ended but so far has failed to uncover any evidence to cor-

roborate allegations of attacks that the United States says have caused hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues for diplomatic personnel who were based on the communist-run island.

Asked to respond to the Cuban officials’ assertions, a state department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert, said the United States had reminded Cuba of its obligation to ensure the safety of US diplomatic personnel and was continuing its investigation of the “attacks”.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Venezuela’s Maduro gains strength as Opposition splits

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (centre) holds a sign that reads

V

enezuela’s Opposition appeared close to disintegration Tuesday after a key leader ditched the main coalition opposed to President Nicolás Maduro, bolstering the socialist leader ahead of elections due next year.

Henrique Capriles, a former presidential candidate, announced he was pull-

ing out of the beleaguered Opposition coalition after four of its governors pledged allegiance to a Constituent Assembly fiercely loyal to Maduro.

Capriles said he would not stay in the coalition as long as another prominent figure, Henry Ramos Allup, leader of the Democratic Action Party, remained.

Four Democratic Action Party governors pledged allegiance to the Constituent Assembly, which was elected in July in polls called by the unpopular leftist Maduro that were boycotted by the Opposition.Capriles’s Justice First party appeared likely to follow him out of the coalition after a party vote. “It’s the perfect scenario for Chavism, allowing it to press ahead with its strategy of obtaining legitimacy for the Constituent Assembly, while the opposition is unravelling,” said electoral expert Eugenio Martinez.

He was referring to the political movement launched by Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez. The developments follow a period of soul-searching by the Opposition, routed in October 15 regional elections by Maduro’s socialists who swept the vote in 18 of Venezuela’s 23 states. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says the Americas, including the Caribbean, is a leader in vaccinating pregnant women against influenza, a public health problem that for future mothers, new-borns, and other high-risk populations can mean severe disease, complications and hospitalisation.

PAHO said, in all, 32 of the region’s 52 countries and territories, which contain the majority of the region’s women, vaccinate pregnant women to protect them from influenza, an acute viral infection that is transmitted

from person to person.

Influenza epidemics cause between three and five million cases of severe disease and some 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide each year, PAHO said, noting that in the Americas, between 40,000 and 160,000 people die annually as a consequence of the disease, the majority of victims being over the age of 65.

“Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the disease and its serious consequences for pregnant women, as well as for foetus and new-born,” said Cuauhtémoc RuizMatus, chief of PAHO’s

Comprehensive Family Immunization Unit.

PAHO said pregnant women are especially susceptible to complications from influenza because of physiological changes in the cardiopulmonary and immune systems that occur with pregnancy.

It said the older the woman, the higher the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation as a result of influenza infection. Similarly, the global health organisation said women with other diseases who get influenza are more likely to need intensive care. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

Health City Cayman Islands makes history, introduces new device to treat heart failure

F

or the first time in the Caribbean, Central and South America, a leading physician has implanted a Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) device to treat heart failure.

Dr Ravi Kishore, Chief Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Health City Cayman Islands, implanted the device in a Cayman Islands resident in August, making medical history in the region.

“This is the first time we have introduced this device in the entire Caribbean. It’s an investigational device so it’s not routinely implanted in patients in the U.S. and none of them (has) been implanted in Central America and South America. In that sense, I think we have introduced yet another novel therapy in the region,” Dr. Kishore said.

The device used for this

Dr Ravi Kishore, Chief Interventional Cardiologist Electrophysiologist at Health City Cayman Islands

procedure is the Optimizer IVs Active Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) by Impulse Dynamics, which is intended for the treatment of heart failure through delivery of CCM signals.

CCM device implantation is currently conducted only on an investigational basis in the United States, however CCM devices are approved and available for clinical use in all European Union countries as well as Australia, Turkey, India

and

and Hong Kong. While CCM therapy is not approved for clinical use in the United States, a study has been initiated to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

He explained how CCM therapy works: “The CCM device functions by giving non-contractile stimuli to the heart. It modulates the metabolism of the heart in such a way that its contractile function improves.”

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Prince Charles: Companies chased away from Amazonian rainforests now destroying plains

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he loss of rainforest in the Amazon has been a familiar cause for activism for more than 30 years, but the partial success of efforts to protect it is moving the spotlight to a new landscape: Brazil’s cerrado.

Environmentalists fear that measures to reduce the exploitation of the Amazon rainforest for commodities such as soy and beef have pushed some of those activities into

formerly less exploited regions such as the cerrado, a vast tropical savannah covering more than two square kilometres. The Prince of Wales highlighted the issue on Wednesday morning when he called for Brazil’s cerrado, and other areas at risk around the world, to receive greater protection. At the conference hosted by the Prince at Lancaster House in London, attended by forest-

Measures put in place to protect Brazil’s precious rainforest have led agribusinesses to exploit other delicate ecosystems such as the cerrado plains (pictured); the chaco and the world’s remaining savannahs (AFPGetty Images)

ed countries including Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and Indonesia, a group of 23 companies signed up to a new resolution to halt the destruction of the cerrado and ensure that any future commercial exploitation of the area is sustainable and well-managed.

The companies included major retailers and food groups, such as Walmart, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Carrefour, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Nestle and L’Oreal.

The cerrado is less wellknown than the Amazon rainforests, with their richness of plant and animal life, but it is also of vast international importance in terms of biodiversity and potentially as a store of carbon. It is home to at least 200 species of mammal, 10 unique species of bird, and more than 10,000 plant species, making it one of the most biologically rich areas of savannah on the planet. (Excerpt

from The Guardian)

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

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Around the World

Women fail to crack China’s glass India defends ties ceiling as party picks new leaders with North Korea in talks with Tillerson E very time China’s ruling Communist Party convenes a major gathering, like the congress that just ended in Beijing, the list of delegates is hand-crafted in part to burnish the party’s image as “representative of the masses” – including giving some prominence to those in more menial jobs and ethnic minorities.

Yet one group is chronically under-represented among the political elite: women.

The founding father of communist China, Mao Zedong, may have once said that women “hold up half the sky” but when the twicea-decade party congress selected a new batch of top leaders this week, females weren’t holding up much at all.

I

China’s President Xi Jinping (left) waves after his speech as he and other new Politburo Standing Committee members meet with the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, October 25, 2017

No women made it onto the elite Politburo Standing Committee, the group of seven men at the pinnacle of the party. None ever have.

In the new Politburo, only one of its 25 members is a woman – Sun Chunlan, head of the party body charged with outreach to

non-Communists. It is her second term and she is likely to retire in five years. On the previous Politburo, there were two women, Sun and Vice Premier Liu Yandong – who is past retirement age and has stepped down from the Politburo.

One rung down, just 4.9

per cent of the new Central Committee, a mere 10 of the body’s 204 members, are women. That number was unchanged from the outgoing Central Committee, which presided for five years, but lower than in 2007-2012 when there were 13. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

ndia’s foreign minister defended the country’s ties with North Korea and Iran during talks on Wednesday with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson aimed at building robust relations between the two giant democracies.

The Trump administration has launched a new US effort to deepen military and economic ties with India as a way to balance China’s assertive posture across Asia.

At the talks with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, both sides pledged to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and Tillerson said Washington stood ready to provide India with advanced military technology.

“The United States sup-

ports India’s emergence as a leading power and will continue to contribute to Indian capabilities to provide security throughout the region,” Tillerson told a joint news conference with Swaraj.

But the talks also touched on India’s diplomatic ties with North Korea, Swaraj said, at a time when the United States has stepped up efforts to isolate Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programs.

Swaraj said she told the top US diplomat that some level of diplomatic presence was necessary to keep open channels of communication.

“As far as the question of embassy goes, our embassy there is very small, but there is in fact an embassy,” she said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Clinton team and Democrats Ichthyosaur fossil discovered ‘bankrolled’ Trump dirty dossier for 1st time in India

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S President Donald Trump has seized on reports that Hillary Clinton’s team bankrolled a sleazy dossier of allegations linking him to Russia.

Unfounded claims that Trump had been filmed with prostitutes in a Moscow hotel surfaced in the closing stretch of last year’s White House race.

Mrs Clinton’s presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) reportedly helped fund the research.

“The victim here is the President,” Trump tweeted

on Wednesday.

According to US media reports, Perkins Coie, a law firm representing the Clinton campaign and DNC, hired intelligence firm Fusion GPS in April 2016. Fusion GPS, based in Washington DC, was paid to dig up dirt on Trump, who was then Mrs Clinton’s rival for the presidency.

The intelligence firm subcontracted Christopher Steele, a former British spy who previously worked in Russia, to compile the research. Attributed to unnamed sources, it claimed

that Trump had colluded with Russian officials during the election campaign.

The unsubstantiated dossier also alleged that Kremlin intelligence had filmed Trump with prostitutes at Moscow’s RitzCarlton hotel in 2013. The opposition research was initially funded by an unknown Republican consulting firm, which pulled the plug once Trump captured the party’s nomination.

The Clinton campaign then picked up the tab, according to the reports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Senior Amnesty figures among 11 on trial in Turkey on terror charges

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leven human rights activists including two senior Amnesty International employees have gone on trial in Istanbul on terrorism charges, in one of the most high-profile tests of Turkish criminal law since a failed coup in 2016.

Ten of the activists, including Amnesty’s Turkey director, İdil Eser, were arrested while attending a digital security training workshop in July.

They are accused of plotting an uprising and charged with aiding militants as well as the movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, blamed for the coup attempt. They face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.

Amnesty’s Turkey Chairman, Taner Kiliç, who was imprisoned separately in June, appeared in court via video link from a prison in İzmir, western Turkey.

He will also appear at a hearing in ?zmir on

S

This is the first time an ichthyosaur fossil has been discovered in India

cientists in India have discovered a 152 million-year-old fossil of an ichthyosaur – an extinct marine reptile – in the western state of Gujarat.

This is the first time an ichthyosaur fossil has been discovered in India. The fossil was found inside rocks from the Mesozoic Era, which ran between 252 and 66 million years ago, in the Kutch desert.

Prof Guntupalli VR

Prasad, who led the study, said the 5.5 metres (18 feet) specimen was almost complete. Only parts of the skull and tail bones were found to be missing.

The findings have been published in the Plos One science journal. The team, which comprised scientists from India and Germany, believes the newly discovered specimen can be identified with Ophthalmosauridae, a family of ichthyosaurs that

lived in the oceans between 165 and 90 million years ago.

A statement from the team said the identification of the new specimen may further throw light on whether there was any marine connection between India and South America about 150 million years ago.

An examination of the teeth of the fossil suggests that it was a top-tier predator in its ecosystem, it added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

North Korea official: Take hydrogen bomb threat “literally”

Human rights activists stage a protest outside the court in Istanbul where 11 people have gone on trial accused of belonging to and aiding terrorist groups

Thursday on a separate charge of being a member of a Gülen-linked organisation. Kiliç is accused of using Bylock, an encrypted mobile messaging app that the Turkish prosecuting authorities claim was used by Gülen supporters to communicate secretly before the coup attempt.

Tens of thousands of people have been arrested or dismissed from office in a wide-ranging crackdown

since the coup, prompting criticism that the country has taken an increasingly authoritarian turn under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Dozens of people protested outside the crowded courthouse in Istanbul’s justice palace as the trial opened, holding banners bearing images of the activists and the hashtag “FreeRightsDefenders”.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

A

senior North Korean official has issued a stern warning to the world that it should take “literally” his country’s threat to test a nuclear weapon over the Pacific Ocean.

The official, Ri Yong Pil, told CNN in an exclusive interview in Pyongyang that the threat made by North Korea’s foreign minister last month should not be dismissed. North Korea “has always brought its words into action,” Ri said, visibly angry.

Speaking on a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly last month, Ri Yong Ho, the Foreign Minister, raised the possibility that North Korea could test a powerful hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean. The threat came hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea in a speech to the UN. North Korea carried out the strongest of its six nuclear tests in early September, claiming to have used a hy-

drogen bomb. The UN responded to the test by imposing fresh sanctions on the rogue state.

North Korea’s continued threats have put its neighbours in the Pacific on high alert. In September, Pyongyang flew a ballistic missile over Japan. When North Korea carried out its sixth nuclear test, it claimed to have detonated a hydrogen bomb that could fit atop a ballistic missile. (Excerpt from MSN)

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thursDAY, october 26, 2017

ARCHIE

Emotional decisions are not likely to turn out the way (March 21you want. Think before you April 19) act. Personal growth, general improvement and stabilising your future should be your goals.

ARIES

Finish what you start. Your

TAURUS reputation will get a boost if you (April 20- can turn chaos into order. An inMay 20) tellectual discussion with some-

dilbert

one very different from you will be enlightening.

An emotional incident will GEMINI (May 21- leave you questioning your June 20) next move. Take better care of your health and emotional frame of mind. Finish one job before you start another in order to avoid criticism.

Don’t feel the need to make

CANCER an abrupt change or impulsive (June 21- decision. You have plenty of time July 22) to research and figure out what

Peanuts

exactly you want to do. Refuse to fold under pressure.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Avoid people with colds and flus, and places likely to have lots of germs. Protect your health and stay focused on getting plenty of rest, eating properly and exercising to keep fit and remain productive.

Networking functions will VIRGO lead to new opportunities.

(Aug. 23Adapt to whatever changes Sept. 22) come your way. Your ability to go with the flow will help you accomplish your goals.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t say or do something LIBRA (Sept. 23- you’ll regret. Revealing a secret Oct. 23) or arguing over something trivial will not help you win friends or favors. Personal growth should be your goal.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Make your home your haSCORPIO ven. A creative space that (Oct. 24you can tinker in will lead Nov. 22) to a pursuit that you find inspiring and others will be intrigued by.

Protect against physical or SAGITTARIUS emotional stress. Stay on top of (Nov. 23- unfinished business to ensure Dec. 21) that it is completed before it’s due. Don’t let temptation turn into a financial loss.

Mesh the past with the presCAPRICORN ent and you will be able to build (Dec. 22- a solid future. Reuniting with Jan. 19) old friends or colleagues will open doors that can lead to new beginnings.

YESTERDAY’S WORD

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle There is no room for risk.

AQUARIUS Jumping into a deal without (Jan. 20- doing proper research will put Feb. 19) you in a difficult position personally and financially. Make health, diet and exercise priorities.

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

Your participation in comPISCES (Feb. 20- munity events or a joint venMarch 20) ture will give you a chance to show off your skills and offer unique solutions. Someone close to you will be jealous.

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

N

19

India quicks help level series

ew Zealand won the first ODI at the Wankhede Stadium courtesy their preparedness against India's spinners, and the success of a key tactical move - swapping the batting positions of Colin Munro and Tom Latham.

Three days later, following a trip down the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India turned the tables with their own counter-tactics, on a pitch with just enough grass on it to allow their fast bowlers to bowl a traditional good length.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished with three wickets and Jasprit Bumrah with two, the pair conceding only 83 in their 20 overs as New Zealand set India a target of 231 to level the series. The chase proved straightforward, with Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik scoring half-centuries to lead India home with four overs remaining.

New Zealand's fast bowlers didn't begin half as well as their Indian counterparts, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee routinely

Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee ensured they would end up with a fighting total, courtesy a ninth-wicket

SCOREBOARD

Bhuvneshwar Kumar lead the celebrations with three wickets

pitching short in their newball spells. India hit seven fours in the first seven overs, and five of them came off the back foot, via pulls and punches and slashes over the slips. Rohit Sharma fell early, flicking Boult in the air, but the easy flow of boundaries meant New Zealand never put any pressure on the second-wicket pair of Dhawan and Virat

Kohli, who added 57 off 56 balls.

For that India will thank their bowlers, particularly Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah. Bowling a mix of slower balls and bouncers, India's new-ball pair exposed Munro's leaden-footed technique, and he plodded his way to 10 off 16 balls before Bhuvneshwar slipped a knuckleball

through his defences. Before that, seam movement from a good length took out Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson, both stuck on the crease, the former nicking an away-seamer, the latter lbw to an inducker, and New Zealand were 27 for 3.

New Zealand were 188 for 8 at one point and in danger of falling below the 200-run mark. However,

Holyfield planning proboxing events in Jamaica F our-time heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield is leading a charge to stage a series international professional boxing events in Jamaica possibly starting early next year.

The now-retired champion and his partner Eric Bentley, the Chief Operating Officer at Real Deal Sports Entertainment, have been on the island since Monday meeting with stakeholders including Minister of Sport Olivia Grange and several private-sector companies hoping to bring them on board for what they see as an opportunity to further raise the profile of the sport locally as well as developing local boxing talent.

“If you want something to grow you can’t just start with one event,” said Bentley. “It’s like planting a seed watering it once and then walking away and expecting something to grow.

If you want people to commit to your one show what incentive is there because they might now come back.

“Anywhere we go wheth-

stand of 32, but 230 was still decidedly below par.

The decider is set for Sunday in Kanpur. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Evander Holyfield (left) and partner Eric Bentley during their trip to Jamaica

er it’s Jamaica or Atlanta or Louisville or New York we want to have a plan in place where we say, ‘look we’re going to be here three or four times a year, we’re going to bring it consistently, you’re going to know when we're bringing the show back here so we are not looking for a one-off.” The plan also includes an amateur programme that will help Jamaica develop its young boxers, who it is hoped will eventually become champions. “If you want to make changes you’re going to have

to start from the ground up,” Bentley said.

“And I am not saying we are going to be able to come in here and take over amateur boxing but at least with Evander’s experience, it would be crazy not to listen with all that he has accomplished on what they can do to make it better so that the youth here in Jamaica can have a better opportunity.”

Bentley believes there can be synergy between the professional events being planned and helping to raise the standard at the amateur

level. “While we are bringing the pro events we envision that being able to help the amateurs whether it be Evander and the fighter going to the local gyms and providing mentorship or inviting the amateurs to our shows so they can see what’s in store for them when they turn pro, so it will all feed off the professional boxing,” Bentley said.

“We want to become part of the community, we want people to see that we are engaged and that we are involved.” (Sportsmax)

New Zealand Innings (50 overs maximum) MJ Guptill c †Dhoni b Kumar 11 C Munro b Kumar 10 KS Williamson* lbw b Bumrah 3 LRPL Taylor c †Dhoni b Pandya 21 TWM Latham† b Patel 38 HM Nicholls b Kumar 42 C de Grandhomme c Bumrah b Chahal 41 MJ Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 29 AF Milne lbw b Chahal 0 TG Southee not out 25 TA Boult not out 2 Extras (lb-3, w-5) 8 Total (For 9 wickets, 50 Overs) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-25, 3-27, 4-58, 5-118, 6-165, 7-188, 8-188, 9-220 Bowling Kumar 10-0-45-3 (w1), Bumrah 10-2-38-2, Jadhav 8-0-31-0 (w-1), Pandya 4-023-1 (w-2), Patel 10-1-54-1 (w-1), Chahal 8-1-36-2

India Innings (target: 231 runs from 50 overs) RG Sharma c Munro b Southee 7 S Dhawan c Taylor b Milne 68 V Kohli* c †Latham b de Grandhomme 29 KD Karthik not out 64 HH Pandya c Milne b Santner 30 MS Dhoni† not out 18 Extras (lb-7, w-9) 16 Total (For 4 wickets, 46 Overs) 232 Did not bat: KM Jadhav, AR Patel, B Kumar, JJ Bumrah, YS Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-79, 3-145, 4-204 Bowling Southee 9-1-60-1, Boult 10-0-54-0 (w-3), Milne 8-1-21-1 (w-1), Santner 10-038-1, de Grandhomme 7-0-401 (w-1), Munro 2-0-12-0 (w-2) Result: India won by 6 wickets with 24 balls remaining Series result: Three match series level at 1-1 Player of the Match: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Warne appointed CWI Commercial Director C ricket West Indies (CWI), via a press release, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Warne as their new Director of Commercial, Marketing and Communications.

Dominic comes to CWI with over 20 years’ experience in marketing and sponsorship strategy and activation working for both major brands, sports rights holders and marketing consultancies.

Dominic will be responsible for the development and execution of CWI’s commercial, marketing and communications initiatives. This includes: - responsibility for the commercial operations and revenue generating activities; - enhancing and establishing relationships with territorial boards and commercial partners;

- directing a new digital function to drive fan engagement, including new products and content; and - improving the appeal and effectiveness of marketing campaigns and promotions.

Dominic said, “I’m really excited to join CWI’s new leadership team and strengthen the iconic WINDIES brand. The flamboyant cricket, colour and atmosphere that so defines Caribbean cricket is unique.

We have a great opportunity to connect with fans and excite commercial sponsors, so I’m looking forward to growing partnerships with the territorial boards and sponsors to make the cricketing heartbeat of the region beat stronger.”

The appointment took effect on October 1, and Dominic will be based at CWI’s headquarters in Antigua.

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CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Pride, Red Force renew rivalry under lights T

– Volcanoes want to keep spell on Hurricanes

he Pride have been the dominant side in the PCL era of this match-up, winning three of the six contests, with rain spoiling two others.

But the Red Force’s 130run victory in the ninth round of last season at the same venue – a rare achievement for the T&T franchise – will stick in the craw of the hosts and this will be the motivation for both sides.

The Pride will want to prove that result was a fluke, achieved due to a lack of regular playing personnel, and the Red Force will want to prove that it was not, coming through the dint of hard work.

The Pride’s ranks have been decimated by the absence of practically their whole first squad, either playing for Windies in Zimbabwe or Windies “A” in Jamaica, but it’s something of which they have become accustomed in recent seasons.

On playing the opening match under lights at the Kensington Oval, Pride captain Kevin Stoute said: “They beat us in this corresponding fixture last year. It was also a day/night game and they bowled very well, but the team bowling in the night-time always has an advantage in these games.

On missing key players, he said: “Most of those guys have been in and out over the last two seasons and we have still been able to come second, which I think it is a very good sign because it shows that we have a lot of depth when it comes to players who are capable of playing at the first-class level. We can’t dwell too much on it and must think about what we have to do as a team.”

The return of Denesh Ramdin to the position of captain adds substance to the Red Force batting which has suffered in recent seasons from the lack of experience.

Ramdin has not played a first-class match, since he played the last of his 74 Tests for Windies last January in Sydney, Australia. He will be at the helm of a squad packed with young, inexperienced players, as the Red Force look to make waves in a form of the game in which they have lacked consistent success in recent seasons.

Ramdin will depend on players like leg-spinner Imran Khan, vice-captain Marlon Richards, sophomore Barbados-born all-rounder Roshon Primus, as well as emerging left-handed batmen Amir Jangoo and Jeremy Solozano to excel in

their roles for Red Force to be competitive.

On facing the Pride in the opening match, Ramdin said: “There is always big rivalry when we play them, but we are playing in their backyard which gives them an advantage, so it is important for us to play well.

With a number of our senior players away, we have a number of young players, so it will be a good match-up.

On his return to the side, he said: “It feels a bit strange. I have not played a lot of four-day match-

ing against a side they have dominated in the PCL era.

Volcanoes have won five of the six matches the two sides have contested in the last three seasons and held the aces in the other match which ended in a rain-affected draw two seasons ago in the United States Virgin Island of St. Thomas.

The home team’s preparations for the season were badly disrupted, due to the passage of Hurricane Maria, which dealt a devastating blow to their training base in Dominica.

rest will work itself out.”

On being elevated to the captaincy for the first time, Theophile said: “I am looking forward to the challenge.

It is an opportunity. All I can do is to give of my best at all times and try to work hard, so that the team will be successful by the end of the season.”

The visitors have quietly prepared for the season and they too, have had a bit of disruption to preparation, due to the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

As the last-placed side in

the first game, even though we know the Volcanoes have a decent group of players, but we just have to know our game and stick to our plans, and we will get the results for which we are looking.

On missing key players: “We have got a few young players, some of whom will be making their debuts this season, and all we can hope is that they can take their opportunities and do their best. Our preparations were hampered a bit by the weather, but we still got in some valuable time, so now we are just looking forward to taking. Once we can identify our strengths and weaknesses quickly, and we can adapt, we can put everything in to play.”

Squads:

Volcanoes

Volcanoes vs Hurricanes in Grenada

Volcanoes are another side that should relish their opening match, also start-

They subsequently moved to the Grenada capital to continue preparing and it will be intriguing to see how well the players have recovered from the natural disaster.

A string of good results in the first phase of the Championship, starting this weekend, could well help to lift the collective mood of the people in Roseau and the rest of the sub-region.

On how they managed to cope, Volcanoes captain Tyrone Theophile said: “Some of the players returned home, but we were able to re-assemble a few weeks ago for a camp here and things have been coming along.

“We have been hampered a bit by the rain, but we were still able to squeeze in a practice match, and the batsmen worked on occupation of the crease and bowlers on hitting good lines and lengths. To be honest, I have been quite satisfied with what I have seen from the batsmen and bowlers going into the season, and looking forward to the start of play.”

On rivalry with the Hurricanes, he said: “We do not take any team for granted. They will make us work for whatever result. We just want to play confidently. We just want to be positive whether we are batting, bowling or fielding, and the

Tyrone

Theophile (captain), Audy Alexander, Gian Benjamin, Roland Cato, Kirk Edwards, Tarryck Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Sherman Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Liam Sebastien, Shane Shillingford Hurricanes – Devon Thomas (captain), Elvin Berridge, Nkrumah Bonner, Jason Campbell, Keacy Carty, Chesney Hughes, Jeremiah Louis, Mervin Matthew, Akeem Saunders, Stanny Simon, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge, Terrence Warde The on-field Umpires are Jonathan Blades (Barbados) and Joel Wilson (Trinidad & Tobago) with Roger Davis as the reserve Umpire and Caryle Felix the Match Referee.

Silver Shattas oust GFC in Turbo Football

Shane Shillingford is going to be a key factor for the Volcanoes

es recently, so I have been working very hard in the nets, trying to leave alone a lot of balls, batting to time. Hopefully, I am able to spend a lot of time in the middle and it is a good season ahead and it is good to be around these young guys.

They are working hard and want to do well.”

Squads: Pride – Kevin Stoute (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Jonathan Carter, Shakeem Clarke, Justin Greaves, Aaron Jones, Shayne Moseley, Ashley Nurse, Mario Rampersaud, Shamar Springer, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jomel Warrican, Kenroy Williams Red Force – Denesh Ramdin (captain), Bryan Charles, Akeal Cooper, Amir Jangoo, Imran Khan, Ewart Nicholson, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Isaiah Rajah, Marlon Richards, Jeremy Solozano, Daniel St. Clair, Tion Webster The standing Umpires are Leslie Reifer Jr (Barbados) and Jacqueline Williams (Jamaica) while the reserve Umpire is Kevin Sisnett and the Match Referee is Stephen Proverbs.

–

Kevin Stoute is looking to maintain the Pride’s dominance at the Kensington Oval

the Championship over the last few seasons, they will want to reverse this trend and a strong opening performance could be an early motivating force.

The key loss for the Hurricanes is the wicket-taking ability of offspin all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall on Windies “A” duty, as well as West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph on the tour of Zimbabwe.

Hurricanes batting looks strong on paper though, with Devon Thomas transferring from the Scorpions to be named captain, and the likes of Nkrumah Bonner, former West Indies Under-19 star Keacy Carty and Chesney Hughes at the heart.

A familiar face will confront the Volcanoes, with Mervin Matthew having transferred to the Hurricanes and should form a testing new-ball attack with Gavin Tonge with Jeremiah Louis to offer further pace support, even though Cornwall’s spin bowling will be missing initially.

On his return to the Hurricanes, Thomas said: “It’s great to be back around the players with whom I grew up playing. I have been away for two years, but I have got a lot more experience. We are looking to bring a lot of confidence into

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Part of the action between GFC and Silver Shattas

inden’s Sliver Shattas produced the upset of the tournament to date when they booted Georgetown Football Club (GFC) from the Turbo Knock out tournament on Tuesday evening at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta.

Second half braces by Dexter Garraway and Damion Williams scripted a memorable come-from-behind 5-2 victory for Shattas.

Garraway scored in the 58th And 67th while Williams made his mark with conversions in the 78th and 85th.

The Linden unit were trailing by two goals at the end of the first half after Jermaine Padmore (8th) and Curtez Kellman (27th) put the Bourda unit ahead.

However, the script changed totally when Robin Adams scored in the 43rd, it was all over for GFC. In the second match of

the night, Grove Hi-Tech won 5-3 against Santos. It was another combination of doubles from Joel Dick and Domini Garnett that scripted the thrilling win. Dick converted in the 7th and 11th while Garnett pierced the defence in the 40th and 90th. Lloyd Mathews opened the East Bank unit account in the 9th.

For the city side Santos, Orin Yard (21st), Keith Cains (31st) and Lionel Holder (74th) led the rally but it was not enough.

Matches continue on tonight at the same venue when Uitvulgt clash Kuru Kurue from 18:30h and Riddim Squad battled Pouderoyen from 21:00h.

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

sports

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uyanese sport fans, enthusiasts young and old turned out in their numbers for six consecutive days last week at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) where they witnessed teams from seven different countries compete in the International Pan American Championships (IPAC).

At the time of penning this article I remember the feeling that swept over me as I stood at attention for the National Anthem of Guyana, I remember looking at the National men and women’s team and thinking that our country needs more events like these (IPAC).

Over the past year Guyana has played host to a few regional and international sporting events such as the South American U-20 Championships, Caribbean School Boys Boxing championships, West Indies versus Pakistan One

Day International series, Regional Four-Day cricket, Caribbean Premier League and now the Pan American Hockey Championships.

Additionally, in just over one week, middle distance athletes from almost every country in South America and a few from the Caribbean will converge in Georgetown for the second leg of the annual South American 10k road race.

The IPAC was a huge success and received positive feedback from the Pan

Am officials and each participant. Kudos must be given to the GHB for pulling off an impressive tournament which went smoothly with everything running off like clockwork.

The recently concluded tournament injected some life into the capital city, the visitors from Argentina, Uruguay, Canada and the other countries found time to go sight-seeing, dining at various restaurants and even spent time at some entertainment spots.

However, sadly there is still no sport policy to properly guide and ensure associations receive the requisite assistance needed to attract more events to this dear land of ours. The Guyana Cycling (GCF) has ambitions of hosting the Caribbean Cycling Championships in 2018, whether or not that will be realized is left to be seen as the federation cannot even at this time afford to send cyclists to the very same championships hosted by

Patience is key to success – Adams

By Clifton Ross

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eft-arm spinner Anthony Adams said after eight years of playing inter-county he’s ready to cement a permanent spot in the Guyana Jaguars side when opportunities knock this season.

After ending the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Jaguars 3-Day League with 52 wickets including seven 5-wicket hauls and 262 runs including a match-winning century under his belt, the Essequibian said patience is the key factor behind his success.

“I’m a very patient person, I knew it would take hard work and dedication for me to get where I am right now. I’m still young, I have some age behind me and I have a lot of cricket to play, so there was no point in time I thought it was over for me I knew I just had to work hard and wait for the opportunity.”

Adams, who had a taste of First Class cricket in a wicket-less outing versus the Leeward Hurricanes last season at Providence, believes his strong domestic career has played a crucial part in his now budding national calling. “I’ve been playing Inter-County for 8 years so there’s no excuse for me to come into any tournament and act nervous or act like I’ve never been there before, it’s just for me to stay posi-

Anthony Adams collects his most valuable player award from GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie at the conclusion of the franchise league

tive and focused all the time.”

The Essequibo Captain has been a dominant force in the domestic scene for close to a decade and has always been knocking on the national door after excelling with every season and ending with truckloads of wickets. He credited his success to the work he has been doing to perfect his bowling as further reasons behind his attainments.

“I’ve been doing a lot of bowling specifics and spinning the ball more, fitness also is important to me so I’ve been doing a lot of fitness. It’s very easy for me because I play cricket over 300 days a year, so for me to go in the

tournament (3-Day League) and do well wasn’t difficult, it’s what I’ve been doing it’s what I’m used to.”

Following some exceptional cricket in the 3-Day League, the Cinderella County side claimed their first major domestic title after Adams had practically bowled them to the number one spot, ending as the second leading wicket-taker behind Jaguars teammate Gudakesh Motie. His skills with the ball according to him, have improved due to constant work with Essequibo’s coach and former Guyana U19 player Ryan Hercules.

“I’ve played with and

against Ryan over the years, we have a good relationship and we did some work a few days before the league and it paid off.” After every game we tried to reflect on what we could work on and do better in the field and what I can do to pick up wickets hand help the team win; it was good working with Ryan and hopefully the work can continue,” he said.

Although the selectors highly regard the 24 year-old as a hard-worker and one for the future, having award him with not only an Academy Contract but another call-up to the Jaguars side, Adams said he’s still on the path to perfection and is aiming to show that he can snap up wickets in regional cricket just as he’s accustomed doing domestically. “It’s very important for me because I’ve been working hard over the years and trying to be consistent. This selection is just a level up because cricket doesn’t finish here and if I want to go onto the highest level I have to do what I have been doing domestically in First Class cricket. So it’s important for me to do what has been successful for me in the past so I can be successful at this level,” Adams ended.

Guyana’s title defence bowls off today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence when they face Jamaica Scorpions in round one of the 2017/18 Digicel Regional 4-Day tournament.

Martinique and Barbados this year.

The Global Sports Market is an ever growing one; in 2005 the revenue garnered from sports was $46.5 Billion, that figure has since reached $90.9 Billion as of this year (2017).

Further research revealed that sport event travellers spend as much as all other types of travelers combined.

The market is ripe for the taking, the government of Guyana, administrators in the ministry responsible for sport should act now, “make hay while the sun shines.” A Sport Policy would pave the way for associations to bid for the hosting of major events and this ultimately would benefit Guyana’s economy as well as our athletes as they would be exposed to a high level of competition.

To be the best you have to compete with the best and as a nation we have it all.

GFSCA//Well Teen/ Nauth Motor Spares/ Tropical Spring U13 tourney…

TSC, DCC battle for 3rd place under lights – final now part of Guyana Softball Cup VII

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he third place playoff in the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA)/Well Teen/Nauth Motor Spares/Tropical Spring U13 tourney between Transport and DCC is set for Friday October 28 under lights.

Transport and hosts, Demerara Cricket Club will do battle at the DCC Ground, Queenstown from 18:00h. Heading into the match, DCC will favor their chances as they will bank on the most successful bowler of the tournament; Romeo Deonarain who has captured 11 wickets to date.

TSC will also be heading into the match with some confidence with Shamar Yearwood being number three on the list of most successful batsman with 94 runs. Yearwood also tops the list of best fielders with nine dismissals to date.

Meanwhile, final between Blairmont and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) is set for 11:45h on Sunday, November 5 as part of the annual Guyana Softball Cup which is set for the DCC Ground.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

Guyoil fuelling International Race of Champions

he Guyana Oil Company, Guyoil is the latest sponsor of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sport’s Club International Race of Champions.

The local fuel giants on Wednesday handed over sponsorship through Marketing Manager Eric Whaul to GMR&SC’s Surica Singh at their Camp street office.

In handing over the sponsorship, Whaul contended that the company is a long time sponsor of sport and this is their way of fulfilling their corporate social responsibility.

He contended that a lot of their products are also geared toward a large base of the racing family hence the company being on board.

The twenty-seven race programme is billed for November 11 and 12 at the South Dakota Circuit Timehri with exciting and thrilling action set for both days.

The event will see competition from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, the United States and Canada.

In addition to the local races, the club has also included two new events.

The much talked about Radical SR3 will make their debut in Guyana during that event as part of what the club deems ‘giving back to the fans.’

There are also three professional drift cars that are expected for the event so that persons can be introduced to and excited by the different forms of entertainment on both days.

Saturday, will be treated as just as a race day, with adults being charged $1,000 per entry and children $500.

On Sunday, Adults will be charged $2,000 and children $1,000.

Qualification will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:00h with races beginning from 14:00h.

Scrutineering will take place on Thursday and Friday and before qualification on Saturday.

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

5-team T20 festival billed for Sunday at Enmore

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Surica Singh of GMR&SC collects Guyoil’s sponsorship for the International Race of Champions from Marketing Manager Eric Whaul

‘Re-establishment’ of Golden Jaguars high on GFF’s agenda

he Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) will be hosting a series of T20 matches as part of their grand anniversary celebration set for Sunday October 29 at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.

According to a release from the organizers, several past and present national players are expected to showcase their skills in the shortest format of the game in what promises to be an action packed day of hardball cricket will be played for the first time under artificial lights.

Reigning T20 Champions, Strathavon SC, Helena Number 1 and 2 along with ECCCC will be competing for the Lakeram Ramkelawan Memorial Cup along with cash priz-

Guyana preparing for French Guiana invitational volleyball

Some of the female Volleyballers during a training session on Sunday at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown The Golden Jaguars will face Indonesia and Trinidad and Tobago in November

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he re-establishment of the men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars is top of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) agenda. This was disclosed by the federation’s President Wayne Forde; with two international matches lined up for the Jaguars against Trinidad and Tobago and Indonesia in November, Forde maintained that the GFF is looking to examine the national players ahead of next year’s Caribbean championships.

He pointed out that for the past two years the federation has been putting things in place for Guyana to have a solid youth foundation and he explained with that now in place, the focus will be on the senior teams.

“What the general public is witnessing, is the unfolding of a deliberate strategy; we spent the last two years putting the mechanics in place for the youth development programme, we have the ATCs (Association Training Centers), we have the intra association leagues, we have the coaching education programmes, all of that is being done at a very rapid pace. We think that we are at a point where the youth development program [which is the most important arm of any am-

bitious football nation], we think we have set those corner stones in place, we now getting to the point where we want to re-establish the national team brands, both female and male.”

He continued; “seeking out these interesting international engagements, whether it is out of the confederation or not; is one where we can first of all take a good look at the international players that will take us into our 2018 Caribbean Championship and the League of Nations which CONCACAF is working on. Apart from that, in our opinion it is going to help in the international brand appeal of the Golden Jaguars. We are hoping the result of that would be one where we can bring in more partners in terms of sponsors that can help because I’m sure everyone wants to be associated with a national team that is getting around the world, not only getting around but of course succeeding.”

Forde also revealed that the GFF is working on setting up another game against another Asian country. He stressed that the federation is aiming to go sub-100 in the FIFA International ranking within 12 months.

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he Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) is currently preparing for an invitational InterGuiana Under-20 Junior tournament for both male and females which is expected to run from November 3 to 5 in French Guiana.

Guyana along with Suriname and hosts French Guiana, will do battle in the three-day event which is hosted by the French Guiana Volleyball Federation (FGVF). According to coach Levi Nedd who will be accompanying the teams when they wing out on November 2, said training preparations have been productive.

The Volleyballers underwent a training session on Sunday at the National Gymnasium and according to Nedd, the teams will continue their training at the same venue on Saturday October 28 and Sunday 29 with aims of further fine-tuning the players for

the meet which he considers crucial for the blooding of a national team ahead of the 2018 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG).

Speaking on the current form of Guyana regarding its progress in the sport, the former national player turned coach said, “After just being victorious at the IGG, it is important for Guyana to gain another title, so the youth development of the sport could further be propagated.”

Coach Nedd also confirmed that a few notable faces will participate in the invitational while adding that he plans to focus more on the players gelling together ahead of the competition. “The notable faces will be most of those who participated in the recently held IGG in Suriname while some of the areas to be worked on will be to inject more team synchronization into the system,” he stated.

es. Supporting games will feature encounters from Everest Cricket Club versus Enmore Masters while Upper East Coast will do battle against Lower East Coast.

The first game will commence at 09:30h, with the finals being played under floodlights while entertainment will be provided by a popular music system, coupled with food and a drinks bar, games and raffles.

Admission to the ground is free and all funds will go towards the ECCCC’s cricket Programme and cricket tour to Trinidad and admission is free to the venue.

This event is sponsored by Rajin Auto Paint, Nexa Autocolor, R.Kissoon Construction Service, Motor Trend Auto Spares & Repairs, Radesh Furniture Est. D&E Tent Rental, Navindra Latchman, Cone Island, Banks DIH, SE Auto Sales & Auto spares, Cricket Zone USA and Young Takers Sound System.

The teams will come from: Enmore CCCC: Bheemraj Ramkelawan, Rudolph Singh, Gavin Moriah, Satesh Jainarine, Imran Hassan, Ranjeet Heeralall, Navindra Gobin, Chris Surat, Yuvraj Dyal, C. Mars, J. Persaud and C. Balgobin.

Helena Number One and Two: K. Seedyal, D. Singh, T. Singh, R. Ramkissoon, S. Sattaur, Q. Holder, G. Gopaul, N. Persaud, A. Ramsarran, J. Persaud and T. Seedyal.

Strathavon SC: Gobinraj Hemraj, Mohan Ronald, Richard Chatura, Ganesh Sugrim, Seechand Budhu, Zaki Salim, Qaiaram Hemraj, Kevin Latiff, Rovin Hemraj, Naresh Samaroo, Jermain Tyndall, Aditya Ramnarain and Chatterpaul Hemraj.

Everest Masters: Rajesh Singh, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Basil Persaud, Hemraj Garbarran, Saheen Mohamed, Imtiaz Sadik, Rohan Sarjoo, David Harper, Johnny Azeez, Rakesh Gangaram, Ronald Jaisingh, Satyendra Khemraj, Ramesh Narine and Anil Beharry.

Enmore Masters: Shameer Shahib, Anil Persaud, Chaitram Ramlall, Winston London, Ganeshram Diaram, Wystan Luke, Seemangal Yadram, Chatterpaul Singh, Bashur Khan, Vishwanauth Gobin, Deonarine Mangal, Latchman Yadram, Bheemraj Ramkelawan and Adrian Persaud.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

23

…as Jaguars begin title defence against Scorpions today

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uyana Jaguars and Jamaica Scorpions will open their campaign in the 2017/2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel 4-day tournament at the National Stadium, Providence today with a battle which is set to be extremely intriguing giving the focus will placed on the youth in both squads.

Jaguars have won the last six contests against the Scorpions in the CWI League era (2014-15 onwards) which should increase their level of confidence entering their opening match, but they may have to temper this excitement.

The hosts are without six players that have played key roles in their championship sweep over the last three seasons.

Ageless, veteran former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul misses the first game due to personal commitments; leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, left-handed opener Shimron Hetymer and left-arm, all-rounder Raymond Reifer are part of the Windies Test side in Zimbabwe; and lefthander Vishaul Singh and fast bowler Keon Joseph are on duty with Windies “A” against Sri Lanka.

Akshaya Persaud is the only uncapped player named in the Leon Johnson-led, 13-member squad, gaining the nod approval following his prolific scoring in the recently-concluded Jaguars Franchise League for West Demerara.

Other youthful prospects such as Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Bhaskar Yadram, Romario Shepherd will be required to rise to the occasion.

Johnson, Rajindra Chandrika and wicketkeeper/ batsman Anthony Bramble are expected to be at the heart of the batting, vice-captain Veerasammy Permaul

and fellow left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie will be the main bowling weapons.

On the opening match, Johnson said: “It’s good to start the season playing the Scorpions at the Guyana National Stadium, where we have had a good record over

test the depth of their talent.

The biggest blow is the loss to injury of veteran leftarm spinner and last season’s captain, Nikita Miller. He was the leading bowler overall in the Championship for the last two seasons and his wicket-taking ability, espe-

Taganarine Chanderpaul and Rajendra Chandrika are expected to partner at the top of the innings for Guyana

the last three seasons. It’s a new season and we have a number of inexperienced players, so we are not looking to get ahead of ourselves.”

On missing key players, he said: “The players in the squad with the experience will have to step up and do well, not only in this game, but throughout the competition, but I am looking at it in a positive way – this is an opportunity for the inexperienced players.

On the four-peat, Johnson said: “I can’t say. I can’t say.

We would love it to be four out of four. Every team has zero points entering the competition and it depends on how well you play in the competition. Ask me that question again at the halfway stage.

Like their opponents, the Scorpions have been set back with the absence of a number of couple of regular players which will also be a chance to

Sherfane Rutherford watches the ball closely during Wednesday’s net session

cially in tough or tight situations will be missed.

Big-hitting wicketkeeper/ batsman Chadwick Walton recently departed for the Bangladesh Premier League, while left-hander John Campbell, fellow batsman Andre McCarthy, as well as fast bowler rookie fast bowlers Reynard Leveridge and Oshane Thomas are part of Windies “A”. The Scorpions hope however, that Guyanaborn left-hander Assad Fudadin, a familiar face to the Jaguars, will help to add some backbone to their bat-

ting, and others like fellow Guyana-born opener Trevon Griffith, captain Paul Palmer and Brandon King can elevate their game to give more punch.

According to Palmer the mood in the camp is still great and they are confident they can execute their plans effectively.

The skipper also stated, “The team is in transition, we have to look to rebuild, since the likes of tammy [Tamar Lambert] have left and we now have to rebuild and become as strong as there were and maintain that consistency”.

Regarding the addition of Fudadin, Palmer sees him as a great asset since he will bringing a wealth of experience to the team and can play a mentoring role for the younger players as well.

However, the bowling lacks experience with Jason Dawes the only recognisable face, but others like Derval Green and Dennis Bulli have had some regional exposure in recent seasons.

Meanwhile, with respect to the pitch, both camps expressed an unknowingness with regarding how the surface will play given that it is a re-laid pitch. The general consensus was that it should be conducive for batting with spin becoming a major factor as the match progresses.

Jaguars Squad: (from) – Leon Johnson (captain), Anthony Adams, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Akshaya Persaud, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Bashkar Yadram Scorpions Squad (from) – Paul Palmer (captain), Fabian Allen, Dennis Bulli, Jason Dawes, Assad Fudadin, Garth Garvey, Derval Green, Trevon Griffith, Paul

Fudadin out to tame Jaguars at Providence

By Akeem Greene

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est batsman Assad Fudadin will walk out today at the National Stadium, Providence wearing a green cap but it will not be for his accustomed Guyana Jaguars, since he is now a member of the Jamaica Scorpions for the 2017/2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel 4-day tournament.

Fudadin a son of the soil, who has over 4,000 First-Class runs will be one of the main pillars in the Scorpions batting unit, a job he is ready to execute.

“We have a young team but cricket is played on the park with bat and ball. We have some good young players. I know I am the most experienced guy and will try to focus on what I can do to help the team and not put any pressure on myself.”

During his three matches last season, the Berbician cracked a vintage 125 against the Windward

Scoring big runs will be the ultimate goal of Assad Fudadin this season

Island Volcanoes and based on reports he was productive during the Scorpions’ trials.

It begs the question can he churn out a century against the Jaguars?

“Scoring a hundred would be very nice. In fact, scoring a hundred in any match would be great. I would like to score a hundred to-

day but I won’t be putting myself under pressure that I have to do it,” the 32 yearold humbly stated.

The likes of Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Anthony Adams produced a lethal spin trio which Fudadin will know quite too well.

“These guys [Permaul and Motie] have been steady

performers and we just have to play good cricket and watch the ball. Everyone is confident, we have our plans, everyone is focused on their job and if we can put together the stuff we spoke about I think we will do well.”

With three Tests under his belt an appetite for much more, the Rose Hall Town player revealed that his simply focused on his improving his cricket and doing well for his franchise.

“Nevertheless I am coming against Guyana for the first time but for me I am just focusing on getting my cricket better and to do well.

The way cricket is going now in the world. This is not to say this is a full Guyana suit or a full Jamaica suit, it is franchise cricket so players around the Caribbean can have the same opportunity that I have which Jamaica has given me,” the left handed batsman who has scored six First-Class centuries posited.

Coach Robert Samuels conducts slip catching with Captain Paul Palmer (left) and Trevon Griffith

Harrison, Brandon King, Romaine Morris, Damani Sewell, Keno Wallace.

Umpires: Nigel Duguid, Danesh Ramdhanie (Trinidad

& Tobago); Match Referee – Colin Stuart; Reserve Umpire – Nandkumar Shivsankar.

Match time is 09:30 hrs.

Admission is free.

Shepherd hungry for more success I

n just four First-class matches during the 2016/2017 Cricket West Indies (CWI) 4-day season, fast bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd showcased promising signs with both bat and ball for threetime defending champions Guyana Jaguars.

After making his debut at Sabina Park against the Jamaica Scorpions he finished the season with 11 wickets and also managed to score a half-century during his five innings.

The player is expected to be one of the main strike weapons with the new ball for his team when they play the Scorpions today at Providence.

“You have to plan well going into such a big tournament. Last year I did well and this year I hope to do even better”, the hard-working cricketer told Guyana Times Sport.

“This season we are looking to win again and that is everyone’s goal. From my side, every time I get the opportunity to represent Guyana I want to do it well,” he added.

In the recently concluded Jaguars’ Franchise 3-day league, he scored close to 230 runs inclusive of three half centuries and also had 15 wickets in four matches while playing for West Demerara.

On reflection, the 22 year-old felt it was a good outing since he is seeing some technical improvements to his trade.

“To the left handers I was a bit weak but with help from the coaches at the Academy who are working very hard with me, I have seen some improvements in the three-day league.”

The former national under-19 speedster who is seeking to model his career after menacing South African fast bowling Dale Steyn was ada-

mant that the learning curve of bowling on pitches outside of the Guyana has been tremendous and he hopes it can continue this season.

Quizzed on the improvement in his batting, he stated, “I have been placing a lot of emphasis on my batting because these days being a bowler alone might not get you into teams so giving yourself a chance with the bat helps the selectors and gives you an extra opportunity.”

The Berbician who spent his elementary years at the Tucber Park Cricket Club, has been hailed as one of more disciplined students of the sport in the country, and it will certainly be applicable since he is focused on improving his fitness given the rigours of his job.

(Akeem Greene)

Romario Shepherd

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Generation Next takes centre stage

Keemo Paul

…as Jaguars begin title defence against Scorpions today Pg 23 Focused! Romario Shepherd (left) and Akshaya Persaud are the new breed of cricketers who will be hoping to further enhance their reputation this season (Akeem Greene Photo)

Brandon King

Cornelia Ida celebrates Akshaya The old saying "It takes a community to raise a child" is appropriate as the village of Cornelia Ida, WCD celebrates the selection of their son of soil, Akshaya Persaud to the Guyana Jaguars team ahead of this year's CWI Regional 4-Day Championships. The common voice said "Let it be known that Akshaya is we (CI) own

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