Guyana times october 6, 2017

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, October 6, 2017

Issue No. 3353

PRICE

Granger probably not ‘fit and proper’ to select GECOM Chairman

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Several critical in Enmore accident P14

Page 5

...nominees more technically qualified than President, Ministers – Jagdeo

Puruni- P11 Itaballi road works underway …bridge repairs to commence soon

65-year-old US missionary remanded for trafficking P10 cocaine charge

This pretty young lady of Sophia Nursery School shows her thanks and appreciation to her teacher by giving her flowers for Teacher’s Appreciation Day on Thursday, October 5 (Carl Croker Photo)

Police Sergeant hacked to death, suspect hangs self

Soesdyke woman beaten unconscious Page 14

Page 2

Exxon makes another major oil find ...in new well offshore Guyana Page 7

Woman’s body found at Foulis foreshore P10 identified as Enmore resident

2 news

friDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police Sergeant hacked to death, suspect hangs self

By Andrew Carmichael

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murder-suicide at Union, typically referred to as Number 30 Village, on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-

Berbice) has left residents in a state of shock.

Woman Police Sergeant Kenisha Sheriff-Fraser, 39, was found in a pool of blood at her lot 370 Union Village, WCB home.

The alleged suspect has

been identified as Clayton Anthony, also called “Woody”, 42, a porkknocker who occupies the bottom flat of the said house. His body was found hanging from a tree at the village seashore.

Police in a release con-

firmed they are investigating a murder-suicide.

According to the release, the Sergeant’s body was discovered in a bedroom in the upper flat of her two-storied home with multiple chop wounds. A blood-stained

Dead: Murder suspect Clayton Anthony

cutlass, suspected to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene.

Deputy Commander Edmond Cooper said the investigators were responding to a report of a murder without the knowledge of who the victim was.

He said when the Police arrived, they discovered several chop wounds on the body of the deceased. “As the Police continued their investigation we tried to locate the perpetrator and at the back of Number 30 Village at the seaside, we

Killed: Woman Police Sergeant Kenisha Sheriff-Fraser

more.

A neighbour, Avril Carmichael, who discovered the body told Guyana Times that Sheriff-Fraser was making strange sounds prior to her going into the house.

The house where the murder took place

saw him hanging from a tree.”

Cooper noted that the investigation will continue. He referred to the Sergeant’s death as a tragic loss to the Guyana Police Force. “We will do all in our power to control the family at this point in time and the mother who happens to be a Lance Corporal, stationed at the Weldaad Police Station.”

When Sheriff-Fraser’s body was discovered, she was naked and there were chop wounds to the stomach, forehead, neck and arms.

Sheriff-Fraser, who is the Treasurer at the Bob Gilliard Church in the village, is said to have been preparing for church when she met her demise.

At the home, several of her colleagues were inconsolable as they tried to come to grip with the fact that the Sergeant who worked at the Registry Department at Central Police Station in New Amsterdam was no

She said it was her 29-year-old granddaughter who heard what is believed to be someone crying and alerted her. “I did not hear no quarreling. My granddaughter said she hear her screaming out like crying and all of a sudden the crying stopped so she tell me to go over,” Carmichael revealed.

At first she thought it was Sheriff-Fraser’s mother who is a Lance Corporal.

She said she called and got no answer and then attempted to push open the front door but it was locked.

“So I go around to the back and open the door and I call but no one answer. I went inside and turn the knob on the first bedroom door and it was locked and so I went to the next bedroom and push open the door and then I discover this gruesome sight lying on the floor….”

An alarm was then raised and several persons rushed into the building. turn to page 14

news

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friDAY, october 6, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 6 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, October 7 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

By Gary Eleazar

Friday, October 6 – 16:35h-18:05h and Saturday, October 7 – 05:15h-06:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers can be expected during the morning, while light rain showers can be expected in the afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to East South-easterly and North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 04:42h and 16:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.84 metres and 2.90 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:34h and 22:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.39 metre and 0.29 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOber 4, 2017

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Granger probably not ‘fit and proper’ to select GECOM Chairman ...nominees more technically qualified than President, Ministers – Jagdeo

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f it is that Head of State David Granger cannot – from a list of 18 persons – select one to head the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), then perhaps he is not a ‘fit and proper’ person, since many of the persons already identified are technically, even more competent than him and several of his Cabinet Ministers.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo made the scathing observation on Wednesday when he addressed members of the local media corps and expressed his dissatisfaction over the recent statements made by President Granger.

Despite expressing some level of optimism expressed

by Jagdeo over intimations

by Granger that he wanted to meet with the Opposition Leader following the written ruling issued by the Chief Justice, the Opposition Leader told reporters, “nobody said anything about the ruling interfering with his authority to appoint a fit and proper person.”

Jagdeo was adamant that the President has an obligation to not only respect but to apply the contents of the ruling in his decision to appoint a GECOM Chairman with regard the list submitted.

According to the Opposition Leader, “if our President cannot find from18 persons; 18 persons who are all professionals, who have some standing in society, who have demonstrated independent positions and actions, who are impartial, (if) he cannot find a single persons – most of them are more technically qualified than the President himself and most of his Ministers – can’t find a single of 18 fit and proper, then something is wrong not with those people anymore or the process; something is wrong with him, and maybe he is not fit and proper to make the selection.”

Jagdeo in criticising the positions adopted by the President questioned how

long the charade will be upheld in face of the High court ruling.

Responding to the publicised overtures, Jagdeo questioned “what does he want to meet with me to say again.”

He told media operatives that he is respectful of the Office of the President, and as such, will meet and given the deviation from previous communications regarding the rejection of previous lists, his fingers are crossed that this time around the meeting would be to inform him of a decision taken.

“Normally I am very respectful of the institution, the presidency,” as he indicated his willingness to attend the meeting despite the diversionary tactics being employed.

Jagdeo told reporters too that one of the President’s Ministers was overheard at the court declaring that the final decision on who will be appointed GECOM Chairman will be made at the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNC) Headquarters at Congress Place.

“Maybe it is that the President has no authority to make this decision that its dealt with elsewhere and so somebody needs to say to the President you have to address this issue seriously.”

Chief Justice Roxanne Wiltshire in her written ruling which was handed down recently had found that Granger’s case proved to be irrational, highlighting that while the Constitution states that nominees for the post should fall into the categories of Judge, former Judge or someone eligible to be a Judge, the first two categories are not compulsory.

Furthermore, she noted that the term “any other fit and proper person” allowed more space to select the six candidates, while highlighting that “there is no mandatory category.”

According to the Chief Justice, Granger should provide reasons for rejecting nominees presented by

President David Granger

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for the position of the GECOM Chairman in accordance with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution which refers to the need for communication and negotiation.

President Granger has already rejected two lists of 12 persons and is currently considering a third list, all of which had been supplied by the Opposition Leader following consultations with sections of civil society.

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

Gaskin, also the brother of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, had wanted the court to determine whether Jagdeo’s list of nominees was indeed not “fit and proper” as declared by President Granger.

Granger had repeatedly maintained that the list of nominees must include

a Judge, a retired Judge or a person qualified to be a Judge. On the other hand, Jagdeo has argued that the nominees do not have to be Judge-type as the Constitution makes provision for another group of persons under the category of “fit and proper”.

Jagdeo told reporters on Tuesday that the President was merely engaged in diversionary tactics when it was reported that he was ‘dead set’ on appointing a fit and proper person, saying “whoever claimed in this country that the ruling interfered with his authority to appoint a fit and proper person, definitely not the Chief Justice and I did not say that.”

Based on the ruling, the persons nominated by himself “do not have to be in any of these categories: Judges, former Judges or (eligible) to be appointed Judges”.

On the question of whether the President is required under the Constitution to supply reasons as to why the names have been rejected, the Chief Justice has indicated that “yes, he has to give reasons”.

Speaking to whether the President is obliged to select a person from the six names supplied, unless he has determined positively that the person is unacceptable as a fit and proper person to be appointed, again the Chief Justice ruled in the negative.

“So even if the President finds individuals who are unacceptable to the list, it does not render the entire list unacceptable,” the Opposition Leader had earlier indicated.

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friday, october 6, 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

Significance of Oct 5, 1992

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esterday, the 25th anniversary of the first free and fair general election in almost three decades, seemingly passed quietly almost unnoticed. That day, October 05, 1992, under the scrutiny of international observers, led by former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, a once unimaginable change in government was effected through a democratic process.

The significance of that day in the context of Guyana’s subsequent development must not be allowed to be diminished.

The end of an oppressive regime was realised on that day much to the delight of a wary nation and its beaten, but not broken people. Tears flowed out of joy and disbelief that the dream of that change had been turned into reality; that the almost three-decade long struggle for freedom had borne fruit. It was described as the rebirth of a nation with a new era dawned as shackles were disbanded. Not just the shackles on freedom and democracy were busted, but that on the nation’s invaluable asset; its potential.

With an unhindered mindset the rebuilding process began.

What followed that date is historic as the nation subsequently experienced unprecedented development. Gradually, but swiftly within the context of national bankruptcy, the social and physical infrastructures were rebuilt. New schools, new hospitals and other medical facilities, new roads and improved utility services rapidly unfolded through a new vision of transformation to positively impact lives. Seemingly, two tracks of this rebuilding process ran parallel but simultaneously; domestic and international.

As the local landscape was being transformed, international respectability was restored and the nation reclaimed its place within that community. Its voice was heard; so did the voices of Guyanese. It was liberated following the political change that that October 05 precipitated, so much so that public criticism of government became routine; reflective of a democracy. With a new found voice, a renewed mindset aided by the creation of enabling environments, poverty began to be reduced through job creation and eventually prosperity and self-empowerment were infused.

The have-nots got as exemplified by the realisation of another dream; owning a home. Something as fundamental as a self-owned abode, was beyond the reach of the masses prior to that historic October 05. With many eventually being able to access facilities, home ownership increased exponentially. That created vibrant economies across the country fuelling nationally to help create more resources for that unprecedented phase of development to be further fast-tracked and sustained. It exemplifies what freedom and empowerment can realise.

Guyanese from all strata of society were able to benefit as their once broken nation was being rebuilt. Redounding was an increase in life expectancy, higher literacy rates, the introduction of modern healthcare spread across the Regions, increase in personal wealth and accumulation of assets and modernisation through technological transformation.

Phones were no longer for the ‘appeared privileged’ and public transportation was no longer a burden in the context of availability of the requisite vehicles.

A plethora of media outfits were established, predominantly electronic, and sales for appliances boomed. No longer could information be withheld aided by the Internet, Guyana comfortably slipped into the global village as real-time communication was achieved within that transformative period. Those who lived through both eras, the 1964-1992 and post, would not only be in the best position to compare, but to best value what October 05, 1992 signifies.

Teenagers today have grown up in a society far more advanced than what their parents would have experienced. It is common knowledge that parents toil and make untold sacrifices to give their children a better life, but that can be rendered almost impossible in an era of oppression, shortages and despondency. Whilst there was more to be done, the enabling environments created as a result of October 05, 1992, allowed Guyanese to not only realise dreams, but to dream bigger.

As the transformation heightened, new grouses arose. With more disposable income, came more disposable garbage often with collection issues, halted at times for various reasons. The heavy influx of motor vehicles led to once unheard of traffic congestions. The rapid construction boom often led to shortage of some building materials especially cement, stone and steel.

The utility sectors were forced to expand to cater for crushing demands. The physical landscape made a country once labeled as backward, unrecognisable. That is the impact of October 05, 1992.

Every country has various dates of significance. For Guyana, May 26, 1966, was when the shackles of colonialism were unchained; February 23, 1970 heralded a Republic. What is significant of October 05, 1992? It returned freedom and dignity, restored respect and self-worth and made the unachievable achievable.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday received a courtesy call from reigning Miss World Guyana Vena Mookram, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. The stunning 18-year-old beauty queen outshone nine other contestants on June 25, 2017 to take home the crown. The Miss World Pageant will be held on November 18, 2017 at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China.

One recommendation for consideration in any new Constitution Dear Editor, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to be at the Pegasus Hotel two weeks ago where the University of Guyana had a panel discussion on the Constitution of our country. I believed that each panelist did a good job in their presentation. The moderator was excellent and was mindful of those of us who asked questions not to have a mini presentation.

I was given an opportunity to ask one question which I will paraphrase. “Is constitutional reform for the benefit of the leadership of the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] and the PNC [People’s National Congress], or is it for the benefit of the people of Guyana”? Without an opportunity for elaboration at the discussion, I would like to make such presentation here.

Our current Constitution was pre-empted by a referendum on July 10, 1978.

I remember this date as if it was yesterday. If you were to vote “yes” for the

new Constitution, the symbol was a house, and for a “no” vote, the symbol was a mouse. During the day of the referendum, there was literally no one in the streets.

You could have slept in the middle of the road and nothing would have disturbed you. All of the observers of that referendum reported that a very small percentage of voters went to the poll. I believe that the members of the Army, Police, national service and other military organisations made up the voting population of the day. Even the supporters of the PNC stayed away. When the results were announced, 419,936 “aliens” voted “yes” and 8956 persons voted “no”.

Our new Constitution came into being from a massive irregularity. The “official” Constitution came into effect on October 6, 1980. I remember the leadership of the PPP, including Dr Jagan and Moses Nagamootoo shouting from the rooftop that this Burnham Constitution must be op-

posed, and we must fight to replace this draconian Constitution. I said a simple prayer that God will give the PPP the opportunity to be in power so they can replace it. My prayer was answered 12 years later in October 1992. I told myself that Dr Jagan would immediately set the stage to rewrite our Constitution.

I waited, and waited, and waited. Nothing of substance happened, and as the saying goes – we get “Larwa”. Fast forward to 2015, I believed that the APNU/AFC coalition would have constitutional reform as a major priority. Again, we are getting more “Larwa”.

Our recent history at constitutional reform seems to suggest that any reform that is to be made in the Constitution must first be in the interest of, and the benefit of the leadership of the PPP and the PNC, hence my question to the panelist. The Guyanese people continue to be a “pawn” in the PPP and PNC games. Nothing of

substance will emerge with these two albatross in the equation. Do the Guyanese people understand why the PPP and PNC refused to change the articles that give the presidency to the party with the most votes and the List system still remains as solid as a rock? It is in the interest of the leadership of the PPP and the PNC, and that is what matters to them.

One of my recommendations for consideration in any new Constitution is as follows: Any political party that seeks to contest any elections in Guyana, shall have in its makeup of its leadership and members, a direct proportion of the ethnic composition of the population.

This must be independently confirmed by an independent elections commission before the party is allowed to contest any election.

Sincerely, Charles Sugrim

Region 2 RDC deeply concerned about alleged tampering of 2018 budget proposal Dear Editor, The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is deeply concerned about the alleged tampering of the budget proposal for 2018.

An examination of the proposed budget by the Regional Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, Councillors and other key stakeholders revealed a lack of key priorities identified and recommended at a key

stakeholders consultation held in August 2017.

Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Councillors – from both Government and the Opposition – have signed and dispatched a letter to the Communities Minister expressing their dissatisfaction, and called for an investigation.

The RDC strongly rejects those actions of excluding key decisions made at the consultation; a consultation

that engaged stakeholders to participate and offer priorities to positively impact and transform the lives of residents. Such actions are undemocratic and can reduce public confidence.

The Regional Chairman openly rejects the inclusion of $48 million for the purchase of two enclosed vehicles. One such vehicle was identified for the Regional Chairman himself; a decision he does not support

since there are numerous other priorities that are needed in a region where the economy is struggling.

The RDC will continue to make all dedicated efforts to foster transparency and accountability, in the best interest of its people.

Sincerely, Devanand Ramdatt Regional Chairman Region Two

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Guyana’s latest “construction company” at work?

Dear Editor, At first glance, these images might look like routine road works being done by construction workers, except that is quite far from the fact. Change was the key word and message purported by members of the current administration, but pictures tell a thousand words, none of which is “change”.

Dennis Street, a popular one-way road leading towards Sheriff street is well known by many as being dangerous with large sections eroded, leaving it uneven. Many a driver had their tires punctured or slashed and their rims bent while traversing on the street. Nevertheless, four Campbellville youths took it upon themselves to patch up this particular stretch of the road with the very basic of materials. They have been "working" there since the beginning of the week with

tools (pickaxe and buckets) they borrowed from patrons in the area. In addition, saltbags filled with boulders and stones of all sizes were solicited from a neighbor who had just finished some construction, the remains of which were utilized by the youths. They toiled in the blazing sun trying to fill up the huge depressions in the road with stones, brick by brick. At various intervals, the young men would try to get “donations” from cars as

they passed along the street, which in itself, served as a day’s pay for the work they had done . As a matter of fact, they were grateful for anything they would receive including bottles of water to quench their inevitable thirst. As for the road, it is in a far better state and safer than it was before. Vehicles can now pass through that section of road without much trouble, albeit temporarily. It only took the four young men of

no construction experience seven days to achieve this.

Now imagine the possibilities if they had the proper resources available to them.

When asked why they were doing it, they responded by saying they desperately needed the money and had no other alternatives.

This is just one scenario out of the many seen all over Guyana that follows the same direction with the young, willing and able finding it very difficult to locate

job opportunities. Hence, they have to use unconventional ways to makes ends meet, and sometimes the methods used aren’t always legal. This leaves a lot more questions than there are answers.

What happened to all the jobs that were promised to the youths? Why isn’t more attention being paid to the youths that are trying to be

productive? Why wasn’t the road repaired by the relevant authorities?

When will all the talk turn in to some action? The sand in the hourglass is falling and soon people will lose all confidence in the government they elected, if they haven’t already.

Yours truly Steven A Seepersaud

Chief Valuation Officer is responsible for property evaluation, not M&CC Dear Editor, I would like to know since when property evaluation is no longer under the purview of the Chief Valuation Officer of the Finance Ministry.

I have read with considerable interest, reports in the newspaper that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is moving towards reassessing the value of properties in and around Georgetown.

Town Clerk Royston King has been quoted as saying that this was one of the many measures the Council is undertaking to address its financial struggles. He is even quoted as saying that he is hoping that the reassessment of all properties in the city will happen by the end of the year.

My research has shown that the preparation of valuation lists for any area of Guyana was by virtue of Article 4 of Chapter 28:04 – the Valuation for Rating

Purposes Act is under the direct purview of the Chief Valuation Officer.

Has the City Council ever previously undertaken any such exercise?

Or is this another jaunt into the world of fantasy by the Town Clerk?

Surely if such an exercise is not conducted in accordance with our laws, it will be challenged in a court of law by any and all ratepayers, against whom these new rates shall be levied.

It would be ‘parking meter, part two’.

King told reporters that “the reason why the Council is bankrupt is because the money is in the bank accounts of persons who are defaulting on paying their rates”.

I will beg to differ on that, and to say that the reason why the Council is bankrupt is because the money is in the bank accounts of certain contractors who continue to be given contracts by City Hall

reportedly without adherence to tender and procurement procedures and in the bank accounts of the super salaried municipal officials; most of whom are relatives, friends and church associates of the big ones at City Hall.

Furthermore, if the Council is looking to erect a number of structures on Merriman Mall that will be rented to hairdressers, nail technicians, and barbers as claimed by King, then he should sell municipal bonds to raise those finances, and not use property taxes which should be for current expenditure.

But the question would be who is going to buy bonds from an agency as disreputable as the Georgetown City Council, and is going to be given the contract to build these structures, would they be designed like the horse stables constructed nearby.

How many years will it take for these hairdressers,

nail technicians and barbers to repay the Council and what ever happened

some will be smuggled into the European Union.

On May 29, 2017, one of the local daily newspapers reported that over 40 Haitians were left abandoned at the CJIA by human traffickers. Of these, 27 Haitian nationals, among them women and children were placed in protective custody. According to the report, “10 people, including Haitians, Surinamese and Guyanese, were arrested while on their way to the airport to pick up 12 children and 15 adults.”

In June, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said he raised the plight of the 27 Haitian detainees with Cabinet, but apparently these Haitians are still in protective custody. According to Minister

Greenidge, he has since reminded his fellow Ministers of Citizenship and Public Security to acquaint themselves with Guyana’s international obligations with regards to the treatment of migrants even as they work to resolve the matter.

“They’ve been encouraged by Cabinet to deal expeditiously with the matter before them and to go and look at the legislation and ensure that if the legislation needs to be modified or updated, it is modified and updated.”

Despite this, it is suspected that this human trafficking ring is still operational, and being aided by one or more high-ranking official in the Guyana Government, or the Guyana Police Force.

On the other hand,

Best regards, Sambu Jacobus

A developmental disability when a country cannot grow its population locally Dear Editor, President Granger was reported to have said that “Guyana’s vast landscape can serve as a ‘gift’ to Caribbean islands devastated by recent hurricanes”. But I ask why can’t this land better serve the world?

It is a developmental disability when a country cannot grow its population locally. So while the number of born Guyanese are growing globally, because of massive migration, the local population is stuck around 750,000 for decades now. This is an inhibitor for Guyana to progress.

On that note why not use Guyana’s intermediate savannah as the land

Haitian arrivals at CJIA must be investigated Dear Editor, There is a little known phenomenon that has been gaining the attention of concerned Guyanese returning home from trips abroad. For some time now, large numbers of Haitians, estimated between 50 and 60, have been arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and are met by what is believed to be an official of the Guyana Government.

I was informed that they are not processed through immigration like other passengers. They seem to be organised and well attended to. But the final destination of these Haitian arrivals is not Guyana. Word on the street is that they will be taken backtrack to Suriname and French Guiana, and from there,

to the plan for clean open spaces in our city?

there is also the belief that Haitians are brought here and smuggled out with new documents from the Guyana Government that can be used to facilitate fake voter-registration. Like everything else this Government does, this operation is shrouded in secrecy.

Are members of the Government engaged in human trafficking?

Or is Government preparing to pad the voter’s list with non-Guyanese?

These concerns must be investigated by those in the international community.

Yours truly, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

to better serve the world?

The UN has reported that millions of people are fleeing their homelands, not because they want to but because they have to; for example Syria, Myanmar (Burma), and Libya.

Why can’t our policymakers think out of the box and engage the UN to fund, relocate, house, provide tools of work and feed 200,000 people in Guyana from Syria, Burma, Libya, and the Caribbean (50,000 each) as international citizens who are temporarily resident in land that is currently being underutilised

by Guyana – I speak of the Intermediate Savannah, specifically around the former National Service Centre at Kimbia. Guyana can contribute the land and the seedlings from NARIE. The UN and the international donor community, on the other hand, will do the heavy lifting and will contribute the tractors, the agriculture tools, the irrigation system, the agricultural technicians, the fertilisers, the pesticide, the seed capital, the market for the products and every other thing that can make these people into productive world citizens.

Guyana can use the help of the Canadians who have mastered the art of screening refugees and selecting those with clean security records and with basic skills in agriculture. Also, attention will have to be paid to ensure there is gender balance to contribute to social progress in those resettlement areas. Some might say, why relocate

people to Guyana when we cannot even help our own?

The answer is, right now all that land lies in waste around Kimbia and all Guyana will be doing is providing a safe space for people who are homeless and for whom the UN and international donor community will be willing to financially support. This project will actually be cash positive for Guyana if it structures it competently.

I had the privilege of sharing this idea with David Milliband, the CEO of the International Rescue Committee, who was also a former Foreign Minister of the UK. On a side note, as a child I remember visiting the Guyana-Libya Agriculture Project in Berbice when the Libyan people provided much help to our country when it was bankrupt.

Shouldn’t we offer some of their people help now?

So I welcome the call

by President Granger but his call would have been so much more relevant and effective if it was a world call offering land to the UN to ease their administrative burden in resettling refugees rather than confining his call to the Caribbean.

After all, aren’t the people from Burma, Libya, and Syria from the right ethnicity in Mr Granger’s books of self-service to progress his anti-national divide and rule domestic political agenda?

Regards, Sase Singh

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friday, october 6, 2017

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Foundation

Parents’ Questions and Answers

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y young son has a cleft lip, and other children have been making fun of him. How can I help him handle the teasing?

– John Adults can help by letting all children know that teasing and making fun is never OK — that it is unkind, unfair, and hurtful.

Still, many children will experience occasional teasing, and it can be difficult for them to handle. Children with a cleft lip or other physical differences can be easy targets because the differences are so visible.

Children who get teased may need help knowing how to respond.

Encourage your son to tell you if he gets teased. Calmly listen and show him that you understand his feelings. Then talk together about some ways he can deal with it if it happens again.

For example, depending on the situation and your son's age, you may want to teach him to: Use a confident voice to tell the child who is making fun to stop.

Ignore or calmly walk away from

the teasing.

Avoid acting too upset by teasing (getting a big reaction can satisfy the teasers and make them likely to try again).

Think of a short phrase or joke to

say in response.

Walk away and find a friend to be near.

Tell a teacher or another adult.

Talk with your son about which of those ideas might work best for him and practice them by role-playing.

Remind your son not to tease back, fight, or say something hurtful in return, which can only make the situation worse.

You also can help him become more resilient by offering your support and encouraging activities and friendships that develop his strengths and confidence. When you're hearing about his day, be sure to focus on what he enjoyed and what went well, in addition to any difficult moments he faced.

Many schools now have programmes to deal with teasing and bullying and promote positive relationships between children.

Ask the school staff (a teacher, guidance counsellor, or principal) if your son's school has such a programme. If teasing tends to occur in specific settings (like at the bus stop or during recess), work with school personnel to make sure that an adult in charge responds to the situation when it happens. If teasing becomes an ongoing issue or if you notice sudden changes that concern you (like your son doesn't want to go to school, seems sad, or seems to have a hard time separating from you or family members), talk with a counselor or mental health professional for additional support.(Kidshealth.org)

By Rebecca Wolfenden

A

re your mornings chaotic and disorderly, despite your best efforts to keep a calm, orderly household?

I’m a mom and I know how frustrating and defeating it can feel when a hectic morning leads to you being late — again. If you’re constantly helping your child find his shoes, complete “forgotten” homework or get out of bed, remember this: If you are doing more for your child than he is doing for himself, he will not learn to perform tasks on his own.

So what can you do to help your child take responsibility and become more independent? As a 1-on1 Coach here at Empowering Parents, I recommend these three tips for establishing structure and routine in your home: Many parents are surprised to learn that the most effective time to discuss the morning routine with your child is in the afternoon or evening — not in the

morning! As described in “Our Morning Routine Isn’t Working” — 6 Ways to Fix It Now, it helps to talk with your child when you’re not in a stressful situation.

For some kids, having a visual reminder of their morning responsibilities can be useful for keeping them on track. Using a behaviour chart as an aide can also be incredibly helpful in reducing power struggles. For free templates, check out our Downloadable Behaviour Charts.

In my experience working with parents, daily routines go a long way for getting out the door in the morning!

“Remember, your child is the one who needs to work harder at getting to school on time or finishing their assignments on time.

You’ve been through this in your own childhood — you don’t need to do it all again.”

— Megan Devine, LCPC (Empoeringparents. com)

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7

friDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Exxon makes another major oil find

...in new well offshore Guyana

nounced it had struck oil in its Payara-1 well, targeting the same type of reservoirs as the well’s Liza counterpart.

The Stabroek Block

Exxon’s Stena Carron ship in Guyana’s waters

By Jarryl Bryan

E

xxonMobil has announced its fifth major oil find in Guyana’s waters, just 30 miles away from the Liza 1 well; a development that will further solidify Guyana’s potential as an oil producer.

The oil find, at what has been dubbed the Turbot-1 well, was announced

by Exxon on Thursday.

According to the giant oil company in a statement, the well reservoir is 75 feet deep. Exxon affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana has been drilling the Turbot well since August 2017.

The well itself is located in the south-eastern portion of the Stabroek Block. This puts it 30 miles south-east of the Liza phase one project. According to Exxon, the well was drilled to 18,445 feet or 5622 metres on September 29. With such promising results, Exxon announced another Turbot well is planned for 2018.

In a statement on the oil find, Exxon President Steve Greenlee affirmed that the well results demonstrated the “tremendous potential” in exploration offshore Guyana. He said that opportunities would continue to be evaluated.

The company also noted that drilling at the new well, named the Ranger=1 Well Site, will also commence from October 11.

This had first been revealed after a recent notice from the Guyana Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).

The Department had noted that there would be five vessels partaking in the operation which will be displaying the relevant international signal for oil exploration: the Stena Carron; the MV Cat Island, the MV Fast Titan, the MV Hannah Chouest and the HOS Commander.

The drill site, according to MARAD, is 160 nautical miles from Guyana’s coast and covers one square kilometre. The coordinates, the Department noted, are 08 degrees, 56.340’, 08 de-

grees, 56.340’, 08 degrees, 55.250’ and 08 degrees 55.250’ at Latitude North.

At Longitude West, the coordinates were 057 degrees, 18.680’, 057 degrees, 17.590’, 057 degrees, 17.590’ and 057 degrees, 18.680’. These are all in Zone 21.

Urging that ordinary vessels in the zone stay clear of the operations and the exploration vessels, MARAD had also encouraged vessels to navigate with caution when in the vicinity and to radio on VHF Ch. 16 or via the Georgetown Lighthouse.

Drilling

There has been a flurry of activities in the Stabroek Block, since ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil find in Guyana.

In May of that year, Exxon confirmed that more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs had been encountered at its Liza 1 exploration well.

In late June 2016, Exxon’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 5475 metres at 1692 metres water depth. Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Data from the Liza 2 well test is being assessed.

The company had announced that it made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana. Its partner, Hess Corporation, had noted that the Liza 3 exploratory well’s net value could be US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets.

Drilling on Payara began on November 12, 2016, with initial total depth reached on December 2, 2016. In January of this year, the oil giant had an-

is 6.6 million acres.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

8 NEWS

friDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Final witness testifies in Dennis Jones trial …accused of trafficking cocaine in Banko Wine

By Paula Gomes

A

s the voir dire (a hearing within a trial to determine the competency of a witness or the admissibility of evidence) in the alleged trafficker’s case concluded on Thursday, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan deemed competent, a handwriting analyst attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and pronounced as admissible any evidence that he offers before the court in relation to the matter at hand.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford prosecuted the matter, while defence was led by Attorney Eusi Anderson.

Amir Mohammed began his testimony by relating that on January 30, 2017, he came to receive from Joseph Innis, an envelope containing two statements signed by the accused, Dennis Jones, and another docu-

Accused drug trafficker, Dennis Jones

ment bearing the signature of above named accused.

The signatures were then examined, and the conclusion being that the general and personal features of the writings (signatures) appearing on the statements and the second mentioned document, were written by

one author.

Defence counsel sought to discredit this conclusion through a series of probing questions during the cross-examination process.

The accused accordingly agreed that the more specimens he saw, the more accurate the findings would be and vice versa. However, he did not agree with the submission that his professional opinion/finding in the case would be less accurate having access to only a few specimens.

Moreover, it was established that it was a part of regular procedure in his (the witness) line of work to seek the assistance of second parties. However, this was not done in relation to the Jones’ case, leading the defence to question if “special treatment” was meted out in the circumstances.

Responding to the defence’s contentions, Mohammed told the court that he did not find it neces-

sary to request more specimen or summon the eyes of other personnel (that which was usually done where the handwriting is more technical), as Jones’ writing was quite simple and straightforward, for a professional opinion to be formed.

Dennis Jones, 63, of Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was charged and remanded to prison in January of this year, for attempting to smuggle to Canada 10.618 kilograms of cocaine in custard/baking powder packages and Banko wine bottles, through the Guyana Post Office Corporation.

The accused was also in 2012 charged and convicted for trafficking in over 300 kilograms of cocaine to Niger in West Africa and served time in the Camp Street Prison. Moreover, Jones was deported from the United States after he was convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Repeat offender jailed for trafficking narcotics

O

n Wednesday morning, a 35-year-old Bourda Market vendor, Ras Paris, made his appearance before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in relation to a recent case of trafficking in cannabis, which allegedly occurred on October 3, 2017 at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The unrepresented accused who is also a resident of the North Ruimveldt community, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged he trafficked 448 grams of cannabis.

The State’s Prosecutor,

Remanded: Ras Paris

even though posing a strong objection to bail on the basis of the prevalence, se-

riousness and penalty attached, made no mention of the pending or previous matters the accused has/ had before the courts of Georgetown.

In April of this year, Paris was released on $200,000 bail for a charge of trafficking in two pounds of cannabis. However, it is unclear whether the trail is ongoing or he was acquitted of the charge.

According to Payne, the accused was busted red-handed by the Police with a black bag in his hand containing the suspected narcotic on the day in ques-

tion.

Nonetheless, Paris continues to maintain his innocence, claiming the narcotics were discovered in the upper flat of a building occupied by two other persons – present at the time of search – who were for reasons unknown “put away” by the Police, purporting to be mere scapegoats in the matter.

Owing to the incomplete status of the file, the matter was adjourned to be heard on October 25. Meanwhile, bail was refused and the accused was remanded to prison until the next hearing.

Teen on bail for armed robbery E ighteen-year-old Emanuel Stoll was arraigned before the court on Wednesday, following an allegation of armed robbery committed against Ayesha Adams, the Virtual Complainant (VC).

Corporal Bacchus took to the witness box before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to swear to the information which detailed that the accused on September 25, 2017, at the Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown,

while armed with a dangerous weapon, that is a knife, Stoll robbed the VC of a cellphone valued $62,000.

The remorseful teen disclosed to the court his inability to post bail in the

event that it is granted, but the presiding Magistrate exercised her discretion to grant bail at $25,000 notwithstanding the disclosure.

The accused is to return to court on October 25.

Alleged bike thief hauled before courts

J

ust a few days after he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, Lester Hopkinson was brought before the court of Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday morning, slapped with two charges of larceny.

It is alleged that the de-

fendant between September 25, 2017 and September 26, 2017 at Kitty, Georgetown, while in the company of another, stole one motorcycle valued $350,000, property of Virtual Complainant (VC) Alanzo Warner.

The Police are further alleging that Hopkinson stole another motorcycle valued at $180,000, proper-

ty of Compton Grimes, on August 13, 2017 at Kitty, Georgetown.

The defendant told the court that he was oblivious of the charges pressed against him by the State.

Bail was set in the sum of $80,000 on each charge and Hopkinson was ordered to return to court on October 25, 2017.

As Hopkinson pleaded for a reduction of bail, Magistrate Azore assured that if by the stipulated date the prosecution’s file was still incomplete, a bail reduction would be considered.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne led the prosecution’ case.

How quickly…

Y

…they forget Oct 5 our Eyewitness deliberately played possum on October 5 to see what was going to be the coverage of probably the most important postindependence date – when democracy was returned to Guyana. And what a disappointment it was…there was nothing…nada…nil…in each of the dailies – excepting this one!!

Exactly what’s going on? Are memories so short?

After all, we’re told the life expectancy in our dear land of Guyana is now 66+ years – up from 60 where it was stuck during the PNC 28 years! So there has to be scads of folks who remember the days (and nights) of the Burnhamite dictatorship and celebrated on October 5, 1992. Or is it, they’ve all repressed the memories because they were so painful?

What your Eyewitness thinks is there’s a whole lotta folks out there who’re very embarrassed about how they removed the PPP in 2015 and are now staring into the abyss of a return to the days of the PNC dictatorship.

Their perfidy weighs too heavily on their consciences!!

Now the PPP weren’t angels…but then, there was that founding member of democratic government who said if men were angels, we wouldn’t need governments!

But whatever their faults and foibles, they did move Guyana ahead by every metric that’s used to measure these things, didn’t they? How do we count the improvements? There’s that rise in life expectancy mentioned above. Have people forgotten things were so bad under the PNC, we had to’ve been the drabbest country on planet Earth, since we couldn’t even afford to import paint!

Jagdeo did persuade the world to write off the PNC’s US$2.1 billion debt that was a millstone on our national neck. We did move from Highly Indebted Poor Country to High Middle Income Country. The poverty levels dipped most significantly from the 43 per cent in 1992. Healthwise, have folks really forgotten rats were gnawing the toes of newborn babies at GHPC before 1992?

But it’s more than passing strange the PPP also didn’t toot their horns louder. After all, if we go by the revisionist accounts flooding the country from the Stateowned media and their handmaiden, you’d actually believe the PPP left the country in a worse shape that they found it in 1992!! The PPP should not allow the Goebbels’ doctrine employed by the PNC (“Tell a lie often enough and pretty soon everyone will believe it’s the truth.”) to corrupt the memory of our youths who may not have lived through the PNC years.

The old saw – those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them – like all “old saws” have a solid kernel of truth.

October 5 must not be forgotten!!

…they forget the border controversy Lincoln Lewis was given a column in the Chronic to vent his spleen. Maybe it’s because he has so many interests – ranging from feudal landownership to African-Guyanese pension funds and the Guyana Constitution – he can write about.

Last week, he exposed yet another facet of his polymathic abilities. He announced he wasn’t pleased the Government was pushing for the border controversy to be taken to the World Court. He wants some clarification. Well, does he read the Chronic?

There it was, our Foreign Minister Greenidge had answered his question: “That is a controversy over a status of an award, it is not about whether the border should be here or there. The 1966 Agreement only said that these two countries will talk with a view to settling, and if they don’t talk, and don’t settle, we will go to an option on the UN menu from Article 33 of the UN Treaty.”

Time for talk is over!! Remove the Sword of the Bolivarians!! …they forget the “toothless poodle” It used to be the GECOM Chair had to be a Judge. It was expanded to include other “fit and proper persons”, because the last Judge-Chair was a “toothless poodle” who allowed blatant rigging.

That’s why we’re back to “Judge only”?

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

News

9

friDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

‘Special Unit’ to sell off GuySuCo “a vehicle for corruption” – Opposition Leader

T

he special purpose company that was set up by the Administration in order to sell off assets belonging to the beleaguered Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is nothing but a vehicle for corruption that completely bypasses the established privatisation procedures.

The damning allegation was laid out on Tuesday when Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference held at his Church Street Office, berated the move on the part of the Administration to create a special outfit to bypass established procedures for the sale of State assets.

According to Jagdeo, with the Government’s establishment of a special purpose company, transactions will no longer be dealt with by a board that “involves the Private Sector, the labour movement and consumer affairs anymore, it will go from a unit directly to a couple of Ministers...Deals will be made there with no valuation of the assets and one day we wake up and all of it is gone.”

Guyana Times reported on Wednesday last that the Special Purpose Unit that has been set up under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has begun the process of selling off GuySuCo’s assets, including a number of estates.

Under the ‘Sugar Industry Privatisation and Diversification’ plan, the outfit is currently soliciting proposals from companies or persons either individually or as part of a joint venture or consortium “with an interest in the privatisation and/or diversification of Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and East Demerara ‘Enmore’ factories”.

The request for letters of interest by the Special Purpose Unit is identified as the first step in the process of finding and shortlisting buyers or investors.

The entity has noted too that in order to increase transparency, it is partnering with a suitably qualified international financial services firm “to provide technical and financial advisory support in the process leading to a successful privatisation and diversification of the sugar industry”.

According to the Opposition Leader, he observed that the special purpose company was moving ahead with sale of the assets and drew reference to the special purpose company that was established to construct the $1.4 billion D’Urban Park project

– a project for which the Auditor General is now unable to find its records.

He recalled that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office, there was a conscious decision taken to revamp the privatisation process at the time.

The former President noted that in the privatisation white paper that was prepared and taken to the National Assembly, “we created a structure for privatisation of State assets”.

“In the past, you had several entities doing it (privatising State assets) – Public Corporation Secretariat, the Office of the President privatised some rice mills in Cane Grove, the Ministry of Finance was doing some, State Planning Secretariat was doing the telecoms privatisation, all was being done at different places,” the Opposition Leader said, speaking to the privatisation embarked on by the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government.

Jagdeo told reporters that the PPP/C Administration decided and presented publicly in its white paper the structure, including a technical unit along, with its procedures to be adhered to.

He was speaking to the formation of the Privatisation Unit, later merged with NICIL in Barrack Street, Kingston.

It was pointed out that the Privatisation Unit’s Board was made up of three

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Government Ministers, a representative from the Private Sector, another from labour (unions) and another from the consumer bodies.

According to Jagdeo, it is this group of persons which would ultimately make recommendations to the Cabinet Council of Ministers – chaired by the President.

Turning his attention to the special purpose company established to deal with the sale and the diversification of the assets of GuySuCo, Jagdeo opined that established structures and procedures were being circumvented.

“Like they did for the D’Urban Park $1.4 billion fiasco that the Auditor General can’t find the records for that special purpose company, so we now can’t audit the spendings there,” he quipped.

The former President cautioned again that by establishing another such special purpose company “for doing privatisation, you don’t have to follow the established procedures”.

Expanding on fears over the company created to sell off the GuySuCo factories and land, the former President said: “They are moving to sell without valuation of the assets, so how do you know if you are getting a good deal?”

Confronted on the monies that have already been allocated – voted and approved by both Government and Opposition, Jagdeo told reporters that while this was the case, the Opposition was unaware as to what, if any, company or services has been contracted to do the evaluation of the assets before any sale.

At the time of announcing the creation of the Special Unit, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had indicated that some $60 million had been set aside to hire an accounting firm in order to lead the divestment process, including updated valuations of the assets.

The Opposition Leader used the opportunity to draw reference too, to Privatisation in Tables, which was prepared by then Executive Secretary and Head of the Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington, which had documented each sale of a State asset undertaken by the PPP/C Administration since taking office up until 2011.

“A document was published, prepared by

Brassington showing every privatisation under the PPP between 1992 and 2011, every single privatisation, every single one of them,” the former President remarked, pointing to a track record under the previous Administration.

The former President reiterated the special purpose company was a “vehicle for corruption, they don’t have to follow any procedures, established procedures”.

As part of the ongoing divestment of the assets belonging to the beleaguered GuySuCo, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, recently announced that Colvin Keith-London has been appointed head of the Special Purpose Unit.

According to Harmon, Keith-London will be based at the Kingston headquarters of NICIL. The Unit was first announced by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder when, in recent months, he presented to the National Assembly a policy paper on the future of the sugar industry.

10 news

FRiDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

65-year-old US missionary remanded for trafficking cocaine charge

S

ixty-five-year-old Alan Murdoc was allegedly busted with 1.5 grams of cocaine by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) when they swooped down on a “known yard” on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Pike

Street, Kitty.

This is according to Police Prosecutor Simone Payne, who made the allegation when the defendant first appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Payne,

when the police arrived on the scene, the defendant who was seated on a bench was searched and the cocaine was found in his possession, concealed in a Krazy Glue container.

He was cautioned, taken into lawful custody and

charged with the offence.

Murdoc, who has a hearing impairment, could not at first instance hear the charge read by the Magistrate, and was asked to step forward to facilitate better communication.

The defendant, who was not represented by any legal counsel, nonetheless, denied the allegation by saying that he was a Christian and did not engage in such activities, further claiming that he signed several documents under duress.

He, however, uttered to the court a similar version of facts as relayed by the prosecution, most of it inaudible and ambiguous, leaving the court in a state of confusion.

Remanded: Alan Murdoc

As such, the Magistrate postponed the case to Thursday allowing Murdoc the opportunity to regain his composure.

When Murdoc re-

turned before the court on Thursday afternoon, he entered a clear not-guilty plea after the Magistrate informed him of the mandatory three-year sentence attached to the felony, before re-reading the charge to him.

The shackled elderly man, in apparent pain, stumbled around the courtroom with what appeared to be a bible in his hands. He made an application for bail to be granted.

Bail was, however, denied by Magistrate Azore, who also informed Murdoc that he could have a lawyer apply to the High Court for same.

Murdoc returns to court on October 25, 2017.

Woman’s body found at Foulis foreshore identified as Enmore resident

M

ore than one week after the discovery of the body of an unidentified woman at Foulis Foreshore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), it was positively identified as that of a domestic worker of Enmore, ECD. The body was reportedly identified as Indroutie “Indra” Dass of Logwood, Enmore. At the time of the discovery, the woman’s blouse was pulled to her chest and her pants and undergarment were below her knees, leading investigators to believe that she was sexually assaulted.

There was also a yellow metal chain wrapped around the woman’s neck. In addition, a pair of slippers and a hammock were found near the body. It was lying face up and the arm had sustained a

Dead domestic worker, Indroutie “Indra” Dass

gaping wound. The body was discovered by a man who had gone to the foreshore to dispose of garbage.

Loretta Narine, the cousin who identified the body, told Guyana Times that the woman went missing 10 days ago after she left home for

work. She reportedly worked in the area for several people.

However, after days passed and Dass did not return home, Narine went to the woman’s house, which she shared with her common-law husband to enquire.

While there, the woman claimed that Dass’s partner said he had not seen the woman, but he failed to lodge a missing person’s report at the police station.

Nevertheless, after days passed and Dass did not show up at the home of a businessman – one of the persons who employed her – he and his wife went to the now dead woman’s house to enquire why she had not turned up to work but it was at that time, the couple learnt of the woman’s disappearance.

The cousin noted that she recalled listening to the news about a woman’s body being found. “I remember, but after they say that the woman was ‘dougla’, we didn’t pay much attention, but after we search all ova for Indra, we decided to go to the police station”.

Narine explained that on Wednesday she took the woman’s identification card to the Cove and John Police Station where they related their story. They were accompanied to the mortuary where they positively identified her cousin’s body.

The woman further stated that after they made the report, the reputed husband and another man were taken into custody to be questioned in connection with the woman’s disappearance and subsequent death. They were, nevertheless, released from custody.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed today. The woman leaves to mourn her six children – two of whom are minors who are presently being cared for by an aunt.

Investigations into the woman’s death are ongoing.

news

S RAIGHT

Puruni-Itaballi road works underway …bridge repairs to commence soon and vehicular traffic, the road has deteriorated further over that period.

The rehabilitation of eight bridges in the Puruni-Itaballi area was awarded to the GGMC and JR Construction for the sum of $49 million. According to JR Construction Engineer Ryan Ramsingh, works are to commence on eight bridges from October 7.

Ramsingh disclosed that the works should be completed in three weeks, since the project involved “remedial works, not full construction; just repair works along the erosion of the road”.

He explained that owing to the condition of the black water bridge, the team would start there, and continue along the way. He noted that only if there was inclement weather would the rehabilitation of bridges be obstructed.

Minister Broomes said she in-

What is downstream?

D

ownstream is the processing and selling of refined products in the oil and gas business. These products just do not include gasoline and diesel, but a whole gamut of products as outlined

below.

The “super majors” like ExxonMobil are involved in many elements of these processes as joint venture partners in hundreds of moneyspinning projects. This is where the real money in the industry resides and this is the true value-added portion of the value chain. Guyana is not in control of any part of this value chain in this Exxon deal; this is all Exxon.

So while we are debating over the peanuts of whether Guyana will earn US$400,000 or US$800,000 per day in the upstream sector, Exxon will be making multiples of that in the downstream sector. This deal was stacked against the ordinary man from day one and thus the entire project should have been more competently leveraged to the point where Guyana should have sought minority shareholding for the local content element for the entire value stream (downstream, midstream and upstream). This was done before for other countries, so why can’t it be done for Guyana?

Singapore is described as the “undisputed oil hubs of Asia” but guess what? They have no crude oil! Yet they collectively employ some 40,000 people and generate some US$40 billion worth of petroleum business for their country because they have an “attitude of mind” to make their country relevant in the business world.

Key downstream business sectors include: * Advance oil refining * Petrochemical manufacturing * Wholesale and retailing to end-users Drilling down, many of the downstream products are not conventionally associated with crude oil such as body products, pesticide, synthetic fibres such as nylon, synthetic rubber, pharmaceuticals, plastics, fertilisers and hundreds of other products.

But without crude oil, they would not exist.

The diagram below gives you a broad outline of the characteristics of the downstream sector.

> It is a Margin Business – Margin in the downstream business is the difference between the selling price of the value-added products and the purchase price the refinery pays for the crude. Although the price of crude sets the absolute level of the different product prices it is not the only driver in setting the margins on what the market will pay for products in the downstream side of the business. Downstream margins tend to be squeezed when crude price increases but the more high end the process, the less reliant is the sale price on the crude oil price. > It is a Very Complexed Business – the downstream segment requires much high-level science to be successful. Although Singapore does not produce one drop of crude oil, it used its advance education system and easy access to capital to play a major part in the higher value end of this “hydrocarbon value chain”. Singapore exports some US$40 billion of refined oil-related products by buying crude oil cheaply and using their local talent and capital to turn that raw product into refined products that the world demands. > Global Perspective – The energy supply chain is global and those who are sellers into that chain have a greater advantage in the global market than those who are buying from the supply chain. That is why oil-producing countries that manage a greater portion of the oil business value chain are expected to leverage great value for their shareholders. Guyana must demand a greater say in this value chain and should not just be an idle bystander to the process. > The final piece of this column today is an understanding of the drivers of the end-user consumption patterns. At the end of the day, the end users are the people who provide the ultimate value for oil and gas products. Globally, the most widely known crude oil product is gasoline. The countries that export crude oil do not control the real dollars but those that exports the refined products like gasoline have a much larger command of the real dollars. In 2016, the United States imported 10 million bpd of crude oil and exported five million bpd of refined petroleum products. This statistics tell you clearly why the USA, Holland, Russia, Singapore and India will remain dominant in this business for a long time – they dominate the right end of the business, the refined products.

That is why it is so critically important that an oil refinery be built.

From every barrel of crude produced, there is US$6 of pure profit for each barrel refined and I am only referring to the process to gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and heavy oil products such as bitumen. Can you imagine if that process can be further advanced to fertiliser, pesticides, plastics and so on? We are talking about tens of millions of US dollars perPlease day. share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

11

friDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The black water bridge

F

ollowing a ‘first-hand’ assessment of the road works along the Puruni-Itaballi trail in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes has promised to engage agencies and the Natural Resources Ministry on the possibility of fast-tracking the process.

The Minister stated that the “miners’ concerns are a priority”. As a result, the visit was made to ensure works are being done, and how the process could be improved.

According to the Department of Public Information, Minister Broomes led a team of engineers from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); JR Construction Services and Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC). She explained that the Public Infrastructure Ministry collaborated with the Natural Resources Ministry to aid in the construction of the road since Itaballi is considered the gateway to the interior.

The contract for works on the trail was awarded to the GGMC and MMC for $89 million. Repairs to the trail began some three weeks ago starting from Pappishou leading out to Puruni Landing; the next phase will then lead from Puruni to Itaballi.

MMC Operational Manager Kevin Ramotar explained that the team has been working on the road from Pappishou to Puruni, fixing criti-

The Pappishou-Puruni trail

cal points. He said the decision was made to proceed ‘in-and-come-out’ because the equipment was already in Pappishou, and owing to the deteriorating state of the bridges, the company was hesitant to bring in heavy-duty equipment. Ramotar also noted that the company has considered having two teams working at different points, so as to fast-track works.

The Operations Manager also pointed out that a submission was made to the GGMC for an additional $12 million, since the evaluation was done in March. However, works commenced in September, and owing to the weather

tended to consult with the Public Infrastructure Ministry on banning ‘big tankers’ from traversing the roads.

She pointed to the fact that even when the roads were fixed, harsh weather combined with heavy tankers contribute to the fast degradation of the roads.

The Minister also called on residents to be more responsible and ‘hold drivers accountable’ for their reckless driving on the said roadways.

The linking of the hinterland to the coastland has been part of the Administration’s vision of a more inclusive Guyana.

Non-resident Guyanese being courted to be Chancellor

P

resident David Granger said a candidate for the position of Chancellor of the Judiciary has been identified and written to, and he was awaiting a response from the candidate indicating his interest or lack thereof in the post.

Following the response, if positive, Granger stated that he would be meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to decide the way forward.

Granger, on Wednesday, said that the person was a non-resident Guyanese.

He noted that the decision to have a non-resident Guyanese for the post came out of a recommen-

dation he made to former President Donald Ramotar while he was Leader of the Opposition.

“When I was in Opposition, failing to reach an agreement on the nominees we have had, I had proposed that we search in the Anglophone Caribbean for a candidate and that search has been completed and some recommendations have been made,” he informed.

“I have written to the person who was recommended, a person of Guyanese descent, and once that is done, I think I will seek a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with the Constitution,” the

President said.

A panel comprising former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh; Justice James Patterson and Professor Harold Lutchman selected the nominee and made the recommendation to the President. Granger also added that the same applied for the nominee for the substantive post of Chief Justice.

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards currently serves as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, while Justice Roxane George is the acting Chief Justice.

Cummings-Edwards also served as acting Chief Justice, following the re-

tirement of Justice Ian Chang, and was appointed acting Chancellor in March after Justice Carl Singh demitted office on February 23, 2017. Justice George then replaced her as acting Chief Justice.

According to Article 127 of the Constitution of Guyana, “the Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

In January, the Government had advertised for suitably qualified persons to fill the vacancies of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice.

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friday, october 6, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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s Guyanese prepare to usher in the ‘Festival of Lights’ on Thursday, October 19, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in keeping with its more than 40year tradition, will be hosting motorcades and cultural programmes across the country.

The Diwali motorcade has become a landmark event on Guyana’s cultural calendar, attracting tens of thousands of Guyanese along the routes and at the various locations. It is also a beautiful demonstration of Guyanese creativity with the designs and depictions of the floats,

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being more spectacular each year.

On Friday, October 13, the East Bank Demerara Praant motorcade will be held at the Diamond Market Tarmac; while on Saturday, October 14, the West Berbice Praant motorcade will be held at the Bath Community Centre Ground.

Three motorcades will be held on Sunday, October 15, at Canje Ground, East Berbice; Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, Central Corentyne; and Tagore High School, Upper Corentyne.

Thereafter, the Essequibo Praant will host its motorcade on

s Guyanese prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights, plans are moving apace for the lighting of the National Diya, which symbolises the commencement of the sacred festival. This is the third year the National Diya is being lit at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown.

The event is organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, also called the Hindus for Selfless Service, and it set for Sunday, October 15. The evening will see a huge Diya being paced on an elevated platform and will be illuminated during the evening.

At the special ceremony planned

Monday, October 16, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground and on Tuesday, October 17, the West Coast Demerara Praant motorcade is fixed for the Oceanview Mandir Compound.

However, the final and largest motorcade will be held on the eve of Diwali – Wednesday October 18. The beautifully decorated floats depicting various aspects of the festival will leave Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville, Georgetown, and make their way along Sandy Babb Street and the Seawall road to the La Bonne Intention Community Centre

to mark the occasion, Hindus priests and other officials from the Government, the diplomatic corps, the Opposition and members of various organisations are expected to congregate for an evening of music and reflection.

Apart from the messages of peace and harmony by top officials of the organisation, there will be dances and skits to portray the significance of the national holiday.

In addition, members of the Caribbean Hotshot Band will perform live. Sound will be provided by the Sniper Sound System.

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Ground, East Coast Demerara, where there will be a spectacular stage programme.

In addition to the Dharmic Nritya Sangh and top Guyanese singers, the super talented BEN PARAG of DIL HAI HINDUSTANI will also be performing.

He performed for the Sabha’s Indian arrival concerts at the Dharmic Kendra and in Berbice in May this year and was very much enjoyed by all who attended. A natural entertainer with an amazing voice, his repertoire of songs vary from new and old Bollywood favourites to bhajans, classical melodies

ver the past two years, the Karma Band out of Trinidad has headlined the Pepsi Super Concert in Berbice, but this time around, former International Chutney monarch, KI, will be the headlining act at the concert billed for October 28.

The event is expected to be epic and the beverage company is expecting a large turnout. Apart from KI; “Guyanese Baboo”, Terry Gajraj; Omardath Maraj; Rasika Dindial; Neval Chaitlal; and Savita Singh are expected to perform at the event.

The emcee for the show is

and Caribbean favourites.

Admission to all motorcades is free and as usual, no alcohol will be allowed. Meanwhile, following the motorcades, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 19.

In addition to the motorcades, the Sabha will also be hosting inter school rangoli competitions in all of its Praants which will see participation by hundreds of primary, secondary and university students.

The Mahila Mandalee’s annual Diwali celebration for children will be held at the Dharmic Kendra on Sunday, October 22.

Guyana’s most popular television personality, Joel Gansham, who is known for his glitz and glamour.

However, this event is not ticketed.

The beverage company will soon launch a promotion that will see persons winning invitations to attend the event. Once customers purchase a case of 1 litre or 2 litre Pepsi, they will be entitled to an invitation.

The invitations are limited, and as such, persons are urged to take full advantage of the promotion as soon as it commences. The beverage company will soon release the date for the commencement of the promotion.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, october 6, 2017

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he 12 delegates competing in the “I’m A Big Deal” pageant were on Saturday evening last sashed at a simple ceremony at the Albion Community Centre Ground. The delegates were officially introduced to the public as the delegates vying for the inaugural title.

The pageant is set for November 18 at the Albion Sports Complex.

is an English major at the University of Guyana. This New Amsterdam resident loves graffiti, painting, volunteering, reading, and researching. This beautiful 30-yearold’s platform is focused on violence against women.

Delegate # 4

is 18 years old and resides in the vibrant town of Rose Hall. This young, exuberant aspiring entrepreneur is currently pursuing a Diploma in Public Management at the University Guyana, Tain Campus. She is described as a graceful dancer, an avid reader and a competitive lover of sports. Her platform is suicide awareness and prevention.

Delegate # 12

is described as a trustworthy, honest individual with a pleasant personality. She hails from Williamsburg Corentyne, Berbice. She attended the Corentyne Comprehensive High School and enjoys reading, listening to music and interacting with new faces.

Her dream is to become a teacher.

Nineteen-year-old Kelisha Ramotar currently resides in Rose Hall.

This meticulous highly dedicated and passionate individual takes pride in her commitment to excellence and professionalism.

She enjoys entertaining herself and others by dancing reading, modelling, and acting.

She is a former student of Corentyne Comprehensive High and hopes to become a registered nurse. Her platform is domestic violence.

Delegate # 8

Delegate # 2

Delegate # 3 20, is a resident of Rose Hall. She is currently working but her dream is to become a registered nurse.

Her hobbies are cooking and meeting new people. Her platform is peer pressure.

is an ambitious, smart and talented young lady who is a teacher at the Business School in New Amsterdam. This 17-year-old New Amsterdam beauty enjoys singing and swimming.

She is an aspiring Obstetrician. Her platform is building focus on women's self-esteem.

Delegate # 7

Delegate # 6 Seventeen-year-old Natasha Pantlitz is a student of the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre. Her hobbies are reading, singing, dancing and meeting new friends.

She is also an exceptional athlete. She hopes to become an immigration officer. Natasha resides at Princetown, Corriverton.

is an 18-year-old resident of Blairmont, West Bank Berbice.

She is a first-year fulltime student at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, pursuing an Associate's Degree in Social Work.

Her dream is to become a lawyer.

Dalloo enjoys reading, dancing, and sports.

Her platform is youth development and empowerment.

Delegate # 11

is a 23-year-old talented, respectful and articulate young lady. She is an aspiring executive director, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management at the University of Guyana.

She hails from the peaceful town of New Amsterdam. Her platform is focused on child abuse.

a passionate, charismatic, hardworking, team player. This 20-yearold Bloomfield Village resident is a first-year full-time student at the University of Guyana (Tain Campus) reading for an associate’s degree.

She is a former student of the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary and her platform is mental health awareness.

Henry is a youth ambassador attached to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

Delegate # 10

Delegate # 9

is a 17-year-old proud resident of Rose Hall. She is a first-year student at the University of Guyana pursuing an Associate's Degree in Social Work. Her platform is based on global warming.

is a 22-year-old resident of Limlair Village, Corentyne Berbice. She is a former student of J C Chandisingh Secondary and is a youth volunteer.

Her hobbies include reading, writing, volunteering, travelling and meeting new people. This vibrant, intelligent and ambitious young woman currently works as a Librarian.

Her platform for the pageant is society's influence on women.

Delegate # 5

Delegate # 1

Meet the delegates

14 news

friDAY, october 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Several seriously injured Soesdyke woman beaten unconscious in Enmore accident

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hirty-year-old mother of three, Savita Persaud is now clinging to life following a beating which left her unconscious, reportedly at the hands of her reputed husband, Naresh Dass.

Guyana Times understands that the altercation took place at the couple’s Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara home and Persaud’s relatives are calling for the relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the matter.

The injured woman’s sister, Sally Persaud, explained that on Saturday last, the 30-year-old left with her three daughters and her reputed husband’s sister to visit the creek. Dass’ sister is on vacation from Trinidad.

Reports are that the accused became enraged, and upon his sister’s return, reportedly threw her suitcase and other belongings out of his house. Guyana Times was informed that the brother and sister argued for a short while before the still fuming Dass proceeded to the upper flat of the home to throw out his wife’s belongings.

“He then rushed upstairs to throw Savita's belongings outside [but] she followed him to stop him. As she was going up the stairs, he grab her by the neck, lift her up and throw her down on the concrete,” Persaud’s sister said.

This publication was told that the mother of three was unconscious for some time and was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre by her sister-in-law. However, when the doctors reportedly enquired as to how Persaud was injured, her husband’s sister allegedly told the medical officials that she [Persaud] was involved in an accident.

“They [Doctors] took some blood test and sent her home.

His [Dass’] sister then got her some medicine from the pharmacy that has ibuprofen in it so that she can sleep it off.

His sister told me that she has to sleep it off then she'll be okay,” Sally Persaud explained on Thursday.

Shortly after returning home, the injured woman’s other siblings reportedly attempted to take her away to be treated at another medical facility. However, Dass

attempted to stop them, but this proved futile.

“My sister was taken to Best Hospital [West Demerara Regional Hospital]… The doctors have examined her and put on her record that she needs an MRI and that she has ‘Spine damage’. She's currently in the hospital waiting for an answer from the doctors as to the extent of the spinal injury. Currently she's not moving and needs attention as it seems so severe,” Guyana Times was told.

Persaud’s relatives explained that the duo has been together for several years, but it only became known to them recently that their loved one was an alleged victim of domestic abuse. Relatives added that on a few occasions,

ative of Persaud questioned.

Incidents of domestic violence by both male and female parties have been recorded in the past months and years, with women being the primary victims of such attacks. As recent as August, 25-year-old Ryan Singh was remanded to prison on allegations that he slit the throat of his 16-yearold live-in girlfriend who was attacked on July 29. The two were reportedly arguing over his lack of interest in finding a job.

The girl, Rosana Lakhpal, was a former Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) student and she met Singh on the social media website, Facebook. Neighbours said they had made numerous complaints to Lakhpal’s mother that Singh was abus-

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The mangled vehicles involved in the accident

Savita Persaud was beaten unconscious

the now injured woman had attempted to leave her husband but would always return based on Dass’ reported promises to change the error of his ways.

“Together they have three daughters and my sister thinks of them mostly, as they keep asking for their dad when she takes them away. He makes promises to her that he won’t hit her ever again but still he does it,” a relative claimed.

This newspaper was told that a report of the incident was made at the Diamond/ Grove Police Station as well as the Timehri Police Station.

However, Dass is yet to be apprehended.

“The Police have to start stepping up and take actions against those men who find it necessary to beat their wives… What are the laws doing to protect us as women or anyone who is facing domestic violence?” a female rel-

ing her daughter when they were alone but the teen denied this was happening.

Their relationship commenced before she turned 16.

Before that incident, Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden resident Michael London, 35, was also remanded to prison days after being implicated in the brutal murder of his 37-yearold wife, Shenika London, in their Linden home. The accused fatally stabbed his wife after contending that she was unfaithful to him.

Police had indicated that at the time of her murder, London rushed out of their home and into the neighbour’s yard, drenched in blood and calling for assistance.

However, she collapsed just before she could reach the door. The blood-stained knife used to carry out the gruesome act was found at the crime scene. (Romona Luthi and Shemuel Fanfair)

everal passengers of a minibus and a motor car were seriously injured following an accident on Thursday night on the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

This was confirmed by Traffic Chief Dion Moore Thursday night via telephone.

However, at the time that Guyana Times made contact with Moore, he had explained that he had not received a full report of what transpired.

Nevertheless, this publication made contact with a few eyewitnesses who relayed that the accident occurred around 19:00h.

According to information, the route 44 minibus involved in the accident was heading to Georgetown, allegedly at a fast rate, when it collided with the motor car travelling in the opposite direction.

This resulted in both vehicles spinning many times before coming to a halt facing West.

Owing to the impact, a woman was allegedly tossed out of the minibus through the windscreen onto the public road, several feet away.

This newspaper was unable to ascertain the exact number of injured persons, who were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for emergency treatment.

However, several persons were said to be unconscious.

There were no reported deaths up to press time.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police Sergeant hacked...

Meanwhile, Carmichael explained that one of her great-grandchildren was on her step when the suspect came out of the house and she asked him what happened to Kenisha.

“He didn’t answer her but when I look outside I see when he pack up a rope and walk out the yard and go along about his business…

I see him walking over the

bridge going to the sea dam side and then I go over,” she related.

Meanwhile, SheriffFraser’s eldest son told Guyana Times that for the past two days, his mother was acting in a strange manner. He said she told him that she had to be in Georgetown to conduct business but did not elaborate.

Moreover, the son relat-

from page 2

ed that the suspect was very friendly and helpful to the family.

The woman leaves to mourn three children ages 18, 11 and five years old, along with her husband and mother.

Meanwhile, Police say the bodies are at the Anthony’s Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examinations.

Hurricane relief efforts

Govt, private aircraft operators agree to evacuate Guyanese

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ollowing a meeting on Thursday with Government officials, private aircraft operators in Guyana have agreed to fly out Guyanese desirous of being evacuated following the recent spate of hurricanes that devastated a number of Caribbean islands.

Roraima Airways, JAGS Aviation, Air Services Limited, Hopkinson and Fly Jamaica have all agreed to coordinate evacuation efforts for affected Guyanese in St Maarten, Antigua, Tortola, Dominica, St Kitts and Anguilla.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, said he is glad that the aviation operators have chipped in to provide relief efforts and noted that the Government would probably be providing aviation fuel to the operators. He noted that at this point, the airlines are scheduling the flights and having the logistics worked out

to evacuate approximately 80 persons.

Most of the affected Guyanese have no documents to travel and the Ministry of Citizenship is working with the various Immigration Departments to have that issue sorted out.

Nagamootoo made the revelation when he, along with Minister of State Joseph Harmon, inspected four containers designated for the hurricane ravaged Caribbean islands.

According to the head of the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Chabilall Ramsarup, the four containers are loaded with over 30 tonnes of supplies worth approximately $18 million.

Six containers of relief supplies were shipped on Tuesday to hurricane-affected islands. The first six containers carried important items such as rice, sugar, flour, biscuits,

macaroni, water and tarpaulins, and are being sent to Dominica. The other three containers will be sent to Antigua.

The items in these containers were the result of donations, mostly from the Private Sector and other donors, including Government, and weighed in excess of 80 tonnes. During an informal gathering at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNIC) on Tuesday, CDC Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup told the media that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) would be responsible for the distribution of these relief items.

Following the devastating hurricanes, President David Granger had summoned a meeting with his Cabinet to discuss how Guyana could respond to the crisis. Prime

Minister Nagamootoo was tasked with heading a ministerial task force responsible for oversight of the efforts to respond to the crisis.

Government had also pledged an initial sum of US$50,000 to aid urgent relief efforts through the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) regional mechanism, coordinated by the CDEMA in partnership with the Association of Caribbean States.

In the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had called on Government to act swiftly to initiate steps to evacuate Guyanese desirous of coming home. The People’s Progressive Party General Secretary noted that Hurricane Irma has practically reduced some of these islands to ground zero. “It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Government of Guyana to take immediate action,” he had urged.

news

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friDAY, OCTOber 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

Govt will move to ICJ if slow progress made

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

By Samuel Sukhnandan

G

overnment has made it clear that it wants the United Nations to adhere to the commitment made to facilitate dialogue between Guyana and Venezuela to ensure that if by the end of 2017, a solution is not achieved, the matter would be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said that during discussions between President David Granger and UN Secretary General António Guterres at the recently-concluded UN General Assembly, that commitment was given and it was hoped that it would be followed through.

“The matter would be re-

ferred to the ICJ unless the discussions showed insignificant progress in the resolution of the controversy. That is, if there is significant progress in establishing whether or not the 1899 arbitral award is null and void, then we would not have the matter referred to the ICJ,” he said on Wednesday.

Greenidge said it was emphasised to the UN Secretary General, the firm expectation that he would adhere to the Terms of Reference (ToRs) that he was party to and those included respect for the deadline. “And we raised with him some other concerns about the way the process is going. At this point in time, I am not able to give you any assurance,” he told the media.

Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had said if by the end of 2017, no significant progress had been made towards arriving at a full agreement, he would choose the ICJ as the next means of settlement, unless both Governments jointly requested that he refrain from doing so.

During the UN General Assembly meeting, Granger and Greenidge met with Dag Halvor Nylander, the UN Secretary General’s personal representative on the border controversy. Asked whether the UN has given its assurance that it would respect the deadline and the procedure outlined, Greenidge said: “The deadline is a conditional one. It is dependent on significant progress and we sought to get explanation for a number of things that are in those ToRs and mandate and the assurance that the UN would adhere to it.”

The Minister had told the media previously that notwithstanding some of its concerns, Guyana embraced the UN Good Officer Process with the understanding that it would be implemented in good faith by all parties, including the UN. Guyana, he said, has constantly stressed the consequences of uncertainty and

UN Secretary General António Guterres

the behaviour of Venezuela with respect to this controversy. For the most part, Greenidge said Venezuela’s behaviour has been mainly aimed at undermining Guyana’s development.

He added that while “Guyana has never had any difficulty speaking to Venezuela as regards attempts and its willingness to resolve the issue of the controversy and we will continue to be accommodating”, the country’s political, economic and social stability depends on the matter being resolved quickly.

With a territory that is several times bigger than Guyana’s and a population that is almost 40 times that of Guyana, Venezuela, in 1968, purported to claim the entire territorial sea

IDB engages consulting firm to assist with PSIP

of Guyana by means of the Leoni Decree, which has never been withdrawn. For decades now, Venezuela has occupied the Guyana side of Ankoko Island, objected to the development of hydropower stations in Essequibo, and has been staunchly opposed to Guyana exploring for oil offshore and onshore its Essequibo territory.

The Venezuelan Navy had, in 2013, intercepted and detained a Malaysian seismic vessel that had been conducting surveys in an offshore concession grant-

ed by Guyana to the United States-based Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, causing that company to leave and never return.

Days after the American oil giant ExxonMobil announced the discovery of oil in commercial quantities offshore Guyana, Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro in a decree announced the purported unilateral extension of his country’s maritime boundary to take in all of the Atlantic sea offshore Essequibo. That seaspace also included several Caribbean island nations and had stretched as far as Suriname and French Guiana.

There have also been incidents inland Guyana, with Venezuelan aircraft attacking vessels operating on the portion of the Cuyuní River that the arbitration court had awarded to Guyana.

Guyana is now seeking relief through one of the options in Article 33 of the UN Charter. These options include arbitration and juridical settlement of the issue.

Dozens of Region 9 residents to benefit from NDIA interventions

– aimed at improving effectiveness, accountability

I

n an effort to support Government’s endeavours to improve effectiveness and accountability in the delivery of public services to citizens through the implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has engaged the services of a top consulting firm specialised in this area to provide necessary support.

A technical team from Delivery Associates has made three visits to Guyana. The first was to carry out diagnostic analysis for Guyana to see where opportunities for improvement lie. The second was to share the results of its findings; and the third was to present a model adopted by Governments around the world. This model is often called a delivery unit or an implementation unit.

A statement from the IDB local office on Wednesday said most Governments placed too much emphasis on policy and less on the importance of effective project implementation. As such, it was noted that the delivery unit model was a sim-

ple but rigorous approach, in which a systematic process, through which system leaders drive progress and achieve results – in this case specifically of capital projects carried out by the Government.

The IDB said this model was characterised by its emphasis on defining a

set of limited clear priorities and goals focused on outcomes for citizens, and rigorous data-based monitoring of progress and coordination among involved parties.

Through implementation of these principles, the model aims to clarify what success means for the Government and thereby increase the speed of delivery of benefits to citizens.

The objective of this unit, according to the or-

ganisation, is to help Government agencies to deliver concrete results in priority goals through planning, performance insights, problem solving, capacity building and coordination.

It is a lean structure meant to support ministries, and not to take over their roles nor to add additional lay-

ers to the Government’s bureaucratic structure.

In the case of Guyana, Delivery Associates has completed a diagnostic analysis of how Guyana’s PSIP works, including an analysis of its delivery chain. This study has identified several opportunities for improvements, for which the delivery management model could be useful. The firm is currently coordinating with the IDB’s

team to finalise the diagnosis report so that it can be shared with Guyanese authorities.

In the interim, the IDB has been actively coordinating with senior Guyanese officials about this initiative, including President David Granger; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; and Minister of Public Affairs in the Ministry of the Presidency, Dawn Hastings-Williams.

To date, the IDB has supported the above-described activities of the firm through a US$145,000 grant approved earlier in the year. The IDB is planning to further promote the initiative through financing a series of activities via another grant of US$500,000, which will contribute to the definition of top priorities and monitorable indicators to measure the impact of the work to be completed in those areas, as well as the design of a delivery management model suitable for the case of Guyana. This approach may establish the parameters for the possible establishment of a Delivery Unit in Guyana if all interests are aligned.

Frederick Flatts, CEO of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority

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undreds of residents of Massara, A r a n a p u t a , Rupertee, Annai Central and surrounding Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) communities are set to benefit from a $30 million intervention by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Frederick Flatts, is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying, “for the first time in the history of the NDIA, there is now a resident engineer and equipment stationed in the hinterland district.”

Asked to detail the works taking place, Flatts said, “In Massara, we have been digging a large lake for them, in which the community will be able to rear fish; something they’ve really wanted for de-

cades.”

In addition, a smaller pond is being dug in Aranaputa to allow cattle access to water and residents to rear fish during El Nino periods, while in Rupertee a creek is being cleaned to allow cattle access to water and people to catch fish.

“The residents are very happy with what we have done so far,” Flatts said.

According to the Department of Public Information, the works which have been delayed by recent floods in the hinterlands, are almost 80 per cent complete.

Through the Agriculture Ministry, Government’s focus is aimed at encouraging diversification of food production in the hinterlands while developing it as Guyana’s new agricultural frontier.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, october 6, 2017

News

UG, GDF sign MoU for improved officers’ education

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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he University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), on Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would enable ranks to be awarded an Associate Degree in General Studies from the University following the completion of the Standard Officers’ Course Number 50.

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West inked the historic agreement at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Brigadier West said that the agreement would enhance the academic programme of the Standard

Officers’ Course Number 50, adding that the partnership would seek to enable academic cooperation and implement mutually beneficial training programmes in addition to developing research collaboration.

“It will develop the agricultural corps as a research centre with the University of Guyana. This is only part of our efforts towards the theme of effective transformation towards total national defence and the concept sees the implementation of a national security strategy that employs all instruments of national power to meet the challenges faced

by Guyana at this time,” he said.

“This would require a higher degree of interagen-

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and GDF Chief-ofStaff, Brigadier Patrick West following the signing of the MoU

cy cooperation to combine defence with diplomacy, economic development with law enforcement and civil

authority with the defence agency,” the Chief-of-Staff added.

He noted that the initia-

“Greening Tomorrow’s World”

Guyana Hemp Association renews legalisation calls – as group observes Hemp Awareness Week

Guyana Hemp Association Co-Chairman, Michael Kirton

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head of this Sunday’s launch of National Hemp Awareness Week, the Guyana Hemp Association is calling on Government to legalise the plant’s cultivation and use, considering its many noted economic benefits. Hemp, which is called industrial hemp, remains banned under its narcotic classification, along with other drugs such as cocaine and hemp’s sister plant, marijuana.

Guyana Hemp Association Co-Chairman Michael Kirton, however, highlighted industrial hemp’s economic, social, environmental and health benefits, adding that it would create employment, new industries, build up the local economy and reduce poverty.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, he noted that the Hemp Association has hosted wide consultations which included Indigenous communities, some of which Kirton claimed are fully on board to cultivate the plant.

“The people at Pakuri (St Cuthbert’s Mission) are very much supportive of the hemp industry and they have been pushing for legalisation. They have their land and the people are very up to date with hemp but we have

[encountered] problems with registering the associations.

People have been submitting their applications as directed by the co-op department and in some cases, have paid the fees but are now being told that it’s illegal so they can’t register,” Kirton pointed out.

In this light, the CoChairman added that the Association has not received positive feedback from the coalition Administration on possible legalisation even as there were repeated consultations with Alliance For Change Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Carrington. The MP had moved a motion to amend the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill which sought to remove jail sentences for the possession of small quantities of marijuana.

“We’ve got tremendous support from all different stakeholders – farmers, the business community and even some people in Government who are fully supportive of the idea so we are waiting on President Granger to put his signature

AFC MP, Michael Carrington

to remove the barriers so we could produce hemp,” the Association’s Co-Chairman urged.

As the Association continues to anticipate hemp’s legalisation, the public will be able to learn more about the positives of the drug at this Sunday’s launch of Hemp Awareness Week which falls under the theme “Greening Tomorrow’s World”.

The October 8 event will be held at the United Republican Party’s compound in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Kirton stressed that the ven-

Hempcrete is used for construction purposes

ue does not reflect a partisan stance of the Association.

“We are not a member of any political party, we have support from everybody – the PPP [People’s Progressive Party], the PNC [People’s National Congress], everybody, it’s a national issue.

After Sunday we will have outreaches along Regions Four; Five; 10; and in Lethem, Region Nine.

Hemp is used in food, cosmetics, textiles, paper, plastics, in concrete (hempcrete) and in the production of bio-fuel but when smoked, it can induce severe headaches.

The week of activities will run up to Saturday, October 14.

It is believed that the amendments to the Narcotics Bill will help to reduce the prison population; reduce the time wasted in court; save the State (resources) for each person sentenced for the possession of a small quantity of cannabis; prevent persons from being corrupted by others in jail; and prevent broken homes. The main PPP/ Civic has expressed its support for the decriminalisation of marijuana, but Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had cautioned that the Party did not have enough research on the topic to make a definitive pronouncement.

Former AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes, in association with Attorney Mark Waldron, had compiled the draft bill. It stipulates that persons who are found in possession of the drug for personal use would be required to pay a fine of $10,000 or perform community service for a period of time.

President Granger made it clear that such reforms were not a current concern of the Government; and, on a more personal note, declared that he would not subscribe to the usage of marijuana.

tive would provide a more rounded and educated officer who was prepared to fulfil the role of promoting national defence.

“We believe that it will give the ability for more strategic deployment,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Griffith said the inking of the agreement showed commitment on the part of the GDF in placing importance on education.

“We have a critical role for two institutional thrusts – UG and GDF, a critical role not only in enabling our nation’s individual mandates to us to educate and to defend, but in the context of those mandates, there are very many dynamics. Many elements, some of which mean that educational collaboration is very critical, is necessary not just a desire,” Professor Griffith said.

Meanwhile, UG’s Principal Academic

Engagement Officer, Sharon Roopchand Edwards said that the development of the programme was based on what the Army believed was critical for a rounded officer; hence, the General Studies Associate Degree.

“It makes the officer more rounded as they move up in rank, so that they can be thrown in roles of leadership and decision making at an earlier stage. All the lectures are on site at Camp Stevenson Training Centre.

The Associate Degree would be done in batches in alignment with how the Army programme is done and it would cover the credits of a two-year diploma,” she said.

She added that the University would have to await final approval from the Academic Board, but the programme has been developed and was expected to commence in November with a batch of 38-40 students.

Retired teacher Pearl Gravesande has 51 years under her belt

N

inety-seven-year-old Pearl Gravesande is a retired teacher and a mother of nine children. During her interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), it was disclosed that her career as an educator began at the tender age of 14. Her first job was at the Unity Lancaster Canadian Mission School on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Gravesande, who grew up in Mahaica Village, ECD, explained that teaching was the only career path she ever ventured into, and one she stuck to for 41 years.

“I taught mostly the prep students, they were good students. I enjoyed teaching.

I also taught my children.

I taught them in the lower class and then they went to high school. The boys went to central and the girls went to tutorial,” said Gravesande.

Pearl Gravesande, retired teacher of Unity Canadian Mission, St Paul’s and Plaisance Primary Schools

she decided to return to the field of education for a period of 10 years.

According to the Department of Public Information, the educator explained that her advice to other teachers may not

“One mark of a great educator is the ability to lead students out to new places where even the educator has never been.”

– Thomas Groome The retired teacher taught a variety of subject areas to students at the primary level.

Subsequent to serving a number of years at the Unity Lancaster Canadian Mission School, Gravesande moved to the Plaisance Primary and ended her teaching stint at the St Paul’s Primary School.

She retired at age, 55; however, due to her desire and passion for educating and moulding young minds,

be relevant in these current times since the teaching curriculum, as well as the environment, has changed.

“The children nowadays are different to those in my days. Long ago it was easier to control the students, but not now; they have to answer you back,” Gravesande opined.

The retired teacher now resides at the Archer’s Senior Citizen Home in Georgetown.

friDAY, october 6, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Brazil nursery attack: Children Las Vegas shooting: NRA urges new rules set on fire in Minas Gerais for gun 'bump-stocks' F

our children and a teacher have been killed in Brazil after a security guard allegedly set fire to a childcare centre.

The man also set himself alight at the building in the remote town of Janauba, Minas Gerais state, Police said.

Video footage showed chaotic scenes outside, as parents cried and panicked as the news broke.

Twenty-five people, mostly children aged four and five, are being treated for burns in local hospitals.

Some of the patients may still need to be airlifted to a specialised burns unit in the state capital, Belo Horizonte.

The mother of one of the victims, four-year-old Juan Miguel Soares Silva, told O Globo newspaper that she had been considering enrolling him in another nursery prior to the attack.

"We are about to move to a different neighbourhood," Jane Kelly da Silva Soares

T

The security guard had worked at the childcare centre for several years

said.

"I woke up early to drop him at the nursery. When I saw him again, he was already dead in hospital."

The security guard has been identified by Police as Damiao Soares dos Santos, 50. He died in hospital of his wounds.

The reasons for the attack are still being investi-

Saudi King signs lucrative deals on landmark Russia visit

The Saudi visit shows Russia's growing influence in the Middle East, partly linked to its role in the Syrian war

R

ussia and Saudi Arabia have clinched a number of lucrative deals as King Salman paid the first official visit to Russia by a Saudi monarch.

Reports say the deals range from an arms deal worth US$3 billion to a US$1 billion energy investment fund.

The King said the world's two top oil exporters would continue to collaborate to stabilise oil markets.

However, the agenda also included issues on which the two sides deeply differ, including the war in Syria.

Both sides are involved in the conflict, but on opposing sides.

Nonetheless, Moscow is keen to present this visit as a symbol of the success of its intervention in Syria in

terms of reviving Russian influence in the Middle East, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford.

The visit by the Saudi king – and his 1000-strong delegation – is seen as an expression of that revived power, she says.

President Vladimir Putin hailed the visit by the 81-year-old king as a "momentous" event, reported Russian State news agency RIA Novosti. Putin expressed hope that it would boost ties between the two countries.

"We aim to strengthen our relations in the interests of peace and security, in the interests of developing the world economy," the Saudi king responded, according to AFP news agency. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

gated.

Local media has reported that he was dismissed after returning from annual leave last month with an alleged health condition.

He went to the Gente Inocente childcare centre to hand in his medical certificate and then started the fire, O Globo newspaper reported.

President Michel Temer tweeted: "I'm very sorry about this tragedy involving children in Janauba. I want to express my sympathy to the families."

"This must be a very, very painful loss," he added.

The mayor of Janauba has declared seven days of mourning. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he US National Rifle Association (NRA) has called for "additional regulations" on bump-stocks, a rapid fire device used by the Las Vegas massacre gunman.

The group said: "Devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations."

Republicans have said they would consider banning the tool, despite years of resisting any gun control.

Lawmakers plan to hold hearings and consider a bill to outlaw the device.

The NRA called on Thursday for regulators to "immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law".

"In the aftermath of the evil and senseless attack in

Las Vegas, the American people are looking for answers as to how future tragedies can be prevented," NRA chiefs Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox wrote in the statement.

They criticised politicians who are calling for gun control, writing that "banning guns from law-abiding Americans based on the criminal act of a madman will do nothing to prevent future attacks".

The statement, the organisation's first since Sunday's attack in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead and nearly 500 injured, noted that bumpstocks were approved by the Obama Administration's Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Catalan crisis: Spanish court bars MPs' independence move

S

pain's Constitutional Court has suspended next Monday's session of the Catalan Parliament, in a bid to pre-empt a possible push for independence.

The court said such a move would be "a breach of the Constitution".

Earlier Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned Catalonia's regional government against declaring independence after a disputed vote last Sunday.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont had indicated that he could make such a declaration at next week's session.

The court's ruling on Thursday upheld a challenge not from the Government in Madrid, but by the Socialists' Party of Catalonia, which opposes secession from Spain.

Pro-independence demonstrations have continued, following Sunday's referendum

Allowing the regional Parliament to meet and declare independence, the court said, would violate the rights of the party's MPs. An earlier ruling by the court aimed at stopping Sunday's vote was ignored by Catalonia's leaders. That challenge to the

court had come from Spain's Government, which condemned the referendum as illegal.

The socialists won almost 13 per cent of the vote in the 2015 election, and have 13 MPs in the 135-seat regional parliament.

Organisers of Sunday's

vote put the turnout at 42 per cent, with 2.2 million people taking part. They say 90 per cent voted for independence; however, they have not published final results. There have been several claims of irregularities.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

UN ending 13-year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti

A

United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti that has helped maintain order through 13 years of political turmoil and catastrophe is coming to an end as the last of the blue-helmeted soldiers from around the world leave despite concerns that the Police and justice system are still not adequate to ensure security in the country.

The UN planned to lower its flag at its headquarters in Port-au-Prince during a ceremony Thursday that was to be attended by President Jovenel Moise. After a gradual winding down, there are now about 100 international soldiers in the country and they will leave within days.

The mission will officially end on October 15.

Immediately afterward, the UN will start a new mis-

sion made up of about 1300 international civilian Police Officers, along with 350 civilians, who will help the country reform a deeply troubled justice system. Various agencies and programmes of the international body, such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation, will also still be working in the country.

"It will be a much smaller peacekeeping mission," said Sandra Honore, a diplomat

from Trinidad and Tobago, who has served since July 2013 as the head of the UN mission in Haiti known as MINUSTAH, its French acronym. "The United Nations is not leaving."

MINUSTAH began operations in Haiti in 2004, when a violent rebellion swept the country and forced then-President JeanBertrand Aristide out of power and into exile (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, october 6, 2017

ARCHIE

ARIES

You’ll find it difficult to say

(March 21- no to temptation. Unexpected April 19) changes will catch you

flat-footed. A business trip or meeting looks promising.

Moderation is in your best interest.

Temptation will lead to TAURUS bad habits and difficulty liv(April 20- ing up to your responsibilities May 20) and promises. Avoid emotional situations that could affect your position, status or reputation.

dilbert

Keep your emotions out of GEMINI the equation if you are faced (May 21with changes that you aren’t June 20) certain about. Making a snap decision will lead to greater uncertainty and regret.

Refuse to let anyone take adCANCER vantage of you. Opt out of any (June 21- situation that would require you July 22) to do all the work. Avoid excessive behavior and hasty decisions.

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

A change will be in your best interest. A proposition will require you to revive a skill or knowledge you haven’t used in a while. Your experience will give you an edge.

Temptation will be your VIRGO downfall.

Don’t overspend, over(Aug. 23react or get involved in indulgent Sept. 22) behavior. Moderation and common sense will save you from financial and emotional loss.

A steady pace will get you LIBRA (Sept. 23- where you want to go. If you Oct. 23) are erratic or impulsive, you will make mistakes that will set you back. Let wisdom and experience guide you.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Walk away from unpreSCORPIO dictable situations. Protect (Oct. 24your reputation and position.

Nov. 22) Refuse to let anyone coerce you into making an impulsive move. Know your bottom line before negotiating.

You’ll crave excitement and SAGITTARIUS social activities. Your enthu(Nov. 23- siasm will give others a boost, Dec. 21) and your popularity will result in new opportunities and friendships. Ulterior motives should be reflected upon and excessive behavior curbed.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Avoid temptation. Refuse CAPRICORN to get caught up in some(Dec. 22- one else’s dream or dilemJan. 19) ma. Stay focused on what’s important to you, and be reluctant to make a sudden change or hasty decision.

A smart move will result AQUARIUS in an unexpected reward that (Jan. 20- will change your life. An open Feb. 19) mind and an inventive idea will give you a chance to explore new avenues.

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

You’ll be tempted to make PISCES (Feb. 20- a hasty decision or financial March 20) choice that could have serious consequences. Think before you act, and refuse to let your emotions push you to take a risk.

friDAY, OCTOber 6, 2017

19

3-Day League…

Stokes to get new New-lGCB/Jaguars ook teams looking to make mark England contract – Shiv Chanderpaul returns W A ll-rounder Ben Stokes is set to be awarded an England central contract when the list is announced on Friday.

The announcement was due on Wednesday but has been delayed.

Test vice-captain Stokes, 26, was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm in September after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

He and batsman Alex Hales, who is set for a renewed limited-overs contract, will not be considered for selection until further notice.

Stokes was arrested on a night out that followed

England's victory over West Indies in the third one-day international.

In the aftermath, Stokes and Hales, who voluntarily helped police with their enquiries, were left out of the fourth ODI. Stokes was still named in the squad that will tour Australia in defence of the Ashes.

After the touring party was named, the Sun newspaper published footage that allegedly showed Stokes involved in a street brawl.

Subsequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board said that Stokes, who suffered a broken hand, and Hales would not be available to play for England until told otherwise. (BBC Sport)

ith a number of players currently in Antigua as part of the invitational T20 tourney and a few preparing for international duties, the remaining two rounds of the Jaguars 3-Day League could be very important for players and franchises alike.

Franchises heading into round six which bowls off today at three venues 6 will more than likely be fielding new teams after the departure

Ben Stokes

Sri Lanka greats to assist in cricket revamp

Paul Wintz

Mahela Jayawardene (left) and Kumar Sangakkara were involved in many battles for Sri Lanka in their playing days

M

ahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva and Anura Tennakoon have been appointed to a five-member committee to rehabilitate cricket in Sri Lanka. Brought together by the country's sports ministry, the committee will make recommendations to the sports ministry and to Sri Lanka Cricket. Former SLC president Hemaka Amarasuriya heads the committee.

Though largely tight-lipped about the exact changes they wish to bring about, committee members did single out Sri Lanka's poor injury record as an issue they had discussed. The likes of Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Perera and Angelo Mathews were all unavailable for the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, and Sri Lanka has also had long-term problems with its fast-bowling battery.

"One issue to look at in the shortterm is the frequency of injuries," De

Silva said. "Whenever we have a good run of form, we get injuries to key players. We need to look at the research and try and gain a better understanding of why this is happening and how we can better handle it."

Given Jayawardene's presence, it can be presumed that the committee will also push for a revamp of Sri Lanka's domestic cricket structure.

Jayawardene has been a vocal critic of Sri Lanka's present domestic system and had even drawn up plans for a provincial tournament, which was ultimately rebuffed by the incumbent board in 2015. Having worked on that plan for months, only to see it shelved, Jayawardene and his fellow committee members hope the new committee's recommendations will be taken more seriously.

"We are not part of Sri Lanka Cricket," Jayawardene said. "It's up to them to implement these plans and we hope they do, because if not all these meetings would just be a waste of time.

"I'm willing to put in one final effort to help cricket in the country, but it's up to the board to make it happen.

We can't just keep coming back over

and over again, as some sort of band-aid solution."

It appears that the SLC is indeed keen to revamp provincial cricket - as advised by Jayawardene two years ago - and a plan on the basis of that is expected to be presented towards the end of the year.

While it remains to be seen what other issues the committee will address, some attention might be paid to overhauling SLC's bloated voting system. Sidath Wettimuny, when he was in-charge of the board on an interim period, advocated for the move quite strongly and had also recommended Jayawardene and Sangakkara to be brought in to the SLC decision making process.

As it stands, the committee has said it will first focus on short-term fixes following assurances by Sri Lanka's sports minister that their suggestions would be taken seriously by SLC. (ESPN Cricinfo)

of nearly 20 players, led by national captain Leon Johnson who will play against Jamaica and hosts Antigua in the 2nd annual edition of the tournament.

Georgetown who plays West Berbice at Bushlot Ground, Berbice will be without their captain Leon Johnson, opener Robin Bacchus, all-rounder Christopher Barnwell, both of whom were instrumental in their team’s last win and Jamaican all-rounder Ramaal Lewis. Meanwhile, fast-bowler Paul Wintz was named as Johnson’s replacement for the Georgetown franchise The in-form team and current table leaders Essequibo have a decent lead over the competition but heading into battle against a winless East Coast team even without their power players like; Ricardo Adams, Kemo Paul and Ronsford Beaton could be a good opportunity for any of their players who are yet to feature.

Although not officially confirmed, the prospects of a returning Shiv Chanderpaul fresh off scoring 800-plus runs during his English County stint with Lancashire, playing for Essequibo this round is highly likely after sources confirmed the 43 year-old batting legend could indeed play for the table leaders.

Their opponents East Coast on the other hand, have failed to win a single game and with one round remaining after this, their only loss is that of Chandrapaul Hemraj which could result in a knock for one of their talents who have yet to feature.

Shiv Chanderpaul

After storming to a commanding win innings and 114-run win in the last round against East Coast, Lower Corentyne will suffer heave blows after the losses of; Jonathon Foo who scored 152 in the last game, in-form batsman Gajanand Singh and their key bowler, Veerasammy Permaul.

The East Bank franchise will be another whose progression could be hampered after their pair of match-winners in; Steven Jacobs and Sherfane Rutherford will not play in this round while Upper Corentyne will play without national wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble and West Indies leg spinner, Devendra Bishoo.

Essequibo have accumulated 71.4 points and sit in top spot with Lower Corentyne who have 60.4 points, trailing closely by 11 points. In third position, West Demerara are on 49.9 points while Georgetown remains in fourth position with 48.5, as a winless East Coast Demerara languish in last place.

Georgetown and West Berbice will face off at Bush Lot, while Upper Corentyne tackles Upper Demerara/ East Bank at Port Mourant.

Lower Corentyne will clash with West Demerara at Young Warriors, with all matches from 09:30 hours today.

Meanwhile, Essequibo team takes on East Coast Demerara at Tuschen, from Saturday from 9:30 hours.

Teams confirmed are; GeorgetownRaymond Perez, Sunil Singh, Martin Pestano-Belle, Ovid Richardson, Marvan Prasad, Dexter Solomon (V. Capt), Paul Wintz (Capt), Steven Sankar, Ashmead Nedd, Kellon Carmichael, Gajanan Suknanan, Devon Lord, Nkosie Barker, Qumar Torrington and Travis Mohamed.

West Berbice- Sherwyn McPherson, Gudakesh Motie, Raffel Estraido, Arthley Bailey, Andrew Dutchin, Avishkhar Sewkarran, Steffon Adams, Ceon Glasgow, Renision Mitcheal, Derick Mc Calmon, Stephen Harris, Leon Andrews, Quacey Mcpherson and Javed Karin.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, october 6, 2017

Sri Lanka Women counting on batting strength in Caribbean S

ri Lanka women have left for their tour of the West Indies, beginning from October 11, in high spirits, boosted by a positive showing with the bat in this year's Women's World Cup in England.

Despite losing six of their seven World Cup matches, the team crossed the 200-mark four times - one of which was a winning total of 221 for 7 against Pakistan in their final game - and came close in two other losing causes, with the only real blemish being their drubbing at the hands of South Africa when they were bowled

West Indies Women and Sri Lanka Women will renew their rivalry at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on October 11

out for 101. "[Prior to the tournament] a concern was that we were not getting close to 200. The team used to average 130, which was not good enough.

But in the seven matches in the World Cup, we averaged 190 [195]," said head coach Hemantha Devapriya.

This drastic improvement was in part down to the fine form of Chamari Atapattu, who was responsible for one the highlights of the tournament when she bludgeoned 178 in 143 balls against Australia. The rest of the team more than held their own though,

Chamari Atapattu

thanks to a new-found focus on rotating the strike.

"We developed a range of shots to increase the number of singles. We were therefore able to increase from an average of 40 runs, to 80 at the World Cup through singles," Devapriya explained.

The inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Rebeca Vandort in the 15-player squad travelling to the West Indies highlights the team's intent of doubling down on their batting strength.

Seven specialist batsmen in total have been included in the squad, while

Heritage All-Star player misses opportunity for international exposure …after travel documents were misplaced

T

wo hinterland players were initially slated to make their debut for the Golden Jaguars in the October 7 International Friendly against Grenada but due to unfortunate circumstances only Frank Parks has travelled with the team. The other player, Nicolas Peters misplaced his travel documents and thus was left behind.

Nicolas Peters of Mabaruma, Region 1 and Frank Parks who represents Guyana Rush Saints FC in Region 9, were selected following their performance in the just-concluded Indigenous Heritage Games and the Charity Match involving a GFF President’s XI and an Indigenous AllStars held last Sunday.

In an interview following the match and the announcement of the selection, Peters had revealed that it was a great feeling to play for the senior setup and thanked his club coach for the training: “To be selected as part of the Guyana national team is a wonderful feeling. I have always

Frank Parks (left) will have a chance to make his national debut on Saturday while Nicolas Peters (right) was unfortunate not to have travelled with the team

dreamt that one day I will get that bright moment, the right pace to play with the team. I’m a hard worker so I’m over-joyed. Special thanks to my coach who pushed us to be great players, taught me to play the ball defensively.”

The player who has participated in the Indigenous Heritage games for three years said he has plans of staying in the national team but “time shall tell.” While his football skills have been primarily self-taught, he developed his craft by partici-

pating in afternoon sessions and inter-village football competitions.

Meanwhile, Parks said the call-up was not surprising and also had dreams of being a Golden Jaguars member: “I feel good to be selected as part of the Guyana National team. I always dreamt of playing for the national team and playing football to my full potential as I continue pushing myself, getting further in the game and being a fitter and more aggressive player. My coach in Region

9 told us that there will be coaches looking at us during the Heritage Games and if we perform and play to our best, we may have a chance at playing for the national team.”

The two players were included even as the GFF seeks to facilitate football development in the hinterland through capacity building, talent spotting and diversifying the national teams. This last selection follows the inclusion of talented players in the youth national teams from Regions 1, 7 and 9.

The GFF has selected a 23-man squad to play Grenada at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St. James, Grenada. The team began their campaign by defeating Trinidad’s Caledonia AIA (3-0) in a practice match on Wednesday at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

Scorers for the Golden Jaguars were Neil Danns, Emery Welshman and Ralph Parris The team is currently in Grenada preparing for their match tomorrow.

the likes of Shashikala Siriwardene, Atapattu and Sripali Weerakkody offer options with both bat and ball.

The team will face the West Indies in three ODIs and three T20s.

Sri Lanka squad: Inoka Ranaweera (capt), Sripali Weerakkody, Rebeca Vandort (wk), Prasadani Weerakkody, Chamari Atapattu, Dilani Manodara, Nipuni Hansika, Hasini Perera, Yashoda Mendis, Chandima Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Shashikala Siriwardene, Ama Kanchana, Achini Kulasuriya, Udeshika Prabodhani. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Gayle, Pollard released

by Karachi Kings W

est Indies batting star Chris Gayle has been released by Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Karachi Kings ahead of the new season.

Gayle joined the Kings last season after previously representing the Lahore Qalanders in the first edition of the tournament. The big left-hander, however, struggled to make an impression during his time with the franchise, making 160 runs in nine matches.

Gayle who averaged 17.77 had a high score of 44.

Interestingly, however, the franchise also released Kieron Pollard who was the team’s third highest scorer last season, with an average of 40.20.

Sri Lanka batting star Kumar Sangakkara was also among those

released by the team who finished fourth in last season’s competition.

Karachi also released Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik, in a major surprise as the former captain has been in prime form for Pakistan in ODIs and T20 Internationals.

All the five franchises in the PSL were required to release 10 players, two in each category including foreigners to allow new entrant Multan Sultans to sign on 10 players next week. Last year’s edition was won by Darren Sammy’s Peshawar Z a l m i .

(Sportsmax)

Chris Gayle

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School’s volleyball tourney enters final stages

A

number of schools have advanced to the final stages of the Region 6 Inter-Secondary Schools volleyball tournament slated for the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) outdoor court on Monday October 9, 2017.

The school teams competed in the initial round-robin stages before progressing to the play-offs which were contested in four different zones with teams now advancing to the business end

GCA action

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The symbols of supremacy that are up for grabs in the tournament were donated by the NSC

Nedd stated that he was happy with what he had been seeing over the recent weeks and expects the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals to cap off a successful venture.

The schools making it to the final stages are, in the Boys category; New Amsterdam/ Canje zone are Berbice High School

Hamilton Green KO Cup 2017…

continues this weekend Quarter-finals race ends T

he Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) continues with a series of 1st and 2nd division round of matches in the respective by Noble House Seafoods and the New Building Society (NBS) competitions, set to bowl off on Saturday October 7.

In the Noble House Seafood 2nd Division 2-Day tourney; GNIC will tackle Police at Eve Leary Ground while University of Guyana (UG) battle Malteenoes at the DCC ground which will also house the encounter between Transport Sports Club (TSC) and the home team. Finally, at home, Everest will tackle Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) with matches scheduled to begin at 10:30h.

On Saturday, the NBS 40 overs 2nd Division will see Diplomats playing Guyana

(BHS) and New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (NAMS), Lower Corentyne – Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary (CCSS) and Port Mourant Secondary (PMSS), from Central Corentyne Central – Central Corentyne High (CCH) and Black Bush Secondary (BBS). Upper Corentyne will be represented by Tagore Memorial and

L

Everest’s Javed Rasheed will be in action this weekend

Defense Force (GDF) at Gandhi Ground. Gandhi will then duke it out with Sophia at GYO ground while on Sunday Ace Warriors and GDF play at GDF ground followed by Sophia who come up against Third Class at GYO ground.

ravelling all the way to the West Bank of Demerara, Better Hope “Young Warriors” U15 defeated Belle Vue Sports Club (BVSC) U15 in their own back yard, in an invited friendly T20 match, played at the Belle Vue Sports Club Ground last Saturday.

Winning the toss and electing to field, Better Hope “Young Warriors” restricted BVSC to 80 all out in 18.2 overs, with M. King top scoring with 10.

Bowling for Better Hope “Young Warriors”, Peter Jadunath and Shankar Kaladin captured 3 for 15 and 3 for 18 respectively.

When Better Hope “Young Warriors” took the crease, they found it challenging against a good bowling attack, but managed to reach their target in 17.4 overs, losing 9 wickets.

Shankar Kaladin returned with the bat to score 10 not out, ensuring a win for his team. Christopher Balgobin 12, and Vishnu Seecharan 9 also contributed with the bat.

Bowling for BVSC, C. Bisram picked up 3 for 20 off 4 overs.

indeners will be treated to a triple header on Saturday when the final round of 16 games in the Hamilton Green Knock-out Cup continues at the McKenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground.

Three exciting clashes are slated for the mining town beginning at 17:00hrs when local side Silver Shattas take on GFC which will be followed by Mile Rock versus the ever dangerous Western Tigers and Winners Connection coming up against Eagles United in the final match of the night.

Following those games on Saturday, the tournament’s first quarter-final will be played between Ann’s Grove and Police FC at Victoria Ground on the East Coast of Demerara on Sunday. However, before the teams battle for the first semi-final spot, there will be two exhibition matches played between Buxton Bakewell and GDF while Victoria Kings will look for a home victory when they take on Plaisance.

Last Sunday, Police FC were benefactors of a walkover when opponents Riddim Squad failed to appear for their game at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara.

In the other game, Uitvlugt defeated Santos FC by two goals to one. Second half goals from Jamel Harvey in the 52nd minute and Chris Macey in the 68th minutes saw Uitvlugt past the Georgetown based side despite Rondell Gordon halving the deficit in the 78th minute.

Skeldon High.

While, NAMS and BHS for NA/ Canje, CCSS from Lower Corentyne, Manchester Secondary and Central Corentyne Secondary from Central and Skeldon High and Line Path Secondary representing Upper Corentyne; will feature in the Girls category.

Pollard appointed Captain of Bloem City Blazers

with MSC triple header K

Better Hope edge Belle Vue by 1 wicket

T GUYANA COPIES OF THE

of the tournament.

Head selector and Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) President Levi Nedd said the entire competition was a great way to find and eventually blood new talent for an U18 side in wake of the 2018 Inter Guiana Games, where Guyana have the opportunity to win for a fourth straight year.

Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) who donated a number of trophies for the tourney,

21

sports

ieron Pollard will captain Bloem City Blazers in South Africa's T20 Global League, which begins next month.

The allrounder, 30, has vast experience of T20 competitions around the world and will work alongside head coach and fellow West Indian Phil Simmons.

"Polly is a World-Cup winning player and has won numerous T20 domestic titles across the globe; his leadership is a vital asset to the Bloem City Blazers," Simmons said. "He brings with him a deep understanding of the game and the energy and passion to inspire the squad in our first attempt at T20 Global League success."

Pollard has captained Mumbai Indians in the IPL and recently led Barbados Tridents in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League.

He was a member of West Indies' 2012 World T20winning side and has played 387 games in the format, scoring 7578 runs and taking 241 wickets.

"I'm honoured to be leading this immensely talented group of players," he said. "Every year I come back to South Africa and I am made to feel incredibly welcome.

The T20 Global League is a new and exciting competition and looking at the squad we've put together I'm confident our brand of cricket will light up Bloemfontein and give the fans

cause to cheer.

"We want to start with real momentum and the fans being behind us from the outset is important.

We've got world-class talent that covers every base in the Bloem City Blazers squad, the ingredients are all there to make the T20 Global League a successful tournament for us.

"I've either played with or against most of the guys so they'll be familiar with how I lead a group. If we perform our roles and show the fighting spirit from the outset we will be formidable opponents. I can't wait for the first game."

Pollard was the first overseas player picked in the T20 Global League draft in August. He will be joined in the Bloemfontein squad by countrymen Dwayne Smith and Rayad Emrit, England's Chris Jordan and David Miller, the team's local marquee player. (ESPN Cricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, october 6, 2017

South American Youth Games 2017, Santiago, Chile

Ramdhani hunting semi-final spot

Tyrese Jeffrey and Priyanna Ramdhani (in the forecourt) in Mixed Doubles action in Santiago, Chile

P

riyanna Ramdhani, the youngest athlete on the Guyana Team and also in the Girls Badminton Tournament at the second South American Youth Games won her second match in Group B on Wednesday October 4 when she defeated Chilean Michaela Skaric 21-17, 21-14 to book a place in the Quarter-Finals played at the Centro de

Entrenamiento Olimpico Santiago Chile.

Ramdhani was not only up against cold conditions of 11 degrees Celsius but also to support of the Chilean fans backing the home player.

The Guyanese is also now ranked number four in South America.

In her Mixed Doubles, Priyanna and her partner, Tyrese Jeffrey played

in Group C won their opening match against Panama’s Francisco Hau and Nathalie Fedney 216, 21-13 but lost their other two matches against Chile’s Alonso Medel and Mickaela Skaric 21-12, 2112 and Brazilian’s William Guimaraes and Sania Passos: 21-5, 21-11.

The tournament continues for Priyanna on today when she will be play-

Win or go home!

– Turbo Football kicks off tonight

ing for a place in the Medal rounds.

The tournament is being played off in the Group Playoffs, Quarterfinals, Semi-finals & Finals.

There are four groups where the first two winners in the group will go into the Quarter-Finals where the knock out system leading to the finals will come into effect.

Priyanna Ramdhani (right) and Michaela Skaric of Chile after their match on Wednesday

GFF President holds true to word, work commences at Providence

GFF President, Wayne Forde (second left) and Technical Director, Ian Greenwood at the project site on Wednesday

E

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

F

ootball in the city resumes tonight when the Turbo Energy Drink Knock-out Football Tournament gets cracking at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The first match will pit Guyana Police Force FC against a spirited Eastveldt FC from 18:00h after which the youthful Pele FC will battle the improving Northern Rangers 20:30h.

Matches will continue on Sunday evening with Uitvlught taking on Black Pearl Fc while Grove Hi

Tech oppose Santos FC. The sixteen-team tournament has been split into two groups.

Group A will see Pele, Santos, Riddim Squad, Northern Rangers, Flamingo FC, Eastveldt FC, Uitvlught and Beacons FC. Group B has Grove HiTech, Pouderoyen, Buxton Stars, Camptown FC, Mahaica Determinators, Black Pearl FC, GFC and Police.

The teams are competing for a first place prize of $500,000 while the runners

up will receive $250,000, third place $125,000 and fourth place finishers will pocket $75,000.

Admission to the venue is $500 and it will be the first official use of the recently installed floodlights. The lights were commissioned last Monday by Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry after the project was undertaken by the Perta Organization with the help of local businesses and the blessings of the Ministry of Education.

xactly seven days after Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) President, Wayne Forde revealed that work will commence on Guyana’s first ever National Training Centre (FIFA Forward Programme), S. Nabi and Sons Ltd began clearing the field of the project site.

Construction works began on Wednesday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (FIFA Forward Programme) as the GFF gears up to create a stable home for football development in Guyana.

GFF president, Forde on a visit to the site on Wednesday said he was

happy that works have commenced.

“We’re happy to see movement on the ground, we will be keeping our members and the general public fully informed throughout the project.”

The first phase of the project will see the construction of the artificial turf by Greenfields, a manufacturer of artificial turf.

This phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of January.

Other aspects of the facility will include dormitories, kitchen services, gym and a pool.

While phase one of the project is focused on the construction of the surface

and the goal-nets, the GFF is also pushing for the lighting system to be included at this stage. The reason for that is so the federation will have usable facility while the constructions of the other edifices are underway.

With the completion of phase one slated for the end of January next year, the initial projection of the GFF is that it will take some two years before there is a fully completed facility.

The groundbreaking facility is being touted by the GFF to make a tremendous impact on how football is operated in Guyana. It will be located at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, october 6, 2017

23

Bacchus eager to ‘cut loose’ in Antigua – hopes to leave mark on selectors

By Akeem Greene

A

n opening batsman with a suitcase loaded with shots, Robin Bacchus is planning to marry his aggression with concertation when he dons national colours in the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Independence Tri-nation Twenty20 Tournament which runs from today to October 14 in Antigua.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday, the eve of the team’s departure, the flamboyant lefthander expressed, “this tournament is very important for me. It is an opportunity for me to put myself out back there. I was part of a Caribbean Premier League team [ Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2014] and given this is a T20 tournament it would be nice to go out and showcase my ability and let

Goodluck reflects on golden career ahead of historic shoot – says preparations have been on target Ransford Goodluck assumes his familiar position at the Timehri Rifle Range

the region know what I am capable of doing.”

Playing at the senior level will not be his first since his lone List A match came in 2014 against Jamaica in Trinidad and Tobago where he fell cheaply for just six runs.

Since then, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) player has been working towards his return to the national team. He would have his hopes high when he was called to the Guyana Jaguars squad for the latter part of the 2015/2016 Regional First-class season but did not get an opportunity in the final XI. Conscious of where he needs to improve, the player noted he has to ‘give himself a chance’ at the crease.

“In T20 cricket everyone seems to think it is just about hitting the ball. As an opener you will find that with the pacers bowling and the field restrictions you can use the pace and pick the gaps and still pick up a lot of runs. You don’t have to hit it from ball one, you can pace yourself early and lay a foundation.”

He added, “Shot selection is important, there have

been times I’m batting good and then I do something stupid. It is a matter of concentration of every single ball as it comes and make sure shot selection is right.”

The pressure of being one of the team’s only recognized opener is not daunting, it is a challenge the 28 year-old is eager to rise to the occasion and overcome.

“It does actually. Having to go out and lay the foundation for the team, having to utilize the first six overs, it is a lot of pressure but I’m up for the challenge.”

Guyana enter this tournament with a less than an impressive outing recently in white-ball cricket and having an excellent showing against the likes of Jamaica and Antigua will be critical.

To achieve this feat, Bacchus is contending that execution is vital.

“I think we have a decent chance of winning. We have a lot of young players and a lot of players who have been part of CPL teams. Our bowlers are capable of having good economy rates, batsmen are capable of scoring more than run-a-ball. It is just a matter of us executing.

Robin Bacchus makes a good connection in the nets during the team’s final practice session at Everest on Wednesday

Once we execute our plans we should play good.”

An Academy player in the current Jaguars’ programme, the player is looking further ahead to next year’s Regional Super50.

“I have been stereotyped as a specialist one-day cricketer since I was about 12 or 13. It is just a format I really like. I’m going to use this tournament of as stepping-stone of making that re-

gional Super50 team again and excel from there.”

“I think I’m capable of playing the longer versions.

But white ball cricket is a version I really enjoy. It is just about getting-on with the game, the former St. Joseph’s High School student expressed.

Bacchus’ first test will be against Jamaica on Saturday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground from 18:00h.

We are 85% ready – Fernandes

By Clifton Ross

V

eteran marksman, Ransford Goodluck said preparations have been ideal ahead of the 150th anniversary Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA)/West Indies Full Bore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) championships, adding that he expects much from his team.

Goodluck, a seasoned sniper and an important player in the senior makeup of the national rifle team over the past few decades, has been active in the sport since 1979 and with almost 33 years of experience, he’s aiming to use all his expertise to help Guyana defend/retain their title.

“The first thing is to ensure everything comes off successfully because it’s important for us (National rifle team). We got assistance from the army and police but its only 5 or 6 of us who shoot full-bore, so the invitation and planning is done by our members and once that goes well we’ll all be happy,” Goodluck professed.

The local shooters such as; Captain Mahendra Persaud, Dylan Fields, Lennox Braithwaite, Goodluck included; have had pretty successful training sessions and shooting simulations in recent weeks and the 64 yearold sniper believes this year’s preparations were the better than the previous.

“We are always preparing to achieve and that is the same recipe we are using.

We are also ensuring that we’re covered in terms of preparations as to ensure no

team spring any surprises on us, but mainly the effort is to train and deliver because we will be looking to perform well when the competition starts,” he indicated.

With numerous WIFBSC individual titles under his belt, Goodluck who was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2009, managed to beat the deadly disease said and continues to undergo treatment as he hasn’t let his limitations hinder his training ahead of the celebratory shoot.

“Well my preparations have been going fairly reasonable, I’ve grown older so I have slight physical limitations and I’m a cancer survivor but I have been training and I’m sure I will do very well,” declared the deadeye.

Wrapping up his interview, the marksman said he was nevertheless looking forward to destroying the competition in his favorite events while reflecting on his long career which he began nearly 38 years ago as a young officer. “I always love to shoot the long ranges, the 900/1000 because i have a lot more fun. I shoot well across the board but that (long range) provides more fun for me.”

“I was born into the family, my father was an armorer and was always repairing guns and when it came to rifles I was doing well especially after I joined the force. After some thinking I was reluctant but eventually Paul Slowe got involved and did well and he told me to go and I haven’t looked back since and I don’t regret it,” Goodluck ended.

By Michelangelo Jacobus

F

ollowing the conclusion of another successful GTT National Hockey Championships recently at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) is now preparing to host the International Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships from October 14 to 22.

This is the first time in the country’s history that the tournament will be held in Guyana with the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall the chosen venue. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sports, GHB President Philip Fernandes revealed that with just about two weeks left before the start of the championships, the GHB is about 85% ready to host the tournament.

While preparations are being finalized, Fernandes noted; “I think at this stage we are 85% there. We have a lot of work to cover this week but expect it to be a great tournament full of excitement and entertaining hockey. We hope that the Guyanese public will come out and support the teams.”

The GTT Championships coming off of a seven year hiatus was a test before the Pan American championships and the GHB top man expressed delight with the way things went.

“I think the GTT National Championships was a successful event.

The matches were run off on schedule and there were no disruptions on any of the nights. This is the first time in many years that we are having a tournament again and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the facility stood up to the test. The floor played true as we anticipated and the lighting was good.

There still needs to be a bit of work in some areas but these are being addressed urgently.”

Despite being satisfied with the interior lighting, Fernandes said that the GHB is deliberating over the brightening of lights in the parking lot as well as the outside of the facility; “This

GHB President Philip Fernandes

will also add to the feeling of safety although there will be a strong security presence for the duration of the tournament.”

The GHB will also be implementing easily accessible garbage disposal facilities and the GHB President confidently stated; “I think the tournament will be fine as it will be managed by an international team of officials so we mostly need to take care of the facility.” ***National Teams’ Preparation*** The national teams have been training intensely on a daily basis for well over a month and the improvement was markedly evident during the GTT Championships with the Ladies team and the two national male sides hardly being challenged.

One of the requirements for Guyana being given the green light to host the Pan American Championships was a quality playing surface, thus the GHB some weeks ago imported a removable tile surface which was passed under the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regulations.

During the tournament it was easy to determine those who had been training on the floor and those who were not.

Fernandes pointed out that “the floor is particularly fast and our teams have been becoming more accustomed and their performance has been improving as a result. Tactically I think both the male and female teams seemed to be more in cohesion but they now just need to be able to concentrate and stick to one plan for the entire duration of play. They are playing well in patches but need to be a bit more consistent.”

While the surface is flat and good for the game, it is faster than any other playing surface that the teams have ever played on before. This Fernandes noted took the players some getting used to as the ball is much more difficult to control.

The new surface also brought about changes in players’ game as well as they had to slightly adjust their technique to remove the “bad techniques” they adapted to suit previous playing surfaces.

This will be the first time in the national teams’ history that they have been training on the same surface that they will be competing on and this is an influencing factor that will be paramount to boosting Guyana’s chances of success at the tournament.

“I think this is the biggest difference between this tournament and others that we have used before. It is the first time that we have ever been able to train on the very same surface on which the competition is going to be played. This is valuable for our teams and we hope that it will increase our likelihood of success.”

This year the competition will be one of the biggest ever in its history, which dates back to 2002. There will be eight nations contesting the Women’s competition and seven contesting the Men’s with each tournament being represented by participation from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Only the 2010 competition, held in Venezuela, was larger and by just one team.

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Goodluck reflects on golden career ahead of historic shoot

We are 85% ready – Fernandes Pg 23

– says preparations have been on target Ransford Goodluck readies a clip during a recent shoot

The ‘home of hockey’ in Guyana, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will come alive from October 14 to 22 with the Pan Am Championships

Let’s Play!

The Guyana T20 team pose for the team picture following their arrival in Antigua ahead of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s Independence Tri-Nation T20 Tournament which opens today with hosts Antigua taking on Jamaica. Guyana will get into action on Saturday against Jamaica from 18:00h at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium

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