Guyana Times Saturday, April 13, 2019

UG opens new Centre for P17 Behavioural Research and Sciences …Masters in Clinical Psychology introduced

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

Issue No. 3893

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURday, april 13, 2019

PRICE

SOCU fraud probe

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP demands shutting down of Unit …says entity’s investigations compromised by corruption Page 3

...calls for resignation of Public Security Minister

“We have to create a better investment environment” – Ali Page 7

8 injured in Norton Street accident

P17 Media consultant’s home invaded, robbed …calls to 911 unanswered

Shopkeeper found dead P7 in Essequibo Coast home

Son charged for chopping P15 father Youths fined for stealing gold from P8 dredge owner

Cybercrime offenders to be hauled before courts soon – Crime Chief P16 A tow truck removing the minibus from a Norton Street, Georgetown drain on Friday following a collision at the intersection of Norton Street and Cemetery Road, Georgetown

Hundreds of unemployed youths desperate for work attended job fair School of the Berbice taxi owner Nations principal killed in motorcycle says teen shooter accident …Venezuelan pillion rider critical flown out of Guyana

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US Visitor visas plunge fromP17 over 25,000 to 4923 in 2018

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

Saturday, April 13 – 09:00h-12:00h (no marine traffic) and Sunday, April 14 – 09:00h-10:30h (no marine traffic).

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, April 13 – 10:10h-11:40h and Sunday, April 14 – 11:40h-13:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light cloudy skies with light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunny intervals in the later afternoon. Light rain showers can be expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly and North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 10:49h and 23:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.24 metres and 2.18 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:15h and 17:07h reaching minimum heights of 1.10 metres and 0.93 metre respectively.

WEDNESday, april 10, 2019

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SOCU fraud probe

PPP demands shutting down of Unit …says entity’s investigations compromised by corruption ...calls for resignation of Public Security Minister

W

ith revelations of widespread fraud and financial irregularities within the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) coming out of an audit, the People’s Progressive Party is calling for the unit to be closed down.

According to the party on Friday, the revelations vindicate its many warnings about SOCU deviating from its mandate. In fact, the party noted that the revelations are just the tip of the iceberg, and that a forensic audit from an outside impartial auditor is needed.

“The materials”, the party said, “disclosed by the audit have confirmed our worst fears. But we are convinced that it is only the tip of the iceberg.

“This Unit has rendered itself absolutely unfit to function as a law enforcement agency and as part of the prosecutorial arm of the State. There is no doubt that both investigations and prosecutions are being compromised by this diabolical outfit, who takes political instructions directly from Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, the Attorney General, and Ministry of the Presidency”, the party said.

The party also called for Ramjattan, who is the subject minister responsible for SOCU, to immediately resign. It noted that the unit has for some time been giving appearances of unethical behaviour.

“The public was made aware of the unholy relationship between Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General Basil Williams, British consultant Dr. Sam Sittlington, and senior functionaries at SOCU, who were sighted jovially sipping wine and champagne at public places after arresting a number of PPP leaders.”

“The public”, the PPP added, “would well remember a former Commissioner of Police publicly distancing himself from the operations of this Unit. Recently, the Director of Public Prosecutions, in a sworn affidavit in a High Court proceeding, made it clear that the Office of the DPP did not advise on a series of criminal charges instituted by this Unit.”

Iceberg

According to the PPP, complaints have been made against the unit by various business persons. The party related that businessmen have been shaken down by the unit and have had their valuables seized.

“Over the years, we have received multiple reports from businessmen that SOCU officers have extracted from them huge sums of monies as bribes, and seized large caches of jewellery, monies and other personal valuables, including quantities

The Special Organised Crime Unit

of foreign currencies, from their premises without due process, and have converted these assets to their own use.

“We have also received reports of falsification of evidence in prosecutions, and the refusal to disclose materials which the law requires them to do, in order to ensure a fair trial of persons charged,” the party said. “This contamination of the criminal justice system strikes at the very foundation of the rule of law.”

SOCU

According to information leaked to the media, a probe being conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has unearthed irregularities that included falsified records and missing documents.

According to reports, there was even a case of an official who alleged his signa-

ture was forged. In addition, there are reports of listed expenditure being concocted and receipts being backdated.

SOCU was established in 2014 on the recommendation of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), and was intended to be a Police unit operating under the authority of the Police Commissioner, but with a close relationship to the FIU. Head of the Presidential Secretariat at the time, Dr Roger Luncheon, had disclosed that SOCU was tasked with investigating suspected financial transactions suggestive of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

Amid widespread concerns of SOCU exceeding its mandate following a highspeed chase in which two persons perished, Ramjattan had introduced an amendment to

the GPF’s Standing Order No 62, which concretised the expansion of SOCU’s mandate.

The criminal activities outside of terrorism and money laundering which were outlined in the amendment were: participation in an organised criminal group and racketeering; trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling; sexual exploitation, including the sexual exploitation of children; illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; illicit arms and ammunition trafficking; corruption and bribery; fraud; counterfeiting and piracy of products; environmental crimes; murder; grievous bodily harm; kidnapping, illegal restraint and hostage taking; robbery or theft; smuggling; extortion; forgery; piracy; insider trading and market manipulation; tax evasion and gold smuggling.

But there was no indication that it was authorised to investigate the “misfeasance” which the forensic audit claimed had been committed by the allottees of Pradoville 2. In fact, legal luminaries have contended that the grounds upon which SOCU is conducting its investigations are not even criminal.

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SATURday, april 13, 2019

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, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Youth and unemployment

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nemployment and poverty are two of the main challenges that countries, including Guyana, are faced with at present. Unemployment leads to financial crisis and reduces the overall purchasing capacity of a nation. This in turn results in persons getting in the bracket of poverty followed by increasing burden of debt.

It is true that unemployment and poverty are mostly common in the less developed and developing economies.

For example, just a few days ago it was reported in the media here that there is a whopping 40 per cent unemployment rate among youths in Guyana. This is quite a high percentage of our young people not being able to find the right kind of jobs to meet their expenses and to develop professionally.

In 2012, the Bureau of Statistics conducted a survey which found that 10,326 or 37 per cent of the 17,571 Guyanese between the ages of 15 and 19 were unemployed. The high rate of youth unemployment has triggered a number of negative effects such as crime etc. In fact, only in January, Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said that 80 per cent of prosecuted crimes are committed by youths in the region are between the ages of 19 and 29.

Statistics show that young people constitute one-quarter of the world’s population in the developing nations. This signals a vibrant and hopeful resource for the world. However, far too many young people are being pushed to the margins of society – unable to obtain a quality education or secure a good job so that they can help to break the cycle of poverty which continues to plague their families and communities.

Young people are crying out for decent jobs and opportunities to develop themselves. Some persons who would have obtained the necessary skills and qualifications at the University of Guyana and other tertiary learning institutions have written letters to media complaining about the difficulties they are facing in securing employment.

On the 2015 elections campaign trail, the APNU/AFC Coalition had promised that once elected, steps would be taken to provide jobs for young people so that they would chose to remain and work here, but four years into government and many are still waiting to see these promises fulfilled. This is not to say that governments alone are responsible for creating jobs, but they have an obligation to the citizenry to create an enabling environment through effective and efficient policy implementation to make this possible.

Governmental bodies must display vision to initiate long term measures for poverty alleviation since generation of employment opportunities and equality in income distribution are the two key factors that are of utmost importance to deal with the dual problem of unemployment and poverty.

There is need to scale up the most effective and innovative strategies so that more of our youth will find success and realise their full potential in the years ahead. It doing so it is necessary to have more collaboration between governments and the public and private sectors to increase the scale of youth programmes and to seriously engage stakeholders in promoting job and skills opportunities.

Further, it is not only the quantity, but also the quality of jobs that matters. Decent work is the best way young people can realize their aspirations, improve their living conditions and actively participate in society. However, there is no onesize-fits-all solution to the youth employment challenge. The UN has pointed out that policy responses depend on national circumstances, hence it is necessary that policy options should be part of an integrated framework that promotes economic development and employment growth.

Young people have different experiences and their needs depend on individual characteristics such as age, gender, national origin, socio-economic background and educational and training levels. This calls for combining policies for employment expansion with targeted programmes that overcome the specific labour market disadvantages faced by many young people.

Therefore, policies and national programmes that provide incentives to enterprises to hire young people, promote youth entrepreneurship, and facilitate access to finance and to other targeted active labour market measures can also help countries to improve decent work prospects of its young population. The development of national action plans on youth employment that are focused on these elements can guide countries to translate national commitment into action.

Indian Punjab Police personnel light candles as they pay tribute to the martyrs on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, in Amritsar, India. The anniversary was observed on Wednesday (VOA photo)

Revamping GPF Dear Editor, Much praises are going out the Guyana Police Force for their ongoing operation against the touts at various bus parks. Whilst there’s a scarcity of jobs, it should be noted that touts are consider good to some and bad to others. They are humans and help lots of people in some sort of way whilst they are touting but over the years, lapse within the system cause them to stray away from their illegal duties and are now consider menace.

Apart from that, rouge elements infiltrate their groups and stir up misery for them and some naturally cause them to stray away from duties thus they are being deem menace and everyone gets the blame. I hope that they would not be penalized harshly because they were working for an honest dollar but because some of their attitudes and pressure from others, the complaints keeps increasing on them. If there is another legal way for them to earn a living, I hope that they are assisted but the way things are in Guyana, they will definitely be back to that job. The Guyana Police Force have to explore method to eradicate that seemingly lawlessness and one of the main reason touts exists is that there’s many buses that does not want to join the line, instead they choose to load in front of others immediately upon arrival at the various parks.

They should definitely find a method to stop that but there might be hurdles to cross before they could arrest that situation properly. Mainly, there’s members of the Guyana Police Force

that owns minibuses, have relatives or friends who owns minibuses and when appropriate actions are being taken against them, just one phone call and to the dismay of other minibus operators, they are free to continue with their lawlessness. Added to that, there’s many Policemen that drives minibus when they are not on duty and when stop, they are allowed to continue once they are recognize, if not, a flash of their ID Card and they are free to go along lawlessly. There are stipulated parks for minibuses, but some rogue operators park at various places ahead of the bus parks and load with the assistance of the touts, and other touts are then employed by the buses in the line to hassle with the other touts and buses. They should address these issues, not go behind the touts alone.

Editor, like previous Heads of the Guyana Police Force, I am not surprised to hear our new Commissioner of Police issuing threats towards those who choose to bribe the members of the Guyana Police Force.

Echoing words used by his processors does not impress me. I am tired of hearing the same thing over and over.

We all knows that there’s charges for those who offer and those who collect bribes.

Instead of tooting his horns, he should just address these issues. It’s not nice to go against John Public and you having your members committing the most crime and you not dealing with that.

Look after your house first, but then again, he might be wary of that after seeing

what happen to the previous Acting Commissioner. There are instances where the person is being hold without any reasonable cause and they are forced by members of the Guyana Police Force to ‘give something’ before they could be allowed to go. Cases exists where they could be charged and release on bail or just allow to go but if you don’t have money to give they, they create excuses and put you into the lockup and in cases, make you call your relatives to bring money to bribe them before you could go. In other words, members of the Guyana Police Force create an environment where you have to pay bribe to members of the Guyana Police Force.

Finally, Editor, after reading about one media consultant being robbed and his claims of calling the 911 repeatedly for over one hour and not getting an answer, based on my personal experience using that number, I posted a defense citing my experience and a few others on the social media agrees with me. Over a number of times there’s cases where I had to call the 911 and on the first calling between two to five rings, my calls are always being answered and upon explaining my reason for calling, I am always transfer towards the closest station within the vicinity I am calling from. I must admit and others agrees me, the 911 service is very active and whilst that is worthy of praises, some of the operators are very cooperative, some would exercise some serious attitudes and more than once I had to question them and most cases,

when asking their names, the phone would be disconnected. I am presuming that they take their domestic problem to work with them.

Added to that, when your calls are transferred, after listing your problem, sometimes you would be fortunate to hear the operator trying to get the patrol unit using the vehicle and in most cases the radio calls would go unanswered and the operator would inform you that they would try to get the mobile patrol and let them visit your area or invite you to the station. If you choose to go to the station, the police would inquire your reason, provide you with few options to choose from and request that you hire a taxi or provide transportation to traverse to and fro.

Whilst all of that occurring, there’s the threat of going after vehicle with lights deem as menace to other motorists and the public. I am in agreement with that but I would remind all that to date, majority of members from the Guyana Police Force have the most heavily tinted vehicles and some with the illegal lights but despite calls over the years, no proper action is being taken against them. I should remind the Commissioner that if he wanted to see changes from society, the members of the Guyana Police Force should set an example first.

It is unjustifiable to penalized one set for something that is illegal and another set is allowed to abuse it because they are the enforcer.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

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Berbice taxi owner killed in motorcycle accident …Venezuelan pillion rider critical

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taxi service owner was on Friday evening killed when the CBR he was riding slammed into the side of a car at Blairmont, West Bank Berbice.

Dead is Tryone Kishore, called “Wildy”, 34, of Lot 140 Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice.

Reports are Kishore, a father of one, was riding motorcycle CH 6922, and was heading out of Blairmont Settlement when the accident occurred. This

newspaper was told that Kishore slammed into motorcar HC 4204, being driven by a 45-year-old man from Section ‘E’ D’ Edward Village, West Coast Berbice.

Three passengers in the car said that Kishore was heading in the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed as he served into the path of the car.

According to the eyewitnesses, the driver manoeuvred partly off the road, but not before the motorcycle slammed into the side. The

pillion rider – a Venezuelan -- was sent flying, and landed on the parapet, while Kishore and the motorcycle proceeded into the nearby canal.

Several minutes later, he was pulled from the water and was reported dead.

Residents say the taxi service owner had earlier been seen imbibing at a bar in Blairmont, and was on his way out of the village when the accident occurred.

Reports are also that the motorcycle was acquired a few days prior to Friday’s

Dead: Tryone Kishore

accident.

Meanwhile, the pillion rider was rushed to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital, where she was receiving medical attention up to press time. She reportedly suffered a broken hip and leg, and is suffering from internal injuries to her chest.

The driver of the car was taken into custody and is currently assisting with investigations. No trace of alcohol was detected when a breathalyzer test was conducted on the taxi driver.

Why is Govt offended when questions are asked of them?

Dear Editor, Some media houses are busy questioning the PPP/ C’s presidential candidate on the authenticity of his qualifications. They have every right to ask him questions, to which he provided

them with answers.

Now, I have noticed that there is a drought whenever questions are to be asked on the Government side. I therefore take this opportunity to ask a “few” questions of the Government. These

questions are all listed below: 1. The Finance Minister recently announced that the economy grew by 4.1per cent, is this an honest statement, or another falsification of the figures? I make that asser-

Maintaining rule of law within the city has to begin within M&CC Dear Editor, It seems to me that no matter what you do or what you say, some people and some places will just simply never get it right. The Georgetown City Council happens to be one of those places. Following local press reports, we see and hear the new and inexperienced acting City Treasurer opting to use the proverbial ‘Big Stick’ to terrorize and intimidate dilatory property owners with threats of harsh legal and other actions in what is being dubbed a campaign to recover some nearly 9 billion dollars in outstanding rates, rather than seeking to inspire and encourage them to honour the sums due.

There continues to be peddled in this one-sided arrangement, the twisted view that only the property owners have an obligation and duty to the Council whilst the Council has none to the citizenry but rather is doing them a big favour when they provide some meager service to them.

Is the new acting Treasurer aware that the Council is bound by law to serve demand notices on each property owner as part of the collection process? Is the new acting Treasurer aware that the charging of interest is tied to the overdraft the Council has with their bankers and should not be charged willy-nilly as is currently being done? Is the new and inexperienced Treasurer aware that Solid Waste fees are already included in the property rates charged and should not be charged again separately as is currently done and which is double taxation. In fact, it was because of the bur-

densome refuse collection costs due to the services being contracted out that was used as the justification for jacking up property rates on commercial properties from 40% to a whopping 250%.

The introduction of separate solid waste charges and container fees now, when the Council does not fix a single road is just simply duplicitous and shameful.

It would seem to all and sundry that the administration of the Council has already swept under the carpet and is hoping that the citizenry has forgotten the very serious and damning findings of the Commission of Inquiry. Is the Council seriously expecting citizens to go rushing down to City Hall with bags of money to pay property rates without completed forensic audits in years? Without all of the other slack senior officers that were named in the report being dealt with, without the recovery of all the assets that were squirreled away? They must be joking.

But it is the immorality and unfairness of the Council that is most troubling, where they think it is quite ok to beat up underprivileged persons including old indigent pensioners over their heads to come in and pay up their property rates promptly or face exorbitant interest, whilst their friends are allowed to owe the Council tens of millions of dollars over decades and then are rewarded with an amnesty which wipes away all of that interest. A case in point occurred not so long ago when a senior Councillor from the last batch proudly announced that he got someone who owed approximate-

ly forty million dollars in rates and interest to come in and pay less than a million dollars during one of these disgraceful amnesties.

I would like to plead with the Mayor not to be duped by the Council’s Administration into going down the road of leading a ‘Name and Shame’ campaign against these purported recalcitrant commercial property owners or else, like some of his predecessors he may be the one to find himself and his Council in the awkward position of facing litigation from persons and companies whom they will wrongfully name as recalcitrants. This has happened many times before and is because the Council’s financial and other records are in a complete mess. Properties have changed hands several times and yet still the original owners still appear on their records, properties listed as residential are in fact commercial and vice versa, some properties were illegally granted waivers of interest by persons who were not authorized to do so, and some properties have the incorrect valuations attached to them.

Maintaining the rule of law within the city has to begin within the City Council, where the COI showed that several senior officers and even some Councillors disregarded with impunity all the financial and other regulations of the municipality. Then and only then will persons feel justified in paying up their property rates promptly.

Regards, Jermain Johnson

tion based on his projections for a previous year, which were later downgraded to half of that amount. Could someone give us a clear answer on this one?

2. The Minister of Finance recently sourced money from The Islamic Bank to build 3 mini-hydro projects. Is he subscribing to the theory that 3 is better than one?

3. Did Minister Cathy Hughes declare her financial dealings with her own company, Video-mega?

4.

Sole-sourcing to Minister Patterson’s husband to build houses for the Government? Is this legal?

5. Where is the President of Guyana, and who is really in charge of the ship of state?

6. Why only now do we see a battery of ministers

on meet-the-people tours?

What have they been doing for four (4) years?

7. The health sector is in a deplorable state, with malfunctioning equipment, shortage of drugs and maternal deaths, among others. Could the minister shed some light on this?

8. The Rice Industry is in a terrible state. Where is the Agriculture Minister on this?

9. What is the position of the squatters in Parliament on that dual citizenship breach?

10. Monies for GECOM. They are claiming that they need more money to conduct elections, but house-tohouse registration, which is a costlier exercise, is already underway. What is this Government really saying?

11.

What has be-

come of the US$18 million ExxonMobil bonus?

12. The four-lane highway to Belfield, what progress has been made thus far?

13. The four-lane highway to the Timehri Airport, please grant us an update 14. The renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri; this project has been going on for six years now. Is there no completion date set?

These are questions and more questions which deserve answers. Do not just ask questions of the Opposition, we have been given a daily dose of that. I am now asking questions of the Government, to which we deserve legitimate answers.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Are the GRA boss and Police Commissioner asleep?

Dear Editor, There is a crisis in this country, and it is being ignored by the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force. Due to the neglect by these two Government entities, unscrupulous persons are blatantly violating our laws with impunity, and contributing to the social decay of our country.

A causal walk around Georgetown and the country would reveal numerous illegal rum shops and beer gardens at every corner, sometimes many such outfits are in one corner, in full view of everyone.

Illegal rum shops exist with mobile freezers, the owners of which outwardly claim to sell just snacks and soft drinks, but they carry a full line of beers, and in many cases a variety of liquors. I saw illegal rum shops also in markets and at major street corners.

We know of the social ills related to alcohol use, and the destruction of homes and lives, with the attendant crimes also. Our young people are become drunk-

ards at a very early age due to the failure of Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force to regulate the sale of liquor and prosecute the law breakers.

It is clear that the GRA and the Guyana Police Force are turning a blind eye on this scourge affecting our nation.

What is really happening to our country? Are we promoting a nation of drunkards? Why are the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force promoting these illegal beer gardens and rum shops? It has to be that they are promoting them, since they have allowed them to operate all over the place and at all hours.

There is blatant disregard for our laws, and the promotion of lawlessness and drunkenness among our youths and older people.

These mobile freezers and makeshift rum shops have no standards, and are not accountable to anyone. Some of them also play loud music, which disturbs neighbours, and some also sell food in unsanitary conditions.

I have had the unfortu-

nate experience of witnessing my underage grandson become a drunkard at these corner freezer rum shops, and his underage friends are the same way. Are there not laws governing who can sell liquor, and where it can be sold? Do these makeshift illegal shops pay taxes, or obtain all the approvals or licences to sell liquor and beer?

Of least concern to me is the competition that they give to approved rum shops and beer gardens, but isn’t that unfair competition to those registered and licensed rum shops and beer gardens?

Is this what we are promoting to foreign visitors and our young people?

It is time for GRA Commissioner Godfrey Statia and Police Commissioner Leslie James to wake up from their slumber and enforce the laws, and close down these freezer rum shops and other illegal shops selling liquor and beer.

Sincerely, Clayton R Harris

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Foundation

2. Plan outings. Short trips can give you more quality time together as a family and help your child to continue learning outside of the classroom. Visit a museum in your neighbourhood, and discuss what you experienced. Go to your town library. Encourage your child to pick out a few books that you can read together later that evening.

3. Celebrate holidays. Establish family traditions for Thanksgiving and Christmas and any other holidays that are meaningful to you. Even simple practices such as baking a favourite dessert together can create lasting memories.

Making your children feel loved and valued will help them to grow up to be happy and responsible adults.

Treasure your time together and create memories that you’ll both enjoy for years to come. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

By Monica Foley, Med

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our children need your love, time, and undivided attention. As a parent, you’re likely to be the most significant influence in their lives – it’s up to you to help them to feel secure and build their confidence.

Habits and rituals that become a regular part of your family life will have the most impact. Even on your busiest days, you can show your child that you care during your ordinary, everyday activities.

Consider the following ideas to integrate into your regular routines to make your child feel loved and valued: 1. Be attentive. Actively listen when your child wants to talk to you. Show that you’re listening by stopping what you’re doing and maintaining eye contact. Share their enthusiasm about what they’re discussing, even if the subject is about insects, or a movie you’ve both watched a hundred times. If you’re not able to put down what you’re doing, let your child know and be sure to follow up on the conversation later in the day when you can provide undivided attention.

2. Show affection. Give your child hugs and kisses on the cheek on a regular basis. Physical contact will help you bond with your children. According to Child Trends, a non-profit research organization, studies show that higher self-esteem, better parent-child communication, and fewer psychological and behaviour problems have been linked to warmth and affection between a parent and their child.

3. Provide genuine praise. When it comes to praising your child, quality is more important than quantity. Let your child know that you’re proud of him or her for making an effort, regardless of the outcome. The key is not to praise your child for everything they do, but to recognize when they do something out of the ordinary, or when they are working hard towards achieving a goal.

4. Ask for help. Enlist your child’s help with chores and

give him or her a chance to teach you how to do things, too.

Ask them to set the dinner table, take out the trash, or walk the dog. Tell your child that you appreciate the part they play in keeping your house running smoothly. Thank him or her for explaining a new slang word or showing you how to use popular apps they may be using, such as Snapchat.

5. Go for a drive. Make your errands more meaningful by inviting your child to join you. While it may take you a little longer to complete your to-do list, the one-on-one time and conversations along the way are well worth it.

6. Create bedtime rituals. The time spent preparing for sleep is an ideal opportunity to unwind and connect.

Snuggle together and share your favourite books. Create stories based on your real-life experiences. Take turns sharing something specific that happened that day for which you are thankful.

7. Enjoy family meals. Research indicates that there are physical, mental, and emotional benefits of having regular family meals. Having dinner together is another chance to spend some uninterrupted, quality time as a family. Make it a rule that mealtimes are device-free so there are no distractions. Kids feel important and valued when their parents show sincere interest in their child’s day, ask questions, and share as appropriate about their own day.

Fun activities to make your child feel special

Thoughtful surprises and occasional treats also help a child to feel important. There are many ways to brighten up your child’s day without having to spend a lot of money.

Try these ideas: 1. Send “snail mail”. Receiving physical mail from someone is so rare these days that anything you send may feel special. Write a letter to your child and mail it for their birthday or send a “Just Because” card to show you care — this is something they’ll never forget.

By Robert Myers, PhD

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he results of a recent experimental study published in the March 2016 issue of Developmental Psychology found that not only what we say but how we say it may affect the development of emotional traits of a child starting at a very young age. We once thought that how a person was wired (temperament) was genetically determined but this study indicates that environment plays a big role as well.

The experiment consisted of a researcher teaching children (15 months of age) how to play with toys while the child sat on their parent’s lap. Another researcher sat nearby (the “Emoter”) and would either would either with either anger (“That’s aggravating” in a stern voice) or neutral affect (“That’s interesting”) while the infants watched the demonstration. Later they let the children play with the toys. The babies who heard an angry reaction were less likely to play with the toys than those who heard the neutral reaction.

So what does this mean for parents? First it shows that what we say and how we say it effects not only a child’s behaviour at the moment but how they react to future situations that are similar. From what we know about brain development, it is quite possible that continued exposure to this type of stimuli, especially if it occurs in different types of circumstances will gradually generalise to a more permanent reaction style to new and novel things they encounter. When a pattern of response is generalised like this it most likely indicates that the child’s brain has now been wired so that the child becomes more hesitant and fearful of various things they are exposed to in their environment.

Parents can use this information in a positive way. By using a positive tone and positive statements while a baby or young child observes and experiences various situations we help them to react positively. One major fear children often have is a fear of the dark. When my children were babies, I would carry them through a dark room singing about how cool it was to be in the dark.

Neither had a fear of the dark. Now, I would use a stern voice and say “not safe” if I saw them doing something that could be harmful and if needed remove them.

I encourage you to become aware of what you say and how you say it so you will be better at encouraging your child to explore and interact with their environment especially to new things so they feel safe to explore and interact. When you see them doing things that are appropriate you can positive and motivating statements in a tone that it is encouraging as well. Use this to encourage children to try new things and to learn new skills.

Parent/child communication is key to carrying out the basic tasks of a parent which include forming a close bond, understanding your child’s point of view, providing appropriate limits and guidance and teaching them skills, knowledge and values. Start being aware (mindful) of how you communicate with your child and how it effects them.

Modify your communication style based on what you learn and begin to filter and actually formulate what you say and how to say it before you start. These modifications will “rewire” your parenting style and you will find that you will begin to respond to your child spontaneously in a very positive and effective style. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“We have to create a better investment environment” – Ali

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PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, says that Guyana needs to create a greater confidence and a better environment for investments, both local and foreign.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ali said the PPP previously did this and that was before oil and gas. He noted that they had the largest influx of foreign direct investments.

“We had the largest expansion in our economy without oil and gas. We had expansion in manufacturing and value-added and in agriculture and housing and in construction without oil and gas.

So just imagine (what we can do) with oil and gas. We have the experience. We have done this before, we have delivered before. We have achieved this before, there is nothing new for us. So in terms of our capabilities to do this, we have it,” the President Candidate asserted.

According to Ali, Guyana needs to ensure that there is a predictable, fair and structured defined investment plan.

“It cannot be unpredictable that today, this goes for company ‘X’ and tomorrow, something else for company ‘Y’. It must be predictable, it must be fair, it must be structured and it must be defined. It must be a defined pathway as to where we want to take Guyana and where Guyana will be. And this is what we are working on, this is what we will deliver and this is what we will ensure is in place when we’re in government,” the PPP Presidential

Candidate assured.

Furthermore, Ali went onto point out that as it is right now, the APNU/AFC Coalition government is crowding out the private sector.

“The government is crowding out investment in the private sector, because they’re outstripping the Private Sector in borrowing in the commercial banks. We have to ensure that government does not crowd out the private sector so that the private sector would have opportunity to access capital at a cheaper rate and so on,” he stressed.

Recent events in the local political sphere has caused much uneasiness among local private sector bodies. Many of these agencies have warned that the current political climate has been negatively impacting economic activities here.

But Government has dismissed this with President David Granger last month saying that this was a “misinterpretation” of the situation on the ground, adding that it was “unfortunate” that the business community feels this way.

However, in the height of political uncertainty up until last month when the no-confidence motion cases were in the local courts, several members of the diplomatic community here had also voiced concerns on the impact the political situation can have on potential investment opportunities.

Questioned whether similar feedback is being received from United States investors looking to do business in Guyana, US Ambassador to

Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch’s responded in the negative She explained that she has been predominantly talking to local businesses and US companies already on the ground here and this does not seem to be an issue right now.

According to the new US diplomat, her country will continue to encourage investments in Guyana especially now on the heels of first oil, which she reiterated, will only bring betterment for Guyanese.

“Again, with the 5.5 billion barrels of reserves, and that’s just one sector, but what that will do for the country in terms of other industries being able to be spun off from that and rise and grow is really tremendous. So we’re very much interested in looking at increased trading and investment opportunities for US businesses and we will be encouraging them to look at Guyana,” she stressed.

But in the same breath, however, Ambassador Lynch said that Guyana can do better when it comes to the way business is being done here.

“On the surface, there is some thought that Guyana could do a bit better on easing the way of doing business.

So in order words, allowing businesses to start up quicker, faster and making the regulations less bureaucratic so that there are more opportunities for more businesses to get up and going quicker,” Ambassador Lynch asserted during a sit-down interview with sections of the local media fraternity on Monday.

This, the US diplomat explained, would create an enabling environment not just for huge companies such as ExxonMobil – the US oil giant preparing to for production early next year having discovered some 5.5 billion barrels of oil offshore Guyana – but for smaller companies as well to thrive and develop with the potential to create jobs in the long run.

The US Ambassador, like Ali, also pointed out that the private sector generally wants stability and predictability.

“In my experience, the thing what most private sec-

tor want is stability and predictability so they can do their business… So those are very specific areas (and) I think it’s something that Guyana should want and make sure that they do continue to make improvements and get a handle on (that), so that trade and

investments can thrive here and I think that there is a great possibility that they can do that,” she contended.

Over the years, Guyana has been ranking low on ease of doing business indices. In fact, the most recent report from the World Bank last

November showed that there was a decline in investors’ confidence here. The World Bank’s 2018 Report rated Guyana 134 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business, eight places down from 2017’s 126 global ranking.

Essequibo Coast shopkeeper found dead in home

The home where “Aunty Molly” was found dead

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olice on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a female shopkeeper who was found dead in her Onderneeming home on Friday.

Dead is Nazarene Haniff called “Aunty Molly” of 347 Red Village Extension Scheme, Onderneeming Sand Pit. The discovery was made at about 13:15h and the now dead 52-year-old woman is believed to have been beaten and sexually assaulted.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Haniff was discovered dead in her bed. This newspaper was told that a man, who usually sells ice to the deceased, went to deliver ice at about 08:30h on Friday and she was alive and well at that time. However, when he returned at about 13:15h, he found her lying on the bed face up and motionless.

The man reportedly raised an alarm immediately and neighbours rushed to the scene.

One neighbour told this publication that after hearing of the shocking news, she rushed over to the deceased

home and saw her on the bed with her hands on her chest close to her neck. The neighbour recalled observing that Haniff’s feet were on the ground, hanging off the bed and her underwear was pulled to her knees. She added too that the dead woman’s face also appeared to have been beaten up.

Meanwhile, a close friend of Haniff related that the only suspect so far is a male in his early 30s of mixed ethnicity.

She said the man, whom she described as thin in structure and brown in complexion, is believed to have owed

the shop owner money.

That man was last seen between 09:30h to 10:00h in the community under the influence of alcohol and trying to get transportation to go to the public road. Residents said based on the man’s behaviour, he seemed to be running from something.

However, Divisional Commander Khalid Pareshram confirmed, when contacted, that the Police had someone in custody but it is unclear whether it was the same person.

Further asked to confirm whether evidence at the scene suggests that the deceased was sexually assaulted, Commander Paresham would only say that they are awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine this.

Nevertheless, the body of “Aunty Molly” is presently at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary. In the meantime, investigations are continuing.

8 News

saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bus conductor jailed for stabbing teen

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eorgetown Magistrate Annette Singh on Friday jailed a Route 40 minibus conductor for four months after he was found guilty of wounding a 17-yearold student back in 2017.

The magistrate found that

sufficient evidence was presented to convict 21-year-old Miguel Isaac of the charge, which detailed that on November 9, 2017 at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded, Odaffi Taylor, caus-

ing him grievous bodily harm.

The prosecution’s case was that on November 9, 2017, the teen was at the Route 40 (Kitty/Campbellville) bus park awaiting transportation when he was not allowed to enter the minibus

of which the defendant was the conductor. This led to an argument, during which the Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown conductor, who was armed with a pair of scissors, dealt the teen one stab to his neck.

Who… Youths fined for stealing gold, silver from dredge owner

E

ighteen-year-old Miguel Daniels and his 20-yearold accomplice Alension Joseph, both miners, were

on Friday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a charge of robbery-under-arms.

Miguel Daniels and Alension Joseph

The charge stated that

on March 28, 2019, at Balata Backdam, Mazaruni River, Region Seven, (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), while in the company of others and armed with a knife, they robbed Andre Francis of 2.2 penny weight of raw gold, a gold scale and quarter bottle of silver, all at a total cost of $82,000.

The unrepresented duo admitted to the offence, and Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that on March 28, the virtual complainant had “washed down” his dredge and reported a production of 2.2 pennyweight of raw gold. However, at about 23:42h, the VC was asleep when he was awakened and confronted by the two men, who attacked him. The VC tried to resist, but was overpowered, and Daniels and Joseph picked up the bag containing the items and made good their escape.

The matter was reported to the Kamarang Police Station, an investigation was launched, and the duo were arrested. They admitted to the offence and were later charged.

In a plea of mitigation, both defendants told the Chief Magistrate that they had mistaken the VC for someone else who had stolen money from them, and they were acting to get it back.

The Chief Magistrate fined both Daniels and Joseph $7000 each. Failure to pay the fine would result in either serving three months’ imprisonment.

B

…corrupts the watchmen? y the beginning of the new millennium, with the growth of the drug trade, it wasn’t surprising that a tremendous amount of the cash generated had to be laundered. This, of course, was the rationale for the global FATF to lean on the CFTAF to lean on the Guyana Government to not only pass legislation to fight this scourge, but to create institutions to investigate the players. With the FIU already in place, in 2014, the PPP administration created the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to be the investigative arm of the former body. The emphasis was on “organised crime”.

The following year, the PNC-led coalition entered office, and it wasn’t long before they gave themselves that humungous raise and changed the entire focus of the Unit: to “get” the PPP and those identified with their administration. A “stake out” of a house - which they thought was owned by the ex-head of NICIL - led to a highspeed chase that resulted in the death of a GDF Intelligence officer. That the house wasn’t even owned by Brassington showed that SOCU was less about “investigation”, and more about political harassment.

SOCU NEVER investigated any money laundering, but rather, was sic’d to investigate claimed malfeasance by the PPP Ministers and various rollover agency heads - putatively based on audits ordered by the PNC-led Government. Even though there were a number of charges filed, there hasn’t been a single conviction to date. The most high-profile case - on the allocation of house lots at Pradoville II and involving President Jagdeo - is still outstanding. But in all accounts, it was more of throwing mud at the PPP and hoping some would stick.

All of this shadowboxing in pursuing the PNC’s political vendettas had to’ve affected the Unit, and it was only a matter of time that something had to give. And we arrive at the revelations that an audit of SOCU’s finances shows that there’s been rampant corruption and fraud at all levels.

Millions and millions have been pilfered in the last four years.

Now, while there will (justifiably) be questions about “who will watch the watchmen?” - with even the Latin version cited, “quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” - we have to look at the systemic factors that have made fraud and corruption endemic not only in SOCU, but in every section of the Government.

And this factor is the decision by this PNC-led Government to callously serve only two ends: enrich themselves and go after the PPP, to be returned to enrich themselves further. This has created such a high level of cynicism in governance that all aspiration to serve is gone.

And replaced by the compulsion to “tek” as much as they can get. …will turn off the light?

Some interesting figures were released by the US Embassy that’ll definitely affect the elections – whenever they’re held. Permanent visas, we’re told, jumped from 4000 in 2017 to 7500 in 2018. When the previous Ambassador departed last November (well temporarily, since he’s back in the goldfields!) he announced 18,000 immigrant visas had been issued in his three years at Duke Street. So it looks like 6000 Guyanese annually leave permanently; or almost 30,000 between 2015 and 2020, the adults who won’t be voting.

The numbers on visitors’ visas were an astounding 86,133, or an average of 29,000 annually. It seems this has dropped to just 5000 last year. But not to worry… a whole lotta those visas issued earlier were for 10 years. And they’re still travelling back and forth. So an average of 5000 of these won’t be here to vote. And we haven’t considered Canada!!

The unknown variable, of course, is the ethnic breakdown, to figure which party has lost more votes. …will control immigration?

While we’re on visas, isn’t it time we have some control over whom we allow in? And your Eyewitness isn’t talking about those unfortunate Venezuelan refugees; he’s more concerned about all those Chinese allowed in to open supermarkets. What happened to computer assembly?

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

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

10 W

saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

elcome our valued readers to our Guyana Times Special on the automotive in-

dustry. This informative special was done as an educational piece to bring to your attention some of the best of

what Guyana has to offer for persons who are interested in purchasing, upgrading or looking at the prospects of ac-

quiring a vehicle.

The idea behind our special was predicated on outlining the various steps associat-

ed with acquiring and owing a vehicle, and the go-to companies we have featured, that can make it very easy for interested readers to know what their options are.

As you peruse the special you will find a variety of banking institutions available for persons seeking to acquire financing for purchasing a vehicle.

Once you have that aspect covered, then the next step would be to purchase the vehicle of your dreams. That has been made easy with the plethora of top businesses made available through this special that interested persons can get in contact with.

After acquiring the vehicle of your choice, there are certain fundamentals that one would have to satisfy such as insurance. We also have featured some of the best insurance companies that consumers can go to to satisfy that requirement.

Part of the responsibili-

ty that comes with owning a vehicle is ensuring that it is well serviced with the correct lubricants and maintained with the correct auto parts.

Our special also has that aspect covered, with some of the leading companies that sell spare parts and the necessary lubricants needed to ensure the longevity of their dream vehicle.

Provided that you have all of that covered, many car owners would want to also accessorise their vehicles to give it their unique look. We also have listed some of the companies that have a variety of accessories that can give you that one of a kind factor that many discerning drivers crave.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our valued and consistent readers and business partners, for being part of our Automotive Special that we will be doing from time to time.

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Car care: Essential tips for looking after your vehicle * Quick and easy checks can ensure your car is reliable and safe * Healthy oil and cooling systems are vital to keep your car going * Tyres are your car’s only connection to the road – look after them * Poorly maintained car batteries are a big cause of breakdowns * Working headlights, taillights and indicators are safety essentials Regular care checks and maintenance are all it takes to avoid potential car reliability problems. Our maintenance plan will help you keep your car in good shape.

7 things to check before your road trip * Radiator and cooling system * Engine oil * Tyre condition * Battery condition * Transmission and power steering fluid levels * Windscreen wipers and washer fluid * Headlights, tail-lights and indicators

by the vehicle manufacturer.

If your car is regularly losing coolant, there may be a leak somewhere that could be a sign of a bigger problem which needs professional assessment. While you have the bonnet open, inspect the hoses and pipes – such as those leading to and from the radiator and heater – the fuel lines and any pipes associated with the power steering or brakes.

Stains could indicate a leak,

How to check your radiator and cooling system Caution: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Let it cool for a few hours to avoid injury.

A quick check of the radiator coolant is as easy as looking at the level in the plastic overflow bottle of most cars. The coolant level should be in between the high and low markings.

Once the engine has cooled, you can remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator, too.

If the level is low, top it up with the coolant recommended

and any soft, kinked, swollen or cracked hoses should be replaced by a reputable mechanic.

How to check your engine oil * Park your car on level ground * Start the engine, let it run for a short time, then turn it off * While the engine is warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a clean cloth or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick –

make sure it’s fully inserted, otherwise you'll get a false reading * Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be in between the low and high markings. If the oil level is low, top up your oil but first check the owner’s manual for the correct oil grade. Don’t start the engine if there isn’t any oil on the dipstick! An engine with no oil can seize and be extremely expensive to fix.

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GBTI launches

“Roll with Happiness” G

uyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) is launching its “Roll with Happiness” auto campaign today at their corporate office, in Kingston, Georgetown.

The campaign launch will take the form of an Auto Fair which starts at 10:00h and will run until 15:00h, with several auto dealers showcasing samples of their fleet of vehicles available to customers to feel, view and experience.

Representatives from the North American Life Insurance Company Limited (Nalico) and North American Fire and General Insurance Company Limited (Nafico) will also be on site to provide information on motor vehicle insurance, while the representatives from Guyoil will also be present to answer questions and or provide information regarding their involvement in the campaign and also with regards to their fuel and other products.

A number of the bank’s knowledgeable loan officers will be on hand to provide information regarding the promotion, offer advice and to also accept applications.

Every successful customer will receive six months free gas vouchers, compliments of GBTI with support from Guyoil.

Additionally, eligible customers will be given the opportunity to have a VISA Credit Card.

“The campaign aims to provide easy and affordable loans

auto loan campaign

for customers to acquire the vehicle of their dreams. We understand the needs of our customers and we work to provide solutions based on their needs,” GBTI stated in a release.

The rates are very competitive; as low as 6.99 per cent, with up to eight years to repay while down payments vary depending on the type or condition of the vehicle.

The loan application process is simple and the requirements are very basic, including:

* Quotation for vehicle * Proof of income * Proof of address * Character references * Valid driver’s license * ID card/passport and one passport size photo Let GBTI helps you achieve your dreams as you “Roll with happiness” in your new ride!

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BM SOAT AUTO SALES E Corporate overview stablished in 1986, BM SOAT AUTO SALES quickly grew to become a dominant player in auto sales arena. Over 30 years in business, BM SOAT became the number one auto dealer in Guyana. With the help of the community and loyal staff, the company has managed to serve its customers with great hospitality and quality

services.

BM SOAT AUTO SALES can provide a variety of Japanese vehicles on a large-scale; we also deal with special order vehicles and pickup trucks from USA, and also supply brand new vehicles with factory warranty many, many models to choose from and ensure that we meet our customers’ demand.

BM SOAT comprises

three showrooms in different locations, with staff willing to assist and tackle any concern the customer may have. We have recently established a general automotive repair shop so that all of our customer’s automotive experiences will be at one location.

BM SOAT AUTO SALES give the longest payback period, lowest down payment, lowest interest rate and up to six months warranty.

Divisions Trade-in – “In with the old, out with the new’’ BM SOAT AUTO SALES established the new “trade-in” division with the slogan- “In with the old, out with the new.”

Customers are required to bring in their older vehicle so that the inspection and valuation can be carried out; 70 per cent would be refunded to the customer (valuation fund) and must be used as a down payment on another suitable vehicle.

If the valuation fund does not meet the required down payment for the vehicle selected, then the customer would be required to pay the difference.

BM SOAT AUTO SALES accepts any type of car, considered an old model or new.

Other services > Pay 30 per cent down and receive up to four years to repay with one per cent Interest per month > Lowest down payment – $500,000 > Buy cash and get five per cent off instantly.

BM SOAT AUTO SALES- ‘’ IT’S YOUR TURN TO DRIVE’’ Georgetown Lot 9 Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown Tel: 227-5117/227-7773/2318451 Success Area ‘A’ Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara Tel: 220-6898/2206893 Happy Acre s 174 Happy Acres, East Coast DemeraraTel: 220-2606

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saturday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

School of the Nations principal says teen shooter flown out of Guyana

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lmost three months after a teenager had shot him, School of the Nations Principal Dr Brian O’Toole on Thursday said the shooter has been flown out of Guyana.

According to O’Toole, the lack of prosecution and delay in justice is due to the fact that the parents of the teen flew their son out of the country less than 24 hours after he had committed the crime.

On Thursday night at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Georgetown, Dr O’Toole stated that regardless of the professions of parents, they should not allow their children to pursue the wrong path and engage in such illegalities.

“It does not matter what position you have in society. If you are the one that got your child out of the country the day after the shooting, then you

Dr Brian O’Toole

have created a monster that is going to destroy his life, the life of your family; and if he is not brought to justice, God knows the mayhem that it’s going to cause,” O’Toole said.

He explained that as a result of the shooting, which was highly publi-

cised in local and international media outlets, overseas-based Guyanese as well as foreigners are now questioning the state of Guyana with respect to crime.

“I am 95 per cent certain that the shooting was related to the horrible video game “Fortnight”, which incidentally Prince Harry has now started a campaign in England to ban that game,” the principal added.

Steps, he said, need to be taken, and initiatives should be put in place to curb violence involving students and other youths in the country; and this means that a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary.

On January 27th of this year, Dr O’Toole was shot three times as he was returning to his Bel Air, Georgetown residence, hours after an emergency

Son charged for chopping father

A

62-year-old Princes Street, Georgetown resident on Friday found himself arraigned before Principal Magistrate Leron Daly to answer a charge of unlawful wounding, wherein it is alleged that he chopped his father during a heated argument.

Foy Fredericks denied that on April 7, 2019, at Stevedore Housing Scheme in Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Derwin

Fredericks, causing him grievous bodily harm.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh told the court that, on April 7, the defendant and his mother had a misunderstanding, wherein Foy Fredericks became annoyed and armed himself with a chopper from the kitchen. The defendant was advancing towards his mother with the weapon, but the VC, upon seeing this, tried to prevent the defendant from injur-

ing his wife. The VC ended up receiving injuries to his palm and right finger during the altercation.

The matter was reported to the La Penitence Police Station, and Foy Fredericks was arrested while the VC was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for medical attention.

Magistrate Daly has placed Foy Fredericks on $30,000 bail, and set the case to continue on April 26.

meeting with parents and guardians about violent threats on social media to injure students and teachers of that school.

Earlier this year, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves told Guyana Times that Police

had questioned four persons – both current and former students – in relation to the shooting of the school’s principal.

However, subsequent to the incident, there were several threats against the

school on Facebook made by “Kira” (meaning killer), which is the alias of the main character in “Death Note” – a Japanese manga series that was later adapted into films.

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SATURday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hundreds of unemployed youths Cybercrime offenders to hungry for work attend job fair be hauled before courts soon – Crime Chief …701 online applications received

A packed auditorium at the National Sports Hall on Friday

H

undreds of young people who are unemployed, on Friday morning crowded the National Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, where the Department of Youth held its first job fair to address the scourge of unemployment, which affects some 40 per cent of youths.

Senior Research, Planning and Development Officer within the Department, Adeti De Jesus told Guyana Times that the unemployed youths turned up to the Sports Hall before 07:00h to be interviewed.

According to her, when the officials arrived to open the doors, youths were already standing outside.

In fact, youths who had become desperate for employment after being at home for a number of years took the opportunity to apply online for the job fair prior to Friday’s event.

Some 701 online applications were received, De Jesus said, while other youths showed up to the event without being registered. Those persons were referred to the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency where they were interviewed for future employment.

The officer further ex-

plained that there was a specific process to avoid confusion among the hundreds of young people. She said, “We colour coded it (so) each company is given a code and when persons come in, they register (and) we’re giving them a chit with a number and a code and they are expected to sit in accordance with their colour in chronological order so they will be interviewed based on that”.

De Jesus could not say how many youths would be hired but noted that the Department is seeking to have such initiatives held at least once quarterly to help youths become employed.

Moreover, she appealed for more businesses to come on board with the hiring

strategy.

Guyana Times caught up with a few youths who shared their experiences and all called for more of such activities to reduce the high number of youths at home.

Shania Gomes, a youth who has been at home for several months, told this publication that she felt excited about the event. She added, “I’m glad that there is actually an initiative for young people as myself who are unemployed to actually come out and be interviewed to learn more and get to know more about the working world and even (take advantage) because they are offering training”.

Gomes said she was made to understand that over 700 young people had registered for the fair and noted, “For 700 to be interested in a firsttime something like this you can just imagine what would happen if it happens every three to six months”.

Towana Boucher of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, who hurried down to the event for 06:00h said she feels the event was a good and timely one. “It’s good whereby it’s a lot of young people out here. They have the opportunity to get a job,” Boucher explained.

Samuel Samuels, a youth

A youth being interviewed at the job fair

from Agricola, Greater Georgetown, said he was looking to be hired by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), but hopes other companies, especially those from the oil sector can come onboard and offer employment opportunities to the youths of Guyana. He said, “I think it’s a great initiative because we never had this before in Guyana so it’s something we were always pushing for and I’m thankful for it… but I think they should get like more companies coming into it, like different sectors”.

A few of the agencies who participated in the job fair were Courts, Qualfon, GTT, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Giftland.

On Wednesday, the Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael said she was looking forward to the event being successful in hiring youths, to lower the amount of jobless young people.

The issue of unemployment among Guyanese youths has been on the rise and has been the cause for the hike in robberies and other crimes.

Presidential Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Irfaan Ali on Thursday told the media that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has failed to deliver most of its manifesto promises to the Guyanese people in the more than four years the Administration has been in office.

According to Ali, Guyanese have to hold Government accountable for this failure, which has resulted in the hardships many citizens face, especially among the vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly and youths.

He reminded of Government’s promise to stimulate job creation, especially for youths, but instead they have caused the country to face 37,000 job losses in various economy-driven sectors. He went on to revealed that under the APNU/AFC, Guyana has slipped four positions in the employment rate for the 25-54 age group and seven positions for the age group 54 to 64 on the Global Human Capital Index.

Among the host of promises the PPP has mentioned that will be in its manifesto, is the creation of 50,000 new jobs and according to the Party’s Presidential Candidate, even this figure is too conservative.

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves

T

he Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) Cyber Crime Unit is currently investigating a several cases which include illegal activities such as the hacking of financial accounts and transferring of monies into fake accounts, fake Facebook profiles involved in threats, and sharing of nude photographs without permission.

This is according to Deputy Police Commissioner, Lyndon Alves, who bears the responsibility for law enforcement in the GPF. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times the crime chief explained that at present the Cyber Crime Unit is coming close to closing some cases where persons’ private nude photographs were disseminated via whatsapp, Facebook, and other forms of internet communication channels.

“Doing that is an offense and if someone sends you a nude picture, and you decide to share with others and they share too, all of you will be charged simply because that is an offense.

You are not supposed to be

sharing any such private photo that may have been sent to you, once you do that you will be charged, and if the persons you send to do the same, they will also face the consequences. This Unit is looking at all cases involving internet related crimes or offences,” the Deputy Commissioner explained.

He alluded to the fact, that quite soon, the Unit is expected to be closing some of these cases and persons will have to be hauled before the Courts to answer for their crimes.

According to Alves, another case which the Cyber Crime Unit is currently investigating is that of the cyberattack on the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL’s) computerised systems that occurred in February last.

The attack on the corporation took place on February 6, 2019 about 04:21hrs where the perpetrator(s) of this act requested a ransom of bitcoins (digital money) to remove all encryptions from within the network.

In a release sent by the company shortly after the attack, the GPL said it has not heeded to, and will not heed to, any such ransom.

“It is therefore fitting to advise and encourage all local companies with computerized systems to review their existing cyber security systems and disaster recovery plans as well,” the statement urged.

Cybercrime is a subset of CyberSecurity, they differ from traditional security and criminal activities, and require completely different responses and investigations. (Kristen Macklingam)

News

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SATURday, april 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

US Visitor visas plunge from over 25000 to 4923 in 2018

E

ven as authorities maintain that there is nothing to worry about regarding United States visa policies, a significant decline in the number of visitor visas issued by the US Embassy in Guyana was recorded last year.

According to a visa summary provided by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, a total of 4923 visitors visa were approved by the US Embassy here during the 2018 Fiscal Year, which runs from October 2017 to September 2018.

This is a whopping 20,000 plus decline compared to the 25,338 visas granted in 2017. It was also significantly less than the 51,202 visas in 2016; 30,121 in 2015; and 17,284 visas in 2014.

The last time these figures were below 5000 was in 2010 when only 4242 non-immigrant visas were granted.

While these visas were granted from the Embassy’s Kingston head office in Guyana, another 306 Guyanese got their visitor visas outside of Guyana. The category ‘Nonimmigrant Visa issued by Nationality’ shows that 5229 Guyanese were granted visas, while the refusal rate for ‘Visa’ (non-immigrant) by Nationality for Guyana stood at 70.62 per cent.

Meanwhile, with regards to permanent residency, a total of 7506 immigrant visas were granted by the US to Guyanese in 2018.

These figures over the

years, however, have been declining. A total of 6403 immigrant visas were processed in 2014; 6154 in 2015; and 5600 in 2016.

According the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, Guyana is among the top 10 countries with the highest F1 waiting list under the ‘Family First’ prefer-

ence category, with a total of 4078. This represents 1.6 per cent of the waiting list, which totals 261,704.

Prior to last year, Guyana consistently recorded high numbers of non-immigrant visas issued by the US Embassy here.

Former US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway,

had attributed this to the improving economic situation here.

“The improving economic situation over the last few years has led to our refusal rate coming down significantly, from a high of well over 50 per cent five years ago, to one much lower today and luckily for us only a small per cent of Guyanese, who go to the US actually abuse their visas and stay illegally,” the former US diplomat had stated.

Holloway had also sought to alley fears of a change of his country’s policy to Guyana under a trump Administration.

“The fears that we were disengaging or even forgetting about Guyana were quite simply misplaced fears. Bilateral relations could not be better…a lot is

going on and there is more to come,” the former US envoy had indicated.

Nevertheless, there has been a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the US in recent months and Guyana was listed as one of the countries which could lose visa access if the Government refuses to accept deportees.

Meanwhile, it has been reportedly that Guyana is working to strengthen its immigration policy with regards to deported citizens.

On the other hand, the US Embassy’s Consular Section and the Regional Security Office has been working with local law enforcement to obtain the first successful prosecution for visa fraud in Guyana, which resulted in an Internet Café vendor being imprisoned.

Media consultant’s home invaded, robbed 8 injured in Norton Street accident …calls to 911 unanswered

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Media consultant Alex Graham

The North Ruimveldt, Georgetown residence that was robbed

he Graham family of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, has been left traumatised after their home was invaded and robbed in the wee hours of Friday morning. Reports are the robbery occurred while the family of four was asleep sometime between 12:00h to 03:00h.

Guyana Times understands that media consultant, Alex Graham’s wife, was awakened by a strange noise.

This newspaper was told that Mrs Graham upon checking saw one of the perpetrators in the house, who managed to escape. She immediately raised an alarm.

Alex Graham told this publication that he was downstairs, where he fell asleep after binge watching a television series. After his wife raised the alarm, he sprang up but the men had already left. The intruders fed the dogs in the yard to keep them quiet and entered the two-storey concrete house through

an emergency exit window with the aid of ladder.

Graham noted that the ladder used was placed at a window by construction workers who were presently doing rehabilitative works on his home.

“I am satisfied that they came up through the hallway bath window, that window is over 30 feet from the ground, it is one of the windows we have without grill work as it is my fire escape in case of an emergency. They had to use a long ladder, right now we are refurbishing the house so we have workmen here and so there was a ladder that was 30 feet long in the yard so I suspect that it was someone who knew that it was there,” Graham said.

According to Graham, the perpetrators went into every room of the home and made off with electronics as well as an undisclosed sum of cash and even colognes.

“I don’t have an estimate right now but I know that we

have lost three laptops, we lost three or four cellphones, we have lost a lot of small electronics, flash drives with my work and so on, my wife’s bag was taken with her documents, keys and valuables, my wallet was taken along with a bag which contained cash,” Graham disclosed.

The Police came in for harsh criticism since several calls placed to 911 went unanswered.

“We couldn’t get through for hours. It was after I used an old laptop to make a post on Facebook that persons in the media contacted the Police,” Graham informed.

He revealed that when an officer did visit the home, he was unprepared and had to leave and return with other ranks.

Nevertheless, the Police visited the house and are questioning several persons.

This newspaper was told that an investigation has also been launched into the non-answering of the 911 calls.

E

The scene of the accident on Friday

ight persons were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on Friday morning after the minibus in which they were travelling collided with another minibus at the intersection of Norton Street and Cemetery Road, Georgetown.

According to eyewitness, the Route 42 minibus, BVV 6909, which was transporting Cubans and also driven by a Cuban, was proceeding along Cemetery Road but failed to stop at the intersection.

The other minibus, BWW 1782, which was proceeding along Norton Street, attempted to make a turn at the intersection when the collision occurred.

Upon impact, the Route 41 bus which was being driven by 49-year-old, Anthony Chester slammed into a lantern post before toppling into a nearby trench.

The driver, who spoke with Guyana Times revealed that his driving experience saved the passengers from major injuries since the accident could have resulted in

deaths.

“While approaching Cemetery Road here, the guy came out and hit the bus and push it straight into the trench… I blowing on him and everything but he didn’t stop when I came out the bus and spoke to him, he said he don’t understand, is a Spanish man… I had to hold the steering wheel because I can’t do anything anymore,” the Route 41 minibus driver explained.

The Cuban driver was taken into Police custody.

UG opens new Centre for Behavioural Research and Sciences

…Masters in Clinical Psychology introduced

T

he Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation on Friday opened a state-of-the-art Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Research (CeBeReS) at the University of Guyana (UG), with the aim of providing medical professionals with the skills to tackle mental health.

The Foundation funded the majority of the operation to refurbish an old building within the institution’s compound and added additional space to facilitate classrooms among other amenities.

Jay Sobhraj, founder of the Foundation noted that

The newly established Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Research at the University of Guyana

the partnership with UG only commenced last year after the Memorandum of Understanding was signed.

Thereafter, construction commenced last September. The new building features four classrooms with additional facilities.

“That building is just

under 10,000 square feet.

Whatever was there before, we have that plus more. We have four classrooms, clinical psychology centres, we maintained three houses of worship and the gym, the restaurant, the bookstore are still there,” he stated.

Vice Chancellor of the

University, Ivelaw Griffith announced the introduction of the Masters in Clinical Psychology, which will accompany the new building. This is one of the initiatives under the Project Renaissance agenda.

“One central tenant of Project Renaissance is to build partnerships, not to rely only on Government funding; to connect with the community [and] to connect with businesses. Partnerships constitutes an important tenant of Project Renaissance,” the Vice Chancellor mentioned as he spoke about the relationship between the University and the Foundation.

Meanwhile, Junior Public Health Minister Karen

Cummings stated that this Centre and the additional courses will boost the human resource capacity in Guyana to deal with mental health.

“I cannot overemphasise how timely the launching of this programme is especially in the light of the many health issues that beset Guyana.

Individuals in the mental health workforce desirous of pursuing graduate level clinical psychology training will certainly from professional growth and development,” the Junior Minister explained.

She reminded that mental illnesses are treatable through the right treatment and care from medical professionals.

Dean of Health Sciences at UG, Dr Immanuel Cummings related that mental health is one of the most neglected health science areas in society and this new establishment will respond to these issues and furthermore, reduce the suicide rate in Guyana.

Over the years, the Jay and Silvia Sobhraj Foundation has provided support to other educational intuitions and the Guyana Police Force by introducing Information and Communications Technology.

Last year, some US$400,000 was handed over to the University by the Foundation to start this project but the total cost was some US$665,000.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURday, april 13, 2019

Around the World

Sudan coup leader steps down India’s Election Commission bans pro-Modi TV channel T

he head of Sudan’s military council has stood down a day after leading a coup that toppled longtime leader Omar al-Bashir amid a wave of protests.

Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf announced his decision on state TV. He named as his successor Lt Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan.

It comes after protesters refused to leave the streets, saying the coup leaders were too close to Bashir.

The army has said it will stay in power for two years, followed by elections.

Bashir’s downfall followed months of unrest that began in December over rising prices.

Ibn Auf was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict in the 2000s.

The US imposed sanctions on him in 2007.

Protesters in Khartoum celebrated his departure, with people chanting phrases like “it fell again”.

The Sudan Professionals Association, which has been

Ibn Auf quit a day after becoming military council chief

spearheading the protests, said Ibn Auf’s decision to step down was a “victory” for demonstrators.

They are demanding a transition to civilian rule before they return home.

The new man in charge is also a top military figure, but AP reports that his record is cleaner than other Sudanese generals. He is also said to have met with protesters to

hear their views.

Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the Darfur conflict.

Despite the removal of Bashir on Thursday, demonstrators refused to disperse, camping out outside the army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, defying a curfew declared by the military.

On Friday, a spokesman for the military council said the army was not seeking power and Sudan’s future would be decided by the protesters - but said the army would maintain public order and disturbances would not be tolerated. The military council also said it would not extradite Bashir to face the ICC charges - which he denies. It has imposed a three-month state of emergency, with the constitution suspended.

Police said at least 16 people were killed by stray bullets at protests on Thursday and Friday. (BBC)

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un gives US to year-end to become more flexible

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

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orth Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the breakdown in talks with the United States has raised the risks of reviving tensions, and he is only interested in meeting President Donald Trump again if the United States comes with the right attitude, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

Kim said that he will wait “until the end of this year” for the United States to decide to be more flexible, according to KCNA. “What is needed is for the US to stop its current way of calculation, and come to us with a new calculation,” Kim said in a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly on Friday, KCNA said.

Trump and Kim have met

US President, Donald Trump

twice, in Hanoi in February and Singapore in June, building goodwill but failing to agree on a deal to lift sanctions in exchange for North Korea abandoning its nuclear and missile programs.

Trump said on Thursday he is open to meeting Kim again, but in his speech on Friday, the North Korean leader said the outcome in Hanoi led him to question the strategy he embraced last year of international engagement and talks with the United States.

The Hanoi summit “raised strong questions about whether the steps we took under our strategic decision were right, and gave us a sense of caution about whether the U.S. is even really trying to improve

the DPRK-U.S. relationship,” Kim said, using the initials of North Korea’s full name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

In Hanoi, the United States came with “completely unrealisable plans” and was “not really ready to sit with us face-to-face and solve the problem,” Kim said.

“By that sort of thinking, the US will not be able to move us one iota even if they sat with us a hundred, thousand times, and will not be able to get what it wants at all,” he said.

“I will be patient and wait until the end of this year for America’s courageous decision, but it will be hard to get as good a chance as last time,” Kim added.

Kim’s comments signal he won’t cling to talks with the United States forever, said Kim Dong-yup of Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies in South Korea.

“That probably indicates that the North is triggering plans to diversify its diplomatic relations with other countries,” he said.

Kim said that his personal relationship with Trump is still good, but that he had no interest in a third summit if it were a repeat of Hanoi. (Reuters)

Cuban doctors kidnapped in Kenya

G

unmen in the far northeast of Kenya have kidnapped two Cuban doctors and killed an armed policeman travelling with them.

They are believed to have been taken to neighbouring Somalia, reports say.

The police suspect the attackers were members of the Somalia-based Islamist militant group al-Shabab, a security source told the AFP news agency.

Last year, more than 100 Cuban medical specialists were brought to Kenya to im-

prove the health service.

“All security agencies have been mobilised to pursue the criminals and rescue the victims,” police said in a statement.

The attack happened in Mandera town, on the border with Somalia, at about 09:00 local time (06:00 GMT) as the doctors were being taken to work.

One of the two police officers who were escorting the medics was shot and killed, while the other managed to escape.

Mandera, and the area around the town, has seen several al-Shabab attacks and kidnappings in recent years.

In January, the militant group said it was behind the attack on the DusitD2 hotel and office complex in the capital, Nairobi, in which 21 people died.

Al-Shabab is battling the UN-backed government in Somalia, while Kenyan troops are part of an African Union force that is supporting the government in Mogadishu. (BBC)

T

he Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered a ban of NaMo TV, a channel dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches and rallies.

In a letter to the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer, the ECI said the channel is “sponsored” by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“As NaMo TV/Content TV is sponsored by a political party, all recorded programs of political contents displayed on the channel/platform would be covered under the purview of the Commission’s Order,” the letter read.

“Further political publicity materials/contents, being displayed on electronic media without the requisite certification from competent authority (Media Certification and Monitoring Committee in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

this case) should be removed immediately and any political content shall only be permitted strictly in accordance with the ECI instructions in this regard,” it added.

NaMo TV, offered free on numerous television platforms, was quietly launched

on satellite TV networks on March 31, sparking protests from viewers and the opposition. The channel was promoted by members of the BJP, including Modi himself.

In India, any material that serves as a political advertisement is banned during the weeks leading up to an election, unless it is approved by the Election Commission.

The ECI’s directive comes a day it banned the release of a Bollywood biopic of Modi during the country’s elections.

The film -- in which Modi is played by Indian actor Vivek Oberoi -- depicts various moments throughout the future prime minister’s life, including selling tea on the railways as a child, a two-year spiritual stint in the Himalayas as a teen and leading the BJP to a landslide victory at the polls in 2014. (CNN)

Venezuelan ex-spy chief arrested in Spain

Hugo Carvajal (left) publicly denounced President Maduro (right) earlier this year

T

he former head of Venezuela’s military intelligence has been arrested by Spanish police over US drug charges.

The US Justice Department, who originally unsealed the charges in 2014, have requested Hugo Carvajal’s extradition.

Carvajal was a close ally of the country’s late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, but in February denounced his successor President Nicolás Maduro.

He has backed Juan Guaido, an opposition figure, as interim leader.

Guaido declared himself as president in January, cit-

ing Venezuela’s constitution, and has since won the backing of dozens of countries including the US - which is spearheading international pressure on President Maduro.

Despite widespread protests, Maduro has so far largely retained the military’s support and also has powerful international allies.

Known as El Pollo (The Chicken), Carvajal was a leading figure in Venezuelan politics for decades.

He has been under US sanctions since 2008, over allegations he helped Colombia’s Farc rebel group and protect-

ed US-bound drug shipments.

Federal charges, which accuse him of coordinating a 5,600kg (1,235lb) shipment of cocaine from Venezuela to Mexico in 2006, became public in 2014.

That year he was arrested on the charges on the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, where he was serving as a consul, but he went free after the extradition request was denied.

Carvajal returned to Venezuela to a hero’s welcome, but publicly broke with the country’s leadership earlier this year.

In a video posted on social media in February, he publicly threw his support behind Guaido and urged other military figures to do the same.

An unnamed US administration official has told the Reuters news agency that it is hoped Carvajal could cooperate and offer valuable information on the Venezuelan leader.

It is reported that the former spy chief will appear before Spain’s High Court on Saturday, where the extradition request will be reviewed. (BBC)

56 Venezuelans fined for illegal entry in T&T

A

total of 56 Venezuelan men and women were taken to the San Fernando magistrates’ court this week, charged with entering the country illegally.

On Monday, 24 women appeared before magistrate Indar Jagroo and pleaded guilty to arriving at an unknown beach. They failed to report to an immigration officer.

After their plea, the magistrate fined each $5,000 and gave them two months to pay.

They were ordered to serve three months in jail if they failed to pay the fine.

On Tuesday, 19 men and women, all Venezuelans, were taken before Jagroo. They were remanded into custody to reappear on Thursday. They, together with 13 others, were taken before Jagroo on the same charge of entering the country illegally.

They pleaded guilty and the magistrate fined each $5,000 each or three months in jail.

The Spanish-speaking men and women,

Venezuelan women leave the San Fernando High Court on Monday after being fined for illegal entry. (Photo by Vashti Singh)

through interpreter Luz Marina Tapias de Copilah, said they could not remember which beach they had arrived at nor who facilitated their entry.

The exercise of arresting them was led by Cpl Chaitramsingh, who is attached to the Immigration Office, San Fernando. (T&T Newsday)

saturday, APRIL 13, 2019

19

VIVO IPL Edition 12…

Dhawan fires Delhi Capitals into top 4 3

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata Knight Riders Innings (20 overs maximum) JL Denly b Sharma 0 Shubman Gill c Patel b Paul 65 RV Uthappa c †Pant b Rabada 28 N Rana b Morris 11 AD Russell c Rabada b Morris 45 KD Karthik (c) † c Dhawan b Rabada 2 CR Brathwaite c Tewatia b Paul 6 PP Chawla not out 14 Kuldeep Yadav not out 2 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 3) 5 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 8.9) 1787 Did not bat: LH Ferguson, M Prasidh Krishna Fall of wickets: 1-0 (JL Denly, 0.1 ov), 2-63 (RV Uthappa, 8.4 ov), 3-93 (N Rana, 12.4 ov), 4-115 (Shubman Gill, 14.2 ov), 5-122 (KD Karthik, 15.1 ov), 6-161 (AD Russell, 18.2 ov), 7-171 (CR Brathwaite, 19.2 ov) BOWLING I Sharma (4-1-21-1) CH Morris (4-0-38-2) K Rabada (4-0-42-2)

S

Shikhar Dhawan acknowledges the applause as Rishabh Pant looks on

hikhar Dhawan was denied a maiden T20 century, but Delhi

Capitals would gladly take the two points that took them to their fourth win of the season.

That he missed out on the landmark was because Colin Ingram decided to launch Piyush Chawla over long-on with Capitals needing five off eight deliveries.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who slumped to their second straight defeat, should’ve ended with a bigger score than their 178 for 7. Promoted to open in place of the missing Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill notched up his second IPL half-century, a 39-ball 65, to

set it up for the box-office boy Andre Russell.

The Jamaican posted his sixth 40-plus score, making 45 off 21, but a slowdown in between, partly because of Nitish Rana’s struggles against spin, played a hand in the final total. It was soon after this stifle that Capitals carefully used Kagiso Rabada, and unleashed him later against Russell, who had his revenge this time around. Yet, there was a lingering feeling that

Capitals would’ve gladly taken a chase of 179.

Then in the chase, Dhawan, who has been sluggish so far in the tournament, pottering around in the Powerplay to put immense pressure on the middle order, came out flying high and swatting short deliveries to the square boundaries. He was helped in no small measure by Rishabh Pant as they won by seven wickets.

Gill’s setup for late flourish Joe Denly fell first ball to an Ishant Sharma peach, an inducker sneaking through the gap to flatten off stump.

This had little effect on Gill, whose balance and poise left an indelible mark. He added 63 with vice-captain Robin Uthappa, during the course of which they played some classical shots.

Uthappa, who slapped a Keemo Paul free-hit over longon for the Capitals’ first six, made 28 before being caught magnificently by a leaping Pant off Rabada’s bouncer in the ninth over. Gill however kept up the pressure on the Capitals, reaching his first fifty of the season off 34 balls. He fell in the 16th over when he picked out short fine-leg off Paul.

But Russell can’t take it deep Russell had more than seven overs to give the Knight Riders a great finish. He waited for stability before teeing off.

He launched Rabada for three off his four sixes - two of which were swatted disdainfully to the square leg boundary off

AR Patel (4-0-30-0) KMA Paul (4-0-46-2) Delhi Capitals Innings (target: 179 runs from 20 overs) PP Shaw c †Karthik b Prasidh Krishna 14 S Dhawan not out 97 SS Iyer (c) c †Karthik b Russell 6 RR Pant † c Kuldeep Yadav b Rana 46 CA Ingram not out 14 Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3 TOTAL (18.5 Overs, RR: 9.55) 180-3 Yet to bat: CH Morris, AR Patel, KMA Paul, R Tewatia, K Rabada, I Sharma Fall of wickets: 1-32 (PP Shaw, 2.6 ov), 2-57 (SS Iyer, 5.4 ov), 3-162 (RR Pant, 17.1 ov) BOWLING M Krishna (3-0-25-1) LH Ferguson (3-0-37-0) AD Russell (3-0-29-1) Kuldeep Yadav ( 4-0-28-0) PP Chawla (2.5-0-35-0) CR Brathwaite (1-0-13-0) N Rana (2-0-12-1)

quick bouncers. But Chris Morris removed him with ten balls to spare, and with Carlos Brathwaite failing to make the most of it, the Knight Riders had to settle for a middling total.

Shaw shows the way It may go unnoticed, but Prithvi Shaw’s two sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the second over had a multiplier effect on the chase. The first of those was smacked over the cover fence, while the second was more of a mishit off a top-edged pull. This start, however, got Dhawan going in the opening partnership that was terminated in the third over when Dinesh Karthik plucked an outstanding catch diving full length to his right.

Chase guided by Dhawan Shreyas Iyer fell in the sixth over to put more pressure on Dhawan, who also had a reprieve when he was given not out on a review, despite snicko showing a small spike.

However, with the onfield decision being not out and there being considerable doubt, he was reprieved.

From thwre on, Dhawan was a man possessed.

At the other end, Pant pasted Kuldeep Yadav for a one-handed six over long-off, and then matched Dhawan with his sweeps and pulls.

Just when he looked set to finish it off, over-aggression got the better of him as he skied a one-handed slog to Nitish Rana on 46. Dhawan, however, wasn’t going to be denied. (ESPN cricinfo)

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SATURday, APRIL 13, 2019

West Indies players cashing in on IPL for World Cup selection – CWI will facilitate players in IPL for World Cup

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Indian Premiere League (IPL) is approaching its half-way stage, and the Caribbean boys have already added to the matches that unique Caribbean flavour, setting the tone for the T20 event.

Highlighting the IPL thus far is Andre Russell, who has redefined the art of power-hitting, while Alzarri Joseph’s fairytale debut bowling has been a dream spell.

Speaking at the media conference on Thursday last, newly appointed

Mumbai Indians’ Alzarri Joseph

Chairman of Selectors, f o r m e r Jamaica Scorpions coach Robert Haynes, declared that the board is keeping the players in the IPL under a microscope.

“Definitely, the players who are in the IPL will finish their campaign, but not all players will reach the final; therefore they will be available for selection going to Ireland and the World Cup,” the Chief Selector said.

Asked whether the IPL performances would enhance the chances of selection of West Indian players who are not active in the current Caribbean team, Haynes responded positively, but he placed emphasis on giving players in the IPL the opportunity to represent the Caribbean in the World Cup. “For sure, if these players are selected in the West Indies squad, everyone will be available for the World Cup,” he declared.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Coach Floyd Reifer

declared it would be a challenge for him when players may be available to enter the squad at different period.

“Players i n

the IPL are in a professional set-up; so, for the CWI, it’s just to maintain that level of communication between the players and coaches in the IPL”, Reifer revealed.

The Barbadian said CWI would also place programmes for West Indian players in the IPL, so they would be fully prepared for the World Cup. Andre Russell has been the most consistent performer thus far. In the six matches he has played to date, he has amassed 302 runs with the bat.

In a twitter reaction, the Prince of Trinidad and Tobago, Brian Lara, stated that Russell should be a

mem-

ber of the West Indies World Cup squad.

The latest star performer in the IPL has been the lad from Trinidad a n d Tobago, K i e r o n Pollard, who blasted 83 from 31 balls to lead the Mumbai Indians to an exciting lastball thriller

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell

three-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab. Pollard’s knock was praised

by Andre Russell and many other West Indians.

After his monumental performance, Pollard remained hopeful for West Indies selection, since recent changes have been made in Cricket West Indies’ administration. The Mumbai Indians vetera n , who

has 179 runs and averages 44.75 in the six matches thus far, was quoted as saying, “I am 31 years old. I have a lot of cricket in me. Gayle is 39 and he is still playing and whacking it all around”.

Without doubt, Chris Gayle is an obvious selection for West Indies in the World Cup squad.

T h e veteran has 223 runs to date in the IPL 2019, playing for the Kings XI Punjab.

Antiguan lad Alzarri Joseph has made a strong announcement at the IPL, rewriting history with the best bowling figures in the prestigious tournament on his IPL debut, grabbing 6-12.

The squad that Cricket West Indies announces will not be a surprise when these outstanding players in the IPL, both young and experienced, gain selection for the World Cup.

Kieron Pollard last played an ODI for West Indies on October 5, 2016

Steyn replaces injured Pace will hurt at the World Cup – Holder backs pacers Coulter-Nile at RCB

D

ale Steyn will bolster the bowling reserves of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The South African veteran will replace i n -

j u r e d Australian fast bowler Nathan CoulterNile, who is suffering from a stiff back.

Steyn is expected to be

available for selecfrom their league fixagainst

tion ninth ture, Kolkata K n i g h t Riders on April 19. His Dale Steyn selection will mark his return to the league after a gap of two seasons - he last played for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016, turning out in only one match.

He is also set to return to the franchise he played 28 matches for between 2008 and 2010, picking up 27 wickets. Steyn had pulled out of the IPL 2017 auction, as he recovered from a career-threatening shoulder injury, but went unsold in the 2018 and 2019 IPL auctions.

Coulter-Nile had missed the first few weeks of IPL 2019 because of his international commitments, with Australia taking on Pakistan in an ODI series in the UAE. With the ODIs having ended on March 29, he was expected to have joined the Royal Challengers squad in the first week of April - along with team-mates Marcus Stoinis, while Ashton Turner linked up with Rajasthan Royals - but was later expected to join the squad on April 13.

Royal Challengers will hope Steyn can provide a boost to a languishing campaign that has seen them remain winless after six games. The franchise’s next match is on April 13, against Kings XI Punjab.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

W

indies captain, Jason Holder, believes strongly that Jamaican fast bowlers Oshane Thomas and Shelton Cottrell will cause problems at the World Cup in England.

Cottrell came to the party in the Caribbean against England late, but his impact was immediate, the left-arm pacer enjoying best figures of 5-46 in the second of the ODIs, a series that would end in a 2-2 draw.

Thomas also showed sparks of the damage he could cause in that series against England, the pacer putting together statistics of 5-21, bowling out the visitors for 113.

Holder believes the pair could have massive impact on the fortunes of the Windies in the World Cup.

The Windies, for the first time in their history, were made to qualify for the World Cup in a competition they eventually lost to Afghanistan.

That fact, along with the recent form of the team, has cast doubts on whether the Caribbean side could mount a formidable challenge when the competition bowls off at the end of May. However, Cottrell, has returned from injury and sub-par form since that time and makes the Windies, a sometimes powerful batting unit, an all-round more

dangerous prospect, which can hurt you in a number of ways.

Thomas,

on the other hand, burst onto the scene in last year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), bowling with real venom, something witnessed first-hand by veteran opener Chris Gayle, who he trapped in his stance with the first ball of the evening when the Jamaica Tallawahs played against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Sabina Park.

The feat set tongues wagging and he has been a part of the Jamaica set up in all formats of the game since then.

The Windies soon took note with Thomas since playing nine games for 15 wickets.

Holder has begun a stint with Northampshire in English County Cricket, believing this to be good preparation for the big event.

(Sportsmax)

GFF Elite League Season 4…

Sunday’s double-header get time switch

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he GFF Elite League matches for Sunday, April 14, will now be held at 14:00hrs and 16:00hrs respectively, due to the hosting of the Milo Schools Football finals, scheduled for 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs on that day.

The matches are scheduled for the Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary, and will feature Ann’s Grove FC taking on Western Tigers at 14:00hrs, and Police FC

battling Victoria Kings at 16:00hrs respectively.

Additionally, due to the unavailability of the Buxton Community Centre Ground, matches scheduled for Saturday, April 20 have now been moved to Thursday, April 18 at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, beginning at 18:30hrs and 20:30hrs, with Ann’s Grove facing Buxton United and Buxton United meeting Fruta Conquerors FC respectively.

On April 24, a double-header will be played at 18:30hrs and 20:30hrs respectively, featuring Fruta Conquerors FC vs Ann’s Grove FC and Milerock FC vs Den Amstel.

The action will be at the GFC Ground, while matches scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at Victoria Community Centre Ground have now been moved to Friday, April 26 at GFC Ground. Matches are scheduled for 18:30hrs

and 20:30hrs, and would feature Buxton United FC vs Western Tigers FC at 18:30hrs, and Victoria Kings vs Fruta Conquerors FC at 20:30hrs. (please see revised fixtures with additional changes to fixtures in the month of May) Clubs are competing for a chance to win a grand total of Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000.00) as follows: First Prize – Two Million Dollars

($2,000,000.00), Second Prize – One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000.00); Third prize – Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00) and Fourth prize - Five Hundred Dollars ($500,000.00) The GFF Elite League is the highest form of competitive football played in Guyana and according to the Rules and Regulations of Season 4, the 10 clubs “will play one (1) round of foot-

ball, resulting in the club acquiring the most points being declared the winner. Match Days will feature mostly double-headers at stipulated venues on Fridays and Sundays with a few Match Days being scheduled for Saturdays.

The overall league Champion Club will be awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.”

Admission to the GFF Elite League is set at $500.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, APRIL 13, 2019

21

AMCHAM’s inaugural Open Golf Tournament scheduled for June 15 Timothy Jaikarran

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he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) has partnered with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) of Guyana to launch what will be one of the biggest golf tournaments the club has ever hosted.

The tournament will be held on June 15 at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC).

Speaking at a simple cer-

emony held at the Guyana Marriott, AMCHAM President Guyana Zulfikar Alli said, “The reason why AMCHAM decided to partner with the LGC is that we would like to see the development of the sport in Guyana.

“We would like to provide the opportunity for Guyanese golfers, as an avenue for them not only to compete at a professional level, but to also enjoy themselves

and have a good day of action. From the feedback we have gotten, we are expecting 50-60 golfers participating in this tournament from Guyana and abroad.

“AMCHAM offers businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, make new contacts, and transfer knowledge. We are using this event as a medium for community involvement and social corporate

Gold Cup Draw: “It’s a dream come true,” says Cox

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laying against the United States in the host nation’s first match at the CONCACAF Gold Cup is a dream come true, according to Golden Jaguars captain Sam Cox. Guyana’s senior men’s team will make its first appearance at the Gold Cup in June, after beating Belize 2-1 at home in their final qualifier last month.

The team has been drawn in Group D against the United

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The inaugural golf tournament is one of a kind, and will feature four categories of players, namely Championship 0-10, First Flight 11-20, Second Flight 21-32 and Ladies Open 0-32, all competing for the title of AMCHAM Best Gross Player and Best Net Player Championship Cup, Longest Drive and Nearest to Pin, special Putting Contest for young players under 12,

Chip and Putt contest, and Long Drive Championship, where any person can compete against AMCHAMsponsored Golf Pro Richard Hanif.

Golfing members are expected to pay a registration fee of US$50/G$10,000, while golfing invitees will register with US$75/G$15,000; and non-members will pay a fee of US$40/G$8000.

Cotton Field Secondary Male U-14 team outfitted

Guyana Jaguars Captain Sam Cox celebrating his side’s win over Belize

States, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago in a mouth-watering match-up that is likely to attract big television audiences as one of the toughest set of fixtures in the opening stage of the tournament.

“I’ve been praying for and dreaming of a dream tie with the USA. I’ve been wanting it, and that was exactly what we got,” 28-year-old Cox said in an interview. “We know the USA are the current holders of the Gold Cup, and we know the strength that they hold within the CONCACAF region is phenomenal. To actually draw them in their opening match is not only great exposure for us as a team, but it’s also a massive platform to put Guyana on the map.”

Guyana plays the United States in Minneapolis on Tuesday, 18 June; Panama

in Cleveland on Saturday, 22 June; and Trinidad & Tobago in Kansas City on Wednesday, 26 June.

“Along with the other two opponents in our group, it’s a dream come true.” Cox said.

“Panama have been in the FIFA World Cup and are a very strong side, and Trinidad & Tobago have been a force in the Caribbean region for many years.”

Cox said he had spoken to other members of the squad, and the reaction had been overwhelmingly positive.

“We know we have got one of the toughest groups, but after talking to the boys last night, we are all buzzing and excited,” he said. “We are going to thrive on this opportunity, and we are going to give the very best of ourselves so that we make the nation proud.”

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Students of Cotton Field Secondary are flanked by Rayburn Gonsalves and Marvin Pearson

he Golden Eagle Sports Club of Cotton Field Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast have received sportswear for their under 14 male cricket team.

On Friday just before school closed for the Easter Holidays, Rayburn Gonsalves, a local cricket coach and son of late popular National Coach Courtney Gonsalves, handed over 15 T-shirts and pants to the school’s Sports Club -all donations from Canadabased Guyanese Alister Saigo, formerly of the village of Richmond on the Essequibo

Coast.

Gonsalves said that because of his love for the game, and to promote cricket in schools, he took the opportunity to seek sponsorship so as to encourage the young people into playing the game.

He said he would be continuing the task of seeking sponsorship to help other schools in Region 2, and would also be sharing his coaching skills with the schools.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the school was English teacher Marvin Pearson, who is also a sport

enthusiast and is president of the Ravens Sports Club. He expressed gratitude for the timely donation, and said the under 14 students will make full use of the uniforms.

The teacher also promised to organise matches and coaching sessions for the students over the Easter holidays, which would keep them from getting into trouble.

The students were very excited to get into the new sportswear, and were also happy to learn that they would be having sessions over the holidays.

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responsibility.”

LGC President Aleem Hussain said he is confident this will be the first of many activities that the entities will host together, as their philosophies and goals are very similar. Hussain also said the commitment by AMCHAM Guyana to make it an annual event would see the tournament grow tremendously in the years ahead.

Round of 16 action on Sunday

W

ho will survive the Round of 16 action in the Hamilton Green Cup Inter Ward/ Village 9-a-side Knockout Football tournament will be known tomorrow when play resumes at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.

Action starts at 15:00hrs, and Coordinator Lennox Arthur, the former National Football player and coach, is asking all teams to be at the venue by 14:00hrs to ensure that there is a prompt start to the day’s proceedings.

In the opening encounter, Timehri take on the red hot Bourda Blues, and this clash promises end-to-end action. Timehri will be led by Owen Denny, Prince Forde and Kevin Sobers; while Deon Alfred, Lennox Cort and Marcus Wilson will spearhead the Blues’ quest to advance.

The Tyrone Khan-led Soesdyke then match strides with Sophia, and this match also have the hallmarks of a sizzling encounter.

Khan will be supported by Roger Dey, Dwayne Barker and Delon Smith; while Sophia’s chances of progressing will depend on the services of the Smith siblings: Peter, Simon and Ernie.

The Charlestown versus Mocha affair is a virtual final in itself, with some of the country’s top players on show. Jamal Cozier, Devon Charles, Keiron Solomon and Jermin Junor will be the key to Charlestown’s pursuit of victory; while Dorville and Orville Stewart, along with Kevin Gordon and Rollett Smith, will lead the charge for Mocha.

Another game of interest is the one between

Delon Lanferman

hosts Den Amstel Backstreet and De Kindren.

Delon Lanferman, Kevyn Murray and Kobe Kingston will be the players to watch for Den Amstel; while Junior Benn and Steffon Coleman will lead the attack for De Kindren.

The other fixtures are as follows: Mahaica vs Liliendaal, Goed Fortuin vs. Bagotville, Pouderoyen vs. Sara Lodge, and Uitvlugt vs.

Zeelugt.

The teams will be battling for a chance to claim the John Fernandes $300,000 first prize and Prime Minister’s Trophy, along with hampers from Ricks and Sari. The second placed team will take away the Courtney Benn-sponsored $100,000; third placers will collect $60,000 put up

by Techno mills, and fourth placers would receive the $40,000 donated by Ready Mix along with the respective trophies. All the trophies have been sponsored by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Also at stake are the individual rewards for the Most Goals/MVP, who will take home a dinette set from China Trading and a Lazy Boy chair from AH&L Kissoon; along with the Best Goalkeeper, who will claim the Minister of Natural Resources Trophy.

Among the sponsors so far are Techno mills, Ready mix, Sataur Gafoor, EC Vieira, BEV Enterprises, BK International, IPA, New Thriving, Ricks and Sari, E-Networks, Star Computers, NAMILCO, Cummings Electrical, National Sports Commission, Star Entertainment, Alfro Alphonso, the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of State, Prime Minister, and Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Soesdyke’s Khan leads the goalscoring column with 2 goals; while Alfred, Bobb and Harvey all have 1.

22 Windies announce squad NSC supports GASA for Ireland ODI Tri-Series ahead of Carifta Games saturday, APRIL 13, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

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─ not WC squad, says Haynes

T

he new Cricket West Indies (CW) interim selection panel has chosen a squad with a mixture of experience and newcomers for the One Day International (ODI) Tri-Series involving Ireland and Bangladesh to be played in Dublin from May 5-17.

The West Indies will use the Tri-Series against Ireland and Bangladesh as key preparations ahead of the Cricket World Cup being played in England and Wales from May 30 - July 14. Pace bowler, Shannon Gabriel returns to the squad having last played in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in 2018.

The squad also sees the return of batsman Jonathan Carter after a two-year absence, having last played in the home series against India

in 2017. West Indies Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich makes his ODI debut in the fourteen-man squad selected for the tri-series in Ireland.

Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams commented, “The selection panel consisted of interim Head Coach Floyd Reifer, Captain Jason Holder and interim Chairman of Selectors Robert Haynes.

They have selected a squad to Ireland that allows a slightly wider pool of players to get 50-over experience in UK conditions which I think is very important.

This is not the World Cup squad, as a number of players are not available for this series as they are still participating in the IPL.” Interim Chairman of Selectors Robert Haynes added, “We are immediately implementing the new policy

Shane Dowrich

Sunil Ambris

of having the best West Indies team selected based on availability, form and fitness.

The pace attack of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Jason Holder, will only serve to enhance the performances we expect from the team. We felt that the composition of the team brought together a harmony of experienced international players and

players who have been on the periphery of international cricket.”

Jason Holder (Captain), John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Sunil Ambris, Raymond Reifer, Fabian Allen, Ashely Nurse, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, and Jonathan Carter.

(CWI)

wenty swimmers will leave Guyana on April 17 to participate in Carifta Games 2019 in the Cayman Islands, which will be staged from April 20-22 at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has donated a sum of one million dollars to the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) to assist with the team’s participation.

Handing over of the cheque was done at the NSC’s job fair hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Friday. Present at the fair was Director of Sport Christopher Jones, who said, “Essentially, the National Sports Commission, through the Ministry of the Presidency,

Bakewell honours RHTY&SC for being good brand ambassadors

B

akewell is very proud and honoured to have the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, as a partner in the company’s promotional efforts. The club and its Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division teams have been outstanding ambassadors of the company’s brand.

Working collaboratively, the RHTY&SC and Bakewell have simultaneously grown to become the best in Guyana, and those were sentiments shared by Bakewell’s General Manager Rajin Ganga at a simple presentation ceremony to honour the RHTY&SC at the company’s head office at Triumph, East Coast, Demerara.

The bakery giant on Wednesday last handed over a sizeable donation to Secretary/CEO of RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, as a thank you gesture for the outstanding performance of the Bakewell Second Division team over the last twelve months.

Under the leadership of Kevin Sinclair, this team has won five tournaments, while the Bakewell Under-17 team has won the Ramnaresh Sarwan BCB Under-17 Tournament.

Tournaments won by the Second Division Team were as follows: Nasir Memorial, Rhonda Lewis Memorial 20/20, Raffik Construction 100 Balls, New Building Society 40-Overs, and Magic Moments 20/20.

The two teams have undertaken dozens of personal development programmes under the name of the sponsorship. Several national and Berbice players were produced in 2018 and 2019.

These players are: Matthew Pottaya, Mahendra Gopilall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Shemaine

Director of Sport Christopher Jones, handing over a cheque to Assistant Secretary Treasurer of GASA, Rene Charles

Department of Social Cohesion, have handed over a cheque to the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), and this will lend support to the team travelling to the Carifta Games later in this week.

“A total of twenty swimmers will be representing Guyana, (and) this donation forms a part of the handing over that we did to the Athletic Association for track and field, as well as the contribution to the Chess Federation.

“Including the Track and Field Association, The Chess Federation and the GASA, we have a total of 45 athletes that will be representing Guyana at the games.”

Jones went on to state that the Athletic Association has received a sum of three million dollars; which, like the GASA, will be strictly for travelling and accommodation of the athletes.

Speaking on behalf of GASA was Rene Charles, the Assistant Secretary Treasurer, who related that the money given by the NSC would definitely benefit the swimmers.

She said she hopes the association and the NSC can work hand-in-hand in the near future to gain more support for the swimmers for future competitions.

Pele Alumni-sponsored Under-15 Football…

Rising Stars FC highlight weekend of action

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RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receiving the donation from Natasha Bhikari of Bakewell

Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Chanderpaul Govindan, Jeremy Sandia, Christopher DeRoop, Keith Simpson and Sylus Tyndall.

Ganga noted that Bakewell is now a household name in Berbice because of the outstanding performance of the two teams over the last nineteen years, and he predicted that the very successful relationship would continue in the future.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, has said that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has been humbled to be recognised by Bakewell as a good brand ambassador. The remarkable success of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, over the years has been due to the reliable support of Bakewell.

Members of the teams

would be specially honoured for their outstanding performances at the Club’s 29th Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at the St. Francis Community Centre.

The Awards Ceremony was scheduled for April 28, 2019, but a fire in the Club’s storage bond has forced a two-week postponement.

Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu expressed gratitude to Ganga, CEO Mrs. Nasir and Secretary Natasha Bhikari for their continued confidence in the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, and disclosed that all members of both teams felt privileged to represent the Bakewell brand.

The Bakewell Second Division Team is being captained in 2019 by Kevin Sinclair, while Jonathan Rampersaud is in charge of the Under-17 team.

he action continued over the weekend at Bartica with four matches being played in the GFF-Bartica Football Association (BFA) Pele Alumni “Frank Watson” Under-15 League.

In the first matchup, the in-form Rising Stars FC asserted their dominance, as per norm, with another huge win in the series. They have thus placed themselves at the top of the table, and leave the other clubs grappling for consolation places.

In the other fixture, Lazio FC and River’s View FC battles to a hard-fought 2-2 draw in glorious sunshine at the Bartica Secondary School Ground. Ezekiel Skeete and Troy Parris scored for Lazio, while River’s View goals came via a double from Jermaine Mitchell.

In the second game of the day, Mil Ballers

FC’s lone goal by way of Derron Canterbury was no match for Beacons FC’s four, coming off the boots of Donte Adams, Lamuel Allen, Isaiah Allen and Justin Bacchus.

One drawn match and an unforgettable game marked the third day of play, as River’s View FC and Agatash United FC went toe-to-toe in a nil-all stalemate. But it was the Rising Stars FC boys who dominated the day of play. The stars drowned Mil Ballers FC in a rain of goals as they finished 7- nil, with doubles from Ian Gomes Jr., Kriston Seeram, and one each from Shomari Hunte, Delon Jones and Nigel Alleyne.

To culminate the day, Black Panthers Female Club and Falmouth Female Club put on an exhibition match, with Black Panthers edging their rivals, 1 - 0.

Members of the Rising Stars FC Team

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, APRIL 13, 2019

Dindyal, Mohabir, Nandu among star performers in Inter-County U-17

Berbice finished second with two wins

By Brandon Corlette

D

emerara may have won the just concluded Inter-County Under-17 tournament, but the boys from the Select U-15 team looked comfortable at this level. Guyana’s most elite U-15 batsman, and one of the best youth players in the country, Mavindra Dindyal, finished with the most runs in the tournament, while his Guyana U-15 teammate Alvin Mohabir had the most wickets.

It was a highly competitive tournament, but only one century and one five-wicket haul were recorded. Dindyal smashed 104 against Essequibo at Enmore, while Essequibo’s off-spinner Wasim Mohammed had 5-28 against Berbice at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC).

This tournament saw Demerara emerge as champions and Berbice as runners-up in the three round tournament.

In the three matches played, the right-handed stroke-maker Dindyal scored 174 runs; he had scores of 104, 03, and 67 against Demerara in the nail-biting final round.

In second position, Berbice’s Sarwan Chaitnarine accumulated 109 runs, while Guyana’s U-15 opening batsman Rampertab Ramnauth scored 109 runs. Albion native Chaitnarine, after a duck in the first round against Demerara, bounced back with two scintillating half-centuries in the inter-county tournament.

The classy left-hander scored an unbeaten 58, followed by 51.

Meanwhile, Rampertab Ramnauth continued from where he left off when he scored the most runs in the under-15 inter-county. He had scores of 10, 23 and 76 in the

Demerara opening batsman Matthew Nandu

under-17 tournament.

The left-hander who attends Port Mourant Secondary School had a tally of 109, which will do him the world of good as he

aims to score heavily in the West Indies U-15 championships in Antigua.

Demerara’s opener Matthew Nandu scored 103 runs in his three innings. He had scores of 11, 22 and a ‘player of the match’ 70. Nandu is also a great bowling option in the inter-county U-17.

He had best bowling figures of 4-15 with his leggies.

In the bowling department, off-spinner Alvin Mohabir finished with eight wickets. The Guyana U-15 player, who is currently on tour in Antigua, had 3-13, 4-45 and 1-30 in his three bowling encounters. His teammate Krsna Singh, who is also an off-spinner, had seven wickets in the 3-match tournament. Singh had figures of 4-26, 0-39 and 3-44 as he displayed economical bowling.

In the spin-dominant tournament, Berbice’s Jonathan Rampersaud had six wickets in the three innings he bowled. Among other notable performers in the tournament were the Essequibo trio of Wazim Mohammed, Aryan Persaud and Captain Sheldon Charles, who looked a complete cricketer. Charles, who represents Guyana at the youth level, scored a fine half-century in this tournament in addition to his accurate fast bowling.

Demerara’s fast bowler Jagdesh Dowlatram, who had four wickets, looked a good new-ball bowler.

Demerara’s Andre Seepersaud, who looked solid but only scored 69 runs in three matches, also had a fair tournament. He was a useful bowling option with 3-6 and 2-31 in the innings he bowled for Demerara.

The likes of Marvan Prashad, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Niran Bissu and Gourav Ramesh had a few bright

moments along the way, with the most promising wicketkeeper in the tournament, Shamar Yearwood.

Peeking into the future, the G u y a n a U-17 team that will be selected looks a strong unit.

Most complete fast bowler, Sheldon Charles (Brandon Corlette photos)

23

saturday, APRIL 13, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Windies announce squad for Ireland ODI Tri-Series

Page 22

─ not WC squad, says Haynes

Cotton Field Secondary Male U-14 team outfitted Page 21 Page 21

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