Guyana Times Saturday January 11, 2020

Education institution helping to give school dropouts another chance P 5

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4162

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

PRICE

March 2 elections

PPP welcomes fresh, youthful faces on candidate lists See stories on pages 3, 7, 9, 11 & 14

…as APNU/AFC recycles old blood

…small parties accuse APNU/AFC of “bullyism”

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

APNU/AFC P8 supporter assaults cop

P2 Pensioner crushed to death outside Enmore Police Outpost

Yarrowkabra school contract will not be honoured – Jagdeo

P15

Bandits kill Essequibo Coast newspaper vendor P5 PPP/C leaders and supporters walking along Lamaha Street as they head towards Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown to submit their list of candidates

“I will not sell my integrity for all the oil in Guyana” – GECOM Chair P9

APNU/AFC supporters heading towards Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown on Friday

2 NEWS Pensioner crushed to Police nab man ripping death outside Enmore down PPP/C campaign flags Police Outpost SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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The scene of the accident at Enmore Railway Embankment

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olice have arrested a suspect who was caught ripping down elections paraphernalia of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. The suspect is also accused of attacking the party’s supporters.

According to Police on Friday, 38-year-old Mitra Mohan was in the company of three other PPP/C members at Westminister (White Shop Short Cut) Road mounting PPP/C flags on the utility poles when the man confronted him whilst he was on a ladder and pulled him off.

The police said that the suspect then climbed the ladder and broke off the PPP/C flag from the pole then made good his escape. Police said

Flags that were ripped down

the man was arrested at his Westminister, West Bank Demerara home after a report was made and is presently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Last week, former parliamentarian Harry Gill, along with other members of the PPP/C were attacked while erecting elections campaign flags at Number 10 Village, West Coast Berbice.

The incident, which was captured on camera, shows persons verbally abusing and physically blocking the team as it attempted to place the flags on the utility poles.

In light of the recent attacks, the party had written to Police Commissioner Leslie James, asking for swift actions to be taken

against supporters of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, who attacked Opposition members and destroyed the party’s impedimenta.

The PPP strongly condemned the acts. More so, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed dissatisfaction in the way the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is dealing with the reported campaign attacks while calling on the body to implement stricter penalties.

In 2015, a PPP/C rally was rudely interrupted by

a band of supporters of the APNU/AFC – involving children in their nefarious activities, the supporters urinated on and burned PPP flags, and hurled missiles at the rally speakers, including party stalwart, Dr Roger Luncheon.

The person reported to have urinated on the PPP flag and subsequently set it ablaze was Child Welfare Officer Abigail Baveghems, who is also the daughter of an APNU member.

That incident has been widely criticised, given that it occurred on the same day that political parties had signed on to a Code of Conduct aimed at guiding the manner in which campaigning is conducted.

n 80-year-old pedal cyclist is now dead after he was crushed to death by a truck while attempting to cross the road at the Enmore Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday.

Dead: Francis Lopes

Dead is Francis Lopes of North Enmore, ECD. Guyana Times understands that motor lorry GYY 532 driven by a 37-year-old man of Logwood, Enmore was proceeding west when

it collided with the senior, killing him instantly. The incident occurred at about 13:15h – a stone’s-throw away from the Enmore Police Station.

The dead man’s landlord told this publication that the Lopes worked at a nearby lumber yard and would normally leave home at midday.

“He worked at the lumber yard over the road, he would go there every day around 1 o’clock, he would go pick up whatever he gotta pick up and if I’m at home I would tell him don’t go so early…he’s like a family member because I don’t treat him different,” the landlord said.

According to her, they recently celebrated the senior’s 80th birthday as she considers him as her own family.

Police have since arrested the driver of the truck as investigations continue.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, January 11 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Sunday, January 12 – 05:30h – 07:00h The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, January 11 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Sunday, January 12 – 05:40h – 07:10h.

PPP welcomes fresh, youthful faces on candidate lists

…as APNU/AFC recycles old blood

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected during the day.

There will be clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 04:09h and 16:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.72 metres.

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hile the Opposition P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) welcomed a band of new blood and youthful faces to its team, the governing David Granger led

Low Tide: 10:40h and 23:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.42 metre.

President David Granger

APNU/AFC retained a large number of its senior citizens, many of whom have not been very efficient and were almost non-functional

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020

DAILY MILLIONS

01 05 09 20 21 LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

in Government.

Friday’s Nomination Day proceedings saw the introduction of several new, and surprising faces into the political scene as parties prepare for the upcoming March 2, 2020 General and

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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06

08 09

PAY DAY

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12 14 17 SUPER PAY DAY

01 13 14 18 21

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

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

Regional Elections.

Among those on the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) lists of candidates are former People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament, Anthony Vieira; former President of

the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, and prominent Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin.

In a statement, the PPP/C noted that not only is its lists of candidates impressive but demonstrates that it is truly a national party, with competent candidates drawn from across Guyana, who reflect our country’s unique diversity.

“This diversity illustrates that the PPP/C, in this its 70th anniversary, remains relevant and rooted amongst the Guyanese people and nation. It has fielded lists of competent candidates to carry out elected positions in the 10 Administrative Regions and in the Legislature. These bring youth, energy, experience, technical and professional competence and a wealth of knowledge from all walks of life,” the PPP/C noted.

The Opposition party went on to outline that these candidates, both old and new, as well as thousand others across Guyana, have committed to deliver the PPP/C’s vision and plans for the development of the country and of all of its people.

“Many of the candi-

dates are new and many are young, many have decided that it was time after nearly five years of the APNU/ AFC coalition government that they could not sit on the fence anymore and decided to take that brave step forward to join the PPP/C as

David Patterson

Keith Scott

the only party with the policies and programmes that

could restore Guyana to a development path for the benefit of all. Many candidates have already proven their capabilities in their own professions, whilst others have demonstrated unquestionable proficiency during the Party’s tenure in Government…” the missive from the Opposition stated.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

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

A responsible media

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olitical parties vying for power at the March 2 polls have submitted their lists of candidates and as the country inches closer to E-Day, the level of interest being shown in these eagerly-anticipated elections by many, especially young people, is increasing. This is evident with the high level of interaction seen amongst citizens and even between candidates themselves on various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter etc.

With certain contentious issues yet to be sorted out regarding arriving at a clean, acceptable voters’ list, and barring a few other statutory matters, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has stated that it is well on track to deliver free and credible elections which could withstand international scrutiny. In fact, just before Nomination Day proceedings commenced on Friday at the Umana Yana, the Chairman of GECOM gave all assurances that all systems are in place to ensure that the elections are credible as this is the main concern of all stakeholders.

However, while GECOM’s role is crucial in this entire process, the roles of other stakeholders can never be underestimated.

Everyone, including the politicians, the media, international and local observers and citizens themselves, must play their part in ensuring that the elections are held in a peaceful and fair manner and the country returns to normalcy once the results of the election are announced.

For example, the role of the media can never be underestimated in this process of building and maintaining a peaceful and democratic society. In their efforts to provide real-time information using different social media platforms etc, the media must always seek to ensure that they behave in a responsible manner as the slightest lapse could result in an uproar.

During elections periods, sections of the media here have oftentimes come under the microscope for stepping out of the ‘boundary lines’. While some media outlets are known to make genuine efforts to raise their level of performances, one gets the impression that others operate as though they have a political agenda to carry out since it is clear that they report the news in a partisan manner, sometimes to the extent of being mischievous.

Previously, the local media fraternity had signed on to a Media Code of Conduct (MCC) with the aim of using the document not only as a guide for elections reporting, but as a tool to improve general media standards year-round.

Representatives of the State-run and private-owned media had given a commitment openly that they would use it (the Code) as a means of self-regulation so as to improve what currently obtains in the media.

Section 4 of the MCC clearly states: “The Media, in accepting the principle of ‘accuracy and balance’ in reporting, particularly during periods of campaigning for elections, acknowledge that these two main characteristics (accuracy and balance) seek to distinguish good journalism from bad, and journalism from propaganda”. It adds: “Accuracy requires the verification (to the fullest extent possible) and presentation of all facts that are pertinent and necessary to understand a particular event or issue, even if some of the facts conflict with a journalist’s, or a broadcaster’s particular beliefs and feelings”; “Balance, or impartiality, requires the presentation of all the main points of view or interpretations of an event or an issue, regardless of whether the journalist, reporter, broadcaster, editor or the audience agrees with these views.”

For journalists, the Code provides a benchmark against which their output and activities can be judged by others, as well as guidance for them about acceptable methods of gathering and presenting information. And for the public, it provides a guarantee that the material they receive is a genuine reflection of the truth, based on information gathered fairly and thoroughly checked by those who present the information.

Our hope is that in this politically-charged environment, all stakeholders, including the politicians, media practitioners and commentators etc would be extremely cautious about what they publish. They should always exercise proper editorial judgement on all matters before they are published, especially if such matters relate to sensitive issues such as race, religion, politics, elections etc. If the content is found to be offensive, degrading, bias, untrue, inciting or racist they should be edited out in the interest of the public. The MCC was an extremely useful initiative in this regard.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial candidate, retired Brigadier Mark Phillips shares a handshake with Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa at the Umana Yana during Nomination Day submissions. Also in photo are American Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn among other members of the diplomatic community who were at the event as observers

GRA takes issue with AG’s Report Dear Editor, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to the contents of a Guyana Times article “134.2B in tax concessions, doubled under APNU/ AFC Government, significant amount of luxury vehicles – AG report”. This article contains such misleading and erroneous representations and statements aimed at discrediting the formidable efforts of the GRA in curtailing revenue loss regarding tax exemptions that it would be remiss of me not to appropriately respond.

Firstly, it must be pointed out that the GRA administers the concession regime and does not grant concessions. Matter of fact, I am repeatedly on record stating my preference for the removal of the concession regime and to replace such with the system of tax credits.

Such a system, as practised in the developed nations, allows for improved compliance with the tax laws and conditions of IDAs. Secondly, the article stated “According to the Audit Report of 2018, some $134.2 billion in concessions were granted for 2018, compared to just $64.3 billion in 2017, a 91.97 per cent increase. The report went on to say that: “In fact, the $134 billion, it (the GRA) waived represents a large chunk of all monies collected by the Guyana Revenue Authority in 2018.” Further, the article noted according to the report “a total 9359 companies benefitted from $104.7 billion in tax concessions”.

For the sake of brevity, I will not expound on all the statutory reasoning and parameters regarding the Exemption Regime. However, for the sake of the learned individuals who should understand how the regime operates but who inexplicably demonstrates selective ignorance, and the Guyanese public who they are trying to convince in this “silly season”, I will again provide some explanations which I hope will bring more clarity and final closure to this matter.

Exemptions are categori-

cally placed into Conditional and Unconditional Schemes, with Conditional Schemes being granted to Companies/ Investors/Manufacturers etc which results in investment stimulation, and raw materials for manufacturers. As the category name suggests, the concession is premised on the beneficiaries satisfying certain predefined conditions, both pre and post the exemption granted.

Public officials and remigrants are categorised in the Conditional category as a result of conditions which must be satisfied. Government agencies including budget agencies such as the Office of the Auditor General are also included in this category.

Unconditional Exemptions, however, are specific to international trade agreements that Guyana has with countries, both regionally and internationally. The conditions for these are etched in the trade agreements that were bilaterally agreed upon by countries involved and are not contingent on conditionalities. These include importations from Caricom countries and imports of specific items eg tiles from neighbouring Brazil.

It is patently obvious that the GRA, therefore, can only exert influence in terms of formulating and implementing policies and controls.

This will only, therefore, apply to the Conditional category of Exemptions and in limited circumstances to the Unconditional category. The controls for the unconditional category in many cases only involve authenticating relevant trade documents such as country of origin certificate etc.

Matter of fact, there is no need to apply for the exemption under this category. This is usually granted automatically if all the relevant documentations are filed with the import documents, but the GRA through Post Clearance activities would check on their authenticity.

There has been so much buzz and fanfare in our country about oil and gas exploration and our recent oil finds.

These companies by way of signed Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) are entitled to significant exemptions upon importation of capital items as preparatory works for the upliftment of oil. In the years 2016-2018, such imports intensified as a result of ramping up preparation for development, production and downstream activities.

I say all of the above to now unequivocally unambiguously and with reservation say that Exemptions (excluding the oil and gas element) under my tenure as Commissioner General, which began in the year 2016, are less in value when compared to the period 2013-2015.

For the period 2013-2015, Conditional Exemptions (excluding the unavoidable oil and gas applicants) were as follows: 2013 – $45.78 billion, 2014 – $53.27 billion and 2015 – $72.72 billion; for the period 2016-2018, this same category was $30.73 billion, $35.80 billion and $43.65 billion respectively.

Unconditional Exemptions for the period 2013-2015 totalled $34.09 billion, while the total for 20162018 was $49.64 billion.

Under the category of Conditional Exemptions, the main benefactors were the sub category Companies/Business.

For the period 2013-2015, Companies and Business benefitted to the tune of $119.04 billion, while for the period 20162018, Companies and Business (excluding oil and gas), value was $76.68 billion, some $42.36 billion less when compared with the period 2013-2015.

Remigrants, a category of Conditional Exemptions that was previously abused as was alluded to by previous Auditor General reports, was reduced by $2.56 billion in the period 2016 to 2018 ($5.37 billion during 2013 to 2014, and $2.81 billion during 2016 to 2018).

Additionally, public officials reduced by $1.1 billion during the period 2016 to 2018 ($2.83 billion in 2013 to 2015 and $1.73 in 2016-2018).

Any sound analysis that should have guided an informed conclusion or audit opinion on

this matter should have been based on empirical data so that readers and users of the report could have deduced the relevant points and then form an informed and well-construed opinion. Regrettably, neither the Auditor General nor the media house that published the article seems inclined to present the Guyanese public with well-informed positions.

As part of the audit process, all IDAs were made available to the staff of the Auditor General for inspection. Further, the PSAs are public documents.

Any sound review would have provided an informed analysis as to the reasons for the increase in exemption in certain categories and therefore one would have concluded differently, and certainly more rationally and logically that what is being purported by the media article to be in the AG’s report of 2018. Inexplicably, I am not in possession of such report.

I am being guided by Guyana Times which, it appears, has unrestricted and unprecedented access to the report.

While the exemptions administered by the GRA relative to tax collected seems like the perfect fit for a sensationalised headline, the article takes a myopic and chauvinistic view of exemptions by comparing exemptions granted in 2018 with the previous year. A more detailed analysis from 2013 to 2018 would have shown the drastic decrease in both the numbers and the values of exemption granted over the years.

The GRA from 2016 onwards, under new strategic directions, has undertaken several interventions that saw a significant reduction in the number and value of exemptions granted. Requests for tax exemptions, in particular, those in the Conditional category, are scrutinised to ensure that they meet specific criteria so as to curtail the significant loss of revenue that resulted from the arbitrary and capricious manner in which such concessions were granted previously.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bandits kill Essequibo Education institution helping to Coast newspaper vendor give school dropouts another chance

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n Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), newspaper vendor was shot and killed on Friday evening.

Dead is Sham Munilall called “Chunnilall” and “Paper man” of Lot 61 First Street, Queenstown, Essequibo Coast. The incident occurred at his home at about 19:30h.

Guyana Times understands that Munilall was at home with his wife and two daughters when two armed bandits pounced on the family.

Up to press time, it was unclear what transpired and if the perpetrators managed to take anything from the family.

However, neighbours told this newspaper that they heard two gunshots but did not realise what it was at the time.

They explained that there was a party nearby

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Dead: Sham “Chunnilall” and “Paper man” Munilall

and the music was loud and they initially thought the loud explosive sounds were firecrackers. It was not until they heard screams coming from the house that they were alerted that something was amiss.

Persons told this publication that when they rushed out, they saw two males running away from the house.

When contacted, Regional Commander Crystal Robinson told Guyana Times late on

Friday evening that ranks were out combing the backlands for the two suspects.

At the time, she was still awaiting details about the incident from investigators, who were still at the scene.

Munilall was also a vendor of Guyana Times newspaper.

The Management and staff of the Times Media Group wish to extend sincerest condolences to the wife and children as well as other relatives and friends of Mr Munilall.

he College of E x c e l l e n c e Management and Business (CEMB) in collaboration with Critchlow Labour College has launched its ABE Endorsed and Awards, High School Diploma in Matriculation Studies (Grade 9/CSEC Level, English, Mathematics, Law, Principles of Business, Accounts and Management) with the aim of putting young and mature students on the path to university and/or the world of work.

Principal of the institution, Dr Stanley Paul said that the institution recognised the fact that one of the issues in Guyana is the rate of school “dropouts”.

Statistics show, he added, that at least five students drop out every day from secondary schools. Hence, the programme was designed to eradicate this issue.

“We realised there is a segment for persons who

Aracari Hotel saddened by event which occurred on its premises Dear Editor, The Aracari Hotel and Resort is located at Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara, less than a mile from the Demerara Harbour Bridge and between the bridge and Vreeden-Hoop. It has been in operation since 2008 and is well known as a family entertainment centre.

It is a popular resort on the West side. The Aracari Hotel operates 24 hours per day. It is made up of 2 build-

ings, each with 26 units.

All businesses like publicity, but sadly, what we just received is not all good.

Kevin Singh and Sabrina Nandram were staying at the hotel for the third time.

There was no indication to the staff or other guests in the hotel that there was a problem with the couple.

Please note that all rooms have phones that can be used to make outside contact.

The hotel followed its

GRA takes...

Further, efforts by the GRA have not been limited to administering the concessions granted, but also extends to its swift and robust control measures to ensure that beneficiaries are in keeping with conditions committed to in their respective agreements. To this end, over the years 2016-2018, sterling efforts of the GRA has led to the recovery of in excess of $1 billion dollars (yes, one billion dollars) from Post Exemption exercises (including sale of seizures to recover taxes) conducted on beneficiaries, who would have otherwise been declared fit and proper for the exemption by external agencies. The very photograph that appears in the Guyana Times article is one such vehicle that was repossessed by the Post Exemption exercise resulting from a breach of an IDA that was given to this company during 2013 to 2015. This is testimony to the

FROM PAGE 4

fact that the GRA is not oblivious and unmindful to the potential revenue loss from the abuse of the tax exemption scheme, and has taken measures to curtail its abuse.

Our work is in a continuous progression mode which can only progressively and incrementally improve as we continue to assiduously pursue our mandate to ensure compliance with Guyana’s trade, tax and border laws.

As the leader of the GRA, my detractors can rest assured that I will remain undeterred by assertions and statements, which for the most part, are baseless and unsubstantiated.

One last note to consider – Could the Auditor General state for the public record when was his agency last audited?

Sincerely, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)

procedures for overstaying guests and when the discovery was made, the police was immediately called who took control of the situation.

Beyond, the discovery, the hotel has no other knowledge of the event. The hotel provided the police with the guest’s registration details and beyond that, maintained the confidentiality of the guests at all times. All enquiries were directed to the police.

The hotel did not have access to the unit until after the police were finished

with their investigation and specifically released the unit to the hotel.

Management is extremely saddened by this event and wishes to express their deepest sympathies and condolences to all family members and friends left behind by the couple.

We sincerely wished it would have never happened anywhere.

Sincerely, Sase Shewnarain CEO

What a country!

Dear Editor, The man with the pushcart music soon changed the tune from one with lyrics supportive of APNU/AFC to one supportive of the PPP/C as that party’s Nominations Day entourage approached the Umana Yana. A few hundred APNU/AFC supporters still “hung out” outside the Umana Yana, mostly behind the police barricades despite being encouraged by party officials to go back to Parade Ground. The majority had left the area by this time.

APNU /AFC had earlier submitted its list of nominees.

All this took place free of any incident. In fact, two men with APNU/AFC shirts and flags in hand actually helped clear the way to help to make room for the PPP/C supporters to assemble. Soon, PPP/C support-

ers were behind the barriers themselves, only to access the same vendors who were earlier doing bright business with APNU/AFC supporters. I also saw some PPP/C and APNU/AFC supporters greet each other, in friendship.

And then as I drove toward Carifesta Avenue, there were scores of APNU/ AFC and PPP/C supporters, all decked out in their party colours, waiting to catch public transportation, minibuses of any colour, to return to their normal lives.

All this with little or no attention being paid to the other parties, some 17 of them, I’m not sure.

Oh beautiful Guyana.

What a country!

Sincerely, Brian Kirton

Principal, Dr Stanley Paul

exiting these secondary schools at Grade Nine without any formal qualifications so we have decided to develop this high school diploma and got ABE-UK, involved to give the qualification clout. “ Moreover, not being satisfied with ABE’s Endorsement alone, he said he wrote to the Education and Public Service Ministers and “requested them to recognise the qualification

where they did a comparative study resulting in them formally accepting the qualification as a Grade Nine exit qualification”.

Further, he added that the programmes are globally recognised giving the holder the opportunity to transition to CSEC or an entry-level job in the public and Private Sector.

“Because the qualification coming from ABE-UK. They can seamlessly transition over to ABE level four or level five or they can go into a degree programme because ABE has affiliation with over three hundred different universities so those universities would recognise the qualification as well,” he added.

Tesha Bourne, a student in the programme, shared with this publication that she joined the programme to develop her knowledge to be more productive and retain a job.

Prayers for Guyana Dear Editor, I might sound unorthodox with regards to political affairs but allow me to articulate my observation from a spiritual perspective with regards to the forthcoming general elections. It is important that we keep all our contesting leaders in our prayers. There is so much talk about the unity of all Guyanese. This is good yet we see division in the air. It is God who ordained that there will be order in chaos. Let this chaos turn into a celebration of life and not aggression. As we know, prayers move mountains, thus, I urge all of us to pray

without ceasing that peace may prevail. Let this election be a positive experience for each Guyanese and may our children remember this as a great election. May God help our leaders to do an examination of conscience and hear the quiet voice of God in the depth of their being, for God speaks in the silence of the spirit. Let the spirit of humanity lead Guyana to move forward. I will be praying for this grace and I appeal everyone to pray for God’s intervention during this crucial time.

Sincerely, Jerri Dias

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

Page

Foundation

“I

By Liz Matheis, PhD

can’t control my child!”

I hear this often from parents who are frustrated with their child’s behaviours and the difficulty of making their child accede to their demands. But is parenting really a phase in your and your child’s life that’s about control – a power struggle?

From birth to age 18 is a time during which you are supporting and growing your child; it’s not a tug of war of wills. When it becomes one, I ask parents to think about whose needs are being frustrated – are they yours or your child’s?

Any relationship that becomes a constant struggle is no longer enjoyable, but when it’s with your child, you don’t have the option of ending the relationship. Your relationship with your child shouldn’t be so difficult all the time. If it is, it’s time to take a look at what your relationship with your child is and is not.

Your relationship with your child is not about who is in control

It’s about a true emotional connection. A genuine desire to be with each other, to share in the joy and to comfort. It is not about what you were able to make your child do because you shouted or made threats.

Parenting is about setting expectations and standards for your child and then holding him to them. That is, setting guidelines for daily routines, for how you to speak with each other, how to express sadness, anger, or disappointment. It’s also about the

emotional space you provide in your home and your tolerance for anger, sadness, fear, and disappointment. It’s also about raising those standards over time as your child grows.

This doesn’t mean that your child has rule over your house or family. It doesn’t mean that they have permission to destroy toys, furniture, or walls. It means that you have an expectation and a standard for how your child will express frustration, with the understanding that you will hear your child and respond to the need she is sharing with you via her behaviour or words.

Parenting is not about making your child fit your expectations

As parents, it is our job to understand our child’s temperament and emotional needs, and to meet those needs. I have one child whom I understand very well and one child whose emotional needs I’ve had to work very hard to learn because her expression of those needs is very different from my own. In essence, we speak a different emotional language. That doesn’t mean

she’s in the wrong or that her needs are not valid; it just means that I have to listen, translate, and respond in a way that is different from that which comes naturally to me.

When we became parents, we had certain expectations in mind about who our children would be and become. I know I envisioned children who were flexible, who would work with me.

My parents ruled with a heavy hand. I was a compliant child. I did as my parents told me even when it didn’t make sense or scared me. You can imagine my level of shock and even anger when my children didn’t comply with my requests or follow my direction.

I felt out of control, scared.

I became louder and angrier, thinking this would scare them into submission. The result was a crying child and an overwhelmed and tearful mother. I didn’t like the way I felt, emotionally or physically.

I didn’t want to be a loud, angry parent.

It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve had to revisit my own childhood to gain an understanding of how my parents

disciplined, what worked and what didn’t. I’ve had to adjust my expectations of myself as a parent and of my children.

I am still visiting and working through my own childhood wounds in order to develop my sense of myself as a parent and of my children.

Parenting is a wave that comes in with power and leaves with a quietness. It’s a dance of knowing when to intervene, when to let your child struggle, when to coach, and when to watch from the distance as your child figures it out. It’s not easy. You may be a fixer, like me. The hardest thing I’ve had to learn how to do is to let my children fall while I hold my breath and pray that they will get back up.

There is no one way of parenting for all of your children and for every day. As parents, our jobs are to listen, translate, and respond to our children the way they need to be responded to each moment of each day. This doesn’t mean that your children “rule your house”, but rather that you are listening for your child’s needs and meeting them in the moment, as the moment comes and goes. The ebb and flow of parenting makes it unpredictable, which can be scary and difficult to plan for.

Parenting is not about control, but rather setting expectations and standards, listening, understanding how your child is different from you, and making sure that you are not bringing your past into the present. (psychologytoday. com)

M

By Noam Shpancer, PhD

y guess is that you have a pretty good idea of what a good mother is. If I ask you to visualise and articulate the qualities of such a mother, what would you say? My guess is that the ‘good mother’, in your mind, is one who is loving, nurturing, devoted, responsive, warm, sensitive, caring, and protective of her baby. My guess is that upon reflection, this idea of ‘the good mother’ seems quite self-evident to you, intuitive, common sense, and probably innate: Aren’t we all hardwired to love, nurture, and protect our offspring?

Now, what if I told you a story about a newborn baby who died just a few months after birth? You may be inclined to feel sad, and think it a tragedy. And what if I told you that this baby died of starvation? Your sense of tragedy may sharpen, and you may begin to wonder about the circumstances.

And what if I told you then that the baby had no name when he died? You might begin to wonder about the parents.

And what if I told you that the baby was starved deliberately? Now, your anger may rise, and you may ask, by whom?

And what if I told you that the person who’d let the baby starve was his mother? Your wrath may now abruptly turn on her, and your mind may conjure up an image of a twisted, evil, disturbed woman, the only kind who could do this to her child.

And what if I told you that this was not the first baby she’d treated in this way? By now, you’re thinking ‘monster’, and you’re ready to call the authorities and condemn the mother to your concept of hell. And what if I told you then that the mother is not alone in this behavior, but is in fact a part of a community where this is common practice? You may then ask where such evil people gather, and how is that allowed?

But what if I told you then that this mother is devoutly religious, a Christian in fact? That she lives in an extremely impoverished community, and that the conditions of her scarcity are so dire that she cannot afford to waste any energy, any resource, any food at all lest she herself starve, and that under these conditions –in which trying to feed two children may result in both of them dying because there’s only sufficient food for on –—the only rational survival choice is to spend what meagre energy and resources she has only on those of her children who are born robust, active, healthy, and thus more likely to survive?

And what if I told you further that the children she’s left to starve were born weak, small, or sick, unlikely to be able to endure the harsh conditions of their environment either way?

And what if I told you that she saw these characteristics of the children as signs from God that they were destined to die, and should be allowed to die, as that was God’s plan for them?

What if I told you that the mother believed that although the infant had a soul, that soul was restless and likely to escape the body, and that it was, therefore, prudent, respectful and self-protective for the mother to establish emotional distance, which she did in part by refraining from naming the child too soon.

And what if I told you further that the mother saw her dead children as lucky, because they had fulfilled their destiny, and in doing so received the mercy of dying without knowing suffering or misery, unlike her, who is unlucky enough to have been tasked by God with continuing to survive in daily struggle and pain and bring children into the world and see most of them perish in the hope that a few will eventually make it.

Having learnt the fuller context of this mother’s life, you may rage about a world in which people end up in circumstances that compel them to have to make such choices, but my guess is that you’ll have a hard time seeing the mother as monstrous, evil, or bad. You may even feel empathy for her and her children. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nomination Day

13 political parties submit nominations for March 2 elections

…as small parties accuse APNU/AFC of “bullyism”

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t least two of the new and smaller parties hoping to contest the upcoming elections have accused the governing A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) of “bullyism”.

This is because the coalition was allowed to present their lists of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) ahead of all the other parties, even though some were camping outside of the venue – Umana Yana – since Wednesday.

The political parties were allowed to submit their lists on a first come, first served basis.

But according to the A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and The New Movement (TNM), their representatives were there first.

“That is discriminating against the smaller parties. That is bullyism by the APNU/AFC. They proclaim to be decent and honest people but this shows that they are not,” said Jonathan Yearwood, a representative of ANUG.

that from the time the CEO of GECOM says that the door is opened, and we walk across there, APNU/AFC is already registered there?” he questioned, explaining that his party had been at the venue since Wednesday.

“If they couldn’t abide and wait their own turn, then it shows how much disregard they have for other people in Guyana,” Yearwood asserted.

Prime Ministerial Candidate of TNM, Gerald Forde said his party also felt bullied by the actions of the APNU/AFC. “We feel disappointed and bullied because these are senior people, senior Statesmen, this is a senior party and they just want to disregard the rules…there is a procedure and that procedure must be followed,” Forde posited.

Similarly, he explained that TNM was camping out since Wednesday.

GECOM’s CEO, when asked to respond, noted that “people say all sorts of things”.

“It’s nice that they were camping here Wednesday

was done,” he added.

He explained that at around 10:00h on Friday, the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, arrived at the venue to open the gates to allow the parties to register their spots.

However, Yearwood said when the parties opened the register, APNU/AFC was already entered.

“How can it be possible

[but] I said to all concerned this morning…that January 10 is Nominations Day. If you’re here on the 7th or 6th, good for you [but] I am treating with you on the 10th,” Lowenfield explained.

“I did inform all those assembled that I will be having a system that says number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…I came to the security and that is what

Kissoon, is hoping to contest in the General Elections in six regions except One, Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Nine.

TCI only made submissions to contest in the General Elections in six regions namely Two, Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four

11 new/small political parties

The APNU/AFC coalition was the first party to submit their lists of candidates to GECOM. In total, 13 parties submitted lists of candidates; 11 were new or smaller political groupings.

Apart from ANUG and TNM, the others are The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), Change Guyana, the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Fed-Up, People’s Republic Party (PRP), Guyana National Service Party (GNSP), Organisation of the Victory of the People (OVP), National Independent Party (NIP), and the United Republican Party (URP).

ANUG is aiming to contest in both the General and Regional Elections, in seven regions except Regions One (Barima-Waini), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo). Its presidential candidate is Ralph Ramkarran, former Speaker of the National Assembly.

TNM, whose presidential candidate is Dr Asha

(Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The party’s presidential candidate is Rondha-Ann Lam. Change Guyana, whose presidential candidate is businessman Robert Badal, is hoping to contest in the General Elections in all regions except One, Seven and Eight.

LJP, headed by former Toshao Lennox Shuman, aims to contest in the General Elections in six regions.

The Fed-Up party will only be vying for seats on the Regional Democratic Councils in Regions Five and Six. URP, which is headed

by Vishnu Bandhu, would have contested in the last elections, however, it failed to win any parliamentary seats.

Since then, the party has been virtually inactive on the political scene.

According to Bandhu, however, his party has been doing work with its supporters.

In order to qualify to contest in the General Elections, these parties need support from at least six of Guyana's geographical constituencies or administrative regions.

They need at least 150 nominators for each constituency and not more than 45 candidates.

In addition, they have to present a National Top Up List which must include at least 300 nominators countrywide and at least 42 candidates including the presidential candidate.

For those contesting the Regional Elections, they would have had to submit a list of candidates comprising of at least 150 nominators for each constituency, all residing in the said region, and 12 to 36 candidates also from within the region.

If they fail to meet these criteria, the lists will be deemed defective.

If there are problems with the names, such as duplication, the list will also be considered defective.

The parties will then have until January 13 to submit corrected lists. On January 15, GECOM will inform if the lists were approved.

If they are not, parties have until January 16 to file an appeal to the High Court.

However, regardless of any legal proceedings, the approved lists will be gazetted on January 19, thus confirming the number of parties contesting the elections.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC supporter assaults cop A female supporter of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition, during the Nomination Day proceedings, assaulted a female Police Officer who was on duty. The crowd of coalition supporters was trying to enter the compound, where only select individuals were allowed.

The female supporter was asked by the cop to step away from the gate; however, she refused. She then began to shove the Police Officer and physically abuse her.

When several media houses tried to capture the incident on camera, other supporters used their flags and umbrellas to block the cameras. It was later discovered that the supporter ripped off the Police Officer’s watch and part of her uniform.

And then there were…

I This composite photo shows the Police Officer wearing her watch (right) and photo on the left shows the officer’s damaged watch

…two t doesn’t really matter how many of the mushroom parties made it to Nomination Day, does it?? In the scheme of things – as they developed after 2015 – there were always going to be only two parties standing: the PPP and PNC. That was no mystery – much less the Agatha Christie bestselling one that started out with “10 Little Indians” and ended with “none”.

One just had look at the hoopla the two “big ones” made as they descended into the Umana Yana to file their nominations to tell this tale. Nomination Day is a Guyanese institution –– and all the minnows knew it.

They knew if they were able to muster up a decent crowd to put on a show (of force?!) they’d earn some credibility.

But they just couldn’t. Just getting those signatures from six regions plus the one for their top-up list wore them out!!

So all those who’ve been holding their breaths for a “third force” to duplicate what happened in 2006 and 2011 with the AFC better exhale right now!! Didn’t happen and ain’t gonna happen! Imagine these pipsqueaks didn’t even have the common sense to appreciate that unless they hang together, they’d certainly hang separately! So even that inconsequential promised fusion of the two lawyer-dominated utopians fell apart and they all went separately. And will definitely be hanging in the same manner!!

So what’d we see from the two main contestants that will be duking it out over the less than two months left to March 2nd? The more raucous PNC crowd was expected: Georgetown is their stamping-ground and it doesn’t take more than an offer of fried rice at the end of the day to get out the lumpen elements – especially of the female persuasion, to come out for another wine-down!

What was noticeable were so many of the female PNC ministers getting down and dirty with the music. While all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, surely these Ministers should retain some modicum of good taste if they expect to retain any shred of respect from the citizenry afterwards!!

The PPP?? They were able to pull off a rousing Nomination Day march from their headquarters on Robb Street to the Umana Yana. That destination, itself, sent a message as to why their foe, the PNC, is just mouthing slogans and will be rejected by the people come March 2nd? Why? Well, for years, they have flagellated the PPP for “allowing” City Hall to fall into disrepair. So what have they done in their five years at the helm??

They couldn’t even have the Nominations presented at that locale: couldn’t risk Granger falling through the floor!! …“see-far” pretentions Granger has been trained in history – at our expense, thank you at UG and UWI!! In that discipline, you learn how to look back but not with anger, as Granger is one to do. And that’s why Granger’s absolutely the wrong man for the job of steering the ship of state of Guyana right now, as PPP candidate Irfaan Ali pointed out. “Full steam ahead!” he cried even on Nomination Day, even as his head was turned firmly at the past!! If we were in colder climes, you’d worry we’d be hitting an iceberg! But as Ali said, he’s steering a sinking ship and boasts it’s because it’s laden with goodies!!

But remarkably, Granger has now declared he’s a “seefar” man – ie someone with the gift of seeing far into the future. Your Eyewitness figures the man is so clueless, that after someone must’ve told him that Guyana needs a “visionary” leader, he consulted his thesaurus and saw “far-seeing”.

And commandeered that GDF helicopter to see far ahead!! …the humiliation of Ramjattan Your Eyewitness was embarrassed to see Ramjattan with his canary-yellow shirt on Nomination Day, standing out in that sea of boisterous green.

He looked frantically around, wondering “where have all the yellow gone?”

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“I will not sell my integrity for all the oil in Guyana” – GECOM Chair

…as Opposition concerned about inclusion of unverified persons on RLE

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mid concerns about some activities currently being conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh on Friday reiterated that she will not allow any misdemeanour to take place.

“I will not sell my integrity for all the oil in Guyana,” she told re-

porters as she arrived at the Umana Yana for Nominations Day. “Only one way I know and that is the correct way,” Justice Singh posited.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had on Thursday expressed concerns over the inclusion of unverified persons on the Revised List of Electors

PPP welcomes...

Prime Minister Nagamootoo

Moses

The Head of the PPP/ C’s lists of candidates is the party’s General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, while the Deputy Representative is its Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali. Meanwhile, the APNU/ AFC’s National Top-up List included candidates such as General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald; Attorney Roysdale Forde, and Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC), Janelle Christian.

Notably, however, current Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, a member of the AFC fraction, was absent from coalition’s lists of candidates.

Despite this, however, Head of the coalition’s lists of candidates, Presidential Candidate David Granger, had told reporters “we don’t do surprises” when asked if there were any on their lists.

Nevertheless, Granger, in a statement later on Friday, expressed confidence that the coalition has

FROM PAGE 3

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

the “winning lists”. He noted that they have nominated candidates who enjoy the confidence of the parties’ members and supporters.

Valerie Adams Yearwood

“They have been found competent to lead in the National Assembly and in the Regional Democratic Councils. They reflect differences in age, ethnicity, gender, geographic and occupation,” he stated in the missive.

The coalition’s Presidential Candidate went on to point out that they have prepared its partners thoroughly for the upcoming elections.

(RLE).

Initially, some 20,000 persons were listed as new registrants from the now-scrapped House-toHouse Registration.

The parliamentary Opposition had, however, found that these “new registrants” included duplicates, persons who were already registered, or in some cases, dead.

After some double-checking, it was found at 16,000 persons were actually “new registrants”.

Following pressure from the Opposition-nominated Commissioners, GECOM staff had embarked on a field verification activity before including the 16,000 persons, that were registered, on the List of Electors.

From that exercise, 10,000 persons were verified, leaving 6000 unveri-

GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

fied. GECOM, despite protest from the Opposition, decided to include those persons on the RLE – a move which was not approved by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

But the GECOM boss defended the move. She told reporters on Friday

that “there was no evidence that those people were not registered…We needed that evidence and if that evidence were to surface tomorrow, we will deal with it”.

Responding to the GECOM Chairperson’s assertions, Jagdeo on Friday argued: “that is not true.”

He told media operatives that he can name at least four names and corresponding addresses.

“If you go there you will not find a single house there. So, we have the evidence and it was shared at GECOM.” “If you are going to go on [a] verification exercise to verify 16,000 names, your own staff says ‘we have only been able to verify 10,000’, it means the other 6000 remain unverified,” Jagdeo contended.

Moreover, he reiterated concerns regarding changes GECOM is making to the National Register of Registrants (NRR).

“This surreptitious access to the NRR to start altering people’s particulars, addresses, names, etc, using the unverified database, that too is a dangerous thing,” he said.

GECOM had explained that it is updating persons’ names and addresses based on information received from the Houseto-House Registration exercise.

Jagdeo said the international community has already been informed of these concerns.

The Opposition has long contended that the House-to-House exercise was largely unsupervised and would produce flawed results.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Major players contesting March 2 elections confident of winning

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n their bid to contest the March 2 General and Regional Elections, the two major political parties— the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the incumbent A Partnership

The Party's Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, who is Deputy Representative of the lists, told reporters afterwards that he is confident of the PPP/C winning the upcoming polls.

all the promises they made.

What happened to those promises? They are hiding from their own promises, they can’t share a manifesto,” Ali contended.

On the other hand, Head

Head of the PPP/C lists, Bharrat Jagdeo, handing over the Party’s lists of candidates to CEO Keith Lowenfield on Friday. Looking on is PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, who is Deputy Representative of the lists, and Prime Ministerial Candidate Mark Phillips, along with other party members

for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC)— have submitted their lists of candidates and nominators to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and are both confident of winning.

The coalition is seeking re-election for another five years in office. The PPP/C, on the other hand, is looking to return to power after being voted out of office at the 2015 elections, which brought an end to their 23year rule.

The Opposition party submitted their lists to Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, just before 14:30h and the processing of their submissions took approximately 20 minutes.

“We have a list that is very diverse; a list that embodies competence, experience, youth, energy, and commitment – a list that represents all of Guyana. A list that represents what is needed to take our country forward, a list that shows how we bring Guyana together and how we’re presenting a national team to these elections as we move Guyana to victory,” he posited.

According to Ali, Friday’s Nomination Day proceedings were the start of a journey to victory. He noted that the PPP can answer for its 23 years in office but the APNU/AFC is running from their own time in Government.

“They’re not speaking about their record… about

of the PPP/C’s lists of candidates, Bharrat Jagdeo, posited that the Party will continue to work hard on the ground to ensure its victory in March.

“What is APNU gonna tell people. Listen to their rallies, their public meetings are nothing about their track record, nothing about their future plans. If you drive around the city you can see what our future plans are because we’ve put them out in a manifesto on the posts etc…,” Jagdeo asserted.

PPP/C Govt economic growth

Further, in a missive on Friday, the Party outlined that during its tenure, the country experienced years of sustained economic growth and unprecedented phys-

ical and social infrastructural development. On the other hand, Guyanese are suffering from the wreckage caused by the Granger-led Government’s lack of vision, poor leadership, bad and anti-people policies, inept management, and, most serious of all, the coalition’s stealthy undermining of constitutional rule and democracy.

“The coalition has been a failure; it failed the nation and it failed the people of this nation. In contrast, the PPP/C’s Plan for Prosperity 2020-2025 offers hope and real, tangible benefits for every sector of Guyana, every region of Guyana, every man, woman and child. Our “Plan for Prosperity” is comprehensive,” the Party noted.

It went on to say that the combination of its Presidential Candidate,

next five years to restore and transform the nation and the quality of life of all of its people.

“The PPP/C has a proven track record. The PPP/C built a strong and stable economy without the benefit of oil and gas. We are a Party of transformative policies and plans, and we keep our promises. These elections offer each of us a chance to choose the kind of life we and our children will have and the kind of country in which we will live.

The choice is clear. Only the PPP/C can rescue and transform Guyana.”

“Good life”

However, Presidential Candidate of the APNU, David Granger, highlighted in a statement on Friday that the APNU/AFC coalition has designed a plan for

missions to CEO during Friday’s Nominations Day proceedings. The CEO perused the coalition’s lists – a process which lasted about 30 minutes.

Afterwards, the head of the coalition’s list of candidates, David Granger, told reporters that his party has the “winning lists”. He noted that they clearly laid down the principles and criteria for candidates from the six parties within the coalition to be selected to be on the list.

Granger said he is satisfied that all six partners have complied with those criteria to produce a list of candidates that is balanced in terms of gender, youth and geographical spread.

“I’m satisfied that we went through the process and got the best list and it’s the winning list. We have a

Head of the APNU/AFC lists and Presidential Candidate, David Granger, handing over the coalition’s lists of candidates to CEO Keith Lowenfield. He was accompanied by Deputy Representative of the lists, Khemraj Ramjattan, along with other coalition members

Dr Irfaan Ali, and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mark Phillips, along with its list of several hundred competent and patriotic candidates will succeed since it is armed with a plan for the

the country – the “Decade of Development” – which will see the coalition fulfilling its promise to provide a “good life” for Guyanese.

The APNU/AFC was the first party to make its sub-

proven record and the lists of persons who have chosen, I’m sure, will do us proud in the National Assembly, in the Regional Democratic Councils and of course, in the Cabinet,” he contended.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nomination Day

Colourful Georgetown streets came alive as parties submit candidate lists

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t is said that there is strength in numbers, and on Friday when the political parties took to the streets for Nomination Day, that strength was in full display as the streets leading to Umana Yana were transformed into a sea of red and green.

Nomination Day is considered as one of the most significant days leading up to the General and Regional Elections which is to be hosted on March 2, 2020.

Not wanting to be left behind, supporters of the various political parties took to the streets as they joined

An overhead shot of the PPP/C’s sea of red

as well as on Regional Democratic Councils since 25 of the 65 seats in the House are allocated to the

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, Prime Ministerial Candidate Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, and General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo leading the charge

their leaders heading to the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown to submit the lists of candidates.

The atmosphere was charged as the procession of supporters, led by their leaders, chanted the slogans of their respective parties.

Nomination Day is significant in the sense that it guarantees the political parties a spot on the ballot paper once they have met the criteria outlined by the Guyana Elections Commission and catered for under the laws governing the elections body.

The parties have now submitted their list of candidates who they anticipate would take up seats in Parliament as well as on the Regional Democratic Councils. The lists submitted were the General Elections List, or the National Top-up List as it is called, along with the Geographical Constituency List.

They will now await verification and approval from GECOM, which is expected to be completed by January 19.

Under the list system, political parties have to submit three lists of candidates. The National Topup List, the Geographical Constituency List and the Regional Candidates List.

Candidates would be extracted from these lists to serve in the National Assembly

10 Administrative Regions (Geographical Constituency List) and the other 40 from the National Top-up List.

Some 13 parties have submitted their lists of candidates to contest the

General and Regional Elections or in some cases, just regional elections.

This election is dubbed as the ‘mother of all elections’ since it was birthed from the passage of a No-Confidence Motion, which was successfully passed in the National Assembly over a year ago.

While the process has birthed a number of new political parties, it was evident that the incumbent Government – A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition – and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) remain the frontrunners.

The energy in the two camps was unmatched as both parties mobilised their supporters from all over the country – what can only be described as a “clash of crowds”.

PPP/C assembled on Robb Street in front of their headquarters – Freedom

President David Granger and his running mate, Khemraj Ramjattan, leading the procession

House – while APNU/ AFC assembled at Parade Ground.

There were several music trucks blasting the campaign songs for the major players while their supporters sang loudly.

This election saw a shift in things since GECOM took a decision to move the Nomination Day proceedings from the badly-dilapidating City Hall to Umana Yana. This gave the political parties a bigger space for their supporters which ultimately resulted in the lack of a clash among rival supporters.

The APNU/AFC coalition, led by President David Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Khemraj Ramjattan, were the first to arrive at the venue. They presented their list

APNU/AFC supporters

to loud cheers and horns blasting from their large group of supporters.

The smaller parties only came with essential personnel and lack of fanfare, noting that it is what happens at the ballot rather than mobilising crowds to march with them as they file Nomination Day papers.

The PPP/C was the fourth party to present their list to Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. Their mammoth-sized procession was led by Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, Prime Ministerial Candidate Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips and General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo.

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Nomination

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n Day scenes

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Some of the PPP/C candidates for General and Regional Elections

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Yarrowkabra school contract will not be honoured – Jagdeo …says public officers who knowingly breach financial laws will face “hot water”

T

he contract that was signed on Tuesday between the Education Ministry and contracting company BK International Incorporated for in excess of $826 million will not be honoured under a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government. The contract was for the construction of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School, on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and was signed days after President David Granger dissolved Parliament.

On Thursday, at the PPP weekly press conference Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that such a contract cannot be honoured.

“You can’t do that in January when there is no budget, sign a contract for eight hundred and something million and expect us to honour it, we will not honour it,” Jagdeo stated.

The contract was signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and BK International Managing

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ready ran up,” he explained.

In this regard, Jagdeo proceeded to warn public officers, especially Permanent Secretaries about signing such documents for the disbursements of monies when elections is so near.

He added that all public accounts should have been closed off by December 31 and monies returned to the Treasury, while reiterating that public officers who knowingly breach the country’s financial laws will land themselves in hot water.

“I want to warn the pub-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry hands over a contract to BK International Managing Director Brian Tiwarie

Director, Brian Tiwarie.

The project was said to be part of the Ministry’s strategy to provide modern educational facilities across Guyana.

According to the Opposition Leader, approving new contracts at the start of a new fiscal year without a budget and at just two months away from elections is not only illegal but reeks of corruption.

In fact, he had in his possession two Cabinet documents which showed that over 50 contracts were awarded in December 2019 by the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government.

“When I see a contract like suddenly appearing signed for nearly a billion dollars for a school, and when I see who the central players are I can put my head on the block that its corrupt…This is a way of siphoning money right at the end but all of this has a cost.

Remember they are running down the reserve, already sold off the gold. All of these agencies are bankrupt so the new Government comes into office tens of billions of dollars of bills they have al-

lic officers who are signing these things that they know the law. I saw the signing taking place in January, they know we’re two months away from elections, they know they can’t have monies disbursed now…The account should have been closed and all the monies should’ve been returned to the Treasury.”

“Remember the books have to be closed on December 31st, I suspect that’s the only way they can pay mobilising advance on these contracts signed in January because there’s no budget for it.

You can’t approve new contracts in the fit of capital contracts in the new fiscal year….so this is illegal and trust me, any single public servant who knowingly does this and mainly the Permanent Secretaries and REOs, if they knowingly do this they’re going to get into serious trouble because it’s a breach of our financial laws.”

Just days ago, the Public Infrastructure Ministry was flagged by the Audit Office of Guyana in its 2018 report for keeping over $700 million instead of returning it to the Consolidated Fund as required by law.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

Regional

Trinidad: Young mother Boy kills teacher, self in fatally shot at home Mexico school, possibly 'influenced' by video game F

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n 11-year-old boy armed with two guns entered a school in northern Mexico, shot dead a teacher and wounded at least six others before killing himself, possibly under the influence of a violent video game, local officials said on Friday.

Jorge Zermeno, Mayor of the northern city of Torreon, said the boy shot a female teacher then killed himself in the private school known as the Colegio Cervantes on Friday morning. At least five students and another teacher also were injured, he added.

“It’s a tragedy. It’s very, very sad that a boy of 11 can come to school with two guns,” Zermeno told local television.

Images apparently of the crime scene published on social media showed two people lying in pools of blood on what looked like a school floor, their bodies twisted and their faces covered with sheets. A pistol lay on the ground between them.

A woman reacts after a shooting at a private school in Torreon, Mexico

Television images showed Police and soldiers surrounding the school.

Miguel Riquelme, governor of the state of Coahuila, where Torreon is located, told a news conference that the boy, whose mother had died some years ago, had not had problems at the school.

“He was well behaved, but he told some of his classmates that ‘Today was the day,’” he said. “And what we can observe is that the boy was influenced by a video game.”

Riquelme said the boy had apparently been influenced by a first-person shooter game, “Natural Selection,” and had worn a t-shirt emblazoned with its name during the attack.

Riquelme said he believed the boy had tried to “recreate” the game.

The video game is made

by San Francisco-based company Unknown Worlds Entertainment, according to its website. The company did not reply to a request

by Reuters for comment.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Caricom continues to express concern at the situation in Haiti

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he Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping says it continues to be “deeply concerned” at the ongoing political, economic, humanitarian and social situation in Haiti.

Caricom Chairman and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the 15-member grouping is “particularly concerned about the several incidents of violence and the associated and tragic loss of life”, adding that “the current crisis has adversely affected all sectors of the society and has brought about severe hardship for the people of Haiti”.

Mottley said that it is urgent for all stakeholders in the country to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue in a spirit of good faith and concern for the na-

Caricom Chairman and Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley

tion, and towards resolving this prolonged crisis.

“The recent decision taken by the major stakeholders to ensure that the children of the country can resume schooling as a new

school term commences is an important step forward and should serve as an impetus to addressing other areas of contention in the interest of the well-being of the people and of the country at large.

“The Caribbean Community considers that our regional organisation has a duty to do all that it possibly can to assist the people of our sister Caribbean nation of Haiti.

We shall liaise with the Haitian government to facilitate a visit by an advanced team led by the SecretaryGeneral to explore with the Government and people of Haiti and other interested parties an acceptable way forward towards alleviating the present crisis,” Mottley added. (Excerpt from CMC)

Canada issues new guideline for Caribbean travellers

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anada has told Caribbean visitors with new electronic passports that they should refrain from travelling with both passports.

In a statement, the Canadian government said rather, travellers are advised to transfer the visa counterfoil to the new passport to avoid delays at the airport when boarding flights to Canada.

“Delays happen as re-

sult of airline representatives entering details from two separate passport documents. This procedure will itself result in the Interactive Advance Passenger Information (IAPI) detecting conflicting information from the new and cancelled passports, and subsequently relaying a 'No Board' prompt,” the statement noted.

It said that additional time is now required to over-

ride the system in order to generate a boarding pass, “all of which result in inconvenience to both airline and passengers”.

Ottawa said that instructions on transferring visas to the new passport can be obtained by contacting the Migration Section of the High Commission of Canada in Port of Spain, Trinidad and that the procedure normally takes a period of three weeks. (Excerpt from CMC)

or the third time this week, a woman has been killed in circumstances that investigators have linked to domestic violence. Gabriella Dubarry, 28, an insurance agent, was shot three times, allegedly by a man she knew at her home on Jebhodsingh Avenue, Avocat Village, yesterday morning.

Reports are that Dubarry was at home with her parents around 10:20h when the suspect entered the house, walked into her bedroom and shot her. The mother of one died at the scene.

Eyewitnesses said three gunshots were heard, then a man was seen running from the house into nearby bushes. A suspect was detained by the Police a short dis-

Gabriella Dubarry

tance from the house.

Dubarry’s murder comes in the same week that

Pollyann Chuniesingh and Jezelle Phillip were killed in suspected cases of domestic violence.

Officers from the South Western Division led by Snr Supt Gomez-Cooper and Supt Ramphal visited the scene and yesterday afternoon a team from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three led by Insp Corrie was gathering statements. They are looking into reports the victim had made to the police of domestic abuse and threats to her life.

Dubarry had recently sought a protection order and the case was listed for hearing at the Siparia Magistrates Court. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Montserrat general election was “vibrant, peaceful and highly competitive”, say int'l observers

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he international observers carried out an independent Election Observation to the Montserrat 2019 General Election from November 1120 and concluded the elections were “vibrant, peaceful and highly competitive”, but also made a significant number of recommendations for future improvements.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) was officially invited by the Governor, Andrew Pearce, to deploy the group of observers.

The mission was headed

by People's National Party Member of Parliament Julian Robinson, who was joined by representatives and election and campaign experts from the Isle of Man, Anguilla, Ireland, Denmark, France and the United Kingdom.

The CPA BIMR said it conducted the mission in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.

In the official report, the observers highlighted that the election — which saw the Movement for Change

and Prosperity (MCAP) take office — was “exemplary administered with the highest level of transparency, far beyond legal requirements”.

They also noted 17 recommendations to improve elections going forward which included ensuring the secrecy of the ballot by revising the practice of printing a number on both the ballot paper and the counterfoil; protecting the right to stand for election for Montserratians by birth and Montserratians by naturalisation; and giving greater access to the media to cover the election process. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

US seeks to squeeze Cuba by further curbing flights to island

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he United States is curbing public charter flights to Cuba in a further effort to squeeze the Cuban government’s income, the US State Department said on Friday, prompting an outcry from officials in Havana.

The Trump administration, in its latest effort to roll back warmer USCuba ties established by the Obama administration, said it would only let some charters into Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport but did not say how many.

US officials, in October, banned regularly scheduled flights to all Cuban cities except Havana.

“Today’s action will further restrict the Cuban regime’s ability to obtain revenue, which it uses to finance its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its unconscionable support for Dictator Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela,” US Secretary of

People walk at an entrance of the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba

State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and other Cuban officials blasted the move, calling it a violation of human rights that would hinder family reunification.

The flight caps would punish Cubans “on both sides of the Florida Strait,” the foreign ministry’s General Director for US Affairs Carlos Fernandez de Cossio tweeted. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

17

Around the World

Bomb attack targets Worshippers at Quetta mosque, killing 14

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t least 14 people have been killed and more than 20 others wounded in a bomb attack on a mosque during sunset prayers in the southwest Pakistan city of Quetta.

"Currently we have 20 injured, and 14 people were killed," said Waseem Baig, spokesman for the city's main Government hospital, where the casualties were taken on Friday.

"Eight people are critically injured."

A senior police official, Amanullah, appeared to be the target of the bombing, and was killed in the attack, said Police official Ali

The attack is the second such incident to target security forces in Quetta this week

Muhammad.

Images from the scene showed rubble and debris strewn across the prayer courtyard of the mosque.

The attack is the second such incident to target security forces in Quetta this week.

On Tuesday, at least two people were killed and more than 14 wounded after an improvised explosive device mounted on a motorcycle exploded in a market area.

That attack was claimed

by Baloch separatist groups, who have been leading an

armed uprising for independence for the ethnic Baloch areas of Balochistan province.

The province is Pakistan's largest and is rich in mineral resources, but its rugged terrain and arid climate also make it the country's least densely populated region.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Friday.

"The roads are not safe anyway, but now we're not even safe in our mosques," said Azmatullah, who was wounded in Friday's bombing. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US imposes more sanctions on Iran after missile attacks in Iraq

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he United States imposed more sanctions on Iran on Friday in retaliation for its missile attack on US forces in Iraq this week and vowed to tighten the economic screws if Tehran continued “terrorist” acts or pursued a nuclear bomb.

The targets of the sanctions included Iran’s manufacturing, mining and textile sectors as well as senior Iranian officials who Washington said were involved in the Jan 8 attack on military bases housing

US troops.

Fears that the United States and Iran were heading for war flared over the past week after a US drone strike killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, spurring Iran’s retaliatory strike on facilities in Iraq hosting US forces.

The measures target eight senior Iranian officials who US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said are responsible for both the Government’s violence abroad and crackdown on protesters at home.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have spiked since Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor Barack Obama and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord.

The United States has also sanctioned Iran’s purchase of US dollars, its trade in gold and precious metals and its dealings with metals, coal and industrial-related software.

Friday’s sanctions freeze

all properties or interests in properties that those targeted by the measures have under US jurisdiction. People or foreign financial institutions engaging in certain transactions with those designated could also be exposed to sanctions themselves.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaking alongside Pompeo at a White House news conference, said Washington would impose further sanctions if needed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Chinese province: Just 17 of our 80M people now live in poverty

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Chinese province has said just 17 people, out of its population of more than 80 million, are living in poverty.

Jiangsu province said only a handful of people lived below its benchmark of 6000 yuan a year (US$863; £660) following a successful state campaign.

Eliminating poverty is one of the Chinese Government's major ambitions.

Its latest data from the end of 2019 shows that in the past four years, 2.54 million people have been lifted out of poverty, as defined by the province.

It ties in with the province's declared target of es-

sentially eradicating poverty by 2020.

The 17 still living below the poverty standard are all capable of working, according to authorities who spoke to Chinese media, although four "have diseases".

Despite a slowdown, China's economy is still growing at around 6 per cent a year.

While China's economy has skyrocketed in recent decades, poverty has not disappeared - and inequality has grown.

There's no one standard definition of poverty across all of China, as it differs from province to province.

One widely-quoted na-

S

port operators, Swedavia.

The figures come as the Swedish-born movement of "flight shaming" is gaining prominence.

Flygskam or "flight shame" originated in Sweden in 2017, when Swedish singer Staffan Lingberg pledged to give up flying.

Swedish climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg set an example by crossing

I

t is too soon to draw any conclusions on what brought down a Ukrainian passenger plane in Iran on Wednesday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister has said.

"We have so many different versions of what could [have] happened to the plane that we need some time to really understand," Vadym Prystaiko said.

His comments come a day after Western powers said they had strong evidence that the plane was hit by an Iranian missile - a claim rejected by Tehran.

All 176 people on board were killed.

The crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 near Tehran airport came just hours after Iran carried out missile strikes on two airbases housing US forces in Iraq.

US media have speculated that the Boeing 737-800 may have been mistaken for a warplane as Iran prepared for possible American retaliation.

Victims of the crash included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians as well as nationals from Sweden, the UK, Afghanistan and Germany.

Iran said the data from the "black box" will be analysed at home, but Ukraine wants to do this in Kyiv

Meanwhile, the so-called "black box" recovered from the wreckage was due to be opened on Friday, Iran's official Irna news agency reported.

Black boxes contain the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, and could provide vital clues about what caused the crash.

At Friday's news briefing in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Prystaiko reiterated that at this stage Ukrainian investigators were not ruling out any possible cause of the crash.

But he called for the "level of speculation" to be reduced, adding that Ukraine wanted to establish an "international coalition" to conduct a thorough investigation. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudanese in rebel-held Kauda hope for peace after Hamdok's visit

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and SPLM-N leader Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu hold up hands during the visit to Kauda China has said it hopes to eradicate poverty in 2020

tional standard is 2300 yuan (US$331; £253) net income a year. Under that standard, there were around 30 million people living in poverty across the whole of China in 2017.

But many provinces have raised their poverty benchmark - as in the case of

Jiangsu, where it is at 6000 yuan.

China has moved from being "moderately unequal in 1990 to being one of the world's most unequal countries," according to a 2018 report by the International Monetary Fund. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sweden sees rare fall in air passengers, as flight-shaming takes off weden has seen a 4 per cent drop in the number of people flying via its airports, a rare decrease in recent years for a European country.

More than 40 million people travelled through the country's 10 airports, compared with 42 million during 2018.

Domestic travel was down further, at 9 per cent, according to Sweden's air-

Iran plane crash: 'More time needed for investigation' – Ukraine

the Atlantic in a zero-emissions yacht last year.

In September, Citigroup analysts said greater consumer awareness about global carbon emissions had already had a tangible effect in Sweden and could call into question the longer-term growth potential of the entire industry.

A number of people have since decided to take on the challenge of travelling

without flying. More than 22,500 people have signed a pledge to go flight-free in 2020.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said current trends suggest passenger numbers could double to 8.2 billion by 2037. Cities in Asia are expected to overtake European cities in regards to air passenger markets.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

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or nearly nine years, people in rebel-held Kauda in Sudan's South Kordofan state have been monitoring the skies for the planes coming from capital Khartoum.

The residents in Kauda watched the movement of aircraft to warn others of either the Government's surveillance or dropping of bombs in the conflict-ridden area.

But for the first time since the war broke out in 2011, three planes from Khartoum landed in Kauda on Thursday, carrying representatives from Sudan's months-old transitional Government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok as well as diplomats and representatives from humanitarian organisations.

Ibrahim was among tens of thousands of people who gathered at a square near the airstrip in Kauda to welcome the delegation. "It's the first time a plane comes for

something good in so many years," he said.

Kauda, nicknamed "the fortified place" for being surrounded by the Nuba mountains, is a stronghold of the rebel Sudan's People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.

The group was born out of SPLM, which led a war against the Sudanese Government from 1983 to 2005, making it one of the longest continuing civil wars in Africa.

Tensions reached a peak in 2010 during the national and gubernatorial elections.

Al-Hilu, who ran for governorship on an SPLM ticket, accused Ahmed Haroun, the then incumbent Governor, of rigging the votes in his favour.

Haroun is accused by the International Criminal Court of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

PEANUTS

Stay one step ahead.

Keep an open mind and be ready to make a move quickly and with the utmost precision. Refuse to let emotions stand in your way or cost you financially.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Speed up and finish what you start. Preparation for something special will be fun and will bring you closer to a loved one. A domestic change will add comfort and ease stress.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Take care of unfinished business and move on to a creative project that satisfies you. An important relationship will lead to an unexpected opportunity.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A physical outlet will help ease stress. Share your feelings with a loved one, and together you will come up with a plan that will improve your life.

VIRGO

Choose whom you spend your time with carefully.

The wrong person will stifle your ability to have fun.

Get involved in projects that include upbeat people who share your concerns.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Leave nothing to chance.

Take care of matters personally. If you count on someone to do things for you, you’ll be disappointed. An evening spent with a loved one is favored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Say no to anyone who is making demands or trying to manipulate your life. Back away from adversity and make positive changes that improve your state of mind.

Romance is in the stars.

SCORPIO

Personal growth will take you on a magical journey. An open mind, heart and attitude will lead to interesting encounters and new beginnings. Trust your intuition.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Trust only what is backed SAGITTARIUS up with facts. Put your energy (Nov. 23into self-improvement projects.

Dec. 21) A relationship with someone who shares your beliefs and long-term goals will flourish.

Romance is encouraged.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR YESTERDAY’S PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t make a fuss. You’ll accomplish far more if you are direct and implement your solutions before matters get out of hand. Offer kindness and consideration, not chaos.

Look for projects that excite you. Call the shots instead of being told what to do. If you want something, it’s up to you to make it happen. Romance is encouraged.

Getting together with people from your past will be a reminder of old dreams, hopes and wishes. Consider revisiting some of your ideas and making adjustments to suit current trends.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

19

NBA round-up: Thunder

spoil Westbrook's return to OKC H

ouston’s Russell Westbrook scored 34 points in his return to Oklahoma City, but the Thunder controlled the game from early on to beat the Rockets 11392 Thursday night.

Westbrook starred 11 seasons for the Thunder, helping Oklahoma City to nine playoff appearances and one NBA Finals, before being traded to the Rockets in the offseason. He received a video tribute then a lengthy ovation from the Chesapeake Energy Arena fans after his pregame intro-

behind the 3-point line to finish with a season-low 17 points.

Philadelphia 76ers 109 - Boston Celtics 98

Josh Richardson scored 29 points, Ben Simmons added 19 points and nine rebounds and host Philadelphia defeated Boston.

Al Horford contributed 17 points and Tobias Harris had 16 for the Sixers, who played without All-Star center Joel Embiid.

Earlier in the day, it was announced that Embiid will have surgery Friday for a torn

Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder (USA Today Sports)

duction.

Danilo Gallinari led Oklahoma City with 23 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 and Chris Paul put in 18. All three were traded to the Thunder from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George.

Westbrook was 14 of 26 from the floor but the Rockets’ other star, James Harden, was just 5 of 17 from the floor and 2 of 9 from

ligament on the fourth metacarpal on his left hand and be re-evaluated in one to two weeks.

The Sixers improved to 18-2 at home.

Cleveland Cavaliers 115 Detroit Pistons 112 (OT)

Tristan Thompson poured in a career-high 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and

Cleveland finished overtime on a 9-2 run to defeat host Detroit.

Kevin Love scored 17 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer, and had nine rebounds as the Cavaliers avenged a two-point loss to the Pistons on Tuesday. Darius Garland had 20 points and Collin Sexton tossed in 19 for Cleveland.

Andre Drummond racked up 28 points and 23 rebounds for Detroit. Derrick Rose scored 27 points off the bench and added seven rebounds and five assists. Bruce Brown finished with 17 points and eight assists.

Minnesota Timberwolves 116 Portland Trail Blazers 102

Andrew Wiggins scored 23 points and add-

ed a season-best eight assists as Minnesota rolled past Portland in Minneapolis despite missing star center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) for the 12th straight game.

Robert Covington added 15 points, and Gorgui Dieng recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Jeff Teague had 12 points and six assists, Jarrett Culver added 12 points and six rebounds, and Keita Bates-Diop had 11 points and eight rebounds as Minnesota improved to 5-3 since ending a season-long 11-game losing streak.

Damian Lillard registered 20 points and eight assists for Portland, which lost for the seventh time in the past nine games.

Hassan Whiteside added 15 points and 14 rebounds, CJ McCollum also had 15 points and Gary Trent Jr. tallied 13. (Reuters)

Wozniacki, Williams set up busy weekend in Auckland C a r o l i n e Wozniacki and Serena Williams guaranteed themselves a busy weekend at the Auckland Classic as they both advanced on Friday to the semi-finals of the singles and the final of the doubles.

Wozniacki ended not only

h e r hex at the h a n d s of Julia Goerges but also t h e

German’s 12-match unbeaten run in New Zealand’s largest city with the 6-1 6-4 victory to join good

friend Williams in Saturday’s singles semi-finals.

Williams had earlier overcome tricky winds to beat Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-4 6-3.

The pair then combined in the last match on the main court at the Auckland Tennis Centre to beat Belgian pair Kirsten Flipkens and Alison Van Uytvanck 7-6 (9) 6-2 and advance to Sunday’s doubles final.

“It feels great, it has been so much fun,” said Wozniacki, who only entered the doubles with Williams to play together once before the Dane retires after the Australian Open. “I’m so happy to be playing with Serena and so happy to still be in the singles.”

The results set up the possibility of a perfect farewell to

Auckland for Wozniacki, who’s established herself as a crowd favourite after playing the tournament every year since 2015.

She had lost her two previous matches in Auckland to the two-time defending champion Goerges, including in the final in 2018.

Wozniacki, however, showed no signs of fatigue from a twohour, 19-minute, three-set match against 2017 champion Lauren Davis that went late into Thursday’s evening session. She beat the 31-year-old Goerges 6-1 6-4 in just 75 minutes.

“I have had some tough matches against Julia in the past and I knew this one would be tough as well,” Wozniacki said. “Even though it was 6-1 in the first set, I still felt a lot of pressure, because she has big serves and big shots so I needed

to fight for every point.”

Wozniacki will now face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. The American became the first player to qualify for the last four when France’s Alize Cornet retired with a leg injury in the second set of their quarter-final. Pegula had been leading 6-0 3-2 when Cornet retired.

Top seed Williams will next meet third seed Amanda Anisimova, who needed almost two hours to beat Canadian wild card Eugenie Bouchard 6-2 3-6 6-4 in the first match of the evening session.

“It has been my lifelong dream,” the 18-yearold Anisimova said of facing Williams on Saturday. “I said before the tournament that my biggest wish was to play her before she retires so I am honestly the happiest I have ever been.”

(Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

Mc Gill Superstars CC host 2nd Sports Awards Ceremony ꟷ Kheshram Seyhodan cops MVP Award

Keshram Seyhodan was adjudged MVP of 2019 for the 367 runs he scored and the 21 wickets he had taken

The McGill Superstars Cricket Club hosted their 2nd Annual Awards Ceremony on the evening of Wednesday, January 8th, and several club members and other personali-

We started some work and we brought things back up.

Sudesh was the one that came looking for me, and told me he wanted me to come to a meeting.

“As I recalled, I went

Travis Persaud scored the most runs in 2019

Keshram Seyhodan – for having the Best Bowling Figures (5-34).

Daniel Basdeo – for taking the Most Wickets (24).

Special awards were given to: Trevor Lawrie, Troy Persaud, David Sears and Ravin Paramdeo for their dedication and hard

work; Rameshwar Persaud (Award of Service); Timothy Jaikaran, Romario Samaroo and Fizool Deo (Award for journalists’ hard work in 2019); and Anand Sanasie, for his continuous efforts at improving the level of cricket in West Demerara.

This event was sponsored

WDCA President Anand Sanasie receives his award from Zeeburg skipper Yutesh Dhanpaul

by Telco Solutions, Trophy Stall; and overseas-based club members Anil Beharry,

Rameshwar Persaud, Karan Singh, and Anand Persaud and brothers.

Goffin upsets Nadal to keep Belgium alive in ATP Cup quarter-final

D Sudesh Persaud was adjudged Cricketer of the Year

ties were honoured at the event, which was held at the New Thriving restaurant at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Founded in 1992 by residents of Canal #1, West Bank Demerara, this club has thus far produced 3 national youth players in leftarm spinner Kheshram Seyhodan, left-arm seamer Daniel Basdeo, and batting all-rounder Travis Persaud.

At the event, club captain Sudesh Persaud recalled this club’s rise to form. He noted that even though they were making moves in the world of cricket, they still lacked a ground to play on.

Sixteen years after formation, the club have their own ground, and have since produced players of high calibre, he said.

Persaud expressed confidence in the direction that sports in Guyana is headed, and confidence that the club would do more to develop sports in Guyana.

Addressing the awardees, President of the West Demerara Cricket Association, Anand Sanasie, said, “When I came back to Guyana, I started to do some work at the Wales Community Centre ground.

to the meeting without realizing that the guys had put my name up for the position of vice-president of the West Demerara Cricket Association.

It was quite a journey, and Mc Gill has a history of producing some excellent youngsters in cricket.

“I urge you to continue to move forward, and not backward. Continue to do what you are doing. I know West Demerara Cricket has a long way to go….”

The following persons were awarded at the ceremony: Sudesh Persaud – for being adjudged Cricketer of the Year (260 runs, 12 wickets).

Keshram Seyhodan — for being adjudged MVP (367 runs, 21 wickets).

Daniel Basdeo – for being adjudged All-Rounder of the Year (229 runs, 24 wickets).

Ganesh Persaud – for being adjudged the club’s Most Improved Player (180 runs,12 wickets).

Travis Persaud – for being the Highest Runs Scorer (415), and the Best Fielder.

Prahalad Singh – for having the Best Strike Rate (139.6).

Abdul Razack – for being the Most Economical Bowler (3.5 runs per over).

avid Goffin claimed an upset victory over world number one Rafael Nadal on Friday in Sydney to keep Belgium alive in their quarter-final clash at the inaugural ATP Cup team event.

Goffin, ranked 11 in the world, proved to be one of the few players who can handle Nadal’s heavy spin, which he did with aplomb on both the return of serve and in general baseline play, to claim a 6-4 7-6(3) victory.

The tie will now be decided by a highstakes doub l e s match, a f t e r Spain claimed the o p e n ing singles early in the evening when Roberto Bautista Agut defeated Kimmer Coppejans 6-1 6-4.

The winners of the deciding doubles will play Australia in Saturday’s semi-final, while Serbia, led by world number two Novak Djokovic, take on Russia.

Serbia Advance

In the day session, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic battled through a stirring chal-

Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Pablo Carreno Busta celebrate after winning their quarter-final doubles match against Belgium

lenge from rising Canadian star Denis Shapovalov to propel his country into the semi-finals with a 4-6 6-1 7-6(4) victory.

It was Djokovic’s fifth victory over the 20-year-old Canadian in as many clashes but by far the toughest, after Shapovalov controlled significant portions of the match played in Australia’s intense summer heat.

The victory, set up earlier by Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic’s upset win over Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2, means Serbia will play Russia in the semi-final, where Djokovic will face the

in-form world number five Daniil Medvedev.

The vocal crowds appear to be playing a pivotal role in the latter stages of the team event, after lifting host nation Australia on Thursday and then Serbia on Friday.

Djokovic said after the match he understood Shapovalov’s frustration as the noise level kept threatening to interrupt play.

Djokovic lost the first set against the heavy-swinging Canadian and struggled very early in the second before momentum shifted abruptly.

After some late third-set drama, where the two exchanged breaks of serve, the

match fittingly entered into a tiebreak.

Shapovalov looked the more likely to prevail - but the Serbian had a joker up his sleeve he has successfully deployed over the years in tense situations.

He simply refused to miss, daring his younger rival to find a way to hit seven winners and claim the tiebreak.

It was too much for the Canadian, and, after floating a ground stroke long, Djokovic raised his arms in victory.

Serbia join Australia and Russia in qualifying for the semi-finals. (Reuters)

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

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Foster and a few members of the newly elected BCB executive committee

he newly elected executives of the Berbice Cricket Board, under the chairmanship of President Hilbert Foster, met on Wednesday, January 8th at the board’s New Amsterdam Office.

It was the executives’ first monthly meeting since they were elected unopposed at the BCB Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 22nd.

All eight elected executives: President Foster; Vice

Presidents Albert Smith, Qualis Winter and Robby Saywack; Secretary Angela Haniff; Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman; Treasurer Dr. Cecil Beharry; Asst Treasurer Rovin Bahadur, were present for the entire two-hour meeting.

The BCB President congratulated the executives on being elected, and declared that, as a team, they would have to make sure to reward the confidence of the clubs and sub-associations. Foster

and Smith were each elected 31-0, while the others won 30-0, as clubs rewarded them for a very successful two-year term in 2018 and 2019.

The President urged his fellow executives to be very visible at cricket venues during matches, to attend meetings on a regular basis, to come up with visionary plans, and to work along with every stakeholder of Berbice Cricket, as it was very important for everyone

to feel involved.

The BCB executives selected 19-year-old Simon Naidu as the BCB Public Relations Officer for another two-year term, while Malcolm Peters, Neil Rudder, Javed Saywack, Leslie Solomon, Lyken Edwards, Victor Takurdeen and Kellon Henry were elected as appointed executive members.

Vice-President Qualis Winter heads the three-man Disciplinary Committee. The other members are Police Officer Michael Newland and Jaipaul Heeralall of the D’Edward Club of West Berbice.

Leslie Solomon of the Port Mourant CC was appointed Chairman of the important Competitions Committee.

Neil Rudder would serve as Vice Chairman, and Ameer Rahaman as Secretary. The other members are Karran Ramsammy (Whim), Gregory Crandon (Guymine), Narine Deonarine (Chesney), Lyken Edwards (Edinburgh), Robby Saywack (Bush Lot), Amir Khan (Blairmont) and Winston Smith (Ramnarine Memorial).

Former national youth player Balram Samaroo heads the crucial Selection Committee, while national

youth player Kellon Henry will serve as his deputy. Leslie Solomon will be the secretary and chief record-keeper. The other selectors are O. Outar, Winston Smith, Surendra Kissoonlall and Roshan Gafoor.

Successful Cricket Coach Albert Smith heads the Cricket Development Committee, which has been mandated to come up with recommendations to lift Berbice Cricket higher on the field. Other members are Winston Smith, Balram Samaroo, Tremayne Smartt, O. Outar, Floyd Benjamin, Lakeram Latham and Glenford Fordyce.

Treasurer Dr. Cecil Beharry and Asst Treasurer Rovin Bahadur were appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman of the BCB Finance Committee.

Secretary Angela Haniff, Amir Khan, Brian Baker and Gregory Rambarran will be the other members of the Finance Committee.

Attorney-at-Law Arun Gosai will continue to serve as Legal Advisor to the board.

President Hilbert Foster and his elected executives will meet the appointed executives and members of the different committees to discuss plans for 2020/2021.

Atletico beat Barca to enter Spanish Super Cup final Guymine defeat NBS 40-Over Second Division Tournament…

Police to enter round of 16

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Correra's goal was his fourth of the season for Atletico (Getty Images)

ngel Correa scored late on as Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona 3-2 in an incident-packed game to reach the Spanish Super Cup final.

Koke's clinical strike put Atletico ahead early in the second half.

Lionel Messi equalised and then Antoine Griezmann headed Barcelona into the lead in Saudi Arabia.

Alvaro Morata converted a penalty to make it 2-2 before Correra ran through and grabbed the winner with a powerful strike that was too strong for Neto.

In the second half, Messi had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee for handball while Gerard Pique should have taken the game to extra time but sent his header over the bar.

Atletico's 20-year-old Portuguese forward Joao Felix, who joined the club for £113m in the summer, was involved in an altercation with Messi in the first half, with

the pair going head-to-head.

It was sparked by Barca full-back Jordi Alba appearing to poke his finger in Felix's face.

A number of players from both sides got involved to separate Messi and Felix, with Luis Suarez having to be pulled away from Stefan Savic.

Victory means Atletico Madrid will face city rivals Real, who beat Valencia 3-1 on Wednesday, in the final on Sunday (18:00 GMT).

The tournament has a new format this season, with the top two from La Liga and the Copa del Rey finalists playing in a fourteam competition rather than the two winners playing each other.

Real, despite finishing third in La Liga, qualified because Barcelona won the league and finished runner-ups in the cup. (BBC Sport)

he Berbice Cricket Board are pushing a h e a d with their plan to complete the 90team New Building Society 40-Over Second Division Tournament by the end of February.

Guymine were the latest team to reach the playoffs, with a 3-wicket victory over Police. Meanwhile, Rose Hall Town Tigers have already advanced to the quarter-finals, after they crushed Chesney by 10 wickets at the Jai Hind Ground in the lone playoff match played to date.

Guymine bowled out Police for 80 runs in 20 overs, with Kedar Amsterdam top scoring with 25. Keshan Ramsarran led with 5 for 27, while Joel Seitram supported with 4 for 16, and Gregory Crandon accounted for the other wicket with 1 for 1.

In reply, Guymine reached 81 for 7 in fifteen overs, with Seitram and Ramsarran returning with the bat to score 19 and 16 respectively.

At the Jai Hind Ground, Rose Hall Tigers crushed Chesney in a match reduced to 20 overs due to overnight rain. Former national 20/20 player Imran Khan smashed 68, which included 3 boundaries and 7 maximums, to lead Chesney to 147 for 3 from their allotted overs.

S. Gajnabi top scored with 34 not out, with support from Ricky Amoi who made 20 not out.

In return, former national youth players Balchand Baldeo and Khemraj Mahadeo pushed their team to victory by putting on 148 without loss in just 12.2 overs. Baldeo blasted 7 sixes and 6 boundaries in the small ground to be unbeaten on 86, while Mahadeo was undefeated on 39, hitting 2 sweetly timed boundaries and 2 huge maximums.

Meanwhile, after meeting with clubs in zone three and zone sixteen, the BCB has declared Cotton Tree and No 48 Challengers as winners of their zones, based on superior net run-rate.

Sixteen of the 19 zones have already had winners declared, while the remaining three will be decided shortly.

The winners are as follows: Zone 1, Blairmont; Zone 2, D’ Edward; Zone 3, Cotton Tree; Zone 4, Tucber Park; Zone 5, to be declared; Zone 6, Guymine; Zone 7, to be decided; Zone 8, RH Tigers; Zone 9, to be decided; Zone 10, Chesney; Zone 11, Albion CC; Zone 12, Belvedere CC; Zone 13,Fyrish CC; Zone 14, Skeldon CC; Zone 15, Cut and Load CC; Zone 16, No 48 Challengers CC; Zone 17, Bomb Squad; Zone 18, No 64 Fighting Marines; Zone 19, No 70 Spartans.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

RHTY&SC launches 2020 Calendar of Activities with Senior Citizens Breakfast Programme A

fter setting itself a 2020 target of 700 activities, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, and its ten cricket teams, launched its calendar of activities by hosting the monthly pensioners’ breakfast programme, led

by Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster, MS. The teams provided a solid breakfast to dozens of senior citizens as they waited to uplift their monthly pension at the Rose Hall Town Post Office. The breakfast consisted of a solid main course, biscuits, fruits, cold local fruit drinks and hot tea.

Foster said 2020 is anticipated to be a very special year for Guyana’s most vibrant youth and sports organization, as it would be celebrating its 30th anniversary. The club was founded in 1990 by Guyana and Commonwealth Youth

Pensioners receiving their snacks

Service Awardee the St. Francis Community Developers.

The breakfast programme is the first of at least 700 activities that the club has set itself for 2020.

September has been dedicated as the anniversary month, and will see the hosting of at least twenty-five major activities to

celebrate the milestone.

These include a prayer service, public exhibition, medical outreach, restoration of club office, anniversary magazine, feeding of the poor, 20/20 cricket tournament, and assistance for youth cricketers.

This year will see the RHTY&SC concentrating on the development of

Rising Stars to participate in T/20 knockout competition

its ten cricket teams, Say No/Say Yes Campaign, Streamlining of its Charity Programme and the personal development of each of its members.

Foster, who is also President of the Berbice Cricket Board, stated that in 2020 the RHTY&SC would assist only clubs that invest in youths and have a solid track record.

The RHTY&SC would also host dozens of activities under its Say No/ Say Yes campaign, which targets thousands of youths across Berbice to Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Crime, Tobacco, Alcohol and Yes to Education, Sports, Culture life and Religion.

Among the events and projects shall be a youth inspiration forum, youth booklet, educational competitions, sports tournaments, summer camp, rallies, career fair, anti-drugs/ suicide posters, television commercials, television programmes and counselling sessions.

The RHTY&SC will also host several sporting events in 2020, including

The Rising Stars

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both prizes. Winning this would help us to get our ground in order and finish it. This would allow the young people in the village to participate.

“Nevertheless, we are looking forward to the challenge, as the competition would feature players such as Devendra Bishoo and other first division players, which would make a win against them even sweeter. I believe this competition will help us to get better, I know that for a team that isn’t recognised in Guyana, we have lots of talent, and I’m confident that we will soon produce players that are worthy to represent Guyana at all levels of cricket.”

The Risings Stars side will be dependent on their players Marvin Cheong, Shane Persaud, Shaquille Brisport and captain Elroy Fernandes, who has had a successful 2019 leading the team with the bat.

The first ball is set to be bowled at 09:00 am.

an Inter Secondary School Cricket Tournament, Busta Champion of Champions, Naeem Nasir Memorial 100 balls, and also provide sponsorship for other sporting disciplines like table tennis, volleyball, basketball and softball.

The ten cricket teams

will also undertake a combined one hundred activities under their self-development programme. The ten cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are sponsored by Poonai Pharmacy, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Metro Office Supplies, Pepsi, and Namilco.

Joseph won’t take his foot off the pedal against the Irish

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he Rising Stars Cricket Club will again be competing in a grand T/20 knockout competition sponsored by Lochan, aka Mali, and his family at the Malvern Cricket Club ground at Canal #1.

Participating teams will be battling for the right to be called the number one T20 team in Canal #1. The reward for successful teams will be more than US$2000 in cash and prizes, all sponsored by Lochan.

The day of that event would end with a floodlight tape ball cricket competition in which the teams will be battling for a first-place prize of $100,000, while the runners-up will pocket $20,000. All participating teams are encouraged to walk with their own balls.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Captain of the Rising Stars side, Elroy Fernandes, said, “We are happy that Lochan is giving back to the community.

We are hoping to come out on top and cop

BCB President Hilbert Foster participating in the sharing

Alzarri Joseph

est Indies paceman Alzarri Joseph is not done with Ireland just yet, even though his Caribbean side took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match Colonial Medical Insurance One-Day International Series being held in the region.

Joseph starred with the ball again but had a vital innings with the bat to help the West Indies pull off a one-wicket victory against Ireland at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday.

Choosing to bat first for the second game in a row, the first was a fivewicket loss, Ireland showed they can bat in posting a total of 237-9, thanks, in large part, to Paul Stirling’s 63 at the top of the order. In reply, the West Indies barely got over the line, scoring 242-9, getting to the target with one ball to go.

When Ireland batted, Joseph played chief tormentor for the second game in a row, bagging 4-32, to leave the potential for a big innings from the visitors in tatters.

Joseph was backed up by pace teammate, Sheldon Cottrell, who ended with 3-51.

Joseph was also good with the bat, scoring an important 16 before a mistimed pull off a slower ball from Mark Adair, ended his evening.

Despite the win, Joseph sent a subtle warning to the visitors.

“The win means a lot to everyone, but it's not finished, we have one game to go," said Joseph, after he was awarded his second man-of-thematch honour in as many games.

The young paceman said he was relieved to have come away from the game with a win, but for the first time in his fledgeling career, spoke, for the first time, about his batting.

“We wanted to bat sensibly and get to the score. When I went out to bat, there were a lot of balls to get there and I was looking to play every ball on merit,” said Joseph.

While Joseph is excited about his personal performance, he is also aware that there were others who stood up to be counted.

"Relieved about the win but it's a team game, we all put in the effort,” he said.

Joseph bowled a fuller length to the Irish in this game than he did in the first where he bagged 4-34, explaining that he had read something different from this pitch.

“The wicket was a bit more even than the first game, so I assessed early and bowled to the plan.”

When Joseph spoke about the four-wicket haul he enjoyed in the first ODI against Ireland, he alluded to how much work he had put into getting back to international cricket and his captain, Kieron Pollard, confirmed as much on Thursday, saying he was happy for the young man.

“Alzarri Joseph again the pick of the bowlers getting another four-wicket haul.

He continues to show again, his hard work is paying off so congratulations to him,” said Pollard. (sportsmax)

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

CWI Colonial Medical Insurance Regional 4-day Tournament…

Debutant Smith, Barnwell punish Leeward Islands A

t the end of day two, Guyana Jaguars still maintained the upper hand in their CWI Colonial Medical Insurance Regional 4-day match against the Leeward Islands Volcanoes, being played at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua & Barbuda.

Resuming the day on 2104, Jaguars pressed on to post 388 all out, thanks to solid batting performances from Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer and Devendra Bishoo.

Volcanoes ended the day trailing by 263 runs, after they managed 125-5 in 39 overs.

Overnight in the middle are Jahmar Hamilton and Jacques Taylor, who will look to get some runs when they resume batting in natural light today.

In their pursuit of the Jaguars score, the Volcanoes lost opener Montcin Hodge for 13 to debutant Nial Smith when the score was 27. Kacey Carty was the next to fall, when Keon Joseph struck in the 17th over to take the score to 44-2. Carty got 7 runs on the board before he was caught by Barnwell.

The experienced Kieron Powell (34) and Devon Thomas (13) did well to rebuild the damage with patient batting that saw them capitalizing wherever possible. However, the new, refreshing pace of Smith and Barnwell did well for Jaguars, as the combined efforts of these bowlers wiped

out the Leewards top order with just 28 overs on the board.

After Thomas and Powell had fallen, it was up to Hamilton and Taylor to rebuild the innings, Jaison Peters having offered no assistance, as he was clean bowled by Barnwell. Taylor and Hamilton, the last recognized pair for the Leeward Islands, dug deep and produced a resistant 40run partnership, despite the

the batmen rushing off the field with hopes of making the most of the day light.

Bowling for the Jaguars, Nial Smith returned figures of 3-29, Christopher Barnwell 1-12 and Keon Joseph 1-34.

Earlier, at the commencement of day two, Barnwell pushed the furthest past the half century mark for his team, but was unfortunately dismissed for 82. His resolute knock lasted

Debutant Nial Smith bagged 3-29 on day 2

Barnwell. Following Reifer's dismissal, the Volcanoes had a moment of joy when batsmen Anthony Bramble (1) and Veersammy Permaul (4) were removed 4 deliveries apart.

However, Bishoo played an aggressive innings down the order to rock back the Volcanoes. His score of 40 came from 34 balls and included 3 boundaries and

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Jaguars Tagenarine Chanderpaul (LHB) c Hodge b Berridge 60 Chanderpaul Hemraj (LHB) c Peters b None 52 Leon Johnson (LHB) c Hamilton b Jacobs 59 Vishaul Singh (LHB) c Hamilton b None 25 Christopher Barnwell (RHB) c Hamilton b Boatswain 82 Raymon Reifer (LHB) c Boatswain b Jacobs 47 Anthony Bramble (RHB) c Berridge b Jacobs 1 Veerasammy Permaul (RHB) c Thomas b Jacobs 4 Devendra Bishoo (LHB) b Taylor b 40 Keon Joseph (RHB) b Boatswain 1 Nial Smith (LHB) 4 Total 388 (10 wickets, 132.1) Extras 13 Christopher Barnwell top- scored with 82

troubling bowling of Nial Smith.

In the end, the Leeward Islands were saved by the rain,

for 106 balls, and was laced with 9 fours and a six.

He received good support from all-rounder Raymon

Reifer, who was dismissed 3 runs shy of a half-century.

Reifer's 47 was part of the 111run partnership he shared with

as many maximums. Bishoo’s quick scoring was ideal, because he had only a few partners left by the tail to try pushing the Jaguars' scoring into the 21st century.

Volcanoes' Damion Jacobs ended with 4-89, Kezron Archibald had 2-2, and Quinton Boatswain bagged 2-73.

The penultimate day bowls off at 14:00 hrs today.

Bowling O S Berridge 20 Q Boatswain 20 Kacey Carty 5

M 5 3 1

R 63 73 18

W 1 2 0

J Taylor 27.1 Damion Jacobs 29 Kieran Powell 4 K Archibald 27

13 8 1 7

57 89 10 72

1 4 0 2

Leeward Islands Batting Montcin Hodge (RHB) lbw b Smi th 13 Kieran Powell (LHB) lbw b Smi th 34 Kacey Carty (RHB) c Barnwell b Joseph 7 Devon Thomas (RHB) c Bramble b Smith 13 Jaison Peters (RHB) b Barnwell 4 Jahmar Hamilton (RHB) 23 NOT OUT Jacques Taylor (RHB) 11 NOT OUT Total 125 (5 wickets, 39.0) Extras 20 Bowling O Keon Joseph 9 R Reifer 9 Nial Smith 12 C Barnwell 6 V Permaul 2 Devendra Bishoo1

M 0 2 4 2 0 0

R 34 28 29 12 8 7

W 1 0 3 1 0 0

WI Over50s descend upon TT for practice matches

W

ith less than 60 days remaining before they wing out for South Africa to participate in the second Over 50s World Cup being played there from March 11th to 25th, West Indies Over 50s team arrive in TT this Sunday to play 4 practice matches, starting on Monday.

West Indies have had 2 practice matches at the Broward Stadium in Ft Lauderdale, but those were severely curtailed by the weather, and the organisers have been forced to arrange the four other practice matches in TT. WI compete in ‘Pool B’ of the tournament, playing New Zealand in their opening match, then facing Australia a few days after.

West Indies have announced a 22-man squad that would be trimmed down to 16 at the conclusion of these practice matches next weekend.

Since this tournament is a non-ICC one, the organizers have secured the blessings of CWI, and will be using the maroon colours of the West Indies team, but not the logo.

In his message to the team and organizers, President Ricky Skerritt wished the Chairman and the team the very best in this project and its future endeavours. In his message for the magazine, Mr Skerritt wrote: “Raj’s current project to pioneer Caribbean participation in the Over50s World Cup in 2020 is a private initia-

tive that Cricket West Indies applauds.

Although CWI’s resources are now more focused on developing younger players, we commend any project that seeks to directly engage past regional players in cricket-related activities.

“On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I wish Raj and his colleagues a most successful cricket adventure. The best wishes of all West Indians should be with them in South Africa”.

The WI Over 50s Organizing Committee is headed by cricket administrator Raj Singh, who will also manage the team in SA. Raj will be ably assisted by Dave Narine. Joseph Reds Perreira serves as the PRO, while John Ramsingh serves as the Media Officer. Rick Ali and Ian Allen round out the Organizing Committee.

“Reds Perreira and John Ramsingh will form the nucleus of the Live Streaming commentary panel, and may be joined by some guest commentators in TT. The link will be publicized on our Face Book page.

In an effort to have the squad fully acclimatized with the conditions and each other, 4 guest players from TT will join 18 members of the WI party to play the first practice match among themselves at the National Cricket Centre at Balmain.

The second match, on Tuesday, will be played against a star-studded Clarke

The West Indies

Road United Masters team which features a lot of former National TT players and former National TT youth cricketers.

On Wednesday, NAS Masters team will pit their skills against the WI Over 50s team, and the final match would be played against the Queen’s Park Masters at the Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI Colonial Medical Insurance Regional 4-day Tournament…

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Debutant Smith, Barnwell punish Leeward Islands Page 20

Mc Gill Superstars CC host 2nd Sports Awards Ceremony ꟷ Kheshram Seyhodan cops MVP Award

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