Guyana Times Saturday July 13, 2019

Differently-abled children benefiting from 5-day skills P13 training camp

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

Issue No. 3983

THE BEACON OF TRUTH saturday, july 13, 2019

PRICE

CCJ consequential orders

Elections must be held within 3 months from NCM June 18 confirmation …APNU/AFC Govt in caretaker mode

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Kitty teen to face Judge, jury for fruit vendor’s P11 murder

See stories on pages 3, 7 & 9

…GECOM must comply with Constitution …Court’s ruling major victory for Guyana – Opposition Leader …as President commits to abiding by CCJ orders …as Jagdeo proposes urgent meeting with Granger

Major Sheriff Street bridge closed to P11 traffic

Essequibo Coast teen charged for robbing, shooting truck P12 driver

Insurance seminar P11 prepares local stakeholders for oil industry

Arbitrary firing of staff United States Marine Corps at the 243rd Declaration of Independence Anniversary celebration at the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch’s resident on Friday night

Corruption probe

Police seek advice from DPP on Crime Chief’s fate

Page 2

Probe into Public Service Minister’s conduct P14 completed

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Traditional sectors need to be supported – GCCI

Corruption probe

Police seek advice from DPP on Crime Chief’s fate D T

he fate of Deputy Police Commissioner and Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, who was sent on administrative leave after damning allegations of corruption by several whistleblowers within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were made public, will soon be determined.

This is according to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who told Guyana Times on Thursday that the probe into Alves’ alleged misconduct as a serving senior member of the GPF has been completed and that his file has been sent for further advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on the way forward.

“Well, we are awaiting certain legal advice. Most of the statements have been

Deputy Police Commissioner, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves

completed already. So we are waiting on the legal advice,” the minister.

Less than three weeks ago, Alves was sent on ad-

ministrative leave to facilitate an investigation into allegations of corruption levelled against him.

Shortly after, Minister Ramjattan had told the media that President David Granger appointed the Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves, therefore, the President would have to determine the fate of Alves after investigations are completed.

“If he is cleared, he will come back, if he is not well fine. The President, having appointed him, will make certain decisions,” the Minister said at that time, despite the fact that the law states the Police Service Commission deals with disciplinary issues within the GPF. Given that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is conducting the in-

vestigation, meaning the Police is investigating itself – which in itself has raised a number of questions – Ramjattan had also said that it is important for such cases to be investigated by the OPR to build confidence.

He added that hundreds of cases have been investigated by the OPR before which have all been respected as they were even subject to further analysis. In fact, cases are even sent for legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Prior to his suspension of duties at the GPF, for a number of weeks, ranks in Berbice blew the whistle on alleged corruption by the Crime Chief and claimed that he was shielding a few junior rogue ranks who have been linked to criminals.

escribing the growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as “fair” for 2018, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has made a call for the traditional sectors, such as forestry, to be supported, as these sectors are being overlooked with the production of oil coming on stream soon.

This is according to the Chamber’s President, Nicholas Boyer, who was speaking at a recent event hosted at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

“We will need to do more to support and improve our traditional sectors that are renewable, such as agriculture and forestry, for instance, as they face the risk of losing competitiveness on account of higher wages in the oil industry and construction sector and appreciation in our currency,” he said.

While giving a brief review on the country’s economic performance, Boyer pointed out that the construction sector grew by 11 per cent as a result of the preparations for the oil industry requiring an increase in construction of residential and commercial facilities. In addition, he alluded to the bauxite industry which grew by 24.6 per cent as a result of new bauxite companies.

As a consequence, the GCCI head said, “When you analyse this data, you realise that the biggest risk facing us is that of an undiversified economy and the spread of Dutch Disease,” as he called for more emphasis to be placed on renewable sectors.

On another note, Boyer highlighted that credit to the private sector increased by 4.2 per cent to $233.6 billion.

He dubbed this increase as a good one but also signalled some concerns. “As commercial project sizes grow, indigenous banks will be hampered by a low single borrower limit, and local real estate developers will be outcompeted by regional ones that have access to a cheaper cost of capital,” he pointed out.

Importantly, he emphasised on Government’s spending for last year, which increased by double figures. “Government spending for 2018 was $216.7 bil-

lion, which represented an increase of 11.1 per cent, again (in) contrast (to) that we have an increase in GDP of 4.1 per cent,” Boyer reminded.

Against this backdrop, he said total tax revenue increased by 16 per cent, pointing out that “this is why in the expenditure approach to GDP analysis, boosting the C, Private Sector consumption, is always better than just boosting the G, which is Government spending net of taxes, as an increase in Private Sector spending has a multiplier effect and can give more growth than a similar increase in Government spending”.

Last week, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, opined that with the right investment opportunities and economic environment, Guyana’s traditional sectors can thrive to provide more employment and other benefits, rather than a sole dependence on taxation to garner capital.

He was at the time being interviewed on the creation of jobs, where he assured that under his Government, economic sectors will not be neglected. It was explained that the prospects of oil is not the “only saviour” since traditional sectors are opportunistic with assistance from Government. “We need a Government that has ideas and vision and not a Government that seems to be barren on ideas and think that taxes is the only solution in terms of raising capital. Also, this thing that oil and gas as the only saviour out there or opportunity that is ahead for Guyana.

Oil and gas would bring tremendous opportunity for Guyana but there are great opportunities in all the traditional sectors and also in newer sectors with a little tweaking,” he stated.

Ali expressed that draconian measures on Government’s end have seen downward spiralling of most of these sectors. This is owing to the lack of incentive regime for investments among other unfavourable moves that were noticed, especially in the mining sector. In five years, he informed that the industry has declined by approximately 40 per cent, with an average 15,000 persons directly affected.

news

CCJ consequential orders

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

Elections must be held within 3 months from NCM June 18 confirmation

Saturday, July 13 – 02:30h and 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, July 14 – 03:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, July 13 – 14:05h-15:35h and Sunday, July 14 –14:55h-16:25h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions interrupted by light to thundery showers in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours. Partly cloudy skies will prevail in the evening interrupted by light rain showers. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 14:05h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 07:35h and 19:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.90 metre.

WEDNESday, JULY 10, 2019

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…APNU/AFC Govt in caretaker mode …GECOM must comply with Constitution

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n bringing finality to the legal proceedings on the consolidated No-Confidence Motion (NCM) cases, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday ordered that the APNU/AFC coalition Government resign and call general elections within three months of its June 18 confirmation of the passage of the NCM in the National Assembly, in adherence to the constitutional provisions.

Without naming a date for elections, CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders insisted that the Constitution is clear and, therefore, the December 21, 2018 passage of the NoConfidence Motion triggered Articles 106 (6) and (7) which lucidly spells out the date.

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders

or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine”.

“Article 106 envisaged that the tenure in office of the Cabinet, including the President, after the Government’s defeat, is on a different footage from that which existed prior to the vote of no confidence…By convention, the Government is expected to behave, during this interim period, as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority. It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the threemonth deadline in the first instance that the Article lays down in principle for the holding of fresh elections” – Justice Saunders Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”.

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”.

According to Justice Saunders, there was no need for the Court to gloss over these provisions but it is in fact the responsibility of the constitutional actors to be faithful to the rule of law and operate within parameters of the Constitution.

“Upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President.

The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held within three months,

Furthermore, the CCJ President noted that with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM also responsible for the conduction of elections, it, therefore, means that the elections body “too must abide by the provisions of the Constitution”.

He went on to point out that elections should have been held on March 21, 2019 following the December passage of the Opposition-sponsored motion,

but that process was on “pause” pending the legal proceedings.

That process, he added, however, was no longer on pause following the Court’s June 18, 2019 ruling, which upheld the validity of the NCM, thus, triggering the need for fresh elections. This means that General and Regional Elections would have to be held on or before September 18, 2019, to be consistent with the three months constitutional deadline.

However, Justice Saunders, in delivering the consequential orders, posited that Article 106 outlines the precise timing of when polls should be conducted and, therefore, it would not be right for the Court to issue coercive orders or directives to the actors on how they must act in executing their constitutional responsibilities.

“It is not, for example, the role of the Court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held or to lay down deadlines or timelines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperative. The Court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution, bearing in mind

that the No-Confidence Motion was validly pass as long ago as 21st December, 2018”.

Against this backdrop, nevertheless, the CCJ President outlined the cabinet, including the President, should have already been resigned, thus, reaffirming that the APNU/AFC coalition is, in fact, and should be in a caretaker mode leading up to elections.

“Article 106 envisaged that the tenure in office of the Cabinet, including the President after the Government’s defeat, is on a different footage from that which existed prior to the vote of no confidence…By convention, the Government is expected to behave, during this interim period, as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority. It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the three month deadline in the first instance that the Article lays down in principle for the holding of fresh elections,” Justice Saunders stated.

Furthermore, the Trinidadbased regional Court, in its consequential orders, also awarded costs to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, whose vote in favour of the Opposition’s motion caused the coalition Government to topple. The CCJ had ruled that while Persaud was ineligible to sit in the National Assembly because of his dual citizenship status, his vote was nevertheless valid.

Additionally, the Court also ordered that Christopher Ram, who approach the Courts to have the Government uphold the Constitution by resigning and call fresh elections, be paid 60 per cent of his cost.

These costs are to be taxed, if not agreed, and will have to be paid by the Attorney General.

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Consequential orders are clear

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday handed down consequential orders stipulating that the Cabinet must resign and call fresh elections within three months of its June 18, 2019 ruling that the No-Confidence Motion, brought by the Leader of the Opposition against APNU/AFC Government, was validly passed.

While the Court stayed away from setting specific dates, President Justice Adrian Saunders emphasised that the key players, such as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the President, and by extension the Government, are obligated to “exercise their responsibilities with integrity”. In its ruling, the CCJ made it clear that since the passage of the No-Confidence Motion against the Government on December 21, 2018, the Government should have complied with the provisions of the Constitution, i.e., to resign and call elections.

This meant that general elections should have already been held by March 21, 2019; unless there was an extension by two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly.

As was stated by Justice Saunders— and we repeat for emphasis sake— the Constitution is clear as to the actions that must be followed after a no-confidence vote. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps in Clause 7 of Article 106 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by no less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”.

It is well known that the Government did not follow these provisions. Instead, there were a series of actions in the Courts which brought the matters surrounding the NCM to a pause. However, Justice Saunders made it clear that this was no longer the case as of June 18, 2019 – when the CCJ declared that the No-Confidence Motion was indeed validly passed. From that period, according to the CCJ, “the tenure of Government in office is on a different footing”, meaning by convention, the Government is expected to behave as a “caretaker”.

However, over the past few weeks, we have seen the Government in full defiant mode. For example, the Minister of Finance is pushing ahead with planning the next national budget, ministers are signing major contracts/ agreements, ministers are proposing to amend and introduce new legislation and a host of other acts which are outside of the normal practices of a Government which should have been in a “caretaker” mode.

Certainly, the status quo cannot remain as per normal and the business of the Government cannot continue as if nothing happened. The fact remains that the Government was defeated in a confidence vote and, therefore, does not have the same power it enjoyed prior to the vote being passed. If it wants to carry on as a full-fledged Government, it must get a renewed mandate from the electorate.

So far, the nation has witnessed several attempts by the Government to delay going to the polls. No doubt, in its fight to hold firm to political power, the APNU/AFC coalition has lost credibility and support.

We also have taken note of the APNU/AFC officials and the Government-nominated GECOM Commissioners advancing their case for House-to-House registration in order to arrive at a new voters list. This, we are convinced, is unnecessary at this point in time. As stated by many stakeholders, there are certain steps that could be taken to cleanse the list, i.e., to ensure that those who have died or migrated are taken off the list and those who would have reached the age to vote are registered and allowed to vote. This could be done within the shortest possible time which would then allow GECOM to be in a position to run-off elections within three months.

We have also taken note of the attempts by certain individuals to frustrate the process to name a GECOM Chairperson. What could have been a simple, straightforward process to bring the matter to finalisation is now being dragged out unnecessarily.

We believe that in order to find a solution to the current political crisis, there is need for a great deal of maturity from our political leaders, starting with the leader of the APNU/AFC coalition, David Granger, to abide by the Constitution which he swore to uphold when he took the reins of power back in March 2015.

The CCJ rulings and subsequent consequential orders are clear. It is now up to the key players, mainly the Government, to show that they are serious about abiding the Court’s ruling and the Constitution in general.

A United States military personnel examines a child during a medical outreach in Linden, Region 10 as part of Exercise New Horizon.

Exercise New Horizon is a US Southern Command annual training exercise where Guyana Defence Force ranks and local medical personnel work with the visiting troops in joint humanitarian assistance exercises (GDF photo)

No spin doctor for caretaker Govt can obliterate CCJ judgement Dear Editor, The long awaited judgments and orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice finally were delivered on July 12, 2019.The nation’s wait is over.

With regards to the GECOM case, the CCJ ruled that Para 3 “....It is now a matter of the greatest public importance that the President and the Leader of the Opposition should, as soon as possible, embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman. This imperative is now of the utmost urgency in light of our decision in the no confidence motion cases that the motion was validly passed thereby triggering the need for fresh general elections.

The Court refers to the views we expressed at paragraphs 26 – 29 of our earlier judgment in this matter as a suitable frame of reference for the process leading to such an appointment.”

With regards to the consolidated cases on the No Confidence Motion, the CCJ stated in Para 8; “ .. It is important, however, that the Court makes this point. In mandating that the Government shall remain in office notwithstanding its defeat and the resignation of the President and the Cabinet, Article 106 envisages that the tenure in office of the Cabinet, including the President, after the Government’s defeat, is on a different footing from that which existed prior to the vote of no confidence.

Chancellor CummingsEdwards, citing Hogg1, the Canadian constitutional ex-

pert, was right to note that: “…The government continues in office as a caretaker government or an interim government until the next elections ensue and a President is appointed (or reappointed) depending on the results of that election.”

By convention, the government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority. It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the three month deadline, in the first instance, that the Article lays down, in principle, for the holding of the fresh elections” Furthermore Para 9 concludes that “ In all the circumstances, the Court makes the following declarations and orders: a) The provisions of Article 106(6) and (7) of the Constitution apply to a No Confidence motion; b) Thirty-three votes constitute a majority of the 65 member National Assembly; c) Mr. Charrandas Persaud was ineligible to be elected to the Assembly by virtue of his citizenship of Canada but his vote on the motion of no confidence was valid; d) Nothing in the anti-defection regime established at Article 156(3) of the Constitution rendered Mr. Persaud incapable of casting his vote on that motion in the manner in which he did; e) The National Assembly properly passed a motion of no confidence in the Government on 21

December 2018; f) Upon the passage of this motion of no confidence in the Government, the clear provisions of Article 106 immediately became engaged;” Regrettably, although the language of the Caribbean Court of Justice is unambiguously clear, the now caretaker government’s head, President Granger, in his Address to the Nation, following the CCJ declarations and orders, exposed his unwillingness to accept the ruling, despite him saying the contrary. In regurgitating what he had said in his Address to the Nation on June 19, 2019 with regards to (i) a contaminated list can vitiate the credibility of the elections and that (ii) GECOM has to advise the President on its readiness to conduct elections, he clearly was ignoring at best and contradicting at worst the CCJ ‘s judgment and orders of July12, 2019..

But more telling was his accusation that the Leader of the Opposition had not reciprocated the government’s good faith efforts and “chose to put forward candidates for the post who have been rejected previously.” This is an astounding accusation as Mr. Granger himself on July 4th 2019 at his press conference following the meeting with the Leader of the Opposition announced that “… the Leader of the Opposition is free to submit names which have been already submitted in the three previous iterations and he has agreed to confirm those persons are still willing to have their names forwarded. So the names submitted

before are not eliminated.”

This statement accurately reflects the agreement of the meeting earlier on July 4, 2019, between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, on the resubmission of the 18 names originally submitted in 2017, “appropriately adjusted”, to commence the informal process and the President would advise which ones were “ not unacceptable” to him.

Furthermore, the President was free to submit names informally for the consideration of Leader of the Opposition.

Again at the July 4, 2019 press conference, President Granger re-affirmed …” yes l could make submissions, but in the final analysis, that submission has to come to me from the Leader of the Opposition, the CCJ has not taken away that role from the Leader of the Opposition and it has not taken away my prerogative to make a selection.

Those have been preserved by the CCJ”.

Either the President is suffering from amnesia or his spin-doctors are recklessly ignoring what he said previously?

The President goes so far as to state that “ …the Leader of the Opposition rejected the idea of acting in a consensual manner.” This statement is palpably untrue. The President’s representatives rejected 6 of the 11 names submitted by the Leader of the Opposition and shortlisted 5 for which there was no clarity whether these were “not unacceptable” to the President.

CONTINUED ON page 5

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

So, who murdered Lallbachan Bachan?

Dear Editor, The abuse of prisoners while in Police custody is a violation of human rights, which is escalating in Guyana.

Recently, Mr Lallbachan Bachan, a young taxi driver who was incarcerated at the Suddie Police Station on DUI charges became a statistic to these problems.

Mr Bachan was found dead in his prison cell in which he was singly housed.

An autopsy report revealed that Mr Bachan died from asphyxiation and his voice box fractured. So who murdered Mr Bachan? Was it the police?

However, in a cover-up attempt, the police claimed that Mr Bachan died from a fall which fractured his voice box.

But drawing from a bit of anatomy, it is obvious that the police are into fake news because the voice box is a vital cartilaginous structure which spans a short length of only about 25 millimetres along the upper respiratory tract.

Given this, the tiny voice box is quite easily fractured through direct trauma such as squeezing on it in the neck region.

Therefore, it can be rea-

soned that the police fractured Mr Bachan’s voice box by deliberately choking him and sealing off his airway, thereby blocking the vital flow and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide essential in sustaining his life. Editor, this knowledge is necessary in helping to zero in on how Mr Bachan died. Also, a motive behind Mr Bachan’s murder needs to be calculated based on information that he failed to come up with the hefty $100,000 which the police allegedly demanded.

Further, the fact that Mr Bachan was singly housed rules out the possibility that he was murdered by persons other than the police. Of course, the police needs to be held accountable given the dynamics in this case.

Convincingly, the murdering of Guyanese who are perceived to be PPP/C supporters is on the rise under the illegal coalition Government because people like Dr David Hinds have encouraged hostility against PPP/C supporters. How can anyone forget when Dr Hinds callously urged the flushing out of PPP/C moles? These are

the reasons why citizens like Mr Bachan, who are perceived as PPP/C supporters, are singled out and taken advantage of and murdered. Well, the police have responded to Dr Hinds by flushing out Mr Bachan from society. Dr Hinds has been bullying PPP/C supporters for years as a WPA executive.

Mr Bachan’s family will now suffer the consequences to this kind of bullying.

Mr Bachan was the main breadwinner for his family and his murder will no doubt plunge his young wife and his four young children into undue economic hardship in a country unable to provide them with any kind of social safety net.

Also, in an unrelated case, about six months ago, Mr Kalicharran Sawak became another statistic of grave human rights abuse while he was in Police custody at the Sparendaam Police Station, where he sustained a fractured skull and a slew of physical injuries which caused him to haemorrhage and die. To date, nothing came out of this case which can easily be cracked with whistleblowers.

Further, it needs to be clear also that no matter if the police murdered Mr Bachan or Mr Sawak, they need to be held accountable because these men were in their custody when their human rights were violated.

The ordeal of these two men is reminiscent of my very own experience with the GPF. Several years ago, a certain police constable unsuccessfully attempted to extort money from me.

I was obviously selected as his victim because the police routinely targets IndoGuyanese who are also perceived to be PPP/C supporters.

And so he retaliated by enlisting a van load of officers who were brandishing huge rifles as if they were in combat with drug lords.

The brainless officers heard that I was visiting from New York and they reflexively raced over to get me based on an erroneous calculation that I was loaded with money. This experience made me realise how the police prey on innocent citizens like criminals.

The cowardly police even forcefully took me over to the East Ruimveldt

Outpost. I was no doubt traumatised. And I knew that the extortioner would frame me and have me detained. I also feared that the police were going to beat me and murder me in a dark cell.

As predicted, the extortioner fabricated silly lies about me but he failed to sell them to the corporal and he was booted from the outpost. The corporal was the one who stepped in and did the right thing in saving my life. It was obvious that all of the officers were of a certain race/ethnicity, except for the corporal. It was this experience that caused me to realise that racial/ethnic diversity is needed in the police force to protect innocent citizens and to give them a fair chance. Guyana’s diversity needs to be valued, not trampled. But Dr Hinds endorses the unfair racial/ethnic imbalance seen in the workplace. On Globespan 24X7, he argued that IndoGuyanese are rich and thus they do not deserve to be in the workforce. This is stereotyping and deception to cheat Indo-Guyanese of what they deserve. I know that the majority of Indians

in Guyana are poor. I also hailed from the ranks of a poor Indo-Guyanese family.

Dr Hinds has been pushing for ethnic dominance which compromises our welfare and destroys our country.

Dr Hinds can’t be of any good for Guyana if he does not stand up for diversity.

Moreover, I was absolutely shocked to see drunken officers on the job at the outpost. Some of them were pointing to great big ledgers and mumbling that I must deposit money in them but I pretended not to understand what they wanted and so I asked the corporal for clarification. The corporal responded with a wide smile. The GPF can’t be trusted. The GPF is dysfunctional, dangerous, corrupt, abusive and lawless.

The GPF can’t be of benefit to Guyanese given its lawlessness.

However, I am convinced that the GPF can shed its problems through education which emphasises respect for human life. And this will allow only good things to fall into place for the benefit of every Guyanese.

Sincerely, Dr Annie Baliram (PhD)

Full compliance with constitutional provisions

Dear Editor, I write this letter prompted by the letter entitled: “APNU and PPP/C must use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for meaningful constitutional reforms” in Stabroek News, Friday, July 12, 2019, and “The prisoner’s dilemma and a call to extend and reform”, in Kaieteur News of the same date, by Terrence R Blackman and Thomas B Singh. I am responding because I think that they are both earnest and well-intended. And, I would say that taking account of the social peace and quiet in our country since the NCM, the overwhelming majority of us Guyanese of all races, classes, religions, and regions is all pondering our situation and looking for a way forward. This may well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grapple with the many things that have been holding us Guyanese

back. We are all sensing that we are at an important juncture: I would draw notice to a number of recent letters from our former Prime Minister, Hamilton Green, and my appearance with him on the Internet GlobeSpan talk show of Wednesday, July 10, which you can find on YouTube and Facebook.

Editor, in our current situation, full compliance with the spirit and the letter of the NCM and the related constitutional provisions, including those related to GECOM, is the gateway towards our desired ethnic-social-political harmony. I am aware that a number of persons argue that such compliance is insufficient for harmony, but it is an essential first step for everyone.

Editor, if there is one thread that runs through our history from the mid1950s, it has been the re-

fusal of those who would have seen themselves as the elite of Guyana to accord full equal weight as fellow Guyanese citizens to the average Indo-Guyanese, Dr Jagan and the PPP. I am willing to acknowledge that this period has been a difficult and uncomfortable transitioning and learning period for us all; that the majority of us would have been confused, confounded and vulnerable to exploitation by the overlapping of the differences in our country, in race, class, city people, country people (urban/rural) and religion.

Individual personalities and the international situation added more fuel to this already explosive mix.

From mid-1950, many, who have gravitated to being supporters of the PNC and to the other third parties as they appeared, have to a greater or lesser extent spoken about and rep-

No spin doctor for...

Thus, after 3 meetings there were 0 names of the 11 that were considered “not unacceptable’ to the President.

Most surprising, his representatives could not confirm that even the 8 names submitted by the President were “no unacceptable’ to him! Thus, at that point, the reversion to meetings between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, without interlocutors, to ensure clarity was thought to be the only, best and right option at that time by the Leader of the Opposition’s representatives.

Here is the evidence of who is acting in bad faith and the nation is not fooled.

Following the CCJ judgment today, attempts have been made to make contact with the Director General Mr. Harmon and a message sent the afternoon of July 12, 2019 to indicate that the Leader of the Opposition is available to meet President Granger at any time during this weekend in to work on a list of

names acceptable to both the Leader of the Opposition and the President in keeping with the art 161 (2) of the Constitution and Para 26-29 of the June 18, 2019 CCJ decision as directed by the CCJ on July 12, 2019.

Then one has the AFC statement which appeared on the same afternoon, which echoes the President’s view that “it is GECOM that advises on the earliest date for holding credible elections. The AFC supports the holding of elections within the shortest possible time frame by GECOM.” It is not surprising that both deliberately or conveniently misrepresent and omit a critical section of the July 12th CCJ declaration at Para 5 “The judiciary interprets the Constitution. But, as we intimated in our earlier judgment, these particular provisions {article 106(6) and (7) } require no gloss on the part of the Court in order to render them intelligible and workable. Their mean-

resented Dr Jagan and his PPP supporters as not being sophisticated, urbane, nimble nor smart; country, agricultural rice and sugar, people; leaning towards godless communism; our brothers and sisters - yes, but second brothers and sisters who must wait their turn; not ready for Government.

Those sentiments provided fertile ground for the manipulative change from constituency First Past the Post to a Proportional Representative (PR) system for the 1964 elections – it was a calculated change to get Dr Jagan and the PPP/C out of office. Those same sentiments also motivated and enabled the active participation of a few and passive acceptance by many of our rigged elections from 1968-1985. People, however, became less wedded to this rigging approach as our social, political and economic situation continu-

from page 4

ing is clear and it is the responsibility of constitutional actors in Guyana to honour them. Upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding such resignation, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held “within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine …” The Guyana Elections Commission (“GECOM”) has the responsibility to conduct that election and GECOM too must abide by the provisions of the Constitution” { that is elections within 3 months} These efforts, by no less than the caretaker President and the AFC, to obfuscate the fact that the CCJ did provide a time lim-

it and timeline, will not succeed.

The CCJ said unequivocally that elections are due in the three months in accordance with article 106.The CCJ stated specifically that the time started on June 18th 2019 when the CCJ ruling was made. Although the Court rightfully stated that it could not set a date, it was unambiguously clear that whatever date is chosen it must be within the three months deadline.

No spin doctor for the caretaker government can obliterate the judgment, declarations and orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Guyana’s highest court.

The litmus test now for the APNUAFC Coalition caretaker government is whether it will uphold constitutional rule or not. Will it do anything to stay in power including subverting our constitution?

Best regards, Gail Teixeira

ously deteriorated during the 1970s and 1980s when we all suffered greatly and in many ways that we were not conscious of.

The vacillating position of the leaders of the coalition Government since the NCM demonstrate that they are still having difficulty to do the right thing and accept us supporters of the PPP and PPP/C as equal brothers and sisters and citizens. We of the PPP and the PPP/C want to be nothing more nor less. We recall our Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo being moved not long ago to plead during a debate in our Parliament that we of the PPP and PPP/C are filled with “not one dollop less of patriotism” than they the leaders of the coalition Government.

Editor, my fellow citizens, Messrs Terence

Campbell and Thomas Singh, for us to go ahead without first the full acceptance of and compliance with the spirit and letter of the NCM would be for Guyana to put itself once again on the road of getting around the PPP/C and their supporters, the road of 1964-1992. On the other hand, It is my belief that full compliance with the NCM (and the Consequential Orders of the CCJ being delivered as I write) would open the minds of us all to the harmony that we all desire and which is necessary if our recent find of oil is to be a boon and not a damning of us. Let us take that first step.

Sincerely, Samuel AA Hinds Former President and former Prime Minister

6

saturday, JUly 13, 2019

Page

Foundation Exhaling, lift right knee and touch it with left elbow Inhaling, return to position one

F

inding it hard to fit in fitness? Just getting through a day can leave most of us wondering where to find time.

Experts recommend that teens do 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Most of that should be moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. Aerobic activity is anything that gets your heart going – like biking, dancing, or running. Then take a few minutes for some strength training. Exercises like the ones below help build muscle and boost metabolism. Flexibility is the third component of well-rounded exercise. Check out yoga as one way to stay flexible.

You can do these three strength-building exercises at home.

There’s no need for special equipment, expensive gym fees, or lots of time. Just check with your doctor, PE teacher, or coach first to be sure these exercises are OK for you.

Sit Backs: Step 1 Sit on floor, legs bent Arms straight in front

Chair behind you

Switch sides and repeat

Sit Backs Chair Squats: Step 2 Arms straight in front Slowly start to sit down Stop before your butt hits the chair Slowly straighten to standing

About sets and reps Most fitness instructors recommend repeating a particular strength training exercise several times in a row. These are known as repetitions, or “reps,” and they’re done in “sets”. Each set consists of a specific number of reps, usually between 8 and 15.

Fitness instructors often recommend that people rest after one set and then perform another set (or more) of the same number of reps. For the exercises shown above, start with 10 reps, adding sets of 10 as you get comfortable. Rest for 30 seconds between sets. (kidshealth.org)

How to turn community clean-up into a fun scavenger hunt

By Jennifer Ballard

Sit Backs: Step 2 Lean back gradually Keep arms straight and tummy tight Take it as far back as comfortable Slowly return to sitting position

Repeat Butterfly Breath Butterfly Breath: Step 1 Stand tall Feet hip width apart

C

an you think of somewhere in your neighbourhood that’s looking nasty and neglected?

Is your park, playground or beach looking less than perfect?

For less than an hour of your time, your family can make a big and visible improvement to your little corner of the world.

And you may just have some fun while you’re doing it.

Repeat Chair Squats: Step 1 Stand tall

Chair Squats

Arms lifted out to the sides Butterfly Breath: Step 2 Why should we clean up the trash?

We keep our homes and our yards clean and try to keep our neighbourhoods nice. But unfortunately, trash tends to collect, especially in public areas.

There are lots of good reasons to clean that place up. It may not be your job, but it is where you live and helping to keep it nice and safe will benefit a lot of people. Plus, volunteering to clean it up sends a great message.

You will need Gloves –You could use work gloves, rubber gloves or even singleuse latex gloves (though these tend to get a little sweaty) Trash bags – bring several plastic grocery bags for each treasure hunter and some larger trash bags to consolidate them A grabber (optional) Scavenger hunt checklist— (see below) or make your own customised list Pen or pencil for each treasure hunter Hand sanitiser A snack or other reward Preparation time: Minimal Maybe a quick phone call to arrange permission with the authorities and few minutes to customise your treasure hunt checklist Activity Time: 30 minutes Location: Park, playground, beach, any safe place in need of a clean-up (please leave the sides of busy streets and highways to professional crews!) (mykidsadventures.com)

news

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CCJ consequential orders

Court's ruling a major victory for Guyana – Opposition Leader

…as President commits to abiding by CCJ orders …as Jagdeo proposes urgent meeting with Granger

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) consequential orders handed down on Friday categorising the APNU/AFC coalition as a “caretaker Government” is a major victory for not only the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), but the country as a whole.

The Trinidad-based regional Court reaffirmed that the December passage of the No-Confidence Motion gave effect to Article 106 (6) and (7) which means that the Cabinet, includ-

ing the President, should resign and call elections in three months. This, according to CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders, means that the Government is now in a caretaker role.

According to Jagdeo at a press conference moments after the hearing, “if something (about) this ruling that all Guyana should be proud of, is that the CCJ has finally categorised this Government as a caretaker Government. Nothing else matters. That alone was great for me. If they had only said that and nothing else in

the ruling then that would have (still) been a major victory for me, for the People’s Progressive Party and or all of Guyana”.

The Opposition has long been insisting that the coalition should be in caretaker mode since the December passage of the motion but the Government consistently refused to acknowledge this, saying that nowhere in the Constitution contained “caretaker” provisions. But Friday’s Court order, Jagdeo said, settled this.

“The CCJ has pronounced definitively on this matter.

So all of Guyana, we have a caretaker Government now with a diminished role.

The CCJ said it must act in that manner, as a caretaker Government and that is has limited legal authority and it must govern the country in a manner consistent with a caretaker Government,” he posited, adding that the coalition is now in Government for the sole purpose of holding elections.

Moreover, the Opposition Leader went on to say that he respects the fact that the Trinidad-based Court was wary of the separation of powers and, thus, did not grant his request for the Court to fix a date for the

hosting of polls in Guyana.

“So (the CCJ says) ‘we’re not telling you which date; you gotta respect the Constitution’...

‘Honour the Constitution in three months and you’re caretaker until elections are held’,” Jagdeo noted.

To this end, he pointed out too that the regional Court was clear in its order that like the Government, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is also expected to exercise integrity in carrying out its responsibilities, which is, primarily, to conduct general elections.

As such, the Opposition Leader contended that GECOM will now have to uphold the Constitution and prepare for fresh elections within three months, which was triggered by the validity of the No-Confidence Motion.

This, according to Jagdeo, strikes at the very heart of the position by the David Granger administration that elections would be held only when GECOM is ready.

“So they can do whatever they want and whenever, and only when they’re ready in December then we should go to elections. But the CCJ said ‘no, GECOM has to com-

Caretaker President David Granger

ply with the Constitution of Guyana’”.

On this note, Jagdeo put the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, as well as other staff at the elections commission, on notice that they should be preparing for the hosting of polls in accordance with the Constitution, which calls for elections in three months.

Caretaker President

But in a video address to the nation later on Friday, the now caretaker President David Granger still maintains that GECOM, not the executive, is in charge of the

elections.

“GECOM has to advise the President on its readiness to conduct elections…

Credible elections are essential to representative democracy. The credibility of the elections is dependent, in part, on the integrity of the Official List of Electors. I maintain that a contaminated list can vitiate the credibility of elections,” the Head of State posited.

The President’s pronouncement is reflective of his Government’s push for the conduct of House-toHouse registration.

Turn to page 10

8 News

saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kitty resident jailed, fined $2M for ganja trafficking

A

t the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the narcotics trafficking allegation levelled against Paul Smith, the 45-year-old Kitty resident was on Friday found guilty of the offence by Magistrate Dylon Bess, who found that sufficient evidence was presented to convict him.

As a consequence for il-

legally trafficking over 10 pounds of narcotics in 2018, the Lot 108 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown resident will now spend the next three years behind bars.

Additionally, he was fined $2 million.

The charge, which was instituted last year, stated that on May 18, 2018, at Kitty, he had in his posses-

sion 4.934 kilograms (equivalent to 10.877 pounds) of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

On his first court appearance, Smith denied the charge and was remanded to prison after his then attorney, George Thomas, was unsuccessful in a bail application.

According to Police re-

ports, investigations revealed that the illegal substance was discovered in the bottom flat of a house which Smith occupies. Ranks acting on information had contacted Smith with a request to search the two-storey house. The cannabis was discovered, and the defendant was arrested and later charged for the said offence.

Murder accused jailed for trafficking marijuana in prison …fined $30,000

P

rincipal Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday handed down a three-year jail sentence to a 23-year-old Sophia, Georgetown resident, who is currently on remand for murder, after he pleaded guilty to a narcotics trafficking charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Odel Roberts of Lot 124 C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, admitted that on July 3, 2019, at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession 102 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case presented by Seon Blackman stated that Roberts was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive medi-

cal attention. According to the prosecutor, while at the health facility, the murder accused was given a box of food by a relative, which he took to the prison.

However, Police conducted a search on Roberts upon his return to the prison and the illegal drug was found concealed in the food. He was cautioned and the present charge was instituted.

Nevertheless, Roberts maintained his innocence as he blamed Police ranks present for not checking the food when he collected it. On Friday, Roberts was jailed for three years and a fine of $30,000 was imposed.

Roberts remains on remand for the 2015 murder of a Sophia businessman.

He was committed to stand trial for the murder in May

Jailed: Odel Roberts

2018. It is alleged that on May 1, 2015, at Sophia, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Shawn Amys.

Amys, who owned and managed a small grocery shop at his home, was confronted by bandits just before 11:00h on the day in question.

According to reports, the now dead man was in his home when he heard the dogs barking and ventured out of the

house to investigate.

He was then confronted by two armed men who forced him into the house and shot him while demanding money and valuables.

The gunmen made off with $40,000 in cash along with jewellery.

Amys was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Hotelier, alleged ‘hitman’ further remanded

R

ockies Hotel owner and his alleged ‘hitman’, who were jointly accused of conspiring to kill a businessman in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), were further remanded to prison when they made their Court appear-

ance on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Fifty-seven-year-old Mark Grimmond, a hotelier of Lot 320 Grove, Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and Chatterpaul Singh, a 36-year-old miner of Lot 1 First Street, Cummings

Lodge, East Coast Demerara, were charged with the offence on June 13, 2019. It is alleged that between April 1, 2018, and June 7, 2019, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and persons unknown to kill Dwayne Grant.

When the case was called

on Thursday, Prosecutor Neville Jeffers disclosed that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the Preliminary Inquiry.

The men’s lawyers renewed bail applications on their clients’ behalf but the Chief Magistrate further remanded the men to prison on the grounds that no special reason was given for the pre-trial liberty to be granted.

Reports are the victim, who is a businessman in Lethem, reported to the Police that he received information that the defendants were plotting to kill him.

An investigation was then carried out and Police went to a hotel where they made contact with Singh.

He was then arrested and a firearm was allegedly found in his possession.

When questioned, Singh reportedly gave detailed a conversation with the ranks and allegedly admitted that he and Grimmond were planning to kill Grant.

The Prosecutor told the Court that officers were able to receive telephone recordings between the defendants and following advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), the duo were charged with the offence.

The duo were further remanded to prison and the case will continue on July 24.

The CCJ… T

…rules elections by Sept 18 he last foot has dropped on the PNC’s desperate moves to hold off elections by using the legal straw they were thrown when some snake oil salesman sold them a theory that 33 isn’t the majority of 65! The CCJ had given its judgements last June 18 that Patterson was illegally appointed by Granger, the NCM was validly passed, thus the Cabinet and President stood resigned! Yesterday they announced the “consequential orders” that flowed from the judgements.

Recognising the delicate political ground realities, the CCJ restated what was obvious from the beginning of this contrived contretemps: the Constitution was pellucid on what was to follow passage of a valid NCM in the National Assembly! It’s just the PNC playing the fool!! To wit, according to Art 106 (6) elections had to be held in 3 months. Unless of course, the Opposition PPP was willing to extend the time by returning to the National Assembly to do so with a two-third majority along with the Government.

So as the President of the CCJ pointed out in his inimitable style – there was no need to gild the lily of the Constitution when it came to the consequential orders. If there’d been no recourse to the Courts, elections would’ve had to be held by March 21 – 3 months after Dec 21, 2018.

The recourse placed the timeline on “pause”, said the CCJ, but once they affirmed the NCM, the finger was taken off the “pause button”!! Elections, therefore, have to be held

by Sept 18 – no ifs, ands, and buts, about it!!

But if you, dear reader, believe the PNC will go along with that timeline just because the CCJ affirmed that this is what the Constitution demands, then your Eyewitness has a bridge across the Essequibo River to sell you! They’ve already signalled the limb they’ll now jump on exclusively – GECOM!! The PNC’s equivalent to the “33 is not greater than 32” gambit in this area is that GECOM is an independent agency and they have to make their own decisions to fulfil their mandate! So when their hand-picked GECOM Chair Patterson echoed their party line that there needs to be H-t-H registration – which will put elections into 2020— you don’t need to be psychic to know what will be going down over the next few months!!

But the CCJ had a plaster for THAT sore!! It pointed out that GECOM isn’t above the Constitution – and, therefore, if the Constitution had said for decades that elections could be held in three months, then they should’ve been prepared for that eventuality.

And in the instant case, they’d better be ready for elections by Sept 18, 2019!! …and rules of (political) engagement Your Eyewitness was very disappointed that the CCJ was unwilling to be more specific in directing the selection of the GECOM Chair be consummated within a specified time frame. To ask the PNC to respect the “spirit and letter” of the Constitution – when they’ve done everything but walk all over it – is just avoiding their duty as the final Court of Appeal for this country.

As sure as the sun rises in the sky tomorrow morning, the PNC will be stretching out the selection process to get its way on the elections date. Imagine the Opposition Leader was magnanimous enough to suggest that that the President could SUGGEST some names – but Granger took this as an agreement that he was NOMINATING names for himself to approve!! This just illustrates and illuminates the nature of the PNC— in all matters, it’s either THEIR way or the highway!!

The PPP will have to bring its supporters into the streets to show the PNC that Guyanese will not stand for another PNC dictatorship be installed in broad daylight. Democracy must be defended at all costs!!

Power to the people!! …and the international community The ball is also now in the Court of the international community – especially the ABCE countries.

Only a legal Govt can secure their (oil) interests!

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

9 CCJ calls for “urgency” in appointment of GECOM Chair news

saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…as Jagdeo proposes urgent meeting with Granger

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has called on President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to act with “utmost urgency” in the appointment of a new Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

On Friday, the regional court handed down consequential orders on the matter as well as on the consolidated No-Confidence Motion cases.

It had ruled on June 18, 2019 that the President’s unilateral appointment of then GECOM Chairman, (retrd) Justice James Patterson, was flawed and in breach of the Constitution. Days after that ruling, Justice Patterson stepped down.

CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders, in delivering the consequential orders on Friday, declared that it was “largely unnecessary” for the court to grant such orders, since Justice Patterson had already voluntarily resigned. As a matter of urgency, he urged that the two political leaders fast-track the process to appoint a new GECOM Chair.

“It is now a matter of the greatest public importance that the President and the Leader of the Opposition should, as soon as possible, embark upon, and conclude, the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman.

This imperative is now of the utmost urgency in light of our decision in the no confidence motion cases that the motion was validly passed, thereby triggering the need for fresh general elections,” Justice Saunders stated.

However, this call by the CCJ President comes at a time when there seems to be a stalemate on the process established to fasttrack the appointment, since the Government side have been ambiguous on several aspects of the discussions. During a July 4, 2019 meeting between President Granger and Jagdeo, it was decided that representatives from the two sides would be

appointed to “hammer out” a set of names in order to compile a list of six nominees to be submitted to the Head of State for selection of a new GECOM Chair.

But after three engagements over the past week, the committee agreed on Thursday that the process should be returned to the two leaders, since progress was not being made. The Opposition representatives had explained that they were unable to get clarity from their Government counterparts on whether a reduced list of five names was acceptable by President Granger.

Initially, during the informal process, the Opposition Leader had 11 names, but six were rejected and five were “shortlisted” during the engagements. The party then sought clarity on what is meant by “shortlisted”, and whether the feedback on the names was from the President or his representatives.

After being promised those answers, at Thursday’s meeting, the Opposition said this was not done. In fact, it was noted that not only were the President’s representatives unable to definitively say whether or not those five “shortlisted” were acceptable to the President, but they could not say as well whether the eight names submitted to the Opposition Leader for consideration enjoy the confidence of the President.

As such, at a press conference shortly after Friday’s CCJ hearing, Jagdeo told reporters that he is ready to meet again with the President on the matter.

However, he lamented that the consultative process between the representatives was time-wasting.

“Imagine… the President sends me eight names and say, ‘Can you consider these names?’ and then we’re told at the meeting -- our representatives -- that the eight names that the President sent, not all of them enjoy his confidence. How do you deal with that sort of things? It’s

bizarre…

“People don’t understand how hard it is to enter into

these talks when there is no predictability, there is no principle, there is no good

faith, there is nothing except a hodge-podge of, like, flimsy excuses and inconsistent po-

sitions, etc.,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Meanwhile, President Granger, in a subsequent Address to the Nation, cognizant of the importance of the appointment of a new GECOM Chair, said “…it is clear that elections have to be held in the shortest possible time, and therefore it is crucial to appoint a chairman of the Elections Commission.

This could be done as early as Monday, if the Opposition is prepared to act in a consensual manner and in good faith.”

Jagdeo subsequently wrote the Head of State, proposing that they meet urgently. The Opposition Leader indicated to the President that he is available to meet at any time. He said he is will to meet over the weekend to work on a list of names for consideration for appointment to the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission in accordance with the Constitution.

10 NEWS

saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Family, Minister call for inquest into death of nurse at Mahdia

E

ven as several theories regarding the alleged suicide of 26-year-old nurse, Schenise Apple, whose lifeless body was discovered at a hostel in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence is calling for an inquest.

Apple’s body was found on July 2 after she did not report for duty at the Mahdia Hospital.

Minister Lawrence on Friday called for the inquest after meeting with Dexter Copeland and Shonette Apple, the parents of the deceased.

Initially, the Public Health Ministry, along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), treated the investigation as a suspected suicide.

However, following a meeting with the grieving family members, the Minister said that an inquest was necessary.

“I it is only in that way we will be able to have a deeper investigation into what really happened, so I am asking for an inquest… I am happy that I’m taking this step…

All the answers to questions must come out in that inquest” Minister Lawrence is quoted by the Department of Public Information as say-

Dead: Schenise Apple

ing. The family of Apple said that they have not yet received an official post-mortem report which states the cause of death. Meanwhile, the father, Dexter Copeland, had queries that he wished answered. The family also asked that the Public Health Ministry be more cognisant of the security at nurses’ quarters and hostels, especially in far-flung communities.

Meanwhile, a usually reliable source from Mahdia, Region Eight, told this publication that there are reports in the mining town that the nurse was murdered and the suicide was staged. “Everyone saying

that the young lady was murdered. They are saying that from how the body was discovered, it was as if it was placed there and who would hang themselves with a towel? It just doesn’t add up,” the source opined.

To date, the results of the post-mortem examination (PME) conducted on the woman is yet to be made public.

Apple of Lot 323 Block 22, Linden, Region 10, was last seen after completing the night shift.

This publication understands that she retreated to the nurses’ hostel. Speaking with Guyana Times, another nurse said that no one saw

Apple during the day but that was nothing strange.

“It is normal when you finish the night shift to sleep most of the day. So after no one saw her, we didn’t take it for anything,” a nurse told this publication.

However, at about 18:15h, another colleague inquired about Apple and it was then that they visited the hostel and found her body. It is suspected that the woman committed suicide since she was allegedly found hanging in her room.

The police were notified and the woman’s body was removed. The police have since launched an investigation.

the municipality has been experiencing a reoccurring trend where some residents of the mining town have not been paying their rates and taxes. According to the statement, the Council is owed the sum resulting from defaulting taxpayers in the

North Mackenzie, One Mile, Wisroc Housing Scheme, Half Mile, Watooka, Fair’s Rust, Richmond Hill and Noitgedacht areas. The municipality is currently urging persons who are in arrears to make a special effort to offset all of the outstanding

rates and taxes payments and has published a list of those in arrears. Just recently, as is customary each year, the municipality had offered a period of amnesty in an effort to have outstanding payments made.

Over $9M owed in rates and taxes to Linden municipality

T

he municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) said that over $9 million is owed in rates and taxes by residents across the Linden community in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). It was noted that

Court’s ruling a major victory...

In fact, Chair of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the largest party in the APNU fraction of the coalition— Volda Lawrence, had stated last week that with a new list, the coalition is confident of not only returning to office but also garnering better results at the upcoming polls.

But it was recently re-

vealed that a United Nations Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) had found last year that there was no guarantee that a new voter’s list would be more credible.

“It is the view of the Mission that there is no certainty that a new voters’ list will have more credibility than the current list and that stakeholders will trust it more. Furthermore, any list created close to the elections will likely be criticised as political motivated,” stated a report from the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) team which visited Guyana in May 2018 to assess the country’s electoral needs.

On the other hand, the PPP Opposition had contended that the coalition was using fresh House-toHouse registration as a ploy to deliberately delay the hosting of polls so that it could hang on to power longer.

But Jagdeo reaffirmed on Friday that his party will not extend the life of the coalition Government.

“We have made it clear

From page 7

that that’s out of the question… We will not (extend the life of the Government) because this Government has acted, since December 21st, in bad faith… They have not acted in good faith and now the CCJ has spoken, elections should be held three months. Article 106 (7) makes it clear and we as the others that can contribute to the “two-thirds”, we’re saying we’re not gonna contribute to extend the life of the Government,” Jagdeo told reporters on Friday.

news

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com10

Insurance seminar prepares local Kitty teen to face Judge, jury for fruit vendor’s murder stakeholders for oil industry …charge against father dismissed

Marsh’s representatives (from left to right) Aditya Khanna, Jack Swift, Denzel Mensah and Guy Cowan during the seminar

G

uyana’s oil sector has initiated the training of personnel to fit the requisite roles which will emerge in the coming months and insurance companies have sought to prepare themselves for the industry as well.

P and P Insurance on Thursday concluded three days of intensive training at the Pegasus Hotel, with some 61 attendees which were drawn from the insurance industry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy.

In collaboration with the global professional services firm, Marsh, the agenda focused on the overview of company energies and the insurance market, risk identification and evaluation, drilling risk and control of well, upstream and downstream liabilities, offshore construction, upstream operational insurance, Offshore Business Interruption (LOPI), energy

policies wordings and claims, FPSO insurance, risk management and downstream operational insurance.

Senior Vice President of Marsh Energy London, Guy Cowan was very pleased with the progress achieved over the three days.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of P and P Insurance, Bish Panday lauded the fact that Marsh was able to bring four of their leading energy brokers to share their knowledge. According to him, the course was highly beneficial and will help to prepare the insurance industry to deal with this new and emerging Industry.

Last year, TOTALTEC Academy commenced its first Commercial Slinger/ Banksman Safety and Operational training to the oil and gas industry in Guyana.

The academy commenced the training with 23 Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc

maritime personnel.

In 2019, El Dorado Offshore and Ramps Logistics partnered with US oil-giant, ExxonMobil to recruit 12 rig clerk trainees for the promising oil and gas industry. The candidates were required to undergo 10 weeks of training at four different locations in both theoretical and practical assessments.

ExxonMobil has deployed four drillships for exploration purposes, where 13 massive discoveries were made. The fleet comprises of the Stena Carron which is working at the Longtail 1 discovery; the Noble Bob Douglas at the Liza Phase 1; the Noble Tom Madden at the Yellowtail Well and Noble Don Taylor.

ExxonMobil had said there is potential for at least five floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels on the Stabroek Block producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

Freed: James McKenzie

Remanded: Timothy McKenzie

Murdered: Richard Noel

54-year-old man and his 20-year-old son, who were charged in 2018 for the murder of a fruit vendor, on Friday made another court appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, who made final rulings on the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The duo, James McKenzie and Timothy McKenzie, both of Lot 126 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, were charged with the capital offence of murder. The charge stated that on June 4, 2018, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, both men murdered Richard Noel, of Lot 39 William Street, Kitty.

In handing down her decision after the completion of the PI, Magistrate McGusty stated that a prima facie

case was made out against the younger McKenzie and hence she committed him to face a trial at the Demerara High Court.

Meanwhile, the senior McKenzie had the charge dismissed against him as Magistrate McGusty explained that the testimonies of witnesses supplied by the prosecution contained no evidence for a case against him.

The elder McKenzie exited the courtroom a free man while his son remained in prison.

Police reports indicate that the murder reportedly stemmed from an old grievance between the now dead man and the younger McKenzie.

The grievance involved the sister of Noel, who the

younger McKenzie had reportedly hit, and that resulted in a fight between the two men.

However, on the day of the murder, the men reportedly crossed paths and McKenzie was heard asking Noel if he “wanted a problem”.

It was reported that Noel walked away, which aggravated the man, who went after him and stabbed him twice to his chest. McKenzie’s father was allegedly with him at the time of the incident. When Noel fell, the men reportedly proceeded to stomp on his chest.

Noel was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries one day later.

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Major Sheriff Street bridge closed to traffic

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he Public infrastructure Ministry has advised commuters that the Cummings Bridge, located at the intersections of Sheriff Street and Durey Lane, and Dennis Street, will be closed to traffic from today to Sunday to facilitate construction works under the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue Road Enhancement Project.

In a notice published in one of the daily newspapers, the Ministry assured that the bridge will be reopened to traffic on July 15 at 06:00h.

In the interim, the Ministry has asked that motorists heading north of the Cummings Bridge use Garnett Street or Middleton Street or other appropriate alternative routes.

Similarly, motorists heading south of the bridge are asked to use First Street, Campbellville or Stone Avenue or other appropriate alternative routes.

On the other hand, heavy-duty vehicles including sand trucks, lowbed trucks and other long vehicles and emergency vehicles

Construction works ongoing at the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue road

will use the eastern bypass of Cummings Bridge.

Most importantly, the Ministry has asked pedestrians and other road users to exercise caution and observe all directional signs in the area for safety.

There has been much dissatisfaction with the slothful pace of the Sherriff StreetMandela Avenue Project which began since August 2018.

The works are pegged at a value of US$31.03 million, and the contract, spearheaded by Sinohydro Corporation

Limited, was awarded since November 2017.

The two-year project, which will cover approximately seven kilometres of road, is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and involves the relocation of utilities; the installation of lane and shoulder improvements; placement of sidewalks and paved shoulders; traffic signals, traffic signs, streetlights, drainage; a pedestrian overhead walkway; culverts, bridges, and a roundabout.

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Local Human Resources Needs Survey to be conducted …Management Services Unit reintroduced

W

ith unemployment at its peak among the younger population, the Public Service Department has announced plans to conduct a National Human Resources Needs Survey to provide statistics on the professions that are needed to satisfy human resource demands here in Guyana.

This was disclosed by Public Service Minister

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, who indicated that ‘Cabinet’ – which stands resigned since the June 18, 2019 ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice that the Government had toppled – has given approval for the survey. The plan will produce information that will guide private stakeholders on investments in requisite fields of employment.

“Cabinet has approved a request by the Department

of the Public Service for the commissioning of a National Human Resources Needs Survey – the development of a national training plan by sectors to guide public investment in human capital, regular publication of labour market information to encourage private investment as Government alone will be hard pressed to satisfy public and especially private sector needs, and the design

Essequibo Coast teens charged for robbing, shooting truck driver

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wo Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) teens were charged and appeared in Court for the robbery and shooting of an Onderneeming Village truck driver.

The teens – 19-yearold Mahindra Giranandan of Adventure Village, Essequibo Coast and a 17-year-old – stood before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrates’ Court where they both denied the charges.

It is alleged that on July 5, Giranandan and his 17-year-old accomplice pounced on Omadat Singh at about 07:45h as he returned

Omadat Singh

home after transporting coconut. Reports are the man had just returned home and

was standing outside his home when he heard a loud explosion.

He subsequently realised that he was shot in his leg.

The men ran towards Singh and held him at gunpoint as they demanded the 120 pennyweight gold chain that he was wearing. Fearing for his life, he handed over the piece of jewellery that has an estimated worth of $1 million. The suspects then rushed out of the yard and fled the scene.

A report was filed and Police arrived shortly after, collecting three spent shells and a matching 9mm gun. The duo were arrested a short distance from the scene.

of an immigration policy to support the acquisition of skills and talents for national development,” the minister said.

She stated that it will point to areas where training is needed to meet workplace demands and qualify persons to fit these roles.

“The main objective… is to quantify and qualify the national skills, talent and competency needs of the economy, in order to satisfy the workforce and training needs. As may be evident here, this approval would see the cooperation of a number of sectors”.

President David Granger has also consented to the re-establishment of the Management Services Unit of the Public Service Department, which will support skills that are required to execute programmes.

Unemployment

Last

February,

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram stated unemployment will present a major challenge in the coming years. He spoke of some of the reasons for Guyana’s low employment rate and also expressed the belief that not enough attention is being paid to its economic and social side.

“Part of the problem we have is that we have a very low wage economy,” Ram said, adding “and it discourages people entering into the employment sector. If you get the minimum wage and you have to spend 20 per cent of it on transportation alone, it’s not a great motivator for you to work”. “(This) is why we have the paradox of employment and yet it is difficult to get people with even the basic skills. The rate these people earn, they say they might as well hustle here and there, rather than getting involved in the formal economy, hav-

ing to pay NIS and income tax”.

According to the accountant, many do not see their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) deductions in the positive light of being a contribution to their future pension, but rather they see it as a deduction from an already small salary. He noted that another factor that must be considered was how effectively the school system prepared students to enter the workforce. Ram expressed worry about the impact of joblessness and the oil and gas sector.

“I think we will have a major challenge in the next couple years. We already have a challenge in terms of providing the labour necessary not only for the oil industry, but for all the spin-off industries.

We mustn’t forget we don’t have a Ministry of Labour.

Employment is partly economic and partly social”.

2 months later

No arrest in Parika businessman’s killing

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n arrest is yet to be made into the robbery/murder of 46-year-old Somdat Ramgobin, the Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) businessman, who was attacked and killed in his home on May 1, 2019.

This is according to relatives of the slain man, who are calling for the police to not let up until justice is served. Reports are that several persons have since been questioned, however, all were released and to date, no one has been charged.

Ramgobin called “Rakesh” of Parika Backdam was killed at around 21:00h on the night of the incident when two men entered his premises.

Guyana Times had previously reported that one of the perpetrators, who was brandishing a

Somdat Ramgobin

gun, inquired from a friend of the now dead man, who was at the property at the time, of the owner’s whereabouts. Reports are that the perpetrators asked for “Rakesh”. After gaining the information, the men

placed the friend, identified as Ravi Gonsalves, to lay on the ground. The men then proceeded to call out to Ramgobin, who responded, and was immediately attacked with a glass bottle and beaten to his head and body. The duo then demanded cash and was given some $600,000 by the now dead man. Unsatisfied, the men then demanded jewellery and after being told that there was none, they took Ramgobin to a bedroom in his house where they shot him to his chest. The bandits then quickly made good their escape in a white motorcar which was said to be parked outside. Gonsalves reportedly ran out of the house and sounded an alarm. However, by that time, Ramgobin had already succumbed.

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall to commence clearing of parapets Diamond teen jailed for stealing bus driver’s money

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he Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will soon recommence the clearing of city parapets and persons found breaching the bylaws of Council will be charged.

This is according to acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe. The issue was discussed at Monday’s statutory meeting held at City Hall, Regent Street, Georgetown.

She explained that persons have until this monthend to remove derelicts, including old refrigerators, vehicles and even stones from parapets. Currently, the acting Town Clerk pointed out that residents are being informed of the upcoming campaign to have the items removed. This is being done via radio and television programmes, as well as notices in newspapers, she said.

“We are giving residents within Georgetown time that they can know what is to be expected so no one will be able to say that due process was not done,” HarryMunroe stated.

She later told Guyana Times in an interview that this campaign has been conducted in the past. However, this specific one is special, in that, residents are being informed before their materials are removed.

The acting Town Clerk admitted, “We would have gone out and just do it but on this occasion we are taking a different approach whereby we are notifying our residents that we will have this campaign and persons a part of the bylaw, they are not supposed to be encumbering the parapet which includes having old vehicles, fridges, some persons like to put up stones and things

like that”.

Reiterating that the Council has been trying to notify these residents of the campaign, she added that the sensitisation process started a while back to give persons a two months period to remove these items.

Recognising that a lot of people who live, work, or just conduct business in the City are unaware of its bylaws, Harry-Munroe said that the Council is looking at ways to sensitise persons to ensure they adhere to these regulations.

It was explained that the removal of these items will be done at the expense of residents. Furthermore persons found breaching the laws will be punished by the Council. “Persons will be charged…it’s a breach of the bylaws and once you breach the bylaws then, of course, there is a penalty. We will charge them and they would have a removal fee,” the acting Town Clerk warned.

The campaign to remove these items, which will begin by month-end, will be done by Constituency. For example, Constituency One will be cleared before the Council moves into Constituency Two.

Differently-abled children benefiting from 5-day skills training camp

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ver 25 differently-abled children are engaged in a five-day skills training camp hosted by the Guyana Council for Persons with Disabilities.

The annual event saw the partnership of Young Voices Guyana, Access Guyana and various other organisations within the disability community.

The children were all introduced to a number of concepts and activities. They were able to visit a fun park, sessions were held teaching them to build self-esteem, and they were thought disability etiquette, public speaking and were made aware of sexual abuse.

However, a newly introduced session will see the children being introduced to STEM robotics, a partnership with the Ministry of Telecommunications.

This is in preparation for the STEM clubs which the Guyana Council for Persons with Disabilities is presently in the process of establishing in a number of the special schools in Guyana.

Other activities planned include swimming, a visit to MovieTowne and a special visit will be paid to Times Media Group Inc. Executive Member of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh said that the annual programme is important since it enables the children to be better integrated into society.

“Because these children with disabilities, as a result of lack of interaction and socialisation and the dis-

Some of the children participating in the training programme

crimination they face, their self-esteem is at a very low level so we did some sessions, it cannot be done in one day but we are trying to work with them and to also letting them be aware of what is sexual abuse, how to deal with instances of abuse because there are cases with children with disabilities that are being abused and a lot of it is not reported” Singh explained.

Singh called on parents with differently-abled children to positively impact their children by sending them out to the camp.

According to him, sheltering these children can hinder them in several ways in the future.

“There are many parents who are overprotective of their children and it is to the detriment of that child, it affects their development, their independence and their rehabilitation. I encourage you to be supportive of your children but do not be overprotective and do not fear society. Allow them to face their challenges, support them when they have to face any hurdles or barriers, be by their sides but allow them

to go through life as independent beings. If you are overprotective and you shelter them, when they get older, they lack the skills to cope” Singh advised.

Guyana Times caught up with a number of the children who were elated to share their experiences.

Twelve-year-old Danielle Booker encouraged other differently-abled children to come out to the camp, stating “I would tell them to come because they would learn more and to tell them that they are not different from us and that all of us are one, even though you may have a disability, you are perfect because if God had made everyone the same it would not have been good” she encouraged.

“I liked everything, especially yesterday, we went to the fun park so that was fun and we had a lady come in and she spoke to us about public speaking and that is something that I personally needed” Faith, another camper stated.

The event is expected to run until Sunday at the Unit for the Blind, Albert Street, Georgetown.

upon arrival in the city, he observed the money on the bus floor and picked it up.

After realising that Roberts had already seen his actions, Wilson began running and the Virtual Complainant gave chase.

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Jailed: Daniel Wilson

teenager, who admitted to stealing a quantity of cash from a minibus driver whose vehicle he had travelled in to Georgetown, was on Friday jailed for six months by Principle Magistrate Faith McGusty when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Eighteen-year-old Daniel Wilson of Lot 1397 Fourth Bridge, Diamond Housing Scheme, admitted that on July 10, 2019 at Lombard Street, Georgetown, he stole $24,620 from of Oslyn Roberts.

Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell in presenting facts to the Court stated that on July 10 the teen was travelling in the motor vehicle which was destined for Georgetown and

Wilson was caught and handed over the money to the minibus driver. A report was also made and he was handed over to the Police.

Magistrate McGusty jailed the teen.

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Arbitrary firing of staff

Probe into Public Service Minister’s conduct completed

T

he Special Board of Inquiry (BoI) that was commissioned by President David Granger to probe the arbitrary firing of staff at the Public Service Ministry by Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley has completed the probe.

Director General of the Ministry of Presidency, Joseph Harmon on Friday told the media that the report from the BoI was handed over to the Ministry.

Just a few days ago, Minister Sarabo-Halley defended the arbitrary firing of staff members from her department shortly after she assumed office, saying that there was “evidence” at her disposal to warrant dismissal.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

“I think that the evidence that was before me suggested that something needed to be done and the investigation would bear whether or

not that was rational,” the Minister stated at a recent press conference.

She, nevertheless, did not reveal any bit of evidence that she referred to but noted that the investigation will soon wrap up with the findings.

On May 31, 2019, the personnel staff and chief accountant at the Public Service Ministry were sent packing by Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley shortly after she was appointed to that post.

When the news broke about the arbitrary firing of personnel staff and the chief accountant, the Government initially denied firing them but one week after, Director

General Harmon confirmed that indeed, the workers were sent home.

But he said higher authorities had since intervened and the dismissed staff were eventually sent on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. He had maintained that the staff in question are still employees of the Government as the decision

by Minister Sarabo-Halley to terminate their services has been halted.

Scholarships

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had alluded to the fact that the fired workers were initially targeted and arbitrari-

Public Service Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

ly dismissed after they revealed that the children of a Government Minister received payments amounting to over $20 million in the last two years.

One of those revela-

tions is that the children of Minister Simona Broomes had allegedly received over US$86,000 in 2018, monies that were transferred from the Department of Public Service. Then again, this year, another transfer of millions reportedly took place.

Given the controversy around that situation, the Public Service Department has made a decision to publicise all scholarships to ensure “transparency”. It was confirmed that both children of the Minister in question received grants to study overseas, but Sarabo-Halley could not state if the monies were transferred to their personal accounts.

Vivaanta Spa launches luxury hair care brand

V

ivaanta Ayurvedic has introduced a luxury line of hair care products called “Kerastase” out of Paris to its spa in Georgetown. Kerastase will give the local clientele the first time opportunity to experience this luxurious line of hair products that transforms all types of hair textures.

Kerastase representative, Ana Karina Grana in her brief remarks at Thursday’s launch said she is excited to introduce the Kerastase experience to the Guyana market and expressed confidence in its partnership with Vivaanta, the only local partner of Kerastase.

Grana explained that the product is not only a hair care line but rather a lifestyle. She encouraged the local clientele to visit Vivaanta Spa for the Kerastase expe-

Vivaanta Spa launches the luxury hair care line out of Paris called “Kerastase”

rience.

Meanwhile, Proprietor of Vivaanta Spa Karan Mehra, noted that the introduction of Vivaanta to the Guyanese market earlier this year was much needed alluded to the popularity of Kerastase product which falls within the Top 5 of worldwide brands. Mehra pointed out

that the products which is introduced here for the first time, has a wide range of brands which caters to the hair needs of clientele. The line includes products for damaged and frizzy hair as well as hair and scalp therapy to name a few. Vivaanta has experts from India available to work with the needs

of clients and free consultation and diagnosis is also available. Persons are being encouraged to visit Vivaanta for the ultimate Kerastase Experience.

Vivaanta Ayurvedic luxury spa and hair salon officially opened its doors at Church Street, Georgetown in March of this year.

The introduction of India’s Ayurvedic tradition is based on a 5000-yearold healing system of therapies designed to revitalize, balance, and restore mind, body, and muscles to a stronger state.

Karan Mehra, Director of Vivaanta, cuts the ribbon with Kerastase representative as Miss India Guyana 2019 Rashena Sara Hanif looks on

Toolsie Persaud Ltd brothers battle over company shares …CCJ rules Appeal Court must hear case

H

aving dismissed an appeal filed by the minority shareholder of Toolsie Persaud Limited against the company for the purchasing of shares, the Appeal Court of Guyana has been ordered by the Caribbean Court of Justice to hear the matter.

The CCJ announced on Friday that despite procedural errors, the case must be dealt with impartially.

Christopher Persaud would have filed an appeal at the CCJ on behalf of his deceased father and minority shareholder in the company, David Persaud, after the Appeal Court dismissed the case. David Persaud owned 33.3 per cent of Toolsie Persaud Limited, a multimillion-dollar company with interests in quarrying, hardware and timber.

Being the minority shareholder, he had filed a complainant oppression action, against his brother and the majority shareholder, Toolsie Persaud.

After his father’s passing, Christopher Persaud then requested that the company purchase shares of the deceased and that the company be wound up or an interim order be made restraining the sale or disposi-

tion of sales.

The application was filed under Section 232, in accordance with Section 224 of the Companies Act, which has as its purpose, the restraining of oppressive conduct in companies.

While the matter was being heard by Justice Persaud in open court, new Civil Procedure Rules were implemented which allowed oppressive actions to be appealed to the Court of Appeal, instead of the Full Court.

After receiving an unfavourable judgment from Justice Persaud, Christopher Persaud appealed the decision before the Court of Appeal.

However, the company objected on the basis that the court did not have the authority to hear the appeal.

As a result of the objections, Christopher Persaud then went before the Full Court to determine whether this was the case and if it was, that he be given more time to allow him to file the appeal at the Full Court.

That case was dismissed and then he filed an appeal against this decision at the Court of Appeal. After being dissatisfied with both courts, Christopher Persaud then placed his faith in the

CCJ. While it was raised whether the CCJ had jurisdiction to hear the matter, the Court indicated in the affirmative and stated that, “This Court has an inherent jurisdiction to exercise its discretion to grant special leave in cases where procedural rules have not been strictly followed and where such leave is required in the interest of justice”.

Having lost his oppression action in the High Court, the applicant “did all that a diligent litigant could have done to secure his appeal and that every attempt by the applicant to pursue his appeal was met by technical procedural manoeuvres and arguments by the respondents”.

Since 2011, the Persaud brothers have battled in court over shares of the company. Initially, David Persaud had asked for an order directing Toolsie Persaud and/or the second named defendant, Toolsie Persaud Limited, to purchase his shares in the capital of the company at a price to be fixed by such a value as may and be agreed upon by the first defendant and/ or the second defendant and the plaintiff.

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

New video shines light on massacre of Indigenous group by Venezuelan Government

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rutal new images of an Indigenous massacre in southern Venezuela emerged Friday, almost five months after the Government deployed troops to keep international aid from entering the country.

The Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organisation and the Venezuelan non-profit Foro Penal released footage on Friday that appears to capture a government attack on a Pemón village, in which at least seven people died and 57 were injured.

The attacks came amid an attempt in February to move humanitarian aid from Brazil and Colombia into Venezuela. The Government used troops to stop the deliveries. While much of the media attention was focused on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, where aid trucks were set afire amid the melee, the clashes in southern Venezuela were far more lethal.

The confrontation be-

gan on February 22, when soldiers pushing into the village were confronted by the Pemón community. According to a United Nations report released July 4, three villagers were killed and 12 were wounded that day. In addition, four soldiers were captured and mistreated by the community.

The following day, the Bolivarian National Guard returned, using “excessive force” in and around the town of Santa Elena with soldiers “shooting indiscriminately from armoured vehicles at close range, as well as attacks against a hospital,” the United Nations said.

Owing to a lack of medical supplies, the injured had to be transferred more than 120 miles into Brazil for treatment. The area remains militarised, and more than 900 Pemón have fled the village, according to Foro Penal.

The new footage shows villagers running amid heavy gunfire and crowds

carrying the bloody and wounded through the streets. In one segment, a woman is heard wailing, “Why? Why? We’re humans.”

The video emerges after the two human rights groups began collecting evidence from the area in March.

“We spoke with scores of women, men and children who survived the twin massacres by the Venezuelan armed forces. A toddler clutched his mother while his father was shot to death in front of him,” Kerry Kennedy, the president of the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organisation, said in a statement.

“The evidence of atrocities is overwhelming. All this bloodshed in retaliation for simply trying to receive international aid to feed their families.

“We hope this video helps bring to life the horror facing Indigenous communities and other citizens in Venezuela every day,” she

Soldiers in riot gear crossing a bridge

added.

“The attack and political persecution against Venezuelan Indigenous Pemón people shows that the use of political repression by the Government to control power has no limits,” Alfredo Romero, the executive director of Foro Penal, said. “Our Indigenous peo-

ples deserve international attention and solidarity.”

Venezuela is trapped in a deep political, economic and social crisis that has forced more than four million people to flee in recent years.

The United States and dozens of other countries are pushing for leader Nicolás Maduro to step down and

make way for new elections.

Maduro, 57, blames the country’s woes – including food and medicine shortages and hyperinflation – on sanctions and “economic warfare” and accuses the Opposition of trying to mount coups to topple him.

(Miami Herald)

Trump’s Labour Secretary Hezbollah leader says US seeking to talk Acosta resigns amid Epstein case

US President Donald Trump announces the resignation of Labour Secretary Alex Acosta before departing for travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, US, July 12, 2019

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rump’s Labour Secretary Acosta resigns amid Epstein

case US Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta resigned on Friday amid fresh scrutiny of his handling of the sex abuse case against financier Jeffrey Epstein,

becoming President Donald Trump’s latest adviser to leave the Administration in controversy.

Acosta, joining Trump at the White House before the President left for a trip to Wisconsin, said he did not want to be a distraction to the Administration’s work because of his leadership of the Epstein case more than a decade ago.

“As I look forward, I do not think it is right and fair for this administration’s Labour Department to have Epstein as a focus rather than the incredible economy we have today,” Acosta said.

Trump, who has fired numerous Cabinet and other Administration officials during his two and a half years in the White House, said it was Acosta’s idea to step down.

“Alex called me this morning and wanted to see me,” Trump told reporters.

“I just want to let you know this is him, not me.”

Acosta’s resignation is effective in seven days.

Trump named Deputy Labour Secretary Patrick Pizzella as the acting Secretary of Labour.

Acosta has served in Trump’s Cabinet since April 2017 and from 2005 through 2009 was the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. It was there that he handled Epstein’s first case involving sex with girls, which resulted in a punishment that critics say was far too lenient.

Epstein, a billionaire hedge fund manager, pleaded not guilty to new federal charges in New York this week. Epstein had a social circle that over the years has included Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Britain’s Prince Andrew.’

US Prosecutors in New York on Monday accused Epstein, 66, of sex trafficking, luring dozens of girls, some as young as 14, to his luxury homes and coercing them into sex acts.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cambridge Analytica: “US regulators approve US$5B Facebook fine”

U

S regulators have approved a record US$5 billion fine on Facebook to settle an investigation into data privacy violations, reports in US media say.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been investigating allegations that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly obtained the data of up to 87 million Facebook users.

The settlement was approved by the FTC in a 3-2 vote, sources told US media.

The FTC began investigating Facebook in March 2018, following reports

that Cambridge Analytica had accessed the data of tens of millions of its users.

The investigation focused on whether Facebook had violated a 2011 agreement under which it was required to clearly notify users and gain “express consent” to share their data.

Anonymous sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal on Friday that the fine was approved by the FTC in a 3-2 vote, which broke along party lines with Republican commissioners in favour and Democrats opposed.

Sources cited in oth-

er media also reported the same information.

The fine still needs to be finalised by the Justice Department’s civil division, and it is unclear how long this may take, the sources said.

Facebook and the FTC have not confirmed the reports, telling the BBC they had no comment.

However, the amount falls in line with estimates

by Facebook, which earlier this year said it was expecting a fine of up to US$5 billion.

If confirmed, it would be the largest fine ever levied by the FTC on a tech company. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Men hold their phones as they watch Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speak on television inside a coffee shop in the port city of Sidon, Lebanon, July 12, 2019

T

he leader of Hezbollah said on Friday that Washington was seeking to open channels of communication despite ramping up sanctions against the Iran-backed movement’s officials.

US President Donald “Trump’s administration is seeking to open channels of communication to Hezbollah in Lebanon through mediators. ... These are the American pragmatists,” Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview with Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV without elaborating.

There was no immediate comment from the US State Department on the assertion.

New sanctions this week marked the first time the United States has targeted lawmakers of the heavily-armed Shi’ite Hezbollah, which is part of Lebanon’s coalition Government.

The US Treasury added three Hezbollah figures to its sanctions list, including two Lebanese Members of Parliament (MPs) and a security official.

The move widens a US campaign that since 2017 has targeted 50 people and entities linked to Hebzollah, which Washington classifies as a “terrorist” organisation.

Nasrallah called the new sanctions “an honour” that came as “part of the ongoing

battle” against Hezbollah and its allies. “What’s new is the affront to the Lebanese State,” Nasrallah said.

“At the end of the day, Hezbollah is an important part of the country. The Lebanese Government will tell the Americans, as it has before, that these are a part we cannot ignore.”

A US State Department official said on Tuesday that the message was that the rest of the Lebanese Government “needs to sever its dealings” with these officials.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri said on Wednesday that the sanctions moved in a “new direction”, but would not affect Government work. (Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUly 13, 2019

Regional

Barbados reverses visa- Trinidad faces ratings downgrade free access for Haitians from Standard and Poor's

Barbados’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), David Comissiong

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year after scrapping visa requirements for Haitians, the Barbados Government has reversed its decision.

Barbados’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), David Comissiong said Thursday the Government was forced to do so because of the “large influx” of people of Haitian nationality

coming from Panama and Chile who were not entitled to work in Barbados.

He said the situation was becoming untenable, and a decision was made after extensive consultations with several stakeholders, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Immigration Department, the Tourism and Home Affairs Ministries, the airlines and the Grantley Adams International Airport.

Ambassador Comissiong said the situation was compounded because “no one in Haiti had really explained to them the principles of this free movement programme, and the vast majority of them were coming with this mistaken idea that they could simply come to Barbados to work and live, with many of them becoming stranded in Barbados”.

“We derived no pleasure

from having to move away from the full visa-free regime, but we felt that we didn’t have a choice, and we communicated that to the Haitian Government and they understand that Barbados’ heart is with them, but we were compelled to make the change,” he said.

“You will recall that when Barbados removed the visa requirements, almost simultaneously, through the Barbados Tourism Authority, COPA airlines started two flights a week out of Panama, and the two things just happened to coincide. Those flights out of Panama then became available to Haitians – Haitians coming from Haiti itself, and also Haitians coming from Chile, where there is a large Haitian diaspora and those two weekly flights into Barbados came to be dominated by Haitian travellers. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

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t a time when Jamaica has a positive outlook, Trinidad and Tobago's sovereign ratings have been downgraded by credit rating agency Standard and Poor's (S&P).

An S&P overview stated that “we are lowering our long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Trinidad and Tobago to 'BBB' from 'BBB+' and are affirming our shortterm foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings at 'A-2'.”

S&P's transfer and convertibility assessment, the overview stated, would also be adjusted to 'BBB+' from

A British Royal Navy patrol vessel guards the oil supertanker Grace 1, which is under suspicion of carrying Iranian crude oil to Syria, as it sits anchored in waters of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, historically claimed by Spain, July 4, 2019

P

anama will withdraw its flag from more vessels that violate sanctions and international legislation, the country’s maritime authority told Reuters, following the removal of about 60 ships linked to Iran and Syria from the Panamanian registry in recent months.

After the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran

by Washington in 2018, Panama’s former President Juan Carlos Varela gave

the green light to remove a fleet of 59 tankers from the country’s registry, according to two sources close to the decision.

Most of those vessels were owned by Iranian State-run companies, but they also included ships linked to oil deliveries to Syria, the sources added.

A separate supertanker, the Grace 1, made its way to Gibraltar in early July, where it was seized by British Royal Marines on

from Reuters)

US blacklists Venezuela military agency after Navy Captain dies

T

he United States has imposed sanctions against Venezuela's military counterintelligence agency, following the death of a navy captain after he spent a week in its custody.

The US Department of the Treasury said on Thursday it would freeze all assets directly or indirectly owned

by Venezuela's General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).

The Government of

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed the death on June 29 of Rafael Acosta, who was arrested eight days earlier for alleged participation in a coup plot.

Human rights organisations, political leaders and Acosta's family have accused the Government of torturing Acosta to death.

"The politically motivated arrest and tragic death of Captain Rafael Acosta was unwarranted and unacceptable," US Treasury

Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"The Treasury is committed to ending the Maduro regime's inhumane treatment of political opponents, innocent civilians, and members of the military in an effort to suppress dissent," he added.

Venezuelan authorities buried Acosta's remains on Wednesday despite opposition from his family members, who have demanded an independent autopsy.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

In the meantime, Jamaica, which has not received an S&P update since last year, currently holds a 'B' for its long-term and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings, and a 'B+' transfer and convertibility assessment. Its outlook was also improved from stable to positive in 2018.

The credit agency's downward revisions for Trinidad and Tobago were adjusted for “lower-than-expected energy production and economic growth” which it anticipates will soften the country's revenue base and

impede the planned balancing of the budget by fiscal year 2020-2021.

The review also cited delays in the “institutional reforms to strengthen revenue collection and improve the provision of timely economic data” as reasons for its revision.

However, Trinidad's Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, says he remains optimistic because of positive expectations for the future and confidence in the Government, and noted that S&P, despite the downgrades, has upgraded Trinidad and Tobago's outlook from negative to stable.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil's Bolsonaro offers his son US Ambassador post

Panama to withdraw flags from more vessels that violate sanctions

suspicion of violating sanctions against Syria.

The vessel was fully loaded with crude suspected to be bound for Syria’s Banyas refinery, Gibraltar authorities said.

The vessel arrived in Gibraltar showing the Panama name at its hull, but the Panamanian Government later clarified it had been removed from its registry on May 29.

“Panama will maintain its flag withdrawal policy,” Rafael Cigarruista, General Director of Merchant Marine from Panama’s Maritime Authority, told Reuters in an emailed statement.

“Our intention is to improve our fleet’s percentage of compliance, not only regarding sanctions by international organisations, but also Panama’s current legislation and maritime security rules,” he added.

Cigarruista did not provide details on coming action or targeted fleets. (Excerpt

'A'.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon named Eduardo Bolsonaro the Latin American leader of his right-wing nationalist organisation, The Movement [Joshua Roberts/Reuters]

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he had invited his son Eduardo to become Ambassador to the United States, underscoring his family's influential role in Brazil's diplomacy and domestic politics.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, currently a federal congressman, told reporters

separately he would accept the role if nominated. His father said earlier that the appointment would hinge on his son's acceptance.

"If it is a mission given by the President, I would accept," Eduardo Bolsonaro told reporters, adding he was prepared to resign from Congress if the President appoints him.

He added the ultimate nomination still depended on conversations with his father and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo.

The appointment would need to be approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before passing to the full upper house for confirmation.

Brazil's previous Ambassador to Washington retired in April.

The far-right Brazilian President, who said his campaign last year was inspired by US President Donald Trump, has made friendly overtures to the

American leader and made similar use of family members as official advisers.

Bolsonaro's eldest son, Flavio, is advancing his conservative social agenda as a senator.

Carlos Bolsonaro, another son of the President and a Rio de Janeiro city councilman, has taken a role in his father's social media communications and stirred controversy by attacking members of the Brazilian Cabinet.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, the third of the President's four sons and a daughter from three marriages, has counselled his father on foreign affairs.

After his father's election in October, Eduardo was one of his first envoys to Washington, where he met with Trump's sonin-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, and was spotted wearing a "Trump 2020" cap. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Colombia's Duque says working to stop slayings of community leaders

C

olombia is working to halt scores of slayings of community leaders by criminal groups and remnant bands of rebels following the country’s historic 2016 peace deal, President Ivan Duque said on Friday, during a visit from the United Nations Security Council.

The peace agreement

with Marxist FARC rebels ended a half-century conflict that killed some 260,000 people. But criminal groups and the National Liberation Army (ELN) have filled the void left by the FARC in remote areas to control narcotics and illegal mining operations.

“They want to intimidate and kill social lead-

ers who are calling on their communities to abandon illegal activities,” Duque told Journalists as he spoke beside the presiding head of the Security Council, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra.

The Security Council will be in Colombia through Sunday to assess progress under the peace deal. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Brazil pension reform passes 1st hurdle in Congress

B

razil's Lower House of Congress has voted by a large majority to overhaul the country's generous pension system.

The vote, with 379 in favour and 131 against, is seen as an important victory for President Jair Bolsonaro.

His Government says the

reforms are critical to boosting the growth of South America's biggest economy.

But the controversial bill requires a second vote in the Lower House before moving to the Senate where it faces weeks – or months – of more debate.

The next vote is due to

take place before Congress breaks for recess next week.

Proposed reforms include raising the retirement age and increasing workers' contributions. Trade unions and Opposition politicians argue that such moves would penalise the poorest, forcing them to work longer. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURday, JUly 13, 2019

17

Around the World

India’s ruling party to revive plan Italy frees man wrongly for Hindu settlements in Kashmir extradited for people smuggling

I

ndia’s ruling party will revive a plan to build secured camps to resettle scores of Hindus in the Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley, a senior leader said, a proposal that would almost certainly heighten tensions in the restive region.

Ram Madhav, who is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary responsible for Kashmir, said his Hindu nationalist party was committed to helping bring back some of the estimated 200,000-300,000 Hindus who fled the Kashmir Valley in the aftermath of an armed revolt that began in 1989.

The scenic mountain region is divided between India, which rules the populous Kashmir Valley and the Hindu-dominated Jammu region, and territory in the west that is controlled by Pakistan. The rival nations both claim the region in full.

Nearly 7 million people live in the Kashmir Valley, 97 per cent of them Muslim, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of Indian troops and armed police deployed to quell an uprising against New Delhi’s rule. About 50,000 people have been killed in the conflict in the last three decades, according to official figures.

Madhav said that a previous BJP-backed

Government in Jammu and Kashmir state had considered building either separate or mixed resettlement townships, but had been unable to make headway. “No consensus could be built around any one view,” he said.

A blueprint unveiled by the State Government in 2015 had proposed self-contained, heavily guarded colonies for returning Pandits, complete with schools, shopping malls, hospitals and playgrounds.

Separatist groups in the region had opposed the project, with some likening it to Israeli settlements within Palestinian territories. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

China says Xi urged Trump to ease North Korea sanctions ‘in due course’

US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping shake hands before their bilateral meeting during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019

C

hinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump last month to show flexibility in dealings with North Korea and ease sanctions on the country “in due course,” China’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

China signed up for strict UN sanctions following repeated North Korean nuclear and missile tests but also has suggested they could be

eased as a reward for good behaviour.

Trump said after his meeting that both sides would set up teams to push forward stalled talks aimed at getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said they would likely happen “sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks.”

However, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said a top South Korean presidential official visiting Washington expressed uncertainty on Friday that the talks, stalled since a failed summit in Hanoi in February, could resume this month.

The State Department declined specific comment on Kim’s remarks but said it had no meetings to announce.

A senior official of the US Administration said the US position had not changed.

The State Department said this week Washington hoped to see a complete freeze in the North Korean nuclear programme as the start of a process of denuclearisation.

North Korea has frozen missile and nuclear bomb testing since 2017 but US officials believe it has expanded its arsenal by continuing to produce bomb fuel and missiles. (Excerpt from Reuters)

1st shipment of Russian S-400 systems delivered to Turkey

The order of S-400 reportedly cost Turkey US$2 billion [File: Host Photo

T

Agency/RIA Novosti/Reuters]

he first shipment of the Russian S-400 missile system has arrived in Turkey, according to the Turkish Defence Ministry, moving the NATO member closer to a new standoff with the United States.

The Ministry said in a statement on Friday that “the first group of equipment” of the advanced air defence systems had been delivered to the Murted airbase outside the capital,

Ankara.

The US has strongly urged Turkey to pull back from the deal - the first such move between a NATO member and Russia - warning Ankara that it will face economic sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if it goes ahead with the purchase, reportedly costing more than US$2 billion Washington has also said

Turkey will not be allowed to participate in the programme to produce hi-tech F-35 fighter jets.

The US has repeatedly said that the Russian system is incompatible with NATO systems and is a threat to the F-35.

Sanctions would mark a new low in the already-tense relations between Turkey and the US. Last year, the US imposed sanctions on Turkey over its detention of an American pastor, triggering a Turkish currency crisis. The sanctions were later lifted upon the pastor’s release.

The deal with Russia has also raised concerns in Western circles that Turkey is drifting closer to Moscow’s sphere of influence.

Ankara has refused to bow to US pressure, insisting that choosing which defence equipment to buy is a matter of national sovereignty. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

An image of the man believed to be Mered Medhanie previously released by the UK National Crime Agency; Right: Medhanie Tesfamariam Behre, who was extradited to Italy

A

n Italian court has ruled that an Eritrean man extradited to the country for people smuggling was the victim of mistaken identity.

Medhanie Tesfamariam Behre was mistaken for the alleged trafficking kingpin Mered Medhanie - known as The General.

He has spent the past three years in prison insisting he was not who prosecu-

tors said he was.

On Friday the court admitted its error, although it gave Behre a five-year sentence for aiding people smuggling.

He was, however, allowed to walk free because of the time he had already spent behind bars.

British and Italian investigators had worked together to capture Behre, insisting he was at the heart of

efforts to smuggle migrants from Africa to Europe.

A statement from the UK’s National Crime Agency after his arrest in 2016 said it was “confident in its intelligence gathering process”.

But victims and relatives of the alleged trafficking criminal Mered Medhanie had told the court they did not recognise the arrested man.

Prosecutors insisted they were correct despite DNA evidence and differences in their appearance.

“It was a nightmare. A real nightmare,” Berhe’s sister Hiwett Tesfamariam told the Guardian.

Mered Medhanie first came to public attention after being linked to the deaths of 359 migrants in October 2013 after their boat sank near the Italian island of Lampedusa.

The General is said to have styled himself on late Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sir Kim Darroch: UK Police launch investigation into ‘leak’ of emails

UK Ambassador in the US, Sir Kim Darroch and US President Donald Trump

T

he Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into the alleged leak of diplomatic emails from the UK ambassador in the US, which were critical of the Trump Administration.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said there was a “clear public interest” in bringing those responsible to justice.

Sir Kim Darroch stepped down as ambassador on Wednesday, saying it was “impossible” for him

to continue.

President Trump had earlier said the US would no longer deal with Sir Kim. The US President branded him “a very stupid guy” after confidential emails emerged where the ambassador had called his Administration “clumsy and inept”.

Announcing the criminal investigation, Basu said he was satisfied the alleged leak had damaged UK international relations.

He urged whoever was responsible to turn themselves in and “face the consequences”.

He advised individuals and the media not to publish leaked Government documents, warning this could be a criminal matter, and to instead hand them over to the police or return them to their rightful owner.

The investigation was launched by the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command, which takes national responsibility for investigating allegations of criminal breaches of the Official Secrets Act, Basu said.

The Government had already opened an internal inquiry into the publication of the memos.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Sir Kim’s departure was “a matter of deep regret” and public servants should be able to give “full and frank advice”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Suicide car bomb targets hotel in Somali port city, death toll may be high – Police

A

car bomb went off on Friday at a hotel in Somalia’s port city of Kismayu where local elders and lawmakers had been discussing an upcoming regional election and was followed by gunfire, police said, adding that the death toll could be high.

The militant Islamist group al Shabaab, which is trying to topple Somalia’s Central Government, claimed responsibility for the attack and said its fighters had battled their way into the hotel after what they said was a suicide car bomb attack.

One police officer said the gunfire had died down

about an hour and a half after the explosion. “... but we believe the militants are still in the building. We have not confirmed the death toll, but there were many people inside, and there may be a high death toll,” police captain Abdullahi Isak told Reuters by phone.

Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s military operation spokesman, said the militant group had been behind the attack.

Al Shabaab was ejected from Mogadishu in 2011 and has since been driven from most of its other strongholds.

It was driven out of

Kismayu in 2012. The city’s port had been a major source of revenue for the group from taxes, charcoal exports and levies on arms and other illegal imports.

Kismayu is the commercial capital of Jubbaland, a region of southern Somalia still partly controlled by al Shabaab.

It remains a major security threat, with fighters frequently carrying out bombings in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya, whose troops form part of the African Unionmandated peacekeeping force that helps defend the Somali Government. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, JUly 13, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Assess your financial situation, personal contracts and the possibility of making a change that could improve your life. A joint venture can help create extended opportunities.

Keep busy, be productive TAURUS and use your energy wisely.

(April 20Reach your objective by taking May 20) action, and avoid an argumentative process with someone who is making your life difficult.

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Think big, but live within your means. If you want to make a change, be willing to do the work. Home improvements can be made, but ask for the necessary approval first.

Listen and learn. If you are doing all the talking, you are not going to be aware of who is on your side and who isn’t. Keep your secrets to yourself.

Not everyone will want to take part in your plans, but those who do will help create a memorable day. Sharing ideas will lead to an opportunity to take part in something exciting.

Enhance your plans by VIRGO inviting people you enjoy (Aug. 23Sept. 22) along for the ride. A personal change will lead to compliments and a lifestyle change.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

THURSDAY’S WORD

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

You may not get along with everyone you encounter today, but if you offer sound suggestions and fulfill your promises, you will gain the approval you need to advance.

A conversation with an opponent will give insight into how to best adjust your plans. Handling personal problems properly will make a difference. Romance is highlighted.

Be consistent with how you handle people and spend your money. Use your intelligence and finesse to weed out anyone or anything that might disrupt your plans.

Spend time making your surroundings more inviting.

Don’t argue with someone who doesn’t like your ideas.

Ask for suggestions and incorporate ones that will please everyone.

Don’t let what someone else does upset you. Go about your business and do your own thing. The way you deal with an unexpected change will affect your reputation.

Moderation will be required. Don’t feel that you must keep up with someone who is being excessive or trying to entice you to get involved in something that could cause emotional distress.

saturday, JUly 13, 2019

19

Federer beats Nadal to reach Wimbledon 2019 final R

oger Federer moved to within one win of a record-equalling ninth Wimbledon singles title as he beat long-time rival Rafael Nadal to set up a final against another old foe Novak Djokovic.

Swiss second seed Federer won 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 against the Spanish third seed before an enthralled Centre Court.

Federer took his fifth match point for a shot at a 21st Grand Slam, while denying Nadal the chance of a 19th.

Federer, 37, will meet Serbia’s top seed Djokovic at 14:00 BST on Sunday.

Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles are more than any other man in history and if he beats Djokovic he will match Martina Navratilova’s success in women’s singles.

“I’m exhausted. It was tough - at the end Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match,” Federer told BBC Sport.

“I had spells where I was serving very well and probably the biggest points in the match went my way.

“That first set was huge, to get the lead and try to protect it. It was a joy to play.”

Defending champion Djokovic, 32, goes for his 16th Grand Slam triumph after beating Spain’s 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets earlier on Friday.

Djokovic’s win ensured it would be a major final between two of the ‘Big Three’ in the men’s game for the first time since the Serb beat Federer in the 2015 showpiece at the All England Club.

Djokovic reaches final with win over Bautista Agut

Defending champion Novak Djokovic defied a midmatch slump to reach the Wimbledon final with a fourset victory over Roberto Bautista Agut.

In an agitated display, the Serb beat Spain’s Bautista Agut 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-2 to reach his 25th Grand Slam final.

Djokovic, chasing his fifth Wimbledon title, will face Roger Federer - who beat Rafael Nadal - in Sunday’s final.

“This has been the dream tournament for me since I was a child,” said 32-year-old Djokovic.

“So to be in another final is a dream come true. Regardless of the history and many finals I’ve played, playing finals at Wimbledon is something different so I’ll definitely enjoy that experience.

“I had to dig deep. It’s the semi-finals and Roberto was playing his first Grand Slam semi-final. He was not overwhelmed.

“He played really well. He was managing Novak his nerves in the first set but later on he esDjokovic tablished himself and started to play better.

“I got a bit tight. It was a close opening four or five games of the third set - that’s where the match could have gone a different way. I’m glad it went my way.”

Asked if he would be watching the second semi-final be-

Roger Federer

tween Federer and Nadal, 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said: “Of course I will watch it - my coaches will probably see the whole match. I’ll definitely see parts of it.

“I’m a fan of that match-up as well. Federer v Nadal is one of the most epic rivalries of all time.” (BBC Sport)

Barcelona sign Antoine Griezmann Tour de France: Groenewegen wins stage and make buyout clause €800M 7 as Ciccone retains A yellow jersey

D

ylan Groenewegen claimed his first stage win of this year’s Tour de France as Giulio Ciccone retained the leader’s yellow jersey after stage seven.

Defending champion Geraint Thomas finished safely in the peloton to remain fifth overall.

At 230km, stage seven was the longest of this year’s Tour and the flat route set up a thrilling bunch sprint to the finish line in Chalon-surSaone.

Caleb Ewan crossed the line in second ahead of Peter Sagan.

Groenewegen, who won two stages at last year’s Tour, timed his lunge for the line perfectly to finish inches ahead of Ewan.

The 26-year-old Dutchman raised his arm in celebration but had to wait for TV replays to confirm victory, his fourth at this race since 2017.

It was an exciting finish after more than six hours of racing, mostly at a sedate pace.

Two French riders, Stephane Rossetto of Cofidis and Yoann Offredo of WantyGroupe Gobert, went clear soon after the race started in Belfort and were allowed to stay away until the final 11km.

That left the sprinters to contest the stage win and this time Groenewegen, who was hurt in a crash near the end of stage one, prevailed.

There was no change at the top of the general classification, although Nairo Quintana and Dan Martin both found themselves on the wrong end of a split in the peloton in the final 30km and had to fight to regain contact.

Thomas and the other main contenders had a quiet day after the drama of Thursday’s mountain-top finish in La Planche des Belles Filles that saw the Welshman take time out of all of his rivals.

Saturday sees the race go back into the hills, with a bumpy 200km route from Macon to Saint-Etienne that features almost 3,800 metres of climbing.

In his BBC Sport Tour de France stage-by-stage guide, Mitchelton-Scott’s Adam Yates is backing one-day Classics specialist Greg van Avermaet to take the victory. (BBC Sport) Stage six results 1. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned/ Team Jumbo - Visma) 6hrs 2mins 44secs 2. Caleb Ewan (Aus/Lotto Soudal) Same time 3. Peter Sagan (Svk/BORA hansgrohe) Same time 4. Sonny Colbrelli (Ita/Bahrain - Merida) Same time 5. Jasper Philipsen (Bel/UAE Team Emirates) Same time 6. Elia Viviani (Ita/Deceuninck - Quick-Step) Same time

ntoine Griezmann has joined Barcelona from Atlético Madrid after the Catalan club announced they had paid his €120m (£107.6m) buyout fee.

The 28-year-old France forward will sign a five-year contract that ties him to the Camp Nou until 30 June 2024 though Atlético believe they are owed €80m more

7. Giacomo Nizzolo (Ita/Team Dimension Data) Same time 8. Jasper Stuyven (Bel/Trek Segafredo) Same time 9. Michael Matthews (Aus/ Team Sunweb) Same time 10. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/ UAE Team Emirates) Same time General classification after stage seven 1. Giulio Ciccone (Ita/TrekSegafredo) 29hrs 17mins 39secs 2. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/ Deceuninck-Quick Step) +6secs 3. Dylan Teuns (Bel/BahrainMerida) +32secs 4. George Bennett (NZ/JumboVisma) +47secs 5. Geraint Thomas (GB/Ineos) +49secs 6. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos) +53secs 7. Thibaut Pinot (Fra/ Groupama-FDJ) +58secs 8. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/ Jumbo-Visma) +1min 04secs 9. Michael Woods (Can/EF Education First) +1min 13secs 10. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Education First) +1min 15sec

Griezmann. They claim the player made an agreement to join Barcelona before July, when the buyout clause was still set at €200m, and have announced their intention to take the Spanish champions to court.

“Atlético de Madrid believes that the amount deposited is insufficient to meet its rescission clause, since it is obvious that the commitment of the player and that of Football Club Barcelona was closed before the aforementioned clause was reduced from €200m to €120m [on 1 July],” read a statement. “It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on 14 May announcing his disengagement from the Antoine club.” The Spanish Griezmann champions claim they only started to

talking to Griezmann on 4 July.

“With his arrival at FC Barcelona, the Frenchman takes another step forward in his career with the goal of consolidating his place as one of the best players in the world,” the Spanish league champions said in a statement. Griezmann’s contract with Barça will have a buyout clause of €800m, they added.

Griezmann had been h e a v i l y linked with a move to Barça last summer but ended up signing a new contact with Atlético until 2023. However, the 2018 World Cup winner spent only one more season at Atlético before announcing in May that he would be leaving the club this summer.

The former Real Sociedad forward leaves after five prolific seasons in the capital in which he scored 133 goals as well as helping the club win the Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Spanish Supercopa.

Griezmann has become the third most-expensive signing in football history, behind Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, who Barcelona have again been linked with after Paris St Germain’s sporting director, Leonardo ,said he was prepared to sell the Brazil forward. Neymar was scheduled to report back to the French club’s training ground on Monday but was absent without leave. (The Guardian)

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T

he Oklahoma City Thunder traded guard Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets for guard Chris Paul and a pair of first-round draft picks, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

The Thunder will receive the Rockets’ first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 and the option to swap picks in 2021 and 2025, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 are top-4 protected. The 2021 swap is also protected 1-4, with the Thunder allowed to swap either of their first-rounders received from the Los Angeles Clippers or Miami Heat. The 2025 swap is protected from 1-20.

The move reunites Westbrook, 30, with former Thunder teammate and reigning NBA scoring champion James Harden. They played together for three seasons from 200912, making the playoffs all three years and reaching the NBA Finals in 2012.

—Before Westbrook’s trade to the Rockets, the Miami Heat were reportedly interested, but only at the right price.

According to the Miami Herald, the Heat informed the Thunder during preliminary talks that rookie shooting guard Tyler Herro

and center Bam Adebayo were not available.

The Heat were willing to offer the expiring contracts of Goran Dragic ($19.2 million) and Meyers Leonard ($11.3 million), but did not have much draft capital at their disposal.

—Free agent forward Trey Lyles has agreed on a two-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs, according to multiple reports.

San Antonio had an opening for the 23-year-old after forward Marcus Morris backed out on a commitment to join the Spurs on a two-year, $20 million contract.

Morris instead agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks. The Athletic reported it was a one-year, $15 million agreement.

“I had to make this decision based on the best situation for me and my family,” Morris told The Athletic. “This is no knock on the Spurs. I have respect for them.”

—The Toronto Raptors signed forward Stanley Johnson, who split the 2018-19 season between the Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans.

Financial terms were not announced, but multiple media outlets reported Johnson, 23, agreed to a two-year, $7.424 million deal.

The team also announced Thursday the signing of rookie free agent Terence Davis.

According to multiple reports, Davis signed a two-year, $2.42 million deal.

—Ron Adams will stay on as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors after discussing a similar opening with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported.

Adams has spent the past five years as one of the top assistants to Warriors coach Steve Kerr. He has served as an assistant in the league for the past quarter century.

The decision leaves Lakers coach Frank Vogel searching for one more assistant to join his staff, which already includes Jason Kidd and Lionel Hollins. (Reuters)

OKC Thunder have traded Russell Westbrook (left) and have acquired Chris Paul

British Grand Prix: Jamaican bodybuilder Rashid to captain Afghanistan across Bottas top in 2nd practice charged with rape, formats, Asghar appointed ahead of Hamilton sexual assault his deputy

R

ashid Khan will lead Afghanistan across all formats, while former captain Asghar Afghan has been appointed his deputy.

The change comes after Afghanistan lost all their matches at the World Cup under Gulbadin Naib, with his decisions on the field during a thriller against Pakistan, in particular, coming under the scanner.

Rashid, currently No. 1 in T20I bowling rankings and No. 8 in ODI rankings, had a forgettable World Cup too. In eight innings, the legspinner manage to pick up just six wickets at an average of 69.33 and a strike rate of 71.8. Against England at Manchester, he went for 110 from his nine overs - the joint second-most runs conceded by a bowler in an ODI. Rashid, 20, had led Afghanistan during the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe last year - they lost three of those four games - when Asghar was unavailable. He has also led Band-e-Amir Dragons and Kabul Zwanan 16 times in T20 cricket, with ten wins and six defeats.

ESPNcricinfo understands Rashid was offered the ODI captaincy before the World Cup as well, but had declined the offer. He was then named vice-captain to Naib in the ODI side and captain of the T20I side. Rahmat Shah was supposed to take over the Test team but he will relinquish the post without captaining a single game.

Rashid a n d Mohammad N a b i , two of

Rashid Khan (right) celebrates trapping Usman Khawaja LBW

Afghanistan’s biggest players, publicly criticised Asghar’s removal prior to the World Cup, saying that it had the potential to disrupt the team’s performance.

Apart from their dismal showing on the field, Afghanistan have also had to deal with the controversy surrounding Mohammad Shahzad, who was sent home by the ACB for being unfit, only for Shahzad to hit back saying that was not true.

Then, the ACB removed Dawlat Ahmadzai from the senior selection committee and named him as head of the junior selection panel. In his place, Andy Moles, who was Afghanistan’s coach at the 2015 World Cup, was appointed to the senior selection panel along with Mujahid Zadran, who has worked as a coach with Afghanistan A. There also seemed to be a fallout between head coach Phil Simmons and Ahmadzai, leading Simmons to tweet: “I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect but at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of #AsgharAfghan.”

Later fast bowler Aftab Alam was withdrawn from the squad following allegations of serious misbehaviour with a female guest at the team hotel in Southampton and was subsequently h a n d e d one-year suspension.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

– reports

J Valtteri Bottas in action for Mercedes (Getty Images)

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altteri Bottas led Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes one-two narrowly ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in second practice at the British Grand Prix.

Bottas edged Hamilton by 0.069 seconds, with Leclerc just 0.197secs behind.

Hamilton had a scrappy day, making a series of errors and struggling to put a lap together until the key moment of his quick run in the second session.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was fourth, ahead of the Red Bull of Pierre Gasly and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen, winner of the last race in Austria, had a poor run on soft tyre and low fuel and was only seventh fastest.

A new track surface coupled with windy conditions at Silverstone made life difficult for the drivers, many of whom made errors and ran wide or spun.

Hamilton and Vettel both went off at the fast Becketts sweeps, while Toro Rosso’s Alexander Albon and Williams’ Robert Kubica had problems at Brooklands and Luffield earlier in the lap.

On the long runs, when teams simulate race pace, the Mercedes appeared to have a half-second or so advantage over Red Bull, but Ferrari’s run plan meant it was hard to compare their performance.

It was a fractured day on which it was hard to read performance.

Bottas seemed to be the pace man for much of the day’s running but failed to find much time on the soft tyre on low fuel, improving only by 0.03secs when he switched from the theoretically slower medium, when Leclerc found 0.8secs.

Hamilton looked out of sorts, with a series of errors and aborted laps affecting his running until finally finding some pace - but still not able to quite match Bottas.

Ferrari were off the pace for much of the day, only for Leclerc to pull out a strong lap time on his low-fuel run.

And Red Bull, after setting the pace with Gasly in the morning session, struggled in the afternoon.

And on the longer runs, both Verstappen and Leclerc ran into severe wear on the left front tyre, which looks like it will be the limiting factor in the race.

Behind the big three teams, Norris continued to impress, just a couple of days after McLaren confirmed that they had taken up their contractual option on the 19-year-old rookie for 2020.

His team-mate Carlos Sainz was eighth quickest, ahead of Toro Rosso’s Alexander Albon and Racing Point’s Sergio Perez.

Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo had a difficult day. He was only 14th fastest, just ahead of team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, and stopped midway through the session with an engine failure. (BBC Sport)

amaica’s Shawn Rhoden, the 2018 Mr Olympia bodybuilding champion, has been charged with rape and sexual assault, according to multiple reports emerging from the United States.

The 44-year-old Rhoden was charged Thursday with rape and object rape as well as forcible sexual abuse. Police in Utah have issued an arrest warrant, The Deseret News in Utah reported.

The alleged victim is a female bodybuilder, who had visited him in his hotel room in Sandy. According to the reports, the woman visited Rhoden on October 12, 2018, while he was on a visit to Utah.

The incident is alleged to have occurred just under a month after he became the oldest man ever to win the Mr Olympia crown.

The victim alleged that Rhoden forced himself on her despite she telling him

Shawn Rhoden

repeatedly to stop and she only managed to escape when she told him she needed to go downstairs or “else an acquaintance waiting in the lobby would know “something (was) up”, reports said.

Those reports also said a DNA sample taken from the women was matched to Rhoden.

Rhoden got into bodybuilding in 1993 and won his IFBB Pro card by 2010.

After finishing 11th at the 2011 Mr Olympia, he was third in 2012 and fourth in 2013.

He took third place in 2014 and 2015 and finally broke into the top two in 2016. In 2018 at the age of 43 years and five months, he finally claimed the coveted title. (Sportsmax)

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RAW Nationals (Unequipped) set for August 25

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sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition.”

Peterson set national records of 305kg squat and 160kg bench press en route to claiming the male overall crown with 509.490 Wilks points. He set a new national record in the deadlift: 345kg His total of 810kg was also a national record.

Therefore, a new winner will be crowned without the dominant factor making his presence felt.

Persons interested in competing at the Raw Nationals are required to submit their applications and pay their fees. The forms and monies can be submitted to executive member Martin Webster. A screenshot of the filled out registration form, along with the deposit slip which must be submitted to the GAPLF Bank Account, #6552194, will be accepted as well.

Singh honoured for outstanding performances in archery championships

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winner” once held by Carlos PetersonGriffith.

This position became vacant when the athlete violated both the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Constitution and the GAPLF Carlos Peterson

Nand Persaud Group of Companies’ Sprint Classic in your area? set for August 11

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Constitution.

Article 14.9 of the IPF Constitution states, “Participating in nonIPF competition: any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international powerlifting or bench press competition n o t organised,

category, is expected to defend her title. She had set national records for the 84+kg Division when she squatted 165.5kg, benchpressed 92.5kg, and dead lifted 195.5kg for a total of 453.5kg.

Up for grabs this year is the position of “male overall

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eeping a keen eye on their calendar of activities, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will now focus their attention on the RAW Nationals (Unequipped), which are scheduled to be held on August 25 in the Auditorium of the Saint Stanislaus College on Upper Brickdam, Georgetown.

In this competition, athletes will be lifting weights with little or no additional equipment.

T h e competition will be one to watch as veterans will return to stake their claim, while the newbies will aim to break new records and show off their strength as they fight for supremacy on the given date.

Natoya Robinson, last year’s victor in her

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

s the intensity of the rainy season gradually subsides, horse racing fanatics have begun anticipating a special treat, because the highly charged annual Sprint Classic of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies is set for an August 11 launch at the company’s racing facility at Macedonia Estate, Number 36 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

This event will feature racing in seven categories as Guyana’s top horses battle for supremacy over 880 and 660 yards, with more than $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

The feature event will be for horses classified E and Lower, and will be run over 880 yards, or 4 furlongs, for a winning purse of $300,000 and a trophy.

There is an event wherein 2-year-old animals race over 660 yards for a winning take of $150,000 and a trophy.

The event for animals classified J and Lower will be run over 4 furlongs for a take home prize of $150,000 and a trophy.

There is an event for animals classified K and Lower which will be run over 3 furlongs for a winning take of $140,000 and a trophy.

There are three L class races to be run over 3 furlongs.

One is strictly for stallions and another is strictly for mares, and both carry a winning prize of $100,000 and a trophy. The other L class event will see non-earners from the other two L class races competing over three furlongs for a winner’s prize of $100,000 and a trophy.

The champion jockey, trainer and stable will all be rewarded with trophies and other incentives, compliments of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall.

Persons interested in entering animals in these races are invited to contact Mohini on 600-4728, or Amanda on 6185966.

Boasting the only horseracing facility where the horses run in a straight line from start to finish, the Nand Persaud Group of Companies has the complete package: racing track, promotional group, race horses, and stables. The company also produces, imports, and sells feed.

This event is being promoted through Sky Plus Incorporated promotion group.

Robert Singh showcasing his newly acquired medal at the presentation ceremony

D

irector of Sport, Christopher Jones, has bestowed a Gold Medal of Acknowledgment on archer Robert Singh for his outstanding achievement in archery.

On Tuesday last, a simple but significant presentation ceremony organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) honoured Archery Guyana’s performances at the recently concluded third Annual Caribbean Beginners and Developmental Championships, held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The championships were held from June 28-30, 2019, and Guyana’s sole representative there was archer Robert Singh, who secured medals in all of the events. He was thus honoured by Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, by being presented with the Gold Medal of Acknowledgement for outstanding achievement at an International Sporting Event.

Present at the ceremony were Secretary-General Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Head Coach/Director of Archery Guyana, Nicholas Hing.

Contestants from 8 countries participated in the events at the championships: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, British Virgin Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana.

The Championships were organised as a stepping stone to prepare for World tournaments and games for Caribbean Archers, who have not competed in a world- ranking event.

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Berbicians disappointed at West Indies’ performance in the World Cup – call for players to improve mentally

I

t is reasonable to conclude that every Caribbean cricket lover was greatly disappointed in the poor performance of the West Indies Cricket Team in the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup tournament.

For instance, when this reporter visited the Ancient County, Berbicians shared their views on the Caribbean team’s performance at the global showpiece.

Most of those who spoke were discreet in not disclosing names and designations, but all shared similar views.

The most notable exception to this trend of anonymity was Albion Cricket Club’s acting Vice President Imtiaz Bacchus, who was openly concerned and disappointed at the team’s efforts in the World Cup tournament.

“Myself and every cricket fan had so much expectations that West Indies will do better. It was clear that Andre Russell was unfit, and yet the selectors persisted (with choosing him)” Bacchus remarked.

He lamented the selectors’ poor decision, saying that Russell’s presence prevented a fit player from participating in the World Cup. “In crunch moments, when West Indies had teams by the throat and (should have gone) for the kill, Holder showed his laid back attitude,” Bacchus charged.

“I feel the West Indies Team have a mental problem to read the game and win matches. On many occasions, they were in positions to win, but they let it slide,” Bacchus opined.

He recalled another scenario wherein a Caribbean batsman should have played sensible cricket. He said Carlos Brathwaite was well set on a century against New Zealand, and the West Indies required a mere six runs from seven balls to win the match. Brathwaite decided to go for glory, but was out caught at the boundary with another over to

Team West Indies entered the World Cup tournament as the ninth-ranked team in ODIs, and finished their campaign in that same position

Albion Cricket Club Vice President Imtiaz Bacchus (right)

play, as the West Indies were bowled out.

A few persons also had issues with captain Jason Holder.

They also thought the West Indies failed to capitalise on decisive moments because Holder had not employed an attacking disposition during the World Cup tournament.

A perfect instance, they said, came in the West Indies match against Australia, when the Aussies were at 79-5 and Holder held back and did not attack the Aussies. Instead, he watched Nathan Coulter-Nile smash his way to a counter-attacking 92 in scoring his maiden half-century.

The views on West Indies’ batting approach in the World Cup were scathing. “It was simply poor! No batsman from the West Indies played with brain!” one person declared.

On various occasions it became clear, they said, that when the West Indies batsmen faced short-pitched deliver-

ies, they batted those towards the fielders.

Knowledgeable Berbice cricket supporters who watched the World Cup intently said the Caribbean batsmen should pattern themselves after such greats as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Rohit Sharma and David Warner.

“These guys have shown the ability to bat long and score big runs with sensible cricket, something the West Indies batsmen have failed to do,” the ‘knowledgeables’ have said.

Many Berbicians opined that the West Indies players are mentally weak, and this is an area on which they must improve, moving forward.

The West Indies players, especially the batsmen, have shown preference for the T20 format, but 50 Overs is a longer format of the game, and players of this format must concentrate for a longer period.

“All West Indies batsmen want to hit six. They want glory,” Berbicians declared.

In their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, the West Indies lost six matches and won only two. This was one of the poorest showings at the global showpiece by any West Indies team.

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools’ Football Guyana U-17 set to sign off regional tournament against Leeward Islands Tournament continues today

T

Part of last week’s ongoing action between the boys

A

fter some eventful showdowns so far, the ExxonMobil Girls’ and Boys’ Under-14 Football tournament will continue today in its second edition at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Round 3 of the action in the girls’ category will commence at 10:00 hrs with Uitvlugt battling Lodge and New Campbellville duking it out with Tucville. East Ruimveldt will then attempt to see off St Mary’s, while Charlestown Secondary will attempt to overcome St Stanislaus at 10:50hrs.

At 11:40 hrs, Ann’s Grove will do battle with the in-form Annandale, and Dolphin will take on Richard Ishmael Secondary to culminate the afternoon’s play.

In the male division, a total of 8 matches are scheduled for the round of 16. The first two matchups, at 12:50 hrs, will see Marian Academy take on East Ruimveldt and Cummings Lodge going up against Ann’s Grove.

At 13:40 hrs, St John’s will lock horns with President’s College, while Carmel Secondary will battle Golden Grove. At 14:30 hrs, Dolphin Secondary will attempt to overthrow the in-form Tutorial, while St Mary and New Campbellville will also be do-

ing battle.

North Ruimveldt Multilateral and Queenstown Secondary will lock horns, while Lodge Secondary will seek to defeat Charlestown Secondary, both from 14:30 hrs.

For the boys, the top two teams from the six groups, along with the best four thirdplaced teams, will advance to the Round of 16. A similar situation would obtain for the girls.

In the inaugural tournament, in 2018, Chase’s Academy were the male winners while Charlestown Secondary took home the female championship. As the first prize, the winning schools will have opportunity to choose a school project that they would like to see completed.

There is an addition of four female teams, hence another group has been added, which makes the female tournament a 12team competition.

The Ministry of Public Health will be rewarding the ‘player of the week’ boys and girls with a haversack and 6 books as part of the encouragement to indulge in physical activities, which make for healthier lives.

he Sheldon Charles-led Guyana Under-17 Team, having thus far played four matches in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional U-17 50Over tournament, and having suffered four defeats therein, will meet Leeward Islands in their final round clash today, Saturday July 13.

Guyana’s latest defeat came against Jamaica at Gilbert Park in Trinidad and Tobago, where Jamaica overcame Guyana by a narrow six-run win in their fourth round clash. Batting first, Jamaica were bundled out for 104 in 48 overs, Guyana Skipper Charles wreaking havoc with 4-26 in nine overs of serious seam bowling, while Albion’s Sarwan Chaitnarine finished with 3-11 in 4.4 overs.

In reply, Guyana fell short by six runs, being bundled out for 99 in 46 overs of pathetic batting. Former Guyana Under-15 captain, the Tucber Park player Zeynul Ramsammy, top-scored with an unbeaten 23, which included two boundaries.

The Canadian Mathhew Nandu who one

Skipper Sheldon Charles, second right, had 4-26

of the more accomplished batsmen in the team, scoring 13, along with leg-spinner Niran Bissu who also scored 13. The Jamaican bowlers shared the wickets collectively to contain the Guyanese.

Jahiem Bartley had 2-12, while Brandon English had 2-8 in 10 overs.

This Guyana U-17 team continue their poor showing at this level. In the history of this tournament, no Guyanese team has ever suffered four consecutive defeats in a single tournament. Who are the persons to be blamed for this team’s performance?

The Guyanese will be aiming to save themselves from further embarrassment and finish the tournament on a winning note.

Barbados are leading the points table with 15.9 points gained from three wins and no defeats, while Jamaica are in second position with 13 points. Guyana’s next opponent, Leeward Islands, are in third position with 11.3 points, followed by Trinidad and Tobago with 9.3 points and Windward Islands with 6.2 points. (Brandon Corlette)

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saturday, JUly 13, 2019

23

Garfield Benjamin, looking classy during his 2019 Intercounty season for Berbice

By Brandon Corlette

C

ricket West Indies’ (CWI’s) Regional Under-19 tournament is slated for July 25, 2019, and the Berbice Under-19 batsman and Guyana U-19 selectee, Garfield Benjamin, is brimming with confidence ahead of this tournament.

Speaking to this reporter, the trailblazing right-handed batsman informed that he is pretty confident ahead of this tournament.

“I did not have the best inter-county (performance), but since completion of that tournament, I have been home and I have been working on the things that caused my downfall in the intercounty (tournament)”, Benjamin explained.

A Tucber Park player who has been a constant member of Berbice junior teams, and has even once represented Guyana as an Under-15 player, Benjamin added that he considers his 2019 Hand-in-Hand Inter-County performance average by his standards.

“I honestly think I could’ve achieved more with the starts that I had, but it was good to know that, after a few years, I actually had a fair chance of batting in the tournament, and I did well,”

Benjamin disclosed in a thankful approach.

This highly talented middle order batsman, who was born on November 3, 2000 and hails from Douglas Jones Road in Fyrish Village, Corentyne, added that he sees himself performing as a lower-middle- order batsman in the Guyana U-19 team.

Realistically speaking, he said, he is likely to bat at number six, and play a similar role to that of England’s Jos Butler.

“If we are in a compromising position, I don’t mind absorbing the pressure and just (keep on) batting for ones and twos. When we are in a commanding position, coming in and having to score quickly wouldn’t be a problem”, he explained.

Benjamin is currently in preparation mode for this tournament, and has been working on his fitness and concentration. “I’m also working on some shots that coach said would be pretty helpful in the sometimes testing conditions”, Benjamin declared.

In the 2019 Inter-county tournaments, Benjamin was an important asset to his team. He was tasked with rebuilding the innings on various occasions, and certainly did. In one three-day match, Benjamin bailed his team out of trouble twice with scores of 32 and 38*, and he also scored a half-century in the recent inter-county season.

His most illustrious knock is the match-winning 59 against Demerara in the U-15 inter-county final.

Benjamin’s game has since evolved to afford him scoring five centuries in his blooming career, with a high score of 140*.

This humble lad has expressed gratitude to all those who played a role in his journey thus far. He thanks his parents and

entire family, his coach Julian Moore, and friends Reuben and Lemuel. Additionally, Benjamin has expressed gratitude to his team mates, notably his fellow Berbicians Kevlon Anderson and Winslow Roberts, among others who have always shown him their support.

He is certainly a talented player who would also be eager to play a role in the Guyana U-19 championship win when the CWI Regional U-19 Benjamin has been tournament bowls off a recognised player in St Vincent at the junior level (Brandon Corlette photos) and the Grenadines.

Under Julian Moore and Benjamin’s leadership, Guyana has been the most successful Regional U-19 team, especially in the one-day format, which is the lone format this year. Guyana will certainly be eying a sixth title.

When Benjamin suits up to represent the Golden Arrow Head, he will be aiming to perform at his best for his country.

CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championships…

All teams confident ahead of tournament

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Leonora Track and Field Centre will come alive this evening when the CONCACAF U20 Women’s Championships commence at 19:00 hrs with Suriname battling Saint Lucia in the curtain-raiser of a double-header which sees the hosts, Guyana, taking on Bermuda at 21:30 hrs.

In a simple ceremony held at the Princess Ramada Hotel and Casino at Providence, EBD, coaches and captains of the respective teams shared their expectations heading into the highly anticipated tournament.

Head Coach of the Suriname side, Byran Aalse with Captain Genevieve Sabajo

Head Coach of the Bermuda side, Nikita Robinson with Captain Jade Stewart

that the locally- based players haven’t played with the foreign-based players; this evening is the first time they will play as a team.

He noted that as the team plays more matches, a better chemistry will develop among players. He said they have not had the luxury of playing exhibition matches, and although he is confident that all the teams are prepared and great football will be played, he is certain the Guyanese team will do their best when they hit the field.

Coach of the Guyana side, Ivan Joseph with Taylor White and Lensey Adolph

Guyana The local side is being coached by Ivan Joseph, who said the side does not have a captain, but this is much preferred over giving two persons the responsibility of leading the team. Joseph believes that all the women on the team are natural leaders, and all can lead the team into topping their group.

In an invited comment, Joseph said, “I have been involved with the national team for the last year, and as we saw from last year, Bermuda is the most organised and talented group in the pool. This is our first time in the U20 group. We probably have two players who have experience at the senior level, but 80 percent of our team is youthful, and will be experiencing their first international competition.

“Our expectation and hope is that this is part of our rebuilding programme, as we will be hopeful to place within the top two. We will look to put forward momentum as we look to build our programme; as, if we want to do such, we will need more competitions.

“The reason we have no captain (is because) I find that in coaching women’s teams, they are leader-full; so we look to see how we can delegate that authority across the board, rather than putting it in one of two people.”

Joseph also said that one major challenge the team is facing is

Suriname Representing the Surinamese side, coach Byran Aalse said the goal of the side is to qualify for the next round; and they are aiming for first or second place, because they do not consider third place as an option.

Aalse said the side is almost completely new, but there are three players with international experience. He said he knows his team can come out on top, since they are comprised of a lot of new talent and are full of youth.

Bermuda Bermuda is currently coached by Nikita Robinson, who said her expectation of the team is “like everyone else: to win the group stage and advance to the second round”.

This is a very young but experienced team, she disclosed, and quite a few of them have played in the U15, U17, and some at the U20 level already. Quite a few have played against the USA also, so they know what it takes to play to win.

She added that the coaches are very happy with the level the team members are at, and the level that they are going to play at.

“We respect all opposition, and we know that everyone is coming to win this, so we will focus on our game. And once we do it right, we will be successful in our game. We are in a rebuilding phase. We have had success at the U15 and U17 levels, even at the men’s level; so this is the next step for us: the U20 level,” she declared.

Assistant Coach of the Saint Lucia side, Trevor Anderson with Captain Krysan St Louis

Saint Lucia Assistant coach of the Saint Lucian side, Trevor Anderson, said that despite the youthful makeup of the team, he expects his team to win the tournament while playing good football.

In terms of experience, four Saint Lucia players were on the senior team, while members of the team fall within the age group 17 to 20.

The CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Qualifiers will be held from July 13th to July 21st. Guyana has been placed in ‘Group A’, along with Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname and St. Lucia.

The top three finishers of each group will then advance to the knockout stage of the competition, joining the four teams that advanced from the qualifying stage.

Admission to all matches is free of charge.

saturday, JUly 13, 2019

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

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ExxonMobil U-14 Schools’ Football Tournament continues today CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championships…

Page 23

Page 21

RAW Nationals (Unequipped) All teams confident set for August 25

ahead of tournament

– Robinson to defend title, male overall title up for grabs

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