Guyana Times Saturday May 4, 2019

American Airlines announces daily flights from CJIA to JFK P14 from December Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3913

THE BEACON OF TRUTH saturday, MAY 4, 2019

PRICE

Exxon gets green light for US$6B Liza Phase 2 development ‌to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Toddler feared dead after allegedly P12 falling into canal

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PSC slams Govt for honouring convicted terrorist Abdul Kadir

Page 10

23-yearP9 old man stabbed to death during argument M&CC strikes new deal with solid waste contractors

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New Business Minister P15 promises to increase local manufacturing, local consumption

A teacher attached to St Gabriel’s Nursery School reads to the pupils in the rehabilitated library which was officially commissioned on Friday. The project was done by public management students of the University of Guyana as part of the Local Government Group Project

Ramjattan to challenge Nagamootoo for PM post at upcoming national conference Man electrocuted Overseas-based Guyanese pensioner after robbing found dead in his storage bond Berbice home

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See story on page 15

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Decomposed P15 body of woman found in trench

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, May 4 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, May 5 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, May 4 – 16:30h-18:00h and Sunday, May 5 – 16:55h-18:25h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies in the early morning hours are expected to give way to light rain showers that will last into the early afternoon hours. Light cloudy skies with sunny intervals are expected in the remainder of the afternoon, followed by partly cloudy skies and light rain showers in the evening.

Overall temperatures will range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 04:06h and 16:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.69 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:03h and 22:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 and 0.55 metres.

THURsday, MAY 3, 2019

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

Exxon gets green light for US$6B Liza Phase 2 development – to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day

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s the United States oil giant gears up for oil production in the first quarter of 2020, ExxonMobil has been granted approval to go ahead with its Liza Phase 2 Development offshore Guyana, which will commence in mid-2022.

This was confirmed

by Director of the Energy Department, Dr Mark Bynoe at a press conference on Friday.

“The Liza Phase 2 Field Development Plan (FDP) was approved by the Minister responsible for petroleum on Monday, 29 April, 2019. The approval is for the second phase of development on the Liza field. The DE and GGMC Petroleum Division, together with its external consultant, Bayphase, conducted an indepth review of the Liza Phase 2 Field Development Plan (FDP) submitted by Exxon Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL),” he noted.

According to Dr Bynoe, the approval is subject to a number of conditions and confirmatory studies. These includes the establishment of a Regional Capping Stack or other solution to ensure that a Capping Stack can be deployed within five days of a well control event with loss of containment; improving the targeted availability of the overall production system of the Liza Phase 2 FPSO to between 98 per cent and 99 per cent, and identifying potential cost savings synergies between Liza Phase 1 and Lisa Phase 2.

The others are for the Stabroek partners to enter into a Decommissioning Security Agreement and having EEPGL conduct annual third-party auditing on their drilling operations that would be consistent with Good International Oil Field Practice (GIOFP) and its own Operations Integrity Management System (OIMS) and the EEPGL shall follow the required practice in the US Gulf of Mexico in calculating “worst case discharge” and to validate the assumptions and calculations by obtaining an independent assessment to develop an estimate of the flow that would result from an open hole well control event with loss of containment.

This independent assessment, Dr Bynoe noted, will then be used as the basis for the oil spill response plan and oil spill modelling.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil in a subsequent statement stated that it has funded the Liza Phase 2 development at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion, for the Liza Utility floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The Liza Phase 2 will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day and a total of 600 million from that development. For the Phase 2 Development, six drill centres are planned, along with

approximately 30 wells – 15 production, nine water injection and six gas injection wells.

Nevertheless, the US oil giant noted that the Liza Phase 1 remains on track to achieve first oil by the first quarter of 2020 and will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO, which is expected to arrive offshore Guyana in the third quarter of this year.

“With the Government of Guyana and our partners, ExxonMobil is bringing industry-leading upstream capabilities to build upon Phase 1 and further develop the shared value of Guyana’s re-

per day with start-up as early as 2023.

Moreover, the company is evaluating additional development potential in other areas of the Stabroek Block, including at the Turbot area and Hammerhead.

The missive further outlined that by the end of 2019, Exxon will have four drillships operating offshore Guyana. Following well completion activities at the recently announced Yellowtail discovery, the Noble Tom Madden will move to the Hammerhead-2 well. The Stena Carron is completing a well test at the Longtail-1 discovery, and will then move to the Hammerhead-3 well.

sources,” said Liam Mallon, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil and Gas Company.

“We are actively pursuing significant development potential from numerous discoveries in the Stabroek Block,” he added.

In fact, pending Government and regulatory approvals, Exxon revealed that a final investment decision is expected later this year for a third phase of development, Payara, which is expected to produce between 180,000 and 220,000 barrels

Later in 2019, according to the US oil giant, the Stena Carron will drill a second well at the Ranger discovery. The Noble Bob Douglas drillship is completing development drilling operations for Liza Phase 1. ExxonMobil will add another exploration drillship, the Noble Don Taylor, in the fourth quarter of 2019.

As the projects proceed, Exxon noted that its partners’ investment in the Guyanese economy continues to increase. In fact, it pointed out that the number of Guyanese nationals supporting project

Energy Department Director, Dr Mark Bynoe

activities more than doubled in 2018 to over 1000.

“ExxonMobil and its co-venturers spent nearly $60 million with more than 500 Guyanese vendors in 2018. More than 1500 Guyanese companies are registered with the Centre for Local Business Development, which was founded by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers in 2017 with the mission of supporting local businesses to become globally competitive,” the company said on Friday.

With its 13th discovery on the Stabroek Block last month, the US oil giant now estimates recoverable resources at more than 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

This creates the potential for at least five FPSO vessels producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

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

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

The Portuguese in British Guiana

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esterday Guyana observed “Portuguese Arrival Day”.

It may not be a public holiday, but President David Granger so designated this day in 2017 and we would be remis if we did not reflect on the presence of the Portuguese in the history of our country.

It is noteworthy that even though Brazil next door had been a Portuguese colony since the 16th Century, the Portuguese of Guyana did not actually originate from Portugal, but from the tiny island of Madeira off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.

Slavery had been abolished in the British colonies in 1834 and the sugar planters were convinced the freed slaves would not remain on the plantations after the “apprenticeship” period of six years – later reduced to four.

The planters learnt of the extreme poverty and turmoil in Madeira and arranged for 40 individuals to sail on the ship Louisa Baille to find their fortune in British Guiana. A total of 429 were to arrive in that year and even though conditions were horrendous, those that returned after their period of service to Madeira, encouraged others to follow in 1841 when there was a terrible famine on the island. In that year, a total of 4297 arrived and most of those who survived decided to make British Guiana their home. By 1881, when the last Portuguese from Madeira arrived, a total of 30,685 had emigrated.

In the meantime, immigration from the West Indies (WI) was also encouraged since wages there was far lower than in British Guiana, and the local freed slaves were beginning to leave the plantations in droves after 1838. By then, 5000 workers came from the WI. In that year, immigration from India had also commenced but was discontinued until 1845. The Portuguese, however, unlike the Indians, after their period of indentureship, did not re-indenture but left the plantations to establish themselves in trading with Madeira for foodstuff, becoming tradesmen and craftsmen and establishing retail shops in which the goods were sold.

The British importers had confined themselves to dealing with the planters directly in a wholesale fashion but with the establishment of the Village Movement and the increase of the urban population by the freed Africans, the Portuguese pioneered the retail trade and soon dominated it. Resentment however broke out between them and their African customers and the first inter-ethnic riot in the colony – the Angel Gabriel Riot – occurred in 1856 in Georgetown.

There was another serious one in 1888.

The Portuguese, however, persevered and soon in every village across the country, there was at least one Portuguese retail establishment – including rum shops. In Georgetown, they soon expanded their businesses and challenged the British merchants. In many instances they became the agents for the British exporters. But the Portuguese did not just bring their business acumen and industriousness to Guyana – they brought their religion and their culture.

While the British were Protestants, the Portuguese were fervent Roman Catholics and with them having the wherewithal on account of their businesses, soon established churches across the country and eventually Cathedrals in Georgetown to conduct their worship. Sociologically, even though the Portuguese were phenotypically Europeans, they were not accepted as such by the British ruling strata. As such, they worked diligently to create their own institutions such as schools and hospitals to address their own quest for status and respectability.

By the turn of the 19th Century – just two decades after their immigration had ceased – the Portuguese were occupying the rung on par with the Coloured elite, just below the whites at the apex of society. They had entered the professions of medicine and law and soon after the turn of the century became members of the Legislature, which had been recently expanded to address their demands for political representation.

The struggle for independence after WWII unfortunately led to most Portuguese leaving the country because of fear of communism. By 1960, the population of 8000 in 1946 had shrunken to 3000 and now stands just under 2000.

Two students attached to the National School of Music performed a musical rendition at the commemoration ceremony in honour of the 184th anniversary of the Arrival of Portuguese Immigrants to Guyana which was held at the Sacred Heart Church, Main Street, Georgetown

Cracks appear in US bipartisan unity on Venezuela

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resident Donald Trump’s tough approach to Venezuela has won broad support from both Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress, but this rare display of bipartisan consensus is starting to show signs of strain as the crisis in the OPEC nation drags on.

Members of both parties remain in agreement that Venezuela’s socialist president Nicolás Maduro must go. They credit the Trump Administration for helping to forge an international coalition that recognised Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s interim President.

But after Guaidó’s latest calls for a military uprising and street protests failed to oust Maduro this week, some Democrats urged the Administration to work more closely with foreign allies to choke off Maduro’s cash flow and to tone down its rhetoric, particularly threats of military action.

Cracks in bipartisan cooperation on Venezuela – a rare bright spot for the Republican President, who has seldom drawn support for his policies from across the aisle – came amid signs of disappointment within the Administration over what many had hoped would be a turning point in the crisis.

More than three months after throwing US support behind Guaidó, head of the opposition-led National Assembly, Trump now has fewer levers to help pressure Venezuela’s military to abandon Maduro. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Senator Bob Menendez, top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said Washington must work

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro speaks during a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, May 1, 2019

harder to convince foreign partners to back multilateral sanctions against Maduro. Few countries have matched harsh US punitive measures against Venezuela’s vital oil sector and its banks.

“The sanctions that we have are unilateral. They’re important,” Menendez told reporters. But the United States should “internationalise” those sanctions, he said.

“Isolating Russia and Cuba, the bad actors, in Venezuela. I think that would have changed the dynamics significantly.”

Most Western countries have backed Guaidó, but Maduro retains the support of Venezuela’s major creditors Russia and China, as well as leftist regional allies like Cuba and Bolivia.

D e m o c r a t i c Representative David Cicilline urged legislation to bar Trump from any military action without congressional approval. Under current laws, a US President has broad powers to order military action. With Republicans controlling the Senate, new legislation to curb that power is unlikely in the short-term.

Cicilline also said ad-

ministration officials should stop making statements that could be used as “propaganda” by Maduro’s supporters.

The Administration should “sort of dial back that kind of rhetoric,” he said at the House of Representatives.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States was prepared to act militarily in Venezuela “if that’s what’s required.” Just hours later, the Pentagon appeared to downplay any active preparations for military intervention, but acknowledged detailed contingency planning.

Some Republicans want US military role

A few Republicans see a role for the US military.

Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida said US forces should be put in a position to help move aid convoys into Venezuela.

However, there is deep skepticism whether Trump, who is trying to extract the United States from Syria and Afghanistan, is ready to commit to new foreign conflict. Most Latin American partners have already made clear they oppose the idea.

“The United States is at its strongest and most legitimate when we are standing shoulder to shoulder with our Latin American and European allies,” said Democratic Representative Tom Malinowski, a former State Department official.

“So whatever we do going forward, stick with that approach.”

He also called on the administration to temper its public pronouncements.

“This is a genuine popular democratic uprising,” Malinowski told Reuters.

“It’s not led by the United States. But we should not be saying things from Washington that create even the slightest impression to the contrary.”

Guaidó invoked the constitution in January to assume the interim presidency, arguing that Maduro’s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Maduro calls Guaidó a US puppet seeking a coup.

Venezuelans heeded a call from Guaidó to take to the streets on Wednesday in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little indication of any change in what looks increasingly like a political stalemate.

Asked whether he was disappointed with the outcome, US Senator Marco Rubio, who has played a key role in pushing Trump’s anti-Maduro approach, told Reuters: “No, because I think it’s a mistake to view it as a one-day event.”

US officials said on Tuesday that three top Maduro loyalists purportedly had been in negotiations with the opposition to turn against Maduro but then reneged.

Maduro and key military figures made a show of unity in a television broadcast on Thursday. (Reuters)

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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

Kadir’s 5-year plan to infiltrate GDF, etc ought to raise serious concerns

Dear Editor, Kindly permit these comments to supplement some of what has been said already regarding the government’s controversial motion passed in praise of the late PNC MP, Mr. Abdul Kadir, despite his terrorism-related conviction in a US Federal Court.

Some now argue that Washington should respect Guyana’s right to self-determination and should not have criticized the Kadir motion.

Maybe the problem is not Washington, but Georgetown. Perhaps that argument should have been

made when Mr. Kadir was taken off a plane in Trinidad.

Not everything submitted into those proceedings by the US government were necessarily gospel. Who will question when Georgetown is silent?

Of interest to the Guyanese public, during the trial of Mr. Kadir and his co-conspirators, a US agent testified as to the content of a “five-year development plan” or report that was created by and seized from Mr. Kadir’s home in Linden, along with other items.

These include computer files, writings, prayer books,

speeches, a “photograph of a bloody severed head with Arabic writing underneath the head,” a partial phonebook titled “important phone numbers,” religious literature, anti-Iraq literature, Linden mining documents, Tehran Times newspapers, and yes, “PNC documents.”

Washington is rightly serious about terrorism. If local party documents such as the aforesaid “PNC documents” surfaces in a terrorism trial, then Washington will take note. To do otherwise, is irrational and risky. Guyana is a transshipment point for certain schools of global ter-

rorism and Guyanese ought to be vigilant.

As such, the Guyanese public should, like Washington, be extremely concerned about the late PNC MP’s “five-year development plan,” compiled for the benefit of Iran. How could such a serious plan exist at the home of a PNC MP, and Georgetown including Congress Place be unaware or silent?

In it the late PNC MP detailed how elements may infiltrate major Guyanese institutions, for the benefit of Iran and other forces. The national army or

GDF, which the PNC likes to believe, owes that party more allegiance than to the Guyanese people, or the concept of self-rule, is being set up by a PNC MP for infiltration or weakening.

The police, the government (“ministries”), local newspapers and radio stations are also to be targeted.

In order to help achieve all of this infiltration, the PNC MP suggested that “forged” documents be used and as well as persons with multiple citizenships, which is to say, introduce persons with transnational background into Guyana’s community to

weaken it.

In his five-year report, the late PNC MP provided information regarding the “gross agricultural output of Guyana,” the relationship between the then government and the trade union congress, about influential persons in the then government, and stated that “the local army about 3,000 strong is now sinking low in morale, many soldiers have left, some for Venezuela, Brazil, and others for the road.”

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

Does Peeping Tom have an anti-worker agenda?

Dear Editor, The GAWU has recognised that Peeping Tom in his/her column, which appeared in the May 2, 2019, edition of Kaieteur News, as the columnist did a year ago, is again encouraging workers not to be unionised. The GAWU, also like it did in 2018, cannot fail to express its deep concern with the contentions that are being advocated by Peeping Tom. We saw that the columnist recognised our dismay on the last occasion he/she penned a similar column but yet, it appears, ignored what our Union had then said. Is it a case of Peeping Tom having an anti-worker agenda?

Peeping Tom, as he/she did before, holds the view that workers in Guyana would be better off without Unions. The absurdity in such a statement is well manifested when we consider the situation regarding workers who are unionised versus those who don’t belong to

unions.

The nation would well recall when then Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Simona Broomes had visited a number of non-unionised workplaces and the stark, disturbing findings she stumbled upon.

Similar situations do not generally take place in workplaces where workers enjoy representational services.

Certainly, it points to the need for workers to be organised in an effort to ensure that their rights are respected and they benefit from certain protections at the workplace.

In the period since Peeping Tom wrote his/her last column on this matter, the necessity of Unions has even been further highlighted. Just in recent months, a strong stand by the entire trade union movement has seen the workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI) making significant strides in the struggle to get a

fairer deal from the company.

A similar situation also played out in the struggles of the nation’s teachers which eventually saw the Education Ministry coming back to the table and hammering out a deal which saw the teachers winning several of their demands. It undoubtedly goes to show how important a role the entire trade union movement has in our country.

Even on May Day, Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally congratulated the union movement for its working together. In her remarks, the Minister pointed out that collaboration and co-operation in the movement have seen improvement in the national minimum wage, the recent launch of a national occupational safety and health policy and child labour policy, among other things. These are tangible contributions of the movement which will benefit not only unionised but non-unionised workers as well.

Peeping Tom, in advising workers, urged them “[I]f an employer is underpaying you or exploiting you, do not stick around. Move on to something else”. It seems that the columnist has ignored the real reality that employers are driven by profits and, therefore, are concerned with getting maximum value for little reward to their workers.

Moving on from one employer to another will not change that sentiment recognising the smallness of our labour market and the sharing of information between employers. The reality is that moving from firm A to B will not remove the exploitative tendencies we have seen in our country. What we have also seen, however, is that firms which have a unionised workforce tend to have improved conditions and benefits. Of course, to us, this is not a strange situation as studies in other countries in the world have concluded that higher levels of union-

isation see workers on the whole enjoying better benefits.

The columnist also said workers should form staff associations and pay subscription fees. But ironically isn’t this a Union in a different form. Obviously, it seems to us, that Peeping Tom isn’t rationally considering what he/ she is saying.

Moreover, the columnist said that by organising within organisations rather than nationally, workers would be better able to fight for better wages and conditions contending that it is putting self above others. This outlandish sentiment, in our view, is yet another ploy to divide and conquer as smaller groupings can be easily manipulated to the employer’s whim and fancies. At the same time, the trade union movement is not solely concentrated on discussions at the bargaining table recognising that national policies can also go a long way to bring about real

improvement in workers and their families well-being.

We contend that Peeping Tom’s suppositions will not bring about the change the columnist believes that they will. In fact, it could well reverse the progress that the workers have scored over the last century when the first organisation of workers was established.

While there is always need for improvement and betterment, the trade union movement has made laudable contributions and significant progress to bring about profound changes in the lives of our nation’s workers. We go forward fortified in the belief that united we stand, divided we fall. As the lyrics of the now-popular workers’ song, Solidarity Forever, says, “The union makes us strong”.

Dear Editor, No doubt many Guyanese are now aware of the recent damages wrought, relevant to the fires at Waikin Ranch. This is a grievous act of deliberate ecological destruction that should be deservedly condemned. Sadly, it was neither the only nor largest of this dry season’s fires. We have received reports at Visit Rupununi of this form of reckless, late season burning from across the region and this year’s events seem to be worse than in previous years.

There have been major fires across the savannahs in both the north and south and in the Kanukus, linked to human recklessness; at Karanambu, there was one fire that lasted over 2 weeks in one of the largest and most critical bush islands in the region; along the hunt oil stretch, fires that were deliberately set have destroyed a bridge along the main access path used in the wet season which, if not repaired in time, could leave an entire sector of the region cut off from access to Lethem for food, fuel etc. In other areas, persons have lost homes, property, farms and crops.

To paint all acts of burning as barbarous or of human origin is both unfair and untrue. Some fires do result from the combination of heat and the dryness and controlled burning (with its roots in both the Indigenous as well as ranching culture) when used properly has been scientifically shown

to have positive impacts.

Sadly, there is a growing culture of reckless, malicious and unregulated burning which has evolved in modern times.

This has led to wanton destruction of the kind witnessed at Waikin and signals the loss of the knowledge and understanding of the use of burning as an effective traditional land management tool. What is irrefutable is that uncontrolled burning is injurious to wildlife, promotes the spread of savannahs and habitat loss, which in turn robs animals and birds of shelter, food and protection. Uncontrolled burning is injurious to people, Ecosystems and agriculture; destroying useful and endemic species and allowing for advantageous growth of species such a razor grass, which have neither economic nor ecological value.

Uncontrolled burning is injurious to tourism because it compromises the quality, integrity and beauty of our product which just won Guyana international accolades as the number one Eco-Tourism destination in the world and, therefore, has a direct impact on the local and national economy.

It is not enough to quietly commiserate and share sad faces online, it is time that we as a region and nation take seriously the ecological and economic consequences of such acts which threaten human life, damage crops, cause injury to

domestic animals, destroy habitats, kill wildlife and threaten economic activities like tourism and agriculture.

It is time to have serious discussions at the regional and community levels about the need for education and working together to reduce and censure wanton destructive actions. Because of climate change, we are seeing longer and hotter dry seasons, a trend that is likely to become increasingly worst in the coming years.

The damage caused by burning on the Rupununi landscape is a problem,

therefore, if not addressed seriously now will continue to get worst both in magnitude and frequency. As a society, we can no longer duck our heads in the sand. To do so risks being left with a lifeless and ugly wasteland strewn with the stories of “when we were young” and the tears shed over the opportunity lost when a simple change in behaviour was all that was needed to avoid disaster.

We must be willing to call out in our villages, communities and families, persons engaged in such reckless acts and work together

with regional authorities to bring censure and with local stakeholders to promote education aimed at relearning a more responsible use of fire based on the traditional

practices that do work, education and collaboration are the key.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

Fires in the Rupununi need collaboration and education to effect change in behaviour Regards, Melanie McTurk

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SATURday, MAY 4, 2019

Page

Foundation Be yourself

By Lindsay B Jernigan, PhD

I

n September, I watched my 15-year-old daughter stride confidently away from me through JFK security toward a semester in Switzerland. She smiled at the TSA agent as she handed over her boarding pass, and without looking back, she leaped out of the nest. Just like that.

In the following days, I reflected on the work of being a parent: of loving a tiny being more than anything in the world; of building attachment with depth I didn’t know existed; of protecting and teaching and guiding and watching and listening and yelling and crying and swearing and hugging and learning and loving and loving and loving. And then, of trying not to clip those little beings’ wings when they are ready to fly.

We live in a world that can feel pretty scary for kids and parents, alike. Sending our kids out into the world, whether that means sending them off to kindergarten or to the other side of the planet, is a pretty tall parenting task. My dad sent me a text while I was at the airport, reminding me that our job is to provide our kids with both roots and wings. Roots and wings.

I understand, with every fibre of my being, the desire to protect our kids from pain and from challenge, to make their lives easy and their hearts light all the time.

Do I wish for that? Yes. There is literally nothing more painful than watching my girls struggle. Add to that innate protective response the cultural messaging about what it means to be a good mother, and we really have ourselves a pickle.

In her ground-breaking book In a Different Voice (1982), Carol Gilligan, an expert on gender role socialisation, explained that the female gender role decrees that it is women’s job to take care of the feelings and emotional needs of others. Being a mother kicks this into high gear; we are conditioned to see it as our job to protect our children from painful emotions and experiences. And then, we are further conditioned that our worth depends on our success at this impossible task. In their book The Mommy Myth (2004), authors Susan Douglas and Meredith Michaels describe how modern mothers are expected to prioritise their children’s experiences over all else, and that their relationship to their children is the primary source of identity for many modern moms. Social media further drives home what these expectations look like, bombarding mothers with mediated images of eternally happy children (and mothers). It’s no wonder that we have seen the birth of helicopter and bulldozer parenting when we are under pressure to make sure our kids are happy as if our worth depends on it. Nor is it any wonder that the internet is rife with articles about

mother exhaustion, burnout, perfectionism, and overload.

Kids need to experience emotional struggles

Clearing their path of challenges doesn’t do our kids any favours, either. Going through pain is the only way they can become the open-hearted wise warriors they are meant to be. Kids need to experience emotional struggles in order to develop resilience; they need to experience their full range of emotions to know their own breadth and depth and power; and they need to see a whole world in front of them, not a curated path, so that they may hear their own inner callings and make their own life map.

But how do we stop hovering and bulldozing? How do we caretake, tend to, and love on our kids in a way that doesn’t rob us of our own energy, and supports our kids to be their shiniest selves?

Instead of smoothing the way for my kids, I want to help nurture their resilience, their strength. I want to help them grow in the real world, not in a protective bubble.

I want to support them in a way that allows me to have enough bandwidth left over to enjoy them and share some of my shine with them, as well. I propose Watering Can Parenting, and here’s how it works:

Bring love

Love is like water. Plants can’t grow without water, and children cannot grow without love.

Two Psych 101 studies vividly tell this story. One is about the rhesus monkeys who, when forced to choose, chose the semblance of love in the form of a cuddly model mama monkey over the physical sustenance of food served from a cold wire feeder, even if it meant starvation.

The other study detailed the lives of orphans in communist-era Romania who were given sustenance and shelter, but were deprived of loving attention and touch. These children developed emotional, psychiatric, cognitive and physical dysfunctions that were often irreversible. While these are extreme examples, they make an important point. First and foremost, we are the bearers of the most critical life force for our children: love. It’s the most important thing. Water them with it regularly.

Be quiet

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a quiet person. But when one of my girls is struggling, the parenting moments I’m most proud of are the ones when I remember to be quiet. To listen. When they are given the space to let their thoughts and feelings flow with a loving witness, they come up with their own resolutions. Helicopters and bulldozers are not quiet. They roar. They drown out the sound of inner voices – and littler voices.

I’m not a fan of one-size-fits-all parenting suggestions. I am not you, my kids are not your kids, and my life is not your life. Watering Can Parenting leaves room for individuality and variety; watering cans come in all shapes and sizes. Be a watering can your way. You know your plants better than anyone. Trust your instincts. I have one daughter who likes to talk with me in the car, and another who likes to listen to podcasts together. One of them likes to be snuggled when mad, the other likes to be tickled and teased. I water them differently. But either way, I’m offering them the nutrients they need.

Offer strength, not solutions

Helicopter and bulldozer parents send the message, perhaps unintentionally, that they don’t believe in their child’s capacity to solve their own problems or forge their own way. Helicopters and bulldozers don’t make room for creative solutions, and they don’t make it possible for plants to determine their own response to the environment – to grow in different directions. Instead of moving obstacles, I want to remind myself to just give my kids the strength and courage they need to find their own way to persevere. I

Know that you are not the only source of water

This last one feels particularly poignant for me today as I think about my teenager in Switzerland. She used to be a starter plant, tiny and fragile and safe in an indoor nursery where I would water her every single day. She grew roots, and a strong stem, and she is blooming. She developed strength and resilience and a desire to grow. Outside the nursery, my watering can is not the only source of water. She can catch her own rain. I can celebrate the rainy days with her as I watch her fill herself up with her own sources of love.

I can watch in awe as she blooms in unexpected colours and find creative ways around the rocks in her path. And I can be there with my watering can on the dry days…even if she’s in Switzerland. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

What you need:

small piece of cork needle strong magnet shallow dish with water (I used a pie plate) working, store-bought compass (optional) enthusiastic child (required)

Procedure

Step 1. Float the cork on top of the water.

Step 2. Magnetise the needle. You do this by drawing the needle across a strong magnet several times in the same direction. We counted 50 strokes.

Step 3. Carefully place the needle on the cork. The cork will spin back and forth a few times before it settles down to north. You can check your work by placing a store-bought compass next to the dish.

Map science: using the compass

As you can see, we placed a map underneath our snazzy cork compass and lined up the north-pointing needle with the compass on the map itself. My son then located our destination and current location.

Even though my son loved exploring his map with the compass, he may have had the most fun manipulating and controlling the needle with the strong magnet.

Have you ever made a compass? It’s something every kid should do! (whatdowedoallday.com)

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Overseas-based Guyanese pensioner found dead in his Berbice home

– feet tied together, stabbed to abdomen, head, and chest

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he lifeless body of an overseas-based Guyanese pensioner was discovered on Friday morning with his feet tied and several visible marks of violence about his body.

The deceased has been identified as 73-year-old Godfrey Branch, whose Guyanese address is Lot 22A Springlands Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

GuyanaTimes understands that the murder occurred between 15:30h on Thursday and 09:15h on Friday, allegedly by three persons.

Branch resided in a two-storeyed wooden and

concrete structure, with a “well fenced yard” surrounded by eight security cameras.

The lower flat of the home consists of an empty grocery shop but provides an enclosed stairway that leads to the upper flat which has a wooden door.

According to the Police, this door is secured by both a hasp and staple lock and padlock internally.

A family friend of the deceased, a shop keeper of Middle Street, Princetown, Corriverton, Berbice, told investigators that on Thursday afternoon around 15:30h, she visited Branch

Murdered: Overseasbased Guyanese pensioner, Godfrey Branch

and left him at his residence “alive and well.”

The woman told the Police that around 21:15h on Thursday night, she noticed Branch’s main access door was open and called out to him from his gate but received no response. She subsequently went about her business.

However, the Police say that the woman went to visit Branch around 09:15h on Friday and found that the same door was still open.

This publication understands that as a result, she jumped the fence and entered the upper flat of the building through the

Eastern door, which was partially open.

It was then that she made the gruesome discovery of Branch’s body lying on the floor in his living room.

The Police was immediately contacted.

Further information from the Police revealed that Branch was found lying on his back, clad in black long pants with a leather belt around his waist and long boots on his feet.

His feet were tied together at the ankle with a purple trouser. Meanwhile, two wounds were seen on his abdomen, one to the left region of the chest near the heart, another wound to the right side of his chest and one to

the left side of the back of his head.

According to the Police, the man’s house was ransacked and an undisclosed sum of cash was said to be missing. In relation to the CCTV footage from the security cameras surrounding the premises, the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) box was “cut and removed from the home.”

Branch’s body is at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. The Police have confirmed that three suspects are presently in custody assisting with the investigation as Branch’s residence continues to be processed by crime scene detectives.

Damning findings in audit report of SOCU force restructuring

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everal ranks of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are expected to be transferred or even have their services terminated following the findings of the recently concluded audit report into the unit.

This is according to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, who on Friday during a media briefing stated that action will be taken by Police Commissioner Leslie James with regard to the damning discoveries.

“The Commissioner is the head of SOCU as you know.

I have seen the report, it is not a very nice report and the Commissioner has told me that he is going to take action. Operational matters, a Minister must not indulge in and that is an operational

Police Commissioner Leslie James

matter.”

Almost three weeks ago, the audit into the financial operations of the SOCU was completed and handed over to James for further action,

and according to Ramjattan, the unit will be restructured.

“He ordered an audit after coming by information, the audit has been completed and he will take action, he told me. I am hoping that it will be action taken very early. Certainly [there] will have to be shifting around, probably some terminations too. I don’t know what his decision will be but that is going to be the Commissioner’s decision.”

The Public Security Minister, who is the first Government official to speak about the findings of the audit report, explained that by having changes in a system that is flawed, or in this case, an agency where it is revealed that persons are not serving the purposes that they were contracted to function in, then this is the

first key step in rebranding SOCU’s image.

“This is exactly what you do. Institutions can get rotten. What a Government does is through its leadership at the various units, ask for audits, get the things right and move on and put

the correct people in places that can remedy the defects that were occurring and that is what you do in any institution. That is what the people do with Governments and that is the self-redeeming feature of democracy and that is the self-redeem-

ing feature of institutional democracy. You call for the audits, and the audits prove that he is wrong, this is wrong and whatever, and so on and then you make the remedial action,” he posited.

According to recent media reports, the audit of the financial records of SOCU has uncovered serious irregularities, including the falsification of records, and it has recommended immediate transfers and a fraud investigation of several of the discrepancies, sources say.

An audit of SOCU, which is a branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), was ordered by Police Commissioner Leslie James in February following claims of grave mismanagement which included the misuse of its operational fund.

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Youth arraigned for shooting at Police, possession of firearm and ammo

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ineteen-year-old Marlon Jeffrey of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with three charges including two counts of discharging a loaded firearm at police ranks and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The teen, also called “‘Melvor Jeffrey” and “Buck” stood before Magistrate Leron Daly who read the charges detailing that on July 11, 2017, at Brutus Street, Agricola, he discharged a loaded firearm at Police Constables Romel Kato and David Bobb with intent to disable, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm so as to prevent apprehension.

The defendant was further charged for having in his possession one 12-gauge shotgun and eight live match-

Remanded: Marlon Jeffrey

ing rounds of ammunition without being the licensed firearm holder.

The unrepresented teen denied all the charges after they were read to him. Jeffrey is currently serving a prison sentence for escaping lawful custody, as such, the matter will be called again on May 31, 2019.

According to reports, on the day in question, the defendant had allegedly been engaged in an exchange of gunfire with police ranks during which he was shot to his back.

The defendant was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and is being treated under police watch.

However, the teen escaped from the hospital on July 19, 2017, but was later apprehended on July 23, 2017, hiding in a barrel of curtains.

Constable testifies as Linden ‘hot water’ murder PI continues

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ne more witness was called to testify as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the alleged murder of 56-year-old Hubert Scott of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, continued on Thursday at the Linden Magistrates Court.

The matter is being heard before Magistrate Wanda Fortune. The deceased’s niece, Frances Harlequin, also called “Blacky” of Half Mile, Wismar, is on trial for his murder.

Police Constable Erkstine took to the stand where she gave evidence of her involvement with the case. It is alleged that on Saturday, June 16, 2018, Harlequin inflicted injuries on the deceased thus resulting in his death.

Harlequin is accused of throwing hot water on her uncle during an argument at their Linden home.

Suspected to be mentally ill, she was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, then attempted murder and later, with murder after Scott, a former security guard, succumbed a few days after the incident.

Police had revealed that the two lived in the same house but in separate apartments. On the day in question, Harlequin reportedly lit a coal pot in her apartment and the smoke started to affect Scott, who told investigators that he went over to her apartment to speak to her about it.

Harlequin reportedly became annoyed and threw a pot of hot water on

Murder accused: Frances Harlequin

him, thus resulting in injuries.

Scott immediately went to the Wismar Police Station and reported the matter. He was later escorted to seek medical attention.

He was seen and examined by a doctor at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where he was treated and sent away.

However, shortly after the now dead man made the report, Harlequin turned up at the police station and lodged a complaint against Scott, whom she claimed dealt her a cuff to her mouth and in defending herself, she threw the hot water on him.

She was also sent for medical attention but reportedly never returned to the police station. Harlequin was arrested by Police on June 17, 2018, and placed into custody.

Two days after, she was released on her own recognisance to appear in court on June 25.

It was reported that on June 21, 2018, Scott started to feel unwell and was taken to the LHC where he was admitted.

On June 25, Harlequin was charged in absentia with the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Scott died on July 2 while receiving medical attention in the Intensive Care Unit of the LHC. A file was later completed and sent for legal advice. The accused was arrested and charged for murder. The matter will continue on May 16, 2019.

Attempted murder accused committed to stand trial in High Court

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wenty-two-year-old attempted murder accused, Preston Skeete of South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, has been committed to stand trial in the High Court.

On Thursday, Magistrate Wanda Fortune ruled that there was sufficient evidence against him for the matter to be tried in the court, a week after he was called to lead his own defence.

The charge against the accused stated that he wounded twenty-five-yearold Kevin Valladores, a labourer of Central Amelia’s Ward on September 6, 2018, with intent to murder him.

It was reported that Valladores was at a shop at

Accused: Preston Skeete

the location imbibing along with Skeete and others when an argument broke

out between them.

The accused is alleged to have choked the victim before pulling out a knife and slitting his throat after which he made good his escape.

Following the incident, Valladores reportedly placed a rag to the wound and ran towards Wismar. He was reportedly picked up by a motorcar but exited the vehicle while at the Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge waiting for the green light.

Valladores reportedly then ran in the direction of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) holding on to his throat. He was reportedly then placed into another car by public-spirited

citizens and rushed to the medical facility where he was admitted and treated.

The injury resulted in him having to receive several stitches. The accused, who went into hiding, was later apprehended by Police and charged with the crime.

However, when the case was called last week, the accused chose to give an unsworn statement from the court’s dock where he noted that the VC had threatened to shoot him and he was trying to defend himself.

Skeete is presently serving a four-year prison sentence for two counts of larceny for another case which he was sentenced for last month.

Presidential…

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…hubris on musical chairs hat’s in a name?” the Bard famously asked in Romeo and Juliet, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” And, one might add, in the context of Guyana, a rotten egg would smell just as foul! Which is by far more appropriate to describe the gymnastics going on in the Office of the President, by Granger and his “plenary” that’s now a “Cabinet” again. In terms of politics rather than young love, didn’t the Bard also point out that something was rotten in the state of Denmark after a guard saw the ghost of the murdered King wandering around in the halls of the Palace?

Well with the spirit of the Constitution being routinely murdered every day by Granger and his PNC administration it’s a cert that its ghost is meandering around the now green buildings of the OP. Just look at the stunt pulled by the President on the constitutional stricture that dual citizens can’t be MP’s much less Ministers. Imagine Granger appointing Dr Karen Cummings, the former Junior Minister of Health as the new Foreign Affairs Minister to replace the British Citizen incumbent, Carl Greenidge??

Is this the time to have an individual who has absolutely no training, much less experience, in this critical field, when Venezuela is in a meltdown and their border controversy’s coming up for decision at the World Court? Does Granger expect Cummings to use her medical knowledge to deal with the international community after the decision comes down? But we know what’s going on, don’t we? Greeenidge will soon be appointed “Director General of Foreign Affairs”!!

Isn’t this what Granger wrought over at the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency This ministry under Granger grew like Topsy into a humungous institution with at least a dozen agencies and five Ministers. It was controlled by a gregarious Minister of State – Harmon who was widely seen as the de facto second in command.

So what happened after he resigns because he’s a US citizen? The President appoints him as the DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY. Harmon himself had to inform the nation that his job was a “work in progress” but right off the bat he’ll be chairing postCabinet meetings!

So, who does Granger think he’s fooling? Certainly not the Guyanese public who now understand that as far as the PNC’s concerned, the Constitution’s just a doormat. How can Granger tell the people that the compromised Valerie Yearwood has been move from Housing to OP when she insists that’s a promotion??? Where’s the respect for the letter and spirit of the Constitution??

Oh Judgement, thou art fled to savage beasts and the men in the PNC have lost their reason! …fair play on ethnic aspirations?

Indian Arrival Day will be officially commemorated tomorrow. For quite a while folks played ducks and drakes about actually prefacing the day as “Indian” – even though May 5th was the day INDIAN immigrants arrived at Port Georgetown back in 1838. One must acknowledge Granger’s role in accepting that each ethnic group should be given their due recognition for their arrival to form our national mosaic. Two days ago, the Portuguese were on stage.

Your Eyewitness was further quite impressed by Granger’s frankness in accepting the right of each group to mobilise and present their ‘demands” to the government on addressing whatever ailed their community. Several times over the last four years, while addressing the African Guyanese Community at the Cuffy 250 event on Emancipation Day, he went to great lengths to belabour this point. Your Eyewitness expects that tomorrow the Indian community will be similarly exhorted by the President.

Will it be at the new Indian Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra? …silence of terrorism honour The Clerk of the National Assembly; two MP’s from Linden – one being the defrocked Housing Minister; the PNC’s Chief Whip” the Gen Secty of the TUC and others have sought to “explain” the terrorism honour.

But the buck stops with Granger, doesn’t it?

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

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Harmon maintains Cabinet seat, to assist President in managing Ministry

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lthough he is no longer a Minister of Government, Joseph Harmon will be attending Cabinet meetings and will continue to host the post-Cabinet press briefings, as he did in the past as Minister of State.

Harmon, who was forced to resign as a parliamentarian and a Minister, was recently appointed Director General of the Ministry of Presidency and among his new responsibilities will be to continue hosting the post-Cabinet press conference.

This, he added, will result in him still having to attend Cabinet meetings.

“I can say to you; one specific responsibility I’ve been given is the continuation of the post-Cabinet press briefing. Hence my being here today, and the fact that the President has invited me to sit in the Cabinet meetings so that I can brief the nation on the things that are dealt with in the Cabinet,” Harmon stated.

According to the Director General of Ministry of the Presidency, he is still unclear as to what his full responsibilities will entail. “[The nature of my new duties] is a work in progress and that [hosting the post-Cabinet press briefing] was one of the duties that

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

has been assigned to me. As the other duties are made clear and certain, I will give that information out,” the State Minister told reporters at Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Harmon, along with three other senior Government Ministers, were forced to resign as parliamentarians due to their dual citizenship status.

By resigning as Members of the National Assembly, they also effectively resigned as Cabinet Ministers.

President David Granger told reporters on Thursday morning that he needs Harmon to help him manage the Ministry of the Presidency.

“All Ministers are my assistants but Mr Harmon, in particular, will have

a non-ministerial role in helping me to manage the Ministry of the Presidency,” he posited.

According to the Head of State, the Ministry of the Presidency has several large Departments which effectively places him with the responsibility over several critical areas such as defence, environment and energy. Hence the need for help.

“There are three large Departments – the Department of Public Service, the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Department of Energy. These are all very huge administrative responsibilities and I needed assistance in helping me to manage them,” the President noted.

However, along with Harmon, the Ministry of the Presidency has Dawn Hastings-Williams, who was appointed the new Minister of State, and a Permanent Secretary. There is also a Cabinet Secretary, Edward Persico.

Furthermore, the Ministry of the Presidency also includes Tabitha Sarabo-Halley as the Public Service Minister and Simona Broomes as the Minister with responsibility for Youth Development.

These new appointments and reassignments within the coalition Government came on the heels of recent court rulings barring persons with dual citizenship

from sitting in the National Assembly.

This saw, in addition to Harmon, former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and former Public Service Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine being forced to resign.

Nevertheless, it was noted that the President is in talks with these other resigned Ministers on their role in the Government.

In fact, he has already met with Greenidge and Dr Roopnaraine.

“I would like to have them on board… I hope that they continue to assist the Government. Minister

Greenidge, for example, served under President [Forbes] Burnham and President [Desmond] Hoyte so he has immense experience and I hope he continues to serve but it is up to him.

Minister Roopnaraine as well is not without experience as an academic and again, it’s up to him… I would like them to work but it is up to them to decide if they want to continue to serve,” the Head of State asserted.

As his coalition Administration undergoes this rebalancing period, President Granger further noted that there could be more additional appointments at the junior ministerial level if the need arises.

three men were friends or drinking buddies with the deceased, however, it was revealed that during the argument, Leonard was stabbed to his left side chest.

He reportedly collapsed and died almost immediately. The three men are said to have made good their escape as the man lay on the ground in a pool of blood.

According to the police, the hunt is on for the three “known” suspects.

A police source explained that due to the location of the crime and the fact that the nearest police station is hours away, at present, this is all of the information that

ranks are in receipt of.

He stated that a few detectives have been deployed to Karasabai to investigate the murder and upon their return, more information will become available.

However, at this point, all indications are that the three suspects are also residents of Karasabai and have gone into hiding.

Meanwhile, the body of Leonard is at the Karasabai Health Centre and will be transported shortly so that a post-mortem examination can be performed.

Investigations into the stabbing/murder continue.

23-year-old man stabbed to death during argument

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young man is now dead after he was stabbed by three men with whom he had a heated argument at Karasabai Village, Pakaraimas, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), on Friday morning.

Dead is 23-year-old Elton Leonard, of Karasabai Village. Based on reports received, at about 19:00h on Thursday, Leonard left his residence while under the influence of alcohol, and some five hours later he was engaged in a heated row with three men.

At this point, it is unclear as to whether these

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PSC slams Govt for honouring convicted terrorist Abdool Kadir

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he Private Sector Commission (PSC) has strongly condemned the motion laid in the National Assembly by the A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration honouring convicted terrorist, Abdool Kadir.

The Private Sector body blasted the Government mere days after two out of the three ABC countries and the European Union (EU) joined in condemning the Guyana Administration’s actions.

The United States and the United Kingdom made it clear that the motion was inappropriate, with the US Embassy in Georgetown issuing a strongly-worded statement in which it questioned the coalition Government’s commitment to the rule of law.

On Friday, the PSC in a release to the media said it is “appalled and deeply disappointed” in the move made by the Administration to honour Kadir.

“The Commission considers this statement to be highly damaging to the good name and reputation of our country and wholly offensive. The Commission holds the view that the statement is completely un-

representative of the well-established and declared position of our Government and of our Parliamentary Opposition in condemning any and all forms of national and international terrorism”, the PSC stated in a missive to the press.

According to the PSC, it finds the motion “abhorrent” to the entire business community and the citizens of Guyana at large.

In this regard, the Private Sector Commission urged the Government to revisit the position it has taken as well as make arrangements to correct this flawed message sent to the international community which is dubbed “terrible and unfortunate”.

The motion – Sympathy on the Death of Mr Abdul Kadir, former Member of Parliament – was tabled by newly-transferred Junior Agriculture Minister Valerie AdamsYearwood in Parliament on Friday last.

The motion states: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly records its deep regret on the death of Mr Abdul Kadir on 28th June, 2018, and pays tribute to his dedicated service to the Parliament of Guyana as a Member of

Late convicted terrorist and former MP, Abdul Kadir

Parliament, where he served in the Eighth Parliament, from 17th April 2001, to 2nd May 2006, and to the people of Guyana. “The people of Linden and Guyana have lost a great man, a stalwart; a bold and courageous man. So I ask this National Assembly that we direct an expression of sympathy (to) be conveyed to his sorrowing widow, children, grandchildren and relatives,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said as she tabled the motion, which was

eventually carried in the absence of the PPP/C Opposition.

Kadir, a former PNC MP and Mayor of Linden, died back in June 2018 in a penitentiary in the United States of America, where he had been serving a life sentence for plotting a 2007 terrorist attack at the John F Kennedy International Airport, New York.

Since the announcement, Government has come under scrutiny from several local and international stakeholders. The US was quick to lash out against the motion and in a statement noted its position of dissatisfaction.

The US declared that members of Government chose to honour a man who “conspired to kill innocent people from across the United States and around the world. This resolution is an insensitive and thoughtless act, which demonstrates the National Assembly’s disregard for the gravity of Kadir’s actions”.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn threw his support behind the US Embassy’s statement, noting in a tweet on Monday that

the Government’s actions were inappropriate.

“The UK shares the concerns of our US friends about the honouring of convicted terrorist Abdul Kadir,” Quinn wrote in his statement.

“Terrorism affects us all and we believe this action was inappropriate.”

The EU also came out against the Government’s actions.

“The EU Delegation notes with surprise the honouring of former MP Abdul Kadir in the National Assembly of Guyana and believes that eulogising a person convicted of terrorist acts is inappropriate,” the Delegation stated.

After the rising indignation against the motion to honour Kadir, Government released a statement on Monday saying that honouring Kadir is in keeping with “time-honoured convention”.

“It is well known that there is a time-honoured convention of the National Assembly to observe, in a standard and solemn form, the work of former Members who are deceased.

The observance of this tradition has never been selective, and

has included, over the decades, persons of all political parties and persuasions who served in the National Assembly”.

“The Government of Guyana regrets the interpretation given to the motion passed in the National Assembly on April 26 on the death of Abdul Kadir, a former Member of Parliament. The Government of Guyana asserts that it had no intention of conveying the impression that the motion was designed to honour a former MP convicted of terrorism in another jurisdiction”, the Government stated.

According to the Government in its statement, the motion was intended to recognise Kadir’s service as a parliamentarian since he would have served in the National Assembly as a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) from 2001 to 2006.

Meanwhile, the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – has since denounced the act by the Government saying that such a motion is another act of betrayal of democracy and the rule of law.

Guyanese man given life imprisonment for murdering pregnant wife

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wenty-seven-year-old Nicholas Baig, the Guyanese man who stabbed his nine-month pregnant Trinidadian wife to death in Canada in 2017, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder of Arianna Goberdhan earlier in the year but was sentenced on Thursday in an Oshawa courtroom by Superior Court Justice Jocelyn Speyer.

The Judge ordered that Baig serve at least 17 years in prison before he is eligible for parole. She also gave Baig’s guilty plea and the “senseless act of cruelty” as reasons for her decision.

Arianna Goberdhan, 27, at the time of her death, as found with “obvious signs of trauma” inside the couple’s home after officers were initially called to the scene about a domestic disturbance.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and her unborn child did not survive.

Arianna Goberdhan and her husband, Nicholas Baig in happier times

Baig was arrested on a second-degree murder charge the following evening, at a residence in Markham.

The couple got married in November 2016 and had been living with two others at the time of the incident, in a house owned by Baig’s parents, neighbours said.

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramjattan to challenge Nagamootoo for “We did not do due diligence” – PM post at upcoming national conference Bynoe admits on Videomega saga – says he is “up to the task” if elected by supporters

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ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has confirmed that he will be challenging his colleague for the post of Prime Minister at the Alliance For Change (AFC) upcoming national conference.

According to the Public Security Minister, if elected, he is “up to the task”.

At a press briefing on Friday, Ramjattan, who is the present Chairman of the party, explained that the selection of leadership in the AFC is based on democratic principles which are nothing new to political parties locally and internationally.

“I have already indicated my interest. There are others I am certain who will indicate their interests. And so it is going to be interesting and it is good to have instead of political parties, the regular rivalry between leaders that you would have in the democracies…so yes,

Public Security Minister and Chairman of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan

we will be looking forward for it and that will be decided there at the national conference.”

Minister Ramjattan noted that the electoral process at the upcoming conference will be the deciding factor as to who be running as the prime ministerial candidate at the next general and re-

gional elections.

“The prime ministerial candidate is generally made at the national conference.

And I rather suspect that our next national conference there will be a recommendation as to who will be the PM. The conference will be held sometime in mid-June.”

Earlier in January last, President Granger was endorsed by his party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), to run for a second term as President.

In fact, the PNC/R – the larger partner in five-party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – officially threw its support behind its leader via a letter from General Secretary Amna Ally.

In accordance with the 2015 ‘deal’ in the form of a Cummingsburg Accord between the two parties, AFC will have the prime ministerial position while the presidential post goes to APNU.

Toddler feared dead after allegedly falling into canal

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toddler is now feared dead after she reportedly fell into a canal at Charity Squatting Area, Essequibo, on Thursday morning. Dead is 2-year-old Zaverhan France.

Based on information received, the child was last seen by her mother Samantha Layne at about 9:00h.

Initially, the mother took the child to the landing alongside the canal with the intention of giving her a bath. However, the now depressed woman changed her mind and went back into the yard, taking the child with her.

Nevertheless, after a few minutes, the mother could not find the child. She frantically searched every corner

The canal that the child may have fallen into

of the yard but there were no signs of the toddler. It is believed that the child went back to the landing to have the bath all by herself and might have fallen in.

Residents are also fear-

ful that the child could have been attacked by one of the many caimans living in the canal. The police were summoned to the area and despite several hours of search, the child is yet to be found.

Suspect in the brutal beating of Zeelugt man allegedly fled to Suriname

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he suspect who was held and later released on station bail for the brutal beating of a Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo man has reportedly fled to neighbouring Suriname.

This is according to the mother of 29-year-old Ron “Otsey” Rodriguez, who remains “a vegetable” in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The suspect, who is reportedly a fisherman, according to information received, may have boarded a boat to Suriname after he was released by the police. It was reported that Rodriguez was attacked in Zeelugt while hanging out with friends at Cinderella Park.

However, as the group was about to leave,

Ron “Otsey” Rodriguez

Rodriguez stayed to hang with his friend, who showed up later. Sometime later, his relatives were informed that he was killed but after contacting the police, his mother rushed to the scene where

she discovered her son on the roadway with his face badly disfigured.

Upon inspection, she realised that her son was still breathing and as such, he was immediately rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and then to GPHC where he is said to be in a “coma-like” state.

According to the mother, doctors have informed her that her son received a blunt force trauma to the back of his head and was stabbed multiple times to his face.

His injuries have resulted in severe brain damage.

Doctors at the medical facility have indicated that there is little they can do at this point in time.

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

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irector of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe has admitted that his Department may have dropped the ball by not being diligent in awarding media company, Videomega Productions – which is owned by Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, contracts to do advertisement.

“The Department went for an individual or requested an individual. It wasn’t asking for a firm. To the extent that a firm subsequently was contracted, is somehow not where we wanted to go. The one issue, maybe, that the Department can be accused of is possibly not doing sufficient due diligence.

But from where I sit as Director, I welcome any possible investigation of any sort that persons may feel to clear the air in terms of whether there were any nefarious activities or whether it was a case of favouritism,” Dr Bynoe noted.

According to the Director of Energy at a press conference on Friday, they had initially requested an individual instead of a firm because it was more cost effective.

“It is not, as was inaccurately reported, a multimillion-dollar project. This was largely a small project for an individual, which is why we were going for an individual rather than a firm… Another consideration is that what it would have cost us to go for a firm against an individual. It would have cost us significantly more to do three PSAs [Public Service Announcements] for television purposes and three for radio. So it was nothing more than us trying to ensure that we’re getting the messages out to the Guyanese Public,” he explained.

Videomega Productions recently came under the spotlight after it was revealed that it had been awarded contracts to do ads for the Department of Energy.

Subsequently, however, the PPP Opposition had disclosed that the company also benefited from several other contracts from various Ministries last year.

In fact, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has called for a full investigation into the matter, saying that it is a clear case of conflict of interest. He claimed that within four months in 2018,

contracts totalling some $10.3 million were awarded to the company from various Ministries. Three of those contracts totalling $3.350 million were from Hughes’ Ministry, he said.

“So this warrants a fullfledged investigation [into contracts awarded]. The Minister signs the cheques.

You cannot give up day-today running from 2015 and then be signing cheques to place ads on behalf of the company,” Jagdeo argued at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Announcements (PSAs) for the Department, which is coordinating preparations for Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

It had been reported that the company was also contracted to produce brochures.

It is unclear at this point in time what, if any, tendering process the Minister’s company went through to get these contracts.

Nevertheless, Minister Hughes, as well as the company, has been contending that she played no part in the running of her company after 2015 and had no knowl-

Videomega Productions recently released several invoices for work it did arranging advertisements for various Ministries after it came under the spotlight for a contract that it had been awarded in connection with the Department of Energy.

According to the company’s release, a total of $3.6 million was paid to the media houses, but according to Videomega Productions, all it pocketed was a 15 per cent agency commission totalling $481,577.

The contract that Hughes’ Ministry awarded to her company was for ads ranging from full paged, full colour to 7×2 in size to be placed in the daily newspapers for its Caribbean Information Communication Technology (ICT) roadshow 2018.

In addition, the Natural Resources Ministry also commissioned Hughes’ company to produce full-page, full-colour camera-ready artwork that was placed in almost all the dailies on March 22, 2018. This cost $406,501.

Ads were also placed in all the dailies for the tobacco legislation media campaign on behalf of the Public Health Ministry in October and November of 2018.

These two campaigns cost $1 million each.

Since 2015, the company has been managed by Russel Lancaster and received contracts from the Energy Department to produce television Public Service

edge of the Government contracts it was receiving.

However, in a statement last week, Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI) pointed out that while there may not be any direct actions that constitute a “conflict of interest”, whenever a Minister or public official owns or has private interests in a company then there is the possibility of favouritism being shown to that company due to the known association with the Government.

TIGI further noted that an examination of the procurement procedures would provide important insights on the potential for such an occurrence. As such, the transparency watchdog added that in order for Guyana to make progress with regards to “transparency and corruption perception” then it is important to address issues that arise decisively and in ways that close opportunities for recurrence.

“Establishing a clear policy on specific actions that should be taken by Ministers and other public officials who have firms that compete for local business especially with the Government would enhance our attempts to address conflict of interest in Government. We should also recognise that the code of conduct for public officers is weak. It fails to articulate any specific penalties for breaches and it should be strengthened,” TIGI asserted.

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City Hall, GCCI sign MoU Petition for early release to tackle waste disposal, Roger Khan insists State tax collection wrong in interpretation

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Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine (left) inks the agreement with President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicholas Boyer

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ayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two agencies working to improve the state of the capital city.

The areas under which the two agencies will collaborate include general rates, public security within the city, building codes for construction procedures, infrastructure development, environmental issues such as garbage collection, public education and awareness and training and capacity-building.

Although the two had an argument through the media with regard to businesses owing taxes to the Council in April, the Mayor was keen to note that the agreement did not stem from that issue.

In fact, Mayor Narine told the media that the MoU between the M&CC and GCCI had been in the making since past President

Deodat Indaar.

“Today in City Hall in this Chamber [we are] creating history and this is the way I think Georgetown is going to move forward. Not to benefit us here but to benefit the residents and the businesses in the city…I look forward to not only signing this piece of paper here this morning but more engagement, more meetings with the President and myself at administration level so that we can develop this city the way we want it to be,” His Worship the Mayor stated.

Meanwhile, Boyer, while responding to a question posted by Guyana Times said the Chamber will ensure that businesses comply in these areas as plans are afoot to have various persons appointed to the different areas to ensure compliance.

“Under each thematic area, we are probably going to have different representatives who are certain ideas… for my side, I’m gonna say okay I’m assigning one person to this particular part of

the MoU. That person’s responsibility now is to understand problems both from our side problems from the Mayor and City Council’s side. So let’s say that they say there’s a problem where businesses are just dumping the garbage then it is first our responsibility to educate and then follow up to see if education is reducing the problem. If education and maybe outreaches is not reducing the problem then you have to take legal steps,” he assured.

Last month it was revealed that some 144 city businesses owe billions of dollars in taxes to the Council.

The Mayor was asked to name those businesses but said he required permission from the other councillors.

On Friday he said that he will not be involved with name and shame if those businesses comply and was, in fact, happy to report that a number of businesses have come forward to pay their dues while others are in the process of setting up payment plans.

n his bid to be released from prison in the United States, Shaheed Roger Khan is insisting that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) should use his good-conduct credit under the First Step Act to have him released earlier than July.

Khan is currently serving a 15-year sentence for drug trafficking to the US and is set to be released on July 8, this year. However, he filed a petition in March for early release, pursuant to goodtime credit acquired under the First Step Act (Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act or First Step Act) – which revises sentencing laws and expands reentry and early release programmes.

The First Step Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in December 2018, seeks to ensure that all inmates within the BOP receive the full 54 days of good-conduct credit.

This would mean that Khan could have benefited from a three-month early release which would have been in mid-to-late March.

But the BOP, according to the petition, has taken the absolute strictest stance in an effort to wait until the very last second to apply this legislative correction.

As such, the good conduct credit fix will be applied until after July 19, 2019, which means thousands of prisoners, like Khan, will not benefit from the passage of the First Step Act. In his reply to the response filed by the State, on behalf of the warden at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Miami, Bryan Dobbs – where he

Shaheed Roger Khan

is being kept – Khan noted that the dispute is really when the change in laws was supposed to go into effect.

He outlined in his submissions that the Respondent’s position is that this change will not go into effect until July 25, 2019, based upon the provision within Section 102 (b) of the First Step Act that holds the “effective date” to “take effect beginning on the date that the Attorney General completes and releases the risk and needs assessment system”.

And according to the Respondent, since the Attorney General was granted 210 days to complete the “risk and needs assessment” system, then the good-time fix will not go into effect until July 25, 2019.

This, Khan argued, is erroneous. He pointed out that the Attorney General’s directive to complete a “risk and needs assessment” system is independent of, and separate from, the goodtime fix.

“It was meant to be applied solely toward the separate ‘earned-time’ credits, which has nothing to

do with the ‘good-time’ fix.

The only part of the law that was supposed to have a delayed implementation was the first [earned-time]; the other part of the law [goodtime] was, by congressional intent, to have immediate application,” Khan insisted in his submissions.

Furthermore, he posited that the cases that the Respondent cites as supporting its position are not precedent but, in fact, go against the Eleventh Circuit’s directive to give effect to congressional intent, which, he said, is clear in this matter; that these two provisions (earned-time vs good-time) were to be two separate considerations independent of each other.

Khan was sentenced in 2009 to 15 years’ imprisonment after he pled guilty to arms trafficking, drug trafficking, conspiracy and witness tampering. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname back in June 2006 after fleeing Guyana illegally. Khan had made claims of working to curb an outof-control crime situation during that period by using extrajudicial methods of execution.

M&CC strikes new deal with solid waste contractors …as full operation resumes on Monday

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he Mayor and City Council has announced a full resumption of services from its two main solid waste contractors on Monday, after fruitful negotiations which saw an amendment in their existing contracts.

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine related on Friday that the five-year contract was examined during a meeting among officials of the Council and the collectors – Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management.

They were able to lower the monthly cost of these services from some $32 million to just over $14 million.

As expected, businesses and residents should expect a full resumption of services in the new week.

“Yesterday, we had the

The solid waste collectors

discussion with Purans and Cevons on the five-year contract and there was a really big negotiation among the M&CC and them. The monthly cost was over $32 million per month and we were able to negotiate to $14 million. I think work will begin on Monday,” This amendment was

made to the existing contract which was signed in 2015 and valid until October 2020.

On November 25, 2018, the collectors withdrew their services after months of operating without payments.

Immediately after the withdrawal, services were provided by five agencies name-

ly: Granderson, Trash Tech, Tri Star, C&S Services and Garbage Eaters.

The deadlock between the Council and contractors had many implications on the collection process within the capital city as residential and commercial areas were piled high with garbage just a few days after

this decision was taken.

As such, both solid waste collectors met with Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan and officials of the M&CC, where it was promised that payment would be made; putting an end to the unending saga between collectors and the cash-strapped Council.

“Timely payment under the terms of our contract with the Georgetown City Council is a fundamental issue. We cannot, we submit, be expected to provide services without reasonable assurances of timely payment.

Where there is slippage we are prepared, as we have, over time, to exercise some measure of understanding to an extent that is reasonable,” the collectors had stated.

Back in January, Central Government had inter-

vened to bail out City Hall of their debts by disbursing $100 million to the contractors. During that time, the total owed amount was pegged at over $160 million.

Limited services were provided within the capital city and its environs. Out of the ten lots, each contractor was providing services for two.

However, this was a temporary arrangement to assist the smaller contractors and did not interfere with their existing contract with the local organ body.

A ballpark figure of some $80 million was later paid to complete the payments of all debts owed.

Earlier last year, the Council had signalled intentions to implement a $100 fee for every barrel of garbage collected within Georgetown.

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 institutions receive donations from GBTI Book Drive

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ollowing its recently held book drive, GBTI on Friday presented in excess of 1000 books to three institutions.

The books amassed from staff and the general public comprised children’s storybooks, reading books, textbooks, novels, CSEC textbooks, study guides as well as life skills related books.

Raymond Forde, Officerin-Charge of Water Street Branch said, “What you see here is the recognition that GBTI is part and parcel of the communities in which you live”.

The staff, he said, felt the need to involve the community in sharing something meaningful with the young people in the community and this is what they came up with.

Initially, the books were intended for the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre and the Sophia Special School.

However, the Montrose Primary School, having seen

Montrose Primary School Senior Mistress (ag) Babita Dhanpaul noted.

Meanwhile, Sewpaul Persaud, Senior Schools Welfare Officer of the Education Ministry, who uplifted the books on behalf of the Sophia Special School, applauded the effort by the bank and expressed hope that the initiative will continue to grow as it supports a greater need; noting the positive impact that the books are likely to have on the beneficiaries.

The GBTI Book Drive was the initiative of the staff of the Water Street Branch to mark International Book

GBTI’s Officer in Charge of Water Street Branch, Raymond Forde (second from left) along with Marcia Wong and representatives from Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre, Montrose Primary and Sophia Special Needs School

the initiative, reached out to GBTI seeking assistance from the book drive for their school as well.

“We really want to say thank you to GBTI for this book drive. It’s a really good initiative. It will enhance

the children at my school and the other schools because reading takes you to places that you want to go,”

Day or World Book and Copyright Day which was observed on April 23.

We saw this as an opportunity to draw support from our customers and staff and other stakeholders who have an interest in literacy to promote reading.

Everyone should have opportunities and GBTI being the close knitted family that it is, believes that it has the strength to support worthy causes such as this.

The bank expresses its sincere gratitude to its staff, customers and members of the public who donated books so generously to this effort.

American Airlines announces daily flights from CJIA to JFK from December

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S-based American Airlines will begin direct service from John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, USA, to Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown, Guyana, on December 18, 2019, giving travellers more direct access to Guyana.

“American is the only US carrier that flies directly to Georgetown,” said Vasu Raja, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning for American Airlines. “This route will be important for customers in New York with cultural, business, or economic interest in the market, and we look forward to welcoming Guyanese visitors to the Big Apple,” the airline stated in a release to the media.

The new service from JFK will be operated daily on a Boeing 737-800 with 160 seats, including 16 seats in First Class. The aircraft also features access to power at every seat while on board.

The daily flights are scheduled to leave JFK at 18:00h and arrive in Guyana at 00:40h. The return flight will leave Guyana at 01:35h and arrive in New York at 06:29h. The statement noted that these are still subject to approval by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.

American Airlines began operating four weekly flights to Guyana from Miami in November 2018. The airline plans to increase to daily service in the summer and will operate on a larger

aircraft with 172 seats this winter due to the strong demand.

The new JFK – GEO flight tickets will be available for purchase on May 6, 2019, the statement said.

“Guyana welcomed American Airlines in 2018 with non-stop flights from Miami International Airport. This new route opens up an additional way travellers can access Guyana, experience its tourism product and discover its beauty. With these daily flights, American Airlines will make Guyana more accessible to the world and its key tourism markets,” Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Brian T Mullis stated.

He added that “Guyana has recently gained worldwide recognition for being named the Number One Eco-Tourism Destination in the world by the Green Destination Foundation at ITB Berlin. Many want to experience the wonders of Guyana and this new route will help to make that possible”.

This is the airline’s fourth destination in South America from JFK. American continues to provide more service to South America than any other carrier, with more than 265 weekly flights to the region.

American Airlines Group and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.

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saturday, may 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG public management class rehabilitates nursery school library

The cutting of the ribbon to the newly rehabilitated library

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he University of Guyana’s public management class has rehabilitated the St Gabriel’s Nursery School’s library as part of its Local Government group project for this year.

The school was selected by a unanimous vote of all of the group’s members in an effort to give back to the community which is in keeping with

Local Government’s commitment.

University student Seon Hyman said the project falls under the Diploma in Public Management course “Local Government” and the group was tasked with selecting an area that was in need of remedial work.

“We choose to give back to our community because

Local Government is all about giving back to communities,” he said.

Hyman said he is excited that his group was given the task where they were able to contribute to St Gabriel’s Nursery School, a facility which will foster learning in a friendly environment.

“Before the library was in a deplorable condition but now, with the help of each student of the group and our lecturer, we have demonstrated transformational work,” he added.

Hyman highlighted that work was also done in the compound of the school where a much-needed facelift was necessary.

This included the repainting of a shed which fosters a more comfortable and child-friendly atmosphere for students, teachers and parents.

He added that the initiative was a timely one which

Some of the books that were donated to the St Gabriel’s library as part of the project

seeks to promote the traditional way of learning to read at an age where technology is taking over.

Further, he is of the view that education is the key to success and the University believes that it is one of the resources that can mould a nation.

“Many times we see children at a very young age on

laptops and other forms of technology and while that is important, we realise that we have lost the culture or trend of reading so we hope to revitalise that and bring it back to our communities.”

He added that the students in the group have all come from that background of traditional reading so they are hopeful that this

initiative will enable the young generation to become effective leaders through reading.

Meanwhile, Head Mistress of the school, Carol Romeo expressed gratitude to the group for the much-needed intervention which will ensure that the school’s curriculum is executed and received in the way it is intended. She said the school’s curriculum focuses heavily on reading and phonics and as a result, the books provided by the group will enhance the school’s syllabus, making it easier for teachers to execute effectively and students to grasp the concepts.

“We are pleased that this school was selected for this project. It was timely and well needed and we would like to express thanks to everyone who played a part in making this a success,” she said.

New Business Minister promises to increase Man electrocuted after robbing storage bond local manufacturing, local consumption

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he newly appointed Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, has disclosed that his list of priorities includes boosting Guyana’s manufacturing sector as well as increasing the local consumption rate.

Rajkumar made this disclosure at his party’s press conference on Friday at his party’s headquarters, Kitty, Georgetown. Rajkumar noted that even as he intends to follow existing policies within the Business Ministry, he also desires to execute the plan of enhancing the manufacturing sector.

“There are several policies in the Ministry at this time that I would continue with, but my vision, one of the things I want which I hope that I [will] be able to execute before my time is up, is to increase local manufacturing, increase local consumption of things that we produce.”

According to him, this plan has stemmed from the tendency of most persons not purchasing locally produced products but rather those that are imported. On this note, he urged local manufacturers to produce high-quality products as this is one im-

New Business Minister Haimraj Rajkumar

portant rule to be considered when seeking local sales.

“It tends to be, we have a culture of not wanting to consume things produced in our country, it’s been a long legacy and I would like to encourage our manufacturers, our entrepreneurs to manufacture things of high quality, so that our Guyanese consumers can have an amount of pride in purchasing and consuming our products,” Rajkumar explained.

However, Rajkumar, in response to a question directing that agriculture is cheaper than manufacturing items, expressed that the cost of

manufacturing in Guyana is indeed quite expensive due to the high electricity rates.

“The cost of manufacturing in Guyana is expensive, we can’t doubt that because one of the factors is the high cost of electricity.”

Rajkumar noted that holistically, the business sector plays a vital role in today’s society since the Private Sector generates more than half of the country’s revenue, with specific agencies contributing to direct business development.

“Business plays an inaugural part in the development of any society, the Private Sector involvement is actually about 75 per cent of generating revenue and spinoffs. Our Ministry of Business there are five agencies, more particular so the Small Business Bureau and GO-Invest, those are to my mind, agencies which may contribute more to direct development” he stated.

Rajkumar, who hails from Essequibo, replaced Dominic Gaskin, who was forced to resign due to his dual citizenship status, which bars him from being a Member of Parliament and a Government Minister.

Decomposed body of woman found in trench

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he partially decomposed body of a woman was on Friday morning discovered in a trench at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

The woman has been identified as 60-year-old Diwantie Lakeraj also called “Christmas” of Lot 66 Freeyard, Port Mourant.

The body was discovered face down floating under a bridge at Dispensary Dam. The discovery was made at about 06:00h by persons who were making their way to work. Initial checks revealed no marks of violence on the body.

She was identified by the clothing she was wearing by

Dead: Diwantie Lakeraj

a sister. “Christmas” reportedly left home on Tuesday for church at Albion, Berbice, and never returned home.

She reportedly lived alone.

The woman is popularly known around the Port Mourant and Rose Hall Town areas where she solicits money and food from passersby.

Asodra Ramana, the dead woman’s sister related that the body was found in a crouching position while adding that in the past, she would suffer seizures. It is believed that the woman suffered from one of them and fell into the trench.

Her body is currently at the Bailey’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s demise.

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suspected bandit was in the wee hours of Friday morning electrocuted after he allegedly robbed a storage bond at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The deceased has been identified as 47-year-old Terry Ramcharran of Fourth Street, Alexander Village. He is said to have been unemployed at the time of his death.

Reports are that around 08:00h on Friday morning, persons in the area of the bond’s location, noticed an unidentified male laying on his abdomen at the northern side of the roof of the building.

He was clad in a blue vest and black boxers and was lying next to live electrical cables that are attached to a

Guyana Power and Light (GPL) pole.

Two bags were in close proximity of the body, each containing a quantity of window blinds and clothing.

The storage bond belongs to 45-year-old businessman, Ravindranauth Rampersaud of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara.

This publication understands that the bond is used to store household haberdasheries, electrical appliances, and clothing.

According to the police, Rampersaud secured his bond on Thursday afternoon around 17:00h and left the premises.

However, the items in the two bags that were discovered near Ramcharran’s body were

identified by the businessman as his property which was locked away in the bond.

The police said that upon arrival at the scene on Friday morning, it was observed that the right side of the neck and shoulder of the deceased had visible marks which appeared to have been caused by burns.

In addition, there was a hole to the southern side of the bond. Several persons in the area were questioned but no useful information about the incident was obtained.

The body of the now dead man was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour where it was later identified by a relative.

Investigations into the alleged robbery and electrocution are continuing.

184th anniversary of Portuguese arrival commemorated

A section of the gathering at the commemoration ceremony on Friday

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s Guyana observed the 184th Anniversary of the arrival of Portuguese in Guyana, President David Granger noted that such a day was created for mutual respect to be given to the Portuguese who have left a legacy on economic development in Guyana.

Held at the Sacred Heart Church Compound, Main Street, Georgetown, which has been dubbed an edifice which stands as a monument of the presence of the Portuguese people in Guyana, the event saw a large turnout of Portuguese officials and Government Ministers.

In his brief remarks, the Head of State reflected on the contribution of the Portuguese ancestors whom, according to him, through their industriousness and thrift made significant investments in Guyana.

According to him, African emancipation created conditions for Portuguese enterprise, the village movement, the enlarged liberated population, the introduction of wage labour, the introduction of coinage, the opening of banks and the diversification of the economy expanded opportunities for the supply of goods and household services

and for personal use.

He noted that the Portuguese made the most of their shared employment on the plantation and they themselves had been the leading sugar producer. Eight in every ten shops in Georgetown were eventually owned by the Portuguese as such Granger noted that they left a useful lesson for all Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Honourary Consul for Portugal to Guyana, Michael Correia expressed his thanks to Bishop Richard Francis for the use of the Sacred Heart Church.

However, Correia called for mutual trust between Portuguese and other races living in Guyana.

According to Correia, Guyanese heritage is now being seen as Portuguese heritage and as such, he condemned the state of Guyana’s wooden heritage buildings which are currently not being up kept.

As such, he called for betterment in the area as Portuguese Arrival Day continues to be observed. May 3 was proclaimed Portuguese Arrival Day by Granger on February 27, 2017.

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saturday, may 4, 2019

Regional News

Putin challenges Washington in Venezuela power play

Russia has backed Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro (centre) against the US as analysts say Moscow aims to turn the crisis to its advantage in its global tug-of-war with Washington

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ussia emerged as a crucial power broker in the crisis in far-away Venezuela this week when Washington accused Moscow of convincing President Nicolas Maduro not to flee to

Cuba.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had a plane on the tarmac ready to fly to Havana when "the Russians indicated that he should stay".

Moscow hit back, dismissing the claim as fake and accusing Washington of supporting a coup "that has nothing to do with democracy" by backing Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó.

Moscow has its reasons for standing behind Maduro – he's a rare ally in Latin America and Russia has poured billions into the Venezuelan economy.

Venezuela's political turmoil has further deepened amid growing tension over President Nicolás Maduro's future as the country's leader. Maduro started a second term on January 10, following a widely boycotted election last year that many foreign governments refused to recognise.

On January 23, 2019, Juan Guaidó, the leader of the Opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself the interim President.

But analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin is also playing the long game, hoping to use Venezuela as leverage in his global tug-ofwar with Washington.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaidó declared himself acting president in January, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

More than 50 countries led by the United States lined up behind the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, but Russia and China have backed Maduro.

Reeling from Western sanctions, Moscow has quickly sensed an opportunity, even if it meant locking horns with the United States in Latin America, Washington's traditional sphere of influence.

In a highly publicised move in March, Moscow sent two planes with around 100 soldiers and equipment to Caracas, where Russian mercenaries are also believed to be operating.

"Vladimir Putin may be laying the ground for making Venezuela the defining foreign policy debacle for President Trump in the same way Syria became that for the Obama administration."

Russia and Venezuela enjoy a long history of ties and

Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chávez, known for his passionate tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin. After Chávez's death in 2013 the relationship with a country that boasts the world's largest proven oil reserves has continued to thrive.

Russia is the second largest lender to Caracas after China, with Moscow heavily investing in Venezuela's oil resources and Caracas acquiring Russian arms worth billions of dollars.

Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are set to discuss the Venezuela crisis on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in Finland. (Excerpt from MSN)

Canada vows to defend its business in Cuba Journalist shot dead in Mexico on - as US opens way for lawsuits eve of World Press Freedom Day

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anada vowed on Friday to defend its businesses operating in Cuba after US President Donald Trump lifted a ban on American citizens filing lawsuits against investors working on the island nation.

“The Government of Canada will always defend Canadians and Canadian businesses conducting legitimate trade and investment with Cuba, and is reviewing all options in response to the US decision,” a foreign

ministry statement said.

“Canada will also continue to work with our international partners, including the EU, to stand up for our businesses,” it added.

The US will allow legal action against foreign companies that have used properties seized by Cuba’s Communist government since the 1959 revolution.

European and Canadian companies are among the main foreign investors in Cuba.

Earlier this week, the

EU said it could take the United States to the World Trade Organisation or use retaliatory sanctions to protect its companies.

Canada also said its Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act can be used to file suits in Canadian courts that “will allow Canadians to recover any amounts that have been obtained against them, including legal expenses, and losses or damages incurred,” the statement said. (Reuters)

St Kitts to provide EC$1M in emergency funding for LIAT

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he St Kitts and Nevis Government has agreed to provide emergency funding support of over EC$1 million (US$370,031) to the cashstrapped regional airline LIAT, even as shareholder governments are reported to be considering a proposal for financing the carrier.

The Government said in a statement this week that the decision to help the Antigua-based airline followed a presentation to the Cabinet by a three-member LIAT delegation on March 11. An advisory committee had been established to re-

view the delegation’s proposals and make recommendations on the way forward.

The LIAT high-level representatives – including LIAT’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Diane Shurland along with LIAT’s Chief Financial Officer, Rojer Inglis and Chief Commercial Officer, Audra Walker – had also proposed for the Government to enter into a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) arrangement with the airline.

“The Government of St Kitts and Nevis agrees in principle with the idea of participating in an MRG ar-

rangement on the basis of further discussions and negotiations with high-level representatives of LIAT,” the statement said.

The announcement came on the same day LIAT shareholders met in Antigua to discuss the future of the airline, amid concerns that it would be near closure without financial assistance from regional governments.

LIAT’s largest shareholders are the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

US cruise ship quarantined over measles case 'leaves St Lucia'

A

US cruise ship placed in quarantine after a case of measles has reportedly left the Caribbean island of St Lucia. Online tracking data shows the ship – thought to be the Freewinds, owned and operated by the Church of Scientology – is en route to the island of Curacao.

Dr Merlene Fredericks James said on Thursday there was a confirmed case of measles on board and "thought it prudent that we quarantine the ship".

Reports suggest the ship set sail after authorities delivered 100 vaccines.

The ship was due to dock at Curacao's capital Willemstad at 06:00h today.

The Dutch island lies about 65 km (40 miles) North of Venezuela, and the Associated Press reports authorities there are debating how to respond when it arrives.

No-one aboard was allowed to leave the ship at St Lucia. Dr Fredericks

James said in a video statement posted on YouTube on Tuesday that the Ministry learned of the confirmed measles case from "two reputable sources".

The Church of Scientology's website lists the vessel's home port as Curacao, and describes the ship as "a religious retreat ministering the most advanced level of spiritual counselling". So far the organisation has not commented on the case. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Journalists hold up photos of slain journalists during a protest to call attention to the killings of journalists in Mexico

A

journalist who founded a community radio station in an Indigenous region in southern Mexico was shot dead, the fourth reporter murdered in the country this year, officials said on Friday.

Telesforo Santiago Enriquez was attacked by gunmen late Thursday in the town of Juchitan, Oaxaca state, where he founded the

radio station El Cafetal.

He had recently received threats in an on-air phone call during his programme, where he was known for reporting on corruption by local authorities, his niece told Mexican radio network Formula.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists: more than 100 have been mur-

dered There since 2000, amid a wave of violence linked to drug trafficking and political corruption.

Watchdog group Reporters Without Borders ranks the country as the third-most-dangerous in the world for the press, after wartorn Afghanistan and Syria.

Santiago Enriquez's niece, Aida Valencia, said she believed her uncle was killed in retaliation for his work as a journalist. "They shot him in the mouth and heart," she said.

Santiago Enriquez was also a school teacher, and was known for his work to preserve the region's Indigenous languages and traditions, she said.

The murder was confirmed on World Press Freedom Day, when journalists in Mexico typically hold protests against the dangers they face for doing their jobs.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Suriname opens embassy in Ghana after closure of South African mission

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Yldiz Pollack-Beighle

T

he Foreign Minister of Suriname, Yldiz Pollack-Beighle, was in Ghana last week to open her country’s first embassy in Africa since the closure of its mission in South Africa.

The embassy was opened in Accra, Ghana, the ancestral home of many Surinamese. Citizens of all African countries can now apply for the Suriname E-Visa or E-Tourist card to enter the country.

Suriname requires a visa for citizens of all African countries and has

promised that “the embassy would promote cultural exchanges and visits for tourists via e-visa and e-tourist card.”

Ethnic ties between Suriname and Ghana date back to the transatlantic slave trade era but there are little economic and cultural exchanges between these two countries. Ghanaian languages are still spoken in Suriname and Ghanaian customs and tradition outside of Ghana have survived in Suriname.

Suriname Vice

President, Michael Ashwin Adhin, who was also in Accra for the inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, said: “These strong bonds ensure that we are entering into a new phase of expanding political, economic as well as trade relations on the basis of mutual interest and benefit, to further the development of our peoples.

The Foreign Minister of Ghana, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, promised to expand bilateral relations and open an embassy in Suriname. The two countries signed four agreements on political consultations; visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders; a roadmap for cooperation and a letter of intent for cooperation and collaboration in the field of diplomacy and international relations.

“We may be divided by the Atlantic Ocean, but we are one and the same people with a common heritage,” Botchwey said. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

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saturday, may 4, 2019

17

Around the World

Cyclone Fani: Indians shelter Local elections deliver Brexit bashing from cyclone’s onslaught for Britain’s May and Opposition

Cyclone Fani made landfall in Puri district and will continue moving to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

A

powerful cyclone has slammed into India’s eastern coastline, bringing torrential rains and winds of up to 200 km/h (125mph).

Cyclone Fani, one of the most severe storms to hit the region in recent years, made landfall at 08:00 local time (02:30 GMT) on Friday.

More than one million people have been evacuated from the eastern state of Orissa, also called Odisha.

A state official said two

people had been killed.

Flooding has also been reported in several areas, and forecasters say a storm surge of 1.5m (5ft) could threaten low-lying homes.

The cyclone made landfall in the tourist town of Puri, which is home to the 858-year-old Jagannath temple.

It is expected to hit 15 districts in Orissa, one of India’s poorest states, before weakening today.

India’s Prime Minister,

Narendra Modi said $140 million (£106m) was being allocated for emergency relief.

Numerous flights and train services in and out of the state have been cancelled, while schools and Government offices are shut.

Operations at three ports on India’s eastern coast have also been shut down.

Naval warships and helicopters are on standby with medical teams and relief materials. The country’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also deployed several teams there.

India’s National Disaster Management Authority has warned people along the east coast, especially fishermen, not to go out to sea because the conditions are “phenomenal”.

The agency said the “total destruction of thatched houses” was possible, as well as “extensive damage” to other structures. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen, Scotland, Britain May 3, 2019. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

E

nglish voters frustrated with the deadlock over Brexit punished both Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party in local elections, results showed on Friday.

Brexit has damaged the standing of the big parties, both of which are internally divided over how or even whether to lead Britain out

of the EU, and have struggled to deliver a coherent message to voters on either side.

With 90 per cent of results in, the Conservative Party had suffered a net loss of 1124 seats on English local councils that were up for re-election, down by around a quarter.

Labour, which would typically aim to gain hundreds of seats in a mid-term vote,

instead had lost 100.

The main beneficiaries of the swing against the two main parties were the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who campaigned on a straightforward demand for a new referendum, aiming to reverse Brexit. They had won 599 councillors so far, doubling their seats.

The Greens, who also back a second Brexit referendum, gained 164 seats.

Britain was meant to have left the EU on March 29, but after Parliament repeatedly failed to back May’s agreement on the exit terms, she was forced to seek an extension.

Brexit is now due in October, and May is negotiating with Labour to find a compromise. Talks next week are not expected to reach a breakthrough. (Excerpt from Reuters)

10 million North Koreans suffering South Sudan parties agree on 6 more severe food shortages: UN months to form unity Government: IGAD

The shortfall is the result of climatic conditions such as ‘dry spells, heatwaves and flooding’ as well as a lack of fuel and fertilisers [Reuters]

F

our in 10 North Koreans are chronically short of food and further cuts to already minimal rations are expected after the worst harvest in a decade, the United Nations said on Friday.

Official rations are down to 300 grams - under 11 ounces - per person per day, the lowest ever for this time of year, the UN said following a food security assessment based on UN Food and Agriculture

Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) missions to the country last month and in November 2018.

It found that 10.1 million people were suffering from severe food insecurity, “meaning they do not have enough food till the next harvest,” WFP spokesman Herve Verhoosel said.

North Korea’s population is around 25.2 million, according to its Central Bureau of Statistics,

Friday’s UN report said.

Verhoosel said the word “famine” was not being used in the current crisis, but it might come to that in a few months or years. “The situation is very serious today - that’s a fact.”

The shortfall is the result of climatic conditions such as “dry spells, heatwaves and flooding” as well as a lack of fuel and fertilisers - in part caused by international sanctions aimed at getting leader Kim Jong Un to abandon his nuclear weapons programme.

The report recommends increasing food assistance and providing fortified foods to meet the current needs and focusing on areas where the shortfalls are greatest or are affected the most by climate.

Expanding nutrition and risk-reduction programmes could help communities better cope with future shocks, the report said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

S

outh Sudan’s ruling and opposition parties agreed on Friday to give themselves six more months to form a unity Government as part of a peace deal they signed in September, the regional group IGAD said in a statement.

Also on Friday, President Salva Kiir lifted a state of emergency imposed in 2017 in five northern states of the country, South Sudan Radio reported, in a bid to help foster peace.

South Sudan gained in-

A

alerted last week after 18 children living on the outskirts of the city tested positive for the virus, which causes AIDS, prompting health officials to carry out wider screenings. Dozens of more infections were found.

A second official confirmed the outbreak, although gave slightly different figures.

Authorities said they traced the outbreak to a single doctor, who appears to have been using a contaminated syringe on patients.

Azra Pechuho, Sindh

province’s Health Minister, confirmed his arrest. “The blood of the parents of the infected children was also tested, but their results were negative,” he said.

Officials have since launched an even larger testing and education drive.

Pakistan is considered a low prevalence country for HIV, but the disease is expanding - mostly among intravenous drug users, sex workers and migrant labourers returning from the Gulf. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

While the peace deal has helped to reduce fighting and partly alleviated the humanitarian crisis afflicting the country, a UN panel of experts on South Sudan said in a report on Tuesday that the country still faces significant challenges.

IGAD, which has been helping to mediate between the two sides, said the new agreement will be presented for consideration at its Council of Ministers meeting to be held on May 7 to 8 in Juba in South Sudan.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Portugal PM threatens to resign if Parliament passes teachers’ pay hike

Pakistani doctor arrested after 90 infected by HIV syringe

t least 90 people, including 65 children, are believed to have been infected with HIV in Pakistan by a doctor using a contaminated syringe, officials said.

“We have arrested a doctor after receiving complaints from the health authorities,” said Kamran Nawaz, the local police chief heading the case in the southern city of Larkana, on Friday.

“We are told that the doctor also has HIV,” he said.

Authorities were first

dependence from Sudan in 2011 but descended into a civil war two years later. After a string of failed agreements, a peace deal was signed last September between the two sides, represented by Kiir and his former deputy turned rival, Riek Machar.

As part of the peace deal, the two sides aimed to form a national unity Government by May 12.

The parties met in neighbouring Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on Friday to seek a way forward on the unity Government.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa addresses the nation from Sao Bento Palace, in Lisbon, Portugal, May 3, 2019. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

P

ortuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa threatened to resign on Friday after his leftist allies abandoned the Government in a preliminary parliamentary vote that could undermine efforts to balance the budget by raising teachers’ salaries

retroactively.

Late on Thursday, a broad alliance of lawmakers sitting on a parliamentary committee voted to grant teachers’ salary increases held back over several years since 2005.

A key concern by the Government is that paying such retroactive salary hikes to teachers could lead to other civil servants asking for the same thing, leading to growing pressure on the budget.

Costa called an emergency Government meeting on Friday, after which he met President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for an hour and informed him that he would resign if Parliament gives its full approval to the measure.

Parliament is due to hold a full vote on the mea-

sure in a session on May 15.

The measure, estimated by the Finance Ministry to cost 800 million euros (US$895 million) a year, would not impact this year’s budget.

Losing the support of the Communists and Left Bloc in Parliament would make it hard for the Socialists, who rule in a minority, to approve laws in what remains of the legislature. Portugal is due to hold a national election in October.

After several years of solid economic growth, the Government has faced a wave of strikes and protests from teachers, nurses, police and prison guards in the past few months to press demands for pay hikes and better working conditions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

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saturday, MAY 4, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Intelligence will protect you from dishonest individuals. Fitness and proper diet will be the best path to self-confidence and a better future. Romance will improve your life and attitude.

CANCER

Someone you look up to will help you change your attitude and recognize positive changes that you’ve been reluctant to pursue in the past. Look forward to new beginnings with optimism and enthusiasm.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Emotions are best channeled into personal improvements and a healthier lifestyle. The less you share with others, the better you will do. A life-changing experience will impact you personally, emotionally and financially.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Take your time and think matters through carefully. The choices you make should be prudent and cautious. Discussion will help clear up uncertainty or confusion.

You be the judge when it comes to what’s right.

Follow the path that feels comfortable. A chance to work alongside someone extraordinary will lead to greater opportunities.

Live and learn. Get involved in something that will give you a broader view of a subject, interest or individual. A major life improvement is waiting in the wings.

Move forward, regardless of what others do. Don’t lose sight of your goals just because someone doesn’t share them with you. Allow others freedom and you will get the same in return.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A change will inspire you to follow your heart and go after your dreams. A partnership with someone who shares your goals will lead to an unusual and exceptional friendship.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Personal improvements will energize you. If you take on a challenge, you will discover how resilient you can be. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to a loved one.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Stick close to home and make adjustments that will encourage you to start a new project or take care of unfinished personal business.

Organize and prepare for the future.

Get serious about the way you look, feel and conduct yourself. Make cultivating good habits and strong routines, and spending time with healthy people priorities.

Know your limits, and don’t exceed what you can handle physically, emotionally or financially. Choose a path that is health-oriented and budget-conscious.

Avoid people who encourage bad habits.

saturday, MAY 4, 2019

19

Gill leads KKR to stay alive, Kings XI knocked out

T

he most pleasing thing about this game were the cameos - the half-century on either side, one score in the high 40s apiece, and - for good measure - an eye-catching cameo from Andre Russell. In a game brimming with high-class batting, Kings XI Punjab set Kolkata Knight Riders what looked a challenging target of 184. Nicholas Pooran’s 27-ball 48 - half of it coming in sixes - saw Kings XI on top early on, before a sumptuously intelligent 24-ball 55 not out from Sam Curran helped his side power to 183. Sunil Narine and Sandeep Warrier had stifled the innings through the Powerplay, but Kings XI’s success at building partnerships following the early dismissals of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul ensured they remained on track to post a competitive total.

It was then something of a pity the bowlers couldn’t back that up and deliver the result Kings XI so desperately needed to keep realistic hopes of qualification alive. Chris Lynn has found himself in a run of form his side had desperately needed after losing their way through the group stages, with four half-centuries in the last seven innings. He fell four short of that mark today, but in 28 destructive balls, he had helped Knight Riders to 62 in the Powerplay. From thereon, Shubman Gill took over.

Ensuring Lynn’s wicket did not result in a slump of the run rate, Gill worked the field expertly for the next six overs or so, with the occasional risk paying off. Handy contributions from Robin Uthappa and Russell helped, but it was Gill’s unbeaten 65 that saw Knight Riders all the way through, and while the game ended two overs early, the outcome - seven-wicket Knight Riders win - had been clear for the best part of the final hour.

Shubman’s teenage kicks It’s fair to say Shubnam came into this year’s IPL with something of a reputation to defend, having already made his international debut a few weeks ago. The way the tournament panned out hadn’t quite matched the hype though, with a pair of half-centuries interspersed with a string of underwhelming scores. Tonight, he allowed Chris Lynn to do the early damage while biding his time at the other end, and by the end of the 12th over, Gill had accumulated just 34 off 31.

It was only then that he saw fit to launch, with no less than

R Ashwin the chosen target for the teenager’s aggression. He charged Ashwin’s first ball to loft it in the air over long-on. A second six went over backward square leg two balls later, and the half-century was brought up with a late cut that would have had the MCC members purring on the first morning of a Test match. Even as the wickets fell at the other end, Knight Riders’ youngest team member had assumed the role of senior player, and eventually saw them through to the end.

Curran’s cerebral knock Twenty-year-old Sam Curran’s fresh-faced demeanour and slight build aren’t exactly redolent of a typical power hitter, but in conjuring up that absorbing unbeaten 24-ball 55, he managed the best strike rate across an innings for Kings XI all season. Each ball was like a chess move, and Curran was one step ahead most of the way. He used his feet to scoop over fine leg, took the pace of the bowler in his strike to whack him over the top, and found angles to manoeuvre the ball into gaps Ashwin might have thought were impossible to pierce.

The final over from Harry Gurney was such an astonishing display of mental dominance over the bowler it became impossible to tell whether Gurney was bowling badly or Curran playing the innings of the season. The last six balls yielded 22 as a discombobulated Gurney knew not which variation to try, and in the moment, it appeared to have powered Kings XI to a total that looked slightly above par.

Gayle gone early Perhaps the most telling blow struck all evening was executed in the first 15 minutes. In a game that would see several players produce vital knocks, a half hour at the crease for Chris Gayle might have been enough to see Kings XI home. Instead, a pair of boundaries in the first over was his lot as Gayle struggles with Gurney’s varied pace and Narine’s guile, with the big man getting frustrated at his failure to find the middle of his bat more regularly. Sandeep Warrier, who had a couple of overs ago sent KL Rahul back to the pavilion, pitched one short of a length to Gayle.

It was perhaps shorter than intended, and Gayle would have

3

SCOREBOARD

KXIP Innings (20 overs maximum) CH Gayle c Gill b Warrier 14 KL Rahul c Lynn b Warrier 2 MA Agarwal run out (Singh/ Narine) 36 N Pooran † c Warrier b Rana

48 M Singh c Uthappa b Gurney

25 SM Curran not out 55 R Ashwin (c) b Russell 0 AJ Tye not out 0 Extras (lb 2, w 1) 3 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 9.15) 183-6 Did not bat: Mohammed Shami, M Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh Fall of wickets: 1-13 (KL Rahul, 2.3 ov), 2-22 (CH Gayle, 4.1 ov), 3-91 (N Pooran, 10.5 ov), 4-111 (MA Agarwal, 13.3 ov), 5-149 (Mandeep Singh, 17.3 ov), 6-151 (R Ashwin, 18.1 ov) BOWLING S Warrier (4-0-31-2) HF Gurney (4-0-41-1) SP Narine (4-0-29-0)

AD Russell PP Chawla N Rana

(3-0-29-1) (4-0-43-0) (1-0-8-1)

KKR Innings (target: 184 runs from 20 overs) Shubman Gill not out 65 CA Lynn c & b Tye 46 RV Uthappa c Agarwal b R Ashwin 22 AD Russell c Tye b Shami 24 KD Karthik (c) † not out 21 Extras (lb 2, w 5) 7 TOTAL (18 Overs, RR: 10.27) 185-3 Yet to bat: SP Narine, N Rana, RK Singh, PP Chawla, HF Gurney, S Sandeep Warrier Fall of wickets: 1-62 (CA Lynn, 5.6 ov), 2-100 (RV Uthappa, 10.3 ov), 3-150 (AD Russell, 14.5 ov) BOWLING M Shami (3-0-15-1) A Singh (2-0-24-0) R Ashwin (4-0-38-1) AJ Tye (3-0-41-1) M Ashwin (2-0-24-0) SM Curran (4-0-41-0)

backed himself to clear the ropes. But with what had happened in the first three overs, Gayle jabbed at the ball early, eager to get himself going. The fielder at deep-backward square had been positioned exactly for that scenario, and it was the first of a number of plans that came together for a Knight Riders’ side that suddenly appear up and running in the tournament again.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Little rattles England before Foakes comes to the rescue

A

ll eyes were on Jofra Archer but it was another debutant, Josh Little, who threatened to steal centre stage as Ireland gave England a scare in their ODI in Dublin.

Ireland went into their 10th ODI against England having won only once, at the 2011 World Cup, but when 19-year-old Little, one of six debutants in the match, claimed three of his four wickets to put England in trouble at 66 for 5 chasing 199 for victory, they could be forgiven for dreaming of another historic upset.

It took an unbroken 98-run partnership from Ben Foakes, also winning his first ODI cap, and Surrey team-mate Tom Curran to carry England over the line for an ultimately comfortable but unconvincing four-wicket victory.

Archer celebrated his highly anticipated first appearance in an England shirt with a wicket and a superb catch. But it was Liam Plunkett and Curran - arguably among Archer’s biggest rivals for a final World Cup berth - who starred as England bowled Ireland out for 198 with 11 balls remaining in the innings, reduced to 45 overs per side because of a soggy outfield which delayed the start by two hours.

The target would normally be seen as easily achievable for the No.1 one-day side in the world who bat deep and love to chase.

But what should have been an agenda-setting start to their World Cup run-in ended in some nervy moments for the tournament favourites, not least when Foakes survived an lbw appeal when on 37 which Ireland chose not to review and replays suggested could have been overturned.

Bearing in mind that England had rested a number of firstchoice players in a match which came at the end of a week dominated by the axing of Alex Hales for recreational drug use.

But it was some of the side’s experienced campaigners who struggled.

The pursuit did not start well, with debutant Dawid Malan calling for treatment after appearing to injure his groin taking a quick single. He batted on in clear discomfort, his ability to run obviously impaired, and saw fellow opener James Vince dismissed to what would have been a beautiful pull from the bowling of Little had George Dockrell not taken a screamer diving to his left at midwicket.

Joe Root and Eoin Morgan followed cheaply, the latter to a brilliant Little bouncer which the England captain gloved to wicketkeeper Gary Wilson, before Little also had Malan caught behind for 24, at that point only the second visiting batsman to

reach double figures. Joe Denly, playing his first ODI since 2009, followed soon after when Kevin O’Brien took another smart catch at midwicket.

David Willey and Foakes threatened steady England until Little returned to the attack with immediate effect as Willey sent a catch straight to fine leg, with England still shaky at 101 for 6.

Foakes then combined with Curran. Having been dropped

by Lorcan Tucker off Mark Adair with England still needing 12, Curran then hit the winning runs with a boundary off a Little noball in a disappointing end to an otherwise memorable day for the bowler.

Little, a former hockey player who had made 10 T20I appearances but was playing his first ODI, ended with figures of 4 for 45 off eight overs.

England won the toss and put Ireland in. Archer’s wicket was a gem, ending a decent knock by Adair - another on debut, who scored 32 off 30 balls in attempting to lift his side - with a 90mph yorker that uprooted off stump. Earlier, Archer had taken a superb diving catch to hand Curran England’s first wicket of the innings, dismissing a dangerous-looking Paul Stirling.

Interestingly, Archer opened the bowling in tandem with Willey, who had previously appeared to question whether picking the Barbados-born talent could destabilise England’s World Cup squad.

Archer has not been named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad but has a chance to press his claims for a late inclusion.

His first ball in international cricket was drilled to the boundary

by Stirling amid a respectable opening spell.

William Porterfield survived an lbw appeal off Willey on the second ball of the innings, and at the end of the first Powerplay, Ireland were in good shape. They had reached 55 without loss when Curran struck in his second over, with the help of Archer, to dismiss Stirling.

Plunkett claimed the wickets of Porterfield and Tucker and, by the time Curran had O’Brien well caught by a diving Denly at backward point, Ireland’s promising start had fizzled to 77 for 4.

An excellent piece of wicketkeeping by Foakes accounted for Andrew Balbirnie. As Balbirnie shied at a Denly wide, the batsman kept his back foot planted for what seemed like an age but, when he finally lifted his toe, Foakes - who had done well to collect the ball as it sailed a long way down the leg side - was waiting and lifted the bails for a sharp stumping.

Archer returned for a second spell that took care of Adair

3

SCOREBOARD

Ireland Innings (45 overs maximum) WTS Porterfield (c) c †Foakes b Plunkett 17 PR Stirling c Archer b Curran

33 A Balbirnie st †Foakes b Denly 29 LJ Tucker c Morgan b Plunkett 7 KJ O’Brien c Denly b Curran 4 GC Wilson † c Root b Rashid 8 GH Dockrell c Morgan b Plunkett 24 MR Adair b Archer 32 TJ Murtagh c †Foakes b Plunkett 12 JB Little b Curran 9 WB Rankin not out 5 Extras (b 4, lb 7, w 7) 18 TOTAL (43.1 Overs, RR: 4.58) 198 all out Fall of wickets: 1-55 (PR Stirling, 11.4 ov), 2-60 (WTS Porterfield, 12.5 ov), 3-70 (LJ Tucker, 14.5 ov), 4-77 (KJ O’Brien, 15.5 ov), 5-110 (GC Wilson, 23.3 ov), 6-111 (A Balbirnie, 24.2 ov), 7-157 (MR Adair, 32.2 ov), 8-183 (TJ Murtagh, 40.1 ov), 9-183 (GH Dockrell, 40.2 ov), 10198 (JB Little, 43.1 ov) BOWLING DJ Willey (6-1-26-0) JC Archer (8-0-40-1)

TK Curran LE Plunkett AU Rashid JL Denly

(8.1-1-35-3) (7-0-35-4) (9-0-27-1) (5-0-24-1)

England Innings (target: 199 runs from 45 overs) JM Vince c Dockrell b Little

18 DJ Malan c †Wilson b Little

24 JE Root lbw b Murtagh 7 EJG Morgan (c) c †Wilson b Little 0 JL Denly c O’Brien b Rankin 8 BT Foakes † not out 61 DJ Willey c Adair b Little 20 TK Curran not out 47 Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 8) 14 TOTAL (42 Overs, RR: 4.73) 199-6 Yet to bat: AU Rashid, LE Plunkett, JC Archer Fall of wickets: 1-34 (JM Vince, 7.4 ov), 2-41 (JE Root, 8.5 ov), 3-46 (EJG Morgan, 9.6 ov), 4-62 (DJ Malan, 13.1 ov), 5-66 (JL Denly, 14.1 ov), 6-101 (DJ Willey, 26.6 ov) BOWLING TJ Murtagh (9-1-29-1) MR Adair (8-0-48-0) JB Little (8-0-45-4) WB Rankin (6-0-38-1) KJ O’Brien (2-0-7-0) GH Dockrell (9-0-27-0)

in eye-catching style, before Plunkett and Curran rounded up the innings. Unlike Archer, those two were named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad but neither has been regarded as a shoo-in. Their latest performances will do their causes no harm ahead of the squad being finalised on May 23. (ESPNcricinfo)

20

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saturday, MAY 4, 2019

Alvarez and Jacobs ready for the showdown O

n Saturday night Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Promotions will match their best welterweights against each other to unify the WBC, WBA, and IBF Middleweight Titles.

This bout will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The co-main event of the night will be between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Mauricio Herrera in the welterweight division. Other undercard fights will feature boxers such as Pablo Cesar Cano, Michael Perez, Joseph Diaz Jr., Sadam Ali, Lamont Roach, and Jonathan Oquendo.

The odds are against Jacobs Canelo Alvarez is only twenty eight years old, but already has fifty four fights to his resume and has been a champion in the light middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight divisions.

His opponent, Daniel Jacobs, is thirty two years old and considered by many to be the best opponent that Canelo could face in the middleweight division.

Jacobs will have about a three and a half inch height advantage and about a two and a half inch reach advantage over Canelo.

Canelo has the edge in youth, but both boxers are still in their athletic prime.

Canelo and Jacobs both fought twice in 2017 and 2018, which is pretty standard for most champions and top contenders in boxing. Both boxers have pretty decent power, with Canelo stopping thirty five of his opponents and Jacobs stopping twenty nine. However, Canelo only has two stoppage victories in his past five fights and Jacobs only has one stoppage victory in his past five fights.

Canelo turned professional at the age of fifteen so he doesn’t have the amateur accomplishments of Jacobs, but he was a former Junior Mexican National Championship Gold Medalist.

Jacobs had a successful career in the amateur circuit in the

United States. He’s a former Junior Olympics National Champion and a former Golden Gloves National Champion.

Canelo’s only loss in his career was to Floyd Mayweather Jr. He has beaten the likes of Rocky Fielding, Gennady Golovkin, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Liam Smith, Amir Khan, Miguel Cotto, James Kirkland, Erislandy lara, Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Shane Mosley, Josesito Lopez, and Alfonso Gomez.

Jacobs losses were to Gennady Golvokin in a close decision and a stunning upset knockout loss to Dmitry Pirog. He has defeated the likes of Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Maciej Sulecki, Luis Arias, Sergio Mora, Peter Quillin, Caleb Truax, Jarrod Fletcher.

This should be a close and intriguing fight. Canelo, rightly, is the betting favorite and he has the more impressive list of victories. However, Jacobs does have a rather significant height and reach advantage on Canelo and he has spent most of his career fighting in the middleweight division. If Jacobs can stay on the outside and use his reach and footwork to his advantage he can pull out the victory.

But the judges have been kind to Canelo in the scorecards before, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the same thing happens on Saturday.

Ortiz Jr aims to stay clean Vergil Ortiz is a young up and coming prospect that has twelve wins on his record, as well as twelve stoppage victories. He’s only twenty one years old, and will be facing someone that is seventeen years his elder who only has seven stoppage victories.

Ortiz will have about a two and half inch height advantage over Herrera, but will be giving up about an inch and a half in reach. Ortiz has been very active and fought once in 2019, three times in 2018, and five times in 2017. Herrera has not been as active. He fought once in 2018 and twice in 2017.

Ortiz also has a significant edge in amateur experience. He’s a former National Silver and Golden Gloves Champion, while Herrera has no notable amateur achievements.

Both Canelo Alvarez (left) and Daniel Jacobs have two losses

Ortiz hasn’t faced any top level competition yet, but has defeated the likes of Jesus A. Valdez Barrayan, Roberto Ortiz, Juan Carlos Salgado, and Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez.

Herrera has lost three of his past five fights. He has defeated the likes of Jesus Soto karass, Hector Velazquez, Henry Lundy, Johan Perez, Ji Hoon Kim, and Mike Dallas Jr. His eight losses, many of them recently, were to Sadam Ali, Pablo Cesar Cano, Frankie Gomez, Jose Benavidez Jr., Danny Garcia, Karim Mayfield, Mike Alvarado, and Mike Anchondo.

Herrera is a good test for Ortiz in that he has eight losses but was never stopped, while Ortiz has yet to go to the judge’s scorecards. If Ortiz is able to stop Herrera you’ll know his power is for real, but Herrera doesn’t appear to be a real threat to give Ortiz his first loss. (Boxing Insider)

Everton beat Burnley to keep Serena Williams to return their Europa League hopes alive for Italian Open

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he Toffees, who move to within one point of seventh-placed Wolves, started brightly and led when Richarlison’s 25-yard shot deflected in off Ben Mee. Seamus Coleman headed in a second goal after Tom Heaton parried Lucas Digne’s swerving shot.

Burnley struggled in front of goal, but should probably have had a second-half penalty when Michael Keane appeared to shove substitute Matej Vydra.

Sean Dyche’s side have already secured their Premier League place for next season and looked far short of their battling best.

Everton’s top-seven bid will come to an end if Wolves beat Fulham on Saturday.

Everton continue decent form

The Toffees have found a good run of results in the closing stages of the season, with a fifth win in seven games.

Boss Marco Silva said they need to qualify for Europe every season to “grow as a club” but their hopes of reaching the Europa League are still a long shot.

They need to finish seventh, which means they cannot afford Wolves to win either of their final games. And they also need Manchester City to beat Watford in the FA Cup final to ensure the seventh-placed team get a Europa League place.

Everton blew Burnley away with a quick start at Goodison Park.

They had five shots in the opening 10 minutes and 12 efforts in the first half.

Richarlison had an effort blocked and fired another over before his shot helped gave them the lead. Gylfi Sigurdsson picked out the Brazilian and his long-range strike flew past Heaton - but it was registered as a Mee own goal as the shot took a deflection off the Burnley defender.

Everton continued their push for goals and Digne’s effort from outside the box was saved with Coleman stooping in to head in his 20th Premier League goal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had several chances for Everton but failed to test Heaton.

The Toffees lost Richarlison to a not-too-serious-looking injury early in the second half. Their chances dried up in the second half - until a wonderful Ademola Lookman shot from outside the box late on which clipped the top of the crossbar. (BBC Sport)

S

erena Williams will be back in action just after Mother’s Day at the Italian Open.

The tournament director told the Associated Press on Friday that Williams “has already reserved her rooms and should be here a few days early” for the event Williams hasn’t played since she withdrew from the Miami Open in March with a knee injury.

The 37-year-old Williams, currently ranked 11th in the world, has won the Italian Open four times, most recently in 2016.

That’s also the last time she played in the event.

This year’s Italian Open runs May 13-19 and serves as a clay-court warm-up for the French Open, which begins May 26.

Williams has not won a tournament since 2017, when she won the Australian Open. Shortly afterward, she announced

Serena Williams

she was pregnant and she took the rest of the year off from competitive tennis.

While she did not win a tournament in 2018, she did advance to the final of

both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

She lost in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open this year. (Reuters)

Physicians group calls on members to reject IAAF regulations

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he World Medical Association has called on its members not to implement new International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) regulations that restrict testosterone levels in female athletes with differences in sexual development.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week dismissed an appeal by Olympic 800 meters champion Caster Semenya to set aside the regulations, which will come into effect on Wednesday.

However, the WMA, which represents physicians from 114 national member associations, said there was “weak evidence” that the regulations were necessary and that they should be scrapped.

“We have strong reservations about the ethical validity of these regulations,” WMA President Dr. Leonid Eidelman said in a statement on the organization’s website.

“They are based on weak evidence from a single study, which is currently being widely debated by the scientific community.

“They are also contrary to a number of key WMA ethical statements and declarations, and as such we are calling for their immediate withdrawal.”

Under the rules, female athletes with high natural levels of testosterone wishing to compete in events from 400m to a mile must medically limit that level to under 5 nmol/L, which is double the normal female range of below 2 nmol/L. The IAAF has said no athlete would be forced to undergo surgery and that oral contraceptives should suffice in allowing them to reach the required level.

Testosterone increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance.

The WMA has previously said the regulations “would constrain the athletes concerned to take unjustified medication, not based on medical need, in order for them to be allowed to compete, and accordingly require physicians to prescribe such medication.”

The association added it was unethical for physicians to prescribe treatment to lower testosterone if the condition was not recognized as pathological, and warned of the dangers of “artificially modifying blood constituents, biochemistry or endogenous testosterone”.

Semenya will run in the 800m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Doha later on Friday, her final event before the regulations come into place.

The 28-year-old, along with Athletics South Africa (ASA), is considering an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, but after this weekend will have to run with blockers unless she moves up to longer distances.

CAS recognized in their verdict on Wednesday that the regulations were discriminatory, but added they were “necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of achieving the IAAF’s aim of preserving the integrity of female athletics in the Restricted Events”.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe reiterated the organization’s stance on Thursday at a media briefing in Doha.

“It is very straightforward for any association in sport,” Coe said. “Athletics has two classifications – it has age and it has gender. We are fiercely protective of both. We are really grateful that CAS has upheld that principle.” (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, may 4, 2019

21

GPF impresses in Best of the Best Martial Arts Championships T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF), in collaboration with the Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy, recently concluded the Best of the Best Martial Arts Championships at the National Gymnasium.

The competition was held on Sunday, April 28, and saw a total of 43 medals being won. Of the lot, 29 were gold, 7 were silver, and the same amount was bronze.

According to Sensei Troy Bobb, an instructor at both the GPF and Harpy Eagle, this is the 8th anniversary of the tournament, which has always been successful, as every year there is an increase in the amount of participants.

Bobb declared he is very proud of the GPF, who this year walked away with more medals than they had received in previous years. He also noted that he is extremely proud that a 5-year-old member of the Harpy Eagle was able to attain 2 gold medals and 1 bronze.

Further, Bobb related that the tournament creates exposure for newcomers from both sides, as they are able to showcase their skills on a large platform.

Winning gold for the Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy were Zion Summer; Michael Palms; Anthony Cyril, who

This young top performer displays his hardware alongside Sensei Troy Bobb

claimed two gold and one bronze; Akel Cromwell; Crystal Ignatius; Mark Zaman, who also bagged two gold and one bronze; Joshua Rodney, who also took two gold; and Daquan Bradshaw, who picked up one gold and a silver.

Dillon Weeks also picked up a silver medal, while Paul Wilson and Jamal Smith picked up silver and bronze respectively.

Winning medals for the GPF were: Kwanza Thompson, who picked up gold; Ryan Beaton, who picked up one gold and one silver; Sensei Bobb, who copped two gold; Dellious Small and Kareem Simon, who each copped gold; Troy Bobb Jnr, who added three gold to his name; Ejaz Cave, who copped one gold and a bronze; Canesha Phillips and Nigel McKenzie, who each copped gold; Elizabeth Clement, who copped one gold and a silver; Dione Bobb, Paul Ignatius, Shawn nurse and Courtney Williams, who each copped gold; Nyesha Carrington and Dexter Bobb, who each copped two golds.

Bagging silver were Trevlon Clarke and Travis Grant, while Elijah Seraphin settled for bronze.

WDCA Beacons 50-Over Competition…

4 teams record victories

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ction in the West Demerara Cricket Association’s (WDCA’s) Beacons 50-Over competition continued over the weekend with Independence ‘B’, All Youths, Independence ‘A’ and Mc Gill Superstars recording notable wins.

In the first matchup, Independence ‘B’, in duking it out with Malvern, won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 173 all out from 25 overs. Anand Bharat and Kevin Plant posted the highest scores in the match: 63 (4x4 3x6) and 50 (3x4 2x6) respectively; while Derick Mangar picked up 3 for 22.

In reply, Malvern were bowled out for 69 from 13 overs, with Eion Williams being the only batsman scoring double-figures (21).

The Malvern batsmen had no answer for Harichad Persaud’s bowling, and he captured 4 wickets for a mere 15 runs as Independence ‘B’ won the match by 104 runs.

The All Youths ‘B’ team had opposed the Sawpit team, and that matchup had seen Sawpit scoring 140 all out from 27 overs, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

Satnarine Joda and Ravinanda Ramnarine had held the innings together in scoring 37 and 24 respectively.

Anthony Carrington took 4 for 26, while Eion Radiquea and Dwayne Scott each took two wickets.

The All Youths ‘B’ team easily overhauled this target, reaching 143 for 3 in only 19 overs, with rapid scores coming from Sanjay Persaud (22) and Travis Witright (20). Ravinandan

Ramnarine took 1 for 12 and Shivram Mahase 1 for 20.

All Youths ‘B’ won this encounter by 7 wickets, with 31 overs remaining.

And in a battle against Wales, Independence ‘A’ scored 205 all out from 35 overs, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Amir Mohammed and Terrence Narine were the main contributors, with 37 and 33 respectively. Allan Charles picked up 4 for 20 and Kevin Lindo 2 for 7.

Wales, in reply, scored 107 all out from 31 overs, despite a fighting knock of 58 from Paul Gabbis, which included 7 fours and 2 sixes. Reaz Esau, with 5 for 38, was the most destructive bowler of the match, while Narine chipped in with 2 for 31 to follow up his good knock with the bat. Independence ‘A’ won that match by 98 runs.

In the final fixture, Mc Gill Superstars dominated Christ Ambassadors in their Labour Day match. Choosing to take first strike, Mc Gill scored 210 all out from 32 overs, with Ganesh Puran contributing a skilful 60 that included 8 fours and a six.

He was well supported by Keshram Seyhodan (41) and Daniel Basdeo (24).

Melroy Alert, the only Christ Ambassador’s bowler who consistently troubled the batmen, picked up 4 wickets for 32 runs.

Christ Ambassadors crumbled for 43 from 9 overs, with Dave Bacchus top-scoring with 24. Daniel Basdeo took 3 for 26, while

Ganesh Puran (left) and Daniel Basdeo helped Mc Gill to a comprehensive 167-run victory over Christ Ambassadors SC

Travis Persaud, Keshram Seyhodan and Sudesh Persaud each took one wicket.

Mc Gill won this encounter by 167 runs.

The tournament, which runs overs the weekends, will have no matches this weekend if the inclement weather seriously affects the condition of the venues.

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Dukestown and No 72 All Stars to clash in final

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he grand finale of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL)/Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, 100 Balls Cricket tournament is slated to be contested between the Dukestown Team of Corriverton and the Number 72 All Stars Team, both of the upper reaches of the Corentyne Coast in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

A large crowd is expected to be on hand at the Number 72 Cut& Load ground on Sunday to witness the proceedings as the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosts this game.

Both teams are brimming with confidence going into the finale; as, of the 24 clubs that had participated in this tournament, it had all boiled down to four ‘hot teams’ fighting for opportunity to participate in this grand finale. Dukestown had then defeated No. 64 Fighting Marines by 71 runs at the Scottsburg Ground, while No. 72 All Stars had also crushed No. 70 Spartans by 9 wickets at the No. 72 Cut and Load ground. Thus each surviving team is confident of emerging victorious in this match-up.

At the Scottsburg Ground, Dukestown, batting first, had amassed 141 for 7 off their 100 Balls. Errol Byass had top-scored with 38, while C. Beresford had scored 26 and J. Byass 24 in offering support.

Shiraz Khan, Ramzan Subhan, Charles France, Davendra Budhoo and Leonard Sandy had each taken a wicket for No. 64 Fighting Marines.

In response, No. 64 Fighting Marines had been

Ryan Ramdass

bowled out for 70, with only Ramzan Subhan’s 16 and Charles France’s 16 making it to double figures.

Wayne Garnett’s 3 for 18, Errol Byass’s 3 for 7, Jermaine Reid’s 2 for 8 and Vandam Narine’s 2 for 17 were what had wreaked havoc on the Fighting Marines.

At the Cut and Load Ground, No. 70 Spartans had

been bowled out for 122, with T. Rangaram scoring 24, T. Ramoutar 25, A. Persaud 39 and S. Wazar 18 as the principal scorers. Number 72 All Stars’ T. Baichan was the successful bowler with 4 for 17.

Ryan Ramdass had then ravaged the hapless No.70 Spartans’ bowling attack to score a brutal 103, which included eight boundaries and eleven massive sixes, to lead his team to 124 for 1 from 9.4 overs. P. Chatterpaul had been rendered a mere spectator to Ramdass’s assault, and had been left on 11 not out.

N. Yacoob had taken one wicket for 43 runs.

In the Quarterfinals, No. 72 All Stars had squeezed past No. 72 Cut and Load by 12 runs, while Dukestown had defeated arch-rivals Skeldon Titans by 8 wickets at the No. 69 Red Rose Ground.

Skeldon Titans had been bowled out for 87, with Anthony Seerah’s 25 and Duane Edwards’s 14 being the most respectable scores. Dukestown had then blasted 89 runs for the loss of 2 wickets from 14.4 overs, with Clavern Beresford scoring 73 not out.

At the Cut and Load Ground, No. 72 All Stars had made 111 for 7, with A. Hemchand scoring 34 and M. Bhoj 22.

D. Chatterpaul, with 2 for 15, was the best bowler for the home team, who in reply were bowled out for 99 from 16 overs.

A. Ajib with 23 and D. Chatterpaul with 24 had top- scored in a losing cause. S. Singh had taken 3 for 15 and A. Hemchand 3 for 19 as they had bowled well to lead All Stars into the semifinals.

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saturday, MAY 4, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Corona Futsal Tournament kicks off tonight T

he fourth edition of the Corona Futsal Tournament, being played at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, will commence this evening, with tonight being the first of eight nights of thrilling action.

Twenty-four teams are slated to participate in this Petra-organised competition; namely Wolves United, Tucville, Kingston, North East La Penitence, Leopold Street, Flamingo, Back Circle, Camptown, Sparta Boss, Black Pearl, GT Panthers, Bent Street, Pele, California Square, Georgetown Football Club, West Front Road, Broad Street, Mocha, Order & Discipline, Future Stars, Beacons, Sophia, East Ruimveldt and Tiger Bay. The elimination rounds begin at 19:30 hrs with Wolves United tackling Tucville while Northern Rangers duke it out with North La Penitence from 20:15 hrs. In the third fixture, Leopold Street will battle Flamingo and Back Circle will take on Camptown, at 21:00 hrs and 21:45 hrs respectively. The penultimate match of the night will commence at 22:30 hrs with Sparta Boss engaging Black Pearl, while GT Panthers will face Bent Street from 23:15 hrs.

The action will continue on Sunday with Pele taking on California Square at 19:30 hrs and GFC battling West Front Road at 20:15 hrs. Broad Street will then take on Mocha at 21:00 hrs, while Order and Discipline will attempt to overthrow Future Stars from 21:45 hrs.

Beacons then battle Sophia while East Ruimveldt and Tiger Bay go head-to-head, at 22:30 hrs and 23:15 hrs respectively.

Round-robin action will commence on May 11, and continue on May 14 and 18, before moving to the quarter finals on May 25. The semifinals and grand finale are slated for June 1 and 8 respectively.

The teams that come out on top in the group stages will be awarded as follows: first $40,000; second $30,000; third $15,000, and fourth $10,000, as an added incentive. In the grand finale, first place winner will receive $500,000, while second place will pocket $250,000. Third place will cop a $125,000 prize, while fourth will have to settle for $75,000.

CONCACAF Under-17 Championships

Miranda’s double condemns Guyana to defeat

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he Junior Golden Jaguars were unable to recover from an initial poor showing in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championships, and suffered a second defeat in that competition.

Under the captaincy of Marcus Wilson, the Under-17 Guyanese team, featuring Jermaine Padmore, Nicholai Andrews, Orville Daniels, Omari Glasgow, Tyrel Khan, Jemar Harrigon, Shannon Samnauth, William Vaughan, Ronaldo Rodrigues and Shawn Adonis, were on a quest to register their first win of the tournament after suffering a first game defeat, but could not manage the feat.

In a manner similar to their first game, the opposition, Honduras, were able to penetrate the Guyanese defence

early.

The first goal came off the boots of Jeffry Miranda in the 14th minute of play; and with the one-nil lead, Honduras were able to frustrate the local team, affording them no opportunity to level the scores.

A vibrant and determined Junior Jags took to the field in the second half, but could not turn their fortunes around, their opponents instead drilling two more goals into the Guyanese net.

Honduras’ Miguel Carrasco Reyes, the first to score in the second half, planted a stunner past the Junior Jags goalkeeper in the 64th minute; and Miranda returned three minutes later to net his second goal and put Guyana in deficit by three goals.

Although a comeback at this stage was not impossible, the Guyanese team, try as they might, could not produce the goal, resulting in their loss of the match and ultimate exit from the 2019 Championships.

Guyana’s National Under-17 team will play their final group match on Sunday, May 5, against Haiti at the IMG Academy in Florida.

The Guyanese team had been drawn in Group G with Honduras, El Salvador and Haiti.

Trophy Stall on board National Junior Athletics Championships

The Under-17 Guyanese team in action

ICC expands T20I rankings list to 80 teams

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he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will host the National Youth and Junior Championships during the period May 4-5 at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, WCD and Guyana’s CARIFTA athletes are slated to compete therein.

The AAG has expressed its anticipation of intense competition over the weekend, and the Trophy Stall has made a valuable contribution to the two-day event in the form of trophies.

AAG boss Aubrey Hutson has thanked Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sunich for the timely donation just ahead of the championships, and has shared that Trophy Stall has always been a supporter of athletics.

Sunich notes that his love for sport continues to drive his desire to make donations to all organisations that manage sport in Guyana.

He has proffered his heartiest congratulations to the Guyana team that participated in the CARIFTA Games for the success they have achieved, and revealed that he must get behind athletics, because it continues to show improvements each year.

Young fans watch a game

F

Proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich (left), handing over a trophy to AAG President Aubrey Hutson on Friday

or fans not tuned into the minutiae of Associate cricket, it’s now possible to answer this question, or at least have an informed idea, with the ICC expanding its men’s T20I rankings to 80 teams.

Last year, the ICC decided to award T20I status to all T20 matches between its members, swelling the list of T20I teams from 18 to 104. All teams that have played a minimum of six T20Is against other ICC members since May 2016 now feature in the expanded rankings.

The first expanded rankings list has

Pakistan at one end with 286 points, and Indonesia, China, Gambia, Swaziland, Rwanda and Lesotho at the other with no points against their names. In between, some interesting movement has taken place, with Nepal moving to 11th to sit above two Test-playing nations in Zimbabwe (13th) and Ireland (15th).

Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Cameroon and Bermuda are yet to play the requisite number of matches to feature on the rankings table.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, MAY 4, 2019

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Hand-in-Hand 3-Day Inter-County Cricket Tournament…

Berbice keen on improving in upcoming rounds, says Anderson – Algoo rates century as one of best in career

Berbice U-19 captain, Kevlon Anderson

By Brandon Corlette

D

efending champions Berbice recorded a poor showing in the first round play of the Hand-in-Hand 3-Day Inter-County Cricket Tournament, securing a mere draw against a Guyana Select U-17 team, against whom they lost the first innings but were on course to secure victory when rain intervened.

Speaking exclusively with this reporter, Berbice

U-19 Captain Kevlon Anderson, a West Indies U-19 selectee, said the team had a good outing, as only the first innings had gone ‘the other way’.

“It’s just the start, and we will have some bad days.

I (would) rather (that) we start this way and continue improving”, Anderson explained.

In the first innings of their match against the Select U-17 Team, with the encounter being held at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown, the Berbice U-19 team were shot out for 127. Taking the opposition lightly, their batsmen were over-confident in their approach, and threw away their wickets.

Their bowlers however, led by West Indies U-19 selectee Kevin Umrao, had bowled out the opposition for 218, with Umrao snaring 5-55 with his left-arm spin.

Given opportunity to mend their ways in the second innings, the boys from the ‘ancient county’ had shown their worth, with Alex Algoo leading the fightback with 175, his third inter-county century and his highest score.

Speaking with this reporter after his memorable innings, Algoo, a National U-19 player who had played twice at the CWI Regional U-19 level, said it was one of his better knocks, but he needed to work on the physical aspect of his game, and do a bit of ‘tightening’ on the technical aspect of his batting.

He led the Berbice side to a formidable 404-5 in only 86 overs, with Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair,

Seon Glasgow, Garfield Benjamin and Nigel Deodat also recording good scores in the batting marathon.

The U-17 Team were set a formidable 314 for victory, and while Berbice were chipping away at that team’s resistance by constantly taking wickets, a deluge ended the match with the Select U-17 on 39 for 3.

Another positive for the Berbice team was fast bowler Leon Swamy taking three wickets in four balls.

Berbice will shift focus to their next opposition, Essequibo, whom they will play at Lusignan from today, Saturday May 4, 2019.

In recent times, Essequibo has shown promise, putting up a fight in their inter-county matches. However, they have suffered a nine-wicket loss in their first round match against Demerara at the GCC, Bourda.

Essequibo were bowled out for 75 and 156, having no answer for the spin

treat of Joel Spooner, an off-spinner who took 11 wickets in the match.

The lads from the Cinderella County had some solid performances from their leading batsman, Orlando Jailall, who top scored in both innings with 27 and 60 respectively. Amit Persaud was their stand-out bowler with a first innings haul of 6-69 from 31 overs.

It will be a riveting contest, but Berbice will start as favourites. Alex Algoo, who scored a century at Lusignan in last year’s inter-county tournament, is as excited as his upbeat team mates.

Meanwhile, Demerara will today meet the Guyana Select U-17 Team at GCC, Bourda. Weather permitting, first ball will bowl off at 10:00h at Lusignan.

Alex Algoo

Windies trio ready to turn up the tempo in Women’s T20 challenge

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tafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews and Shakera Selman of the West Indies Women’s team will join their international counterparts to participate in the four-match tri-series being hosted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from May 6-11 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.

Stafanie and Shakera will play for the Trailblazers, captained by Smriti Mandhana, while Hayley will play for Velocity, captained by Mithali Raj. India holds special memories for the West Indies Women’s team as they won their first ICC Women’s World T20 title there in 2016. Captain of that winning 2016 team Stafanie Taylor is excited about returning to play in India, “I’ve always enjoyed playing in India but this will be a new experience for me. I’m looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere that I’ve seen in the IPL on TV and I’m hoping that this season will be a catalyst to have an actual women’s IPL.” Stafanie added, “I feel proud to be one of three West Indies Women’s players chosen to participate this year and we’re going to bring the West Indian T20 flare that the world likes to see.”

Shakera

Selman who will be steaming into the pace attack for the Trailblazers alongside Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami is relishing the opportunity to play along her West Indies captain and the other international players. Shakera said, “I’m grateful to be afforded the opportunity to take part in the Women’s T20 challenge, as it’s another chance to showcase my talent alongside some of the best female cricketers in the game. And I am hopeful that this challenge be used to develop a women’s IPL.” Meanwhile, Hayley Matthews who will be challenging her West Indies Women’s teammates, echoed similar sentiments saying, “It’s an honour to be able to participate in such a huge initiative in women’s cricket. I’m really looking forward to playing alongside some of the best players in the world and being able to play my role in helping to grow women’s cricket.”

Jimmy Adams, Cricket West Indies Director Cricket, congratulated the three West Indies women players on their selection: “We’re delighted that Stafanie, Shakera and Hayley have the chance to experience this tournament and showcase West Indies women’s cricket talent at the same time. It’s unfortunate that Deandra Dottin was not able to participate due to injury. We’ll be watching out for the performances and welcome this initiative from the BCCI.” (CWI)

Women’s T20 Cricket Challenge Squads:

SUPERNOVAS: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Anuja Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Chamari Athapaththu, Jemimah Rodrigues, Lea Tahuhu, Mansi Joshi, Natalie Sciver, Poonam Yadav, Priya Punia, Radha P Yadav, Sophie Devine, Taniya Bhatia, W V Raman (Coach) TRAILBLAZERS: Smriti Mandhana (c), Bharti Fulmali, Dayalan Hemalatha,

Schedule:

6th May – Supernovas vs Trailblazers 8th May – Trailblazers vs Velocity 9th May – Supernovas vs Velocity 11th May – Final Stafanie Taylor

Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Jasia Akhtar, Jhulan Goswami, R Kalpana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shakera Selman, Sophie Ecclestone, Stafanie Taylor, Suzie Bates, Biju George (Coach) VELOCITY: Mithali Raj (c), Amelia

Kerr, Danielle Wyatt, Devika Vaidya, Ekta Bisht, Hayley Matthews, Jahanara Alam, Komal Zhanzad, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sushma Verma, Sushree Dibyadarshini, Veda Krishnamurthy, Mamta Maben (Coach)

Bartica receive support for KFC Independence Cup

A

t a simple ceremony held on April 18 at the KFC’s Corporate Office on Georgetown’s Vlissengen Road, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in collaboration with KFC, launched an Under-20 Knockout Football tournament which is set to run from April 27 to May 20, before concluding with national Inter-Regional Member Association play-offs from May 31 to June 9.

The Bartica leg of this tournament -- to be played among eight clubs, namely Beacon, Rising Stars, Lazio, Wolves United, Potaro Strikers, Rivers View, Mil Ballers and Agatash -- will run from May 13 to 19 at the Bartica Secondary School Ground, with matches being played from 16:00 hrs. The winner of each leg will participate in the national playoffs in Georgetown.

On Wednesday last, a number of balls, a pair of goal nets and other equipment, along with a cheque to cover the administration of the tournament, were handed over to the Bartica Football Association (BFA).

The Independence Cup will take place in two legs, wherein clubs affiliated to each member association will compete to become regional association champion.

This will be followed by the inter-association or national play-offs, which will be played among champion clubs of all the associations.

It will be contested on a straight knockout basis, and will cater for approximately 102 clubs across the nine regional member associations of the GFF. Each team will vie for one spot as the regional representative.

The association matches are to be run from April 27 to May 20, while the National playoffs are to be run from May 31 to June 9,

Coordinator of the local leg of the tournament, Curtis Joseph, handing over a cheque and items to BFA President Alden Marslowe

and eligible players must be born on or after January 1, 1999.

At the association level, should scores remain level after 90 minutes, the match goes straight to penalty kicks; while for the national playoffs, extra time will be given.

Prizes for the tournament are as follows: first place, $500,000; second place, $300,000; and third place, $200,000.

saturday, MAY 4, 2019

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

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Hand-in-Hand 3-Day Inter-County Cricket Tournament…

Page 23

Berbice keen on improving in

upcoming rounds, says Anderson – Algoo rates century as one of best in career

Corona Futsal Tournament kicks off tonight

Page 22

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