Guyana Times September 13, 2018

New PCA head to work on reducing backlog of cases P2 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Issue No. 3685

Former PPP/C Ministers questioned again by SOCU

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Works on $74M Timehri roundabout P11 halted

Page 3

Investigation P11 to be launched into marriage of 13-year-old

…dubbed as “constant harassment” ...to distract nation from Govt's failures

Father charged for son’s murder

City Hall P10 addressing flooding, crime at route 42 bus park

Page 7

Contraband in prisons

Authorities struggling to weed out corrupt officers Page ‒ Director admits 5

$80 vat included

Under pressure, President agrees to make T&T Page oil MoU public 9

Police record 23% increase in robberies

Page 7

Exxon’s 2nd exploration vessel to arrive in October Page 15

GMSA, GuySuCo resolve molasses shortage P11 WCB cash crop farmers seeking over $10M in damages P15

Bandits storm BV wake house ...one shot

…Govt thanks company for sponsorship of Guyana Amazon Warriors Minister of State Joseph Harmon and ExxonMobil Exploration Corporation Executive Vice President, Mike Cousins in discussion during a meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency

See details in Friday's edition

2 news

thursdAY, september 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

New PCA head to work on reducing backlog of cases

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ewly-appointed Chairman of Police Complaints Authority (PCA), retired Justice William Ramlall, was officially sworn in on Wednesday before President David Granger at State House.

Ramlall, during a brief interview with the local press following the swearing in ceremony, said he is committed to ensuring that the Authority is brought up to speed.

He said he will use the first few weeks on the job to familiarise himself with the staff of the PCA and plans to look into the backlog of cases, to bring the current number down.

While he could not put a figure to this, he said he is quite sure the numbers could be “enormous”, especially given the fact that the Authority has managed without a chair for some time.

In delivering remarks, President Granger reminded that the appointment of a Chairman of the PCA is in compliance with the provi-

sions of the laws of Guyana.

He also said the appointment is consistent with Government’s commitment to increasing public trust in the Guyana Police Force.

“The Authority can help to improve the level of public trust between the Police and the public. The Authority is a critical link between the Police and the public,” he explained.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, it provides a means through which the public can have its grievances against Police malpractices addressed in an impartial manner by an independent person.

The Authority is a public defence against the Force’s abuse of citizens’ rights.

The Authority allows citizens to hold the Force’s members accountable for their actions.

Moreover, the PCA can engender greater public trust in the Force by ensuring that the Force’s actions are in conformity with respect for human rights, including the right to life and liberty, rights.

Retired Justice William Ramlall with his instrument of appointment in hand and President David Granger (left) following his official swearing in at State House on Wednesday (Dexter Ceres photo)

Granger said, “The Authority, to effectively discharge its mandate, will

be expected to exhibit the qualities of impartiality, integrity and independence.

In so doing, it can rely on the Executive Branch support in discharging its lawful mandate.”

However, the President said the existence of a com-

mission, however, is not enough to guarantee that the Police Force would be officered by persons who are competent, committed and uncorrupted.

“A Force, which is contaminated by corruption cannot safeguard the security of our citizens. Service in the Force must be based on the values of commitment, competence and incorruptibility.”

The Police Force, if it is to maintain public safety, Granger said, must ensure that it enjoys public trust.

The idea of public trust arises out of the relationship between the Police and the public.

“All politics is about people. It follows that whatever trust the people place in the Police must be respected. Bribery is regarded as a notorious crime because it contributes to corruption and, thereby, undermines, public trust. That is the reason when I was asked what qualities I sought in appointing a Commissioner of Police I did not hesitate to say that he must be “unbribable.”

Retired Justices BS Roy, William Ramlall and Claudette La Bennett were first recommended to head the PCA which has been

without a chairperson for more than a year. However, after consultation with Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, a statement was issued declaring Ramlall as successful.

Last February, Justice (retired) Cecil Kennard, who had been Chairman since 2002, was forced to step down by Granger because of his age. At the time, he was almost 80 years old.

Kennard was initially given 36 hours to demit office, however, he was given an extension after the intervention of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

President Granger has faced criticism over the decision to force Kennard to step down and then failing to fill the vacancy. But he said Kennard’s removal was part of his Administration’s move to establish an age limit for membership of State boards, agencies and commissions, in order to pave the way for younger persons to take the lead.

Granger, however, subsequently did an about face on the claimed age policy when he appointed Justice James Patterson, 84, to head the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

news

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thursdAY, september 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 13 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, September 14 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 13 – 06:25h-07:55h and Friday, September 14 – 07:05h-08:35h.

Former PPP/C Ministers questioned again by SOCU …dubbed as “constant harassment”

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers can be expected throughout the morning, while light cloudy skies with sunny intervals can be expected in the afternoon. Partly cloudy to clear skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Southerly to East South Easterly and Easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:45h and 18:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.69 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:18h and 12:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.43 metres and 0.57 metres respectively.

The former PPP Government Ministers making their way into SOCU headquarters and being led by their Attorney Anil Nandlall

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ormer members of Cabinet under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) were called in for renewed questioning by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) regarding the sale and transfer of lands located in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, popularly known as “Pradoville 2” under the former Administration’s tenure.

On Wednesday morning, former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn and former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir found themselves the latest to be questioned at SOCU’s headquarters.

The duo was represented by former Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who disclosed that she too was called in for questioning regarding the matter on Tuesday.

Speaking to media operatives after being questioned, Benn revealed that he explained to the SOCU investigators that the period surrounding the sale of the lands, a Minister had been murdered and so Government did what “needed to be done” at the time.

He was referring to the assassination of former Agriculture Minister Satyadeo Sawh, his family and security personnel.

Sawh and two of his siblings were gunned down in April 2006 shortly after they had returned to the Minister’s La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara home.

Benn, who does not own property at the Sparendaam location, told media reporters that the overriding issue had to do with the stability of the country to make sure that the President (Bharrat Jagdeo) and other members of the Cabinet get a home in a secure and safe environment away from criminal activities.

M e a n w h i l e , Manickchand deems the prolonged investigation as

a “distraction” expressing her belief that it is being politically directed. She contended that “Pradoville 2” was being targeted because the Opposition Leader lives there. The former Minister said too that the move comes days after meetings were held in Berbice.

“This has only to do with an attempt to decapitate the PPP and pull down its leaders and interfere with its ability to lead and that’s all it is, it’s a political persecution,” she said.

The PPP has started its campaign for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) that is set for November 11.

Manickchand dubbed SOCU’s action as a “constant harassment” of former

Government officials aimed at diverting the public’s attention away from serious issues facing the country which the Government has failed to address.

A few hours later, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali; former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; former

Amerindian Affairs Minister; Pauline Sukhai and former Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Kelawan Lall were also called in for questioning. They were represented by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall, who spoke with the media after hours long interviews said the former Ministers were interviewed about a particular Cabinet meeting and were asked a number of questions in relation to “Pradoville 2”, which was subject of the Cabinet meeting.

“Nobody could remember. The Cabinet meeting took place 10 years ago or thereabout and therefore hardly can anyone remember what transpired at that meeting,” he said.

But Nandlall contended that what is discussed at Cabinet is confidential and members of Cabinet cannot disclose confidential information to anymore. He said he finds it shocking that the current Government is now removing the confidentiality principle that governs all Cabinet decisions.

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thursdAY, september 13, 2018

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

Safeguarding democracy

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ecently, the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, floated the idea of the United Nations (UN) taking over the running of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In response, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was reported as saying, “Guyana boasts of a parliamentary democracy and the Opposition is trying to portray that this country is under some military or totalitarian rule”.

He added that Jagdeo’s idea is an insult to Guyana.

It would be useful if the Honourable Prime Minister can consider what led to Mr Jagdeo’s position. Clearly, for a former Executive President to suggest such a move, his thoughts had to be premised on something related. History would show that such calls for international help on elections were made in the past, with success.

The Carter formula that guides the composition of GECOM Commissioners, which has been adhered to for more than two and a half decades, was birthed from international intervention led by former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, though the Carter Center. It was realised from repeated calls by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for international electoral intervention in the run-up to the 1992 elections.

With a reported history of rigging elections, the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government seemed on a relentless path for a repeat in 1992. The inability, deliberately or not, to prepare an acceptable voters’ list is well documented, and led to the pushing back of elections’ dates. As a matter of fact, the 1985 elections were held two years after they were constitutionally due.

That extended period was consumed with deriving an acceptable voters’ list, which was possible only after the intervention of the Carter Center. Vociferous among the voices for international intervention was Mr Nagamootoo, who that time was one of the prominent leaders of the PPP. Of serious concern over the real fear of rigging the elections, expected in 1990, was the role of the military, which in the past was accused of intimidation and removing ballot boxes on elections night.

Many stories alleged to this practice, which reportedly helped to deliver victories for the PNC. The results of the 1985 elections are reported to be the biggest rigging in the country’s history. Calls by the then Opposition, the PPP, for international intervention not only continued, but naturally intensified as the 1990-92 elections approached.

Of recent, the Carter formula for selecting the Chairman of GECOM was ignored by the President, who appointed someone of his choice. This resulted in uneasiness and suspicion among the Opposition and civil society. The appointment was challenged in court. The appointment of the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) has also created controversy, as the candidate who held the position for three years and who reportedly scored the highest during the interview process was overlooked for someone who is allegedly the choice of the Chairman.

In addition, the minister responsible for Local Government and Regional Development issued an order for the creation of new Local Authority Areas (LAA) and for the consolidation of constituencies within some for the upcoming November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE).

The Opposition branded it a blatant act of gerrymandering, and one devoid of the requisite consultation; designed only to give the coalition Government an unfair advantage. This has also been challenged in court. Also, a reform of GECOM, which could see a departure from the agreed Carter formula, was recently mooted by the President.

With these in mind, Mr Jagdeo, the PPP and it supporters can speak of a lack of confidence in the current election machinery. The appointments of a number of former military personnel to senior positions in what is basically a PNC-led Government have also raised eyebrows. While generally there could be nothing sinister, it’s difficult for many not to make a nexus with the military and the PNC, given what has been reported in the past regarding rigged elections.

This holistically is the context which the Honourable Prime Minister should have taken into consideration. In the period of the 1992 elections, international intervention was not an insult to Guyana; it helped to free those who were oppressed by totalitarian rule, and returned democracy after an absence of almost three decades.

Since the change of Government in 2015, the PPP has highlighted many instances of the absence of parliamentary democracy. Given those scenarios and current concerns, including militarisation of the Government, the call for international intervention on Guyana’s election not only has precedent, but is one that the PPP and sections of civil society find relevant to safeguarding democracy here.

What must be paramount to all are the fairness, transparency and credibility of Guyana’s elections. If international intervention will help to uphold these basic democratic principles, then it cannot be seen as an insult, and should be welcomed. None is more au fait with such relevance as the Honourable Prime Minister, who advocated for such against the PNC in the past.

An artist gives final touches to an eco-friendly figure of the Hindu deity Ganesha at a workshop in Hyderabad, India, on September 11, 2018, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on September 13 (MSN)

Accessing of public assistance now a hassle Dear Editor, The accessing of public assistance is now a royal prerogative which only the chosen few can acquire.

The service now solely depends on Government officers, who it seems are bent on applying their own subjective criteria other than objective guidelines.

According to the Director of Social Services, Mr Wentworth Tanner, public assistance is conditional, and applicants have to fulfill certain requirements before they receive the assistance. Currently, there are over 10,000 persons receiving the assistance under the categories of medical, temporary and economic public assistance.

Mr Tanner also said the applicant must prove the money is being spent for what it is indeed. He gave an example that in the case of an application for assistance on behalf of a schoolaged child, the child must be registered, and the attendance must be 85 per cent. A child simply cannot make 85 per cent attendance before accessing the cash to go to school. That is equivalent to putting the cart before the horse. The child needs the assistance, so that he/she can attend school regularly. It cannot happen in the reverse!

Many persons are denied the public assistance

even though they cannot sustain themselves, and in some case their families.

Some people are bluntly rejected by the Government officers, who tell them that their relatives or children abroad or in Guyana can sustain them. These officers need to understand that families and children do not support dependents unless dependents have something to offer them in return.

Moreover, some applicants who are denied the assistance are bedridden, but were told that their children should look after them. Some are also differently abled. It is a shame that they are denied the assistance!

Throughout Region 6, there are some officers who, it seems, were nurtured in a pigsty, given their rude and aggressive attitude towards some applicants. Imagine, these people are insulted and rejected for the ‘princely’ sum of $8,000 per month!

Is this social protection afforded by this Government?

This type of attitude has resulted in many persons being afraid to even apply!

The people in the Social Protection Ministry must have undergone training sessions costing millions of dollars; all being wasted!

In the 2018 Budget, the Ministry of Social Protection received $16.988 billion to continue its mandate of pro-

viding quality service to the country’s vulnerable groups – women, children, the elderly, homeless and youths; yet these vulnerable groups are insulted and chased away when they attempt to access the assistance.

There are many widows who are denied this assistance, while some who continue to reproduce for multiple partners are given public assistance without any hassle. Why are these applications not accepted and carefully investigated, and the findings then sent to the Board for a decision to be made? Applicants must be made to feel that their requests are given due process. On many occasions, people of a certain ethnicity are the ones who are rudely rejected.

Old age pensioners are not excluded from this type of discriminatory practice.

It must be recalled that, not so long ago, the electricity and water subsidies were snatched away. In some cases, if the applicant applies a year after attaining the age of 65, he/she is given the ‘royal run around’ to access the benefit. Moreover, the residency requirements are applied in a discriminatory manner.

There are instances when persons have been spending a large proportion of their time in Guyana and yet have been denied the as-

sistance. They are told that they travelled to the US on a regular basis, hence they cannot qualify for old age pension. The Social Protection Ministry had stated that, ‘In the event that the person is temporarily absent from Guyana, the applicant or pensioner must satisfy the Authority, usually through the provision of the person’s passport and an immigration check conducted by the Ministry, that the period of absence from Guyana has not exceeded two years during the past twenty years, according to law.’ Why is this criteria not applied in all cases? Why is this changed to ‘you are travelling regularly to the US so you cannot qualify’?

It is time that the vulnerable groups: women, children, the elderly, homeless and youths, be treated fairly, and not be discriminated against because of race or ethnicity or political affiliations.

I call upon Minister Amna Ally to convince these rejected applicants that they are being treated fairly. The money belongs to the taxpayers, not the Government!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

thursdAY, september 13, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Contraband in prisons

Thwarted robbery

Authorities struggling to weed out Accomplice jailed, corrupt officers – Director admits alleged mastermind – scanner expected by year-end to beef up security

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Contraband found in the prison during a previous raid

he apparent collision between prison and Police Officers continues to be a deterrent to ongoing efforts by authorities to curb the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities across the country.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, lamented and admitted to the struggles authorities are facing in detecting and weeding out corrupt officers from within the system.

According to the Prison Director, efforts are constantly being made to rid the prisons of contraband but every time exercises such as raids are carried out and items seized, it creates the demand for more illicit items which some officers take advantage of and capitalise on.

“We have been putting systems in place. There are standard operational procedures that guides the steps that must be followed when persons are entering the prison. But what is clear, there seems to be established syndicates – these are officers who are working in collusion with each other to facilitate the movement of these [contraband] items into the prison. We do not have the luxury of being able to have a gazette rank on every shift and in the absence of these persons who lend oversight, the persons on the ground tend to capitalise on these opportunities to carry out their illegal acts,” Samuels noted.

It is believed that the smuggling of contrabands into the prison system re-

ods are there to gather intelligence in the prison environment, these efforts are hindered by the practice of officers who witness or are aware of such acts by their colleagues but chose to remain mum instead of reporting to higher authorities.

Samuels further posited that because of this, it is difficult for authorities to identify these rogue officers and so they go on with their corrupt acts.

Scanners

Prisons Director (ag) Galdwin Samuels

mains a perennial problem because of the involvement of both prison and Police Officers in facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be a “big business”.

Back in May, five prison officers were in hot water for smuggling marijuana into the Lusignan Prison, while only last week a Policeman was caught attempting to throw more contraband into the holding area of the same facility.

The Prison Director explained to this publication that this behaviour by these corrupt officers highlights the need for a lot of work to be done, not only within the security services but also at the level of the community and in the homes to put out morally conscious and ethical citizens into society.

However, he did note that there are officers within the service who possess these qualities and are eager to see the upliftment of the prison service.

Nevertheless, the Prison Director went on to outline that while several meth-

In efforts to further beef up security and prevent the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities, it was previously announced that steps are being taken to acquire scanners for the various penitentiary facilities across the country. In fact, Samuels told this newspaper that the first scanner is expected to be here sometime in December, while three others have been included in the 2019 Budget.

The Prison Director explained the agency has been very specific in terms of the type of scanner it wanted based on detailed research conducted. However, he noted that they are currently ironing out some issues regarding it procurement.

“In keeping with the procurement procedure, some objections were raised by some entities who would like to be eligible to provide the services with those scanners so that is where we are right now in terms of ironing out those glitches. But our position remains very firm in terms of the quality of scanners we are looking to have in the service and this is taking into consideration the quality of images that would be provided by the scanners and also the safety for staff who would have to deal with the scanners especially those persons who, because of their detail would be required to leave and re-enter the prison on a regular basis,” he said.

Samuels noted that some personnel such as those who facilitate visits by prisoners’ relatives would have to be scanned a minimum of 15 times a day; as such, they would need a low-radiation scanner that would not affect the health of his officers.

“So that is a critical component in terms of our consideration when it comes to the procurement of the scanners,” he stressed.

The scanner that is expected later this year will be installed at the Camp Street Prison.

remanded

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The weapons which were found in the car

hree men on Wednesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Jason Hunte and Terrence Frank pleaded not guilty to both of the charges when it was read to them. However, Micheal Vanderscoop admitted to the offences.

The first charge stated that on September 6, 2018, at Samantha Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara, the trio had in their possession one 9mm unlicensed firearm along with 9 live rounds of ammunition. The second charge alleged that on the same day at the same location, the trio were also found to have in their possession a 4.5mm unlicensed firearm along with four live rounds of ammunition.

The prosecution is contending that on September 6, 2018, at about 09:30h, Police acting on information stopped a white Toyota Fielder Wagon, PSS 1418, and conducted a search during which they found the items in a bag on the back seat of the car. The trio were arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station where Vanderscoop in a caution statement told the Police that it was Hunte, who had planned a robbery in which the weapons were supposed to be used.

In court on Wednesday, Vanderscoop was jailed for two years. Additionally, he was fined $50,000 for each of the offences. Hunte and Frank were remanded to prison.

The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court where it will continue on September 21.

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thursdAY, september 13, 2018

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By Vanessa LoBue, PhD

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s parents, we all have expectations for our children. For many of us, it seems like those expectations don’t matter at all, and no matter what, our children are likely to do whatever they want, regardless of what we want for them. But it turns out that our expectations are powerful motivators of children’s behaviour, whether we realise it or not.

To illustrate just how powerful, let me begin by telling you about a classic study in psychology that is not about children, but about rats (because, well, most research in psychology starts with rats).

In the study, undergraduates came into a lab and were told that they were going to be tasked with replicating a previous experiment. They were given one of two types of white rats, and over the course of a week, they were asked to train the rats to run a maze. Half of the students were told that they would receive “bright” rats that, based on genetics, should learn to run the maze quickly. The other half were told that they would receive “dull” rats that should perform more poorly on the maze than the bright ones. Overall, the bright rats did run the maze more successfully than the dull rats by the end of the experiment. Further, over the course of the five days, the bright rats showed evidence of learning, running the maze more successfully with each day, while the dull rats showed little or no improvement over time.

The “Rosenthal effect” Sounds pretty unsurprising, right?

What if I told you that there were no actual differences between the rats at the beginning of the study; the rats weren’t actually “bright” or “dull”, and there were no real differences between them, including their age or sex. How then, do we explain these results? The

Foundation

researchers concluded that because the undergraduates had different expectations about how the rats should behave, they handled the rats differently when training them to run the maze, in ways that matched their expected potential (Rosenthal & Fode, 1963). The effect – where expectations eventually translate into real differences in behaviour – has since been dubbed the “Rosenthal effect”.

You might be thinking to yourself, okay fine, but what does this have to do with children? It turns out that the same researchers found similar effects in elementary school children just a few years later. They didn’t ask children to run mazes; instead, they gave children in 18 different elementary school classrooms an IQ test in the beginning of the school year.

They then told the teachers that based on this test, the researchers had identified about 20 per cent of children in each classroom that they expected to “bloom” over the course of the school year and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. The catch was, the 20 per cent of children identified as “bloomers” were chosen at random – their IQ scores weren’t higher than the rest of the children in their class. Nonetheless, at the end of the school year, the “bloomers” in each classroom were actually performing better and showed increases in IQ compared to their classmates. In other words, a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy was at work, and the students that were expected to succeed, in the end, did (Rosenthal & Jacobson, 1966).

If we expect that our children are going to fail, we are in some way setting them up to fail Much more recent research echoes these findings. I’m sure you’ve heard somewhere that boys perform better than girls at Maths in school. This isn’t just an unfortunate myth, boys really do

outperform girls at Maths in high school (Miller & Halpern, 2014). At much younger ages, girls perform just as well as boys in Maths, and even outperform boys in other subjects like reading. But, starting in kindergarten and first grade, parents expect that boys will outperform girls in Maths (Entwisle & Baker, 1983; Miller & Halpern, 2014).

You can imagine that if IQ can be affected by a teacher’s expectations about a child’s abilities, Maths skills should be no different. So it’s possible that one reason we start to see boys outperforming girls in Maths later in childhood is that for years, we expect them to do worse. And, in fact, in a recent study looking at the relationship between parents’ expectations and their child’s Maths performance, researchers reported that the more mothers thought that boys were better than girls at Maths, the worse their daughters felt about their own Maths ability (Tomasetto, Mirisola, Galdi, & Cadinu, 2015). What’s worse is that by the ripe old age of six, girls are already becoming less and less interested in games for “smart” children and are less likely than boys to say that members of their own gender are “really, really, smart” (Bian, Leslie, & Cimpian, 2017).

The point here is that our expectations for children – whether we are aware of them or not – can actually affect their behaviour. Sometimes we can’t help the expectations that we have, and we all have them. But knowing that our expectations might affect how our children behave and perhaps even how they learn suggests that maybe expecting the best isn’t such a bad idea. If we expect that our children or our students or even our friends are going to fail, we are in some way setting them up to fail. But instead, if we expect that they will succeed, we might be giving them exactly the kind of support they need to do just that. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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ttention exhausted parents: The next time your toddler starts making strange noises or babbling about Paw Patrol, try to strike up a conversation – it could make a big difference later, researchers say.

A study published this week in Pediatrics found that toddlers with parents who spend lots of time listening and chatting with them are more likely to have better language skills and higher IQs a decade later than youngsters left hanging in silence.

“If you knew that children who were fed a certain nutritional diet at age two were not only far healthier as toddlers, but much more likely to be in a healthy weight range at age 12, you’d want to pursue those findings, wouldn’t you?” said study author Jill Gilkerson, senior director of research and evaluation at the LENA Foundation, a non-profit charity.

“Conversational turns are that diet, that nutrition, for the brain.”

Researchers analysed more than 9000 hours of transcribed day-long recordings from 146 children ages two months to four years old, and their parents.

The children had follow-up tests of their language skills and cognitive abilities, such as working memory and reasoning, between ages nine and 14.

Conversation nourishes the brain The families were asked to provide day-long audio recordings for six months.

The parent would place the recording device in a vest the young child wears. The software was programmed to automatically count the child’s vocalisations and verbal stimulation from their mother or father The researchers measured conversational turn-taking, such as if a parent says something and the child responds with a word, babble or coo within five seconds, or a vocalisation from the child that the parent responds to within five seconds.

Gilkerson said they found greater conversational turns are more important for developing brains than simply being exposed to words.

The study also says frequent chatting with toddlers accounted for up to 27 per cent of their higher

performance in verbal comprehension a decade later, after taking socioeconomic factors into account. ”Can’t help but be astounded” “We were expecting to see correlations based on the previous research with younger children, but can’t help but be astounded that automated language measures collected at 18 months can predict anything 10 years later,” Gilkerson said. “It is nothing short of remarkable, in my opinion.”

The 18- to 24-month period is often called a time of “language explosion”.

That’s why doctors in the US and Canada promote early literacy to families with children under five. Previous studies suggest there’s a huge payoff for a child’s brain development.

“Talking to your child, in a reciprocal, conversational way from an early age may improve both their language development and cognitive abilities,” said Dr Laurie Green, a family physician.

“It is important for doctors, who see this age group regularly for ... checkups and immunisations, to support this in their practices, including providing resource information to families for early years opportunities, counselling advice and providing books to build a home library.”

Dr Green cautioned that the study included a low number of diverse families and those with low socioeconomic status, which limits the ability to generalise the findings.

Provide tools for families Other factors tied to a child’s language outcomes, such as their family’s socioeconomic status, aren’t so easily changed. But the new findings suggest that helping parents and caregivers to understand the importance of conversations and giving them the tools to make it part of their daily routines with children is possible and could have important long-term benefits, Gilkerson said.

A previous review of international studies featuring families from a variety of backgrounds also showed children in reading programmes had better social and emotional skills and behaviour, as well as higher literacy skills than children who were randomly assigned to control groups. (Excerpt from cbc.ca)

news

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thursdAY, september 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police record 23% increase in robberies

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a whopping 23 per cent increase (37 against 30 cases last year in the same period) in robberies where no instruments were used by perpetrators; a one per cent hike (405 against 402 cases) in armed robberies where firearms were used; and robberies with violence saw a five per cent increase (104 against 99 cases), while burglaries went up by four per cent (142 against 136 cases).

In the monthly crime statistics issued on Wednesday, the GPF disclosed that there was a seven per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of August 2018, when compared to the corresponding period last year.

However, this reduction comes even as the country’s premier law enforcement agency reports increases in

several categories of robberies.

Other categories of serious crime recorded a declining trend, including armed robbery where instruments other than firearms were used, which saw a 19 per cent decline (163 against 201 cases); robbery with aggravation recording a 30 per cent decrease (38 against 54 cases); an 18 per cent reduction (85 against 104 cases) in larceny from the person, and a nine per cent decrease (648 against 712 cases) in break and enter and larceny cases.

Meanwhile, as it relates to murder, the Police said there was also a 16 per cent decline recorded, with a total of 66 cases at the end of August 2018, compared to 79 in the same period last year.

A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) saw

the highe s t number of murders during this time, with 20 cases, followed by C Division (East Coast Demerara) with 14 cases and then B Division (Berbice) with 12 cases. D (West DemeraraEast Bank Essequibo) and F (Interior locations) accounted for nine murder cases each, while E Division

Father charged for son’s murder

(Linden-Kwakwani) and G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) also recorded three murder cases each.

Additionally, it was reported that of the 66 murder cases: 28 were disorderly; 19 were domestic-related; 13 committed during robberies, and six of unknown nature.

Meanwhile, the Police also reported a one per cent decrease in rape cases.

With regard to the seizure of firearms, a total of 87 illegal weapons were taken off the streets by the end of August. This included 47 pistols, 21 revolvers, 13 shotguns and one sub-machine gun. These figures are compared to 89 unlicensed guns seized during the corresponding period in 2017.

Thirty-eight of these weapons were found in A Division, 13 in B Division; nine in C Division; six in D Division; four in E Division; 15 in F Division and two in G Division.

Traffic statistics

As it relates to the traffic statistics at the end of August 2018, there was a 7.4 per cent decrease in fatal accidents, with 55 cases resulting in a total of 64 deaths including two chil-

Mohan Sookdeo being escorted to court on Wednesday

T

he 44-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his 21-year-old son to death was on Wednesday hauled before the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court after he was slapped with the capital offence of murder.

Mohan Sookdeo, called “Wire”, of Lot 217 Fifth Street Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune. The charge stated that on September 8, 2018, at Foulis, ECD,

he murdered Satesh Kevin Sookdeo. He was remanded to prison until October 2.

Reports are on September 8, 2018, at about 20:35h, the 44-year-old man and his wife had an argument during which he grabbed her by the neck and began choking her.

The couple’s 21-year-old son, Satesh Sookdeo, along with another sibling attempted to part the couple but his father allegedly became enraged and broke a louvre pane and stabbed him to his

Dead: Satesh Kevin Sookdeo

chest.

Neighbours rushed to the family’s aid after hearing screams, but by then the younger Sookdeo had already succumbed to the injuries. A post-mortem examination performed on his body proved that he died from perforation to the lung as a result of the stab wound to his chest.

dren.

The Police also reported decreases in senior, minor and damage accidents, with 24 per cent (168 cases against 220 last year), 35.4 per cent (204 against 316 cases) and 10 per cent (454 against 503) respectively.

Serious accidents remained the same as the corresponding figure last year with 18 cases.

Once again, pedestrians were named the main category of road users killed, with 24 such persons having lost their lives at the end of August. In addition, 14 pedal cyclists, 13 car occupants and seven motor cyclists also lost their lives. Two drivers and minibus occupants each were also killed on the roadway as well as one pillion rider and a person being towed on a bicycle.

Furthermore, the Police noted that speeding continues to be the major contributing factor to road accidents, causing 29 of the fatal accidents that occurred during these eight months.

This is followed by drunk driving with eight cases, pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles with seven cases, inattentiveness with 10 cases and one case of failure to confirm to road sign.

In addition, continued traffic enforcement efforts by the Police have resulted in a total of 59,068 cases being made against errant road users as of the end of August. Of this, a total of 13,903 cases were for speeding; 2389 for driving under the influence of alcohol; 4445 for failure to wear seat belt; 566 for using cell phone while driving; 1987 for tinted vehicles; 1062 for unlicensed driving; 487 for dangerous driving; and 440 for careless driving, among others.

There was an additional 21,751 cases made out against errant road users for other traffic related matters.

According to the Police Force, the numerous “Social Crime Prevention” activities embarked upon countrywide, the robust traffic enforcement campaigns as well as the large seizure of firearms are all responsible for the reduction in serious crimes and all categories of road accidents.

Meanwhile, in efforts to further improve both the quality of service provided and the quality of officers, the Force has sent a total of 71 ranks for training overseas in all aspects of policing.

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thursdAY, september 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS City Mall attempted murder, robbery

Store owner recounts Great news… accused beating her H T

he trial of defendants Marisco George and John Caesar, who are accused of attempting to murder Dhanmatee Phulchand in the course of a violent robbery committed at Reshma’s Collection Store in the City Mall in Georgetown, continued on Wednesday before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court.

The woman took the stand before the 12-member all-male jury and recalled that, prior to being attacked on July 4, 2009, she had seen George, the number one accused, engaged in ‘passa-passa’ dancing at the City Mall.

Phulchand said that at 17:15h on July 4, 2009, George went to her store and indicated that she wanted to purchase a pair of jeans, but George subsequently told her that she would get a friend to help her select the jeans. The friend she brought, according to Phulchand, was Caesar, the number two accused, who had worked in a store at the very mall.

Her establishment being on the first floor, Phulchand said she asked Caesar if the store he had worked at had closed down, and he responded in the affirmative, informing her that he was now working as a chef. Phulchand added that Caesar left his number for her to contact him if she ever needed his services as a chef.

Phulchand further related that after George had tried on the jeans, she requested a bigger size.

Phulchand said she bent down to get the requested item, then she felt a heavy object hit her over the head, and she fell on her knees.

“I looked up and saw him (Caesar) over me, hitting me constantly with a heavy object in his hand.

I fell flat and tell he, ‘Take whatever you want, I have a small child, one-and-a-half,’ and he say, ‘Shut you [expletive] mouth and stay on the ground’,” Phulchand recalled.

She said George put one foot on her neck while Caesar continued beating her, and some of her front

teeth were knocked out. At that point in great emotion, she showed the jury her dentures. She said she lost consciousness, and when she awoke, she felt her pockets and found that her mobile phone was missing. She also checked her bag, and there was nothing inside.

The witness disclosed that her bag has contained US$2000, which she had obtained from a transaction at a Cambio in the city, and Gy$100,000 which she had garnered from sales up to 13:00h on the day of the attack.

She said she screamed and alerted persons in the mall, who then assisted her to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

The businesswoman also told the jury that her store did not have surveillance cameras.

Under cross-examination

by George’s attorney Damien DaSilva, the businesswoman denied suggestions that her memory is no longer good. This came after she said in her evidence-in-chief that her memory was affected and that she had a hole in

her head.

The woman’s husband, Seeram Pulchand, and nearby store seller Nishalla Brown, also testified before the jury.

Seeram said he had left Gy $400,000 with his wife to convert to US dollars. He said that when he saw his wife’s store, there were blood stains all over.

After a conversation with a Police rank, he travelled to the Georgetown Hospital, where he saw his wife with what looked like chops to the head. He said his wife changed the money into US currency because she travelled often to America.

Under cross-examination by attorney DaSilva, Seeram denied that Police had allowed him to thump George in her head. DaSilva suggested that Seeram had also told George he would kill her if his wife died, but Seeram denied this as well.

Attorney-at-law Brandon DeSantos and Alana Lall are representing Caesar, while State Counsels Abigail Gibbs and Mandell Moore are prosecuting the case.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

Linden pensioner jailed for 12 months

S

ixty-five-year-old Bernadette Robertson of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden was handed a 12-month prison sentence and a fine of $144,300 by Linden Magistrate Clive Nurse after she was found guilty of trafficking in narcotics.

Prior to her conviction, Robertson was on $150,000 bail for the offence, which occurred on February 15, 2018 at Lot 90 North Blue

Bernadette Robertson

Berry Hill, where she had in her possession 94.2 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

She was charged along with her son, Cosburn Robertson, who allegedly had 14.2 grams of cannabis sativa in his bedroom at the home at the same time. The 25-year-old has since been granted bail in relation to the charge. His trial is ongoing.

…on Cricket! is regular readers would know their Eyewitness is a cricket nut. In the beginning – fifteen years ago – T-20 didn’t grab him the way Test cricket had for so many years. But just like how he ate boiled rice but had come to love it in all its variations – pilaf, fried, puffed, Spanish, etc, etc...- T-20 rose in his estimation as he realised it had its own dynamics and charm. It was his home-grown Amazon Warriors that did the trick, when the Caribbean Premier League was formed.

As he went to every one of their games since 2013 at Providence Stadium, he realised that the phrase “more than just a game” wasn’t simply a merchandising cliché, but a reality for what unfolded at those events. A half a century before, CLR James had written “Beyond a Boundary” to explain what cricket had meant to us as a colonial people in the Caribbean -- as we struggled to earn some respect in a world where the decks were stacked against us.

More recently, in 2007 – the year Providence Stadium was opened for the One-day World Cup cricket tournament -- there was the semi-documentary, “More than a game”, about the football “League” formed by the Apartheid prisoners at Robben Island Prison, using the organisation of their games to retain their agency and some dignity.

And it was this wider role to address a contradiction in our social relations that T-20 was playing here.

As your Eyewitness sat in the stands, he saw everyone around him shedding those narrow walls they erected when “outside”, and which kept them from appreciating their essential commonality as “Guyanese”. At the Warriors’ “home” games, every man-jack (and womanjackie!) were rooting for their “boys” out in the field.

With every boundary hit, high-fives were spontaneously exchanged; with every wicket falling, groans were also spontaneously expelled.

And so, when his Warriors took on the table-topping TKR -- which had beaten them before -- and then whupped them on both occasions to be the first to qualify for the finals, your Eyewitness wasn’t surprised when complete “strangers” hugged each other. But in truth, they weren’t really strangers – they were Guyanese who were already bonded by their love for the team. And that their opponents were “The Trinis” made their bonding even more intense. Who among them hadn’t been dissed by a Trini at one point or another??

But the Warriors have one more mountain to climb to get to the summit of victory -- one that has eluded them up to now -- to win it all. Your Eyewitness believes they’ll be facing the Trinis once again for that.

And they’ll fulfil their destiny this time!! …on Oil With Exxon announcing new oil strikes with such regularity, most of us have forgotten there are a lot of other players prospecting for oil under our Atlantic waters.

And now Total and its partner Eco have just announced -- on the same day the Warriors clawed their way to the Finals – that they’ve struck a formation that contains the equivalent of 3 billion barrels of oil!! It’s too bad all this action’s underwater; your Eyewitness always wanted to yell when the black gold gushed – as he saw in those movies of oil roustabouts – “Thar she blows!!”

Anyhow, this has to be good news for Guyana, and your Eyewitness hopes the Government has learnt from its experience (or its LACK thereof) with the Exxon negotiations, and will negotiate a better deal for Guyana.

And that therefore we won’t be catapulted into another acrimonious round of debate and “cuss down” on “bonuses”, “local content”, and tax holidays.

Isn’t it time, perhaps, the Government invite the opposition to be on the Guyanese Oil Team??

…not on wind power With all this oil to be pumped, why does the Government not at least TRY to make its ‘green’ claims credible by encouraging “green power” generation? Why are its officials foiling that Berbice wind venture?

Passing wind?

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

9 Under pressure, President agrees to make T&T oil MoU public A News

thursdAY, september 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

fter much public pressure from various sections of society, Government will move to release a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it hopes to sign with neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

President David Granger told media operatives on Wednesday at the sidelines of a swearing in ceremony, that his Government has no problem in releasing the document and will seek to do so soon.

“It’s just a MoU… It is just an agreement to cooperate. It is not a secret doc-

ument. In fact, it was vetted by the Department of Energy and the Foreign Affairs Ministry and I will ask that the document to be released,” he stated.

The Head of State said the MoU could be signed soon. According to him, T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley was expected to arrive in Guyana on Wednesday morning but did not.

He said whenever another date is set for the Prime Minister of that country to come to Guyana, they will move ahead with the signing of the agreement that will

see shared mutual cooperation being enhanced.

It was only recently reported that a MoU on energy cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

Sections of the media reported that T&T Energy Minister, Franklin Khan confirmed this. While he did not go into details of the agreement, he said that would be disclosed after the signing. Khan said Trinidad is willing to provide assistance to the Guyana Government as the country prepares for first oil.

Berbice man gets 23 years for killing East Canje ‘bad man’

Jailed: Davenand Dhandhari

A

former aspiring lawyer who has been found guilty of manslaughter committed in April 2016 was on Wednesday jailed for 23 years.

Twenty-year-old Davenand Dhandhari of Lot 27 Betsy Ground, East Canje Berbice was found guilty by a mixed jury in the Berbice Assizes two weeks ago, but returned to court on Wednesday for sentencing. It has been legally established that Dhandhari unlawfully killed Omesh Seelall, called “Rovin” and “Short Neck”, also of Betsy Ground, in a wedding house brawl during April 2016.

The 21-year-old Seelall was hit to the head with a piece of wood Dhandhari had removed from an animal cart.

The youths had been among other persons when an argument ensued between them. The accused reportedly grabbed the wood and hit Seelall on the head, rendering him unconscious.

Dhandhari told the court that Seelall was attacking him with a knife and he got hold of the wood to defend himself, and he lashed the now dead man to his head with it. Seelall, a labourer, sustained injuries to his head, resulting in his death six days after he was hit.

Dhandhari was found guilty of manslaughter, and Justice Joann Barlow had ordered a probation report

on him.

Probation and Welfare Officer Maisie Sheppard, in presenting that report, told the court that an interview with Dhandhri’s father revealed that he is very remorseful and has regretted the loss of the life of someone with whom he had grown up.

Sheppard also told the court that an interview with the deputy headteacher of one of the schools Dhandhari had attended revealed that during his tenure at the school, he was periodically disrespectful to most teachers, but yet adhered to all the school rules and instructions given to him by teachers.

She also reported that during his incarceration he was involved in a fight in the New Amsterdam Prison.

Sheppard said he experienced conflicts at school with both his teachers and peers because he was unable to control his anger during conflicts; and this had eventually led to his action and the subsequent offence of manslaughter.

Defense Attorney Mursaline Bacchus explained that at the time of the offence his client was a student. In mitigating for

President David Granger

Since 2016, discussions commenced between Guyana and Trinidad on a MoU under which T&T would provide various forms of support to the oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Initiated during a visit here in 2016 by a Trinidad and Tobago delegation led by then Energy Minister, Nicole Olivierre, the MoU was expected to be signed at the end of that year, but that did not happen.

At the time, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had said the pact would see Guyana receiving support in a range of areas, including advanced technical training for local personnel in the industry.

Petrotrin

Dead: Omesh Seelall

leniency, Bacchus said no dangerous weapon had been used.

Noting that Dhandhari wanted to attend University and become a lawyer, Bacchus asked the court to give him an opportunity to realise his dreams.

However, Justice Joann Barlow pointed out that the wood which was used is just as lethal as a gun or cutlass if sufficient force is used.

She said he seems to have difficulty maintaining his cool, and ordered that while in prison he be exposed to anger management sessions, as she handed down a 23-year sentence.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that T&T is seeking to get the Guyana Government to take a stake in the Petrotrin refinery, and in this way acquire a strategic asset.

The proposal is to ensure that Guyana gets its share of oil from ExxonMobil clos-

er to home, and in this way employment would be provided to people of both countries.

Earlier this week, Petrotrin’s Board confirmed plans to close the company’s refinery in October in a move which will cause the loss of 1700 permanent jobs.

It was following this announcement that former Prime Minister and current Opposition Leader of T&T, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, said her country should attempt to partner with Guyana to save Petrotrin.

Persad-Bissessar had said she hopes good sense will prevail with Dr Rowley.

She said T&T could find a way to encourage the Guyana Government to have their oil refined in the twin-island republic.

But following this suggestion, members of civil society had come out encouraging Government, the Private Sector and citizens at large to guard against what is being described as a clear attempt by that Caribbean country to monopolise op-

portunities in Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) subsequently came out asking Government to hold off on signing the MoU with T&T, asking that its members be consulted first, as they fear that this could possibly open the flood gates for foreign companies to take over the oil industry.

President of the GCCI, Deodat Indar said Guyanese businesses are already being sidestepped and instead contracts have been awarded to foreign-based companies to benefit from the local oil sector. But the GCCI wants the local Private Sector to get its “piece of the pie.”

Outspoken social activist and chartered accountant Christopher Ram has said that company’s history must first be studied. Ram said both countries belong to the same common economic area and have a vested interest in ensuring growth in the entire bloc. As such, he thinks the David Grangerled Administration can cooperatively work with not only Trinidad, but other countries, to the benefit of Guyana.

However, the chartered accountant said his major concern is what led to the failure of Petrotrin. This, he opined, had to do partly with corruption and partly with inefficiencies.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said the idea is good in principle, but would need to be discussed further. Greenidge had also noted that the two Governments would sign the MoU soon.

10 news

thursdAY, september 13, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall addressing flooding, crime at route 42 bus park

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

M

ayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green has noted that City Hall is in talks to address the woes of the Route 42 (Timehri to Georgetown) bus park, which is presently stationed on High Street, opposite Ashmins Trading, which was flooded and was ultimately displaced on Tuesday, even as it remains a criminal hotspot.

She made this comment on Wednesday during an interview with Guyana Times.

Chase Green explained that the “Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Traffic Department and all agencies are having discussions on the way forward on this matter.”

In relation to the flooding which resulted in the already displaced park being displaced on Tuesday, the

Mayor would only say, “as soon as the tide goes down the water recedes”, noting that the administration is looking into the situation, which is evidently affecting not only drivers but commuters.

“We are looking at it and we are looking at it to see how best we can work with the bus drivers and other agencies around the area,” the Mayor added.

Although the M&CC would have partnered with the Traffic Department in A Division (Georgetown), Chase Green said she was unable to say how often the bus parks are monitored by Police, given that it is a haven for thieves and prostitutes.

Numerous calls made by this publication to contact the Divisional Commander, Marlon Chapman went unanswered.

As the intermittent rains poured on Tuesday, several Timehri bus park operators demanded that City Hall relocate their temporary bus park which is prone to flooding. They were relocated from Stabroek Square, Georgetown to High Street, Georgetown to facilitate the temporary transfer of displaced stall owners at the deteriorating Stabroek Market Wharf.

Tuesday morning’s floodwaters resulted in the operators being displaced, which some termed a river. Others

The flooded route 42 bus park on Tuesday

view the location as a hotbed of illicit activities, including crime and prostitution.

“Imagine we mixing with the prostitutes and the thieves, school children going to lessons and coming home lil late, people working and going home in the evenings and even foreigners who use the public transportation to be taken to the airport, all of we have to be in between thieves and prostitutes, no respect they (City Hall) don’t have for we,” an operator explained.

Operators related also that they had to beg the Traffic Department to grant them permission to park outside the nearby Ashmins store with strict instructions to return to the assigned High Street parking space on Wednesday.

Some operators even said the Mayor is not looking into their interests.

Everton Pole, who has been operating for some 20 years, said minibus opera-

tors make a significant contribution towards transportation in Guyana. He berated City Hall’s treatment of the operators.

“Let’s say that they want

to relocate us from there, what is wrong with having consultations with us, what is wrong with meeting us and letting us have an input into this thing… They are treating us like animals, like we are moving from one pasture to the next… They had no discussion with us at all,” Pole explained.

Christopher Johnny, a passenger, chimed in with the operators to vent his frustration, calling for the Mayor to vacate her post.

“It’s very bad here because in the night you could come and get rob. Like the Mayor just get up with a dream and say that the park has to be moved. She ain’t know what she doing, like she own the town… I want the Mayor to come out of office…” Johnny remarked.

Former PPP/C Ministers...

He said, “They seem to forget that someday they will be out of Government and someday they may be interrogated about things they did at Cabinet. But I think it is principle that matters; [what is] discussed at Cabinet is absolutely a confidential matter. I don’t know how Police now can question that.”

Nandlall said very specific questions were asked. He said his clients were shown what purports to be a document that has a Cabinet format. But the document seems to be appeared unsigned.

“I believe all of this is designed to culminate in some set of charges which we are being told likely to come. So I suppose they are building a case and accumulating what they consider to be relevant evidence towards the establishment of a case,” he ex-

plained.

Further to that, the attorney said his clients have refused to sign the documents that contain answers to questions to ask, because they were refused a copy of the document. He said, “If at a subsequent stage, their signature is required, well I suppose SOCU will make contact and they’ll be handed those documents.”

Last year March, former President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, were arrested while several other former Government Ministers under the PPP Administration were detained by SOCU officials who were probing misappropriation of State assets.

The arrest and detention was in connection with an ongoing probe into the acquisition of lands at “Pradoville

From page 3

2”, among other things. Days after that, the President David Granger declared that the former Guyanese Leader should not have been treated the way he was.

In the past, SOCU has detained several former prominent Government officials, regarding their connection with the Pradoville 2 scheme. The reason these persons are being questioned is because they purchased property at the Sparendaam seawall area.

The current Administration contends that the transaction is a criminal act because of the belief that the land was sold below market value. However, the PPP had argued that subsidised housing has always been a part of the legacy of the PPP and that countless Guyanese have benefited from lands sold below market value.

11

News

thursdAY, september 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Investigation to be launched GMSA, GuySuCo resolve into marriage of 13-year-old molasses shortage

F

ollowing a report that a 13-year-old girl was allegedly wedded to an older man over the weekend, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has said an investigation is expected to be launched.

This is according to Director of the Agency, Ann Greene, during an interview on Wednesday with Guyana Times. Greene stated that the CC&PA currently does not have enough information to conduct the investigation.

“We (are) looking at it but we got to get more information to send the people out. We don’t have exactly where this place is or who these people are. I have it down on the list… I need more information on where we can find this child,” she explained.

Greene noted that this is the first report coming out of the Corentyne, Berbice area after quite some time.

According to her, such cases were more prevalent in years gone by but had decreased significantly due to sensitisation conducted by the department.

“If they marry a 14-yearold (or), if a grown man sleeps with a 14-year-old, he will get (into) trouble when it is being investigated because it can’t happen.

It shouldn’t happen (and) the laws state clearly on it,” she posited.

Nevertheless, Greene assured that the childcare officers were informed of

CC&PA Director Ann Greene

the case and are seeking to muster the requisite information.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the prevalence of underage girls on the Upper Corentyne being married has become a worrying issue. This publication was told that there were at least three such weddings over the weekend on the Corentyne. Many of those ceremonies were also reportedly conducted by religious leaders, for which residents have condemned.

At Number 64 Village on Sunday, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly wed to a man in his twenties. When this publication visited the home, the teen’s mother said it was not a wedding but a Jhandi. However, a relative realising that the media was enquiring said it was a birthday celebration.

Guyana Times under-

stands that Police in B Division (Berbice) visited the home of the teenager on the eve of the wedding, after it was reported by public-spirited community members.

Residents of the community confirmed that they were invited to a wedding and that the wedding ceremony was performed. A Pandit from the community told this publication that the family had first went to him to perform the ceremony, but he refused when he learnt the child’s age.

Meanwhile, also on the Corentyne, a 19-yearold on Sunday admitted to this newspaper that he has been living with a 13-yearold girl. When the girl went missing on April 29, it was reported to the Number 51 Police Station by her family.

“We look several places and we did not find her.

Two days after she called and said she was safe and we called back the Number 51 Station and told them,” an aunt of the girl said, while noting that the Police told them that once the girl said she was safe, “it is okay”.

The teenager’s aunt added that they later learnt that the 13-year-old was living with a 19-year-old man in a neighbouring village.

According to the teenager’s family, the Police did not seem interested in perusing the matter when they informed them.

Former Roman Catholic Bishop Benedict Ganesh Singh dies

The late Bishop Emeritus Benedict Ganesh Singh

T

he Roman Catholic Church in Guyana on Wednesday announced the death of the former Bishop Emeritus Benedict Ganesh Singh, who passed away after suffering from an illness.

Born on December 2, 1927, Bishop Singh was 90 years old at the time of his death. He had served the church for over three decades.

His ordination to the priesthood took place in Rome on December 7, 1954;

and in 1957, he obtained his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Propaganda College in Rome.

His thesis was “The Theory of Revelation in Hindu Philosophy and Religion”.

He returned to serve the church in Guyana in December 1957, and his first appointment was to the Meadow Bank Church in Greater Georgetown.

In 1958, Bishop Benedict Singh was placed in charge of the long coastal strip from Malgre Tout to the Essequibo Islands, and he served for over 10 years.

In 1968, he was named the first Guyanese-born Chancellor of the Diocese.

In that capacity, he acted as Vicar General, and administered the diocese on several occasions during the absence of Bishop Guilly from the country.

On February 18, 1971, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Benedict Singh the Auxiliary Bishop of Georgetown.

Bishop Singh inherited the leadership of the church in Guyana at a time when everything in it seemed to revolve around the clergy. He, however, recognised the im-

portant role of not only the Guyanese clergy, but also of lay people in the work of spreading the good news of salvation.

To this end, he was responsible for the introduction of the Parish Lay Assistants (PLA) training programme very soon after he took over as Bishop. This took place not only on the coastland, but also in the vast interior regions, where lay people assumed more responsibility in the work of the church, taking on tasks of instructing and organising the local communities, even in the management of parishes and specialist areas such as heading the diocesan office for youth and religious education.

His tenure will be most remembered for the courage and zeal he showed in the struggle for democracy, justice, and peace in Guyana during the country’s more turbulent years.

He was a recipient of the Cacique Crown of Honour from the Government of Guyana in 1993.

The funeral service for the late Bishop Emeritus Benedict Ganesh Singh will take place on Monday at the Brickdam Cathedral.

C

oncerns has been raised by members of the Private Sector regarding the unavailability of molasses on the local market, but the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has declared this matter “resolved”.

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Wednesday, GMSA Vice President Ramsay Ali indicated that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was engaged with private sector officials in discussions on the issue.

“We have managed to sort that out with GuySuCo, and everything’s well and okay now. There was a shortage, but I think that now how GuySuCo understands what the market is, they’ve assured us that there won’t be any future shortages,” Ali said.

According to Ali, molasses is needed in Guyana by 10 large scale manufacturing companies who are dependent on the commodity for their production.

The discussions were facilitated by GMSA President

Shyam Nokta, GuySuCo CEO Paul Bhim, and GuySuCo Commercial Manager of Ram Persaud.

This newspaper has been told that many agro-processing plants were facing difficulties and having the rate of their production affected by the unavailability of this commodity. At the convened meeting, GuySuCo’s CEO related that the storage facility at the Uitvlugt Estate and the closure of the other estates were the main issues affecting production of molasses.

He added that there wasn’t any shortage of the commodity on the market. It was also highlighted that GuySuCo would supply 42 metric tons of molasses per month.

Downsizing of the sugar industry has faced criticism from many companies, including the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), which has also complained about the move.

The three remaining estates – Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion – are projected to produce a total of 52,000

tonnes of molasses in 2018.

However, DDL’s molasses requirement for 2018 only has been 70,000 tonnes.

Initially, the company had been exploring options, and was even contemplating importing molasses to sustain rum production to meet its increasing local and international demands.

As a long-term solution to this challenge, the company had submitted an Expression of Interest (EoI) to NICIL and to Government for the potential purchase of the now closed Enmore Estate, to allow for a steady supply of molasses.

DDL had in March said it would be partnering with the SPU and Government to restart the Enmore Estate.

Some 200 workers were rehired to start operations to produce molasses, and it was reported that over 190 cane harvesters had been employed to harvest some 4300 hectares of sugar cane at Rose Hall, to be used by Albion for the production of molasses.

Works on $74M Timehri roundabout halted

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he plans of the Public Infrastructure Ministry to construct a roundabout at the Timehri junction has been halted to facilitate the removal of utility poles and wires.

This was on Wednesday related by the Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson.

“The one at the (Cheddi Jagan International) Airport, we had some issues with utility poles, GTT to be specific, so that roundabout too is still in the pipeline,” she disclosed.

She nevertheless assured that preliminary works on the structure have begun, which includes the removal of those poles. “We will see the commencement of the civil component I guess before the end of the year,” Ferguson stated.

The contract for the project was awarded to Gaico Construction earlier in the year at the sum of some $74 million.

Meanwhile, she explained that “The one at Sheriff/Mandela you know we have that expansion project so the one will be one Sheriff/Mandela and the other one will be just as you turn off, or when you leave the Airport. The Sheriff/ Mandela project… we have commenced the laying of the pipes on both sides of Sherriff Street so when the project gets into its implementation stage we would see the formation of the roundabout there”.

Works reportedly begun on the Timehri roundabout back in June of this year, while Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson commissioned the $78.9

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson

million Kitty roundabout, which was constructed by S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services.

Minister Patterson had announced plans to construct two roundabouts, with the inclusion of the Timehri structure. The other is expected to be erected on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

The structures are being constructed with the hope of easing traffic congestion and wastage of time at peak locations.

“During the course of this year and next year, there will be two additional roundabouts in two equally important areas,” Patterson stated at the opening of the Kitty roundabout.

The Mandela Avenue roundabout will be erected during Government’s $6.4 billion road upgrade project.

When completed, Sheriff Street will remain a twolane road while Mandela will become a four-lane thoroughfare. The upgraded roads will be outfitted with new features including cycle lanes, separate sidewalks and smart traffic signals which will use above ground

vehicle detectors.

Additionally, two culverts at the junctions of David Street with the Cummings Canal and Lamaha Canal bridges will also be replaced. The wooden bridge at Homestretch Avenue will be replaced with a concrete structure and other culverts will be extended. A pedestrian overpass and roundabout at the Sheriff Street-David Street junction are also included.

Safety features include traffic signs and thermoplastic reflectors and road markings.

The final phase of works will see the pavement upgraded and asphalted. All the entrances to side roads will be upgraded, however, side roads will not be rehabilitated.

Many had questioned about the costly roundabout project and its outcome, since most commuters were scared to use the new infrastructure at first.

So far there have been at least two accidents recorded at the Kitty roundabout, although the Ministry would have invested in creating tutorials for the safe use of the roundabout.

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Exxon’s 2nd exploration vessel to arrive in October …Govt thanks company for sponsorship of Guyana Amazon Warriors

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xxonMobil is bringing to Guyana a second exploration vessel, the Noble Tom Madden, which is due to arrive in October. This vessel will focus primarily on exploration of high potential areas and will commence drilling at the ‘Pluma’ prospect, approximately 17 miles or 27 kilometres from Turbot well. This announcement was made during a meeting between Minister of State Joseph Harmon; the company’s Executive Vice President, Mike Cousins; and Country Manager, Rod Henson at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the Minister said the Government welcomes this new development and is extremely pleased at the success of the new oil find at the Hammerhead-1 Well, which was announced on August 30, 2018.

He told the team that as Guyana continues to prepare itself for the oil and gas sector, Government is looking to build and strength-

From left: Country Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Rod Henson; Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Executive Vice President at Exxon Mobil Exploration Corporation, Mike Cousins

Non-custodial sentences for small quantities ganja welcomed – Samuels

en its capacity, particularly in the technical areas, which will see many more Guyanese involved in the industry. Minister Harmon told the visiting team that the Government would welcome support and assistance to make this a reality.

Minister Harmon also used the opportunity to thank the company for its sponsorship and support to the Guyana Amazon

Warriors team, which has secured its place in the finals of the much-loved Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Cousins expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the Government and the country and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to working collaboratively in building capacity now and in the years to come.

WCB cash crop farmers seeking over $10M in damages ...in civil suit against Region 5 REO

…will reduce overcrowding, spending

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he recent announcement by President David Granger on the removal of custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana has been welcomed by Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, who said the move will not only serve to reduce the overcrowding within the local prison system but also cutback on expenses.

At a press conference two weeks ago, the Head of State said that Government will be moving to abolish custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana.

He assured that when the National Assembly returns from recess, the necessary legislation will be presented.

This move has been welcomed by Samuels, who explained in a recent interview with Guyana Times that this would tackle the issue of overcrowding within the local prison system.

“Yes, it is a welcomed move and it could contribute to the reduction of our population based on what is finally determined as small quantities… We have an average of 345 prisoners who were charged for narcotic-related offences and this specifically marijuana related offences and several of them are charged for quantities that I do believe that if they’re given an opportunity to take part in community service or some other activity, it would be more beneficial to them, more so taking into consideration the fact that the budgetary constraint has always been an issue,” the Prison Director noted.

In fact, Samuels went on to posit that apart from the fact that the State would save money that would otherwise be spent on maintaining a large prison population, this will also allow for other avenues to reform persons.

“I do believe that someone who is found with possession of small quantities of marijuana, more so

Attorney Anil Nandlall

By Shemuel Fanfair

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for smoking, they should be more geared or directed to an institution that is more tailored to meeting their needs so that they would move away from the bad habit as it is deemed and hopefully be more productive. The fact is, if you bring them to prison, even their ability to contribute to the upkeep of their families would be removed and if that person is the only breadwinner, then the entire family is placed on the breadline,” the Prison Director explained.

The issue of non-custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana gained momentum back in March 2016 when inmates at the Camp Street Prison started a fire which eventually killed 17 prisoners while several others along with prison staff were injured. A subsequent probe had found, among other issues, significant overcrowding at the facility contributed to the events and as such, considerations were re-ignited to reduce custodial sentences for certain offences such as possession of small amounts of marijuana.

More recent, however, Government has also come under fire for failure to act on the matter after a 27-year-old poultry farmer, who was charged for possession of 8.4 grams of marijuana, was sentenced to three years imprisonment back in May. According to

Guyana’s law, possession of any amount of cannabis over 15 grams is considered trafficking.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has announced his support for custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana being removed from the law books in their entirety, but maintained that he is not in favour of the legalisation of marijuana for commercial purposes.

The decriminalisation/ legalisation of marijuana movement is gaining much momentum worldwide with several countries taking steps to decriminalise and legalise the drug.

In fact, a Caribbean Community (Caricom) Commission on Marijuana has made recommendation for the decriminalisation of marijuana across member states, saying the substance can be controlled and regulated as in the case of alcohol. This recommendation was placed before the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community which was held in Jamaica in July. During the conference, it was recognised that Member States would need to review the report in more detail to determine action at the national level in relation to law reform models as proposed by the Commission.

hree of 30 farmers in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) have taken the district’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison to court after their farm lands were bulldozed and several cash crops cut down over the last few months. The three claimants – Krishna Sewlall, Kristopher Sewnarine and Kaleel Jameer – are seeking over $10 million in damages for what they contend was the unlawful destruction of their property.

The farmers are occupying land in the Tract 3 ‘X’ of Block ‘1A’ and Tract ‘Y’, portion of Plantation of Naarstigheid, being part of Bath, West Coast Berbice (WCB). They retained the services of Attorney Anil Nandlall who filed a Statement of Claim application on behalf of his clients at the High Court on Tuesday.

According to court document obtained by this publication, many of the farmers have been occupying the land since 1989 and were granted a two-year lease for 1.4 acres in the March 2000 under the Social Impact Amelioration Project (SIMAP) for largescale farming. They claimed that since the expiration of their lease they developed the said property, cured the soil and prepared it for farming.

As part of their case, it was cited that they were the beneficiaries of grants or other financial aid from various international organisations that they used to develop new systems of farming infrastructure and farmhouses on the said land. Sewlall, Sewnarine and Jameer said they never gave anyone permission to enter, clear, farm or build on the property.

Region Five REO, Ovid Morrison

However, the Region Five REO in October 2016 requested that some 50 farmers, including the three claimants, vacate their WCB farmland.

More than that, they observed that Morrison threatened to bulldoze the crops and forcibly eject them from the land.

Upon being threatened, they contacted Attorney Nandlall who wrote the REO in a letter dated November 3, 2016, which highlighted that some of his clients built dwellings and other permanent structures on the land.

It added that the regional administration disassociated itself from Morrison’s actions and that he, Nandlall, advised his clients to use reasonable force to defend their crops and properties.

The attorney also advised the farmers to report the matter to the Fort Wellington Police Station.

This letter was copied to several Government Ministers, including Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and then acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphall also received a copy of Nandlall’s letter and after the farmers made several complaints to him, he wrote the REO in a letter dated March 21, 2018, where he observed that crops were being destroyed by an excavator on Morrison’s orders. Ramphal urged him to desist from the practice so that the farmers could provide for their families. He informed Morrison that the Region Five RDC never made a decision to evict farmers.

The court documents also revealed that in April 2018, agents linked to Morrison

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphall

“unilaterally decided” to enter the said farmland the three claimants occupied and cleared a portion of the land, cutting down several cash crops including sweet peppers, lettuce, eschalot, plantain, calaloo and banana plants. Thereafter on August 6, 2018, two excavators entered the land and flattened another portion.

The claimants added that on August 7, 2018, the REO’s agents entered again and destroyed Krishna Sewlall’s wooden farmhouse valued $300,000.

Kristopher Sewnarine’s farmhouse was also destroyed and that building was valued $800,000.

Sewlall is seeking special damages of $3,254,000 for his destroyed crops and farmhouse, while Sewnarine wants Morrison to pay him $950,000 for his losses.

Meanwhile, Jameer is seeking $1,170,000 from the REO. The special damages claim amounts to $5,374,000 while the general damages claim requests in excess of $5,000,000 for trespass.

“The defendants wrongfully continue to bulldoze and flatten the land, damaging valuable crops and depriving the claimants of their property, livelihood and only source of income,” a section of the legal document stated.

Nandlall has petitioned for an injunction to restrain Morrison and his agents, representatives or officers from continuing to enter, occupying, bulldozing the claimants’ use of the WCB farmland.

He added that Morrison is “guilty of trespass and damage to property and [has] caused the claimants great loss, damage, great anguish and mental distress.”

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Regional

Brazil’s da Silva names successor, Trinidad Police Officers arrested after latest but will voters follow? kidnap victim freed

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n a letter from his jail cell, former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called on tens of millions of supporters to vote for the man he named to replace on the Workers’ Party ticket in October’s presidential election.

“I want everyone who would vote for me to vote for Fernando Haddad for President of Brazil,” da Silva, who Brazilians universally call Lula, said on Tuesday, the deadline for the party to pick another candidate after da Silva’s candidacy was barred. “From now on he will be Lula for millions of Brazilians.”

While long anticipated, the formal designation of Haddad both settled one question and launched another: Will supporters of da Silva – who has held a clear lead in all polls – actually listen and back Haddad, who until now had relatively little appeal?

The two men are close in their political views and said to be friends, but for many voters in Latin America’s largest nation they are also very different.

While da Silva is easily the country’s most recognisable politician after being president between 2003 and 2010, Haddad is largely unknown outside of Sao Paulo, where he was he was mayor four years. While da Silva is charismatic and has an everyman touch, Haddad is a political science teacher turned education minister who

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Workers’ Party Presidential Candidate Fernando Haddad, centre and his running-mate Manuela d’Avila, right, hold a campaign rally outside federal Police headquarters where former President Luiz inacio Lula da Silva is in jail for corruption in Curitiba, Brazil, Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Brazil’s Workers’ Party replaced da Silva with Haddad as its candidate for October’s general election, clarifying one of the biggest question marks hanging over the vote to lead Latin America’s largest nation

comes off as professorial. He also got trounced in his re-election bid as mayor in 2016.

Haddad, 55, also is only beginning his campaign less than four weeks before the election. On Wednesday, he was scheduled to meet with party executives in Sao Paulo in the morning and then host an event with university stu-

dents in the afternoon.

Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University, believes the strength of the party and da Silva’s endorsement will be enough to push Haddad to a second round of voting.

If no candidate gets more than 50 per cent on October 7, as expected, the top two finishers will meet in an October 28 runoff. (Excerpt from MSN)

wo Police Constables from the Southern Division Police in Trinidad were arrested on Monday night in connection with the kidnapping of Natalie Pollonais, wife of Jason Pollonais, heir to Phillip Pollonais family oil and natural gas Inland and Offshore Contracting Ltd firm, who was abducted in South Trinidad last week.

Pollonais was freed after members of a joint unit of Police and military personnel stopped a vehicle in San Juan just after 19:00h on Monday. She was unharmed and in good health and the suspect driving the car was held. Three other suspects were later held.

The two Police Officers arrested in connection with the kidnapping were taken to separate locations in the Northern Division where they were interrogated.

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith stated on Monday night following the initial recovery of the victim and arrest of several suspects that “We intend to get

every one of them,” as joint security forces intensified their manhunt to arrest all of the alleged suspects, including persons directly connected to the officers already in custody.

It had been widely reported that men dressed in Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) uniform were involved in the abduction of Pollonais. Witnesses described Pollonais being bundled into a panel van.

Pollonais, who is 47 and mother of three, lived with her husband and three children in South Trinidad. The Pollonais family is involved in the oil and gas industry and owns companies supplying services such as pumping oil, and hydro-blasting, marine transport, and inland and offshore transport.

The arrest of the Police Officers allegedly involved in this latest kidnapping have revived long-standing suspicions in Trinidad that the Police Force has been involved in earlier similar incidents. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Jamaica ranked 5th best economy Debate on abolishing the automatic death penalty put on for starting a business

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he Jamaican economy was ranked 5th in the world for starting a business in 2018, with a Distance to Frontier (DTF) rating of 97.3, according to the Global Banking and Finance Review.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a post on Twitter, said the ranking is “in terms of ease of starting a business and interest rates at record lows.” “We are living in a time of unprecedented opportunity,” he continued.

The report found New Zealand to be the number one economy in which to start a business, with a DTF rating of 99.96. “Though New Zealand’s rating has decreased by 0.18 per cent on 2017 figures, it still pres-

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

ents the strongest case in starting a business in 2018.

In fact, it would take just one procedure, half a day and less than one per cent of

income per capita to start a business in Auckland,” the report said.

Other economies which ranked in the top five for starting a business include Canada (DTF: 98.23), Hong Kong (DTF: 98.14) and Georgia, with a distance to frontier score of 97.84 supported by an increase of 2.12 per cent on 2017 figures.

DTF measures the distance of an economy to the “frontier,” which represents the very best performance across all economies and years included since 2005.

An economy’s distance to frontier is indicated on a scale from zero to 100, where 0 represents the lowest performance and 100 the frontier. (Jamaica Observer)

Rebels say Colombia Govt peace talk terms are ‘unacceptable’

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olombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas said Monday that conditions set

by Ivan Duque, the country’s new president, to restart peace talks in Cuba aimed at ending their insurgency are “unacceptable.”

Right-winger Duque gave the Marxist ELN a one-month deadline after his inauguration on August 7 to convince him it is serious about laying down arms and reentering civilian life.

That cut-off point expired on Friday.

By refusing to recognise agreements reached under Duque’s predecessor, Juan Manuel Santos, “and unilaterally placing unacceptable conditions, this government is... ending the process of dialogue” aimed at reaching a peace agreement, ELN negotiators in Havana said in a statement.

The statement called for restarting talks “with no further delays.” Duque on Saturday demanded the release of all ELN hostages – believed to be 16 – as a condition to restart peace talks.

With an estimated 1,500 fighters, the ELN is the last recognized armed rebel group operating in Colombia. Authorities believe it is financed through drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for signing the historic accord with the much larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels in 2016, turning that armed group into a political party after more than 50 years of violent insurrection. (MSN)

hold in Barbados Parliament

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awmakers on Tuesday came as close as they have ever done to striking down a key provision of capital punishment – the abolition of the automatic death sentence – before putting a pause on the measure.

The Lower House withdrew the proposed amendment to the Offences Against the Person Act for further consideration by Government. The amendment was to bring the law in line with a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling that struck down the mandatory death sentence in in the appeal cases of Barbadian murder convicts Jabari Sensimania Nervais and Dwayne Omar Severin.

Their separate appeals were consolidated because they both challenged the constitutionality of the man-

An emotional Ralph Thorne was adamant that the provision in the bill which empowers a judge solely with the responsibility of sentencing a convicted person to death, should be removed

datory death sentence for murder in Barbados. The justices ruled that a section of the Offences Against the Person Act was unconstitutional because it provided for a mandatory sentence of death.

But legislators left a clear message that the death penalty will remain the law of the land.

But the amendment to the law was shelved im-

mediately following concerns expressed during the speeches by three MPs – Ralph Thorne QC, Housing Minister Charles Griffith and Maritime Affairs Minister Kirk Humphrey.

The senior attorney suggested that the decision should be made by jury, contending that it was too heavy a burden to place on the shoulders of one man or woman. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Chile approves law for transgender citizens to change official details

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hile’s congress on Wednesday approved a bill allowing people over the age of 14 to change their name and gender in official records, despite intense lobbying by the Church and conservative political parties in the traditionally conservative, predominantly Catholic country.

The law, introduced in 2013, was fiercely contested by conservative parties un-

til an article relating to children under the age of 14 was dropped. Children aged 14 to 18 must first obtain the consent of their parents or legal guardians.

The gender identity law must be either rejected or entered onto the statute books by centre-right President Sebastian Pinera within 30 days. Ivan Moreira, a senator from Chile’s conservative UDI party, described the

law as an “aberration” that would divide families.

But the Foundation for Equal Rights said the law would help make the country more inclusive. The new law defines gender identity as a personal conviction of whether a person sees himself or herself as male or female, irrespective of their physical state or the gender or name assigned to them in the country’s civic register.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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Around the World

Hurricane Florence: Mass evacuation from 'storm of a lifetime'

People have left homes and taken precautions ahead of the hurricane. The barrier islands of the Carolina coastline could be prone to flooding

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S East Coast residents are running out of time to flee before Hurricane Florence hits the region as soon as Thursday evening, officials warn.

The storm has been downgraded to category three with 125mph (205km/h) winds, but officials say it is still "extremely dangerous".

Up to 1.7 million people have been ordered to evacuate across

South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Four South Carolina motorways have been diverted one-way to speed the exodus.

On Wednesday, Georgia declared a state of emergency, following the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Jeff Byard, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said: "This is going to be a Mike

Tyson punch to the Carolina coast."

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned that "disaster is at the doorstep", and "tens of thousands" of buildings may be flooded. Waves 83 feet (25 metres) tall were recorded at sea on Wednesday morning.

But while many coastal residents have complied with man-

datory evacuation orders, others are boarding up their homes and vowing to ride out the storm.

Forecasters say the storm poses such a threat because it is expected to slow down and hover for nearly two days over the Carolina coast, before dipping south towards Georgia.

National Hurricane Centre Director Ken Graham warned

that waterways up to 40 miles inland may flood. Graham said the Pamlico and Neuse rivers in North Carolina will see their flows "reversed" as storm surges push water back inland.

He added that half of fatalities during hurricanes are caused by storm surges, and another quarter of deaths are due to inland rains and flooding. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Putin wants to end 70-year-old Morocco bans forced marriage dispute with Japan over islands and sexual violence

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ussia and Japan are involved in a dispute over Kuril Islands, captured by the Soviet Union at World War II's end.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he wants his country to sign a peace deal with Japan this year to formally end hostilities that began during World War II over a group of islands.

Putin made the comments on Wednesday during an economic forum in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, where he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "An idea has just come into my head. Let's conclude a peace treaty before the end of this year, without any pre-conditions," Putin said during a question-and-answer session at the forum, prompting the audience to break into applause.

The dispute between Russia and Japan started more than seven decades ago, with the Soviet Union

Putin and Abe have held several meetings in the past to resolve the dispute over the Kuril islands

occupying the strategically located Kuril chain of islands during the last days of World War II in 1945.

Both nations have laid claim over the group of four islands – known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan – thereby preventing them from signing a peace accord. Abe did not respond to Putin's remarks, but his Chief

Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga later said the territorial claim by the two countries needs to be resolved before any treaty is signed.

Putin and Abe have held several meetings in the past in a bid to solve the dispute over the islands. Last year, Japan decided it would expand its missile capabilities in the strategic region, a move that worried Russia.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

EU Parliament votes to punish Hungary over 'breaches' of core values

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he European Parliament has voted to pursue unprecedented disciplinary action against Hungary over alleged breaches of the EU's core values. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Government has been accused of attacks on the media, minorities, and the rule of law – charges which he denies.

More than two-thirds of MEPs backed the censure motion – the first such vote against a member state under EU rules. If also approved by national leaders, Hungary could face punitive measures.

The ultimate sanction,

the suspension of Hungary's voting rights, is unlikely as Poland is likely to veto any such move. The BBC's Nick Thorpe in Budapest says Orban appears increasingly isolated among European conservatives but is being applauded by nationalist parties.

Since coming to power, Orban's Government has taken a hardline stance against immigration. It introduced a law which made it a criminal offence for lawyers and activists to help asylum seekers, under the banner of "facilitating illegal immigration".

But there have also been reports of pressure being put

on the courts and the electoral system, and of widespread corruption. After the vote, the European Parliament said it was also concerned about the constitutional and electoral system; privacy and data protection; freedom of expression and religion; academic freedom and freedom of association; and equal rights, particularly for refugees and minorities such as Roma and Jews.

Orban addressed the parliament on Tuesday in defence of his government, labelling the threat of censure as a form of "blackmail" and an insult to Hungary. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

orocco's law criminalising violence against women has come into force. The law includes a ban on forced marriage, sexual harassment in public places, and tougher penalties for certain forms of violence.

It has been criticised by Human Rights Watch for not explicitly criminalising marital rape and lacking a precise definition of domestic violence. A Government survey found that 63 per cent of women between the ages of 18-65 had been victims of violence.

Samira Raiss, one of the main Moroccan campaigners for a law criminalising violence against women, said: "We will not stop here. This law is an asset but it has

shortcomings that we have to work on."

The law – known as the Hakkaoui law after Women's Minister Bassima Hakkaoui, who drafted it five years ago – has been criticised for requiring victims to file for criminal prosecution to obtain protection.

Human Rights Watch said the law has some positive aspects, "such as a definition of violence against women to mean 'any act based on gender discrimination that entails physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm to a woman'."

But it contains "major gaps and flaws that leave women at risk of domestic violence, including a lack of provisions to finance the reforms," HRW says.

Bouthaina Karouri, a member of the parliamentary committee that drafted the law, says the law can be changed in the future to remedy any oversights. "No law is perfect" Karouri said.

The law comes into effect following last month's massive outcry over the alleged rape, torture and kidnapping of a 17-year-old girl named as Khadija. Many went on social media, sharing the hashtag #JusticePourKhadija to describe their disgust and horror and calling on the authorities to take action.

In 2014, Morocco's Parliament amended an article of the penal code that allowed rapists of underage girls to avoid prosecution by marrying their victims. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sri Lanka to ban animal sacrifices at Hindu temples

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nimal sacrifices at Hindu temples could be banned in Sri Lanka under new plans announced Wednesday, after growing protests over the rituals from the country's Buddhist majority as well as moderate Hindus.

The Cabinet approved a proposal put forward by the Hindu Religious Affairs minister to outlaw the ancient practice that is still observed at several temples across the country.

"The legal draughtsman was asked to prepare a bill to ban animal and bird sacrifices at Hindu temples," the Government said in a statement. During religious festivals, some devout Hindus sacrifice goats, chickens and buffalos, expecting good fortune in return.

But the practice has offended animal rights activists, as well as many other Sri Lankans. Although

Hindus constitute about 12 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population, which is mainly Buddhist

there is currently no clear law prohibiting animal sacrifices at places of worship, Sri Lankan courts from time to time have issued temporary bans on such practices.

Hindus constitute about 12 per cent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population, which is mainly Buddhist. Muslims, the third largest religious group in the country, also

conduct ritualistic animal sacrifices – although it appears the law would apply only to Hindus.

The country has experienced waves of religious tension in recent years, with anti-Muslim riots in March leaving three people dead and hundreds of mosques, homes and businesses reduced to ashes. (MSN)

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ARCHIE

Keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges you (March 21- face or the people who try to April 19) lead you astray. Trust and believe in yourself and your abilities.

ARIES

Make changes for the right TAURUS reasons and build a strong (April 20- and stable base for your May 20) plans. Make partnerships a priority. You can flourish!

dilbert

Protect your rights. Don’t GEMINI (May 21- share personal information.

June 20) Dealing with institutions will be difficult and should not be left for someone else to handle. Represent your interests personally.

Make your voice heard.

The suggestions you make (June 21- will give you a place at the taJuly 22) ble when negotiations begin.

Whether dealing with superiors, family or friends, you must speak from the heart.

CANCER

Peanuts

Resign yourself to things LEO you have no control over, and (July 23- keep moving forward. You are Aug. 22) best off keeping your plans to yourself if you want to avoid interference.

Participate in events that VIRGO will encourage you to make (Aug. 23personal changes. Set high Sept. 22) standards and strive to reach your goals. Choose to bring about change instead of being forced to accept it.

Calvin and Hobbes

Be cautious when dealing LIBRA with older family members.

(Sept. 23Do your best to get along to Oct. 23) avoid a misunderstanding.

Change can be good if it’s done properly. Taking baby steps will encourage a positive response.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD - PURSUANT (PURSUANT: per-SOO-ent: In accordance with.)

SUDOKU

Go over past mishaps to SAGITTARIUS ensure that something sim(Nov. 23- ilar doesn’t happen again.

Dec. 21) Listen carefully and question anything that doesn’t sound accurate. Know what you are up against before setting an example.

Average mark 22 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 37 or more words in PURSUANT? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — MARCEL mace male marc mare marl meal acme acre race

rale real realm ream calm calmer came camel care

clam clear cram cream earl lace lame lamer

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Embrace your feelings SCORPIO and share them with a loved (Oct. 24one.

Working in unison with Nov. 22) someone who has similar goals and a passion to do the right thing will enhance your chances of success.

solution for last published puzzle

Consider what you’d rathCAPRICORN (Dec. 22- er be doing, and look into new Jan. 19) possibilities that will help you fulfill your dreams. It’s never too late to start over.

Romance is highlighted.

Take what others say in AQUARIUS stride. Everyone is entitled to (Jan. 20- his or her opinion. Don’t get Feb. 19) into a debate when your time is better spent getting things done.

Set high standards and PISCES (Feb. 20- strive to reach your goals.

March 20) Your efforts will bring good results. There is money to be made if you are innovative and willing to try something new.

thursdAY, september 13, 2018

Golovkin relishes Canelo rematch G

ennady Golovkin says Saturday's rematch with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is "100% the biggest fight of my career".

The middleweight pair's first fight, in September 2017, was controversially scored a draw, with Golovkin landing more punches and considered the stronger fighter by many pundits.

"I hope it is going to be a better fight than the first one," said the 36-year-old Kazakh.

A May rematch was postponed after Alvarez, 28, failed two drugs tests.

The Mexican blamed his positive test for clenbuterol - an asthma medication that can also help build muscle and burn fat on eating contaminated meat.

The drug is sometimes illegally mixed into livestock feed to make meat leaner.

Alvarez has lost just once in 52 fights - a points de-

Gennady Golovkin (right) lands against Canelo Alvarez in their first bout

for pound best fighter on the planet. It is vice-versa for GGG - he has to go out there and win decisively."

'Canelo is angry'

Saturday's bout - which will be in the early hours of Sunday morning in the UK - will be broadcast live from Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on BBC Radio 5 live, with a live text commen-

Golovkin (left) was recorded as having landed 218 punches to Canelo's 169 in their first fight Since the tie, each fighter has spoken derogatorily of the another, with Golovkin unhappy at Alvarez's excuses for his failed drugs tests.

De La Hoya told BBC Sport: "For the first time I am hearing 'Canelo' angry. He has trained angry, he wants to fight angry.

He wants to go out there and knock him out." (BBC Sport)

Olympic champion wants to 'give back' to cycling after accident

W

orld and Olympic champion Kristina Vogel, who was paralysed in a training crash in June, has said she wants to "give something back" to cycling.

The 27-year-old German, an 11-time world champion, suffered serious spinal and chest injuries in an accident at the Cottbus Sport Centre Velodrome.

"I realised quickly I would not walk again," said Vogel on Wednesday.

"Tears will not help. It is what it is. I am ready to take on this challenge

and make the best of it."

In a news conference at the Berlin hospital where she has been treated, Vogel described the moments following the crash.

"I said 'breathe, breathe, breathe' and then I checked," she said. "Then I saw where I lay, how I was. When my shoes were off I knew that this was it with the walking.

"Asking 'why me' does not bring you any further. I want to get back into life, not depend on a lot of help. I must use this strength I had in competitions for my life.

"For the first time I have time to take Kristina Vogel won decisions for 11 world titles, me, to be free two Olympic and learn step gold medals and by step what I three European need to. I want golds in her to do things for cycling career cycling. I want

UFC fighter sues Conor over bus attack

tary on the BBC Sport website and app.

The first meeting between the pair proved a gripping contest, with judge Adalaide Byrd controversially awarding Canelo 10 rounds of a bout many ringside observers thought he had lost.

Gennady Golovkin and Saul Alvarez

feat by Floyd Mayweather in September 2013 - while Golovkin has won 38 of his 39 contests.

"I strongly feel both guys need each other to cement their legacy," said promoter and former multiple-weight world champion Oscar de la Hoya. "'Canelo' has to go out there and get the knockout to cement that legacy and be the pound

19

to give something back."

Vogel had previously suffered serious injuries when she was hit by a minibus in 2009 while riding near her home, being placed in a medically-induced coma.

However, she battled back to win Olympic gold in the track cycling team sprint at the London Olympics in 2012 and then an individual sprint gold in Rio four years later, despite her saddle breaking at 60kph in the closing metres of the final.

Vogel, who also worked as a part-time police officer, said the accident happened when she collided with a Dutch rider, who she did not name.

"I have had no contact with the rider. Neither the Dutch federation nor the rider have been in contact," added Vogel. (BBC Sport)

Michael Chiesa

C

onor McGregor is being sued by UFC fighter Michael Chiesa, who claims he suffered physical, emotional and financial damage following the Irishman's attack on a bus in April.

McGregor threw a metal dolly into the window of a bus carrying fighters at a UFC media day at Brooklyn's Barclay's Center on 5 April.

Chiesa was injured and withdrew from his fight at UFC 223 two days later.

McGregor avoided jail after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct in July.

The claims levelled against McGregor and his entourage are negligence, infliction of emotional distress, assault and battery.

Chiesa, 30, who suffered facial cuts from broken glass, said McGregor's attack caused "serious personal, economic and other injury" and "severe emotional distress, mental trauma and/or bodily harm" in court papers filed to Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, seen by BBC Sport.

The American is also seeking damages from Barclay's Center and its management company BSE Global, accusing them of "failing to protect the plaintiff and other patrons" as employees "failed to adequately perform their security duties."

Chiesa claims he has "experienced pain, suffering and a loss of enjoyment of life" and "economic loss, loss opportunities and economic damages" as he has been "unable to attend to his usual avocation and activities". It adds that he will "continue to suffer in the future."

The amount Chiesa is seeking is not mentioned, but it is more than $25,000 (£19,223) - as he claims it "exceeds the jurisdictional limits of all lower courts which would otherwise have jurisdiction."

Chiesa withdrew from his fight with Anthony Pettis at UFC 223.

He believes he missed out on a UFC title shot at the same event, as the UFC required a last-second replacement for a lightweight title fight that Chiesa was not available for.

Chiesa eventually fought Pettis at UFC 226 in July, but lost in the second round.

Former two-weight champion McGregor, 30, has returned to UFC after almost two years out of the sport and will fight Khabib Nurmagomedov on 6 October. (BBC Sport)

Richarlison scores twice in Brazil win E

verton forward Richarlison scored twice on his first start for Brazil as they beat El Salvador 5-0 at FedExField in Maryland.

The 21-year-old won a penalty in the second minute, which was scored by Neymar for his 59th Brazil goal.

Richarlison doubled the lead with a curling strike, before Philippe Coutinho added a third.

Richarlison swept home his second in the 50th minute, with Marquinhos heading home a fifth late on.

Victory was Brazil's second in succession as they rebuild after exiting the World Cup at the quarter-final stage with defeat by Belgium.

Richarlison, who made his debut as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over the USA, has scored three Premier League goals this season after moving to Everton in the summer in a £50m deal.

Elsewhere, Argentina - who were without Barcelona forward Lionel Messi - drew 0-0 with Colombia in New Jersey.

Richarlison joined Everton in a £50m deal in the summer

Both sides had stand-in coaches for the game, with Argentina yet to replace Jorge Sampaoli, and Jose Pekerman having resigned as Colombia boss.

A second-half goal from 19year old New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adam gave the USA a 1-0 win against 10-man Mexico in Nashville.

Four minutes before Adam's winner - his first international goal - Angel Zaldivar was shown a red card for a two-footed challenge on US captain Wil Trapp.

(BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, september 13, 2018

Lady Jags’ Natalie Nedd Limacol Knockout on today secures 4-year scholarship T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the International Supporters Group (ISG) are proud to announce that for the first time in the history of female football being played in Guyana, a female footballer has been awarded a scholarship to study at an American university.

Natalie Need, Goalkeeper for the senior women’s football team commonly known as the “Lady Jaguars,” began studying at the Graceland University on August 27.

Nedd was recruited by the school as part of a programme established by the GFF and ISG to identify and promote national team players for scholarship opportunities in the USA and Canada.

GFF President Wayne Forde, in an invited comment, said providing developmental opportunities for footballers to pursue an education and their football ambitions is part of the mandate of the Executive Committee.

“My constitutional mandate is to develop football, but my moral calling is to create an environment wherein the beautiful game can enrich the lives of every man, woman, and child.

That is the full measure of my service to the football community. The Executive Committee is determined to create scholarship opportunities across the world that will give our players access to world class education, along with solid professional football development experiences. My best wishes and prayers go out to Natalie.

Make us proud,” Ford admonished.

“This is a very important first for the women’s programme, and Natalie is a great representative for the programme. We will be following her progress closely,” said Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

For his part, Paul Beresford, GFF’s

A glimpse of the action in this year’s tournament

T

Natalie Nedd (second right) sports the Graceland banner in the presence of Assistant Coach of Graceland University, Chelsea Phillips (left); International Team Coordinator Paul Beresford (second left) and Head Coach Ozzie White

International Team Coordinator, who went to Iowa for Natalie’s signing ceremony and first college match, said this is a start of a long-term process to achieve development within Guyana.

“This has been part of the vision of the GFF current leadership and the ISG. The partnership is a strong one that I know will benefit not only the players, but the country; as these players give back to Guyana using the knowledge gained from the education afforded to them through these scholarships. We want to make Guyana a primary destination for college coaches to recruit players from going forward,” Beresford revealed.

Head Coach of the “Lady Jaguars,” Dr Ivan Joseph, said having players consistently training and playing is a key strategic element of the national programme.

“A strategic priority of the GFF Women’s National Team is for all our players to play and train year-round.

We are proud of Natalie for pursuing her dream and her commitment to getting bet-

ter every day.”

In extending congratulations to Nedd, “Lady Jaguars” Assistant Coach, Kevin Sherry, said the exposure to college football would greatly contribute to Nedd’s improved performance.

“It is a huge accomplishment and a great reward for all the hard work Natalie has put into her game. Natalie will receive daily training and conditioning which will help her achieve a very high level of performance, which is good for both Natalie and GFF. We wish her well, and hope her success will inspire others to also play in USA and develop their abilities.”

Meanwhile, Head Coach of Graceland University, who recruited and signed Nedd to her four-year scholarship and was instrumental in working through the challenges she faced during the college application process, expressed his thoughts on Natalie’s arrival.

“We at Graceland University are excited and proud to partner with the Guyana Football Federation and the International

Supporters Group to provide a pathway for Guyanese student/athletes to receive a quality education and a fantastic football experience in the USA. Natalie Need is the first recipient, and she is a fine choice. Natalie ticks all of the boxes we are looking for. She is a quality person with great habits and work ethic. I have no doubt that Natalie will succeed in the classroom and on the pitch.

I am grateful for the work that Paul Beresford and the Guyana Football Federation is doing to make this opportunity possible.”

Graceland University is located in Iowa, USA, and the team plays in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Federation is looking forward to welcoming more colleges into the programme, and is looking forward to the impact it will have on Guyanese footballers as well as the country, as these student athletes return to Guyana to repay the investment the federation and the footballing community have made in their education and career.

Bates, 30, the leading run-scorer in the history of women's Twenty20 international cricket, will be replaced by batter Amy

Satterthwaite, 31.

The change takes place less than two months before the start of the ICC Women's World T20 in the West Indies.

"Captaining New Zealand was a great honour and a rewarding experience.

I gave it my all," said Bates.

"The last 12 months, I've probably struggled with captaincy and playing, and it has affected my performances, particularly at the end of seasons where I've been more fatigued."

Bates, who made her international debut in 2006, was named as Wisden's leading female cricketer in the world in 2015, and has twice been the International

Cricket Council's women's one-day international cricketer of the year.

She was player of the tournament at the 2013 World Cup, and also represented New Zealand in basketball at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Satterthwaite, who has previously stood in as White Ferns skipper in three ODIs, added: "It's a huge honour to be asked to captain your country. Suzie has done an outstanding job and I'm sure she'll continue to contribute considerably in a leadership sense."

Her first job as full-time captain will be a Twenty20 series in Australia at the end of this month. (BBC Sport)

he third annual Limacol Knockout Football Tournament will continue this evening at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, where the organisers, Petra, have two scintillating matchups scheduled.

On the cards for today, Group C’s Santos will collide with Pouderoyen; and later on, Group ‘A’ action will see Pele FC competing with Police.

Santos, who began their 2018 outing with a draw, will face-off against the confident Pouderoyen, who are coming off of a win against Beacon. Esan Nelson and Quessey Alleyne are expected to repeat their marvellous scoring and attacking plays in order to overcome the formidable Santos side.

In the next matchup, at 20:00hrs, a fairly young Pele FC team will try to better their first game, when they settled for a draw after Mervyn Liverpool managed to net a lone goal.

Despite this, the young team will look to work on their connecting, since opportunities seem to flow constantly for them. Police, on the other hand, have had a mix of fortunes in their first two games, losing to the less experienced Mahaica Determinators, then scoring a 1-nil win. They will, nevertheless, have much work to do to get around the quick feet of Pele.

The knockout tournament holds twelve teams in three groups, namely: Group A:- Police, Pele Football Club, Northern Rangers and Mahaica Determinators. Group B:Camptown, Georgetown Football Club, Riddim Squad and Buxton Stars. Group C:- Santos, Pouderoyen, Grove Hi Tec and Beacons Football Club. These teams are competing to win the grand prize of $600,000.

Crawford Memorial Horse Racing Meet on Satterthwaite appointed NZ women's captain September 23 A

ll-rounder Suzie Bates has stepped down as New Zealand captain after nearly seven years in charge.

Amy Satterthwaite (left)and Suzie Bates are ranked 12th and seventh respectively in the ICC's one-day international batting rankings

T

he Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facility at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice is scheduled to host a horse race meet on September 23; and currently, more than 40 entries have already been received for the card, which consists of six categories.

There is the H & Lower race, which carries the most attract top prize of $300,000; the L2 & Lower race, which fetches a first place prize of $70,000; L1 & Lower race, with a prize of $100,000 for the winner; the J & Lower race, the victor of which would cart off $160,000; the L3 race, with a first prize of 50,000; and the Two-Year Maiden, which has a first place prize of $100,000. The entrants billed to compete include Chammaley, Not This Time, Party Time Orion, Kentucky Woman, MaryAnn, Lucky Star, Gypsie Princess, Slim Shady and Baba Rosa; but there are many other horses billed to compete, and among them might be many of the proverbial dark horses.

Entries will close on September 16, 2018. For further details, interested persons are kindly asked to contact President of the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club & Sports Facility on 678-5342, or the club’s organising secretary Compton Sancho on 691-1175. The sponsors on board for this event include Kanhai’s Electrical on Regent Street, Curtains and Drapery Designs, Stag Beer, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Candy Corner, and Attorney-at-law Poonai.

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TKR assists with Beaton’s remodelled action

R

onsford Beaton played a key role in helping the Trinidad &Tobago Knight Riders (TKR) win the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League.

He finished that tournament with 11 wickets in 10 matches, at an economy rate of 7.71.

The West Indies selectors noticed his performances in the 2017 CPL and chose him for the West Indies One Day International series against New Zealand in December 2017.

In that series, he was unfortunately reported for a suspect bowling action, and has not played any cricket since. Beaton may not play for TKR at any stage of the 2018 CPL, but he has been

Ronsford Beaton in the warm-ups with TKR at Providence

training with the team as he waits his bowling results.

In a conference in Trinidad and Tobago, Beaton declared himself thankful to TKR for supporting him in his down time. He explained, “I must say hats off to the team, organisers, and the captain on the onus of having me back here. I’ve been out of cricket for a while, doing some remedial work on my action; but it is a good feeling to be back here with the team.”

In the TKR versus Guyana Amazon Warriors match played at Providence on Sunday, September 9, Bravo said, “He (Beaton) is part of us, he is part of our family; we know he couldn’t play because his action

needed remodeling, but now he has been cleared to bowl.”

Bravo also said the owners of the Knight Riders have seen the talent and decided to invest in Beaton’s future, and all is owed to them for taking responsibility for the pacer.

This will not be the first time the Knight Riders franchise has done something as such. It was almost the same for mystery spinner Sunil Narine when his action was deemed illegal.

In his closing statements, Bravo said, “We want to see him play again for West Indies and TKR. He was a key player for us last time we won, and we’re looking forward for him next season.”

BCB/Magic Moments 20/20 Tournament…

Rose Hall Canje and Young Warriors advance to final

on 223-7230-1 Phone: 223-7230 (Ext 55) EXT: 55

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ose Hall Canje Cricket Club and Young Warriors Cricket Club have both advanced to the final of the Berbice Cricket Board-organised Magic Moments 20/20 Tournament for teams in the New Amsterdam/Canje sub-zones.

In so doing, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Police, while Young Warriors Cricket Club got past Betsy Ground in the semis at the recently refurbished Rose Hall Canje Welfare Centre.

Police, batting first, reached 104 all out in 18 overs, with opener Brentnol Woolford and Kwesi Mickle being the principal scorers; while Rose Hall Canje’s me-

dium pacer Compton Hope claimed 3 wickets for 18 runs from four impressive overs.

Veteran Balram Samaroo continued his recent impressive form with a composed 44, to support a blistering 54 not out from Sasenarine Sukhu, as Rose Hall Canje romped to an easy eight-wicket victory when the home team ended their innings on 108 from 18.2 overs. Sukhu struck six massive sixes, as only leftarm spinner Kwesi Mickle bowled well for Police, to end with 2-8 from four overs.

In the other match, Young Warriors Cricket Club reached 143 for 5 from their allotted twenty overs, as Kassim Khan, 40; Alex Algoo,

37; and Trevon Stanislaus, 24, were the backbone of the innings.

In response, Betsy Ground were bowled out for 105 in 17.1 overs. A. Subhai offered resistance with a stubborn 40, but the attack led by off-spinner Richardo Ramdihal (5-16) proved too tough. The final is scheduled to be played on Sunday, September 16, at the same venue. It will be the second of four finals to be played under the Magic Moments brand. No. 48 Challengers have already won the Upper Corentyne League, while the final for Lower Corentyne and West Berbice will be contested soon.

22

Shimron Hetmyer hitting a maximum in yet another one of his fiery innings

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, september 13, 2018

‘The best batting of my life’ G

– Hetmyer ecstatic after qualifying thriller

uyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) star batsman Shimron Hetmyer was one of the happiest persons after last night’s qualifying match between the franchise for which he plays and the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

In the match-up, winning of which has launched the Guyana Amazon Warriors into Sunday’s final, Hetmyer completed another heroic feat in the 2018 season of the Hero Caribbean Premiere League.

Having led the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their most critical win of the tournament, the left-handed Hetmyer, batsman extraordinaire, revealed that he is having the time of his life. He described the 122-run chase by which the TKR succumbed as “a bit of a task”.

Hetmyer eventually smashed 39 runs after getting off to a slow start. He showcased pure brilliance to revive the chase alongside countryman Sherfane Rutherford.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the 21-year-old Berbician idol noted that this CPL season has been the best batting experience of his life.

“I’ve found some form coming into the

Bangladesh series to now, and I think it’s the best I’ve felt batting all my life. I will just try to keep on, and keep this form going from now on,” he proud- Shimron Hetmyer of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits a 4 ly stated.

The youngster also disclosed that he is happy with the support of the home crowd at Providence, noting that the team strives to put on a show just for the fans.

“The crowd support is fantastic here. I’ve always loved playing in Guyana in front of this crowd; they always come out and support us. This year, we tried to take it one step further just for them,” the batsman disclosed. The Warriors have just one more game to win -- on Sunday, September 16 -- to bring the CPL Cup home for the first time.

To this end, Hetmyer noted that the team has no preferred opponent for Sunday’s encounter.

“No, I don’t! Actually, we don’t think too much about the opposition. We just look at our game and where we could improve, and then just play the game how we see it,” he calmly stated.

Guyana’s opponent in the 2018 final will be decided on Friday, September 14 when the Trinbago Knight Riders clash with the winners of eliminator one at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago.

Banks DIH in collaboration with 22 golfers to represent Guyana in NBTS and NSC in blood drive Suriname Open – give blood, save lives

A

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) and Banks DIH Limited are collaborating with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) as that entity hosts a blood drive at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Saturday, September 15.

It is understood that in support of this event, the NSC has gone to great lengths to solicit help from various parts of the country, and faithful donors have been alerted, while Banks DIH will be playing the role of rejuvenating blood donors.

Dr Pedro Lewis of the NBTS has stated that the Blood Bank always tries to increase the donations of blood received by the NBTS that’s why importantly the process is a continuous one.

From left: Dr Pedro Lewis of the NBTS, Radha Ramdhani, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, and Banks’ Malts Manager Clayton McKenzie

He added that every day some hospital would call the blood bank requesting blood to save lives; and although receiving a donation of blood may sound easy, it’s not that easy to get someone to come and sit in a chair and donate blood. That is why the NBTS has to think outside of the box in getting donations of blood, thus the collaboration.

Clayton McKenzie, the Malts Manager of Banks DIH, was present at the ceremony. He declared that Banks DIH is delighted to be a part of this NBTS initiative because it will aid in saving lives at hospitals.

As per requirements, the

NBTS is asking donors to eat as per normal and drink fluids before donating blood. It is also essential to consume fluids after donating blood.

The blood drive is open to the general public. Donors will be able to participate in sporting activities such as darts, basketball and draughts while they await their turn to donate blood and save lives. Prizes will also be at stake.

It should also be noted that alcohol should not be consumed 24 hours before donation. All between the ages of 16 and 65 are welcome to donate blood, but minors will have to be accompanied by a parent.

Avinash Persaud

head of the upcoming Guyana Open Golf tournament, local pros will get ideal preparation in the rivalry between Guiana Shield countries, which is slated to run on October 6-7th in Suriname.

Twentytwo of Guyana’s best are set to wing out to Suriname to participate in this tournament.

Guyana will be hosting its major tournament of the year on November 3-4, followed by French Guiana completing the tour on November 10-11.

The Lusignan Golf Club has a proud history of sending its best players to represent Guyana; and this year is no different, as the selected 22 players will take their talents to Suriname in the hope of bringing home as many honours as possible.

In the ‘A’ Division, current 8-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud will be joined by a seasoned bunch that would include Munaf Arjune, Kalyan Tiwari, Alfred Mentore and Club President Aleem Hussain.

The ‘B’ Division will feature another crop of pros, namely Pur Persaud, Max Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar (Panko), Videsh Persaud, Brian Hackett, Patrick Prasad, Jax Harry, Aasroodeen Shaw, Jerome Khan, Paton George, and John Tracey.

Former Guyana Open Women's champions Joann Deo and Shanella Webster will represent the female team.

The ‘C’ Division would be represented by ANSA McAL executive Troy Cadogan, Dino Bissessar, Dr Philbert London and Eon Blue.

The Suriname tournament is an invitational event, whereas the Guyana Open is the grandest of all events, as 100 players from more than 12 countries are expected to show up in attempting to wrest the title from Guyanese hands.

Several major companies have already expressed support for the Guyana Open, among which are Builders Lumber Yard, Giftland OfficeMax, Banks DIH, ANSA McAL, Kissoon’s Furniture, AR Printery, DDL El Dorado, 2017 main sponsor Ganesh Parts, Assuria General, Hand-in Hand Mutual, Chetsons, Foodtown Restaurant, New Trend Auto, and Trans Guyana Airways/Baganara Resorts.

It is expected that more than 65 companies would support the Guyana Open tournament, and fans would be eligible to win more than $500,000 in giveaways on tournament days.

The activities kick off next weekend at the Giftland Mall, where persons will have a chance to try their hand at pulling to win free tickets and beverages courtesy of Banks DIH, or simply by shopping at any Giftland Mall store.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, september 13, 2018

23

Cutting's 6 seals epic finish for Patriots at Providence

– Patriots beat Tallawahs by 2 wickets in nail-biter I t was another thriller which ended with a six as Ben Cutting smashed the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots past a spirited Jamaica Tallawahs and Glenn Phillip’s maiden

and Brandon King (21), who all played a key role in the win.

Tallawahs were close to a win especially with pacer Oshane Thomas and New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi

2nd overseas player after Colin Munro. Gayle three times, Andre Russell twice and now Phillips. Account for 6 of the 14 centuries to come from Tallawahs players over the years.

Fabian Allen (left) of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots disappointed Glenn Phillips of Jamaica Tallawahs got runs

Tabraiz Shamsi of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots celebrates the dismissal of Rovman Powell of Jamaica Tallawahs

Ben Cutting (centre) and Hayden Walsh Jr (right) of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots celebrate as Rovman Powell of Jamaica Tallawahs look sad

ton, by 2 wickets in the second nail-biting eliminator played at the Providence National Stadium.

Not as sold out as previous matches due to the home t e a m

grabbing three wickets apiece. Powell who ended with 1-16 had a torrid last over plagued with 4 wides and the losing six, off the penultimate delivery.

Devcich was the anchor of the innings as the others played minor roles, but his fifty came at a fast pace and with the contributions from the other batters; the scene was set for Cutting who earlier picked up 2-45, to calmly neglect a delivery bringing the deficit to 2 from 2,

Guyana Amazon Warriors having already qualified for the finals in the first eliminator versus Trinbago Knight Riders, the decent-sized crowd was treated to some more tense action as Ben Cutting calmly hit a wayward Rovman Powell into the mid-wicket region to seal a breath-taking finish with a ball remaining.

Chris Gayle of The record St Kitts & Nevis chase saw the Patriots hits a 6 Patriots gun down 191 to end on 193-8 in 19.5 overs with MVP Anton Devcich steering the chase with 50 off 23 including five fours and two sweetly timed sixes. There were good contributions from skipper Chris Gayle with 26, Rassie Van Der Dussen with 20, Fabian Allen (23)

His pugnacious knock of 103 from just 63 balls was littered with nine fours and six big sixes and set the tone for the Tallawahs who eventually racked up an imposing total of 191-5 in their 20 overs, the highest T20 total at Providence.

Kiwi Ross Taylor struck the ball sweetly in his brisk knock of 33 from 23.

Phillips opened his account with a couple of crisp fours before losing his partner Johnson Charles (3) to Allen (1-23). He then smacked a full toss in

Devcich’s second over for the Tallawahs first six of the innings, before finishing the over with a four.

Tallawahs fifty came up

SCOREBOARD

which he then stole the show by punishing a fulltoss with a massive heave which was followed by the dugout flocking their hero on the field as a dejected Gayle looked on.

Earlier, Tallawahs opener Glenn Phillips was the 8th player to score a CPL century and the

Jamaica Tallawahs Innings (20 overs maximum) GD Phillips † b Cutting 103 J Charles c Devcich b Allen 3 LRPL Taylor b Cutting 33 R Powell c Cutting b Shamsi 15 AD Russell (c) c Walsh b Brathwaite 10 DA Miller not out 19 Extras (lb 3, nb 1, w 4) 8 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 9.55) 191-5 Did not bat: C de Grandhomme, S Badree, IS Sodhi, SA Jacobs, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-9 (J Charles, 2.2 ov), 2-79 (LRPL Taylor, 10.4 ov), 3-118 (R Powell, 13.5 ov), 4-149 (AD Russell, 16.1 ov), 5-191 (GD Phillips, 19.6 ov) BOWLING: FA Allen (4-0-231), AP Devcich (2-0-21-0), CR Brathwaite (3-0-25-1), HR Walsh (4-0-36-0), T Shamsi (4-0-381), BCJ Cutting (3-0-45-2) St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (target: 192 runs from 20 overs) DC Thomas † c de Grandhomme b Jacobs 13

CH Gayle (c) c Powell b Sodhi 26 HE van der Dussen c †Phillips b Sodhi 20 AP Devcich c †Phillips b Thomas 50 FA Allen c Russell b Sodhi 23 BA King b Thomas 21 BCJ Cutting not out 17 E Lewis c Russell b Thomas 8 CR Brathwaite c Russell b Powell 6 HR Walsh not out 0 Extras (lb 3, w 6) 9 TOTAL (19.5 Overs, RR: 9.73) 193-8 Yet to bat: T Shamsi Fall of wickets: 1-16 (DC Thomas, 1.5 ov), 2-62 (HE van der Dussen, 9.2 ov), 3-62 (CH Gayle, 9.4 ov), 4-118 (FA Allen, 13.4 ov), 5-157 (BA King, 16.2 ov), 6-158 (AP Devcich, 16.4 ov), 7-177 (E Lewis, 18.6 ov), 8-183 (CR Brathwaite, 19.3 ov) BOWLING: O Thomas (4-0-433), SA Jacobs (4-0-31-1), AD Russell (4-0-28-0), IS Sodhi (40-36-3), C de Grandhomme (2-0-21-0), S Badree (1-0-150), R Powell (0.5-0-16-1)

in the 7th over with Taylor joining the set opener to keep the scorecard ticking over.

Cutting’s introduction immediately reaped rewards as the Aussie all-rounder knocked over the stumps of a dangerous-looking Taylor who at-

tempted a wild heave across the line.

Rovman Powell (15) walked to the middle and hit Cutting for back-to-back fours while Phillips raised his fifty with a six over long-on off the Aussies deliveries later, as his second over went for 20 runs. Shamsi (138) then had Powell caught shortly after but Phillips continued the

find the ropes and beyond as he crept into the 70’s.

Russell joined in on the fun and clobbered the leg-spinner over longon for a flat six, sadly he failed to carry on and was removed by Brathwaite (125). Phillips continued to smack around the bowlers as he crept into the 90s and soon got to his milestone with a shot square of the wickGlenn Phillips of et which sped to Jamaica Tallawahs the boundary, to hits a 6 which he celebrated with much elation.

The last over saw a few boundaries being hit before Cutting wrecked the stumps of Phillips to end the innings.

TKR will now face the Patriots in Friday’s encounter with the winner playing the Warriors in the finals this weekend.

thursdAY, september 13, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Cutting's 6 seals epic finish Page 23

for Patriots at Providence

– Patriots beat Tallawahs by 2 wickets in nail-biter

Lady Jags’ Natalie Nedd secures 4-year scholarship Page 20

From left: Assistant Coach of Graceland University, Chelsea Phillips; International Team Coordinator Paul Beresford; Natalie Need, and Head Coach of Graceland University, Ozzie White at the signing of her scholarship

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