Guyana Times September 19, 2017

$150M to P remodel 7 Police stations 10

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Issue No. 3337

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Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Some Guyanese clamouring to return home

Pregnant woman beats lover P12 attempting to leave relationship

Page 9

…CDC facilitating delivery of relief supplies to Antigua

Businessman perishes in Main Street fire

Woman killed after being struck by drunken cop

Venezuelan P2 busted with illegal firearm, ammo

Page 11

Page 2

Protection of environment high on Guyana's UN agenda – President

Rose Hall P10 Mayor calls for Town Clerk to be sacked

CAL cancels several flights due to Hurricane P14 Maria

Page 3

Proposals on P12 sugar industry's financial state for Cabinet discussion today Presidential CoI Report

President David Granger and Malta’s Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat during a meeting on Monday. Presidnet Granger is in New York for the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Embattled Press Officer accompanies President on UN trip Page 7

Chaos ensues at DHB

Thousands left stranded hours at Harbour Bridge

Page for 14

Minister P13 disappointed report leaked to State media – says Cabinet yet to see leaked report

2 news

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Businessman perishes in Main Street fire

Bereaved family members of Yusuf Sankar

By Kizzy Coleman

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n early morning fire has devastated a Main Street, Georgetown building located next door to the Prime Minister’s residence and left dead a 77-yearold businessman who reportedly was trapped in the burning building.

Yusuf Sankar of Lot 51 Main Street, Georgetown, owner of Rizan’s Instant Photography and Gift Centre and Jarrod’s Graphic Document and Copy Centre, perished in that fire, which broke out on the three-storey wooden and concrete building at about 05:45h.

Reports are that the now dead man was alerted about the fire by his caretaker of 35 years, when members of the PM’s security team came pounding on his door screaming, “Fire! Fire!” However, when the caretaker, whose

only name was given as ‘Claire’, ran downstairs to inform the security personnel that Sankar was still in his bedroom, it was too late, as the smoke had already thick-

ened inside the property.

The now dead man, said to be recuperating from a recent surgery, was unable to assist himself.

The Guyana Times understands that the fire, suspected to be electrical in origin, started at the back of the building, on the top floor, where the bedroom of the deceased was located.

The dead man’s sons, Riyhad and Shane Sankar, were reportedly on their way to drop off another brother, Jarrod Sankar, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) when they received a telephone call informing them that the home they shared with their father and two others was on fire.

The distraught sons immediately made an about

turn and went back home, but by the time they reached there, the back section of the house, which their father occupied, was in flames.

Riyhad Sankar rushed to get his father out of the burning building, but it proved futile, since the heat was too intense. Attempts to remove vehicles from the yard also proved futile.

“When I get here, at around 05: 30hrs, no one was here as yet, but I couldn’t go in to do anything, because there was too much smoke.

Then I found out that my dad was left inside, that he was trapped in his room trying to get out,” Riyhad explained.

The fire fighters were summoned to the scene, and with assistance from the rain, managed to battle the blaze,

but only to an extent.

Attempts made to speak with the caretaker Claire proved futile, as the woman was too shocked and distraught.

Grief stricken family members were also too distraught to speak to the media as undertakers removed the charred remains of Sankar from what was left of the building.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, however, spoke to media operatives and revealed that his security team informed him that steel grills on the property had prevented them from rescuing Sankar.

He explained that the fire also spread very quickly, as the building is very old. “The first thing that I thought of doing was to get out all of the fire hydrants, buckets and bowls, and told the ranks in the yard to throw (water) on my house because it is also old as well,” Nagamootoo explained.

He applauded the Guyana Fire Service’s quick response to the call, noting that their efforts caused the bottom flat of the property to be saved.

Fire and Police officials have launched an investigation to determine what caused this historic building to go up in flames.

Venezuelan busted with illegal firearm, ammo

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The building that was destroyed by the fire

Venezuelan woman, who entered Guyana illegally, was busted, along with two others with an illegal firearm and ammunition at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Reports are about 12:00h, ranks conducted a search on the vehicle in which the suspects were travelling and the items were found. As such, the three were arrested.

Meanwhile, Police also reported that about 13:45h on Saturday, ranks were conducting a river patrol in the Mazaruni River when a 53-year-old miner of Fifth

Avenue, Bartica was nabbed with a quantity of cannabis.

A search of his vessel revealed 506 grams of cannabis. He is being processed for court.

3 Protection of environment high on Guyana's UN agenda – President news

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, September 19 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, September 20 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 19 – 16:00h-17:30h and Wednesday, September 20– 16:40h-18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions followed by heavy light showers can be expected during the day, with cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East South-easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 16:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.68 metres.

Low Tide: 09:40h and 21:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.52 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, September 16, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

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FREE TICKET

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 14 17 23 24 26 LUCKY 3 3 7 0 Afternoon Draw

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01 03 04 08 10 13 19 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

…as Granger meets ExxonMobil head, other leaders

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meeting between President David Granger and ExxonMobil Exploration Company President Stephen Greenlee was held on Monday on the sidelines of the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Office of the Presidency has reported.

Greenlee in early 2017 had revealed that the company was excited by the results of a production test on the Liza-2 well, which confirmed the presence of high-quality oil from the same high-porosity sandstone reservoirs that were discovered in the Liza1 oil well completed years before in Guyana.

ExxonMobil first discovered major reservoirs in Guyana in 2015. After its initial huge discovery of the Liza oil field two years ago, ExxonMobil had later announced that it had discovered more oil in the Payara reservoir off the coast of Guyana, increasing the total discovery to about 500 million barrels.

It is not clear what was discussed by President Granger and Greenlee. However, in late April, a team comprising Ministers Raphael Trotman, David Patterson and Dominic Gaskin engaged in extensive discussions with high-level ExxonMobil officials and executives over a two-day visit at ExxonMobil headquarters.

During that meeting, members of the delegation were updated about ongoing and planned exploratory activities following the significant discovery of the Liza-1 well, and engaged in interactive sessions that covered important topics such as an exploration update, development of the well for production, and capacity building to ensure Guyanese involvement and ownership of the industry’s development.

Meanwhile, besides meeting Greenlee, the President also had two bilateral meetings on Monday – the first with Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís and the second with a delegation from the Republic of Malta led by that country’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

The Guyanese Head of State also attended the UN’s Private Sector Forum and a High-Level meeting on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. Granger is also slated to meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres and his personal representative in the border controversy issue between Guyana and Venezuela, Dag Halvor Nylander.

Meanwhile, President Granger said that his main message to his fellow Heads of Government was the need for a more tangible demonstration of commitment to protecting the planet. He made this comment during an interview at the UN, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Ministry of the Presidency.

President David Granger during his discussion with Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís

“Guyana has committed itself to becoming a ‘green state’; Guyana has committed itself to contributing to the adaptation to measures to deal with global warming and climate change… Guyana is ideally suited because of its presence in the Guiana Shield, because of our commitment to the conservation of our forests and our commitment to introducing green measures, so that is important,” he explained.

Speaking of the climatic catastrophes facing the Caribbean, particularly small-island states, the Head of State said that this was a direct result of global warming and noted that the UN was perhaps the most influential place where the cause of environmental protection can be advanced.

The issues of climate change and environmental protection were also high on the agenda during the bilateral engagements between Granger and President Solís and Prime Minister Muscat.

President Granger said that it was prudent for Guyana to seek greater cooperation and partnerships with like-minded states such as Malta, which has a strong

commitment to the environment.

Caricom

Meanwhile, President Granger said that while Heads of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) would have to deliberate on the reforms for the UN that were proposed

by United States President Donald Trump, he was confident that the call for such reforms for the 72-year-old body might garner support among Caribbean States.

Speaking during an interview in New York, the Head of State is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying, “Guyana is a member of the Caribbean Community and we would like to ensure that any initiative that we take enjoys the support of

our Caribbean colleagues…I would prefer to wait until the Member States of the Caribbean Community come up with a single collective position before I make my announcement, but I feel that there is going to be a wide measure of agreement among Caribbean States about the reform of the United Nations.”

During his debut UN address, President Trump called on the UN Secretary General to take steps to remove bureaucracy and introduce reforms to what he referred to as an “outdated” UN system.

Having recognised the importance of the UN as the principal international organisation for the maintenance of international peace and security, President Granger noted that he would like to see better governance as it relates to the UN system.

“Our being here is a demonstration of our faith in the United Nations…We feel that our participation in United Nations initiatives is important to the protection of people; the reduction of poverty and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]. And, as far as peace is concerned, again the United Nations is critical,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

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‘Hometown launch’

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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Stepping up the fight against NCDs

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new World Health Organisation (WHO) report released recently has once again underscored the urgent need for Governments and other stakeholders to step up efforts to control Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to meet globally agreed targets, including preventing the premature deaths of millions of people from these conditions.

We have seen and heard of the large numbers of persons dying or becoming permanently disabled due to NCDs. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, once linked only to affluent societies, have affected, and continue to affect every country in the world; with the poor suffering the most due to the lack of proper medical care and access to drugs, etc. In Guyana’s case, NCDs are taking a huge chunk of the budgetary allocation for the Public Health Ministry. Official statistics show that currently, about 70 per cent of the Ministry’s budget is being spent on tackling NCDs. Owing to poor lifestyle choices, such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, NCDs have resulted in countless deaths which otherwise could have been avoided. Another significant number have also fallen ill and, therefore, cannot contribute to their families or the development of their communities in any way.

According to the WHO’s Non-Communicable Disease Progress Monitor 2017 report, limited national progress has been made in the fight against NCDs. But the report – which charts actions by countries to set targets, implement policies to address four main shared and modifiable NCD risk factors and build capacities to reduce and treat NCDs – shows that progress around the world has been uneven and insufficient.

The Progress Monitor provides data on 19 indicators in all of WHO’s 194 Member States. The indicators include setting time-bound targets to reduce NCD deaths, developing Government policies to address NCDs, implementing key tobacco demand reduction measures, measures to reduce harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets and promote physical activity, and strengthening health systems through primary health care and universal health coverage.

The WHO report also documents efforts by countries to implement a so-called set of “best buys” and other interventions that can prevent or delay most premature NCD deaths, and which were endorsed during this year’s World Health Assembly. Such cost-effective and readily implementable measures include increasing taxation and plain packaging on tobacco products, reducing sodium content in food, providing drug therapy and counselling to people with diabetes and hypertension, and screening and vaccinating girls and women to protect them from cervical cancer.

In Guyana, while there have been some positive moves in tackling NCDs, such as finalising the Tobacco Control Legislation, etc, some experts believe that enough is not being done in the fight against NCDs. It could be recalled that there was an NCD strategy in the years 2003-2008 and again in the 2008-2015 period which outlined a comprehensive and effective programme to fight NCDs. It is not clear if these are still being used as a guide by health authorities.

Further, former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy had recently pointed out that some of the crucial programmes that were previously in place to tackle NCDs appear to have been reduced or abandoned completely. In particular, he had pointed to the aggressive education and awareness campaigns that were very much visible some years ago.

Also, community health fairs and school programmes and other initiatives, which were used to address issues such as positive lifestyles are becoming less visible. As we had stated before, these are all useful strategies in ensuring the message of healthy lifestyles continues to reach everyone in every community across the country and must continue.

Of all the major health threats that have emerged over the years, none has challenged the very foundations of public health so profoundly as the rise of chronic NCDs. It is, therefore, hoped that the issue will be kept on the national development agenda and serious efforts are made, with the involvement of all stakeholders, to significantly reduce the large numbers of persons suffering or facing death.

The community of Linden, Region 10, lit up on Saturday in an atmosphere of celebration, Mashramani 2018 was officially launched under the theme “Let’s Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48” . In photo models depict the rich cultural heritage of Guyana (Dexter Ceres photo)

Closure and sell out plans

Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) finds it incumbent to respond to Mr Gobin Harbhajan’s letter, titled “Not doom and gloom for sugar workers”, which appeared in sections of the media on September 16, 2017.

Mr Harbhajan seemed very upset by the GAWUorganised march and public meeting which was held at Corriverton, Berbice on September 12, 2017. Like Mr Harbhajan says, “action speaks louder than words”, and quite clearly the workers, by their actions, have demonstrated that they are opposed to plans by the APNU/AFC Government to sell out Skeldon and to close Rose Hall and Enmore/LBI Estates.

It seems that the erstwhile gentleman is failing, for some odd reason, to recognize that the people have staunchly rejected his Government’s anti-people plans. It would have been thought that, given the wide condemnation that the sugar plans have attracted, Mr Harbhajan and colleagues would have returned to the

drawing board, rather than rigidly and wrongly holding on to their misplaced plans.

Governments the world over, even some dictatorial-type ones, have gone down such paths, but it seems the APNU/AFC Government, which professed its love for the sugar workers, has chosen to break the mould.

We must admit that we find it laughable that Mr Harbhajan, like an errant driver going up the wrong side of a one-way street, maintains that our Union hasn’t offered “sensible and workable solutions” regarding the situation in the sugar industry, when probably all of Guyana and many beyond Guyana’s shores are fully aware that the Union, on February 17th this year, shared its thoughts with the Government at a meeting chaired by none other than his colleague, Vice President Ramjattan. We urge Mr Harbhajan, as we have done before, to check with his colleagues before making clearly misleading assertions.

Also, Mr Harbhajhan, just to tell you: the Government has never said to us that what we have pro-

posed is unmeritorious.

Despite the very active debate on sugar that has been playing out in the press for some time now, Mr Harbhajan calls to attention the strike data from GuySuCo. It seems that the Regional Councillor and former SEI Director is not aware that the vast majority of those strikes relate to price disputes, which concern just a few workers, and are legitimized by the agreement between GAWU and GuySuCo. While the author speaks about the decline in sugar production, he – conveniently or otherwise – fails to explain how, despite the industry receiving $32 billion from the State, in the era of his Government, is on track to deliver its worst performance since 1990.

Mr Harbhajan, just to let you know: strikes have fallen by 44 per cent between last year’s first crop and this year’s; and rainfall, though a bit unusual, was just 15 per cent above the average. Certainly, the usual scapegoats aren’t the culprits. Then what is, Mr Harbhajan?

The parading of the industry’s employment cost is most disingenuous, and is obviously meant to convey that sugar workers earn boatloads of money. But we recall the sugar workers being told, during the 2015 elections’ campaign, that they were underpaid and they deserved a 20 per cent increase in pay. It is intriguing that, all of a sudden, the workers are earning too much. Mr Harbhajan’s clear duplicity stands nakedly exposed.

Mr Harbhajan then goes on to say that workers will not lose their jobs should the industry be privatized.

Maybe it is that the author has a crystal ball, or is performing some kind of ‘voodoo’. Experience has taught us otherwise, and as Jamaica has shown us, there is no guarantee all workers would be retained and would receive similar benefits. Such a situation is certainly not in the interest of Guyanese and Guyana. We urge Mr Harbhajan to become acquainted with the facts.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine

guyanatimesgy.com

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

Do workers operate on their own at Skeldon?

Dear Editor, I refer to a news item on September 12th, 2017 titled “Skeldon massive losses…Workers dumped tonnes of cane-juice to make payday, forged accountsSouth African Engineer Complains”.

Editor, the article, in summary, alleges that Skeldon factory workers dumped cane juice into canals wilfully, and forged records; while management did nothing despite receiving reports of such acts sometime between April 8th, 2015 and December, 2016.

These allegations were levelled by a South African Engineer, Vishal Somai, in a report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Berbice Representative, Gobin Harbajan. The decision by Mr Somai to complain to a political activist and board member of SEI is quite interesting, since Mr Somai had direct around-the-clock access to the factory manager, the estate manager,

the technical director, and the CEO of GuySuCo whenever he is at Skeldon supervising projects.

Are Mr Somai and Mr Harbhajan saying that every level of management (from Factory Manager to CEO) knew about such a dismissible act and chose to hide it? Did Mr Somai contact these GuySuCo executives when he observed dumping of juice? And whom did he contact?

GuySuCo is on record as dismissing persons for far less infractions than wilful dumping of cane juice. One would expect that this engineer would provide an estimated number for the tonnes of draft and mixed juice dumped in canals, instead of just saying “thousands of tonnes”.

Editor, I make these queries and comments because of context and situation in which this report surfaces, especially when we now learn that Mr. Somai was ‘instrumental’ in the

suspension of Skeldon’s 1st crop 2017, and he is also supporting privatization of Skeldon. It has to be a remarkable deviation from professional ethics and twist of allegiance after May 2015, because Mr. Somai was extremely supportive of GuySuCo’s investment to improve performance of Skeldon, and offered no opinion on privatization. At that time (2011-2014), he was an employee of Bosh Projects, South Africa -- a major international engineering firm. Sometime in 2014, he broke away from Bosh Projects, South Africa and formed his own company, SomaiTech. The contract to modify one of the punt dumpers was awarded to SomaiTech. At about April 8th, 2015, Mr Somai was on site at Skeldon for the purpose of the punt dumper modification, hence the description of his observation on recording of cane processing rate. With this

history, once can only conclude that Mr Somai’s complaint to a political activist and his support for privatization are to ensure that his company remains in business with GuySuCo. On the issue of management knowing that juice was dumped in canals, Mr Harbhajan should use his good office and evidence provided by Mr Somai to initiate an immediate investigation, since the persons in GuySuCo’s executive structure (Factory Manager, Estate Manager, Technical Director) during the period Apr. 2015 to Dec. 2016 are still there, except for the CEO, who was replaced in June 2015. If dumping of juice occurred after May 2015, the full team + new members are there to facilitate such investigation. Workers do not operate on their own whims and fancies at Skeldon.

Sincerely, Sookram Persaud

Guyanese Americans rally for DACA in Richmond Hill

Dear Editor, A couple dozens of IndoGuyanese and Indo-Trinis, joined by a few nationals of other countries, rallied mid-afternoon on Saturday, September 16, in Richmond Hill in support of DACA (Deferred Action on Child Arrivals) which was terminated by President Trump on Sept 6. Meanwhile, four Indo-Guyanese lawyers in Richmond Hill held a legal clinic, or session, to assist DACA people.

DACA is a limited federal programme that was designed to protect immigrants who came to the US illegally as children (known as Dreamers) with their parents. There are some 800,000 such child immigrants. Some 1266 Guyanese and 3600 Trinis applied for DACA up until last year. Tens of thousands of Caribbean nationals applied for DACA. There are 42,000 DACA recipients in New York.

Most DACA applicants are from California and are nationals of Spanishspeaking countries. They were brought into the US as children without any fault of their own. They have virtually no experience in, or knowledge of, the countries or societies where they were born. They have studied and worked in the US. Former President Barack Obama issued the executive order in 2012 to prevent these children from being

deported. It has given them temporary status -- to be renewed annually -- to live, go to school, and work without fear of deportation. The programme will be phased out in six months, unless Congress passes legislation to address it with an alternative plan.

The rally attendees, led by Ms Aminta Kilawan Narine, want to help DACA people to become legal residents, and to live normal lives just like everyone else. The attendees at the rally called for a repeal of DACA termination, as announced by the President, and an amnesty for DACA folks, so they can become legalised.

Those at the rally said they came to support DACA recipients, and to stand with the organizers of the rally. The attendees held a banner, walked a bit, and chanted a few lines chastising the president and his administration for ending DACA. They said they wanted restoration of DACA and legalisation for the undocumented.

Speakers at the rally urged President Trump to rescind his decision, and for Congress to implement legislation granting permanent protection for DACA recipients. It was noted that DACA helped to restore some dignity and respect for these undocumented children. The organisers noted that the Indo-Caribbean

community has to join the fight for all undocumented communities.

But it has been difficult to get Guyanese to attend a rally on any issue, except when it affects their bread and butter issues, like collecting rent on illegal apartments. Thus it was not surprising that the turnout at the rally was small, as opposed to, say, a rally on illegal apartments, which attracted thousands. I attended dozens of pro-immigrant rallies over the last couple decades. There was sparse Guyanese representation. As Chuck Mohan would attest, it has been almost impossible to get Guyanese to attend immigration rallies, although Guyanese are beneficiaries of those rallies. Even the struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana, during the 1970s thru 1992, involved only a handful of us. Sarcastic comments were made about the sparse turnout by Guyanese in support of their country folks on immigration.

The DACA rally took place in front of Sybil’s take away restaurant at 133 Street on Liberty Ave. The restaurant was packed with Guyanese shoppers, with virtually none of them showing any interest in the rally just feet away from them.

They did not even bother to query what the rally was about. They just went about their business, showing no concern about the issue.

One of the recipients of DACA, not of Guyanese origin, spoke at the rally. She has an American-born child.

If she were to be arrested and deported, it would lead to breakup of her family.

Speakers at the rally urged Caribbean nationals to write their Members of Congress to take up this issue.

Meanwhile, Trump has cut a deal with Democrats that could extend DACA when it expires in six months.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Waiting in line at the bank Dear Editor, It is not often that I choose to go public with things that affect me personally, but I think I should bring this issue to the fore, as it seems to be the only way the powers that be would pay attention to persons affected.

So please permit me some space in your paper, in the interest of all concerned.

I had a MasterCard account closed with Scotia Bank 2 months ago, and I find myself still receiving statements showing interest charges. I visited the bank after receiving the first statement, and the officer assured me that the company that manages the MasterCard account in Barbados will be notified to revert the charges. The following month, I received another statement for the said account, this time the charges were increased.

I am in the bank as I pen this letter, as, for 2 days in two months, I have had to leave work to attend to this matter, and the waiting time in the bank is one hour minimum.

I requested assistance from one of the “express” staff, who just casually told me one has to join the line and wait, as “there must have been a justifiable reason for the charges to be made” to my account.

I was not happy with this answer, and I let him know it.

When, one hour after, I spoke to one of the officers, I was again assured that I received the statement in error.

I am beginning to wonder if the bank is benefiting in some way by having people wait in line, or if it is a power play by some members of staff.

I have seen the management of the bank making efforts to reduce the time customers spend at the bank, but I don’t think the staff has gotten the memo.

While I have been banking at that institution for decades, I am of late being made to rethink my relationship, because of the attitude of some of its staff.

Further, while in the line, I am advised that other persons had similar issues, wherein errors by the bank/staff have resulted in them having to be wasting hours and cash travelling back and forth.

Someone needs to remind the staff that the reason for them being there is to serve the customers, without whom there would be no bank. Customers should not be made to feel insulted when enquiries are made about their accounts.

I am therefore appealing to the powers that be to assist customers.

Rev’d Fr Raymon Cummings

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Foundation

How to raise mentally strong children in today’s world

By Amy Morin

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hallenges, hardship, and setbacks are inevitable. Teaching children to build mental muscle can make them resilient. It's also the key to helping them reach their greatest potential in life.

But, it's easy to get so caught up in day-to-day issues, like homework and football practice, that you forget to look at the bigger parenting picture.

Consequently, many children aren't developing the mental strength they need to become responsible adults.

Here are three things you can do to help your children become the strongest and best version of themselves: Teach your children to think realistically The way your child thinks affects the way he feels and behaves. So it's essential to teach your child how to deal with those overly negative thoughts.

Children struggle with many of the same types of thoughts adults do – catastrophic thinking, self-doubt, and harsh criticism. And sometimes, parents are quick to say things like, "Quit worrying" or, "It'll turn out fine," when children express concerns.

Most parents never teach children how to develop healthier self-talk. And the solution isn't to simply, "Think positive." Children who are confident everything will turn out well are not prepared for real-life challenges.

Children who think realistically feel better about themselves and are more resilient. A child who initially thinks, "I'll never be able to pass Math class," can learn to reframe his

negative thinking by telling himself, "I can improve my Math grade by studying hard, asking for help, and doing my homework."

How to Teach This: Encourage your children to become thought detectives who evaluate the evidence that supports and refutes their assumptions. When your child says something negative, ask, "What makes you think that's true?" and "What is some evidence that might not be true?" Teach them to challenge their thoughts and prove themselves wrong.

Teach your children to manage their emotions A US survey of college students found that more than 60 per cent of young people don't feel emotionally prepared for the realities of life. They lack the skills to deal with uncomfortable emotions, like loneliness, sadness, and anxiety.

Parents are quick to jump in and tell children, "Don't be scared," or "It's not a big deal." But that teaches them their feelings are wrong or that they can't handle their emotions.

It's important to educate children about their emotions and how those emotions influence them. A child who can say, "I'm feeling anxious and that anxiety makes me want to avoid scary things," will be better equipped to face his fears. He'll also have a better understanding of how to cope with his emotions and he'll have more confidence in his ability to handle discom-

fort.

How to Teach It: Teach your children to recognise their feelings.

Labelling their emotions is the first step to understanding how those emotions influence their decisions.

Validate your children's emotions and teach them they have choices in how they deal with their feelings.

Teach your children to take positive action Thinking realistically and feeling good are only half the battle. Children also need to take positive action.

Unfortunately, many parents are quick to rescue children from their struggles. Or they micromanage their daily activities. And consequently, children don't learn to make healthy choices on their own.

Taking positive action means facing their fears, persevering when they're tired, and acting according to their values – even when it's not the popular thing to do. Children who trust they can act contrary to their feelings and they can tolerate being uncomfortable will have a competitive edge in everything they do in life.

How to Teach It: Proactively teach your children problem-solving skills. Show them they have the power to make a difference in their lives and in other people's lives.

Help them see that they can take small steps every day toward becoming the best versions of themselves. (psy-

W

e can all be bogged down by negative thinking from time to time, such as calling ourselves mean names (eg, “idiot”, “loser”), thinking no one likes us, expecting something, terrible will happen, or believing that we can’t overcome something no matter how hard we try. This is normal. No one thinks positively all of the time, particularly when feeling anxious.

When we are anxious, we tend to see the world as a threatening and dangerous place. This reaction makes sense, because imagining the worst can help you to prepare for real danger, enabling you to protect yourself. For example, if you are home alone and you hear a strange scratching sound at the window, you might think it’s a burglar. If you believe that it’s a burglar, you will become very anxious and prepare yourself to either run out of the house, fight off an attack, or run to the phone and call for help.

Although this anxious response is helpful if there actually is a burglar at the window, it is not so help-

chologytoday.com)

ful if your thought was wrong: for example, it might be a tree branch scratching the window. In this case, your thoughts were wrong because there was no real danger. The problem with thinking and acting as if there is danger when there is no real danger is that you feel unnecessarily anxious. Therefore, one effective strategy to manage your anxiety is to replace anxious, negative thinking with realistic thinking.

How to Do It Step 1: Pay attention to your self-talk Thoughts are the things that we say to ourselves without speaking out loud (self-talk). We can have many thoughts every hour of the day. We all have our own way of thinking about things, and how we think has a big effect on how we feel. When we think that something bad will happen – such as being bitten by a dog – we feel anxious. Realistic thinking means looking at all aspects of a situation (the positive, the negative, and the neutral) before making conclusions. In other words, realistic thinking means looking at yourself, others, and the world in a balanced and fair way.

For example, imagine that you are out for a walk and you see a dog. If you think the dog is dangerous and will bite, you will feel scared. But, if you think the dog is cute, you will feel calm. Often, we are unaware of our thoughts, but because they have such a big impact on how we feel, it is important to start paying attention to what we are saying to ourselves. (www.anxietybc.com) To be continued

news

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tuesDay, September 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Downsizing sugar

Enmore, Rose Hall workers could face similar fate as Wales' – Chand

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s the time draws near for the closure of two more sugar estates, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) feels that workers attached to both the East Demerara (Enmore) Estate and the Rose Hall Estate could face the same situation as Wales Sugar Estate cane cutters –they may not receive their severance package even if they refuse to be transferred.

GAWU president, Komal Chand, told Guyana Times on Monday that the chances of this happening are extremely high, because it does not appear that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has budgeted for the eventuality of the estates’ closure, which had earlier been announced. But more so, he said, GuySuCo did not cater for the possibility that workers would have to be transferred to estates that were out of bounds.

“There is a possibility (of workers not getting severance) because it doesn’t appear that GuySuCo had budgeted (for) workers’ severance pay. They are financially broke at this point in time.

One can conclude that the workers from these estates -if the closure is to be effected – can face a similar fate like the Wales sugar workers,” Chand opined.

On the other hand, the GAWU president is of the view that GuySuCo could repeat what was done to cane cutters at Wales. “What can happen is (that) they can offer them work in far-flung areas, like Blairmont and Uitvlugt and those who refuse to go, ‘you don’t have any severance pay to receive’,” he stated,

GAWU President Komal Chand

noting that other workers except cane cutters were provided with a severance package.

Chand also drew this newspaper’s attention to the fact that GuySuCo had issued a press statement explaining that workers were refusing to work at Uitvlugt, and the Union was subsequently blamed for this situation.

“If we had done that, it would have been exposed.

Why didn’t we encourage the Skeldon workers to work at Rose Hall Estate and Albion?

Why haven’t we discouraged the Enmore workers (from working) at Uitvlugt, because they worked there for two weeks? Planters worked there for a month,” he explained.

In referring to the issue at Wales, the trade union leader said that while several workers there had their service transferred to Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, the remaining workers were promised severance payments, some since December 2016 and others by February 2017.

However, it was at a community-level meeting between Wales residents and several Government Ministers that it was revealed that Government had no money

to pay the severance to which the workers are entitled.

The closure of Wales Estate was rationalised by Government as a cost-saving measure due to billions of dollars that were allocated to the declining sugar industry.

The Government had also announced that it plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates and sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

Many stakeholders had, however, called for social impact studies to be carried out to assess how communities across the sugar belt would be affected with these closures.

Some estimates have pegged a figure of some 10,000 sugar workers being directly affected by estate closures, in addition to their family members and the local economies that depend on the sugar industry.

Chand told Guyana Times that despite these impending closures, GAWU would continue to mobilise workers to take to the streets in massive protests against this move. He maintains that if the protest attracted enormous crowds like the parking meter project protests in Georgetown, it would send a strong message to the coalition Government to reverse this decision.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into GuySuCo had recommended that the Corporation be privatised within three years. It also recommended that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be conducted, to avoid total reliance on sugar for GuySuCo’s revenues.

Along with rice and gold, sugar has remained one of the biggest foreign currency earners for Guyana.

Embattled Press Officer accompanies President on UN trip

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s President David Granger meets with world leaders for wide-ranging discussions, his Public Information and Press Services Officer Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett, who was recently implicated in alleged racial utterances on social media, has accompanied the Guyanese delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.

On Monday, reports surfaced that Garret was allowed to be part of the press team that accompanied the President on the foreign trip.

When contacted, Head of the President’s Press and Publicity Unit, Mark Archer confirmed that NicholasGarrett was in New York.

“Yes, she is” was his pointed response when questioned by Guyana Times on Monday on whether or not the embattled officer was indeed part of the team that accompanied the President.

Last week, snapshots surfaced on Facebook of a conversation NicholasGarrett purportedly had in a chatroom which contained racial slurs and derogatory remarks about colleagues at the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP). The Press Services Officer’s official visit to the UN General Assembly this week has occurred despite a reported investigation being launched into her alleged derogatory

Presidential Public Information and Press Services Officer Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett

statements.

This publication was told on Monday that a report containing the findings of the probe into the alleged remarks was handed over to the Head of State. Since the remarks of the purportedly private conversation were leaked, several individuals have condemned the comments. This list included former Chairman of the now defunct Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, who had expressed his disappointment over the situation.

Edghill recalled that Nicholas-Garrett had a significant stint at the ERC, where she was involved both in advocating for harmony

among the races and had also benefited from training to assist in facilitating discussion at the community level. The parliamentarian categorised the purported statements she made as unfortunate. He had, however, questioned the usefulness of the investigation that was carried out.

Additionally, the Indian Action Committee (IAC) also condemned the Press Officer’s reported statements. The Committee had noted that it was gravely concerned given what was in the public domain. It had also urged that the investigation be conducted thoroughly, without hindrance, and swiftly, and its findings made public soonest, for such incidents could have national ramifications, especially given its reported source. The group also expressed its condemnation of anyone who resorts to the use of racial slurs and racial bashing in reference to and during engagements with others.

Meanwhile, NicholasGarrett’s boss, Mark Archer had remarked that the present Administration did not condone or endorse such behaviour. However, following the postings of the derogatory remarks, NicholasGarrett had also stayed away from a number of local public events, where the President was present.

8 NEWS

tuesday, September 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Linden farmer charged with robbing Police rank

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inden farmer Colin Estwick was on Monday remanded to prison on an armed robbery charge allegedly committed on a police rank.

Estwick is accused of shooting the virtual complainant, a Police rank, during the course of the robbery; however, Estwick was slapped with only the robbery charge when he faced Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday morning at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge detailed that Estwick, in the company of others and armed with a gun, relieved Roshan Rampersaud of two smartphones valued at $225,000 along with $129,000 cash, among other valuables to a

total of $366,000, property of the said complainant.

Estwick told the court he is 22 years old and is father to one child. The unrepresented accused contended that he was placed in four different identification (ID) parades unrelated to the charge before the courts, and was granted $50,000 bail hereafter. However,

he continued, the bail was withdrawn when his wife showed up with the money.

Moreover, he alleged that the virtual complainant never made an appearance and an ID parade was never conducted in relation to the present offence.

Nonetheless, Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves contended that,

on the day in question, the defendant, armed with a dangerous weapon, attacked the complainant and relieved him of the said valuables before escaping.

Moreover, the accused reportedly confessed to the offence under caution in an oral statement.

The fact that the complainant suffered injuries from the gun, coupled with the seriousness of the charge and penalty attached to the offence, constituted grounds for the prosecution’s objection to bail.

It was further disclosed to the court that the accused has pending robbery charges before the courts, and in those circumstances he was remanded to prison until October 2, 2017.

Guard charged for stealing $$$ from New Thriving

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twenty-nine-yearold security guard of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was on Monday hauled before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge alleging that he broke and entered the office of the New Thriving Restaurant on Main Street, Georgetown and carted off some $1.5 million on

September 9, 2017.

According to the Police case, Travis Reynolds was working the night shift when the manager secured his office and left the restaurant at around 12:30 hrs.

Upon his return the following day, he discovered his office door open and the said money missing.

The matter was reported

to the Police, leading to the arrest of the accused, and the present charges were laid against him.

Reynolds was represented by Defence Counsel Paul Fung-A-Fat, who denied that the accused had any knowledge of the offence, and alleged he was beaten by the Police at Brickdam Station in their failed attempt to secure a confession.

When the Magistrate

questioned what evidence the police have against the accused, Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves replied that Reynolds is employed by the establishment for the mere purpose of protection, and the premises were broken into “under his watch”.

The accused was released on $60,000 bail after the Prosecution failed to object to same, and the case is set for continuation on October 2, 2017.

Riverstown teen jailed for 3 years

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19-year-old porter of Riverstown, Essequibo Coast was jailed for three years when he appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court charged with simple larceny.

Nardeo Shamsundar, called Shatesh and Drakes,

admitted to the charge when it was read to him

by Magistrate Esther Sam. The charge stated that, on September 16 at Suddie, he stole from Tagebrittie Jaichand one touchscreen smartphone valued $70,000.

Minority Report…

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…in Procurement ot so long ago, there was a movie, Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise. The futuristic plot centred around three individuals who could “see”, and project on a screen, crimes unfolding just before they were committed. The job of Cruise’s team was to stop the crime in real time before it actually happened. The three clairvoyant individuals’ brains were “wired together” for unanimity, but sometimes the more gifted one would see things a bit differently, and would file a “Minority Report”.

Well, in Guyana today, something analogous is playing out, but, as always for us, there’s a twist. Here, for decades, the APNU/AFC Opposition had accused the PPP Government of committing mega-crimes while procuring billions and billions’ worth of goods and services for the Government’s use. They insisted, challenged, and demanded a five-person Public Procurement Commission (PPC) be wired together to look into crimes that might be committed in procurement, going forward.

Not as futuristic as the clairvoyants - but what the heck?! Better late than never; and hopefully, by locking up a few (high level) miscreants, this would have a chilling effect on others who might be contemplating raiding the Consolidated Fund’s cookie jar. Well, the fact that after the Opposition APNU/AFC got into government they dragged their feet, kicking and screaming and took more than a year and a half to appoint the PPC should’ve been a tip-off that things na regulah. They’d been making a fuss about crimes in procurement because that’s what they had in THEIR minds. They were projecting!

In that year and a half, there were all sorts of crimes (and a couple of misdemeanours) committed from the moment they got the keys to their offices. Those crimes were all swept under the rug, which contained so many bodies that when a $605 million whopper was committed in pharma purchases, the mega-bulge just had to be explained.

Well, the PPC was finally in place, headed by no other than the wife of the former leader of the PNC, who’d stepped aside gracefully for the present pressie to become leader.

While there were sceptics, hope beats eternal, doesn’t it? There was an investigation into the pharma scam, headed by the member nominated by the PPP. But, amazingly, the report was submitted without that fella’s signature. He’d indicated he had his own opinion on what really went down - and just like with the most gifted clairvoyant in the Tom Cruise movie, you’d expect him to submit his “Minority Report”, wouldn’t you?

Well, that’s what the fella figured, too…but his report’s been buried. In the movie, this meant somebody higher in the organisation had committed the crime.

What’d you think happened here?

…in Mash Just when everyone thought “Mash”, which had defined “Republic Day” for so long, was being phased out as our “national celebration”, in favour of Independence Day, up comes news about this year’s version. Mash is going back to its roots with a vengeance. The Govt’s Minister of Social Cohesion - who’s also Minister of Culture - gave a preview of what lies ahead in a launch of Mash 2018 in Linden.

The theme, we’re told, is “Unity in Diversity”, but the Chronic captured the essence of what transpired in the town where Mash started 48 years ago - “get ready to Mash down the Town”!!! And that’s why your Eyewitness has to file his Minority Report. After years of sober citizens complaining about the vulgarity into which Mash had descended, there were hopes that the more sober commemoration last year would set a more fitting tone.

But it looks like Cuffy’s bold sacrifice, that set us on our course to independence, is once again going to be symbolised by gyrations and dutty wining.

…on the Police Your Eyewitness wants to know whether the Police upper echelon is undergoing a shakeup or a bloodbath?!

Was the crackpot “assassination plot” the cause for the long knives, or was it simply the occasion?

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

News

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tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen killed in Corentyne Some Guyanese clamouring to return home hit-and-run accident Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

– CDC facilitating delivery of relief supplies to Antigua able to do so, because all airports were closed to facilitate the passage of another hurricane. In the meantime, the team, he said, will continue to monitor the situation and see how best they can assist Guyanese who are in dire need of emergency items for themselves and their families.

Ramsarup also explained that the local private sector

CDC Director General, Colonel (rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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everal Guyanese living on some of the islands that have been ravaged by Hurricane Irma have expressed interest in returning home, while others prefer to remain and assist with the rebuilding efforts in their adopted homes, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, has said.

Ramsarup told Guyana Times on Monday that a team consisting of Citizenship Minister Winston Felix, two members of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, one from the CDC, and a public relations official from the Office of the Prime Minister visited Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Arrangements were put in place by Caribbean Airlines to evacuate those who wish to return home. Caribbean Airlines offered free evacuation flights, for one day only, from Princess Julianna International Airport in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten to Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

Last week, Guyanese na-

tionals living on the BVI have been encouraged to return home. A senior Government official on that island was reported as encouraging non-nationals, including Guyanese, to leave the British Overseas Territory.

This call was made even as several Guyanese and Vincentians were among other non-BVI nationals being housed in a centre partially destroyed by the hurricane.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported that a number of Guyanese had opted to join the flight. Charter flights are still operational, while commercial flights have been temporarily halted.

Meanwhile, the CDC Director General told this publication also that an aircraft with 2900 pounds of relief supplies was sent to Antigua, and that a number of containers are being prepared to be sent there also.

Relief supplies such as food, medicine and pharmaceuticals are part of the items to be shipped.

While the Guyanese team to Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola was due to return on Monday, members were un-

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

had a consultation to determine how they could assist.

He said there have been favourable responses coming from the body representing that grouping -- the Private Sector Commission. Relief supplies have been donated for shipment to the affected islands.

No praises

Meanwhile, although DPI reported on September 16 that Guyanese living on St. Maarten had expressed gratitude to the Government for sending in the needs assessment team, a Guyanese living on that island, named Carshena Gordon, said in a social media post that she was not informed of the meeting with the Guyanese team.

“I’m one of the few who

are able to connect to social media, and I was not aware of any meeting. Every day I check social media, and only read that an assessment team was being put together.

Why wasn’t there any post with date and time of meeting?” she enquired.

Gordon also inquired why people only heard of the meeting after it was held, and what were the findings. “Nobody asked me ‘jack squat’; so are you guessing my needs and those of others to send what y’all want, when y’all want?” she further questioned.

The Guyanese national feels that relief being assembled will be distributed to a selected few. She also used the opportunity in that social media post to thank the Governments of St Maarten and Dominica for food and water. “If I had to depend on my own I’d be dead by now…Anytime I hear relief from Guyana share and I’m not informed I’m writing the Minister.”

Although rebuilding efforts have commenced in some islands, a lack of communication still remains a major issue that the regional response effort faces.

While there is a basic framework of communication, such as Honorary Consuls, Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives, the storm has ravaged communications infrastructure, especially in places like St Maarten, St Barts and Barbuda.

Hurricane Irma was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded over the Atlantic Ocean. It has completely devastated Barbuda, and affected jurisdictions such as St Maarten, St Barts, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands.

Killed: Trishan Sahai, called "Star"

By Andrew Carmichael

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19-year-old teenager was on Sunday evening struck down and killed while crossing the Corentyne Highway, reportedly by a car that sped away.

The dead teenager has been identified as Trishan Sahai, also called ‘Star,’ of Number 57 Village Corentyne. He and his 28-year-old friend Mooneshwar Jairam, also called ‘Bodo,’ were said to have been crossing the road when the accident occurred.

According to the Police, a motorcar with an unknown registration plate was proceeding along the Corentyne Highway at a fast rate of speed, and struck down Sahai and Jairam who were walking across the Highway in the vicinity of Number Naught Village. Sahai was reportedly pitched about 30 feet, while Jairam landed on top of a motor car that was parked at the time, breaking the windscreen and rear view mirror in the process.

The speeding car did not stop to render assistance to the injured, but both men were taken to the Skeldon Hospital, where Sahai was pronounced dead while Jairam was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital in serious condition.

Others drivers had reportedly tried to chase down the speeding vehicle, but were unsuccessful in locating it. Even as efforts were being made to contact the police, a police patrol vehicle pulled up in front of the bar where persons had started to gather.

Roadblocks were set up at the Number 51 Police Station and at Whim, where another police station is situated, but the car was not seen.

The dead man’s stepfather, Haroon Hamid, said Sahai told his mother he was going to a wake.

However, moments before the accident, he and his friend Jairam were seen in a bar consuming beers.

Hamid said the reports of him being killed were confirmed when the body was seen at the mortuary.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the vehicle that hit the men was a white Allion motorcar.

Following the incident, Police were able to find fragments of the registration plate, but up to press time, have not been able to trace the car or ascertain who was the driver.

Hamid says the driver might have been at the Number 63 Beach, and was on his way home when the accident occurred. He is calling on authorities to ensure justice is served.

Meanwhile, as the Police continue to hunt for the driver, Sahai leaves to mourn a mother and a sister.

On August 10, a Corentyne pensioner was killed after being hit by an unlit car, which also fled the scene. Andre Buchhan, called ‘Nalvan Buchhan’, 68, of Lot 51 Block 4 Tain, Corentyne, was at the time crossing the road when the accident occurred.

Police are still looking for the driver and car in that accident.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, September 19, 2017

News MoU signed

$150M to remodel 7 Police stations …DNA testing may become possible in 9 months

tal expenditure budget. He explained that there have been criticisms of ministries not achieving their capital works’ target, but he noted that the process of awarding projects is one that undergoes extreme scrutiny, and can be time consuming.

“I think it will take some time, but at the latter part of the year, that’s when also major contracts are signed on; and indeed that is what is happening here, and I want to inform people out there that, indeed, we are going to get our money spent,” he said.

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was on Monday signed between the Ministry of Public Security and several contractors to effect remodelling of seven Police Stations to the tune of $150.4 million, as a part of the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP).

The general objective of the CSSP is to contribute to a reduction in crimes and violence in Guyana. The specific objectives are to improve non-violent conflict resolution in targeted communities; increase the Guyana Police Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and crime investigation nationally; and to improve the Guyana Prison Service’s effectiveness in reducing offender repeats at the national level.

Issano ($17.4million), Port Kaituma and Mabaruma ($31.7million), Aishalton ($20.5million), Annai ($26.2million), Suddie and Aurora Police Stations ($54.5million) are all scheduled to be remodelled. The projects were respectively awarded to R. Wilson Construction (two projects), Arouca Investments, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, and Ragoobeer General Construction.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan hands over the contract to one of the contractors

Project Manager Clement Henry has said the remodelling is Phase 2 of the CSSP, with the target being 18.

“For the Police Stations, it’s about remodelling (them), making them a lot more user-friendly. Some of our Police Stations, we want to improve the overall aesthetics of the Police Stations.

We also want to have waiting areas that are user friendly; we’re moving towards installing domestic violence rooms, so that persons reporting cases of domestic violence can do so with some level of confidentiality. We’re also looking to ensure there

is a computer room and an area where they can gather evidence in a confidential process,” he said.

“We are looking (at a) maximum (of) 14 days to mobilise from the signing of the MOU. Some of the locations are really hinterland, and we are really lucky that many of the people assigned contracts have really been working in that area. So it makes it really easy in terms of mobilising,” Henry added.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said the remodelling of the Police Stations comes as a part of the Ministry’s capi-

Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory

Additionally, a contract for the installation of electrical works at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory was awarded to Horatio Contracting Services to the tune of $16.5 million.

Henry said that they are also starting the process of procuring over US$500,000 in equipment for the laboratory, which would see the DNA testing and analysis.

“Our focus for the Forensic Laboratory this year is to ensure that we first get national accreditation. We now have Herman Edmonson, a consultant from Jamaica, who is working to bring us towards national accredita-

tion. In the meantime, we are working towards getting international ISO accreditation, so most of these works that we are doing (are) setting the platform for not only (matters concerning) DNA, but we also want to ensure we have international accreditation,” he said.

“We are also working to secure a proficiency testing body, to ensure that we bring credibility to all the tests conducted in the laboratory.

In terms of timeline for DNA, we have been in discussion to commence the procurement process, and we expect that process to take within 6 months or so; that is the timeline. We will also have to add time for training to utilise that equipment; and by the time we are finished with that -- I’m thinking that by 9 months -- we should be there and ready,” he added.

Meanwhile, with the exception of DNA analysis/ testing, Ramjattan said, the Laboratory does almost everything in relation to document forgery, counterfeit and fingerprinting.

“We have to do the air quality system and the security system, which will be contracts that are up for single-sourcing that will be to the tune of $50million, and that will take care of the infrastructural works that are

Project Manager Clement Henry

going to be completed for DNA testing,” he said.

“However, it does not mean they will be doing DNA testing. What it will do is everything else until such time (as) it gets the equipment to do the DNA testing. We will get some support from the Americans and IDB, but the actual infrastructural works, that is going to take us to the DNA level,” Ramjattan added.

The aim of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory is to provide a quality scientific service to clients, thus fulfilling a key mandate in being an effective arm of the judicial system.

Rose Hall Mayor calls for Town Clerk to be sacked

By Andrew Carmichael

M

ayor of Rose Hall Town, Vijay Kumar Ramo, is calling on President David Granger to fire Town Clerk Natasha Monroe. The Mayor made the call during the town’s 175th anniversary celebrations, attended by many residents and also by Head of State, President David Granger.

“I had to call a meeting this morning; having to call a meeting for a grant that you gave to the sports club to develop that ground, Mr President. The contractor submitted his bid and the Town Clerk refused, with the advice of the Minister of Communities, to pay the contractor. This is just one example of the condition and oppression facing the Municipality of Rose Hall.

This town should have been moving a far way in 2017; we should not have been at this stage here today.

“The residents are suffering because of administrative deficiencies, Mr President.

It the same way that your Government acted in removing the REO [Regional Executive Officer] of Region Six [East Berbice/Corentyne], you must act responsibly and remove the Town Clerk of

Mayor of Rose Hall, Vijay Kumar Ramo

CEO of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Hilbert Foster

Acting Town Clerk, Natasha Monroe

this town with immediate effect. We cannot continue like this; it has to happen,” the Mayor said in a brief speech on Thursday last at the Area ‘H’ ground, where the anniversary celebrations were held.

“So I am asking the residents to stand firm, and we must have the leadership that we deserve in this town.

Mr President, please act responsibly and give Rose Hall the leadership that is needed. We cannot move forward, although we have made tremendous strides in the last few months, things have taken a turn for the worse. I don’t want to make a speech, I just want to deal with the facts that we have here…,” Mayor

Ramo said to conclude his address.

As he made the call, some residents chanted that it was not the appropriate forum for that. However, they sat silent when Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), Hilbert Foster, said he was going to stop supporting the development of the town because of the way the local administration had treated him.

Speaking with this publication on Thursday, Foster said that when he went to the office, the Town Clerk had shouted at him as in he were a child.

President Granger addressed the issue when he

spoke. He said the Town Clerk will have to be “given her medicine”.

Back in September 2016, the Town Clerk had slammed the door of her office in the faces of media operatives who had gone to the Municipality under the instruction of the Mayor to uplift information on the town. Moments before that incident, the Mayor had told reporters that he had stopped going to his office because of abuse being meted out to him by the Town Clerk.

According to Ramo, acting Town Clerk Natasha Monroe started her abuse at the very first statutory meeting of the council she had attended. At that meeting, in her capacity as Clerk of the Council, she

began pointing her fingers in the Mayor’s face and had used language unbecoming of an officer of the council.

After analyzing her actions, Ramo said, he has come to the conclusion that Monroe is undermining the development of the council.

“At that first meeting, she stood up and said, ‘You know who am I? I am a mother of three, and I have a husband who is a big strong blackman.’ And that has been her pattern at several meetings.

Then a few meetings she did it to the deputy, then she did it to the deputy a couple days after again, then she did it to me at the last meeting, and said that I hijacked the Town Day activity and give it to Foster, and she went on, with a busing, that she is the person with the authority and is in charge. And (she) told me that I have no authority, and then (she) walked out of the meeting and never returned,” the frustrated Mayor related.

He continued saying, “She went on to make statements about the Minister: ‘Who the hell is Bulkan?’ The next day I went back there, and was in the treasurer department and she came to me and said, ‘Let me tell you something: I am in charge here, you have no authority here and you can-

not write me no letter. If you want to write me, you have to write the Minister and let the Minister send it to me’.”

Ramo says he is afraid of the Town Clerk, and goes to the office at about 6:30h each day to meet with staff, and leaves at about 8:30, when the Town Clerk arrives.

The Mayor’s outburst on Thursday came days after Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities, Jaisingh Jaigobin, met with the Town Clerk and Councillors to give the Town Clerk a hearing.

Following the meeting, he expressed the view that the allegations against the Town Clerk were personal.

Meanwhile, in December 2015, six months after the new Administration took office, the then Town Clerk, Jenny Allicock, was given a one-month notice of her dismissal by the Minister, despite no allegation coming from the council.

The Minister’s actions were criticised by the council and the regional administration.

When this publication went to the Town Clerk’s office to get a comment from her on the allegations, she slammed the door without admitting or denying the allegations.

tuesday, September 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Annai District land issues finally resolved

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

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fter some thirty years, the dispute over the western boundaries of the Annai District has finally been resolved, following fruitful consultations between the residents, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. The Guyana Elections Commission

(GECOM) also assisted in the process.

According to the Department of Public Information, residents of communities in the Annai District of Region Nine have long been calling on Government to resolve the land problems which hindered their community’s development.

Minister Allicock visited the area on Friday and met with leaders of Annai, Yakarinta and Aranaputa, Rupertee, Kwatamang, Wowetta, and Surama to explain that, though there were many challenges, he is pleased with the outcome.

He said the residents were very cooperative, and asked pertinent questions.

“The issue was never fixed, and we found out, through the technical people, that there was indeed a problem. Through discussions and actually going to the areas and walking on the lines, there was an agreement with an approach that will bring final answers to the western boundary.” Minister Allicock explained.

He told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the communities can now move forward with their village improvement plan

Anthony Andries, Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB)

(VIP), as they are aware of their respective boundaries.

“We wanted to bring this issue to an end, and so we did. We want to assure the people that their lands will not be taken away from them, and that there will be

transparency and accountability,” Minister Allicock said.

Adon Jacabus, Chairman of Aranaputa, has said his village is happy to know that its boundaries have finally been settled. “Today we

can see progress, and things are finally happening. Now (that) we know our boundaries, we will now know where residents can take up residency. The decision was fair to all the communities, and we can now move forward,” he said.

Anthony Andries, Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), likewise expressed gratitude to the Government for addressing this issue. Andrews said this issue has gone on for far too long, and even though past leaders had attempted to address it, the matter was never resolved. He added that residents can rest assured now that their boundaries are clear.

Woman killed after being struck by drunken cop Beauty Empowerment

Celebration on Sunday – for a more gorgeous you portraits, corporate, beauty contests and fashion shows.

She also specialises in male grooming, and believes makeup should be used to create the illusion of perfection rather than create a mask. The accomplished makeup educator/ instructor and inspirational speaker enjoys sharing her journey with everyone who is also on the path to becoming a better version of themselves.

Her life motto is captured in Les Brown’s quote: “If you develop what you do Trinidad makeup artist Paulla De Souza

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rinidad makeup artist (MUA))Paulla De Souza is on a mission to enhance the natural beauty of every face she touches and share her knowledge with women on how to look effortlessly chic and gorgeous.

De Souza, who was part of the Miss Universe Pageant team in 1999 when it was held in Trinidad, is hosting her Beauty Empowerment Celebration on Sunday at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

According to De Souza, the Celebration is for “every woman (who) wants the 411 on how to look effortlessly chic and gorgeous, whether you are a business or corporate professional, MUA or the casual woman”..

With over 20 years’ experience as a Pro MUA, De Souza definitely knows what she is talking about. Her work has been seen in short and feature films, docudramas, television shows including “Locked Up Abroad”, music videos, newspaper and TV advertisements, fashion and editorial, bridal, family

well and become a master of yourself, if you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gift will take you places that will amaze you.”

The session will run from 14:00h to 18:30h. Limited seats are available and cost US$50/G$12,000.

For more information contact 592 689-0610, paulladesouza@yahoo. com, Whatsapp +1868-4755592, IG: paulla_desouza or FB: www.facebook.com/ PaullaDeSouza o

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20-year-old sales girl was killed after being struck down by a drunken cop on the Ogle Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Anastasia Kerr of Lot 5 Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are the woman was struck about 19:30h by the Constable, who is attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

Guyana Times was told that the Policeman was

proceeding along the roadway in motor car PSS 3984, when the now dead woman allegedly ran across the road and into the path of the vehicle. As a result, she was hit with the left side of the car.

Kerr was picked up by the rank and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state, where she subsequently succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical attention.

The woman was identified on Monday evening after Police sought the public help in determining her identity.

Meanwhile, investigators have since said that while the 39-year-old rank was reportedly driving within the speed limit, a breathalyser test revealed that he was above the legal alcohol level.

As such, the Constable was placed under close arrest.

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tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Proposals on sugar industry's financial state for Cabinet discussion today

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rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will chair today’s Cabinet discussion where an ‘urgent’ presentation on the financial state of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be submitted for members to review.

This follows Monday’s high-level meeting where Nagamootoo met with Agriculture Minister Noel Holder; GuySuCo’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Hanoman to discuss what the Sugar Corporation said were “urgent cash flow relative to wages, salaries and other payments at GuySuCo”.

“It was agreed at the meeting that as a matter of urgency, a presentation will be made at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 19 September, 2017,” GuySuCo noted through a release on Monday.

It also noted that at the meeting, steps were agreed to ensure that employees are paid for services provided to

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

the Corporation for the past week. GuySuCo disclosed that the Chairman and the CEO were “given assurances that the matter is being given the utmost consideration by the Government and the Corporation”, which will await the response from Cabinet after today’s meeting.

Thomas was quoted as reassuring employees, their families, and communities that “every effort will be made to resolve this matter very shortly”.

The soon-to-be-determined financial proposals come against the backdrop of a downsized sugar industry, which has seen the shutdown of the Wales, West Bank Demerara sugar factory in December 2016 and planned closures of Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, and the privatising of the Skeldon sugar factory.

At present, GuySuCo employs close to 17,000 people, but it has been estimated that the planned downsizing could directly affect the livelihoods of some 10,000 sugar workers and thousands more indirectly including their family members and communities that depend on the sugar industry.

However, Government has long decried the state of the ‘cash-strapped’ industry, contending that the necessary measures to re-organise sugar must be implemented for it to be sustained. The Wales sugar factory was the first entity to be closed under the policy decision, which has met much criticism and protest. The

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder

Private Sector Commission (PSC) and several associate bodies had earlier this year encouraged Government to “hold its hand” regarding its approach towards closure of sugar estates. The PSC had further stressed that a 2015 audit of GuySuCo’s financial statements had disclosed that more than $10 billion would be removed from private employment income should Government proceed with the closure of estates.

“This, in turn, would have a direct negative effect

on consumer spending in the communities, which, directly or indirectly, depend upon income from sugar. Such a decline in consumer spending would also have a diminishing impact upon all commerce with concomitant negative spin-off effects on the economy as a whole,” the PSC noted earlier this year.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into GuySuCo had recommended that the Corporation be privatised within three years. It also recommended that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be conducted, to avoid total reliance on sugar for GuySuCo’s revenues.

…as Detective Training programmes launched

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Jamal Munroe nursing injuries as a result of the attack

A A section of the gathering at the launching of the detective training programmes

Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine

come in for scrutiny over their handling of evidence in some major cases, but it is hoped that this public distrust could be reduced, since police ranks, during the course of this week, will take the courses to improve their skills is such cases.

The United States Embassy has announced support for the Canadian

initiative, which will see participants being trained in major case management; undergo an investigation course; and participate in another course in training the trainers for interviewing, note taking and reporting.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine upbraided both junior and senior ranks for being late at Monday’s event, using the occasion to highlight the need for discipline. He stressed that the public demands more professionalism from the Force.

“I know we have challenges with our organisational discipline, and it tells me that there are question marks over our personal dis-

cipline,” Ramnarine stated in referring to the lateness of course participants. “(There are) opportunities that exist right now for us to quickly get into stride, mentally and otherwise, and appreciate that there is an increased demand for professionalism,” Ramnarine urged.

The acting police chief also stressed the need for integrity, accountability and competence. He also highlighted the important role that the police play in the criminal justice system, and moreover noted that course participants will have the opportunity to have practical exercises during the week-long training.

“Observation in the court

room, visiting along with you at scenes of crimes...is the best way to get the maximum benefit and use from it [the training],” the acting Police Commissioner stressed.

Fifty ranks will benefit from the training, which is being held through a collaborative effort between JES and the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This is part of the ‘Strengthening the Criminal Justice in Guyana’ project.

Retired senior Canadian police ranks Victor Adam and James Hardy are among the course trainers. They have years of experience in managing major cases.

Sugar has remained one of the biggest foreign currency earners for Guyana, along with rice and gold.

Pregnant woman beats lover attempting to leave relationship

Ramnarine notes GPF’s ‘organisational discipline’ challenges he Canadian Justice Education Society (JES), in collaboration with key international partners, launched three detective training programmes at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Centre on Monday. The courses are geared to build and strengthen the justice system in Guyana.

Police have, over time,

GuySuCo Board Chairman, Clive Thomas

pregnant woman launched an attack against her lover on Sunday after she realised that he was seeking a way out of their relationship.

Injured is 23-year-old Jamal Munroe, who was left nursing several lacerations about the body while the woman was also wounded as a result of the attack.

Reports are the man and the pregnant woman had been living together in Sophia, Greater Georgetown for some months. However, things turned sour when the pregnant woman discovered that her partner was in a relationship with another woman.

As such, the 23-year-old was ambushed by the pregnant woman and her brothers upon arrival at home in the wee hours of Sunday.

Guyana Times understands that as he entered, Munroe was pushed against the wall by his enraged lover. One of her brothers then attempted to douse the man with hot water, but missed and threw the scorching liquid on the woman instead.

However, he was not spared as the other brother approached with a weapon and dealt him several blows to the head and about his body.

The couple were subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police at the Turkeyen Police Station are investigating.

Correction “Eric Phillips in NOT an adviser to President Granger” I went by uncontradicted information in the public domain since early 2016, that Eric Phillips was an adviser to the President. Now that the MoP has categorically denied the veracity of this assertion, I unhesitatingly retract the statement

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tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Presidential CoI Report

Minister disappointed report leaked to State media – says Cabinet yet to see leaked report

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he final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger was handed over to the President just over two weeks ago, but things took a turn when the Office of the President secretly leaked this report to the Guyana Chronicle, bringing into question the abuse of the state media.

The state newspaper, under the direct responsibility of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, published that the report recommends that substantive Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud should be forced to resign, or be removed from office if he refuses to resign.

“The Commission recommends that Commissioner Seelall Persaud should be made to resign his position as Commissioner of Police for the Guyana Police Force, under such terms and conditions that His Excellency considers appropriate. Failing which, proceedings should be initiated in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to have him removed from office for misbehaviour,” the newspaper reported.

According to the report, the Commission also found that Police Commissioner Persaud acted improperly when he instructed Inspector Prem Narine to send Nizam Khan on bail on the night of March 29.

It was also recommended that Persaud be investigated

for perjury in relation to his statement, wherein he said he was not aware of the allegations until after 16:00hrs on March 29; whereas Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken told the CoI that he had reported the incident to Persaud at round 10:00hrs on that same day.

Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine was acting Police Commissioner when the allegation was levelled. He told the CoI that he felt a proper investigation was not conducted. The report instructs that sanctions be imposed against him for his failure to ensure that a proper investigation be conducted.

In relation to Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, Commissioner of the Inquiry, retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe, recommends that he be replaced for poor leadership; and questions were raised about his role in the successful solution of crimes under his watch. “…Blanhum should be replaced as Crime Chief and (be) reassigned in order to gain command experience,” the report instructed.

During the CoI, Blanhum had testified that because of the nature of the allegation, a decision was taken to have the Major Crimes Unit investigate the matter; and he said he had received several reports of Gillard frustrating the investigation.

He had said that the

be removed from that department,” the report said.

Disappointment

Flashback: CoI Commissioner, Paul Slowe, handing over the report to President David Granger

Police Legal Adviser, retired Justice Claudette Singh SC, did not recommend that any charges be made in the matter, because the evidence was tenuous and there was simply nothing to charge anyone with.

Blanhum had told the CoI that he was not responsible for finding out whether proper records were documented. He had explained that he functioned at the executive level of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and there were supervisors and other ranks below him who were tasked with those responsibilities.

He had also related that he did not find it strange that the men were released less than 24 hours following commencement of the investigation.

During his testimony, the Crime Chief had clashed with Slowe several times, with the latter being visibly upset during Blanhum’s tes-

timony.

“His lack of supervision of this important investigation; his utterances, disrespect, and arrogance displayed before the Commission show that he is incapable of functioning as crime chief, the lead investigator and manager of the major investigating unit of the GPF. Blanhum should be replaced as Crime Chief and reassigned in order to gain command experience,” Slowe recommended.

Slowe further recommended that Blanhum’s deputy, Senior Superintendent Rishi Dass, be disciplined for neglect of duty, for failing to ensure that the correct date of the allegation made by Andriff Gillard was recorded.

“The Commission recommends that he should be replaced as the Deputy Crime Chief. His efficacy in the CID also comes into question, and therefore he should

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said he has not yet been able to access the report. He said he is of the view that the recommendations are serious, and he would not publicly comment on the reported contents. He added that Cabinet is as well yet to see the report.

In expressing his disappointment at the report being leaked, the minister noted that he had wanted to deliberate the contents with the President and Prime Minister before the public got access to the document.

“I understand that there were some serious recommendations, but I did not want to make any statement publicly. I wanted to discuss that with the relevant authorities, namely the President and Prime Minister, before (I comment). I’m not going to make a comment on it, even though it’s already out there. It requires deliberations, and we will proceed (to deliberate).

There were some negatives found; and, yes, we have to take care of that. We want a robust Police Force, we want security sector reform, and we are in the process (of acquiring) that, and the report did bring out a couple of things that ought not to have been done,” he said.

“I am going to make my statement as to whether all that was recommended will

happen or all will not happen. (It) can have, also, negative consequences for an institution; so it is important we do make measured responses to the effect that we do not throw (out) the child with the bathwater.

“There were some strong recommendations made, as were reported, and I don’t know how that managed to be leaked like that. I strongly think that it should have reached there (the public domain) after some strong discussions and deliberations,” he added.

Recap

On March 29 last, Andriff Gillard reported to the Police that his friend and neighbor, Nizam Khan, had offered him $7 million to assassinate the President.

He said the offer was made during a conversation between Khan and himself after he had approached Khan to borrow $6 million to purchase a property.

Following the allegation, President Granger commissioned an inquiry to investigate how the Police had done their investigation of the allegation, and to make recommendations to address flaws and shortcomings on behalf of the Guyana Police Force.

The investigation into the alleged plot is still ongoing. It is unclear what actions would be taken, but the President has said there would be a major shakeup at the helm of the GPF.

Public Health Ministry hosts National Medicines Policy consultation

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he Public Health Ministry on Monday engaged stakeholders in a consultation on the formulation of the National Medicines Policy, which is expected to be modernised, affording stakeholders the opportunity to have an authentic documented piece of legislation with clear guidelines for them to follow.

Monday’s consultation had several objectives: Establish a medicines policy

A section of the gathering at the Public Health Ministry’s consultation on the formulation of the National Medicines Policy

committee and conduct a rapid assessment of actual situations in the pharmaceutical sector in Guyana; develop a roadmap and prepare the second draft medicines policy and distribute it to all parties involved and have a peer review done by stakeholders, which include practitioners, pharmacists, experts, manufacturers, researchers and consumers.

In addition, the organisers were also expecting to

have in hand a collection of comments and preparation of a second draft for a consensus workshop; establish the National Formulary/ Essential Medicines, Standard Treatment Guideline, Therapeutic and Pharmacovigilance Committees.

The consultation at the Pegasus Hotel was held under the theme, “Strengthening Pharmaceutical Management and Services through

National Medicines Policy Review and Implementation”, and Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence challenged pharmacy officials to embrace change in a sector previously governed by archaic legislation and grounded in disarray. She said that policies merely provided guidelines to help decision-making to achieve rational objectives and were not “set in steel”.

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tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

CAL cancels regional Thousands left stranded for flights due to hours at Harbour Bridge Hurricane Maria Chaos ensues at DHB

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haos ensued for hours on Monday at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) where commuters were left stranded reportedly as a result of an accident on the DHB involving two trucks. Long lines of vehicles – as many as five lanes deep in some areas, were seen along the East Bank road leading up to the DHB Monday evening as thousands of frustrated commuters try to get over the bridge to their homes in West Demerara.

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Guyoil launches new product to meet local market demands

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s the local car industry continues to grow rapidly, the Guyana Oil Company Limited (Guyoil) on Monday launched its Castrol GTX Promotion.

Guyoil Marketing and Sales Manager Eric Whaul said the promotion was designed to promote and encourage the sale of low-viscosity lubricants and to promote the GTX Ultra Clean.

Whaul said that most vehicles currently being imported perform at their optimum with low-viscosity lubricants such as GTX Ultra Clean 5W30 and GTX 10W30. He added that low-viscosity lubricants allow for extended engine life, a quicker start and reduced

battery drain, less pollution, improved engine cooling and increased fuel economy.

“When you use high viscosity, the engine doesn’t perform as it should and you end up burning more fuel; I know a few years back the prices were very high, but now they have been regularised and there are now competitive prices,” Whaul said.

The Castrol GTX promotion offers consumers US$2 or G$420 off every gallon of GTX 10W30 or 5QTs GTX Ultra Clean. Consumers purchasing GTX 10W40 and GTX 20W50 will also benefit from this offer. Additionally, each lucky customer will be chosen for a free oil change at a Guyoil Lube Bay of their choice.

According to the

Guyoil Marketing and Sales Manager Eric Whaul with a display of the new Guyoil GTX lubricants

Department of Public Information, the offer is available at all Guyoil

Service Stations and participating locations while stocks last.

Sophia rampage

Stabbing victim remains hospitalised …mother denies connection between stabbing and fires

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lvano Williams, the 29-year-old minibus conductor who was stabbed about the body in B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Sunday, after which a group said to be representing him rampaged through the area remains hospitalised.

s yet another hurricane makes its way through the Caribbean, airlines operating within the Region have announced a series of cancellations and delays in flights owing to the threat posed by the storm.

This is as Hurricane Maria on Monday afternoon intensified into a Category Four storm and barrelled towards Dominica in the Leeward Islands.

As a result, both Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and LIAT Ltd on Monday issued official releases notifying customers of the halt in operations for a number of days.

CAL on Monday indicated that flights BW434, BW435, BW412, BW413, and BW459 departing from Port of Spain to St Lucia, St Lucia to Port of Spain, Port of Spain to Barbados, Barbados to Port of Spain and Kingston to Antigua respectively, have all been cancelled.

The airline said that it was permitting affected customers to rebook their reservations without penalty, subject to the following conditions: • Passengers must have a confirmed ticket issued before September 18 • Passengers must book to travel during the period September 18-20 • Changes on the routing (origin/destination) of the original booking are not permitted Moreover, CAL said it would not be responsible for arrangements to/from alternative airports or for any hotel/ overnight expenses incurred.

The airline said that full refunds (without penalty) would be allowed on tickets issued for travel between September

18 and 20, 2017 only, with the last date for requesting refund being September 27.

Customers are advised to visit www.caribbean?airlines. com to check their flight status before going to the airport or call the Caribbean Airlines call centres for further details.

Meanwhile, LIAT issued a list of flights slated for today which will no longer be able to take off. That carrier noted that passengers who have been booked on these flights will be allowed to rebook and have all change fees and fare differences waived only if they do so on or before September 22.

Moreover, LIAT warned that passengers who decide to travel but are unable to complete their journey owing to disruption caused by weather conditions will not be provided with meals, transportation and hotel accommodation.

Passengers with onward connections are advised to contact the respective regional and international carriers.

Persons are asked to continue to monitor their local media and weather reports.

LIAT will continue to monitor the progress of this weather system and will issue further updates and advisories via its website (www.liat.com) and social media platforms.

Both of the regional carriers expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the delays/cancellations as a result of the passage of Tropical Depression Fifteen.

On that note, they are asking all passengers to kindly adhere to the information published as they both continue to monitor the conditions brought on by this year’s hurricane season.

However, his mother is now denying having knowledge of the two incidents being connected.

Bridget Williams, the victim’s mother, said that she was able to speak to her son, who claims that he has no knowledge of the series of fires set in his community.

The remains of the three houses that were set alight on Sunday

According to the woman, her son revealed that he was on the road with his girlfriend when he was approached by three men and was asked “is story you want?”

However, she stated that Williams replied with expletives which prompted one of the men called “Gaza”, who is now in Police custody, to plunge a spade into his chest.

She added that her son relayed that he had a cutlass on his person at the time which he drew, but was disarmed, so he attempted to flee.

In the process of fleeing, Williams reportedly fell to the ground when he was further attacked with his own cutlass and chopped about his body.

His mother revealed that the fight stemmed from an

incident, which occurred on Thursday last.

The girlfriend of the perpetrator, Kerry (only name given) was at the Sophia bus park when the victim asked whether she would be travelling with him, and she replied: “I ain’t going in no crassing bus.”

As such, Williams responded negatively and told her “you and you man is two crass”.

This was reported to the perpetrator, who stopped the said bus as it was proceeding to Sophia and started the fight with Williams.

When questioned about the three houses being set alight allegedly by members of a gang that her son was involved with, Bridget Williams claimed that she was not aware that the two incidents

were related.

On Sunday, about 08:30h, Williams was stabbed when he was escorting his girlfriend to work on Dennis Street, Sophia. However, an angry mob rushed to the aid of Williams forcing the suspect to flee the scene and go into hiding.

Police Officers subsequently arrived at the location of the commotion and were forced to fire a shot in an attempt to quell the raging mob but to no avail.

Guyana Times understands that in an attempt to seek retribution for the harm done to the conductor, the gang went on a rampage in search of the missing suspect setting the three homes alight.

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tuesDAY, september 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Aquaculture technology programme to boost local marine sector

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two-week training programme in aqua culture technology was on Monday formally launched at the Regency Hotel in Georgetown.

This collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the People’s Republic of China will see the Fujian Institute of Oceanography (FJIO) conducting the training sessions for thirty local participants.

The training sessions, which began last Friday and will end on September 28, has seen participants making trips to regions within the country.

At the opening ceremony, Liu Mingzhe, Vice President of China’s Ministry of Commerce, described Guyana as one of the most suitable countries for aquaculture development.

“It was widely recognised as one of the most suitable countries for aquaculture de-

Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Republic of China, and Department of Public Service at the opening ceremony of the aquaculture training course

velopment in the world because of its outstanding natural conditions, and so China has an ambition to make this beautiful country not only rich in water -- in clean wa-

ter and in a beautiful green forest..,” he said.

Mingzhe said although this is the Fujian Institute’s first training session in Guyana and the number of

participants is small, his country hopes to build stronger ties for future engagements.

“We do hope this training course could build up a

bridge for further fishery cooperation between China and this country, and further enhance the tradition of friendship between the two nations,” Mingzhe said.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has said that notwithstanding measures implemented by his ministry, new sources must be considered and enforced to address the dwindling marine resources in Guyana.

He said, “One such measure is the development of a thriving aquaculture sector to replace the shortfall anticipated in marine resources.

The Government of Guyana has placed this as a priority area, and we will be pushing this agenda.”

Cui Jianchun, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, said though this is the first training session conducted in the Caribbean through the institute, he hopes to see more training seminars being un-

dertaken between Guyana and China, locally and internationally.

Participants benefiting from the exercise include Government officers, technicians, staff members of various enterprises, and aquaculture farmers who are working in the area of aquaculture, aquatic products’ processing and distribution, as well as fisheries management.

According to the Department of Public Information, since 2005 FJIO undertook the ChinaAid training programmes sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, PRC. It has organized 77 bilateral or multilateral training courses/seminars which focused on Marine Management and Development of Blue Economy, Integrated Coastal Management and Marine Fisheries Management, to name a few.

Mashramani 2018 officially launched Public Health …celebration themed “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48”

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he 2018 Mashramani observances were officially launched in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Saturday, amidst lively cultural presentations and performances.

A colourful mini Mashramanilike parade which culminated at Republic Avenue formed a spectacular prelude to the official launching ceremony, which took place on the tarmac of the Linden-Georgetown minibus park.

Next year’s official theme, coined by winner Harry Narine, “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48” was also unveiled, in addition to the official Calendar of Events which showcases over 20 days of activities. Scores of patrons and officials gathered at the venue to observe the launch of the festival, Social Cohesion Minister George Norton unveils the 2017 Mash theme

Some of the revellers on Sunday during the launch of Mash 2017

which commemorates Guyana becoming a Republic on February 23, 1970.

In delivering the feature address, Social Cohesion Minister George Norton emphasized that “Mashramani represents the essence of social cohesion”, as he made a call for the celebration to return to the Linden community -- its birthplace. Norton hailed the festival as one of the most prominent celebrations in Guyana, and supported earlier calls by Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland for the festival to become one of the most prominent in the Caribbean.

“We must take Mashramani, that has become internationalized...

Mashramani from Linden has to take its rightful position...I agree with the idea that we must not only do the launching in Linden, we must also bring it back and celebrate it in Linden.

It is a true Guyanese celebration, which provides for the opportunity to highlight the country’s rich cultures and diversities and heritage, as a people from all walks of life...,” the Minister said.

He also hailed the Jaycees Committee and its members, noting that they are owed depths of gratitude for organizing the first Mashramani celebration. Norton said, come next year, he hopes to see members of the diaspora actively involved and participating in the events associated with the celebration. Further, he challenged the Linden community to have its own steel orchestra.

Mayor Holland, in his remarks, noted that organizers of the celebration and Lindeners each have a role to play in producing an outstanding Mashramani celebration, one that would draw visitors both local and foreign, while at the same time preserving the rich diversity of the people.

“The prodigal celebration has returned to her place of origin. It was here that Mashramani was innovated, and here it was perfected. It is time we embrace and execute a return of this

legacy, by ensuring that Mashramani 2018 embodies the rich cultural heritage of our proud town and region,” the Mayor said.

Further, Holland pointed out that foreigners must not only actively plan to attend Carnival and Caribana, but Mashramani as well, in an effort that the country’s culture, craft, fine local products, eco-tourism, hospitality and much more can become internationally popular.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian said the celebration goes beyond just celebrating Mashramani in terms of frolic, but also the achievements of young people and children across the Region. He urged those present to look at the celebration in the individual sense of “achieving after working hard”.

“It will take not just hard work, but collective work; because Mashramani speaks of communities, groups, families working together...Your dreams and aspirations could be realized once we take note of the emphasis of Mashramani -- ‘celebration after hard work’,” Morian said.

Following the ceremony, the event culminated with the hosting of the ‘Mash Splash Spectacular,’ which saw the performances of several local artistes ripping the stage.

From page 13

Ministry hosts...

She said that it was critical to overhaul the legislation to help deal with the constant short supply of drugs that create a nightmare for doctors to treat their patients.

She noted that unless corrective measures were implemented swiftly, the health system would continue to be defective and ineffective.

“It means, therefore, that the existing policies, legal and regulatory frameworks and interventions must be re-evaluated and updated.

Policy decisions must be evidence-based and tailored to meet the specific needs of our population and health services,” she said.

“Let me hasten to assure you that the Ministry of Public Health and by extension, the Government of Guyana, is strongly committed to ensuring healthy lives and the well-being for all at all ages, so it is opportune and imperative that all of us, as stakeholders of our citizens’ well-being, continue to look and assess the existing management systems and strengthen them and make changes where need be, so that the systems can become efficient and effective and accessibility and adequacy of the supply of safe, essential, quality and scientifically sound drugs and medical products can be realised in all health facilities in all re-

gions,” Lawrence added.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud said that over a decade ago, steps were taken by pharmaceutical officials to clean up the untidiness, but the process was stymied by a lack of commitment.

“Organisers anticipate that with the establishment of the new Health Authority there will be full participation and leadership in the Integrated Health Services (HIS); the delivery of quality, effective and responsive health services and prevention measures and improvement in the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all peoples,” Dr Persaud said.

He added that the updated policy was required to present a formal record of values, aspirations, aims, decisions and medium-tolong-term commitment of the Government; define the national goals and objectives for the pharmaceutical sector, and help set priorities.

Dr Persaud told participants that the fresh policy would also help identify the strategies needed “to meet those objectives and identify the various actors responsible for implementing the main components of the policy (and) to create a forum for national discussions on these issues and resolve them to all access to medicines.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

Regional

Venezuela: Opposition blames Strengthening Hurricane Maria Maduro for activist’s jail death rages through eastern Caribbean

A

rapidly strengthening Hurricane Maria barrelled towards the eastern Caribbean islands with 125 mile-per-hour (200 kph) winds on Monday, threatening the Region with its second major storm this month.

Officials from Frenchcontrolled Martinique to the US Virgin Islands warned residents to prepare for the storm, now ranked by US forecasters as a major hurricane, at Category 3 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale.

Maria was located about 70 kilometres (45 miles) east of Martinique, headed west-northwest on a

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro (right) waves as he arrives at a school for an event related to the beginning of classes in Caracas, Venezuela, September 18, 2017

V

e n e z u e l a ’ s Opposition blamed President Nicolás Maduro’s Government on Monday for the death of a sick activist in jail, saying he was framed and then denied medical help.

Carlos Garcia, a local legislator in western Apure state, suffered a stroke in August after being arrested in late 2016 during protests and having money planted on him, his party said.

Two days before his death on Sunday, Garcia was granted house arrest, but was never transported home, the Justice First party added in a statement, saying the accusations

were invented and urgent medical help was denied prior to his stroke.

Venezuela’s Opposition parties accuse Maduro, the 54-year-old successor of Hugo Chávez, of being a dictator and maintaining hundreds of political prisoners on trumped-up charges.

He denies that, saying all activists behind bars are there on legitimate charges, including for “terrorism” and coup-plotting against his socialist Government.

There was no word from authorities on Garcia’s death, and it was not clear if there had been formal

charges against him.

Meanwhile, according to the BBC, Venezuela’s chief prosecutor’s office has charged a man named as Frank Cabaña with “complicity and association with terrorism” over a June helicopter attack on the Supreme Court.

The office did not give any further details, except to allege that Cabaña is linked to the rogue policeman Óscar Pérez, who said he had piloted the helicopter.

Cabaña has been remanded in custody.

Pérez remains at large, but has appeared in a number of videos. (Excerpt from Reuters

and BBC News)

Police Officer delivers baby in Trinidad

WPC Glenda Goora with baby Sierra and her mother, Sabrina Pierre

A

Woman Police Constable attached to the Valencia Police Post went into action Sunday morning and successfully delivered a baby girl at the mother’s Valencia home.

Both mother and baby were reported to be in good health and were now at the Maternity Ward at the Sangre Grande Hospital.

It was around 07:37h on Sunday that 10-year-

old Kai Pierre ran to the Valencia Police Post to alert officers that his pregnant relative had been in severe pain and needed immediate help.

Corporal Samaroo, Police Constable Elie and Woman Police Constable Glenda Goora immediately responded and accompanied the boy to the house, which was located at the back of the police post.

When they arrived the officers heard Kathy Ann Alexander-Pierre, mother of Sabrina Pierre, screaming for help as her daughter was experiencing intense labour pains.

Wasting no time, Goora took charge of the situation with the assistance of her colleagues and organised a pot of hot water and sanitary napkins in preparation for the child’s birth.

After about 20 minutes, Goora safely delivered the baby girl and placed her on the bed next to her elated mother. The baby was named Sierra.

In the meantime, Goora and her colleagues had called for an EHS ambulance which arrived shortly afterwards.

After paramedics John Seepersad and Hanooman Bhola carried out their medical checks on baby and mother they were taken by the ambulance to the Sangre Grande Hospital.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

track that would put it over the US territory of Puerto Rico by Wednesday, the US National Hurricane Center said in a 2 pm ET (1800 GMT) advisory. The hurricane was expected to continue to strengthen during the coming two days, the Center said.

Residents of some islands fled ahead of the storm.

Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines (CAL) says it has cancelled a number of flights scheduled for September 18 due to threats from Hurricane Maria.

CAL said Maria has caused the closure of George FL Charles International Airport in St Lucia and

Strong Storm Winds in Barbados forcing the cancellation of flights.

The airline said that it is permitting affected customers to rebook their reservations without penalty.

Full refunds (without penalty) will be allowed on tickets issued for travel between September 18 and 20 2017 only, with the last date for requesting refund being September 27, the airline said.

Customers are advised to visit www.caribbean?airlines.com to check their flight status before going to the airport or call the Caribbean Airlines call centres for further details. (Excerpt

from Reuters and Jamaica Observer)

World’s oldest person, Jamaican woman passes away at 117 years old

T

he 117-year-old Jamaican woman who was the oldest person in the world has died.

Violet Moss-Brown died at a medical facility last Friday afternoon.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness offered condolences in a tweet.

The supercentenarian’s passing came hours after it was reported that she was caught up in a family dispute about who should care for her.

The Jamaica Gleaner had interviewed some of her family members, and in an article published last Friday, reported that those with whom Moss-Brown was living said she was taken to a medical appointment the previous Saturday by another relative under the instructions of one of her sons, Barry Russell, but had not been returned to her Trelawny home.

Russell, who lives in Miami, told the newspaper that he made the decision to move his mother because “her greedy grandchildren were not taking good care

Violet Moss-Brown died at a medical facility last week

of her” and that he had no intention of disclosing her whereabouts, but she was alive and safe.

In a report published in the Gleaner last weekend, he confirmed his mother’s passing.

In an interview with the Jamaica Star, Russell said he had a conversation with his mother before she died and she had told him that

her heart was willing but her body was weak.

Moss-Brown, known as Aunt V, was born on March 10, 1900. She was a mother of six and a great-grandmother of many. One of her sons, Harland Fairweather who died in April this year at age 97, also had the record of being the world’s oldest person with a living parent. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Mexican women march to highlight anti-female violence

T

housands of Mexicans took to the streets in different cities after the killing of a student.

The death of Mara Fernanda Castilla in the city of Puebla prompted marches across Mexico on Sunday.

Mara Fernanda had gone missing earlier this month after hailing a ride with an app-based taxi service. Her body was found on Friday.

Police in the city of Puebla have arrested the taxi driver on suspicion of her murder.

Thousands of women across Mexico took part in marches in different cities to demand an end to violence

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) says five women are killed every day in Mexico

against women.

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) says five women are killed every day in Mexico.

Studies show 63 per cent of Mexican women and girls aged 15 and over have suffered some sort of violence.

(BBC News)

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

North Korea says sanctions will accelerate nuclear programme N orth Korea has warned that more sanctions and pressure will only make it accelerate its nuclear programme.

In a strongly worded statement, Pyongyang called a new set of United Nations sanctions “the most vicious, unethical and inhumane act of hostility”.

Meanwhile, the Presidents of the United States and China committed to “maximising pressure” on the North through vigorous enforcement of UN resolutions.

Earlier, the US and South Korea carried out joint military exercises.

North Korea fired its latest missile over Japan on Friday. It travelled 3700km

Kim Jong-un and top military officials celebrated Friday’s missile launch

(2299 miles), putting the US Pacific territory of Guam, which North Korea says it has a plan to target, within reach.

The launch followed a fresh round of UN sanctions and was unanimously con-

demned by the UN Security Council as “highly provocative”.

The Foreign Ministry statement, carried by the country’s official news agency KCNA, said: “The increased moves of the US

and its vassal forces to impose sanctions and pressure on the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] will only increase our pace towards the ultimate completion of the State nuclear force.”

It also said that the goal of the new UN sanctions, approved on September 11, was to “physically exterminate” the country’s people, system and government.

The sanctions are an attempt to starve North Korea of fuel and income for its weapons programmes, and restrict oil imports and ban textile exports.

The fresh measures followed the sixth and most powerful nuclear test conducted by Pyongyang earlier this month. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Rohingya refugees tell of new violence; call for Myanmar sanctions

R

ohingya Muslims fleeing a Myanmar military offensive arrived in Bangladesh on Monday with fresh accounts of violence and arson as a rights group called for sanctions and an arms embargo to stop what the United Nations has branded ethnic cleansing.

The latest wave of violence in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State began on August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked Police posts and an army camp, killing about 12 people.

The Myanmar military response has sent more than 410,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh, escaping what they and rights monitors say is a campaign aimed

Hundreds of refugees travelled by small boats to an island on the southernmost point of Bangladesh late on Sunday and on Monday

at driving out the Muslim population.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar rejects that, saying its forces are carrying out clearance operations

India: Some Rohingya have ‘terror’ ties

I

ndia’s Government said on Monday it has evidence showing some Rohingya in the country have ties to “terror organisations” and pose a security threat that justifies a mass deportation of the ethnic group.

India’s Home Ministry said it would confidentially share intelligence information with the Supreme Court showing Rohingya links with Pakistan-based armed groups, in a bid to get legal clearance for plans to deport 40,000 Rohingya.

The Supreme Court is hearing an appeal lodged on behalf of Rohingya against the deportation plan proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government.

India’s Home Ministry submitted an affidavit to the

17

court arguing the hardline stance was justified by the security threat posed by illegal immigrants from the majority-Muslim Rohingya ethnic group, hundreds of thousands of whom have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh, from where many have crossed into India.

“The court has no business to interfere in such matters of what they call illegal immigrants or illegal migrants,” the Government said in the affidavit.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court the Government would provide evidence of Rohingya links with “extremist groups” and illegal transfers of money at the next hearing.

The lawyer representing the Rohingya denounced the move. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

against the insurgents of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which claimed responsibility for the August attacks and smaller raids in October.

Hundreds of refugees travelled by small boats to an island on the southernmost point of Bangladesh late on Sunday and on Monday, telling of persecution and destruction.

“The army came and they burned our homes, they killed our people. There was a mob of Rakhine people too,” said Usman Goni, 55, after he stepped off a boat with his seven children and wife, clutching two sticks tied in rope and a sack.

Many of the refugees have spoken of ethnic Rakhine Buddhist civilians joining the Myanmar army in its attacks. Myanmar denies that and has blamed Muslim insurgents for the violence. (Excerpt from Reuters)

In 1st visit, Trump urges reform so UN can meet full potential

U

nited States President Donald Trump criticised the United Nations for bloated bureaucracy and mismanagement on his first visit on Monday to UN headquarters, calling for “truly bold reforms” so it could be a greater force for world peace.

Ahead of his maiden speech to the annual UN General Assembly today, Trump hosted a short event to boost support for changes to the UN. “In recent years, the United Nations has not reached its full potential because of bureaucracy and mismanagement, while the United Nations on a regular budget has increased by 140 per cent and its staff has more than doubled since 2000,” Trump said.

“The United Nations must hold every level of management accountable, protect whistleblowers and focus on results rather than on process,” Trump said.

“I am confident that if we work together and champion truly bold reforms the United Nations will emerge as a stronger, more effective, more just and greater force for peace and harmony in the world,” Trump said in his first remarks at the UN in New York since his inauguration as President in January.

In a building where long statements are commonplace, Trump spoke for just four minutes. More than 120 countries were invited to attend Monday’s reform meeting after signing on to a USdrafted 10-point political declaration backing efforts

by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres “to initiate effective, meaningful reform”.

Businessman Trump, who complained during his 2016 election campaign about the US paying a disproportionate amount of money to the UN, made the point again on Monday. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Kenya: System ‘cannot be ready’ for October election

Auckland Airport cancels flights after T fuel supply cut T

Opposition Leader Raila Odinga (left on poster) successfully challenged August’s result in court

housands of airline passengers are stranded in Auckland after a burst pipeline cut fuel supplies to New Zealand’s largest airport.

The pipeline is Auckland Airport’s only source of jet fuel.

Local media said it was damaged by a digger on a rural property, causing a leak and the pipeline to be closed.

Fuel supplies have been rationed and airlines are looking to refuel in Australia and elsewhere to keep longhaul services running.

About 2000 passengers were affected by cancellations on Monday, according

to Air New Zealand.

The disruption is expected to last at least a week as repair work continues, the pipeline’s operator said.

Ruakaka, where the pipeline was damaged, is about 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of Auckland It has been reported that the damage to the pipeline may have occurred months ago, near Ruakaka and the Marsden Point refinery, about 130km north of the city.

But the pipeline burst on Thursday, possibly due to an exploratory search for a valuable swamp log according to the New Zealand Herald. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he company providing the voting system for the re-run of Kenya’s presidential election says the equipment will not be ready in time, putting the planned date in jeopardy.

The Supreme Court annulled last month’s vote, citing irregularities.

It was won by the incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta.

French firm OT-Morpho says it needs to reinstall the complex voting system for the scheduled re-run on October 17.

But it said the “significant amount of work” cannot be finished in time.

Details of the potential delay for October’s re-run emerged in a letter from OTMorpho to the electoral commission, obtained by Reuters

news agency. An election official also confirmed the potential delay to the BBC. The letter, dated September 18, said two different electronic systems used in the vote would have to be reinstalled for a re-run.

More than 45,000 computer tablets were provided to Kenyan officials to identify voters – using fingerprints and photos – before allowing them to vote.

The tablets were also responsible for the secure transmission of election results, the company said in an April press release.

Irregularities in the transmission of results were one of the problems referenced by the Supreme Court when it annulled the August poll’s results. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

ARCHIE

ARIES

Listen to what's being

(March 21- said. Someone will be vague April 19) about what he or she expects

from you. Don't guess when you can ask questions and get it right the first time.

The effort you put in will not

TAURUS be ignored. A job change or in(April 20- terview will go well. Displaying May 20) your attributes will seal a deal.

dilbert

Travel will lead to promising new beginnings.

Getting out and takGEMINI (May 21- ing note of how other people June 20) live or do things will leave you questioning your personal life, values and beliefs.

Consider your options before you choose to change.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

If you discuss your concerns, you will find a way to resolve any issues that might jeopardise an important relationship. Be creative in the way you do your job or run your household.

An unexpected change will end up being beneficial. Your ability to use your physical attributes to improve your situation will pay off. Romance will encourage commitment and future happiness.

Look for something that VIRGO will motivate you to do more.

(Aug. 23An exercise routine will get Sept. 22) you in shape and become something you look forward to doing.

Pay closer attention to LIBRA (Sept. 23- what's going on in your own Oct. 23) backyard instead of looking to see what everyone else is doing.

Keep your personal papers and monthly payments up to date.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Uncertainty will prevail SCORPIO if you let your emotions take (Oct. 24control. Aim to be productive Nov. 22) and consistent. How you approach your responsibilities will make a difference. Don't fear asking for help.

Make personal changes SAGITTARIUS that will help boost your confi(Nov. 23- dence and give you the gumpDec. 21) tion to chase prospects. Trust and believe in yourself, not in what others tell you.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – DECLARED

solution for SATURDAY’S Puzzle

Make your emotional, physCAPRICORN ical and mental well-being a (Dec. 22- priority. Find ways to stretch Jan. 19) your dollar. Encourage others to pitch in and help. Simplicity is favoured, along with structure and consistency.

Be reluctant when dealing AQUARIUS with people who lean on you.

(Jan. 20- Take time to deal with your Feb. 19) own problems instead of letting others weigh you down with theirs.

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

Explore new avenues.

PISCES interesting people.

(Feb. 20- Meet Share your thoughts and March 20) opinions. Your versatility and openness will attract positive input from people who have something to contribute.

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

Barcelona President Bartomeu criticises Neymar over lack of honesty

N

eymar should have been open about his desire to leave Barcelona for PSG, according to president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The war of words between Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and Neymar shows no sign of stopping after the Catalan club's chief attacked the Brazilian for a lack of honesty following his world-record move to Paris SaintGermain.

Ligue 1 giants PSG rocked football when they paid Neymar's €222million release clause in August, leaving Barcelona powerless to his departure as the Parisians

smashed the world record.

Bartomeu and Neymar have exchanged plenty of words via the media ever since, with the Brazil star even labelling the 54-year-old a "joke" in a recent interview.

Now Bartomeu has commented on Neymar's apparent lack of honesty over wanting to move, with Barca previously expecting him to sign a new deal rather than head for the Parc des Princes.

"We believed them [Neymar and his advisors] too much," Bartomeu told La2.

"When a player wants to leave he must be honest, as Alexis [Sanchez], Pedro [Rodriguez] or Cesc [Fabregas] did. We

E

ngland fast bowler Liam Plunkett believes the team could have much better success in making West Indies batting star Chris Gayle run between the wickets in the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series.

The 37-year-old Gayle was devastating at the top of the innings for the West Indies after scoring 40 from 21 balls as the Caribbean team recorded a convincing 21-run win over England in a one-off T20 international on Saturday. The batsman was eventually run out by Plunkett and the bowler believes a similar strategy could bear fruit in the upcoming ODIs where Gayle is expected to be a major factor.

“I didn’t bowl too much to Gayle before he got run out,” Plunkett told the Mirror.

“But I try to hit the pitch hard and for me, I would try to bowl and make him play where he doesn’t hit too many boundaries,” added.

“I’d use my pace a bit, but he’s a good player and he hits the ball out the park wherever he wants so we have to look at a bit more footage. “How can we get him out? What is the best way to stop him scoring? He doesn’t run that well between the wickets so maybe put pressure on that.” (Sportsmax)

Liam Plunkett

Hamilton Green football

O

heads to Victoria

rganizers of the Hamilton Green Knock-out Football tournament have released revised round of 16 fixtures with four games slated for Victoria ground, East Coast Demerara on Sunday, September 24.

Beginning at 15:00h, Uitvlugt will face Golden Grove while Den Amstel

take on Buxton/Bakewell at 17:00h.

The second half of the night will see Mahaica taking on GFC at 19:00h while Ann’s Grove will face Santos at 21:00h in the final match.

Winners Connection and Mile Rock FC, two Linden-based sides have already booked spots in the quarter-fi-

PSG rocked football when they paid Neymar's €222 million release

will not hurt a player that is not happy."

Much like Neymar before him, there are also question marks over the future of club captain Andres Iniesta.

Bartomeu reiterated Barca's stance in that they want to keep him, but he also accepted that the club is entirely at the mercy of Iniesta's desires.

"He will decide how long he wants to stay," Bartomeu added.

"We want to him to stay with the club and have a special contract, because he deserves to decide when he wants to leave.

"He is an inspiration for all and symbolises what we all want for the club. He is

Plunkett plans to make Gayle RUN

nals.

The tournament will then return to Linden on Saturday September 30 for a double header at the McKenzie Sports Club ground with Mile Rock tackling Soesdyke at 19:00h and Silver Shatters going up against Western Tigers from 21:00h.

19

playing well and helping the team, and I think he is closer to telling us 'yes'."

Bartomeu also commented on Ousmane Dembele, who is set to be out for four months after suffering a hamstring tear in Saturday's win at Getafe, with the president impressed by the 20-year-old's confidence at this stage of his rehabilitation.

"He'll be back and surely bring to the team exactly what we've seen in his first games," he said.

"I have talked to him and, although he is disappointed, I have noticed that he is confident and optimistic about his recovery." (Sportsmax)

Rooney pleads

GUILTY to drink-driving

Wayne Rooney admits "terrible mistake" as he pleads guilty to the drink-driving charge that put his marriage in crisis

F

ormer England soccer captain Wayne Rooney received a twoyear driving ban on Monday after pleading guilty in a British court to drink-driving, the Press Association news agency reported.

Rooney apologised for his “unforgivable lack of judgement” in a statement issued after he entered his guilty plea at Stockport Magistrates’ Court, near Manchester in northwest England.

The 31-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Sept. 1 while driving over the prescribed alcohol limit in the northwestern county of Cheshire.

Television footage showed him arriving at court on Monday wearing a dark suit. In addition to the two-year driving ban, Rooney was ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid

work as part of a 12-month community order, the PA reported.

“I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgement in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong,” Rooney said in a statement.

Rooney announced in August he was retiring from national team duty, ending a 14-year stint in which he became England’s top scorer with 53 goals.

In July, Rooney returned to Everton, his boyhood club, after 13 years with Manchester United.

“I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career,” Rooney said. (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

“I just try to be myself” – Tagenarine Chanderpaul

His large appetite for runs should auger well for what is expected to be a fruitful career

... young batsman focused on building a reputation for himself

By Akeem Greene

A

t 21, Tagenarine Chanderpaul has carried a surname which is internationally known to be that of a prolific batsman in his days for West Indies. Tagenarine, the son of batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has endured the years of comparisons from since his early days and it does not help that his unique batting stance mirrors that of his father.

There must immense pressure every time he walks out to bat, with the hope that he reciprocates

do.

“Every time I go out I try to be myself. I cannot be like him [Shivnarine]. I only can be myself, I try not think about it and just do what I can do,” the left-handed batsman told Guyana Times Sport.

In January 2016, after more than two decades and 164 Test matches, Shivnarine, one of West Indies’ finest batsmen, has retired. Chanderpaul finished as the second-highest West Indian Test run-maker, 86 runs short of Brian Lara: Lara got 11,953 while Chanderpaul scored 11,867 (all for West Indies).

He scored 30 Test centuries

dismissals - he did it against India in 2002, when he faced 1050 consecutive deliveries without losing his wicket.

He also played 268 ODIs for 8778 runs at 41.60 (the last of which was during the 2011 World Cup), and 22 T20Is. With his departure from the scene and given the aforementioned stats, cricket enthusiasts began to look to Tagenarine to possibly fill the gap.

Young ‘Tage’ made his Firstclass debut in 2013 against Leeward and since then he has just played 16 matches with a high score of 81.

During 2015/2016 Regional

Shivnarine (left) and Tagenarine (right) share a number of notable traits

the runs-machine his father was for both Guyana and the maroon. However, according to Tagenarine, he focuses on what he can do and not what his predecessor has accomplished or continue to

and averaged 51.37 in the format, and held numerous records that are likely to last for a long time, including batting for more than 25 hours in a Test series between

(Getty/WICB Media)

–day season, it was most productive since he scored 327 runs inclusive of two halfcenturies.

In his first match of the 2016/2017 – March of this

year he played against the Jamaican Scorpions in Kingston, he made a compact 58 in the first innings but before he got off the mark in the second innings he suffered a broken finger.

Tage got a short ball from pacer Jerome Taylor that jagged back and took him on the small finger of the left hand. The injury meant he played no further part in the season when the Guyana Jaguars won their third consecutive regional four-day title.

“The broken finger was rough. Since I had two pins in it. It was six weeks out. I was looking forward to the rest of the season since I finally got a game in Jamaica, it was unfortunate,” the former West Indies under-19 player disclosed.

Playing for West Demerara in the ongoing Jaguars Franchise Three-day League, “Brandon” as he is known at home, cracked a scintillating 176 against East Bank just two weekends ago, which hinted that he is back to his best.

“The finger is coming along nicely with the rehabilitation work I have been doing. It was good to get some runs, when you get in you have to go and get a big score.”

The 2017/2018 season is set to come on October 26 and the player who spent his early days in the sport with his grandfather, Khemraj, at Ghandi Youth Organisation (GYO) has been spending a lot of hours trying to improve his game.

“I have been doing a lot

of basic practice; learning to leave balls alone more and play later. I’m taking it step by step. Right now I’m focusing on the three-day league and

trying to get some runs and then hopefully get selected for Guyana and get some runs there as well,” the player expressed.

GRFU Men’s 15s…

Hornets HUMBLE Panthers T

he Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Bounty Farm 15’s League continued on Sunday at the National Park with Pepsi Hornets giving Panthers a humbling with a 36-25 defeat.

Panthers were in hot steam winning two consecutive Sevens tournament then obliterating Police Falcons 67-7 in the first match of this tournament but the experienced Hornets jolted their enthusiasm.

Hornets with the experienced and powerful Kevin McKenzie took the early lead with the Australian based player scoring two tries.

Rickford Cummings and Ryan Gonsalves had shares of the action with respective tries. Gonsalves also sealed three conversions and nailed three penalties.

Panthers were by no means going to roll over easily as Godfrey Broomes (two

Kevin McKenzie

tries and three conversions) along with Osei McKenzie, Daniel Anderson and Jamal Angus brought the fight back but it little too late.

The League continues on Saturday at the same venue with Panthers tackling the Caribs from 16:00h.

Reggae Boyz ranking hurting their top players

R

eggae Boyz Andre Blake and Kemar Lawrence, who play in Major League Soccer in the United States, recently had deals to move to the English Premier League fall through because Jamaica isn’t ranked high enough on the FIFA rankings.

Jamaica is ranked 61, but according to criteria imposed since 2015, the Reggae Boyz have to be ranked within the top 50 in the world for such transfers to happen.

The Reggae Boyz have not been ranked in the top 50 for more than a decade and the outstanding Blake, who is the goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union and Lawrence who is a fullback at New York Red Bulls are the latest Jamaicans to be denied opportunities because of the rule change.

According to football website Goal.com, “Premier League sides Brighton and Crystal Palace made multimillion dollar offers for Blake

this past summer after his outstanding CONCACAF Gold Cup showing. Unfortunately for Blake and the interested clubs, the deals fell apart because Blake doesn’t qualify for a U.K. work permit. The main reason for Blake’s inability to secure a work permit? Jamaica’s low FIFA ranking.”

Blake has expressed frustration over the missed opportunity caused by things that are beyond his control.

“I knew everything all the way, and it’s such a tough situation but I can’t get too worked up over it, even though it’s a very good opportunity I’m missing out on. Maybe it’s not time yet, or maybe it wasn’t meant to be. I’ve just got to keep working hard and maybe someday, somehow, if it’s supposed to be, it will happen,” he said.

Lawrence, who was also a key member of the Reggae Boyz, which became the first

Caribbean team to make consecutive finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, said this wasn’t the first time he was missing out on an opportunity because of his country’s poor FIFA ranking.

“It’s hard to know that you want to play in that top division, that top league, and you can’t get to go because of stipulations like that. It’s their rules and you have to live by it,” he said.

“We talk about it on a regular basis, but these things take time. More than one time opportunities like that have presented themselves for me, but we already know that if they’re not talking about a $10 million or $11 million transfer it’s a no-no for Jamaican players in England.”

According to Goal, more suitors are expected to line up for Blake who is nearing the end of his MLS contract, and unless Jamaica makes it into the top 50 by then, his

The Reggae Boyz are currently ranked number 61 and have not been in the top 50 for more than a decade

frustrations will continue.

“It’s super tough, but it’s something I can try my best to change,” Blake said.

“I can’t do it on my own,

but that’s part of my job as captain, to make sure we go in and take every game very seriously, and for the guys to understand that ‘Listen,

it’s not just for me, it’s for everyone. If we have better rankings it will open up opportunities for everyone’.”

(Sportsmax)

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21

Deo shoots to top in Maersk Sealand Tourney J

oanne Deo returned to the greens of the Lusignan Golf Club after a brief lay-off and immediately showed her class. The aspiring dentist took centre stage to win the Maersk Sealand Golf Tournament last Saturday at the Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Playing off a 21 handicap Deo shot a gross 86 for a net 65. Second place went to Azrudeen Shaw (18) who also shot 86 net 68 easing out Robert Hanoman’s 96 net 68 (handicap 28). As was the case in the previous week, short rough made it another good day for the high handicappers who were not penalised greatly for wayward shots.

Best Gross went to Patrick Prashad with a 79 and nearest to the pin to Bholaram Deo. In comments at the presentation ceremony Maersk Sealand’s Country Manager Derek Stoby said the shipping line was happy to sponsor the tournament as part of the company’s belief that sport should be part of a well-balanced and healthy life style. As such he assured members this would be an annual event.

Joan Deo (right) is all smiles as she collects the winning trophy from Maersk Sealand’s Country Manager Derek Stoby

Respective winners of the recently held Maersk Sealand’s Golf Tournament

Region 4 looking better with Modern Optical playing kits A s the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs annual weekend of sports unfolds this weekend, the Region four male football team will be sporting brand new playing kits courtesy of Modern Optical Service of Middle Street Georgetown.

The kits were handed over by Dr Jose Da Silva on Monday afternoon during a simple ceremony to the Coach of the team Sheldon Bobb. For the kind gesture, Bobb expressed profound gratitude for the support on behalf of the team.

The event dubbed, Heritage games is a highly anticipated event on during Indigenous Heritage month which is observed in

September annually.

This year’s activities which take place at the Everest Sports Club ground, Carifesta avenue and Camp road is expected to see male and female athletes from various communities throughout the country participating in various sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, cricket, swimming, archery and some novelty events.

The games will run over three days beginning on Friday, September 22 with the official opening ceremony with the march past of athletes and will end on Sunday with the grand final of the male football tournament.

Dr Jose Da Silva (right) hands over the attractive playing kits to Coach Sheldon Bobb

Central Corentyne Secondary complete volleyball clean sweep

T

agore, Linepath and Central Corentyne schools registered commanding victories last weekend when action continued in the Region Six Secondary School’s Volleyball tournament played at venues across Berbice.

In the first leg of the competition played among institutes in the Upper Corentyne area, three schools; Skeldon Linepath, Skeldon High and Tagore Memorial did battle in the round robin stages with Tagore emerging winners of the male category after beating Skeldon in the final encounter.

In the female category, it was only Linepath and Skeldon High who

did battle with the former winning after completing two straight sets.

Meanwhile, in the second leg played among schools in the Central Corentyne area, the home team overcame Bushlot Secondary by two sets (25-7, 25-8) to win the finals of that zone.

In the earlier rounds, Bush Lot beat Manchester Secondary 30-27 thus advancing to the finals while the eventual winners Central Corentyne disposed of Bush Lot 30-7 to set up the final clash.

The female encounter was also won by Central Corentyne who made light work of Manchester Secondary, winning by a single set 30-16.

Meanwhile, the Kendall Memorial

Sports Club of Number 19 village Corentyne, Berbice held a one day tournament on Sunday in memory of the late Mark Hendricks. Four male teams namely; Guysuco Training Center Port Mourant 1 (GTCPM), Corriveton Jets, Kendall’s Union and BTCPM 2 squared off in the Junior category.

GTCPM 1 prevailed winners over GTCPM 2 in the final match which was affected by bad light, storming to a 3022 set win. In the senior male category, five teams; Port Mourant Training Center 1 (PMTC1), PMTC 2, Rollers, Port Mourant Jaguars and Kendall’s Union

locked horns i n the round r o b i n stages with PMTC 1 trouncing Rollers two sets (25-14, 28-18) to clinch the finals.

PMTC 1 received $20,000 and a trophy for finishing first while Rollers received $10,000 as well as a trophy.

National Setter and PMTC 1 Davendra Latchman won the MVP award. The tournament continues this week.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

GCB/CGI Jaguars 3-Day Franchise League

Rain dampens final day action A

weekend of high-quality cricket ended in disappointing fashion on Sunday, as rain forced drawn results between East Coast Demerara and Georgetown as well as East Bank Demerara and Essequibo in round three of the ongoing Jaguars 3-Day Franchise League.

At the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, national youth batting sensation Bhaskar Yadram slammed an unbeaten 108 with five fours and six sixes as East Coast Demerara made a spirited attempt to chase of 300 runs for a come from behind win. He was aided by a solid unbeaten innings of 54 from Chandrapaul Hemraj. The Everest Cricket Club players combined for a century partnership which ended when bad light stopped play at with the score on 194-2 after 34 over.

Umpires Nigel Dugid (second from right) and Shannon Crawford (second from left) relay their decision to Essequibo Captain Anthony Adams (right) and Danny Narayan of East Bank Demerara at Everest on Sunday

The partnership between Yadram and Hemraj was the highlight on the final day’s play, following East Coast’s loss of their openers; outof-favor West Indies Test

opener Rajendra Chandrika (11) and the ultra-aggressive Brian Sattaur (17) who were both removed by young Jamaican leg-spinner Ramaal Lewis (2-42) af-

ter Georgetown declared on their overnight score of 2449 leaving the hosts to get 300 runs for victory.

Play on the final day began at 14:50h due to early

morning rain which kept the pitch covered and the players indoors. Only 33 overs were permitted before last hour.

Scores; Georgetown 199 & 244-9 declared. East Coast Demerara 136 and 194-2.

Over at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, rain in the first session put the brakes on Essequibo’s push for an outright victory. Allrounder Sherfane Rutherford resumed on 108 but added just three runs to finish on 111 as East Bank Demerara ended their first innings on 312 after starting the day on 303-9 in response to 280 all out made by Essequibo in their first innings.

Left-arm spinner and Essequibo skipper Anthony Adams snatched (3-73) while Ricardo Adams (2-35), all-rounder Keemo Paul (289) and fast-bowler Joshua Jones (1-18), lent significant support to their captain. Trailing by 32 runs,

Essequibo was then forced to end their second innings on 48-2 when the heavens opened. After a series of inspections, match Umpires Nigel Dugid and Shannon Crawford called off the match at approximately 14:35hrs. The experienced officials cited that the bowlers run up at the northern end and the eastern section of the square were too wet for play to resume and there was little possibility of the spots drying out due to the overcast conditions.

The fourth round bowls off on Friday with Lower Corentyne facing East Bank at Cumberland, Upper Corentyne versus West Demerara at Port Mourant; West Berbice will tackle East Coast at Bush Lot while the Georgetown/Essequibo clash is expected to bowl off at the Bourda Ground.

Nedd committed Persaud's impressive form continues in to building strong Recorded Shoot IGG volleyball unit P

resident of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) and Head Selector Levi Nedd said scouting for fresh talent ahead of the 2018 Inter Guiana Games (IGG) has already begun, noting that he’s impressed with the young upcoming talent.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Monday, Nedd stated that with four IGG titles already in the bag, it is important to commence recruiting and training of Levi Nedd new players over the next six months as they prepare to hunt a fifth title.

When asked on the importance of the ongoing Secondary School’s tourney currently being played in Berbice, Nedd added that the competition itself is a reservoir for “raw talent” and he’s immensely impressed by some of the performances of the teens, one of which was a part of the last year’s IGG squad. “We’re seeing a lot of raw talent in the school competition, especially from the youngsters and it’s good because it will help to take volleyball to the next level,” said the BVA President.

Speaking on upcoming plans ahead of the 2018 IGG, the selector pointed out that it was critical for them to identify as much skillful players as possible over the next few months so they can be brought into the picture and commence their training immediately in order to be well-prepared should they find favor with the selectors ahead of picking the national squad.

The former National player also noted that while the team has been doing well over the past few years both locally and regionally, he confirmed that more training will be conducted indoors as they look to step up their all-round training in the days ahead. “If we want to be prepared for the international stages and play volleyball we will need to train and have accurate simulations which mirror that of the international standards”, He said.

In closing, Nedd was adamant that a well-oiled Guyana unit can continue their amazing run and deliver another piece of silverware come next IGG, adding that the holistic goal in the months to come will be directed to ensuring volleyball is continuously developed and promoted thereafter.

T

he Guyana NRA Fullbore Section held a Recorded Shoot on Sunday at the newly renovated right shooting bank.

This would have been the first time in over four years that they were able to use the right side, since the target mechanism were nonfunctional.

This was done to have the local shooters become familiar with the wind conditions on this bank. Once more Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud was leading the team from the front with a score of 132.10, in the new conditions.

He shot a possible 50.5 at the 900 yards range, while dropping one point at the 500 with 34.2 and two at the 300 with 48.3. As if to follow

Name Mahendra Persaud Dylan Fields Lennox Braithwaite Ransford Goodluck Sherwin Felicien Peter Persaud Leo Romalho Roberto Tiwari Ryan Sampson Dane Blair

in rank, the Vice Captain Dylan Fields, and son of former Captain Richard Fields, shot 128.5 winning the 300yds with 49.5 and shooting 32.0 at 500 and 47.0 at 900.

Commonwealth Games bound Lennox Braithwaite also shot a score of 128 but one less V than Fields.

Braithwaite won the 500 yards by shooting a possible of 35.1 and also shot 47.2 at the 300 and 46.1 at the 900.

Ransford Goodluck was on target at the 900 yards with a score of 49.6.

Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud was very happy with the performances as he stated the gap with shooters aggregate scores is beginning to closeup, indicating that shooters are beginning to peak at the

300 yds Pt V 48 3 49 5 47 2 45 1 45 1 48 2 44 1 44 2 47 1 45 3

500 yds Pt V 34 2 32 0 35 1 33 2 33 3 31 1 32 3 32 4 30 1 33 1

900 yds Pt V 50 5 47 0 46 1 49 6 47 3 45 3 46 3 46 1 45 2 43 0

Total Pt 132 128 128 127 125 124 122 122 122 121

Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud

V 10 5 4 9 7 6 7 7 4 4

correct time.

Next weekend the riflemen will be hoping to practice on Saturday and Sunday to familiarize themselves with the new batch of ammunition that has just arrived and which will be used for the competition. The Guyana NRA wishes to take this opportunity to thank the US Embassy Officials for their assistance in obtaining the requisite status for the approval, in order to be able to import the world class ammunition from the United States.

23

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, september 19, 2017

Desperate Windies hunt series & ranking points

F

ormer two-time World Cup champions in the 50-over format of the game, West Indies have found themselves in a very uncomfortable position that could see the regional side missing an automatic berth to the next World Cup. Following West Indies' victory in Saturday's oneoff T20 and their stunning run-chase in the second Test at Headingley, England's lead would have been a narrow eight points to six with a possible 10 still up for grabs - an ideal level of intrigue leading into the latest finish to an English season on record.

And yet … taken in its own context (and leaving aside the threat of cold, wet conditions and potentially indifferent crowds), this particular oneday series requires remarkably little artifice to have an interest all of its own. Part of that may be due to a tinge of desperation on the part of the visitors - West Indies, currently ranked No.9 in the world in ODIs. The visitors need a 4-0 or 5-0 series win to vault into the top eight positions. And even if that challenge proves beyond them, the fact that the World Cup will be taking place on English soil in barely 18 months' time means that there are still plenty of benefits to be had in this reconnaissance mission.

More pertinently, however, the coming five matches represent the first trickle of a new era for West Indies cricket following the thawing in relations between their senior players and the CWI. A pair of star batsmen are back in harness for this trip Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels - with the promise of more to come if further progress can be made in negotiations. It's small steps, but significant ones, given how far apart the two parties have been since last year's World T20, when it could be argued that the righteous fury that the board ignited within a tight-knit squad turned out to be a major factor in their surge to the trophy.

For England, too, there is plenty at stake in the

coming few days. They have put so much into their white-ball cricket in recent seasons that this brief outing - sandwiched as it is between seven home Tests and the rapidly approaching Ashes tour. All the more reason, therefore, for Eoin Morgan's men to put their best feet forward as the season draws to a close, and keep that precious "momentum" (whatever that really entails…) bubbling into their new-year engagements in Australia and New Zealand.

He's days away from his 38th birthday, and in terms of his career, he's already deeper into autumn than even this English season. But there's an inevitable sense of new beginnings for Chris Gayle, as he prepares for what will be his first ODI appearance since the 2015 World Cup. Gayle showed during his brief and explosive foray at Chester-le-Street that he remains a formidable campaigner, still without equal when it comes to dispatching length deliveries into the ether, of which there were far too many in England's gullible bowling performance in Saturday's T20. His running between the wickets, never exactly a strength even in his heyday, remains an Achilles heel.

But he's got his sights firmly set on the 2019 World Cup, and amid the thawing of relationships with CWI, who would bet against him securing his dream farewell?

It's not the same format, but there will be several of the same players ready to greet him as he makes his return to the white-ball fray. Ben Stokes was controversially omitted from England's ranks in the one-off T20 at his home ground in Durham, but now he's back on parade, and reunited with the team that swiped his dream, and his final over, into the night sky in Kolkata 18 months ago. Most significantly, perhaps, Stokes will be reunited with Marlon Samuels - a player who has been under his skin and in his face for the best part of two years. Salutes, taunts and a truck-load of vitriol has flowed between two players

who wear their hearts on their sleeves.

It's not always edifying viewing, but it's rarely less than entertaining. And given the importance of the two characters to their teams, whoever wins their personal duel will go a long way to winning the overall contest.

England will be strengthened significantly from the T20 line-up with the return of their two allrounders, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali. Chris Woakes may be in line for his ODI return, having suffered a side strain in the opening match of the Champions Trophy, but Tom Curran - impressive in his three T20s to date - could be in line for a debut.

It promises to be bright and intermittently warm at Old Trafford on Tuesday, which ought to cheer up West Indies after their less-than-enthusiastic tackling of the chilly evening conditions at Chester-le-Street on Saturday. It's been a while since Old Trafford hosted a 50over game, but Lancashire amassed 300-plus scores in both of their Royal London Cup fixtures earlier this season, so plenty runs could be in the offing. The first ball is at 07:30h Guyana time.

England squad; Eion Morgan (captain), Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, Jake Ball and Liam Plunkett West Indies squad; Jason Holder (Captain), Jason Mohammed (Vice Captain), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins, Chris Gayle, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor and Kesrick Williams.

Lots will depend on West Indies openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis throughout the series for good starts

Police beat GFC to Corona football title

It was a tough night for GFC against a well-composed Police unit

P

olice continued their ascendency in local football when they defeated host Georgetown Football Club (GFC) on Sunday evening to win the inaugural Corona Invitational Football title.

The battle as was touted “was age versus experience” and the lawmen taught the

Bourda a lesson to remember with a clinical display of aggression and compact defending.

Led by captain Dwain Jacobs with a hat-trick, the lawmen arrested any thoughts of GFC springing a surprise. Jacobs scored in the 8th, 42, and 45th while Kester Dondus netted in the

48th The experienced Jacobs opened the scoring with a piercing shot from the right to rattle the boys in blue and white and ignite some thunderous cheers from the sizable crowd in attendance.

GFC had defeated Police 3-0 at the group stage

and might have been still savouring that idea but marque striker Benjamin Opara impact in the match was virtually nullified and their counter-attacks lacked the cutting-edge to bring more success.

Jacobs who continued to be a serious threat in the mid-field even without his ‘partner in crime’ Quincy Holder, made his way into the 18-yard box and lifted the ball over the rushing custodian, sprinting off into celebration mode.

The heart ache for the home side continued when Jacobs from about 35 yards out hit a powerful right footer that rocked the right bottom of the net. At the interval, the scores were 3-0 and to much bewilderment, first choice keeper for GFC Sessi Norville was absent from goal.

Chasing a herculean task of rescuing the match, GFC began scripting some niffy set pieces but the joy if any was short-lived as Dondus had the simplest of jobs dabbing the final nail in the coffin for GFC. The final whistle came

Marksmen! Kester Dondus (left) and Dwain Jacobs

and the celebrations were on for the Guyana Police Force FC who won the $1M first place purse and the championship trophy – it was their second title in two years.

For GFC their road to their first final in over 10 years ended with $400,000 second place prize.

Meanwhile, Western Tigers topped Northern

Rangers 2-0 for the third position in the tournament. Tigers scored in the 35th minute through a goal from Darren Benjamin, while Jamal Pedro scored in the 90th+1 minute. For the win they were awarded $200,000 prize while Rangers received $100,000 and the corresponding titles. (Akeem Greene)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Desperate Windies hunt series & ranking points Pg 23

The West Indies team warm up in the shadow of the James Anderson pavilion ahead of the Royal London Trophy opener against England today in Manchester, England (Photo by Stu Forster/ Getty Images)

Celebration time! Police savouring the success of winning the inaugural tournament on Sunday evening

Police beat GFC to Corona football title

Pg 23

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