Guyana times september 22, 2017

UNAIDS negotiates lower price for onepill HIV P15 treatment Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3339

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, September 22, 2017

Cash-strapped GuySuCo gets $2B ‘lifeline’ Page 3

...will require more money – Minister Harmon

Guyanese in hurricanetorn BVI want children to return home

Page 2

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

President P9 engages with Inter-American Defence Board Delegates

Govt defends Patterson’s P16 oil concession ‘claims’

...PPP says Govt must act swiftly to evacuate Guyanese desirous of coming home

Arrest P5 made in GTT cable theft Missing Berbice teen

Fresh evidence could link P16 prime suspect to teenager

– in Georgetown As the world celebrates International Day of Peace under the theme “Together For Peace: Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All”, many persons in Guyana including children (as seen in super imposed photos above) showed their support by participating in a Peace Walk in Georgetown on Thursday which was organised by the Social Cohesion Ministry (Carl Croker photos)

New Demerara River bridge feasibility study

Page 7

Dutch company awarded $146M contract without tendering

– PPP/C calls for investigation, lodges complaint over breach of procurement laws

Unemployed and looking for ‘quick cash’

Woman gets 4 years jail for trafficking cocaine P8

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese in hurricane-torn BVI want children to return home

...PPP says Govt must act swiftly to evacuate Guyanese desirous of coming home

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he Guyana Government’s delegation has returned from Antigua, St Maarten and the British Virgin Islands, where the Needs Assessment Team was sent in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, who spearheaded that team, on Thursday met with members of the local media corps and briefed them on some of the relief initiatives Government is currently considering and to provide a first-hand account of the extent of the devastation.

According to Minister Felix, in addition to food, building and medical supplies, some of the affected Guyanese have been inquiring about the possible evacuation from the devastated islands to Guyana, specifically of school-aged children.

He explained that many of the Guyanese have expressed a willingness to remain on the Caribbean islands in order to cash in on the rebuilding efforts.

According to Felix, the in-

formation supplied to him and his team indicates that in St Maarten there are some 7000 Guyanese domiciled, while in Tortola, BVI, the population stands around 1500.

Felix was quick to point out that whatever relief efforts that would be made by Government, it would be incumbent on the Governments of those countries to spearhead the local relief efforts and the supplies would not be sent directly to Guyanese groupings.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was on hand for the press engagement, had earlier indicated that Guyana currently has 10 containers of supplies ready for delivery to Antigua – the designated hub for all of the relief efforts pouring into the region.

According to Minister Harmon, Government has secured the assistance of the British Government, through the local High Commissioner, for use of a C-130 military cargo aircraft in order to transport the supplies from Guyana to Antigua.

Felix also used the oppor-

tunity to highlight shortcomings encountered by the team which he said were due in part to the extent of the damage to the communities that led to the Diaspora members being unprepared for the visit.

This was compounded by

van Dyke or Anegada, the other two of the larger populated islands in the BVI where Guyanese currently reside. an extenProviding sive briefing, Minister Felix reported that the Needs Assessment team was flown

Aerial footage illustrates the extent of the damage in BVI (KCRA.com)

curfews that had been set in place both in St Maarten and Tortola, BVI. Felix told media operatives the team was unable to travel to the neighbouring Virgin Gorda, Jost

to St Maarten, by chartered aircraft, where there was complete devastation of the island much like Barbuda – which has since had to evacuate all of the residents to the

neighbouring sister island of Antigua.

According to Minister Felix, “there we met total devastation of the island” with many houses in sight being without roof, electricity or water. Telephone services have also been disrupted and “there was severe damage to property”, he added.

The team did manage to meet with a pocket of Guyanese living in St Maarten and they “all expressed the need for assistance in terms of building materials, water, bedding and items to make them comfortable”.

He did report, however, that while they would have been able to meet with a few representatives in St Maarten, “they were so badly affected that the level of preparation we expected there, we did not have it, so we did not meet large numbers of Guyanese, remember those persons were also affected by the Hurricane.”

According to Felix, the team while in Tortola managed to meet with a small number of Guyanese, estimated to be between 80 and 100.

He told media operatives the team did manage to traverse the British Overseas Territory, where they were able to have a first-hand assessment of the extent of the damage in addition to meeting with BVI’s Premier, Dr Orlando Smith.

According to Felix, while the requests from the Guyanese living in Tortola were similar to those heard in St Maarten in relation to food and medical supplies, they needed some additional supplies.

He spoke to the need for vector control materials such as treated mosquito nets as a result of the mosquitoes.

Minister Felix was quick to also point out that during his meetings with Guyanese living in Tortola, “many of them did not want, they did not express a need to return to Guyana, those we met did not express a need to return to Guyana, but they wanted their children return.”

He told media operatives that this request posed a situation that would have to be carefully managed given the

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

immigration and other demands that could make the process a tedious one.

“Unaccompanied children on travel is never advisable particularly where the aircraft might not be 1, a private charter, so that is a situation we have to manage carefully.”

The Minister did point out that the Guyanese delegation has made some recommendations namely, Antigua be made the staging point or hub for the relief efforts and that children returning to Guyana be accompanied by an adult.

It was reported that the Guyana Government has agreed to also repatriate to Guyana Dereck Ragnauth’s corpse.

The 55-year-old Guyanese perished in the BVI when his house collapsed killing him during Hurricane Irma.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition, in an earlier statement, had reiterated calls made by the PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo for government to act swiftly to initiate steps to evacuate Guyanese desirous of coming home. The PPP General Secretary noted that Hurricane Irma has practically reduced some of these islands to ground zero. “It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Government of Guyana to take immediate action,” it said.

The PPP also expressed sincere hopes that the rebuilding process will be swift; and a smooth and successful implementation of all emergency interventions, both infrastructural and humanitarian.

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 22 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, September 23 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 22 – 05:20h-06:50h and Saturday, September 23 – 05:50h-07:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain to light showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunny weather returning in the later afternoon. Clear skies are expected to give way to light rain showers in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 26 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East South-easterly and Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 05:35h and 17:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.74 metres and 2.75 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:25h and 23:43h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.45 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, September 20, 2017

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Cash-strapped GuySuCo gets $2B ‘lifeline’ ...will require more money – Minister Harmon

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cash-strapped Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) was by the end of Thursday expected to conclude the sale of large portions of lands in order to meet with its immediate $2 billion requirements to, in part, meet payment of wages and salaries.

The sale is being executed between the Corporation and the Government’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The sale of land was confirmed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who told media operatives on Thursday that the matter had been ventilated when Cabinet met on Tuesday last and was chaired by Prime Minister, performing the duties of President, Moses Nagamootoo.

Minister Harmon, in providing the post meeting brief, reported that the decision was taken following a Cabinet deliberation focused on the financial position of the Sugar Corporation which was presented by Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma.

According to Minster Harmon, “Cabinet considered the report and authorised the Minster to assist with the management of GuySuCo with their ongoing discussions with Central Housing and Planning Authority to finalise the sale of lands and to facilitate payments for such lands to GuySuCo urgently.”

Minster Harmon, when questioned by this publication, conceded that the $2 billion to be raised by GuySuCo by selling off some of its lands will not be enough to meet the requirements of the Corporation.

He indicated that the entity will require more money before the end of the year.

He also told media operatives “GuySuCo requires more monies, this is an emergency intervention... as you know, sale of lands was always a part of the diversifi-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon briefs members of the media on the sale of GuySuCo lands to the CH&PA

cation process of GuySuCo.” According to Minister Harmon, there was a request for $2 billion and he assured that the monies to be had through CH&PA would cover this request.

“Government has suggested that the Junior Finance Minister assist the CH&PA pay for lands which have been identified.”

He explained that the lands will now be put under the purview of the Central Housing & Planning Authority and “will be available to the Guyanese public.”

The Minister was at the time unable to identify precisely where the lands identified for sale are located except to say, “those are matters which are within discussions of GuySuCo and CH&PA but what I can say is that the $2 billion will be made available.”

He told media operatives the transactions between the CH&PA and GuySuCo with the assistance of the Junior Finance Minister – currently acting in the substantive position – “will be completed today.”

The financial state of affairs at the Corporation had reached a point where there had been significant delays in payments of wages and salaries.

This, among other factors, led to an emergency meeting on Monday last ahead of the Cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Nagamootoo, GuySuCo’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, to discuss “urgent cash flow relative to wages, salaries and other payments at GuySuCo.” Meanwhile as part of the ongoing divestment of the assets belonging to the beleaguered GuySuCo, Minister Harmon also announced that Colvin KeithLondon has been appointed as head of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU).

That Unit has been tasked with the divestment of GuySuCo’s assets, inclusive of its lands and according to Harmon, KeithLondon will be based at the Kingston Headquarters for the National Industrial and

Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

That Unit was first announced by the Agriculture Minister when in recent months he presented a Policy Paper to the National Assembly on the future of the sugar industry.

That Unit was allocated some $130 million “to provide for the establishment of a SPU to manage the reform of the sugar industry” when the Government in July last requested a supplementary request to tap the national coffers.

The National Assembly has since approved the monies for the Unit to be headed

by Keith-London.

At the time monies were being approved for the Special Purpose Unit, substantive Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in seeking to apprise the House, indicated that Government was unclear as to what it is looking to rake in from the sale of the GuySuCo assets since they still need to be properly evaluated.

He had explained that the purpose of the Special Purpose Unit under the rubric of NICIL will be for the divestment and privatisation of certain parts of GuySuCo. Some $60 million has been approved for the company to hire an accounting firm in order to lead the divestment process, including updated valuations of assets.

GuySuCo’s properties will be transferred to the Special Purpose Unit for divestment by that outfit.

(Gary Eleazar)

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, September 22, 2017

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

Caring for our elders in society

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news item in a print daily of Tuesday April 12, 2011, headlined “Granny, 75, hangs self” relates that the grandmother had decided to hang herself because she could not afford to pay her grocery bills.

Reportedly, the grandmother had been living in the upper flat of her own home while her son, daughter-in-law and their children occupied the lower apartment – rent-free.

She had been eking out an existence off the small Government pension, which had apparently not been enough to pay her bills and provide her with sustenance for survival.

After paying her utilities, she was not left with sufficient funds to purchase enough groceries on which to subsist; so hunger drove her to take credit from the grocery store, which of course left her in debt that she could not repay. Caught in a vicious cycle of financial straits from which she could not extricate herself, in desperation she ended her life.

Needing to go out, the daughter-in-law went to ask her to babysit and discovered the old woman’s body hanging from the rafter of her bedroom.

Only a mother knows of the travails she endures to nurture and bring up a child to adulthood, especially a single mother with no support system. And only a mother whose child abandons her in her hour of need knows the agony this mother must have experienced when she had to go hungry, even as she was providing shelter – and probably paying utility bills and property taxes for family members who did not care that she was literally starving.

Water and electricity bills had been subsidised for pensioners by the previous Administration; but these were only sufficient for a single person, but property taxes are/were not subsidised, so her cumulative financial problems became insurmountable – to the extent that she saw no way out but to take her own life.

With rare exceptions to the general norm, this current generation seems to think that mothers are disposable commodities, only for use as maids and convenient babysitters, without being accorded any status of respect or care as an elderly family member.

Their treatment of mothers is generally dictated by their spouses, who would more than likely favour their own relatives.

What is so hard about providing a meal for an elderly parent? It is absolutely reprehensible for a child to sit down at a laden table without considering that the mother who nurtured him in her womb, fed him from her breast, then from her plate; who provided the wherewithal for his every need until he could fend for himself, is going hungry – to the extent where she decides that death is preferable to slow starvation, and loss of dignity through having to credit basic foodstuff in desperation, in full knowledge that she most likely would not be able to pay for the items because her pension, which was her only source of income, was earmarked for utilities.

The society, the community, and worse of all, family members have all failed this woman and are indirectly responsible for her untimely death. No one should go hungry and become so hopeless that they take their own lives from desperation and inability to provide for themselves the most basic sustenance for survival.

Religious leaders should be pivots around which communities circumnavigate their social dynamics – and elders, single parents and children should be under community watch at all times.

It is the way of all our cultures; but, sadly, we all seem to have lost our way, as a nation of diverse cultures that once held dear the elders of our society.

The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in April 2002 mark a turning point in how the world addresses the key challenge of “building a society for all ages”.

The Madrid Plan of Action offers a bold new agenda for handling the issue of ageing in the 21st-century. It focuses on three priority areas: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments. It is a resource for policymaking, suggesting ways for governments, non-governmental organisations and other actors to reorient the ways in which their societies perceive, interact with and care for their older citizens. And it represents the first time governments agreed to link questions of ageing to other frameworks for social and economic development and human rights, most notably those agreed at the United Nations conferences and summits of the past decade.

A jackal scares away a scavenging bird during a harsh Bulgarian winter. According to National Geographic’s Your Shot photographer, Sergey Zlatkov, the jackal had been feasting on a dead animal nearby, and didn't want to share

GECOM: Damaging Guyana’s democracy, integrity test needed Dear Editor, One of the most important institutions in our country is the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). It has a great responsibility to not only hold free and fair elections, but it must also appear to be fair in the conduct of its business.

In this regard, it is one of the most important institutions for the continuation of Guyana on a democratic path. While free and fair elections alone are not total democracy, it is at the heart of all democratic societies.

It has to instil confidence in the people of our country that it is discharging its functions without fear or favour.

Our people and the world should be assured by the conduct of the elections and GECOM’s day to day work that everything is above board and that elections are unquestionable.

Therefore, I would say that those who work in that institution carry an enormous national responsibility. It is expected that our national interests should come before personal political preferences. In a word, we need patriotic persons there.

These persons would determine if our country will move forward or go into another regression, as happened during the 1970s and 1980s, when Guyana was regarded as being undemocratic and even dictatorial. Our country has proven that there is a direct link between socio-economic progress and politi-

cal democracy.

However, there are important cases where the attitude of GECOM’s Secretariat puts into question the ability of this organisation, as is presently composed, to discharge such a critical national function.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has put an elections petition to the court questioning the conduct of the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Persons would recall that the A Partnership for National Unity was declared the ‘winner’ by a very small margin.

In most other democracies in the world, a recount would have been automatic. GECOM denied the requested recount.

Even in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), where a small amount of votes had to be counted, the PPP/C’s request for a recount of the votes there, where it ‘lost’ the parliamentary seat by one vote, was denied.

The PPP/C, in a meeting with GECOM before the declaration of the results, asked that at least 22 boxes be recounted. This would have taken about two hours at the most. GECOM agreed to do the recount, but never did.

When the elections petition was put in court, one would have expected that GECOM, more than any other body, would have been anxious to prove the PPP/C wrong and to vindicate itself. Not so!

GECOM, through its

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, did everything to frustrate the court’s hearing of the petition. It went to court trying to get the PPP/C petition thrown out without a hearing. This action alone must raise suspicions as to why GECOM would not want the petition to be heard after a refusal of a recount!

Indeed, it is in GECOM’s interest to have that done.

One cannot help asking what do they have to hide?

As if that alone was not enough to taint GECOM’s reputation, we see the other charges of massive corruption reportedly taking place at GECOM. The media recently reported on the huge amount of toners brought

by GECOM for millions were not used. We have also learnt, via the media, that millions more were spent on radios; again, not used. In these reports there is the strong suggestion of deals and kickbacks. Large amounts of batteries which were purchased at inflated prices are still on hand at GECOM. It is probably why GECOM pushed the Cabinet, very late into the elections process, to buy ‘emergency’ supplies. Just to find out that the things that were brought under emergency, close to the elections, were not necessary because they were never used.

The media also reported earlier of tools and other items brought in large quantities at very high prices. Most were never

used.

Alarmingly too, officials at GECOM were either hiding from the press or refused to comment.

GECOM staff is one of the best paid in the public service. One would expect the highest levels of integrity from persons working in this vital national institution.

Personal and professional integrity are important for employment there.

It is, therefore, unfortunate to hear that the names of top officials are being implicated in what appears to be a multimillion-dollar fraud. This includes the Chief Elections Officer, the Chief Accountant and other senior staff.

I am sure that the thought going through people’s minds is that if we find corruption of that sort at such an institution and at such high levels, then it’s not a big step for such persons to participate in rigging of elections. This can do real harm to public confidence. Confidence of the public is vital for GECOM’s functions.

This type of behaviour would put election results into question.

Clearly, the nature and importance of GECOM is so great that integrity testing must be used on GECOM staff. This is important to know so that we have people with clean hands and persons who would act professionally at elections time.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Arrest made in GTT cable theft – as offered $500,000 reward bears fruit

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he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) on Thursday commended public spirited citizens and members of the law enforcement agencies for apprehending a person reported for their cable theft.

The arrest followed closely on the heels of an offered reward of $500,000 for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrator.

Only last week, (on

September 12 and 13) 300 metres of cable were stolen at New Hope and Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara respectively. After the cable was cut and removed, more than 400 customers lost both voice and data services.

According to GTT in a release, within a day of that theft, information was received in response to the reward offer and led law enforcement officers to Pasha’s Scrap

Yard in Albouystown where a purchaser of the stolen GTT cable was apprehended.

GTT CEO Justin Nedd was on Thursday in high praise of the swift response of the Guyana Police Force.

Nedd said, “While we remain disheartened by the continued acts of vandalism against our fibre infrastructure and theft of copper cable, we are heartened by the swift response of the Police

once we had received the information.”

GTT and law enforcement officers, buoyed by this arrest, continue to hunt for the saboteurs of the fibre network, he said.

At a joint media conference with GTT at the Public Telecommunications Ministry in July, Minister Cathy Hughes had pledged Government’s support in apprehending persons who

damage GTT infrastructure, pointing out that there were stiff provisions in the law, referencing Section 131 of the Criminal Law Offenses Act Chapter 8:01.

Nedd also said, “we are also very happy with the support we got from the Government, especially from the Ministers of Public Security, Business, and Public Telecommunications during this episode. The

Government’s actions were in keeping with their commitments made in public.”

GTT announced the system of cash rewards at the July media conference in a push to ensure that “perpetrators of vandalism and theft are no longer able to undermine business and put citizens and public services at risk by bringing down the network for their own nefarious gain.”

I urge Govt to award casino licence to Sleepin Hotel’s owner Dear Editor, Hurricane Irma has caused catastrophic damage to a number of islands in the Caribbean: St Maarten, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, etc. These islands earn a large proportion of their Gross Domestic Product from the tourism sector. A significant contributor of the tourism sector among these countries is the casino industry.

Many casinos situated in countries affected by Irma, have been left to mere rubble such as The Casino Royale in

St Maarten. The devastating damage inflicted upon these casinos can be seen as an unfavourable blow to the economy; since there may be a decline in the tourism sector as a result of the closure of these casinos. The ruined casinos may remain closed for an extensive period because the expenditure needed to rebuild or even repair them is astronomical. This presents Guyana with the opportunity to enhance its tourism sector, through the casino industry, because tourists currently require a new avenue for gambling, as a result of

Irma’s wrath upon casinos such as The Casino Royale.

Therefore, the Government of Guyana, should encourage and not discourage the establishment of casinos because of the immediate advantage it presents for the economy, more particularly, the tourism sector. Moreover, the Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino can aid Guyana in this endeavour, once it is granted the casino licence.

The Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino has in its possession all of the requirements for the casino licence

since 2016. The denial of Sleepin’s application in 2016 for the casino’s licence is incomprehensible and the prolonged delay for the approval of its pending reapplication is a mystery. I find this a mystery because during my last visit to Guyana, during this summer, I noticed that some local bars such as the Seeta’s bar and the Blue Martini have operating gambling machines on their premise, which are available for the public to use. I request the Gaming Authority to answer the following questions: Is it lawful for these

bars to have these gambling machines, which are similar to those found in casinos? If it is lawful, why permit local bars, which never had to invest in a 150-room hotel facility, to operate gambling machines, similar to that found in casinos and deny a US$20 million hotel the casino’s licence?

During my visit to Guyana, I stayed at the accommodating Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino. The owner, Clifton Bacchus, showed me his impressive casino facilities which would be staffed with 300 already

trained Guyanese. The casino facilities seem to be world-class and are ready to function, as soon as it is granted its licence.

I urge the Government to award Bacchus his licence so he can start his operations immediately and in the same vein, the economy of the country will be boosted significantly, keeping in mind, the advantage it has over the other countries affected by hurricane Irma.

Sincerely, Theophilus Morgan

‘Racial slur’ offender rewarded with all-expenses paid NY trip instead of being disciplined Dear Editor, This is in reference to the anti-Indian racial slur on social media, allegedly made by Ms Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett, the Public Information and Press Services Officer for President David Granger that was exposed and commented on by your media (GT September 16, 17, 20). It brought back memories of the late dictator Desmond Hoyte’s usage of the term “Putagee mafia" in referring to people of Portuguese descent – that clearly was an anti-Portuguese mindset (by those in power) similar to Ms Nicholas-Garrett’s usage of the derogatory "coolie" in referring to Indians.

Let us be honest to ourselves – ethnic coinage (slurs, so to speak) as used by Hoyte, Nicholas-Garrett, etc, is common in everyday language use in Guyana and several other societies (including the US and Fiji) where the descendants of indentured labourers are found. They detest and despise Indians and people not of their ethnicity. But as offensive as they may be or as deprecatory as they may sound, it is no big deal in Guyana or Trinidad to refer to people as “coolie” or “negro” or “blackman”, or “buck” or “putagee” or “chinaman” (or Chink) or “Redman”, or “Hunkie”, etc. I heard the term “coolie” routinely used in Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, Aruba, Suriname, etc.

And Indians use it routinely in North America and the Caribbean to refer to each other or among their own people. The colonial British masters introduced these insulting descriptions or racial slurs

to describe Guyanese of varied qualified apology and offer ethnicities and these are still her resignation. used today and also present Since she failed to tender in the mindset of Guyanese. an apology, at a minimum, We cannot escape them. But she should have been disciwe don't let them bother us plined – suspended for a perior keep us down. In fact, gen- od of time, fired, and even sent erally speaking, the “coolies” for cultural training course, have done quite well wherev- etc. In the US or Canada, she er they are found overcoming would have been fired instantadversities. ly for which they would have Ethnic slurs are not taken been no recourse. as that offensive and in some In Guyana, unfortunatesituations may even be con- ly, she was rewarded – sent sidered as endearment, de- on a fantastic all-expenses pending on how it is said or paid trip to New York with who is saying it and to whom; the President to attend the agreed some do indeed find United Nations conference. the term offensive. Not every The UN is about multiculturtime the terms are used do alism and respect for other they suggest a racist mindset nationalities (identities) and or that the speaker is a rac- cultures. She should not have ist. But context in the usage been on that trip. It is inexpliof the terms makes all the dif- cable why the President or the ference – genetic origin (refer- Foreign Affairs Minister has ring to a person's identity) or a social behaviour stereotyping a people as coming from low stock or value or not worthy of recognition.

Regardless of context, I won’t refer to an Amerindian as a “buckman” or a AfroGuyanese as “negro” or a Portuguese as “putagee”.

The late Desmond Hoyte calling the late David DeCaires a member of the “putagee mafia” was highly offensive and uncalled for. It was demeaning not only to Portuguese but to decent minded people of other ethnicities, including this writer who condemned the President for uttering it. And in Ms Nicholas-Garrett’s case, her usage of the racial slur “coolie people” is highly offensive. The context reveals an anti-Indian mindset similar to Hoyte’s anti-Portuguese frame of mind, for which she should have tendered an un-

brought her along.

In NY, the issue is no longer Ms Nicholas-Garrett’s disparaging remark about Indians, but her reward with a trip. New York-based Guyanese of diverse ethnicities use this latest episode as evidence to indict the Administration with an anti-Indian bias. They say it reveals the racial and cultural insensitivity of the Granger Administration towards other ethnic groups – and more specifically, that it doesn’t care what the Indo-Guyanese or what others think or feel.

Worse, it sends a message there is no accountability for bad behaviour, not much different from the preceding regime. What is most unfortunate is that the people who condemned the preceding

People’s Progressive Party Administration for not taking actions against ill-disciplined or bad behaviour of some of its public officials are now silent on Ms Nicholas-Garrett – duplicitous or double standard.

Is it a matter of race or politics or both?

In Guyana, ethnicity is a highly divisive issue.

Referring to people in what can be interpreted as demeaning as well as inflammatory terms; and Ms NicholasGarrett’s ethnic slur has evoked widespread response

and condemnation from Indians and even a soft rebuke from the President and the Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency. But that is not enough. Ms NicholasGarrett's demeanour and mental disposition should not only be condemned. She must be instructed to apologise to the Indian community, and she should be removed from a position that is so close to the President.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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friday, September 22, 2017

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ost school-age kids are eager to head back to school.

Sure, they’ll miss their summer vacation, but the prospect of moving up a grade, seeing friends again, and even having a new teacher is really exciting.

However, for a few kids and their parents, it’s kind of a nightmare.

Here are a few stories from years of experience. I’ve changed the details to keep things anonymous, but let’s face it: these kinds of issues are pretty common: Tommy, age 6, was headed for kindergarten. Day after day, Dad was totally humiliated, literally dragging a kicking and screaming child down the street as they walked to school.

And one time a school attendant, who didn’t know Dad, asked Tommy if he knew “this man”. Tommy’s father was mortified when he realised that the school official thought Tommy was being kidnapped.

Sarah, age 11, has had a tough time getting to school since she started almost five years ago. She flatly refused to take the school bus with her friends, so mom had to drive her…or, at least try to drive her. Even if mom could get Sarah to the school parking lot, there was no way Sarah was getting out of the car without a surprisingly spirited fight.

When mom did manage to get Sarah through the front door of her elementary school and leave, Sarah would tearfully demand that her mother be called, or fly to the nurse’s

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Consideration for People with Disabilities

office in a sheer state of panic. As a result, mom often had to miss work to pick Sarah up.

Susie, age 10, suddenly had a terrible time getting to sleep at night. She was up for hours, always worrying about school. It also became virtually

impossible to wake her in time to get ready to leave in the morning. When she was finally up and dressed, she complained of stomach aches or a sore throat, or she simply broke down in tears. Her mother brought her to the paediatrician many times, but nothing was ever found to be wrong.

These are all cases of school refusal, but this term presents a bit of a problem. School refusal is not itself a psychiatric disorder. It is simply a descriptive category referring to a situation in which a child or teen will not go to school. School refusal is, however, a

symptom. There might be a significant anxiety disorder.

There might be an interpersonal problem in the family or with peers.

One fact is for certain: no matter the cause, the refusal to attend school is terribly distressing for both the child and the parent.

While school refusal typically begins between the ages of 5 and 11, it can also surface in adolescence.

Though it only affects about 1 to 5 per cent of kids, it often arises after a stressful event in the child’s life.

These events are almost always interpersonal in nature. The child might have new troubles with peers or teachers. The problem also might get better as the school year progresses, but it can come roaring back after school vacation.

Typically, children or adolescents with school refusal often complain of physical complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, or other kinds of pains. They might also express fears of impending doom, or worry especially that something horrible will happen to parents and other loved ones.

These fears can lead to states of panic. In younger kids, crying and temper tantrums are common. In older kids, threats to family or even selfharm may be a part of the picture.

Symptoms often improve if the child or teen stays home.

But remember: school refusal is a symptom, not a condition in and of itself. So, what are some of the conditions that can lead to school refusal?

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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n Guyana, there is no argument that most of our society caters mainly to one archetype of a person; i.e. a person with full control over their mental and physical faculties. Whilst a fairly obvious example would be the presence (or rather lack thereof) of wheelchair ramps in prominent buildings, this problem runs deeper than just simple infrastructure.

Of course our buildings could be more considerate to people who are disabled, but what about ourselves? In Guyana, Ashley Anthony and perhaps around the world, the mindset is that if you are disabled you are pitiable, and sometimes, perhaps unknowingly, we can treat persons who are disabled as less than human.

It is not our intention to undermine their autonomy, but for example if we address a family member instead of the person directly, even though they can answer for themselves, this is what we accomplish. If we, as strangers, ask incredibly personal and invasive questions (all pertaining to the person’s disability) at a first encounter, we are unknowingly reducing an individual to one specific aspect about himself or herself—as though they are nothing else. Although a major disability undoubtedly plays a central role in that person’s life, it is not their entire identity. Also, we shouldn’t assume that people who are disabled wish that they were like us. For some people, their disability has given them a unique perspective through which to experience the world, and in some cases, even believe themselves to be part of a unique culture.

There is no right way to deal with all people with disabilities. Everyone is different, and what might be taken as a joke by one person might offend another, and individuals will have preferences about the words used to describe them and their disabilities. Of course, you could always look up polite terminology and behaviour to determine how to come off as least offensive as possible, but definitely the best thing to do is to treat the person as an individual and engage him or her so as to figure out what words and actions he or she comfortable with.

One thing, though that we should be able to universally agree upon is that disabilities should not be used as punch lines, made light of, or construed into insults. To claim that you’re mentally incapacitated because you forgot your keys at home, or let your tea get cold can be a slap in the face to someone who is genuinely mentally incapacitated. You are reducing the mental struggle that they face everyday, and jokingly asserting that you understand what its like to be in their place, when you really don’t. A little thought goes a long way. Most of us don’t intentionally mean to disparage someone else, but our actions can be thoughtless and inconsiderate. I urge you, the next time you meet someone with a disability to be conscious of your behaviours.

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friDay, September 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Demerara River bridge feasibility study

Dutch company awarded $146M contract without tendering – PPP/C calls for investigation, lodges complaint over breach of procurement laws

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

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he Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), calling for an investigation into the selection and award of a $146 million contract to Dutch firm LievenseCSO, for the feasibility study on the new Demerara River crossing/ bridge.

In a letter to PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira outlined that the company did not tender for the project, but yet it was awarded the multimillion-dollar contract.

“I, therefore, call on the Public Procurement Commission under Article 212 AA (1) (a), (c), (d), (g), (i), and (j) of the Guyana Constitution to immediately investigate the process and procedures used for the bidding, selection and the Award of Tender to a company, LievenseCSO, that did not tender for the consultancy of the feasibility study and designs of a new Demerara River crossing,” Teixeira said in her letter to the PPC head, which was dated September 18, 2017.

The Opposition Chief Whip detailed that back in January last year, it was reported that some 22 companies responded to a public advertisement and submitted Expressions of Interest for a Consultancy for the Feasibility Study and Designs of a new Demerara River Crossing.

She cited media reports saying that the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn,

disclosed that the Ministry had already evaluated the tenders and handed over the list to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for processing.

Teixeira went on to outline that it was also reported “on December 8, the National Procurement Tender Administration opened the bids from seven European and four Chinese companies which signalled their interests. Several other overseas companies have applied for the contract, some in partnership with local firms”.

The 22 companies were listed as: Politechnica Ingeneria Architecture (Italy) in association with Marcelle Gaskin and Associates of Guyana; Hewson Consulting Engineers of the United Kingdom; COWI of Denmark; IPRO Consulting from Germany; Egis of France; Mott Mc Donald of the United Kingdom in association with SRK Engineering and Consulting; Netherlandsbased Ballast Nedam; China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC); China Railway First Group; Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Communications, Planning, Design and Research; China Shandong International Economic and Technology Competition Group Limited; Rites Limited India; VIKAB Enterprises of Trinidad and Tobago; CFE in association with NV Rustwijk and Rustwijk of Suriname; WSP Caribbean Limited from Trinidad; MMM Group of Canada in association with CEMCO of Guyana; SENER of South Africa; Stantec (Japan) in association with Pedelta; Proficenter from Brazil; Stuart Consulting Group along with Rahmad and Associates from the United States; CBCL Ltd from Nova Scotia, Canada; and Guyana-based Stunning Nisi Inc. According to the Opposition Chief Whip, the media reported back in November that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had announced that LievenseCSO was selected by the NPTAB to do the feasibility study for the new Demerara River crossing.

“However, you will note that

An artist’s impression of what the new ‘curved’ bridge across the Demerara River will look like

this company, LievenseCSO, was not listed as one of the 22 companies which submitted Expressions of Interest in December 2015 as reported by the media,” she stated.

On this note, Teixeira reminded the Commission that part of Guyana’s international obligations under the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption was to ensure that there were transparency and accountability in order to enhance public trust and confidence, particularly in respect to the public procurement process.

Therefore, she continued, access to information, and the availability and accessibility of information, with regard to Government procurement is critical to this objective; hence, PART 11 Section 4 (1) (3)-(6) of the Regulations 2004 (as amended in 2010), provides for the posting on the National Procurement Tender Administration (NPTA) website (www.npta.gov.gy) information and minutes of the opening of the bids, the awards of tenders, protests, etc.

However, the Opposition Chief Whip pointed out that there were no records with regard to this bid opening on either the NPTA or the Finance Ministry websites. She added that there was also no record on the NPTAB website with regard to the Award of Tender to LievenseCSO in November 2016 or any other date as announced by Minister Harmon on November 24, 2016.

“There is no evidence that the original tender was termi-

nated and a new one introduced nor any evidence that the tender had been amended and new Expressions of Interest sought.

The fact that as of April 26, 2016, one company seemed to be in the running and then sev-

en months later another company that never tendered is awarded the contract is highly suspect. Therefore, there has been no transparency with regard to this bid, the selection and award of the Consultancy for the Feasibility Study and Designs for the new Demerara River crossing to LievenseCSO,” she stated.

According to the Opposition Chief Whip, the lack of transparency on this award, its contents and costs are not only “alarming and a travesty”, but are in violation of the Procurement Act, in particular Section 11 (1) and (2), and its Regulations. The recent announcement by the Government of the findings of the feasibility study in August 2017 has brought attention to these violations.

Teixeira went on to say that the fact that the Public Infrastructure Ministry was going ahead with the tender for the Prequalification of Contractors to Finance, Design, Build and Maintain the new Demerara River bridge further compounds and continues these violations.

As such, the Opposition Chief Whip urges that, “…the PPC should also immediately examine the new tender posted for the Prequalification of Contractors for the Finance, Design, Build and Maintain [of] the new Demerara River bridge and monitor the entire process of bidding, evaluation and selection of the contractor(s) to ensure that the Procurement Act and Regulations are strictly adhered to.

8 NEWS

friday, September 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Unemployed and looking for ‘quick cash’

Woman gets 4 years jail World Affairs… for trafficking cocaine

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grandmother looking to raise quick cash was on Thursday sentenced to four years in prison and fined $6.2 million after she pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to traffic cocaine.

Seeta Rampersaud, 59, was in tears as the court heard that on September 18, 2017, she was intercepted in the scanning area of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer who noticed strange items in her carrying case.

Upon further inspection, it was observed that a quanti-

ty of cocaine (2.318kg) was hidden in a secret compartment at the back of the suitcase.

The unemployed woman sought to explain to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan,

that she was recently laid off from a job where she resided in Suriname and had only just come back to Guyana, when she became friends with a woman identified as “Nandy” in a mini-

bus.

She said that the woman gave her a contact number for another person, and indicated that he would be able to help her raise funds and all she has to do is travel abroad.

Shortly after meeting the man – who had not identified himself – Rampersaud said she was instructed to travel to New York with a suitcase that her recruiter provided her with.

The elderly woman indicated that she had asked if it was laced with cocaine and the man had answered in the negative.

Pouderoyen labourer charged for narco possession – granted $50,000 bail

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hirty-five-year-old Richard Rene of Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, a labourer, was on Thursday released on $50,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to a possession of narcotics charge. During his arraignment at the Wales Magistrate’s Court, the Police Prosecutor contended that the labourer allegedly possessed two grams of cannabis at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara on September 16, 2017.

Rene was also accused

of assaulting Police Officer, Constable Green two days later at Pouderoyen while the rank was carrying out his duties. Counsel for the

accused appealed for reasonable bail and informed the court that the father of two was charged some two years ago on a separate matter.

Rene pleaded not guilty to assaulting the Policeman and was released on $10,000 bail on this offence.

Both matters were transferred to the Leonora and Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Courts respectively.

The Pouderoyen resident will appear on October 9 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court for the charge of assaulting a Police Officer, while the Leonora Magistrate will on October 30 preside over the possession of narcotics charge.

16-year-old remanded for farmer’s murder

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teenager was on Thursday remanded to the Juvenile

Detention Centre after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on

Thursday to answer to a murder charge.

The 16-year-old was not

required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on October 12, 2016, during a drunken quarrel, he murdered Abraham Wilson, a farmer, at Cacique Creek, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) and then fled the scene.

The court heard that on the day in question, Wilson and the teen were imbibing when the argument between the two began. The young man reportedly stabbed Wilson to the left side of his neck then left the man to bleed to death as he went into hiding.

However, with his little strength, the now dead man allegedly ran across to a nearby mining camp where he managed to relate to them what had transpired, before succumbing to his injuries.

It was only recently that Police were able to apprehend the suspect after he was detained by a North West District village leader.

The accused is expected to re-appear in court on November 17.

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…and borders

rezzie took the opportunity to bring before the UN General Assembly, the intransigence of Venezuela on the border controversy they’d raised back in 1962. Imagine questioning the “full, perfect and final settlement” of our borders that was demarcated by an international Arbitrational Tribunal back in 1899!! How in the world did they get so much spunk? Like everything in life, the timing holds the answer!

At that time, the US, of course, was trying everything – including CIA-sponsored riots – to prevent the PPP and Cheddi Jagan from forming “another Cuba in the hemisphere”. It was no coincidence Venezuela lodged its protest to the UN Committee in February 1962, the week after the Indian business district in Georgetown (presumably supporters of Jagan) was burnt to the ground. It was part of a one-two combination to bring down the PPP. The irony, of course, was that back in 1899, it was an American-sponsored initiative that put the Arbitral Commission in place. America was feeling its oats as a rising power and was ready to challenge Britain via its Monroe Doctrine and all that! So, if the Award were to be overturned in 1962, it would’ve been a slap in the (historical) face of the US. But who said there was any consistency in the affairs of nations?

As the US boasts, they have no permanent friends or permanent enemies – just permanent interests. Back in 1899, American interests were furthered when Britain agreed to the arbitration and the US was seen as “protecting” Latin America. In 1962, it was OK for Venezuela to create a controversy because this served America’s interests then.

After Jagan was thrown out in 1964, the US, of course, lost interest in the border controversy. The British arranged for the Geneva Agreement in 1965 – which NEVER made any mention of any adjustment of borders in a substantive manner. Venezuela agreed then in a two-pronged procedural process to simply pronounce on whether as alleged the 1899 award was “null and void” as they claimed. The first part involved direct negotiations – which fell apart.

The second prong placed the controversy in the lap of the UN Secretary General – who would suggest measures from the UN’s menu of measures on “the peaceful resolution of disputes”. This gentleman has agreed with Guyana that if his “good office” – in play since 1989 – doesn’t produce a settlement by this year end, then the controversy goes to the World Court.

And this is what Guyana also wants. The Venezuelans, unfortunately, want to keep the controversy hanging like the sword of Damocles over our heads!

Enough is enough!! Fortunately, this also suits America’s interests right now!! Oil, baby! Oil!!

…and race

Well, we all know Prezzie took up his “cuss-bird” PR person, Nicholas-Garrett, up to the Big Apple. The big question, of course, is “Why?” Can’t be because he had to fend off unwelcome elements around the UN building. Even though it’s 42nd St, it’s not by the garish and sleazy section filled with other cuss-birds near Broadway, but on the East Side of Manhattan which is pretty ritzy, if the truth be told. They hold their pinkie up when sipping tea over there!

But new info has surfaced suggesting Ms NicholasGarrett was trained by no other institution than the ERC in proper race relations etiquette right here in Guyana. So it’s clear that the PR flak “knew better” – she just didn’t put that knowledge into action when she was with her friends. And this explains why she’s up among the diplomats in NY – she knows how to play the game in public.

It’s like how those in Hollywood know how to “air kiss” without even touching!! Go girl!!

…and geography

The Chronic headlined, “Rice shipment to India being finalised”. Your Eyewitness was startled, to say the least. A local version of “sending coals to Newcastle”??

Or they have India on their mind, with Nagamootoo in charge??

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

News

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

teen accused President engages with Inter-American Venezuelan of assaulting schoolboy Defence Board Delegates – at Sisters Village, WBD

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resident David Granger on Thursday met with Chairman of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defence Board (IADB), Brigadier General Luis Rodríguez Bucio in Washington, DC. The IADB, which is considered the oldest organisation dealing with military and defence matters in the world, recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.

President Granger, in addressing the Council of Delegates, expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended and took the opportunity to emphasise the need for the global community to focus its efforts towards mitigating the effects of global warming through the protection of the environment, people, and the perpetuation of peace.

He also noted with satisfaction that the changing mission of the IADB took into consideration the need to protect the environment and to respond to natural disasters.

The main purpose of the IADB is to provide the Organisation of American States (OAS) and its Member States with technical and educational advice

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President David Granger interacting with members of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defence Board

and consultancy services on matters related to military and defence issues in the Hemisphere in order to contribute to the fulfilment of the OAS Charter.

Currently, the IADB has 28 Member States and its structure com-

posed by the Council of Delegates, by the Secretariat and by the InterAmerican Defence College, bringing together civilian and military representatives of various American countries.

After 2 years on the run

Man remanded for wounding with intent to disfigure

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fter two years on the run, Vickram Bharrat, a 20-yearold father of one from Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, was on Thursday remanded to prison by Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool on a felonious wounding charge.

Bharrat denied that on June 6, 2015 at Sideline Dam, Sisters Village, he, in the company of others, unlawfully wounded Long Pond Sisters Village resident Jamie Narine, with intent to disfigure or disable him.

Narine’s wrist was completely severed during the altercation between the two. Represented by defence counsel, the accused informed the court that his common-law wife is pregnant and a request was made for reasonable bail to be granted. The prosecution however objected on grounds that a warrant was out for his arrest for over two years and that if granted pre-trial liberty, Bharrat would leave the area again. As such, Magistrate Liverpool

Sisters Village resident Jamie Narine lost his wrist, which was reportedly chopped off by the accused

denied the bail application.

The court heard that upon his arrest, the accused man was providing several aliases to Police which included “Christopher Bharrat,” “Chris”, and “Andy Bharrat”. When asked to provide evidence of his identification, he told Magistrate Liverpool that his documents were lost. It was his mother who confirmed his name to the court.

Guyana Times understands that Bharrat has a history of violent behaviour and he was recently accused of chopping another man called “Spragga” to his head at Wales earlier this month. It was reported that after severing Narine’s wrist in 2015, the accused fled and was residing in Berbice all the while. He recently returned to the area and was arrested and promptly charged.

He will make his next court appearance on October 19 at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

16-year-old supermarket attendant who was born in Venezuela was on Thursday released on $10,000 bail on allegations that he unlawfully wounded a fellow 16-year-old boy, a secondary school student at Post Office Street, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara. The alleged incident was said to have occurred on Monday.

The matter was held in-camera at the Wales Magistrate’s Court due to both males being juveniles.

The West Demerara school boy reportedly received lacerations to his head and appeared at court with fresh sutures on Thursday.

Reports are that the Venezuelan teen waited as the schoolboy was passing and reportedly hit him to his head with a wooden object and allegedly ran away from the scene after committing the act. However, the foreign born youth, who is of Guyanese heritage, denies the allegation, and reportedly contended that the accuser was the aggressor.

At Thursday’s arraignment, the Venezuelan en-

The injured schoolboy reportedly sustained lacerations to his head

tered a not guilty plea when the charge was read to him in court.

Guyana Times understands that the wounding stemmed from a personal matter where a Guyanese cousin of the Venezuelan youth and a cousin of the school boy shared a rocky relationship and would often engage in heated confrontations.

There was a recent incident where family members of both youths physically sparred and it is believed that this led to the altercation between the two young males. They will return to court on November 2.

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friday, September 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Third list

Jury out on GECOM Chairman – Harmon says President still considering list

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ore than three weeks after Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted his third list of nominees for the post of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, the jury is still out as a decision is yet to be made by the President.

This was revealed when Minister of State Joseph Harmon was probed about the status of the latest set of nominations. He said President David Granger, who has already rejected two other lists, was not ready to make a pronouncement.

“The question of the Chairman of GECOM, it is a matter which is still in the consideration of His Excellency, the President,” Harmon told media operatives at the press conference. “And in due course, you will be advised.”

GECOM has recently been thrown into a tail spin by allegations of procurement rackets and press censorship being levelled against the Commission.

An audit conducted by the Auditor General’s Office had found discrepancies, including with GECOM’s purchasing of 50VHF communication radios for close to GY$100 million.

These purchases were made prior to the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections, raising concerns over the extraordinarily high cost of the equipment. In a previous interview with Guyana Times, GECOM

Commissioner Sase Gunraj had said these and other matters cannot be addressed by the members while GECOM is without a Chairman.

“I can tell you that without a Chairman, we cannot have meetings,” Gunraj had said.

“And in the absence of those meetings, we have not been receiving updates on anything that is going on at GECOM; absolutely no periodic updates on the finances of GECOM, nothing on the operations side or the audit.”

President Granger is currently attending the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York.

Headless

GECOM was left headless by the retirement a few months ago of long-time Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally. But since then, the task of replacing him has been a contentious one, as President Granger has continuously rejected nominees for the post, as presented by the Opposition Leader.

As required by the Constitution, the Opposition Leader had submitted to President Granger a second batch of six nominees for the post of Chairman of GECOM in April this year, after his first list was rejected.

They were retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy; retired Justice William Ramlall; former Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-

President David Granger

Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar; and businessman, Captain Gerald Gouveia.

Retired Judges Desiree Bernard and Claudette Singh, and Attorneys Ralph Ramkarran SC, Timothy Jonas and Ronald Burch-Smith had declined his requests to be nominated to the post.

This second list followed Granger deeming the first list “unacceptable” in early January 2017 because none of the nominees were judges, a retired judge or eligible to be appointed a judge.

The first list was made up of Attorney Christopher Ram, Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh, retired Major General Norman McLean, Business executive Ramesh Dookhoo, Indian Rights Activist Rhyaan Shah and History Professor James Rose.

Marcel Gaskin, a businessman and engineer, had moved to the High Court in March of this year, to challenge the constitutionality of President Granger’s reasoning behind his rejection of the list of nominees.

Gaskin, also the brother of the Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, had wanted the court to determine whether Jagdeo’s list of nominees was indeed not “fit and proper” as declared by President Granger.

In July, Chief Justice Roxanne George, SC, overruled the President’s interpretation of the Constitution regarding the appointment of a Chairman for GECOM, finding that there is no particular preference for the appointment of persons within the Judiciary.

In her determination, Justice George found that there was no valid argument to support the idea that the Chairman should be a judge, former judge or person eligible to be a judge, and noted that persons from each category are equally eligible for the post.

However, in an issued statement after the ruling, Gaskin had highlighted that the acting Chief Justice went on to address the proviso to Article 161 (2), which applies to the instance of the Opposition Leader failing to submit a list. (Jarryl Bryan)

At Kabakaburi, St Monica

Children not attending school due to lack of transportation, school supplies – Toshao

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cores of children living in the Upper Pomeroon River in the Amerindian communities of Kabakaburi and St Monica in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are currently not attending school and, according to Toshao Cleveland Simon, it is because of the lack of transportation and school supplies.

During an interview, the Toshao related that parents were finding it difficult to send their children to Charity on the coastland to attend secondary school.

“Parents really can’t afford it; it cost $1000 a day to send a child to school at Charity…this is quite expensive, since most people depend on (lumber work) and right now the business is slow,” Simon explained.

He further explained that the community did not have a school boat and that has compounded the problem; hence, many children are suffering. Simon said that he noticed many children were at home although schools reopened and when he spoke to parents, they explained their hardship purchasing school supplies. He said most parents who have more than two children were finding it hard

Toshao Cleveland Simon

to purchase school items.

“One mother of nine told me that she cannot afford to buy school items for all her children; this is what we face in the Amerindian communities. People have lots of children and they can’t send all of them to school,” the Toshao said.

He is, therefore, making an earnest appeal to the Government, through the Region Two Administration, for a school boat as well as a regular supply of fuel to transport the children to and from school. He also pledged the village council’s support once the boat is gifted to the community. (Indra Natram)

S RAIGHT What are oil and gas midstream activities?

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his is the fifth in an oil series, which started in August 2017, that aims to focus on the oil industry. The intention is to try and explain the entire value stream, oil strategy, and recommended action for the Guyana oil sector.

I am of the belief that if the ordinary man in the street understands what is happening, then he will hold the feet of whoever wins the 2020 elections to the fire. The bottom line remains that the post-2020 Government must be held accountable by ensuring that the oil revenues are managed responsibly and with the best interests of all the people in mind.

Right now, from what I am observing under this Granger-led PNC regime, they are not very transparent and accountable in the oil-related negotiations. So, my plan is to bring oil-related information to the man in the street to stimulate debate and subsequent grassroots activism on the issue. Today, I move the conversation to a discussion on midstream activities in the oil and gas sector.

What is Midstream?

Midstream is the function of the oil and gas industry that provides the vital link between the producing areas and the population centres where industrial, refining and residential customers are located. Field gathering, processing plants, and transmission pipelines are the major assets in the mainstream industry. Also in the midstream industry are transportation assets.

Transportation assets can include the marine vessels that will be used to move the crude from the well to the refinery.

Throughout this process, the chain will have storage assets.

At the well site, Exxon has already commissioned the contract to develop their floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel designed to facilitate a production of up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day. Most of this oil could possibly be transported to the Baton Rouge Refinery in Louisiana owned by Exxon. That facility has a storage tank farm that can manage a production of 502,000 barrels per day (in one day that facility can handle 1/10 of Guyana’s annual fuel consumption).

The commercial success of the oil and gas sector is heavily dependent on the midstream segment of the business. Based on a study on Mainstream Infrastructure called “Capitalising on our Energy Abundance” – NAFTA countries alone are planning to invest some US$640 billion between 2018 and 2035 in transport assets, and refining infrastructure. Those investments are expected to yield some 430,000 jobs in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

So these talks with Exxon to bring natural gas to the Guyanese shore for electricity should not be approached by the Granger Administration as a want, but as a need. If this investment is made in the natural gas facilities on-shore, then jobs will be created, possibly in the hundreds. Guyana can leverage such investments, which can include transmission pipelines, pumping facilities, processing facilities, storage facilities, compression facilities, and so on. It takes real investments and real humans to manage all of these things and that will redound to the benefit of Guyana.

So the opening sentence from the “Technical Working Group” who are tasked with negotiating on behalf of the Government of Guyana should be, “we have a business plan for this industry – we want a reliable and low-cost electricity system for the nation and we are ready to bring our assets to the process, tell us what we need to do to get this done by 2022? Clearly, communication with clear deadlines and with a clear vision is what Exxon needs to hear to take the Guyanese team seriously.

Midstream Business Characteristics The four key characteristics of the midstream segment are: • It is generally low risk; • It is highly regulated, especially the pipeline components; • The size of the investment is dependent on the health of the nearby upstream assets; and The price of oil and gas at the pump.

• I trust the readers have gotten a grasp of the extent of this opening discussion on the midstream sector and the importance of why we must build those pipelines to feed GPL sooner rather than later to end blackouts, but, more importantly, to create the new jobs in a new sector that can absorb the growing army of the unemployed in Guyana.

Next week, I shall move to explaining these four key business Please shareofyour characteristics the thoughts midstream at oil sasesin1@yahoo.com. and gas sector.

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Estate closures

Sugar industry facing impending collapse – Jagdeo – 17,000 workers stand to lose

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he current policies of Government regarding the scaling down of the sugar industry could spell its imminent collapse. This was the contention of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at his press conference earlier this week, where he berated the present Administration for its atrocious handling and management of a crucial industry.

“We have heard in the period immediately after the coalition Government took office, how better they were managing the sugar industry but production is all but collapsing, across the industry; the morale [of workers] is low and the industry is in a state of drift because they are not clear about the future of the industry,” Jagdeo claimed on Tuesday.

According to the Opposition Leader, Government is giving indications that closures are on the horizon.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“The Government itself seems to only be concerned about one thing – the only signal that people get is that there will be closures,” he posited.

On May 8, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder presented Government’s State paper on the future of the sugar industry to the National

Assembly, where he had announced that two sugar estates would be closed and the annual production of sugar would be reduced, among a number of other measures, as part of a new policy on the sugar industry.

He had further noted that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) would have three estates and three sugar factories; these being Blairmont on the West Bank of Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the

Uitvlugt-Wales Estate in West Demerara. It was also stated that the three estates will be complete with factories and will have cane supplied from all locations, the Minister said earlier this year.

Minister Holder had also claimed that this process would result in improvements to the relationship with some cane cutters, estate staff and about 1710 private cane farmers. turn to page 17

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friday, september 22, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

T

en radiant and well groomed Amerindian women will take to the stage of the Natural Cultural Centre as they represent their respective villages with the hope of gaining the nods of the judges as the next Miss Amerindian Heritage queen.

The delegates have been selected from the 10 administrative regions of Guyana and are all ready to showcase their villages to the rest of Guyana. The pageant is set for September 30 at the National Cultural Centre.

Before the pageant, the delegates will be

Age: 19 Hometown: Moruca, North West District Hobbies: Listening to music, singing, playing football and meeting new people

sashed at the Day of Sport and Family Fun Day at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Saturday evening.

However, on pageant night, the regional representatives will be competing in opening dance and introduction, talent, intelligence, evening wear, traditional wear and the final question. In the intelligence segment, the delegates will be grilled on their respective platforms.

Tickets for the pageant cost $1000, $2000 and $3000 and are available at the National Cultural Centre and the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry.

Meet the delegates:

Age: 20 Hometown: Paramakatoi Hobbies: Reading thrillers, looking at cooking shows, watching movies and spending quality time with her family

Age: 17 Hometown: Moraikobai Village Hobbies: Swimming, travelling and watching movies

Age: 18 Hometown: Capoey Village Hobbies: Reading, taking walks and swimming

Age: 17 Hometown: St Ignatius Village Hobbies: Singing and swimming

Age: 17 Hometown: Orealla Village Hobbies: Loves reading and interacting with friends

Age: 16 Hometown: Santa/Aratak Hobbies: Reading, singing, dancing and listening to music

Age: 17 Hometown: St Cuthberts/ Pakuri Hobbies: Athletics and teaching

Age: 17 Hometown: Kimbia Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people, camping and hiking

Age: 18 Hometown: Paruima Village, Upper Mazaruni Hobbies: Swimming, camping, paper craft

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, september 22, 2017

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n less than 72 hours, Guyana’s representative to the Miss United Continents pageant, 22-year-old Divya Yabindranauth, will compete against other beauties from around the world for the coveted title. The pageant is slated to he held in Ecuador and preparations are well underway to select the new queen.

For the past two weeks, the delegates were in competition mode as they participated in several preliminary segments including, swimwear, talent, national costume and evening wear.

On pageant night, the scores from the preliminary competitions will determine the finalists. It is with great expectation that Miss Guyana will make the cut and move one step closer to the crown.

The Guyanese beauty is no stranger to pageantry and would have participated in several local pageants; this being her first time at representing Guyana on the international stage.

Yabindranauth is an aspiring engineer who migrated at the age of 13 and is currently attached to an oil company in

Texas. She took time off from her career to represent her homeland at the international pageant.

During a recent interview with the Guyanese beauty, she expressed her anticipation for the international showdown while hinting that she was a little nervous but was happy to represent Guyana.

At the time, she was optimistic that she will bring home the crown and planned to be one of the best ambassadors to represent Guyana. The Miss United Continents Pageant was initiated in the year 2006 with the aim of unifying countries cross the various continents.

This year marks the second time Guyana will be facing off with in excess of 30 beautifies from around the world.

All eyes will be on Guyana as she has been creating some waves on the international scene.

G

uyanese soca sensation Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo recently launched his newest single titled “Doh Run” on Guyana’s airwaves and it has been creating some buzz. The song, which was written by the versatile artiste, was recorded in Guyana but produced in St Lucia under the Local Drum Riddim.

The song tells about the energy on the dance floor and pleasing the female party goers. It tells of energetic partying and getting your groove on in a night club. “The song is all about party people having a grand time and enjoying yourself,” Primo stated.

The actual video for the song is in the making and will be released soon. The song “Don’t Run” was first

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ising local dancehall star, John McIntosh, also called “Bluetooth”, is continuing his chase after sexy ladies for his 19th birthday celebration in the form of a “swag party’’ titled, “Everybody Carries Feelings”.

Images of what promises to be the ‘next best’ dancehall event on Saturday, September 23, 2017, are dominating the local radio and television airwaves and on social media.

“Bluetooth’s” birth night swag party is being held at the popular 10th Street Bar at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, bringing together his fans, music lovers and peers in the entertainment arena to experience the pleasures of life, in an atmosphere of overflowing temptations.

It is going to be an all-night show of live performances and raging excitement that will simply remind you of the great pleasures of life. There is a free-pass for the first 20 ladies, opportunities to be a part of McIntosh’s VIP entourage, among a host of surprises!

“Mr Blow”, “Blaze Anthonio”, “Lil Million”, “Stiffy Stiff”, “Brena S”, “Grim Child”, “Kessy”, “Roach”, DJ Adrian and others, will be present.

It is not just about a party but an opportunity to recognise fans and celebrate with them the achievement of another milestone in McIntosh’s life and promising career.

McIntosh has been enjoying over the last year growing responses and appreciation from his fans countrywide, which should not be treated lightly, but rather capitalised upon, using his energy and vibes to build a love connection.

Some of his most popular songs are “Everybody carry feelings”, “Come in ah meh yard”, and “School rules”. With new songs on the horizon, McIntosh has high hopes of elevating his singing to the international recognition he craves.

This event is being sponsored by ANSA McAL, Elite Fragrances, and AJ Music Productions.

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John “Bluetooth” McIntosh

released during the St Lucia Carnival and at the Labour Day celebrations in Canada.

Two weeks after, it was released here in Guyana. However, the artiste is expected to release the song again on Saturday evening in Palm Court at one of his concept parties called “Short Jeans Gender Face-Off”. The face-off is one with a twist and will see two male and two female deejays competing for top honours.

Those competing are Deejay Reecietee and Deejay Anisah out of Trinidad; Deejay Shizzle and Selector Carl out of Boom FM. It is expected to be an epic showdown with lots of energy.

Tickets for the Deejay Face-off cost $2000 before 23:00h and more after.

he hunt for a new Miss East Bank Demerara (EBD) has commenced and the organiser of the event is looking for well-rounded females to participate. The date for the pageant is set for November 25 in Soesdyke, EBD. The crowned queen will not only enjoy bragging rights for a year but will also win fabulous prizes. If you are between the ages of 17 and 26 and single (unmarried), here is your chance to be crowned Miss East Bank. Also, the young ladies must not have children and must possess a sound secondary education.

The pageant seeks to give young girls on the East Bank of Demerara a chance to boost their self-esteem and more so, to showcase their various communities. It will also be used as a catalyst to empower young woman to deal with various social issues such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, sexual abuse and others.

For those who think they have the qualities of a queen, are asked to contact the promoter, Boss Level Entertainment, on telephone numbers 679-1225, 676-1113 or 600-0423. The road to Miss East Bank 2017 will be a journey not to be missed.

14 news

friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Head of Commonwealth Lawyers Association visits Guyana

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resident of the Commonwealth L a w y e r s Association, Ramamurthi Santhanakrishnan, on Thursday paid a visit to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the Ministry

of the Presidency in Georgetown.

Santhanakrishnan, a prominent Delhi-based lawyer, has been a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association and has been prominent in the promotion

of Lawyers Cricket World Cup, the last tournament being played in Australia in 2015.

According to the Department of Public Information, the new Bar President first met Prime

Minister Nagamootoo last year in New Delhi at a conference on Environmental Law, and visited Guyana as part of a regional tour in his new post.

He was accompanied during his courtesy vis-

President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Ramamurthi Santhanakrishnan and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during Thursday’s courtesy call

it by Sanjeev Datadin, a Guyanese attorney and a

promoter of cricket among lawyers.

news

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ministerial taskforce hands over GCAA holds inaugural 1st report on Cooperatives Bursary Award Programme

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally and members of the ministerial taskforce

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he Ministerial Taskforce of the Social Protection Ministry has handed over its first official assignment report.

The Taskforce’s aim was to compile data regarding the number of Cooperatives existing within the var-

ious regions of Guyana and examine the functioning and non-functioning Cooperatives to see their feasibility to the nation of Guyana. Social Protection Minister Amna Ally stated: “Cooperatives is the way for a bright future for Guyana.”

According to the

Department of Public Information, the report was entitled “Revitalisation of the Cooperative Movement” and was handed over by the Chairman of the Ministerial Taskforce, Chief Education Officer (Retired), Ed Caesar.

The Ministerial Taskforce, which consists of 10 persons, received another assignment by Minister Ally; this time in an advisory capacity and this process is set to be in motion with immediate effect. The Ministerial Taskforce was formed on June 30, 2016 with the specific task of assessing the current state of Cooperatives countrywide.

The compiled data will serve as a guide for a solidified structure to be set up regarding the revitalisation of the Cooperative movement in Guyana.

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he Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) held its inaugural Bursary Award Programme on Thursday last at its head office.

Seven children of employees at the Authority were given monetary awards for their successful performances at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

In attendance were the Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Egbert Field; Director of Finance and Administration, Colonel Jawahar Persaud; General Counsel Amanza Desir; other directors; staff and the awardees.

The Director General encouraged the awardees to continue to strive for excellence. Field told those gathered that a good education could transform their lives for the better, and could bring individuals out of im-

GCAA officials and the bursary awardees at the ceremony

poverished situations. He expressed his gratitude to the parents for working with their children and encouraging them towards achieving academic excellence.

In delivering the charge to the awardees, General Counsel Desir encouraged the students to always put their best into whatever they are doing. “Whatever is worth doing, it’s worth doing well,” she said.

The parents were also encouraged to find what was unique about their children and work with them to develop that gift.

The Authority will continue to provide monetary contributions to the awardees throughout their secondary school career, provided that the students and parents meet the criteria set by the Authority.

UNAIDS negotiates lower price for one-pill HIV treatment

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NAIDS on Thursday announced a breakthrough pricing agreement to make the first affordable single-pill HIV treatment regimen available to public sector purchasers in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The regimen will be made available to 92 countries in

an accelerated treatment rollout as part of efforts to reach the 36.7 million persons living with HIV across the globe.

“Those people will benefit from one of the best medicine we have as a first line.

What we are talking about today is a life-changing announcement, it’s about the

quality of medicine, but is about equity, it’s about the dignity, it’s about the access to medicine as a human right,” UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé said.

The generic one-pill onedose treatment contains dolutegravir (DTG), widely used in high-income countries and is recommend-

ed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

DTG is considered the best in-class integrase inhibitor and is expected to lower the cost of first-line HIV treatment regimens.

The affordable HIV treatment regimen will be available to LMICs at around a projected average price of

US$75 per person per year and will reduce the need for more expensive second- and third-line regimens.

The agreement was announced by the Governments of South Africa and Kenya where the pill is being rolled out in collaboration with UNAIDS and several other agencies.

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt defends Patterson’s oil concession claims

...Jagdeo, Ram maintain Patterson lied, was ‘completely wrong’

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inister of State Joseph Harmon has come to the defence of his Cabinet colleague, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, when he this past week claimed that all of the offshore petroleum blocks had been farmed out by former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The former President, now Opposition Leader, had repudiated the claims as lies and pointed to reference material supplied by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which pointed to blocks still being available.

According to the Government’s Chief Spokesman, however, “When Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson speaks as a Minister of Government, he speaks on behalf of the coalition Government.”

He was at the time addressing members of the media for a post-Cabinet briefing and was asked to give clarity to pronouncements since the claims by Patterson have been dismissed by numerous persons as inaccurate.

Minister Harmon told media operatives, “I am quite sure that Minister Patterson is quite aware of the statement that he made with respect of the offshore concessions, I don’t know where the Leader of the Opposition is seeking to have some kind of confusion about it, he knows fully what Minister Patterson is talking about.”

According to Minister Harmon, “Minister Patterson I know is technically competent and careful enough to be able to explain that sit-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

uation again if necessary, but Minister Patterson was talking about offshore concessions.”

He did indicate to members of the media that there was a Government position on the matter as against an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) or Alliance For Change (AFC) version.

Social commentators, Chartered Accountant and practicing Attorney, Christopher Ram, was among the first to dismiss Patterson’s assertion this past week as erroneous.

Speaking at a public talk held at the Moray House on Friday last on the oil sector, its opportunities and challenges, Ram had called on Minister Patterson to refrain from misleading the Guyanese people on what exactly had been given out.

Ram told those in attendance at the event held at Moray House on Camp Street, Georgetown, that when Patterson insinuated that the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration had given

out all of the petroleum oil blocks, he was in fact 100 per cent wrong.

“At least stick to the facts, if you don’t know the facts don’t speak, this was completely wrong,” Ram noted too that not only are there several petroleum blocks still available, but the coalition APNU/ AFC did in fact hand out petroleum blocks to operators when it took office.

He pointed to the Petroleum Prospecting Licence and Production Sharing Agreement with the joint venture team of Tullow Guyana B V and Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc for a concession of 1801 square kilometres in the Orinduik Block, offshore, Guyana which was issued in January 2016 under the coalition Administration.

Opposition Leader Jagdeo had subsequently called for Minister Patterson to be fired for his plethora of blatant lies.

He had accused Minister Patterson of seeking to deflect from the substantive allegations he had laid, namely that relatives and friends of Ministers in the Administration were applying for Exploration and Prospecting Licences in order to sell to third party for a profit.

Jagdeo told media operatives, these companies comprise complex shareholding structures meant to perpetuate the corrupt act.

At a press conference on Tuesday last, Jagdeo produced a map dated February 2017 from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and noted that only 10 licences

were issued under the former Government, none of which were issued under his tenure.

He added that several blocks are still available.

The Opposition Leader charged, “…it is a clever strategy on the part of Patterson not to deal with the substance of what I was saying which is that there is corruption, but to then go and say that Jagdeo gave out all oil blocks and that there is nothing left... imagine that these people went to a press conference and said Jagdeo

can’t be trusted. He is a liar.

Then they proceed to lie to the nation that there are no more blocks available when their own Government statistics show that there are several blocks available.

He was adamant, “it is a lie by Patterson. It is incompetence and it is sinister; because now that he says that there is nothing available, Jagdeo gave it all out it, means that they can secretly give out all the substantial blocks because (as far as the nation knows) there is noth-

ing left.”

Jagdeo insisted Minister Patterson should be fired for lying to the nation. “This Minister should be fired for lying… what Patterson said at that press conference is a lie and no amount of obfuscation, no amount of the Kaieteur News’ lies that they keep peddling and the fake news can change that fact… there is not a thread of truth in the fabric of lies which Patterson presented to the media.”

Missing Berbice teen

Fresh evidence could link prime suspect to teenager

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s Police continue to follow leads into the whereabouts of the 13-year-old boy who went missing in Berbice on Sunday evening, a pair of slippers has been discovered at a remote site in the village.

Villagers have linked the slippers to the prime suspect.

Two persons are now in custody after a missing child’s report was filed at the Sisters Village Police Station on the East Bank of Berbice. One of the suspects is a man who villagers say has a history of sexually molesting young boys.

The missing teenager has been identified as Leonard Archibald. Reports are the 13-year-old, who attends Overwinning Secondary School, was last seen on Sunday night.

Reports are that the miss-

Missing: Leonard Archibald

ing boy was last seen riding a bicycle along the main access road on the East Bank of Berbice, wearing only a pair of trousers and a pair of slippers.

Archibald rode ahead of his three sisters that he was accompanying home from a

birthday function on the East Bank of Berbice. He has not been seen or heard from since.

Following the disappearance of the teenager, Police questioned several persons, but detained two.

The main suspect, whose name was only given as “Edwards”, is allegedly known in the village as a child molester.

Villagers say there are reports that he would tie up young boys and molest them.

They claim that recently he broke a boy’s jaw. Reports are that on Thursday, the pair of slippers was found at the site where the boy was tied to a tree, but he subsequently escaped when the suspect moved off.

The search continues for the missing boy.

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Wakapao residents calling for a resident doctor

– in light of increase in fever, typhoid and other illnesses

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esidents living in the Amerindian community of Wakapao in the Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are calling for a resident doctor to be stationed in their community.

This request came after an increase in fever, typhoid, rashes and other illnesses contracted by residents within the community.

One resident said that

many persons were currently suffering from typhoid and it was expensive for them to access medical services on the coastland. A young lady explained that the Health Centre did not have sufficient drugs and equipment to provide the services needed by the people. She said that many persons have to travel long distances out from the community to conduct medical tests privately which can

cost them as much as $6000.

Toshao of the community, Lloyd Perriera when contacted said indeed there has been an increase in fever, typhoid as well as rashes within the community.

Perriera said it was expensive to access medical services at Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital and Suddie Public Hospital, and urged those in authority to send a doctor to be stationed in the community to look at the medical needs of the residents.

He noted that while the area has Community Health Workers (CHW), it still needs a medical practitioner to examine patients.

Perriera also said it was about time Amerindians received the services that coastlanders were easily accessing. (Indra Natram)

Mass protest in Philippines over Duterte 'dictatorship'

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housands of people in the Philippines have attended a day of protest over President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial lawand-order policies.

Opponents criticised Duterte's open threat to reinstate martial law and his brutal war on drugs that has killed thousands. Thousands also attended rival pro-Duterte rallies.

Duterte's own son Paolo is facing allegations of drug trafficking. The president said he would approve Paolo's

killing if the claims are true.

"My order is to kill you if you are caught. And I will protect the Police who kill you, if it is true," he told reporters he had told Paolo.

His 42-year-old son appeared before a senate inquiry earlier this month, and insisted allegations that he helped ship drugs from China to the Philippines were "rumours and gossip" that were "baseless".

The 72-year-old president took office in July 2016 on a hardline platform against

crime and corruption.

He has consistently urged citizens and the police to conduct extra-judicial killings of suspects, in a policy labelled a violation of human rights by international critics.

Protesters took to the streets with signs saying "Stop the Killings" and "No to Martial Rule" – over fears President Duterte will implement it nationwide like dictator Ferdinand Marcos did exactly 45 years ago. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dominica declares state of emergency

The first images from Dominica show the scale of the damage caused by Hurricane Maria. Roseau, the capital of Dominica, suffered devastating damage

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he Government of Dominica has declared a state of emergency and overnight curfews, following the damage caused

by Hurricane Maria, said Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“As can you imagine, given the extent of the devastation, it is going to be very import-

ant to ensure a state of good order is maintained,” he said, in an interview with Observer media on Wednesday. He was speaking on behalf of Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica.

Dr Jules added that immediate relief is under way for the nature-isle that was brutally hit by Maria.

The Director General added that a helicopter will also

be provided, to ferry relief supplies from central bases to the locations in Dominica that may require immediate attention, as well as, the movement of wounded and injured persons. He said the feedback from persons who have already arrived in Dominica is that the scale of the devastation is much worse than they had imagined. Hence there is a need for back-up personnel.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Hurricane Maria makes impact on tiny Montserrat

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t was not among the worst affected, but Montserrat did not go untouched by Category Five Hurricane Maria.

Electricity is off across the 39-squaremile island, and most of the road network has been affected by downed trees and power lines as well as other loose debris, especially in the north, the island’s National Disaster Preparedness Response Advisory Committee (NDPRAC) has reported.

It said some areas are still “impassable and dangerous”.

As a result, only a “partial all clear” has been issued for the British overseas territory which is located about 27 miles southwest of Antigua and about 30 miles northwest of Guadeloupe.

That means only essential services are allowed on the roads to ensure works are carried expeditiously to clear all the streets and restore essential services island wide. Emergency service crews are carrying out assessments to ensure that all roads are safe and vital services are restored.(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

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friDAY, september 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Trump orders new sanctions to tighten screws on North Korea nuclear programme

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S President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Thursday that open the door wider to blacklisting people and entities doing business with North Korea, including its shipping and trade networks, further tightening the screws on Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programme.

Trump stopped short of going after North Korea’s biggest trading partner, China, and praised its central bank for ordering Chinese banks to stop doing business with North Korea.

The additional sanctions on Pyongyang showed that Trump was giving more time for economic pressures to weigh on North Korea after

US President Donald Trump

warning about the possibility of military action earlier in the week in his first speech to the United Nations.

Asked ahead of a lunch

meeting with the leaders of Japan and South Korea if diplomacy was still possible, Trump nodded his head and said, “Why not?”

North Korea has launched dozens of missiles under Kim Jong UN’s leadership as it accelerates a weapons program designed to give it the ability to target the United States with a powerful, nuclear-tipped missile.

Resisting intensifying international pressure, Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test on September 3, and launched numerous missiles this year, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles and two other rockets that flew over Japan. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sugar industry facing...

Jagdeo has however once again called on Government to conduct assessments regarding how the closures could affect the sustenance of the industry, while reiterating his long held contention that social impact studies should have been carried out before Government had the Guyana Sugar Corporation scale down its operations.

“How these closures will affect the viability of the industry itself has not been determined or calculated and so what we face now is an impending catastrophe in the industry, probably an impending collapse of the entire industry because of lack

of planning, lack of foresight, mixed signals, and the drift in the Government,” Jagdeo stressed on Tuesday.

“There is a policy drift in the Government that you cannot have an industry that is so critical to Guyana – not just sugar workers but Guyana’s wellbeing. It is unbelievable that a Government would have such a huge vacuum in policies relating to an industry,” the Opposition Leader highlighted.

A series of protests across the sugar belt followed the announcement of the closures. In December 2016, sugar operations ceased at the Wales Estate, leaving

from page 11

over 1000 workers without employment.

Thousands more, their families and their community stand to suffer the consequences of more closures.

Additionally, many farmers have cited financial and infrastructural challenges in attempts at crop diversification.

Additional estimates have pegged that some 17,000 more workers stand to lose out from the estate closures which could impact upon villages and families as Wales residents and workers have been claiming since the announcement of the estate’s shutdown in early 2016.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, september 22, 2017

ARCHIE

ARIES

Patience will be required,

(March 21- along with the ability to look April 19) at every angle of a situation

carefully before you take action. Overreacting and excessive behaviour will lead to trouble.

Take hold of whatever sitTAURUS uation you face. Your ability (April 20- to get things done will give May 20) you an edge over any competitor. Romance will improve your life.

dilbert

Don’t fear doing things difGEMINI (May 21- ferently. By taking a unique June 20) path, you will discover skills and traits that will help you excel in an area you least expected. Change is good.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

A problem with a friend, child or parent will get blown out of proportion. Look for a practical solution. Keep the peace to avoid interference.

Only do what’s necessary.

Strive to get things done and keep the peace with the ones you love. Getting along will help you get your way in the end. Be humble, gracious and kind.

Keep your money and posVIRGO sessions in a safe place, and (Aug. 23don’t share information that Sept. 22) could result in loss or damage your reputation. Protect your emotions and your passwords.

Relationships must be LIBRA (Sept. 23- handled with care. Jealousy Oct. 23) will surface, changing the dynamics of the way you or someone else feels. Don’t jump to conclusions. Honesty will be required.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Refuse to get involved in SCORPIO someone’s lofty scheme. You (Oct. 24are best off taking a conservaNov. 22) tive approach and doing your own thing. Stick to what you know and do best.

Don’t let someone being SAGITTARIUS excessive or impulsive entice (Nov. 23- you into taking part in someDec. 21) thing that isn’t wise. Being a risk-taker will not end well.

Protect your life, money and possessions.

Uncertainty will arise if CAPRICORN you have trouble getting the (Dec. 22- facts. Don’t rely on hearsay Jan. 19) or promises being made if you don’t see concrete evidence to back up what’s being offered.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle An old idea will have a AQUARIUS better chance of turning into (Jan. 20- something rewarding if you Feb. 19) launch it now. Negotiate a deal to get what you want.

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

Look over important paPISCES (Feb. 20- pers and make sure everyMarch 20) thing is up to date. An emotional partnership will need to be nurtured if you want to come to an agreement regarding how to move forward.

friDAY, september 22, 2017

19

Kuldeep’s hat trick gives India 2-0 lead C

hetan Sharma had done it during the 1987 World Cup, and Kapil Dev in 1991, but for 26 years no Indian bowler had taken an ODI hat-trick. Until Kuldeep ambled up to bowl the 33rd over of Australia's innings.

First, Matthew Wade dragged one on from wide outside off, caught in that awkward zone between cutting and punching. Then a loopy, dipping yorker to pin Ashton Agar in front.

And then the perfect hattrick ball: flight to bring Pat Cummins forward, dip to make him reach for the ball, and the wrong'un to catch his outside edge.

At the start of the run chase, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah moved the ball both ways, and kept asking the openers uncomfortable questions. It just happened to be a day when one of them, Bumrah, would keep beating the edges and shaving the paint off the stumps while the other, Bhuvneshwar, clattered the top of Hilton Cartwright's off stump and kissed David Warner's outside edge.

Then came the only substantial partnership of the innings, which, while it lasted, threw a bit of a scare

next five overs with Rohit Sharma, Jadhav, Kohli and MS Dhoni falling quickly.

A spirited Australian fight back is expected but with confidence and form on their side, India may look to close out the series with two games in the bag.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kuldeep Yadav became the first Indian player to take a hat trick in 26 years

into India. A short spell of rain, which had interrupted India's innings for 14 minutes, and a bit of dew had combined to liven up a dry pitch and give India's spinners extra grip; equally, it had quickened up an already lightning outfield.

With Steven Smith batting like Steven Smith and Travis Head timing the ball like a dream, the third-wicket pair added 76 at more than a run a ball.

Through that partnership, Yuzvendra Chahal had commanded respect from both batsmen, troubling Head in particular with his legbreaks, cramping him for room repeatedly and having one loud lbw shout

commanding position courtesy partnerships of 102 with Ajinkya Rahane for the second wicket and 55 with Kedar Jadhav for the fourth.

At the 35-over mark, India were 185 for 3, and looking at 300. But they lost three wickets within the

turned down. After all that, it was a full-toss that broke the partnership, Head flicking straight to short midwicket.

Then, just after Glenn Maxwell had hit the other wristspinner, Kuldeep Yadav, out of the attack with two sixes in one over, Chahal struck again, drawing Maxwell out of his crease, beating him with dip, and having him stumped off his back leg. When the fifth bowler, Hardik Pandya, removed Smith with an accurate, cross-seam bouncer, Australia were 138 for 5.

After the hat-trick over, the equation now suddenly

read 51 off 42. India still only needed one wicket, though.

Into the attack for the first time since the 11th over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar only needed one ball.

For the second time in the series, Kohli chose to bat first, and for the first time this year - a year of plenty against all other opponents - he made a substantial score against Australia. Taking guard on middle stump and shuffling across to off to get closer to the sixth-stump line Australia have targeted him with, he clipped, drove and sprinted his way to 92 on an extremely humid afternoon, putting India in a

India Innings (50 overs maximum) AM Rahane run out (Cartwright/†Wade) 55 RG Sharma c & b Coulter-Nile 7 V Kohli (c) b Coulter-Nile 92 MK Pandey b Agar 3 KM Jadhav c Maxwell b CoulterNile 24 MS Dhoni† c Smith b Richardson 5 HH Pandya c Warner b Richardson 20 B Kumar c Maxwell b Richardson 20 Kuldeep Yadav c †Wade b Cummins 0 JJ Bumrah not out 10 YS Chahal run out (†Wade) 1 Extras (b-1, nb-1, w-13) 15 Total (All out, 50 Overs) 252 Fall of wickets:1-19, 2-121, 3-131, 4-186, 5-197, 6-204, 7-239, 8-239, 9-246, 10-252 Bowling; Cummins 10-134-1 (w-1), Coulter-Nile 10-0-51-3 (w-5), Richardson 10-0-55-3 (w-1, nb-1), Stoinis 9-0-46-0 (w-2), Agar 9-0-54-

1 (w-2), Head 2-0-11-0 (w-1) Australia Innings (target: 253 runs from 50 overs) HWR Cartwright b Kumar 1 DA Warner c Rahane b Kumar 1 SPD Smith* c sub (RA Jadeja) b Pandya 59 TM Head c Pandey b Chahal 39 GJ Maxwell st †Dhoni b Chahal 14 MP Stoinis not out 62 MS Wade† b Kuldeep Yadav 2 AC Agar lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 0 PJ Cummins c †Dhoni b Kuldeep Yadav 0 NM Coulter-Nile c & b Pandya 8 KW Richardson lbw b Kumar 0 Extras (b-4, lb-6, w-6) 16 Total (All out, 43.1 overs) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-9, 3-85, 4-106, 5-138, 6-148, 7-148, 8-148, 9-182, 10-202 Bowling; Kumar 6.1-2-93, Bumrah 7-1-39-0, Pandya 10-0-56-2 (w-1), Chahal 10-1-34-2 (w-2), Kuldeep Yadav 10-1-54-3 (w-2)

GFF member associations to receive $50,000 monthly T

GFF President Wayne Forde and FIFA President Gianni Infantino

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is scheduled to commence the monthly Financial Assistance Programme to Regional Member Associations (M-FAP) from January 2018 as the Federation seeks to strengthen the RMA’s capacity to implement its programmes, this is according to a press release sent on Thursday.

This was made known to the RMAs via correspondence dated September 13, 2017 and follows a decision taken at the GFF’s Ordinary Congress in May 2017 where it was decided that all RMAs will receive a monthly subvention of G$50,000.

According to the GFF’s president, the strengthening of good governance structures is key: “Under President Infantino’s leadership, strong emphasis is being placed on the overall Governance of Football globally. While it is also true that the stigma of a pervasive culture of endemic corruption, impropriety and unaccountability looms ominously over Guyana and the wider football world, my Executive Committee is determined to demonstrate a clear departure from the practices of the past. I remain optimistic that Guyana can lead the rest of the CFU region by implementing with urgency the necessary Governance

reforms which will in due course bolster the credibility of Football administration.”

The release further stated that to access the funds, the GFF has some criteria which the RMAs must adhere to including: · Members must hold monthly meetings (minutes to be submitted) · Members must have an active bank account of which the Association’s President is one of the signatories · Members must submit a monthly income and expense report with supporting documents · Members must submit a monthly activity report.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, september 22, 2017

Chelsea agree terms with Atletico Madrid over Diego Costa C

helsea have agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of striker Diego Costa back to the Spanish club.

The move, which will be completed in January, is subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.

Atletico said the 28-year-old, who left the club to join Chelsea in 2014, would have a medical in the next few days.

Spain international Costa has not played for the Blues this season, and spent much of August in his native Brazil.

He cannot be registered as a player for the La Liga outfit until January, when the club's transfer window ban comes to an end. The two teams play each other next Wednesday in the Champions League.

Brazil-born Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico for a reported £32m three years ago.

He scored 58 goals in 120 appearances for the Blues, including 20 in the Premier League last season as Chelsea won the title.

Costa has not appeared for the London club this campaign and spent much of August in his native Brazil. He was told by text message that he was not in Antonio Conte's plans for this season.

The striker stated this summer his wish to return to Atletico, and said Chelsea were treating him like "a criminal" by demanding an "impossible fee".

His position in the team had also been placed under threat by the arrival of striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid during the last transfer window.

Problems between Costa and Chelsea surfaced earlier in the year when he was left out of the Chelsea side for an away match at Leicester having been involved in a dispute with a fitness coach. This followed reports of an offer from China that would have been worth £30m a year in salary. At the time, Chelsea said they had no intention of selling him. Later in that month, Tianjin Quanjian's owner said a bid to sign Costa had been scuppered by new rules over foreign players in the Chinese Super League.

Spain striker Diego Costa joined Chelsea for about £32 million in 2014

(BBC Sport)

SA, Zimbabwe down for Boxing Day day/night game After that match, they will turn their attention to India, who will arrive in South Africa on December 28, four days after their home series against Sri Lanka ends. India will have a two-day practice match in Paarl on December 30 and 31. India were understood to have wanted two warmup matches, but there isn't enough time.

"The time constraints

faced by India have forced us to reduce the Test matches to three, while increasing white-ball cricket to six ODIs and three T20I matches," Haroon Lorgat, the CSA CEO, said.

Cape Town will host the first Test while venues are yet to be confirmed for the following two. Given the large Indian support base in Durban, Kingsmead is highly likely to host

one of the matches which will leave the Wanderers in Johannesburg or SuperSport Park in Centurion to host the remaining Test. While the Wanderers is regarded as South Africa's home of cricket, SuperSport Park may edge it out because it is the only one of the big five grounds that does not host Australia for a Test in March. (ESPN Cricinfo)

India’s tour of South Africa has been reduced by one Test

I

ndia's tour to South Africa has been cut to three Tests from the original four, but will include an additional ODI, taking the total number of 50-over matches to six along with three T20s. As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier in the week, India's tour will begin with a late New Year's Test which starts from January 5 at Newlands - three days later than the usual start for the festive fixture.

Although South Africa have lost out on a Boxing Day Test against India, they host Zimbabwe for a four-day day-night match in Port Elizabeth, starting from December 26. Cricket South Africa is awaiting ICC approval before labelling the Zimbabwe fixture a Test.

The confirmation of the India's tour comes after months of speculation about when the tour would be finalised and whether South Africa would be able

to host a 10-Test summer.

That will only be possible if the Zimbabwe match is allowed to go ahead as a Test; CSA is confident the ICC will give them the green light at their October meeting in Auckland.

For over a decade, the ICC has been hearing the case for four-day Tests and the discussion was taken up in earnest again this year. One of the key reasons for shortening Tests is to be able to save time on a tour and allow for more matches.

An insider told ESPNcricinfo that CSA understands if four-day Tests are approved, they will only be played when decided by an MoU between member countries and they are more likely to be played between the so-called younger teams in Test cricket or when a top-tier team plays a lower-ranked opponent. South Africa hope to be pioneers in the format.

FIFA congratulates Guyana’s Sport Minister

D

irector of Member Associations and Development for Africa and the Caribbean of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Véron MosengoOmba, has sent a letter of congratulations to the Honorable Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Youth, Sport and Culture.

In a letter dated September 19, 2017, Mosengo-Ombo stated: “Allow me to express warmest and most sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. FIFA would like to take the opportunity to wish you continued strength, wisdom and success in this highly important and critical role.” The letter continued: “FIFA would like to assure you of its commitment and support to your office as we work together towards the continued development of football in Guyana. I am confident that during your mandate, the outstanding relationship between FIFA and Guyana will further strengthen.”

Mosengo-Omba concluded by extending best wishes to Minister Norton in his new role and reemphasized FIFA’s “highest regards.”

sports

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Scotiabank Golf Classic…

Golfing for charities tees off Saturday T

he annual Scotiabank Golf Classic 2017 will be held this Saturday September 23 at the Lusignan Golf Club and as is customary, the top golfers will have $250,000 to donate to charities of their choice.

The initiative which is also called ‘golfing for charities’ has become a tradition of the bank to combine its support for golf with its commitment to local charities. And it is part of a generous $1.2M package of sponsorship and prizes including golf bags and other equipment that is sure to get golfers out on the course.

Tee off is 12:30h and the format is medal play with trophies and prizes for first, second and third place finishers, best net, best gross, nearest to the pin, longest putter and the most honest golfer.

There will also be handouts for every participant, of balls, gloves, hats, umbrellas, flasks and other rewards. Members are encouraged to come out and show support for a premier, long term sponsor.

Registration fee is $3,000 per golfer and will include a meal and drink.

Partnership, governance to be discussed at Commonwealth meeting of the Americas

P

Scotiabank’s Products and Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani (fourth from left) hands over the hefty sponsorship cheque to Lusignan Golf Club Captain Brian Glasford

Rutherford, AliMohammed, Singh appointed ambassadors

resident of the CGF Louise Martin is expected for the two-day event which will start with a workshop from 09:00h on Saturday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) new headquarters at Liliendaal where the group will focus and discuss the exploration of partnerships with other sports bodies, governance and have an overview of the Commonwealth Games Federation through 2022.

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Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin

Sherfane Rutherford (with certificate at left); Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed (centre) and Sachin Singh proudly display their certificates in the presence of EBCA management and other players at the GYO ground on Thursday

T

he management of the East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) on Thursday named three player’s ambassadors for the franchise, with hopes of encouraging them to do better as they go forward.

During the brief ceremony held at the Gandhi Youth Organization (GYO) ground, East Bank franchise Manager and EBCA Vice-President Rohan Sarjoo, EBCA President Anand Kalladeen, Secretary Mohammed Bashk along with committee member Ronald Jaisingh, made the presentations of three certificates to all-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Ronaldo AliMohammed along with batsman Sachin Singh for their performances in the ongoing

Jaguars Franchise 3-Day league.

Rutherford, who bagged 12 wickets in one match against Georgetown and scored a century against Essequibo in another, was given a brand new bat for his efforts while Ali-Mohammed was named captain of the franchise by Sarjoo for the remainder of the league as well as across all formats.

Meanwhile, Kalladeen during his remarks congratulated the players for being awarded ambassadorships and urged them to fulfill their new roles as well as their roles within the team. The EBCA President also hailed the franchise’s performance during the ongoing competition, thanking members of the GYO for allowing them to utilize their ground for preparations.

Approximately 20 countries will gather in Guyana over the weekend, for the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) meeting of the Americas, hosted by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

Steve Ninvalle, the event’s Media Liaison stated confirmed that Acting President Moses Nagamootoo will declare the meeting opening on Sunday at 09:30h, with Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, who also holds the responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports, joining United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Guyana and Suriname representative Sylvie Fouet as

Guyana’s acting President, Moses Nagamootoo

guest speakers.

According to Ninvalle, Sunday’s meeting will deal with a number of issues, where the CFG Americas group will hear from the Regional AntiDoping Agency (RADO) and more importantly, representatives from Gold Coast; the host for next year’s Commonwealth Games. The 21st (XXI) Commonwealth Games will be held in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, April 4-15, 2018. It is the fifth time Australia will be hosting the Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games (known as the British Empire Games 1930–1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games 1954–1966, and British Commonwealth Games from (1970–1974) is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then. The most recent Commonwealth Games took place in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, september 22, 2017

GCB/CGI Jaguars Franchise 3-Day League…

Points leaders keen on keeping powerhouse quiet

A

nthony Adams said his team will be looking to keep the powerful Georgetown side “quiet” over the next three days when the fourth round of the Guyana Cricket Board. Cricket Guyana Inc. Jaguars 3-Day League bowls off today.

The Essequibo captain told Guyana Times Sport on the eve of their encounter slated for the Tuschen Ground, that they have already began to hatch plans to contain the star-studded city team who are currently in fourth place on the eight-team table.

“We all know Georgetown is a strong team and most of our youngers guys have not faced the likes of Chris Barnwell, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus and others, so we have to play hard because we know the type of batsman Barnwell is, he can take the game away from us and Leon could carry his bat so we definitely need to keep them quiet,” said Adams.

Essequibo ended the third round with a total of 40.8 points after their match was affected by rain. The guys from

in one of our games because we spent time in the middle. We don’t want to be bowled out for 200 because Georgetown has some good bowlers like Paul Wintz and Steven Sankar so we will be aiming to bat well over the next few days,” he ended.

The other matches in round

Norton urges national footballers to be role models Anthony Adams

the Cinderella county bagged enough points from the drawn encounter to maintain their pole position. The skipper believed that the impetus provided by his senior players which has helped the Cinderella County side endure its success to date.

“I think the senior players took up the role and lead from the front; players including myself, Keemo Paul, Kemol Savory and Kevon Boodie

have shown great maturity.

I think Savory especially has shown maturity with his batting because he’s the leading run-scorer while Kemo came in and showed excellent leadership skills and he also helped me with my leadership,” he admitted.

More renowned for his leftarm spin which has been excellent over the past three years, the Essequibian admitted that he has been working hard on

his batting and is beginning to reap the rewards as he stroked a match-winning 137 against West Berbice in round two. In the same match, he also picked up 10 wickets.

Adams also stressed that while his team’s dream performance to date has been brilliant, he needs a bit more from the batting department if they are to actually beat Georgetown. “Batting is very important; we scored over 300

The point’s standings are as follows: Teams

four will see Lower Corentyne facing East Bank at Young Warriors Ground, Upper Corentyne battling West Demerara at Port Mourant and West Berbice versus East Coast at Bush Lot. All matches are scheduled to start at 09:30 hours.

Batting Bonus 4

Team Bowling Bonus 9

0

4

6

1.4

38.4

0

3

1

9

1

26

12

0

3

0

9

1.3

25.3

1

12

0

0

3

7

2.3

24.3

1

2

12

0

0

0

9

1.6

22.6

3

0

0

0

3

6

2

6

1

18

3

0

3

0

0

0

0

9

.9

9.9

Matches

Wins

Loses Outright Abandon Draw win 0 24 0 3

Essequibo

3

2

West Demerara

3

2

0

24

3

Upper Corentyne

3

1

1

12

Georgetown

3

1

1

Upper Demerara/ East Bank

3

1

Lower Corentyne

3

East Coast Demerara West Berbice

Fast Bowling Bonus .8

Total 40.8

Minister with responsibility for Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr George Norton meets some of the players at training

M

inister with responsibility for Youth, Culture and Sport Dr George Norton urged the members of the National Football team, the Golden Jaguars to be role models for society.

Norton made his encouragement when he visited the players at a training session on Wednesday evening at the Guyana Defence Force ground at Camp Ayangana.

“I want you to look at yourself as a role model. You mean a lot to the youths of Guyana and you must think about yourself in that manner”, the Minister stated.

Jaguars are currently in preparation mode for their International Friendly against Grenada on October 7 in the ‘Spice Isle.’

“You have health, you have youth and now you have the opportunity, so consider yourself a privilege lot and I’m expecting a lot from you. Regardless of conditions you are under I still want you to consider this a privilege.”

“We must learn to dream, don’t ever stop dreaming, dream to change your life,” the Minister added.

Before leaving, Norton warned the players become over confident and asked that they remain humble and be proud to represent their country.

Law wants settled Windies team for CWC qualifiers

W

est Indies coach Stuart Law has challenged his one-day squad to use the remainder of the series against England to prove they should be part of the team who will now need to contest the qualifying tournament next year to reach the 2019 World Cup. Defeat at Old Trafford in the opening match of the series condemned West Indies to the long route to a World Cup spot, with the qualifying tournament set to take place in Zimbabwe early next year. That leaves Law with the rest of the England tour and then three matches in New Zealand at the end of the year as their only scheduled ODIs to firm up their best one-day squad.

“Our plan is to go to Zimbabwe next year with a settled team, a team where everyone knows their roles and what they want to achieve,” Law said. “It’s a

Windies Head Coach Stuart Law (centre) speaking to the players prior to a training session in England

balancing act because what some players bring is extraordinary and you don’t want to nullify that effect.

We’ve still got some selectorial conversations to have, to understand if we have

the best players to take this team forward.

“There’s plenty of A-team cricket in the Caribbean - Sri Lanka are there and England are coming next year so there are opportu-

nities - but I’d like to go to New Zealand with a team which is pretty settled before the qualifiers.”

Chris Gayle, who tweaked a hamstring at Trent Bridge, and Marlon

Samuels have returned to the side for this series. Other players could come back into the mix with Law saying that Sunil Narine would be a certain pick if he made himself available. Narine was Man of the Match in the T20 against England at Chesterle-Street, but said he wanted to play some domestic one-day cricket before returning to the format he last played nearly a year ago.

The dates for West Indies’ domestic one-day tournament, the Regional Super50, have yet to be confirmed, but last year it began in late January so may not leave Narine much time to stake a claim for the squad to go to the qualifiers. Another player who may come back on the radar is Andre Russell, whose one-year ban for missed drugs tests finishes on January 31, 2018.

“Most people would be excited to have a guy like Andre Russell champing at

the bit to play international cricket,” Law said. “Sunil Narine showed his class in the T20. He stated he wanted to get some 50-over cricket in, which is fair enough, but if he decides he wants to give ODIs a go he’d be one of the first picks with the spin he provides.”

Kyle Hope was brought into the side at Trent Bridge after Gayle’s injury, while Miguel Cummins replaced Devendra Bishoo as West Indies went with a different balance of side. While Law is aware of the players currently outside the squad, he is keen to put his faith in those currently on duty.

“This group I feel has a lot of good, that’s why they are here,” he added. “We are just making sure they understand how they want to play, they are caught between T20 and Test cricket a little at the moment and need to find a tempo for this format.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, september 22, 2017

23

England vs West Indies Royal London ODI Series…

Rain forces abandonment E

ngland’s second oneday international with West Indies was abandoned after only 2.2 overs at Trent Bridge.

Having lost the toss, the home side were 21-0 when they were forced off the field, with Jonny Bairstow on nine and Alex Hales 10.

The latest play could have started was 17:56 BST, but the decision to abandon the game was taken at

16:15.

England lead 1-0 in the

five-match series, having won the first game at Old

SCOREBOARD

England Innings (50 overs maximum) JM Bairstow not out 9 AD Hales not out 10 Extras (w-2) 2 Total (For no wicket; 2.2 overs) 21 Did not bat: JE Root, EJG Morgan (c), BA Stokes, JC Buttler

†, MM Ali, CR Woakes, AU Rashid, LE Plunkett, DJ Willey Bowling; Holder 1.2-0-11-0 (w-2), Taylor 1-0-10-0 West Indies XI; KA Hope, E Lewis, SD Hope†, MN Samuels, JN Mohammed, R Powell, JO Holder*, AR Nurse, JE Taylor, ML Cummins, KOK Williams

Jonny Bairstow waits for the rain to clear

Trafford by seven wickets.

The third ODI will be held at Bristol on Sunday.

West Indies opener Chris

Golden Jaguars

Gayle, who turned 38 on Thursday, was ruled out after pulling a hamstring in the warm-up.

A team spokesman said Gayle would have a scan to assess the extent of the damage. (BBC Sport)

Amazon Warriors

say thanks to players’ fitness called into question Guyana Marriott

...“Just mindboggling how they don’t keep themselves in shape” – Coach Dover

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana National Football team, commonly called Golden Jaguars, began training last Thursday for their International Friendly against Grenada on October 7 and the sore point of the 28-man provisional squad lies with their fitness.

“These young guys are good talents. It is just mindboggling how they don’t keep themselves in shape in anticipation of a call up to represent their country.

We will have to continue working to sensitise them on the importance of always being fit as athletes,” Interim Head Coach Wayne Dover told Guyana Times Sport on Thursday evening after a training session at the Guyana Defence Force Ground at Camp Ayangana in Georgetown.

Since Guyana Defence Force were crowned champions of the Elite League in March, there has not been any National League action.

There have been at least two tournaments in Georgetown, one of the which extended its arms to other associations but one of the country’s main platforms to select for National duty has not resumed.

Responding on whether the aforementioned facts would have attributed to the below-par fitness levels, the coach maintained that it is duty to keep a respectable level of fitness as professionals.

Jaguars last tasted international exposure in March when they played

Martinique in a goalless draw at the McKenzie Sports Club, Linden.

Dover, who was the helm for that fixture further explained, “At this stage our aim and focus is getting them physically and mentally ready, all of the other areas we identify that need improving we will have separate sessions to concentrate on that solely.”

The squad only contains locally based players but Dover explained that foreign based additions from the diaspora will be added based on their “scouting.”

Guyana and Grenada last played each other in

intensity they have so that we can get the necessary results,” the coach disclosed.

‘Jackie Chan the mentor’ * Arguably one of Guyana’ most distinguished forwards, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson earned a recalled to the National squad. He last played for Guyana during last year’s Caribbean Cup. Dover explained the presence of the 35-year old in the squad is for him to play a mentoring role.

“Some of the more seasoned players are in the United States on holiday and they will not be return-

model in football and once he is around, the younger ones tend to respect him and listen him based on the fact he has been there and done it before.”

The final squad is scheduled for a two-day encampment in Trinidad before leaving for Grenada on October 5.

The provisional squad comprises of: (goalkeepers) Richie Richards, Alex Murray, Johnathan Copeland, Kellon Major. (defenders) Jeremey Garrett, Jamaine Cummberbatch, Delroy Ferdinand, Travis Henry, Cecil Jackman, Shomol Smith, Solomon

Guyana Amazon Warriors Operations Manager Omar Khan hands over the autographed bat to Davie Sukdeo in the presence of her colleagues at the Guyana Marriott Hotel

T

The Golden Jaguars were kept busy at Wednesday evening's training session at the Guyana Defence Force Ground

March 2015 at the National Stadium, Providence when a first half double by Pernell Shultz eased Guyana to a 2-0 win. Since 1980 the two sides have met on 16 occasions with Guyana winning 7, drawing one and losing the remaining eight.

“The message is that we need a positive result and the result depends on their level of fitness and the way they approach the game, the

ing in time for this this game hence the reason Gregory [Richardson] has been brought in to play a different role from the days when he was our main star player. He is here more to help grandfather this team, not from a stand point of being and old man but using his experience and exposure.”

The coach further elaborated, “the good thing is that Gregory has been a role

Austin. (midfielders) Curtez Kelman, William Europe, Ryan Dowding, Denzil Fordyce, Delwyn Fraser, Eusi Phillips, Anthony Benfield, Eon Alleyne, Ryan Hackett, Delon Wrights, Jamal Pedro, Darren Benjamin, Dwyane McLennon, Jamal Haynes. (forwards) Gregory Richardson, Shane Haynes and Randolph Wagner.

he Guyana Amazon Warriors through Operations Manager, Omar Khan showed their appreciation to the Guyana Marriot Hotel by handing over an autographed souvenir bat.

Khan during a brief ceremony held on Thursday at the hotel’s lobby said the presentation of the bat is just a token of appreciation.

Speaking on behalf of the management and staff of the hotel, Davie Sukdeo Director of Sales thanked Khan for his heartfelt token.

At the Marriott Hotel we’re always ready and willing to host the Amazon Warriors team; we’ve been doing so for the last three years and our staff and everyone gets excited when there is CPL coming up, so we’re equally as delighted to receive this bat that you’ve given us for three years in a row. It’s going to be an addition to what we have in our glass case and we continue to look forward to a partnership with CPL and the Amazon Warriors.”

On Wednesday, a similar presentation was done to Minister of Education Nicolette Henry who also received a signed bat on behalf of the CPL franchise that is based in Guyana.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

England vs West Indies Royal London ODI Series…

Rain forces abandonment Pg 23

The ground staff at Trent Bridge had more work than the players during the second ODI on Thursday

Golden Jaguars players’ fitness called into question Pg 23

How it’s done! Interim Head Coach Wayne Dover shows the players the correct way to conduct a drill

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