Guyana Times Sunday June 2, 2019

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3942 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, June 2, 2019

PRICE

SARA oil blocks probe

Canje block awarded 2 months before Exxon strike – principals

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GRDB refutes

Suriname

P11

Ambassador’s

claims of

paddy insect plague

Page 3

...financial and experience bona fides satisfied

T&T poultry ban

Page 7

Former Agri Minister raps Govt for ducking duck virus info Truck torched after

child killed in accident Dead: Ciara Benjamin

Residents P8 slam Govt for slothfulness in dealing with BBP floods Red Thread P16 activist Andaiye Williams loses battle to cancer

...thousands stranded in traffic build-up See story on page 9

UK envoy P14 urges Govt to ensure equal rights among Guyanese …as LGBTQ community hosts annual Pride Parade

Armed men attack, rob Alberttown business

Page 2

– ex-employee identified as one of the bandits

No feasibility study,

consultations done for delayed Mabaruma solar farm – Chairman Page 11

Guyana P13 mulls owning ferry to ply Suriname route – Harmon

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Red Thread activist Andaiye Williams loses battle to cancer

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ormer executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Andaiye Williams, who was also a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) died on Friday after battling cancer.

Williams, who was a strong activist for women’s rights, was 77 years old at the time of her death. The WPA in an emotional two-page statement said it was saddened by the news of her passing and will most definitely miss her leadership.

She was a founder of the Guyana Cancer Society and the Cancer Survivors Action Group and also worked with the Women and Development Unit of the University of the West Indies (WAND) from 1987 to 1992, and from 1987 to 1996 with Caricom.

In 1997, she was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement, the fourth highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana, for her hard work.

“Her passing is a blow to the movement for change and transformation in Guyana and beyond – until the very end she remained a committed soldier of the cause of social justice, women and children rights, working-class liberation and ethnic and racial equality,” WPA said.

Williams began her career as a schoolteacher and Foreign Service worker. According to the Party, she never really left the teaching profession as she left her prints on the WPA and Red Thread.

The activist will long be remembered as a Black Power activist who saw

the movement towards Black pride and dignity as a necessary step in our independence journey.

She changed her name from Sandra Williams to Andaiye and wore her hair in the Afro-style of the day—these two symbols remained part of her identity for the rest of her life, the WPA wrote.

The legend returned to her homeland in 1977 after being urged by her classmates, Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnarine, both of whom had become associated with the newly formed WPA. She joined the party and played a pivotal role in its development as one of the most formidable radical parties in the Caribbean.

She was able to serve the party in various capacities, especially as a writer and editor of the party’s publications and as its Red Thread activist Andaiye Williams

International Secretary but was equally involved in spreading the politics of change and transformation across Guyana.

“In later years, she became disenchanted with political parties and thought that enough energy was not being put into building non-party movements. As WPA mourns her passing, we

call on Guyana and the Caribbean to emulate the example of Andaiyes of our Caribbean. She died like most revolutionaries in our country and region— forgotten and marginalised by the political elites whose power came from the struggles and sacrifices of these very forgotten souls. But the WPA is comforted by the fact that

Sister Andaiye died knowing that she selflessly gave her life to the service of country, region and humanity. In her name and by her example, we forge on,” the Party stated.

President David Granger also sent out condolences to Williams’ family as he lauded her for her years of dedication to Guyana.

Armed men attack, rob Alberttown business - Ex-employee identified as one of the bandits

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Cummings Street, Alberttown business was allegedly robbed and the owner was assaulted on Saturday morning by armed men, one of whom is an ex-employee.

Based on reports received, the incident occurred at A & A Home Furnishing, located at Lot 333 Cummings Street, Albertown, at about 09:00h.

The owner’s son, Zeerak Sheik, told Guyana Times that staff had just arrived at work when two armed men stormed the establishment – one of whom was employed at the said establishment three weeks ago.

The armed men held the employees at gunpoint and ordered them to lie on the ground. However, the young man explained that during the ordeal, his father walked in and was gun-butted.

“We were just getting started. One of the per-

son that came work for us for three weeks. He came with another person and he tell everybody here, all the workers to get on the ground. He hit my father on his head with the gun,” he related.

During the robbery, the suspects broke a television system and disconnected the CCTV surveillance footage. The men carted off with an undisclosed sum of cash from the register.

“One of them men opened that cash drawer, collected the money and ran away from the scene. I won’t be able to say the exact amount of money. We

were running busy for this past month here and so we hire an extra person, which was one of the guys who attacked and robbed us. He was wearing a cap, a red shirt, jeans and white slippers.”

The home furnishing business has been in operation for the past four years but this is the first time the establishment was robbed. No one was seriously injured.

The owner was taken to the hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The police were contacted and an investigation was launched.

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

SARA oil blocks probe

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

Sunday, June 2 – 04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, June 3 – 04:30h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, June 2 – 06:10h-17:40h and Monday, June 3 – 16:40h-18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Early morning light cloudy skies are expected to give way to light rain showers that will last throughout the morning and early afternoon, followed by sunny intervals in the remainder of the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly and East North-easterly and Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 03:25h and 16:02h reaching a maximum height of 2.68 metres and 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 09:35h and 21:49h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.61 metre respectively.

saturday, JUNE 1, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

05 12 13 20 26 28 24

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

04 13 15 23 24 LUCKY 3

0

5

6

Afternoon Draw

3

4

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03

06 08 16 17 21

PAY DAY

02 04 06 09 11

SUPER PAY DAY

02 06 11 15 21

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

Canje block awarded 2 months before Exxon strike – principals ...financial, experience bona fides satisfied

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ith reports of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) investigating the award of oil blocks including the Canje Block, companies exploring those blocks are insisting that contrary to reports, they were awarded the blocks before the area was derisked.

This is according to JHI Associates Inc (JHI) and Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc (MOGI), which in a statement on Saturday clarified that when they acquired the Canje Block it was very much a high-risk investment on their part.

According to the companies, negotiations for the Canje Block began in March 2013, with the Canje Block licence itself being awarded on March 4, 2015. The companies noted that the Liza-1 well began drilling on March 5, 2015.

“On May 20, 2015, the Liza-1 well was announced as a ‘significant discovery’. Over 40 wells had been drilled offshore in the Guyana-Suriname Basin prior to Liza-1, and none encountered commercial quantities of oil or gas,” the joint statement said.

The companies noted that the Liza-1 well on the adjacent Stabroek Block was very high-risk and did not begin drilling until after the Canje Block licence was signed. The statement added that prior to this, there were no discoveries anywhere offshore Guyana.

Additionally, the companies noted that they followed all applicable laws and regulations when they applied for and received the license for the Canje Block. They pointed out that their qualifications met the Guyana Government’s requirement that licence applicants had to demonstrate technical expertise and financial capabilities.

“For the Canje Block licence application, Cullen and Dookie brought a technical team with over 130 years of offshore petroleum exploration experience, and significant financial capabilities based on prior successes in raising US$100s of millions of dollars for oil and gas exploration projects in Guyana and elsewhere,” they said.

“The founders of JHI, Mr John Cullen, and MOGI, Dr Edris K Dookie, each have over 20 years’ experience exploring for oil offshore Guyana as the original co-founders of CGX Energy. Through CGX, they both served Guyana exceptionally, through the drilling of several offshore wells, and especially in relation to the pivotal role they played in the successful resolution of the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname.”

No contact

The companies also confirmed that despite the fact that they are in the centre of SARA’s investigation, they have not been contacted by the agency. In addition, SARA has not contacted them to request any information.

“Neither company has been notified of any pending investigations into the award of the licence for the Canje Block. Both companies welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with duly authorised agencies of the Government of Guyana at any time,” the joint statement added.

“JHI and MOGI value our reputations as good corporate citizens and are committed to operating all aspects of our businesses in an open, cooperative and transparent manner.

We recognise the importance of this resource to the people of Guyana and take our responsibility to explore for oil and gas offshore Guyana very seriously.”

On May 22, an article appeared in the New Yorkbased Bloomberg website, in which SARA Director Dr Clive Thomas was quoted confirming that there was a probe. According to Thomas, the probe was in its early stages and would be centred on the award of blocks and licenses to ExxonMobil and Tullow.

Thomas was quoted by Bloomberg as saying “we’re investigating the issuance of the licenses, for example, and the various blocks.

We’re building up a case.

This is an area of investigation into how the blocks were allocated and the decisions that were made”.

“We’re at an investigatory stage so we can’t libel persons by saying that we found proof of anything.

There’s enough evidence for us to want to continue the investigation,” the arti-

cle also quoted him saying.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) has contended that reports of

an investigation into the award of oil blocks being done by the State Assets Recovery Agency can harm Guyana by discouraging investors from vying for future oil blocks.

At a press conference on Tuesday last, Head of the GCCI’s Petroleum arm, Charles Ramson expressed worry over the impact these revelations have on Guyana’s image. He noted that the fact that the revelations initially appeared in Bloomberg means thousands in the global business community would have read this unsavoury news.

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

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

A needed paradigm for development

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decade after the last financial crisis which roiled the world, it has become obvious to most observers that more than facile cosmetic “tweakings” are needed for us to return on the path of sustainable development. This conclusion has forced many leaders of countries in crisis to re-examine the structural bases of their economies in an attempt to craft comprehensive and coherent responses that go beyond merely ameliorating symptoms. Such fundamental reappraisals have raised the demand for us to go beyond merely aspiring for “democracy”. Our expected oil revenues from 2020 demand that we discuss this issue.

The triumph of the neo-capitalist model over the socialist alternative at the end of the 1980s was supposed to have delivered us to the “end of history” and beyond ideology.

The victorious neo-liberals never felt it necessary to really articulate an “ideology”, they merely elaborated its tenets as “common sense”. Its most popular exposition, dubbed the “Washington Consensus”, was merely the title an economist tagged on to his compilation of demands made by the IMF/ World Bank on faltering Latin American economies.

However, after the collapse of the neo-liberal project in 2008, it is clear that the extreme ideologies - pure socialism and unfettered capitalism - have both failed: the former because of insufficient incentives, and the latter because of booms and busts, unproductive speculations, uncontrolled negative externalities, and unfettered greed. As most of the countries attempt to pick up the pieces from the neo-liberal tsunami, they are all - to a lesser or greater extent - adopting policies from the “middle-way” social democratic (S.D.) tradition pioneered in Europe over a century ago.

These include a “mixed economy” of both privately and publicly owned enterprises; a wide range of subsidised or publicly provided social services, especially health and education; rigorous regulation of enterprises for the benefit of wider societal interests; progressive taxation; rule of law; and social justice and entrenched human rights, etc. Those counties that held on to their S.D. policies to a greater degree, such as Germany and India, have fared better than those that plunged deepest into the neo-liberal vertigo of market fundamentalism - such as Britain and the US. The latter duo’s praxis, dubbed “Anglo-American” capitalism by the Germans, have however still denied the assumption of any ideology.

At onset of the crisis, the greatest focus was placed on rescuing the financial system, which had crumbled because of the false assumption (market fundamentalism) that the self-regulated market could best spread the risks it was supposed to intermediate. In S.D. fashion, governments have had to move in massively at both the national and international (IMF) levels to stop the haemorrhaging, which is still ongoing. As the crisis inevitably spilled over into the real economy, the major S.D. tools of governmental fiscal and monetary policies were ratcheted up; they had become standard after WWII. This is also ongoing.

There is now an acceptance of the fundamental S.D. position that Government must play a greater role in ensuring the goals of society are fulfilled, and the primary goal is that programmes must deliver the greatest good to the greatest number (in all social groups), and not just to the top one per cent. With this in mind, it is quite appropriate that other S.D. programmes for social justice are being proposed at this juncture.

The collapse of the neo-liberal paradigm does not mean an atavistic return to the ideas, policies and practices of the postwar social democratic era. Social democrats must also learn from the mistakes of that era, and retain what was valuable in the failed experiment, including a commitment to sound fiscal policy and a rejection of protectionist restrictions on trade in goods and services. This constant adjustment to the test of experience rather than arguing only from first principles is the distinguishing feature of the ideology of social democracy.

It is hoped that as Guyana gears up for the next General Elections, the political parties entering the fray would situate their programmes within a coherent paradigm of development.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee and members of the Canadian Embassy in Guyana on Saturday took to the streets of Georgetown as SASOD hosted its second annual Pride Parade calling for equal rights to be respected

Venezuela crisis:

What happened to uprising against Maduro?

By Barbara Plett Usher

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have it on good authority that the plot to unseat Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro started with members of his inner circle, not with the opposition.

The big question is why they backed out, although this Washington Post article weaves quite a convincing tale of the intrigue.

What is clear is that it was a sophisticated scheme, the like of which we most probably will not see again soon.

Discontent at the top did expose fractures in the Maduro government, suggesting the president has been weakened by internal tensions. But one month on, neither he nor the opposition headed by National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaidó seems capable of vanquishing the other in a bold definitive move.

Instead they have begun wary talks in a new peace process in Oslo mediated by the Norwegians.

In the meantime, Venezuelans who thought the attempted uprising might stem the tide of their misery have gone back to the business of surviving.

Quite literally so for one young woman with whom I stopped to chat near the centre of Caracas.

She told me she had been in hospital for two months awaiting surgery for her cracked vertebrae. But it did not happen in the end because the doctors ran out of supplies, including disinfectants.

Out of 10 women who did have surgeries during her time there, she said, nine went home with a bacterial infection contracted in the operating theatre, including one who was paralysed by meningitis.

Thousands of people live in Petare, Venezuela’s largest slum

Such horror stories are endemic in this oil-rich nation now in the grip of a profound economic crisis, brought on by years of government mismanagement and corruption and compounded by low oil prices.

The most vulnerable, of course, are the children.

Maria Gutierrez is on the frontlines of a battle against malnutrition in the slum of Petare, Venezuela’s largest.

She makes sure that the neediest children in her neighbourhood eat once a day, serving up a carefully composed meal of rice, vegetables and meat, cooked in her small kitchen and paid for by an opposition organization.

“Look,” she told me, pulling forward two boys: “Look how short they are.” Her son, the same age, was twice as tall.

Even in Venezuela’s slums people used to have enough to eat because they got food subsidized by the socialist government. They still get some of that, but much less as the economic crisis deepens.

And it will almost certainly get worse with crippling US sanctions. That is the main strategy by which the Trump administration aims to force Mr Maduro out of office and help Guaidó replace him with

a transitional government that organizes new presidential elections.

The US expectation was that the powerful military would switch sides. This, as we have seen, has not happened, at least not yet.

And negotiations were not part of the plan: “The only thing to negotiate with Nicolás Maduro is the conditions of his departure,” the state department said of the Oslo talks.

Neither, for now it seems, is military intervention, despite threatening rhetoric that “all options are on the table”.

But a number of Venezuelans told me they were open to outside intervention, despairing of any other solution to the political impasse.

“We need the Marines,” said one elderly man, condemning government ministers as “bloodsuckers” and dismissing the Guaidó-led opposition as ineffective. “Why aren’t they here yet?”

Another elderly man in the same neighbourhood also had little use for the government, but he was a supporter of the left-wing political ideology associated with former President Hugo Chávez and ostensibly shared by his successor.

“I’m still a Chavista,” he said, then paused. “Why am I still a Chavista?” he asked rhetorically, “even I don’t know.” Perhaps, I suggested, he was not a “Madurista.”

As in all failed states, there is wealth - some comes from old money, some from new money acquired through corruption or by those who have otherwise benefited from their ties to the regime.

We stayed in this bubble of affluence, at a five-star hotel that has seen better days.

I had a severe allergic reaction to the dirty air filters, but there was water, power, and internet. It was paradise.

For Maria there is only Petare. She manages to get work as a seamstress, but it’s all about patching old clothes, no one can afford new ones.

And if people need zippers, forget it, they are no longer to be found.

I marvelled at how she could fix the piles of rags in her small, dank shop, some of which had more holes than cloth. But she does, earning a bag of rice or flour with each one – five or six bags with 12 hours of work. She leaves at three in the morning, catches a few hours of sleep, and gets up again to cook for the children. (BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

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

GECOM must be audited

Dear Editor, The “fertilisation of suffocating poisonous weeds” is perhaps the mildest description that should be rationally associated with the behaviour and performance of the failed David Granger-led APNU/AFC Government.

Central to their devious approach has been the challenging creation of a deliberate political and biased imbalance of Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This quartet has been deceptive rather than impartial in nature, promoting deliberate unconstitutional breaches, which they hope, will aid in providing them with a back door access to power at the imminent elections.

Their actions have influenced a disappointing fraudulent silence from key administrative actors at the secretariat level of the Commission. The trade-off is that on the Government’s side, it benefits because the GECOM quartet has been covertly extending the time for their fraudulent endeavours. On the other side, the Government rewards its agents in GECOM by being conveniently accommodative and muffed while encouraging certain main players to have a bubble in the manipulated framework, to which they have consistently taken advantage.

Towards the foregoing, the consistent following of PNC/R politically guided decisions by President

Granger’s unilaterally appointed Chairman proves his political bias. He now leads the masqueraders at GECOM into spending millions of unauthorised dollars to prepare for the obviously unnecessary house-to-house registration as a mechanism of updating the Official List of Electors that runs contrary to the legally specified Continuous Registration Process.

Chairman Patterson ought to be aware that the matter is before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for a decision since GECOM is a party to the case. It is clear and, therefore, gives no rational position for the spending of the millions of taxpayers’ dollars at their ‘whims and fancies’ in the absence of the decision and the clearly unnecessary procedure.

The persons responsible for these spendings should have to answer since the situation brings into question the obvious abuse of the autonomy granted and the created disrepute of the Institution by the biased Commissioners advancing and directing a self-defeating constitutional mandate.

Further, it must now go viral in Guyana that the GECOM Secretariat was not audited following the last two elections. The masqueraders are getting away with murder as the 2014-2015 accounts remain in limbo, given the hundreds of millions of dollars unaccounted for

in the outrageous corruption at GECOM Secretariat.

Inside sources at the organisation have informed that GECOM stores is a commercial outlet. A wide variety of items including pliers, Inks, all types of stationary, hardware items such as “black tanks” and other building materials are going cheap.

The question for the principals of GECOM to answer is when was the last time the Secretariat closed the bonds and stores for thorough stocktaking and balance checks.

It is clear that the GECOM Secretariat has no authority to hire staff since the task of selecting and approving the hiring of any staff at GECOM is solely the responsibility of the Commission. Yet, information received indicates that the GECOM payrolls for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018 were riddled with “phantom” names who received fat cat salaries. Our citizens demand that the spending spree and squandermania at GECOM be halted forthwith.

This column was appropriately notified that during the training activities carried out under the auspices of the GECOM Secretariat in preparation for the illegal ‘house to house’ registration, millions of hard-earned taxpayer monies were lavishly spent. Areas of expenditure include travelling and the purchasing of special meals for GECOM and as a

contribution to some highly questionable “wine dine” sport. It was a revelation to know that the special trainers went around the country with their spouses and touring team and they all enjoyed the luxury of hotel rooms, meals, and travelling.

Reliable information received by this column indicates that the GECOM Secretariat has embarked on yet another spending spree. GECOM is proposing to spend a further 75 million dollars to upgrade and distribute ID cards. This is indeed a farcical exercise since GECOM, for several years now, has had a dayto-day system with well-established offices all over the country to replace lost or damaged ID cards. An inside source informed this writer that the 75 million dollars is for the boys at GECOM to get before the Regional and National Elections to do their dirty work.

Oh! “God help us,” was the response from a technical person in respect to the $25 million allocated for the purchasing of fingerprinting kits. It is significant to note that a fingerprinting kit is 2.5 by 5 inches in size and is reusable. The highest quotes of costs for one of these kits is no more than one thousand dollars. This is a blatant rip-off and has been going on over the past few years and must be halted.

The allocations for spending must and will be carefully

looked at, and be exposed in the future.

Guyanese must rally against this massive fraud by demanding forensic audits of the transactions undertaken by the GECOM

Secretariat, which also advances the clandestine ulterior motive of the APNU/ AFC cabal.

Respectfully, Neil Kumar

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Foundation

15 valuable life skills to teach your teen as they prepare for adulthood

- many students today appear mature but are actually missing these components

By Monica Foley, Med

A

s a parent, your job is to take care of your children until the day arrives when they can strike out on their own. While they graduate from high school knowing how to read and write, other skills are just as critical that may not get covered in the classroom.

Before your teen leaves home, ensure they’re ready to live independently while making a positive impact on the world. Take a moment to run down this checklist of essential life skills your teen will need to learn before living on their own.

Practical life skills

1. Manage time. Be a positive role model for establishing priorities and dealing with distractions. Show your teen how to use a calendar and work towards meeting a deadline.

2. Study efficiently. While your teen may not be enrolled in geometry classes much longer, they will continue to benefit from knowing how to learn. Encourage your child to embrace reading. Demonstrate how to recognise key concepts and design self-tests on any material.

3. Stick to a budget. The choices your teen makes today will help to determine how much debt they accumulate during college and what their options will be when they graduate. Give them a head start on developing financial responsibility by assigning them tasks such as managing their allowance.

4. Eat well. Healthy eating habits start early too. Bring your teen along for grocery shopping and invite him/her to join you in preparing dinner. Stress the importance of eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods. Teach your child essential basic cooking techniques.

5. Clean up. Kids who grow up doing chores are more likely to take care of their first apartment and personal possessions. Take the time to teach your kids how to vacuum, dust, and do their laundry.

6. Stay safe. Talk with your teen about protecting themselves online and off. Provide common-sense warnings and share your own experiences.

7. Handle emergencies. Does your teen know what to

do if they have a fender bender or there’s a severe storm in the forecast? Review how to respond to common emergencies.

Social and psychological life skills

1. Clarify core values. The values your teen chooses will guide their behavior. Point them in a promising direction by ensuring they can articulate their beliefs and put them into action.

2. Give generously. Your teen is more likely to succeed if they help others to do the same. Encourage them to share their resources and volunteer their services.

3. Act mindfully. Mobile devices are shortening the average attention span. If you want your teen to understand the power of mindfulness, you’ll need to teach by example. Give them your full attention when they’re talking, and turn the TV off if possible.

4. Manage stress. Developing mindfulness will help protect your teen from depression and anxiety. They can also learn to relax by engaging in physical exercise and/or working on a hobby.

5. Master phone etiquette. Even if your teen spends much of their waking life on the phone, they may not communicate effectively. Train your kids to identify themselves and speak clearly. Rehearse scheduling appointments or calling a professor.

6. Talk face-to-face. Your teen may be more comfortable on social media than having a conversation in person. Hold regular family meals where they can practice having real-time conversations. Make it a family rule that no devices are allowed at the dinner table.

7. Cultivate relationships. Supportive relationships are vital to health and wellbeing. Coach your teen on how to make friends and network.

8. Be assertive. Help your child to develop healthy self-esteem and advocate for themselves. Knowing how to share their wants and needs will bring them closer to fulfilling their goals.

You can ease your teen’s transition into adulthood.

Protect your children when they’re young, and then gradually give them more responsibility so they can acquire the skills they need to live on their own when the time is right.

(Childdevelopmentinfo.com)

Y

ou may have noticed a paradox that exists among students today. Although there are exceptions to the rule, this generation of kids is advanced intellectually, but behind emotionally. They are missing many of the marks of maturity they should possess.

From an intellectual perspective, students today have been exposed to so much more than I was growing up – and far sooner, too. They’ve consumed information on everything from cyberspace to sexual techniques before they graduate from middle school. Everything is coming at them sooner.

Sociology Professor Tony Campolo said, “I am convinced we don’t live in a generation of bad kids. We live in a generation of kids who know too much too soon.”

On the other hand, students have been stunted in their emotional maturity. They seem to require more time to actually “grow up” and prepare for the responsibility that comes with adulthood. This is a result of many factors, not the least of which is well-intentioned parents who hover over their kids not allowing them to experience the pain of maturation. It’s like the child who tries to help the new butterfly break out of the cocoon, and realizes later that they have done a disservice to that butterfly. The butterfly is not strong enough to fly once it is free.

There is another reason, however, that teens struggle with maturation. Scientists are gaining new insights into remarkable changes in teenagers’ brains that may explain why the teen years are so hard on young people and their parents. From ages 11-14, kids lose some of the connections between cells in the part of their brain that enables them to think clearly and make good decisions.

Pruning the brain

What happens is that the brain is pruning itself – going through changes that will allow a young person to move into adult life effectively. “Ineffective or weak brain connections are pruned in much the same way a gardener would prune a tree or bush, giving the plant a desired shape,” says Alison Gopnik, Professor of Child Development at UC Berkley.

Adolescents who are experiencing these brain changes can react emotionally, according to Ian Campbell, a neurologist at the UC Davis Sleep Research Laboratory. Mood swings, uncooperative and irresponsible attitudes can all be the result of these changes occurring. Sometimes, students can’t explain why they feel the way they do. Their brain is changing from a child brain to an adult brain.

Regions that specialise in language, for example, grow rapidly until about age 13 and then stop. The frontal lobes of the brain which are responsible for high-level reasoning and decision making aren’t fully mature until the early 20s, according to Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, a neuroscientist at Harvard’s Brain Imaging Center. There’s a portion of time when the child part of the brain has been pruned, but the adult portion is not fully formed. They are “in-between.” They are informed but not prepared.

The bottom line?

Students today are consuming information they aren’t completely ready to handle. The adult part of their brain is still forming and isn’t ready to apply all that our society throws at it. Their mind takes it in and files it, but their will and emotions are not prepared to act on it in a healthy way. They can become paralysed by all the content they consume.

They want so much to be able to experience the world they’ve seen on websites or heard on podcasts, but don’t realise they are unprepared for that experience emotionally. They are truly in between a child and an adult. (This is the genius behind movie ratings and viewer discretion advisories on TV). I believe a healthy, mature student is one who has developed intellectually, volitionally, emotionally and spiritually. I also believe there are marks we can look for, as we coach them into maturity. (www.psychologytoday.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

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SUnDAY, june 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

T&T poultry ban

Former Agri Minister raps Govt for ducking duck virus info

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Dr Leslie Ramsammy

n light of the recent ban by Trinidad and Tobago on all poultry meat from Guyana as a result of Duck Viral Hepatitis (DVH) concerns, former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy lashed out at the coalition Government for not informing the country about the virus.

A memo dated May 31, 2019, and signed by the twin-island Republic’s Senior Veterinary Officer, informed its Customs and Excise Division of the ban.

“As instructed by the Chief Veterinary Officer Animal Health Sub-Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in accordance with the Animals [Diseases and Importation] Act Chap 67:02, please be informed that with immediate effect all and any raw and cooked poultry meat from Guyana is banned from entry into Trinidad and Tobago until further notice. Upon arrival at ports of entry, such items are, therefore, to be seized for destruction,” the memo stated.

T&T’s Agriculture Minister, Clarence Rambharat confirmed the ban and revealed that Guyana advised them of the presence of Duck Viral Hepatitis in a part of the country.

“As a precaution, the Ministry’s Chief Veterinary Office has notified the Customs and Excise Division of an immediate ban on raw and cooked poultry originating from Guyana. While Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago do not trade with each other in poultry, the ban is precautionary and targets passengers coming into Trinidad and Tobago with raw or cooked poultry in their possession. The ban is instituted because Guyana has advised of the existence of duck virus hepatitis in a part of Guyana,” a LoopTT report quoted

the Minister as saying.

The report also indicated that the virus is not present in the twin-island Republic.

However, in a statement on Saturday, Dr Ramsammy took the Guyana Government to task over its handling of the matter. He pointed to the fact that not only did it fail to inform the populace of the DVH outbreak, but it was also unaware of the ban by its Caribbean neighbour.

When contacted on the ban on Friday, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder told Guyana Times that he is currently out of the country and has not been appraised of the situation before he ended the call citing long distance charges being applied to his phone.

According to Ramsammy, the coalition was equally surprised and caught off-guard with the ban.

“At the time of the announcement, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture was, as usual, out of the jurisdiction - he was out of the country this time.

He always seems to be

somewhere else when agriculture faces a threat…

There is no indication that anyone in the David Granger-led APNU/AFC Cabinet knew anything about the ban. It appears they were as shocked as ordinary Guyanese citizens that Trinidad and Tobago announced the ban,” Dr Ramsammy noted.

The former Agriculture Minister explained that Trinidad’s action could not have been arbitrary.

He noted that it is practice for Government officials from a country to inform relevant authorities in another country about its intention to take certain actions because of issues coming out of that country.

“Was this protocol followed? Trinidad and Tobago banned poultry products from Guyana because of reports of DVH in Guyana. On May 19th, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) announced [the] closure of their hatchery because of problems encountered; they never stated what the problems were. But DVH is a reportable animal disease and, I suspect, under the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations (IHR) rules, Guyana had to notify the international authorities of the presence of DVH. Trinidad and Tobago might have become aware through that reporting,” he posited.

While commending the Guyanese authorities for informing international authorities, in accordance with the IHR’s rules, that it identified incidences of DVH, an infection with a high mortality

rate in poultry animals, Ramsammy questioned by the same was not done in house.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana must be commended for adhering to the rules, as dictated in the IHR, if they did it… So Trinidad and Tobago was not acting arbitrarily and without cause. Why then, the surprise by our Government?

Why then, no one seems

about this matter only after Trinidad and Tobago banned poultry products from Guyana.

“If Guyana did inform the international bodies about the presence of this deadly virus in Guyana’s duck population, the Government should have similarly made a public pronouncement in Guyana. Public Health Advisory should have been prepared for the population and, spe-

have already indicated to the nation what actions it had taken and continues to take to make Guyana free of the DVH. “The story of the T&T ban, the story of the non-awareness of the relevant Government Ministers, add to the overall perception that APNU/AFC is always many steps behind, always caught by surprise, always aloof. It is highly irresponsible that not

to know about the problem? Did the Minister of Agriculture pay no attention and did he fail to inform his Cabinet colleagues?”

According to Dr Ramsammy, the surprise expressed by Government Ministers demonstrate a Government that is aloof and not in control.

He went on to point out that the Guyanese people should not be finding out

cifically for farmers.”

The former Minister contended that while the human population might not have been under severe threat from the virus, there was an economic consequence for farmers since the presence of DVH in ducks had the potential to wipe out the total poultry industry.

Ramsammy noted that the Government should

a single Minister was aware of the presence of DVH and of the consequences. It is an abrogation of duty and an example of total neglect that the Minister of Agriculture was not leading the response, much less aware of the problem. This Government always is MIA. This is why the December 21st NoConfidence Motion happened,” he asserted.

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Residents slam Govt for slothfulness in dealing with BBP floods

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s the water continues to recede slowly in affected areas in Black Bush Polder, the Government has taken no additional measures to assist residents and farmers that are presently suffering as a result of the flooding.

On May 19, a little over two hours of continuous rainfall left Johanna and Yakusari inundated.

However, close to two weeks later, the water remains on land at Yakusari, thus threatening the lives of both residents and their crops. They are concerned

with the health hazards that can emanate from the flood waters and are calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter.

From the inception of the flash floods, residents and regional officials had blamed the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) claiming

that the Yakusari Main Drainage Canal, which also drains Johanna, has not been cleaned for the year.

The NDIA has the responsibility for the canal.

the cleaning of the outfall channel to a competent contractor.

The residents went on to say that the one excavator that is being used is having more downtime

In addition to the heavy overgrowth in the canal, the outfall channel is also blocked and worst of all, there is limited access at the sluice. It was reported that one day prior to the flooding, the channel was silted.

According to residents, the NDIA also failed to award the cleaning of the mouth of the sluice and

rather than working to alleviate the flooding.

In addition to that, the only firm with a dredge capable of clearing the outfall channels along the Corentyne is the Associated Construction Service but for some reason, they have not been considered for the job.

Under the coalition Government, the three ca-

nals which drain the Black Bush Polder, Adventure, Eversham and Joppa at Number 43 Village now fall under the NDIA and not the Regional Administration.

However, members of the health centre have been visiting homes and providing information to persons in the affected areas, advising children not to play in the water and persons not to use the pipe water to drink. However, the Health Department is monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, as the flood continues in its second

week, health issues are rising and farmers continue to count their losses as their appeals for assistance seem to be falling on deaf ears. Only recently, two persons were suspected to have symptoms associated with leptospirosis.

Attempts to contact the subject Minister on the matter proved futile.

Man jailed for possession of illegal gun, ammo

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enior Magistrate Leron Daly recently sentenced an East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, resident to spend the next two years in prison after he admitted to two firearm-related charges when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Alvin June also called “Gangster Ras” was

slapped with the charges which alleged that on May 29, 2019, at East Ruimveldt, he had in his possession three live rounds of .40 calibre ammunition and a .40 Glock firearm without being the licensed firearm holder of same.

Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris in-

formed the court that on the day in question, police ranks acting on information went to the convicted man’s home at the aforementioned location.

Upon arriving at June’s home, the ranks descended into the premises where they found him but in retaliation, he dropped a haversack which he had in

his possession.

A search conducted on the said haversack unearthed the illegal weapon and ammunition.

Meanwhile, June in an explanation to the court stated that he only obtained the weapon to protect his family since he was attacked and shot in the past.

New breast cancer drug found to boost survival rates by 30%

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new form of drug drastically improves survival rates of young women with the most common form of breast cancer, researchers said on Saturday, citing the results of an international clinical trial.

The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, showed that the addition of a drug known as a cyclin inhibitor increased survival rates to 70 per cent.

The mortality rate was 29 per cent less than when patients were given a placebo.

Lead author Sara

Hurvitz told AFP the study focused on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, which accounts for twothirds of all breast cancer cases among younger women and has in the past generally been treated by therapies that block oestrogen production.

“You actually can get synergy or a better response, better cancer kill, by adding one of these cell cycle inhibitors” on top of the hormone suppression, Hurvitz said.

The treatment is less toxic than traditional chemotherapy because it more selectively targets cancerous cells, blocking their ability to multiply.

The trial, which looked at more than 670 cases, included only women under the age of 59 who had advanced cancer – stage four – for which they had not received prior hormone-blocking therapy.

“These are patients who tend to be diagnosed later, at a later stage in their disease, because we don’t have great screening modalities for young women,” said Hurvitz.

“That’s what makes us so excited, because it’s a therapy that’s affecting so many patients with advanced disease.”

Oncologist Harold Burstein, who was not involved in the research,

said it was “an important study,” having established that the use of cyclin inhibitors “translates into a significant survival benefit for women”.

Burstein is with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The research received funding from the Novartis pharmaceutical company.

“Hopefully, these data will enable access for this product for more women around the world, particularly in healthcare systems which assess value rigorously as part of their decisions for national access to drugs,” Burstein added.

(Jamaica Observer)

Cutting Guyana’s nose…

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…to spite PPP’s (sugar) face ith every passing day, the PNC’s vindictive nature is exposed with their no-holdsbarred efforts to destroy the PPP’s electoral base. Back in the day when the PNC of Burnham had discriminated against PPP supporters at every step of the way in the new co-operative dispensation of 80% of the economy being nationalised, Jagan had accused the PNC of “racial discrimination”. Burnham laughed and said, “it’s just political, comrade!”

Once again, the PNC’s moves in the sugar belt – the bastion of the PPP’s strength – may be “political”, but because of the ethno-racial nature of Guyana’s politics, its actions generate that frisson of racialism that can quickly get out of hand. As we’ve seen at so many conjunctures in our history. Take the abrupt and unilateral closure of four sugar estates throwing 7000 workers into the streets with no hope of securing alternative employment.

Every Guyanese knows the “sugar belt” is a trope for PPP’s mainly Indian Guyanese support. Why did the PNC make that move, even though during the campaign, upon the pleadings of its AFC partner, Granger’d promised he’s wouldn’t follow through on his prior declaration that sugar had to go? It instituted a COI - including the PNC-appointed Chairman of Guysuco, Clive Thomas, to advise on the way forward.

It recommended that the industry be subsidised for another three years and brought to a point of sale to private interests.

Granger however, ignored the COI’s recommendations and did what they always wanted to do: destroy the PPP’s base. After all, contrary what they’d have us believe, it was NOT an ECONOMIC decision as unfolding events have shown. The government has now confessed they have to go back to the drawing board on selling the closed estates – they’re too run down to fetch the prices the highpriced Valuation team of Price Waterhouse set.

And that’s exactly why the COI recommended that the estates be fixed up in three years!! Yet the PNC shut down their operations and allowed the fields to revert to bush, and the factories to scrap metal. Of what value is that?? But the pathetically sad thing is the government is forking out more money than the subsidies recommended by the COI!! The SPU, formed to do the selling off, floated a $30Billion bond for which they have to pay $1.6 billion every year in interest!!

Plus, with the D&I picking up the slack for draining the inhabited frontlands of the closed estates – another $3billion annually!!

And let’s not even talk about the lost foreign revenues from sugar sales and its multiplier effect on the economy!!

And here we thought vengeance was only the Lord’s!! Kill Bill? Naah…Kill PPP! …on crime Well, how dare the US State Department issue an advisory to their citizens to be careful in Guyana if visiting since, “Violent crimes such as armed robbery and murder is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents”??

Where do they get off to put out such fake news??

Our Government’s spokesperson – who ironically is a US citizen - brushed off that assertion and declared huffily, “Guyana is a safe place to live, it’s a safe place to work, it’s a safe place to invest”!!

But surely he doesn’t think it’s an ABC conspiracy against the PNC government, since the British and Canadians had issues identical advisories last year and they didn’t need him to point out: “Every time an advisory comes out, people think twice about travelling to your country [and] they think twice about investing.” Why not just agree with the Americans and ask for more resources??

Or does he think the recent Police killings of bandits in Berbice and Georgetown have solved the crime problem?

Wild West justice? …on signing bonus After playing ducks and drakes for three years, the PNC government finally transferred the US$18m bonus they received from Exxon for being granted a production agreement to the Consolidated Funds.

Thank god for whistleblowers!!

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

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Truck torched after child killed in accident ...thousands stranded in traffic build-up

girl was left behind. He swerved and ended up hitting the child after he realise that they were going to cross [the road].”

This publication understands that the driver of the truck attempted to flee the scene but was caught shortly after and severely beaten by residents. The man was later handed over to the police.

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Dead: Ciara Benjamin

andemonium broke out at Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) on Saturday evening after a seven-year-old child was crushed to death by a truck, which was later set alight by residents, creating mass confusion and hours of traffic buildup.

Dead is Ciara Benjamin of Kitty, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the child was attempting to cross the road with her aunt, Samantha Barry, at about 16:45h in the vicinity of the Independence Arch at Agricola.

During that time, a truck bearing registration number GWW 962 was heading to Georgetown when he allegedly swerved to avoid hitting a vehicle and end-

of the tragic incident.

With the truck lodged in the middle of the roadway, police officers made efforts to clear the streets to allow for the body to be removed. About one hour later, a forklift and crane were used to lift the vehicle and remove the child’s remains. Her body was completely severed in two.

Benjamin’s aunt, who was with her at the time of the accident was inconsolable. She recalled that she had just picked up the child and held her hand as they were crossing the road to go home.

However, she claimed that the truck “came from nowhere” and slammed into the child.

The distraught woman said upon contact with the truck, she was flung several feet away and did

Commuters waited for hours in traffic

ed up in the path of the pedestrians.

Upon impact, the woman was flung some distance away while the truck remained fixed on the median with the child pinned underneath. A light pole was unearthed as a result of the impact and subsequently collapsed on the roadway.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, hundreds of people flocked the roadway and streets to witness the aftermath

not regain consciousness for some time.

“I hold her hand and was crossing the road to come home and I don’t know what happen after because I blackout. I was with my sister and after I said that I going home,” Barry related.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness revealed that the truck driver appeared oblivious of the fact that two persons were about to cross the road.

“He didn’t see like the

Fire After the scene was cleared, there was a sigh of relief but another unexpected tragedy arose when the lorry was set alight at about 18:10h, creating a towering inferno in the middle of the roadway.

Laden with fuel, it burned for hours, blockading the flow of traffic.

At one instance, there was a string of vehicles from Diamond on the EBD, to Mandela Avenue.

Pedestrians stood in

The truck involved in the accident

disbelief as small explosions erupted from the fire. At 18:43, the Guyana Fire Service was yet to arrive at the scene as fuel leaked onto the roadway, burning uncontrollably and threatening nearby buildings.

Nevertheless, commuters took the risk of cross-

ing the burning truck, in what was described as one of the “most dangerous” situations.

Police presence was observed at strategic points to maintain order on two of the four lanes which were operational. One driver related that he was waiting

for three hours to access the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

At 19:28h, firefighters arrived at the scene to douse the burning truck, which was completely burnt.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

$1.9B Diamond water

treatment plant 70% complete

IDB representatives taking a tour of the Diamond water treatment plant

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xecutive members of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Friday paid a site visit to the largest water treatment plant in Guyana, located at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

The plant, which is about 70 per cent completed, will cost $1.9 billion. The project, however, which received funding from IDB in excess of US$31,600,000 is to construct three plants in three regions, including Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The plants in the other regions are also nearing completion, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van-West Charles told Guyana Times

in an interview.

The projects were initially to be completed by October 2019 but were given an extended deadline to December 2020. Construction began in December 2017, the CEO noted.

The massive plant is being constructed by the Chinese firm, Sino Hydro, and it was initially designed to be able to make use of both ground and surface water but eventually was constructed to treat groundwater only due to the costs attached.

According to Dr Charles, “As we have experienced from Shelter-Belt, Georgetown, Bartica and Linden, we have to import chemicals to treat surface water. There are some issues with cost plus there are also some issues with ship-

ping and the reliability of the shipping to have the supplies in on a timely basis”.

In addition, he noted that an analysis was also conducted which found that over $20 million will be saved per annum with the groundwater option.

Once completed, the plant will benefit more than 20,000 residents in the area.

The plot of land which was mainly vegetation was transformed by first clearing the land and sand filling the area before works began. It is now able to treat iron contaminated water.

Facilities are now in place for aeration to take place.

This is one way of treating water with large iron content. Iron is the element in water which causes bathrooms and washroom sinks to turn orange.

The huge tanks, built to facilitate aeration, will allow for the iron to oxidise which transforms it into a solid particle which then allows it to be removed.

The tanks are also built to facilitate settle which, as the name suggests, allows for the iron to settle, which is then filtered to remove remaining iron content.

Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, who attended the activity on Friday, said this project is in keeping with the Government’s goals.

The project was initiated under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

UG launches group to tackle energy issues

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he University of Guyana (UG) on Friday launched its Think Tank initiative which will see players from across the country brainstorming to tackle energy-related issues in Guyana.

At the launch at the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown Campus, it was explained that the major focus of the group will be on how Guyana, which is becoming a major oil and gas producer, can maintain its pristine environment, energy sustainability and more importantly making Guyana a model energy country.

Think Tank will bring together a number of players from Guyana, both in academics as well as industry experts, to “think” about the energy problems of the energy future here.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of the tertiary institution, Dr Paloma Mohamed told that the challenge this group has taken on is no easy task.

“It may seem simple but really no other country in the world has been able to achieve it because it’s not the easiest thing to do so for us we’ve brought together these four international players to begin with. There’ll be others who will join us,” she said.

In addition to these persons, people from within the University as well as from the policy spectrum in Guyana and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will be

A few members of the Think Tank group

part of this group.

Think Tank intends to soon come up with an agenda which will be shared with the general public. Furthermore, briefings and commentaries will be published to inform the Government on the way forward as recommended by the group.

“We will come out of today with an agenda that we will publish so you will get a note on it on what we are going to do, what steps we are going to take and the media and the public and policymakers will begin to see our briefs so we will be writing and publishing and advising on what we think and how we think this can work and provide that kind of support to pretty much anybody who needs it”, Mohamed further explained.

Five of the main persons who form part of the group are Verlyn Klass; Former Dean of the University, Thomas Singh; Former Head of Department of Chemistry, Patrick Ketwaroo; Head of

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vishal Persaud and Dean Calvin Bernard.

Already the Department of Energy, Department of Environment and the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) have been engaged and will be working along with the newly established group.

UG has also partnered with the Arizona State University from the United States on this venture. Funding for the project is coming from the Trent University of Canada.

Acting Vice-Chancellor for UG, Professor Michael Scott explained the importance of the project that is being undertaken by the University. “I’ve often said that whatever we do, whether it’s oil and gas or whatever we do, beneath, behind, before, beyond and beside what we do are living beings called people and at the end of the day they are the ones who will be impacted upon,” he stated.

NEWS

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

GRDB refutes Suriname Ambassador’s claims of paddy insect plague The Modi Phenomenon

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ust a few months ago, most of the political pundits were predicting that a “revitalised” Congress Party under an aggressive Rahul Gandhi would give the BJP under Narendra Modi a run for its money. At the very best, they projected, after its phenomenal win in 2014, all the BJP would be able to do was win possibly 200 of the 543 seats in the Lower House, and depend on its allies in the NDA coalition for the remaining 72 seats to form a new government.

When the results came in, the BJP on its own had garnered a stunning majority of 303 seats, and 350 with its allies. The answer to the question as to how the BJP was able to pull off this stunning feat has much relevance for our own elections, which are going to be held sooner rather than later, after the CCJ’s decision on the NCM. While there are numerous factors in the answer, it all boiled down to one: the candidate Narendra Modi.

This was already Ravi Dev clear in the 2014 victory, and all that transpired since have only accentuated the Modi factor. For all intents and purposes, the 2019 Indian election was a Presidential election. The BJP’s victory is therefore a victory for Modi, and explains that party’s overcoming the “anti-incumbent” constant in Indian politics; the comparative stuttering growth rate that did nothing for the unemployment rate, especially for youths and the anti-BJP caste; regional alliances; and, most of all, the bias of the Western-oriented elite, which have defined them as “backward”.

In a country defined by its corrupt institutions and politicians, the Opposition across India could not dent Modi’s incorruptible image. And that for the simple reason that it was not just an image, but reality. Rahul Gandhi turned around Modi’s label of himself as a simple “watchman” of India - a play on his humble beginnings as a “tea vendor” - and accused him of being involved in a fighter aircraft deal as a “Watchman thief”. But even Gandhi’s own party members and allies refused to go down that road; they knew it would be rejected by ordinary voters, and rebound against them.

Modi has fused two traditions of India: that of the ruler and that of the ascetic, both of whom are supposed to place the interests of the people ahead of themselves.

The self-sacrificing ascetic we all know about, but the ideal of the self-sacrificing king is exemplified in the widely misunderstood story of King Ram sending his beloved wife Sita into exile. It was to uphold values in his people that he sacrificed the companionship of his beloved.

In an action that might not be understood outside of an Indian milieu, Modi left an arranged marriage as a youth, and has never remarried. He joined the “National Volunteer Organisation” (RSS) as a child of eight, and became one of some 4000 fulltime “volunteers” of the RSS who were devoted to serving India in various capacities. He was seconded to politics only in 1985, by which time his commitment to working for India to reach “the pinnacle of its glory” had become second nature.

Narendra Modi does not have any personal property and wealth to speak of, and no children to pass on any to.

In India, even though they might raise strong emotions, very few Indians from across the multitudinous divides would question the moral probity of RSS volunteers.

Contrary to the scuttlebutt that the RSS and BJP are “anti-lower caste”, the lower caste Modi propelled the BJP to victory in Uttar Pradesh (from where most Indians in Guyana originated) over an alliance of two parties of the lowest castes. In destroying the traditional caste politics, Modi has explicitly advocated that there are now only two castes in India -- the poor, and those who will enable them to overcome their poverty. In this masterstroke, he transcended the antagonistic Marxist and capitalist divisions of the “haves” versus the “have nots”, and enlisted the former to help the latter in a uniquely Indian position; not as a favour, but as their duty.

After the elections, Modi expanded the BJP’s motto from “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas” (all together; development for all) with “Sabka Vishwas” (everyone's – all minorities trust). This is our mantra. “I will leave no stone unturned, and I will work for all citizens of India".

We wish Guyanese politicians would follow suit.

T

he Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) on Saturday “categorically” condemned statements from the recently accredited Suriname Ambassador to Guyana, Ebu Jones which stated that there is an insect plague in the rice industry.

In an issued statement, the entity asserted that 98 per cent of the crop was harvested by the end of May. Consequently, this provided 519,470 tonnes of paddy, with an average yield of six tonnes per hectare. This is significantly more when compared to 508,195 tonnes for the first crop of 2018.

It added that farmers in

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were challenged by bugs during the earlier part of 2019 but those matters were addressed by the farmers and is a global issue in paddy production.

In a local news entity, Jones was quoted as saying that paddy is smuggled from Guyana to Suriname but the GRBD claimed that it is unaware of any such activities.

From 2014 to last year, 3535 tonnes of rice was exported to the country.

“Rice has been and is being exported to Suriname legally. For the period 20142018, three thousand five hundred and thirty-five (3535) tonnes of rice and rice

by-products were exported to Suriname. In 2018 two hundred and thirty-three (233) tonnes were exported. As at May 2019, ninety-eight (98) tonnes of parboiled rice were exported.”

Export for the first quarter of 2019 was 103,024 tonnes when compared to 49,629 tonnes for the same period in 2018.

Last March, rice was confiscated by the Jamaican Ministry of Industries, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF) due to high microbial content.

According to reports by The Jamaica Observer, the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division of the

Ministry impounded some 1575 bags of rice worth millions of dollars.

The grains, which were exported by a local distributor, were inspected and was found to have signs of mould, clumping discolouration and wetting and as such, detained by a food storage inspector.

After being sent to a lab for testing, results showed that the rice contained microbial levels which are beyond the accepted limits, thus making it inapt for human consumption.

A few days later, the GRDB informed that no rice had been shipped to Jamaica from Guyana by the miller who packages under the Cinderella Brand for the year. Information stated that the last shipment left Guyana on December 15, 2018, and arrived four days after several mandatory tests.

However, during a press conference, the Board stated that it was being sidelined by Jamaican authorities with regard to obtaining information about recent reports about the alleged shipment.

No feasibility study, consultations carried out for delayed Mabaruma solar farm – Chairman - as GEA says project to be complete by this year end

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t was supposed to have been commissioned since last year, but with its completion date revised to 2019, questions are being raised over how well planned and effective the Mabaruma solar farm will

An image of a solar farm Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley

be.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is unaware of any feasibility study having been done for the project, nor could he recall any substantive consultations with the community on the project.

“A team would have visited my office as Regional Chairman and they would have related that they are there to seek the support of the RDC for the land space to construct the farm, because a farm was placed in the budget and an allocation was approved. So they asked for support in that manner, which we supported fully.”

“Thereafter, there was

no proper feedback or updates on what was happening at the farm, at the level of the RDC. It should have been commissioned since last year. But every time we’re hearing, in the next three months, in the next six months. And there’s no proper information being provided in writing or orally to the RDC.” While questions remain over exactly how the project was conceived, Ashley noted that from his enquiries, the project also has technical issues. According to the Chairman, there are challenges that include the storing of the solar energy, among other things.

“We know they have a serious problem with compatibility. We are aware because the generator sets we have, were not constructed to deal with the eventuali-

ty of having such a project on board. We’re grateful for the project, but we’re concerned that hundreds of millions would have been spent but it will not provide the services it should to the people.”

“Whatever project is being done by Government, any entity within a particular region, the RDC should receive a copy of the contractual agreement and the bills of quantity of that particular project, so we can help in the monitoring of that particular project while its being done. But we don’t have any such documentation. We’re at a loss when it comes to that.”

Meanwhile, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) head, Dr Mahender Sharma, who was at the time speaking at the Turkeyen and Tain talks, revealed that the proj-

ect is expected to come on stream by this year end.

“By the end of this year we would have installed more than five megawatts of new solar, on the rooftops of Government buildings and some hinterland locations and one of our first solar farms in Mabaruma.”

However, Sharma alluded to the technical challenges that can be faced when looking to harness solar energy.

“Five megawatts is a huge number in just a few years. But what’s wrong with solar? It’s not continuous. You engineers will tell you it’s not dispatchable. Its only there for a few hours and to capture it requires quote a bit of technology. You have to find a way to store it. And batteries are a big problem. They are still very expensive.”

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NEWS

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Guyana mulls owning ferry to ply Suriname route – Harmon

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ollowing the recent suspension of the of MV Canawaima due to mechanical issues, the coalition Government is considering taking up the responsibility of putting a ferry to ply the route.

The key service operates based on a shared agreement between neighbours, Guyana and Suriname, who share the operations and jointly oversee the maintenance of the ferry plying the route between the two countries.

However, since the MV Canawaima, which plied the route, was hauled in for rehabilitation, the Guyana Government is now considering taking over the service.

“The question of whether a new vessel will go there and who’s going to have that – all of these will be a matter which we will have to sort out [with Suriname] …

But this is a service which the people are depending on and if it becomes neces-

being towed by a tug before it was hauled in for repairs earlier this week.

According to Harmon, President David Granger and his Surinamese counterpart, President Dési Bouterse, had previously agreed on the appointment of “good officers” to oversee issues relating to the ferry

notice after it reportedly encountered mechanical issues, preventing it from servicing the Moleson Creek, Guyana – Nickerie, Suriname route.

Terminal Manager Gale Culley-Greene had stated that the Canawaima Ferry has been experiencing mechanical difficulties

service.

However, he noted that the two sides are currently in talks to iron out the issues.

“The Canawaima had a specific issue of funding and this is something that the

sary, I believe our Minister of Public Infrastructure [David Patterson] has already started to contemplate whether, in fact, we may have to put a vessel there ourselves,” Harmon related at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday.

He pointed out that the MV Canawaima has been experiencing issues with its engine for some time now.

He said that the engine was limping and as such, was

two sides will have to work out. We have completed, we have done what we needed to do in so far as our obligations under the arrangement is concerned and so now it is a matter of getting our two sides together to sit down and recognise that this is a service which the people are depending on,” the Government’s spokesperson asserted.

The MV Canawaima Ferry was suspended on Monday last until further

for some time now and a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired.

As such, the MB Sandaka was re-routed to now provide services between Guyana and Suriname. According to the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service, the Sandaka will be in operation from Friday, May 31, 2019, up to Sunday, June 2.

It is expected to depart Moleson Creek TerminalGuyana at 09:00h (check-in: 06:30h to 08:00h) and depart South Drain-Suriname at 11:30h (Check-in: 08:00h-10:00h) – their respective local times.

“This window was created to facilitate the return of passengers and vehicles stranded on both sides. Thereafter, the service will be suspended until further notice”, the Public Infrastructure Ministry stated.

In addition, it was revealed that the MB Sandaka cannot accommodate 20ft and 40ft containers and trucks with height and width in excess of 3 metres and 2.7 metres respec-

tively. Earlier today, it was reported in sections of the media that more than 100 Guyanese were stranded in Suriname in light of the suspension of the ferry service.

However, with the ferry service between the two countries to be suspended until further notice, ac-

tivities at the ‘backtrack’ route are expected to increase. Asked whether any systems will be put in place to monitor that location, Harmon pointed out that his Government will not facilitate any illegal movements.

Instead, he noted that the Guyana Government

is looking into having legal systems in place to facilitate passengers.

“On our side, we will consider putting in place formal legal arrangements for persons leaving this country and to come back. We do not sanction backtrack operations that are unlawful and illegal,” he stressed.

14 news

SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

UK envoy urges Govt to ensure equal rights among Guyanese …as LGBTQ community hosts annual Pride Parade

Former Education Minister and PPP MP Priya Manickchand at the parade on Saturday

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ritish High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn on Saturday joined the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) community in its second annual pride parade and urged the coalition Government to do what is necessary to ensure

that Guyanese are treated equally.

“Everybody in Guyana is entitled to exactly the same rights regardless of who they are, so I think the Government needs to be doing what they can to ensure that everybody has their rights.” Greg underscored.

On this note, the High

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quin at the parade

SASOD’s Director Joel Simpson leads his contingent in the parade

Commissioner further revealed that countries across the globe will be in support of advocating for fair and well-deserved rights within the LGBTQ community since this is merely what they need.

“Human rights is universal; everybody is entitled to same rights as everybody else. All the LGBT community is here asking is to be accorded the same rights as any other citizens of Guyana and that is something that we across the

we are to celebrate who we are as LGBTQ people and to claim our public space, claim our rights to equal citizenship, claim our rights to exist and love who we love without any discrimination in the country.” Simpson related.

The event was hosted as part of Guyana’s carnival celebrations under the theme “Come for carnival, stay for pride” when it was officially launched on May 28, and expected to last until June 3, 2019.

“It doesn’t have a specific theme; I think it has many themes. The theme for the entire festival is “Come for carnival, stay for pride” because this came off the heels of Guyana carnival”, Simpson added.

Even in a country where the rights of persons within the LGBTQ community isn’t recognised or popularised, scores of supporters decked out in their rain-

world will support,” he stated.

Being the second annual parade for the respective community, Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson in a brief interview with this publication stated that the event is being held with the expectation of a more confident display of gender and sexuality diversity without discrimination.

“It’s the second pride parade and we are expecting a more confident display of gender and sexual diversity

bow coloured costumes and outfits, journeyed the city streets and concluded at the Square of the Revolution, Georgetown, in an effort of advocating for their rights and proudly displaying who they are.

Among the crowd, Opposition Member, Priya Manickchand and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee were some of the country’s top officials that participated in Saturday’s event.

The first pride parade activity was held back in June of 2018 since the month is recognised as one to promote social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights and pride within the LGBT community.

The parade was organised by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), the Guyana Rainbow Foundation (GuyBo) and Guyana Trans United.

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Numerous issues plague Linden poultry farmers

portunities for women.

“What I would like to see, is Linden, Region 10... be able to self-sustain.

Linden must be able to produce enough poultry that Lindeners can use and we don’t have to have anybody coming from outside...I think we have the ability to do so, with some help you can do it...you can do this and feel a sense of pride in doing it,” she urged.

The Minister further pointed out that the amount of money earned by the farmers does not matter in securing the loans but businesses must have the ability to repay as she urged the women to set priorities and to be serious about business development.

She further urged that they work together and

The economic rationale of a deep-water port and the Brazil road link

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he idea of a deep-water port and a road linking Brazil and Guyana is nothing new. The conceptualisation of this initiative was developed and publicly discussed a long time ago. Hypothetically, these are indeed good developmental initiatives to transform the economic development of any small developing nation, like Guyana.

That said, it would appear that the Government of Guyana is making a concerted effort to have these initiatives materialised, which is nothing short of commendable against the backdrop of how these developments could both transform and aid in diversification of the Guyanese economy in the longer term.

With approximately 80 per cent of the world’s trade in merchandise being carried by ships, maritime transport remains by far the most common mode of international freight and transport. It is the backbone of facilitating international trade, offering the most economical and reliable method to move goods over long distances. Ships can carry large volumes of merchandise, and use free highways in the seas, which only requires infrastructure developments at the seaports. In Guyana’s case, we may have to build new seaports in addition to implementing infrastructure developments at existing seaports. The performance of ports is an essential element of overall trade costs for all countries (AfricanBank Development Report, 2010).

Against this background, it is widely recognised that an efficient transport system, one that facilitates the economical movement of goods, resources and people, is vital for economic growth and, by extension, globalisation. In a historical context, during the 19th century, improvements in transport and communications were major contributors to the expansion of world trade and globalisation. Communications continued to be revolutionised in the 20th century with innovations such as cars, aeroplanes, large bulk carriers, container ships and pipelines for oil and gas.

The introduction of railways and improvements in road infrastructure caused land transport costs to fall by 90 per cent from 1800 to 1910; the real cost of ocean shipping fell by 80 per cent between 1750 and 1990; and by 1980, the real cost of air freight had fallen by approximately 75 per cent from its level in the 1930s.

The increased participation of developing countries in world trade “would not be possible without global shipping networks, port reforms, and investments in transport infrastructure as well as trade and transport facilitation”, according to UNCTAD. Moreover, there exists “a virtuous cycle where better transport services lead to more trade, and more trade helps to encourage improved transport services”. By the beginning of the 21st century, the ‘tyranny of distance’, while perhaps not completely tamed, was greatly diminished (Tull, 2006).

Economic impacts of deep-water ports in advanced economies Connecticut The operation of Connecticut seaports directly and indirectly accounted for 2 per cent of the State’s employment and 2.6 per cent of the State’s total output in 1997. It also contributed about 2.5 per cent of that State’s taxes. The ports significantly reduced truck traffic, and thus directly improved their environment.

The relative cost to Connecticut ’s metal working industry of steel delivery by truck versus ship: A ship carrying 26,000 tons of steel crosses the Atlantic in seven days at a daily rate of US $12,000. A truck carrying 20 tons of steel from Burns Harbor, Indiana makes the 900-mile trip to Connecticut in 1.4 (12-hour) days at $60 per hour. The 1,300 truck trips cost Connecticut ’s steel users US$1.3 million versus US$84,000 for the same quality by ship.

Conclusion Each year, ports and waterways carry more than 2 billion tons of cargo. Not only are ports crucial for the exportation and importation of goods for international trade, but also for transporting of goods domestically.

Another major economic benefit that ports provide to countries is the creation and maintenance of jobs.

Though space precludes a more comprehensive review of empirical studies of how seaports, or deepwater ports in particular, contribute to the economic development of countries around the world, much evidence exists, nonetheless, to corroborate and/ or validate the notion that deep-water ports do aid in delivering massive positive economic spinoffs to countries. It is therefore against this backdrop that the road linking Guyana and Brazil, together with the deep-water port project, could significantly transform Guyana’s economy in terms of job creation, reduction of poverty for its citizens, more revenue in the form of taxes for the Government, better quality of life and standard of living to its people, the creation of new industries and new businesses and economic opportunities, and the list goes on.

Hypothetically, depending on the location where the port might be developed, when one looks at the geographic position of Guyana on the South American map, literally kissing the Atlantic Ocean, one cannot help wondering whether Guyana could become the gateway to facilitate the transport of goods from other South American countries through Brazil and a deepwater port. If such an idea is proved to be possible and economical, then one can only imagine the sea of economic prosperity which these developments could potentially bring to Guyana.

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

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oultry farmers in the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), have expressed concerns over a number of issues affecting them, as the community gears towards resuscitating and advancing its poultry production industry.

At a recent consultation with Minister within the Agriculture Ministry Valerie Adams-Yearwood, poultry farmers pointed to a lack of available lands to facilitate the activity and lack of finances including access to grants, amongst other issues.

Others complained of not having enough finance to continue their businesses.

According to many of the poultry farmers, their businesses are affected due to the fact that many people live in residential areas where rearing is prohibited on a large scale.

Some noted that they have applied to the Guyana Lands and Surveys, seeking to acquire land for their businesses but are yet to receive a response.

The Minister during the consultations posited that she will inquire about the applications from the commission.

In addition, other poultry farmers noted that they have been waiting for years for their lands to be surveyed. One farmer indicated that she applied since 2007 for land at Bamia to farm but has encountered difficulties.

A poultry farmer, Nicola Henry, indicated that she does large-scale poultry farming for a living but was told to discontinue by the Linden municipality since she had been rearing in a residential area. She said while she has a desire to move and has applied for land through Lands and Surveys, this has been unsuccessful. While the Minister warned that poultry farming is not permitted in residential areas, she gave the idea of seeking to utilise condemned lots in the area to facilitate the ac-

Female poultry farmers in Linden on Friday

tivity.

Another farmer, Elaine Jacobs, of the Christianburg/Dalawala (Block F) area, explained that she has been living in the area for 38 years and has been affected by the lack of electricity and access to water. The woman, who rears pigs, said it has been difficult without access to these amenities.

“We need lights and water. Our children suffering in that area. For years it happening. The bridge all bad at the burying ground where these children does got to traverse...”, she noted.

The concern of lack of access roads to get to farmlands at West Watooka was also raised by one of the community’s farmers.

A resident, Ruth Esbrand, also sought to receive technical assistance in resuscitating a dormant fish pond and was allegedly assured by Regional Agriculture Officer, Derick Collins that help and advice will be given to anyone interested in this activity through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in collaboration with the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry.

With regards to finances, Minister AdamsYearwood said she has

not yet had an opportunity to look at making grants available but noted that loans are presently being offered through the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN).

The Minister, who is also Secretary of the LEN Board, said priority assistance for loans is now being offered to female farmers, including those who previously applied and were turned down and those currently seeking to secure loans.

This, she noted, is in an effort to assist in revitalising the poultry industry in the region which has been experiencing a decline for years owing to out-of-town market competition.

The Minister said she learnt through a recent stakeholders’ meeting that the poultry industry in the community is not as vibrant as it used to be. Of the almost 60 female poultry farmers who were present at the meeting, she noted that just about 14 of them are currently still involved in poultry rearing owing to the circumstances.

She further noted that through the Ministry, the women will also receive technical support and assistance including help with proposals. She noted that this will also aid in creating employment op-

to move from just poultry rearing to packaging and agro-processing through the manufacturing of by-products such as sausages and ham.

Additionally, she told the women to make a start by helping themselves and by utilising the expertise of Resource Officers within the Ministry, noting that training on how to market products will be provided.

The Minister said farmers can also be provided with opportunities for purchasing equipment through various lending agencies.

Adams-Yearwood further urged the farmers to form a Linden Women Poultry Farmers Association. She also announced plans to extend the same opportunity to other poultry farmers within the region and the rest of the country.

Additionally, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LEN, Tanzia Gasper in her remarks said monies are available for entrepreneurs including poultry farmers since $200 million was allocated for 2019. Depending on the amount borrowed, she said borrowers can get a minimum of 3 months to a year. Gasper noted that LEN can also give funding to construct pens and to purchase supplies.

16 news ISG gives away second bike in ‘Oil and Go’ Promotion SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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nother lucky Guyanese on Friday rode away with a Honda motorcycle as Industrial Supply of Guyana Incorporated’s “Oil and Go” promotion intensifies.

The grand draw was done on Friday by one of ISG’s authorised resellers, Parts Plus, on Alberttown and Light Streets, Georgetown, as the company celebrates its 16 years of service to the Guyanese populace.

Raymond James would have purchased fuel just in time to cop one of the six motorcycles that were given away by the company during its grand promotion.

The promotion did not exclude authorised resellers from participating in the promotion as they were eligible to win one of two all-expenses-paid trips to Barbados for a weekend.

This drawing will be done at the end of the promo-

tion.

However, drawings for the motorcycles will be done monthly but customers can also double their chances of winning by shopping Ultra Powermax 10W 40 Motorcycle Oil. One person already won a motorcycle by simply purchasing oil that just cost him $4500.

To win, users must fill out the coupon with all the required fields, especially tax invoice numbers so that the purchase can be verified at resellers across Guyana.

Vouchers without the invoice number will automatically be disqualified.

Another criterion is that no customer can win twice and finally, no staff or family member from ISG or MACORP can participate.

For resellers with 30 days credit, the account must be in good standing and the coupon filled out accurately.

During the draw, it was

Staffers celebrate as the name of the winner of ISG’s ‘Oil and Go’ Promotion is announced

pointed out that these vendors and users had to purchase MP Ultra Lubricant which boasts of over 50 years in experience of blending lubricants in

Trinidad.

Furthermore, all lubricants adhere to strict quality standards stipulated by international rating bodies, including the American

Petroleum Institute (API), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

By being compliant to these standards, MP ensures its products rank in performance with any established international brand.

Region 10 RDC premieres first farmers’ market initiative

An elated farmer showcasing items made from her produce

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armers, agro-processors and entrepreneurs from across Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were given an opportunity to showcase and sell their produce as the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) presented its first monthly

farmers’ market on Friday last.

The initiative, which was hosted at the Wismar market tarmac, allowed for the farmers and agro-processors to sell at reduced prices to members of the public.

Over 32 businesses and farmers participated in the

A farmer and shopper in discussion

event which was a collaborative effort by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

Farmers from the community have for years been calling for the implementation of a farmers’ market event in an effort to showcase their produce.

Regional Agriculture Officer Derek Collins said the Council’s Agriculture Department hosted the activity in an effort to give participants a fair opportunity to compete without competition from retailers.

He explained that in Linden, it is evident that third parties come into the community to purchase produce, hence some of the farmers do not even have an opportunity to reach to the local market.

“We’re going to do this every month, whereby we give the farmers the space to vend their produce at

farm gate prices...you come directly to the farmers and get fresh, organic produce...

We’re also giving the craft makers an opportunity to vend their produce. We had a crowd this morning and most of the vendors are all sold out. So, next month they’re saying that they’re coming with far more produce so they can stay an entire day and make maximum profits from what they have.”

Collins, who was actively engaged in the planning of the event, said he was satisfied with the turnout, but noted that he expects to see more farmers in the coming months. Farmers from riverine communities such as Hururu and Kwakwani also participated in the event. The next farmers’ market day initiative is slated to be hosted on Saturday, June 29.

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SUnDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Delay in clearing goods an abnormality – GRA Deputy Chief – says businesses have option to escalate complaints

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eports of containers of goods being delayed on wharves are not supposed to happen, with Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Deputy Commissioner General Hema Khan urging businesses to escalate complaints they may have about the processing system.

This is especially so, if such businesses would have satisfied all criteria for having their goods cleared, but are still faced with delays.

Khan reminded that there is a system that is followed in such a scenario.

“I’ve not received those reports myself, but we can look into it just to see that that’s so. And there’s a pro-

cedure that can be followed if a lengthy time is being taken with processing. They can escalate the issue,” she said.

According to Khan, clearing goods is not supposed to take an inordinately lengthy time. However, she explained that there could be several reasons behind such delays; reasons that could be the fault of the importer.

“There can be several reasons. Usually, its persons not paying their taxes. Or it could be they have some document outstanding. Or there’s an error in the document they submitted,” Khan explained.

“If it does take long

The container scanning system being used by the GRA

there must be a reason for it and they need to query it. So, they need to come in or they can just call in and find out why it talking long. There are persons they can contact, including the head of customs. And if there’s no explanation being given, they can always

go higher, to myself or the Commissioner General.”

Last year, a container mobile scanner was introduced at the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC) scanner site, as complaints about the sloth of processing containers

had become pronounced.

The GRA had also announced that in keeping with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Authority and the GNIC, a fee of $20,000 would be charged by them for any container scanned at the Lombard Street facility.

They had announced that this measure was necessary to recoup the GNIC’s administration costs and allow for a return on its capital investment. However, they had advised importers and exporters that fees associated with manual inspections for containers scanned would be waived.

“Guyana is now in a po-

sition to adequately scan containers on a continual basis thereby facilitating reduced trade transaction costs and time of both imports and exports while simultaneously improving revenue collection,” a statement from GRA had said.

“Universal scanning of outbound containers is mandatory in keeping with international maritime conventions on trade facilitation. The GRA also wishes to advise that in partnership with its sister agencies, relief measures will be implemented to ease traffic congestion and facilitate faster scanning of containers,” the authority had announced.

$4.6M in grants received by Effective management of oil HEYS participants in Region 2 revenues can transform lives

and livelihoods – Dr Bynoe

D Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

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A section of the gathering at the event

inety-two participants of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service – HEYS programme have received $50,000 each to boost their respective business ventures across Indigenous villages in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This amounts to a fruitful investment of $4.6 million

by Government.

The young and promising entrepreneurs received their grants on Wednesday and Thursday last on the side lines of the “Government Comes to You” outreach in the region.

Toshaos attending the exercise noted with great satisfaction the positive impact the programme continues to have on the lives of the regions young people.

David Wilson, Toshao of Akawini Village, said he is confident that the youth from his village will be able to supply furniture to schools across the region, since the HEYS programme has imparted this among other skills to his young people.

Aubrey Fredericks, Toshao of Capoey Village, said the impact the programme is having in his village is commendable since “people are bringing in cooking gas for sale for the first time in our village and that is very good to me. There is also talk about bringing in

other stuff like motor cycle parts, like the bearings, the tube and such things and of course the residents will have better access to these things because before you would have to come to Anna Regina to buy them”.

According to Department of Public Information (DPI), during their testimonies, the youth explained how they were once dependent on their parents or other family members for financial assistant but once they were part of this youth programme, their lives have changed for the better.

Janella Abrams, a participant from Bethany Village who has been running a successful snackette, said “HEYS helped me to start up my business and provide for my family because I had a sick father and he died, and it’s helping me up to now… and right now I have some snacks here”.

Dan Richards, who has been supplying his village of Wakapoa with cement blocks for close to two years, said “I have been successful so far me and my brothers, and at least we are employing more young people to come and work with us so far and the lil grant we have now, will come more good for our business so we can employ more young people to work with us”.

Desmond Thompson a participant from Bethany

recommended “HEYS to be more informative, so that they would not plan on a business that would exceeds the grant or the finance they would receive… I think that the Ministry through HEYS can revisit some of these communities and motivate these youths to keep going”.

After listening to profound testimonies from the young people, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock commended them for persevering.

The Minister told the young people that “you are there as a good example of how others can follow, they don’t have to reinvent the wheel, you were the ones who have tested, made your mistakes, you correct them, you benefited, some of you just kept on going.”

Close to 4000 youths across the hinterland have benefitted and are taking every opportunity the HEYS programme has afforded towards their development.

The Ministry’s hall mark focus, is that of empowering the Indigenous people, especially the young people.

These are investments in people, not profits.

Ministers Allicock and Valerie Garrido-Lowe are looking at entering into a third cohort, which will cater for an additional four thousand youth, before the end of 2019, bringing the figure of empowered youth close to eight thousand, since 2015.

The “Good Life” promised by President David Granger is being realised.

irector of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, has said the sustainable development of Guyana’s recent hydrocarbon discoveries and the revenues which they will accrue have the potential to truly place the country on a sustainable development pathway.

He also noted that this development is occurring at a particularly opportune time, when the country is pursuing development based on the principles enshrined in its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

Dr. Bynoe made these statements at the University of Guyana’s ‘Turkeyen and Tain Talks 18’ event, titled “Energy for Guyana, Renewable Energy, Oil, Gas and Guyana’s Green Future”, which was hosted at the Pegasus Hotel as part of ‘Energy Week’ activities.

Dr. Bynoe was among eight other panellists from a group including professors from local and international academia, among others relative to the energy sector, who made presentations to translate new concepts and foster further discussions on creating a productive, efficient, and sustainable energy sector in Guyana.

In his discourse on the topic “Oil and Gas in a Green’ Guyana,” Dr. Bynoe said, “Energy is not an end in itself. It’s what it can be used for to transform the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese going forward.

Further, the GSDS is premised upon the effective management of the country’s natural resource wealth, inclusive of our hydrocarbons, supporting economic resilience and building human capital (in) Guyana.”

He noted that pursuing oil and gas development does not necessarily run counter to the paradigms of the GSDS model.

“It is not just about energy; it’s a development para-

digm. How can we achieve these objectives in the face of Guyana’s expanding oil and gas reserve estimates?

Firstly, while there continues to be substantial discussions around the utilisation of the oil revenues (as there should be), the hydrocarbon resource revenues are expected to be the catalyst for growth and funding of the GSDS, whether for example in pursuing cheap and reliable energy, including for value addition in other sectors…. We must be able to understand where the growth sectors are, and be able to target and put resources therein; and I can say, coming from my own background and what we’re already seeing in terms of the supporting structures to support the oil and gas industry, we’re already seeing an increasing demand for energy,” he said.

Guyana Energy Agency’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mahender Sharma shared a similar view. In his presentation, titled “Guyana and Energy: A General Overview”, he said having oil and gas does not preclude Guyana from pursuing sustainable development.

“I see the word ‘sustainable’ is absent from this title, but not because we have oil and gas (it) means [that] we cannot approach our energy sector development and our country’s development in a sustainable manner.

We all know that we have lots of hydropower resources; we know that we get good sunshine. We’ve also learnt that the wind regime on the coast of Guyana is fairly good…and Government has been capitalising on much of this,” he said.

Dr. Sharma recalled that Guyana’s hydropower potential, for example, was examined since around the 1970s, and “that is huge; it’s at the order of 7000 megawatts.

Our peak demand is still about 115-118 megawatts… [or thereabouts], so we need to develop that…

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe

“The energy matrix of the future must bring in to consideration -- must incorporate -- what we have in Guyana, must incorporate gas, oil, if possible hydro power, solar and wind; and that diversity is what adds strength and provides us [with] the kind of energy security that we need,” he said.

In this vein, Professor of Corporate Finance and Energy Investment at ITAM and CBMEX in Mexico, Jose Pablo Rinkenbach -- who said his country has been producing oil for more than 100 years, and has, over the last 10 years, been creating a robust and sustainable energy sector -- said there are five lessons that were learnt, which may prove valuable for Guyana at this stage of her development.

“The first one has to be that you have to have an holistic approach. Don’t think just about oil and gas; think about energy, because otherwise you risk having Dutch disease…of putting all the resources into oil and gas.

Having energy and energy focus will help you in order to have a right, balanced energy matrix…” he said.

Having a robust regulatory framework, embracing transparency, focusing on national development, and managing information are also important, he added.

This event was hosted as part of the University’s roster of activities for its “Energy Week” observance.

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Quakes in Albania damage Dzerzhinsk explosion: Blast at Russian explosives factory injures 79 100 homes, 4 injured

The explosion sent a mushroom cloud Dzerzhinsk

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factory explosion in the Russian city of Dzerzhinsk has injured 79 people and damaged 180 homes nearby.

City officials say that the factory was used to produce and store high-explosive bombs for the military.

They added that the processing facility at the JSC Kristall Research Institute plant has been completely destroyed by the blast.

into the sky above

Most of the people who were hurt were cut by flying glass from the explosion, which also caused a shockwave that smashed windows in homes and other factories in the city.

Dzerzhinsk city officials have declared an emergency in the surrounding areas, while the Investigative Committee of Russia said it has launched a criminal investigation into poten-

tial safety violations at the plant.

A local Health Ministry statement said: “According to the latest information, 79 people asked for medical help after the explosion at Kristall: 38 factory workers and 41 residents of the city. There are no children among the injured.”

It adds that 15 people were hospitalised, but no one had died.

Earlier, a local health official said that most victims were suffering from “shrapnel wounds of mild and moderate severity”.

Officials said it was a “technical explosion” in one of the workshops, which caused a fire of around 100 square miles.

Last August three people died in another factory blast in Dzerzhinsk, in central Russia, which is believed to be one of the world’s most polluted cities. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Residents inspect a destroyed building after an earthquake struck the area in Floq, Albania, June 1, 2019

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ix earthquakes in the space of two hours, the first with a magnitude of 5.3, shook south-eastern Albania on Saturday, injuring four people and causing damage to 100 houses, authorities and eyewitnesses said.

Four people were hurt from the collapse of the walls, roofs and plaster of their houses, and were taken to hospital

in the region’s main town of Korce in eastern Albania, the Defence Ministry said.

“It was 06:30 when I went out to milk the cows when the earthquake struck. I woke up the children and the adults and we ran outside, all of us,” Petrit, 60, told Reuters in the village of Floq, the epicentre of the earthquakes.

The roof of Petrit’s house had collapsed over two rooms.

Some 70 houses were damaged in Floq and the nearby village of Dvoran, the Defence Ministry said.

Half of the 100 damaged houses were abandoned old structures, the Defence Ministry said. Soldiers were pitching military tents in Floq and firefighters were also there.

Fifty families in the mostly-damaged neighbourhood of Floq had abandoned their houses for fear of other quakes, finding shelter either in the military tents or with relatives, the villagers said.

The first earthquake had its epicentre 15 km southeast of the town of Korce at a depth of 14 km and was followed by another seven minutes later at a depth of 18 km in an area bordering Greece and North Macedonia.

Lower intensity tremors continued in Korce and the southern area of Gjirokaster, on the border with northern Greece. (Excerpt from Reuters)

‘Father of democracy’: DRC’s Fire at migrant centre in Etienne Tshisekedi laid to rest Bosnia injures 29 – Police

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M

ore than two years after his death in Brussels, Etienne Tshisekedi’s body was repatriated to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was finally laid to rest in the land of his ancestors.

Etienne was a towering figure in the Congolese political scene. Briefly appointed Prime Minister in the 1990s, he was considered an eternal opponent.

For four decades, he denounced successive Government’s abuses, first under the self-proclaimed “Marshal-President” Mobutu Sese Seko, then LaurentDesire Kabila and finally Joseph Kabila - Laurent Kabila’s son.

The veteran opposition leader was stubborn, quick-tempered and often impulsive - a personality that was far from flawless and deemed unpredictable by many.

Affectionately nicknamed “le vieux” (“the old man”), or “leader maximo” by his sup-

Pallbearers carry the casket with the remains of Etienne Tshisekedi at the Martyrs of Pentecost Stadium in Kinshasa [Patricia Huon/Al Jazeera]

porters, he was very popular in Kinshasa.

The capital was his stronghold, the headquarter from where he led his political resistance for 40 years.

Etienne died of pulmonary embolism (a disease of the lung) at 84, on February 1, 2017, in a hospital in Brussels - the capital of the former colonial power, Belgium.

At the time, political tensions were high in DRC, and the veteran leader was in the middle of a long and exhausting confrontation with then

President Joseph Kabila, who delayed polls multiple times, extending his stay in office.

But even after his death, he was still perceived as a threat by the authorities.

For two years, his body had been kept in a mortuary in Brussels, awaiting permission from the Congolese Government to be repatriated home.

Etienne was buried in an unachieved US$2.5 million mausoleum in Nsele on the far outskirts of Kinshasa.

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is appropriate to terminate India’s designation as a beneficiary developing country.”

India had said the move would have a “minimal economic impact”, but it comes at a time lower growth and record unemployment in the country.

Until now, preferential trade treatment for India under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme allowed $5.6 billion (£4.3 billion) worth of exports to enter the US duty-free.

The move is the latest push by the Trump Administration to redress what it considers to be un-

per floor was destroyed, a Reuters photographer said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was underway, police said. Police spokesman Siljdedic told Reuters the fire was most likely caused by a heater as temperatures had fallen overnight.

IOM said it was ready to engage additional staff to put the building back into full use.

About 25,000 people from Asia and North Africa entered Bosnia from Serbia and Montenegro last year, and about 6000 have arrived in the impoverished Balkan country this year, according to Bosnia’s security agencies.

fair trading relationships with other countries.

Last month the US ended Turkey’s preferential status under the scheme.

Trump has also imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from countries around the world. Last year, India retaliated against those tariff hikes by raising import duties on a range of goods.

Separately, the US is involved in an escalating trade war with China, and recently threatened tariffs on Mexican goods over illegal migration. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Only around 3500 have been accommodated in transit centres, leaving thousands sleeping rough.

Most of the migrants are concentrated in Bihac and Velika Kladusa, where authorities say resources are overstretched. They have requested that the three transit centres there, including Miral, be closed and residents moved elsewhere.

Ethnically-divided Bosnia has not formed a Government seven months after a general election.

State institutions in charge of migration and asylum issues are operating in a caretaking capacity. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Taliban leader pledges to keep fighting in Eid message

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US ends special trade treatment for India amid tariff dispute

he US will end preferential trade status for India this week, President Donald Trump has confirmed amid a deepening row over protectionism.

India had been the largest beneficiary of a scheme that allows some goods to enter the US duty-free.

However that status will end on Wednesday, Trump said.

In March he announced that it would be revoked because India had failed to provide adequate access to its markets, but Trump gave no date.

On Friday he said: “It

wenty-nine migrants were injured in a fire that broke out early on Saturday at a centre in the northwestern Bosnian town of Velika Kladusa, police said.

Regional police spokesman Ale Siljdedic said the injured were taken to hospitals in Velika Kladusa and neighbouring Bihac following the fire at the Miral centre, which is used as temporary accommodation for about 500 migrants.

The fire was put down during the course of the day but more than a hundred migrants were forced to stay outdoors braving rain and cold weather because the building’s up-

In 2018, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire over Eid, but rejected an offer this year [File: Reuters]

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he Afghan Taliban is unlikely to call a ceasefire any time soon, the group’s leader has indicated, even though the “doors of dialogue” with the United States to end the 18-year-long war in the country remain open.

In his annual message on Saturday, ahead of next week’s Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Mullah H a i b a t u l l a h Akhunzada pledged to continue fighting until the group’s objectives were

reached.

“No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives,” he said in the message, adding that the Taliban aimed for “an end to the occupation and establishment of an Islamic system”.

His statement comes days after a Taliban official said that “decent progress” had been made during talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in

Moscow.

A sixth round of US-led talks in Qatar also wrapped up last month with “some progress” made on a draft agreement for when foreign troops might withdraw from Afghanistan.

Taliban representatives have been talking with US diplomats for months about withdrawing more than 20,000 US and NATO coalition troops in exchange for guarantees that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for attacks.

But so far there have been no signs of a ceasefire agreement and formal negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani’s Government, who Akhunzada accused of “trying to sabotage dialogue between the Islamic Emirate and Afghan political figures”.

The Taliban, overthrown

by US-backed forces weeks after the September 11, 2001, attacks, refers to itself as the Islamic Emirate.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

sunDAY, june 2, 2019

19

Cricket World Cup…

David Warner guides Australia home against Afghanistan T

he domination of the big boys in Cricket World Cup 2019 continues.

Australia defeated Afghanistan almost as simply as New Zealand dispatched Sri Lanka earlier in the day in Cardiff.

Australia won by seven wickets with 15.1 overs to spare, and once again the pace bowlers prevailed.

Afghanistan fought more effectively than Sri Lanka, or Pakistan at Trent Bridge, where the Pakistan team were thrashed

by West Indies on Friday, but their total of 207 was never going to be enough to trouble Australia on a benign, evenly grassed surface. Even for the romantics in the crowd, 90% of whom were cheering every Afghan run, it was not enough.

Given the appalling nature of the start of the Afghan innings, it was quite an achievement to pass 200. They have the most engaging of opening pairs. The tubby little wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad is a sweet timer of the ball, and is no more enthusiastic about the prospect of a quick single than Chris Gayle. His partner Hazratullah Zazai is a tall, muscular left-hander who can pepper the leg-side boundary on his day. But this was not his day; nor was it Shahzad’s.

In the space of five deliveries, they were dismissed for ducks; Shahzad bowled off his pads by Mitchell Starc, Hazratullah caught behind wafting at Patrick Cummins.

It was always going to be a struggle with the scoreboard saying 5 for 2. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi added a steady 51; whereupon, Australia’s leg-spinner Adam Zampa intervened via a stumping, and a good catch was taken at short extra-cover by Steve Smith, whose deft fielding then caused the run out of Mohammed Nabi.

By then Afghanistan had slumped to 77 for five, and there seemed a good chance

that the floodlights would be redundant.

Thanks to a resolute, often harum-scarum partnership of 83 between Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran, who produced the solitary half-century of the innings; and a typically belligerent 27 from Rashid Khan in an innings of 11 balls during which he took 20 runs from a Marcus Stoinis over, Afghanistan flirted with respectability.

However, there were almost 12 overs available when their last wicket fell.

This was a most satisfactory workout for the bowlers. Starc, who has played remarkably little ODI cricket since the last World Cup, when he was virtually unplayable, bowled his usual full length at the start, and was rewarded with Shahzad’s wicket. Cummins was quick, rhythmical, and on target. These are Aaron Finch’s trump cards.

Once the ball refrained from swinging – not that there was ever much movement in the air – Australia reverted to a much shorter length. This confirmed a common tactic among the pace bowlers in the tournament so far. Since the white ball seldom moves in the air or off the pitch, bowlers have reverted to exploring the middle of the pitch.

The ability to bowl well-directed bouncers becomes a more effective mode of attack.

This requires more skill than non-fast bowlers might imagine. If the ball is hip high, it can be easily dispatched; if above-head high, it is a wide. But when the ball is directed at the batsman’s chin, there are problems for all, bar the best players.

So there have been an increasing number of skied catches from top-edged hooks in the first few matches of this tournament, as well as a few sixes. Currently, this is the paceman’s response, which may be encouraged by the fact that the square boundaries of so many English grounds are so much

Australia’s David Warner hitting out during his side’s easy win over Afghanistan

longer than the straight ones. Cummins and Stoinis kept the square-leg umpires on the alert, since they had to decide whether the ball was passing the batsmen above head height.

The Afghanistan bowlers lacked the pace to adopt this type of attack during Australia’s tranquil run chase. Finch was forthright from the start in his no-nonsense muscular manner. His bat looked good and sounded better. When Rashid Khan, the obvious danger man, was introduced, he propelled a long-hop that Finch dispatched towards the Severn Bridge -- the biggest of his four sixes. In an opening partnership of 96 with David Warner, Finch’s contribution was 66 from 49 balls.

By contrast, Warner was careworn by his standards; but this was appropriate,

given the state of the game. Timing was elusive, but that did not matter too much.

He looked as if he was enjoying playing the gnarled innings of an old pro, especially against his two teammates from Hyderabad (Rashid and Nabi). His half-century took 74 balls, after which the ball found the middle of his bat more frequently. He finished with an impressively measured 89 not out.

There were a few pantomime boos for Warner, but his reception was no more hostile than that given to the ugly sisters at the Bristol Hippodrome last Christmas. Oddly, Smith’s arrival at the crease seemed to attract more vitriol. This did not prevent them guiding Australia to the most straightforward of victories, even if Smith did fall with three runs to win, another gentle step in their rehabilitation.

Bartica holds inaugural Independence Grade Six Sports Championships T

he Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Department of Education has held its first Independence Grade Six Sports Championships.

Activities took place in the regional town of Bartica last Thursday and Friday.

Opening the Games, Regional Education Officer Akbar Chindu encouraged the athletes to compete in a fair and friendly environment, and promised them continued support from his department. With pupils from nine primary schools of the Bartica area participating, the disciplines of table tennis, archery, football, cricket, tug-o-war and sprints were run off.

While the traditional “big” primary schools did not perform to expectation, the smaller riverine schools dominated the two days of events as follows: Archery: won by Agatash and 2 Miles Primary Table tennis: won by Holy Name Primary Football: won by Batavia and Karrau Primary

Regional Education Officer Akbar Chindu addressing the students

Cricket: won by Agatash and 2 Miles Primary Sprints, male: won by Agatash and 2 Miles Primary Sprints, female: won by High Achievers Institute of Learning.

Tug-o-war, male: won by Potaro Primary Tug-o-war, female: won

by Batavia and Karrau Primary.

Students turned out in their numbers to participate in the sports championships

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, june 2, 2019

Pacers set up New Zealand’s winning start SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka Innings L Thirimanne lbw b Henry 4 D Karunaratne (c) not out 52 KJ Perera † c de Grandhomme b Henry 29 KG Mendis c Guptill b Henry 0 D de Silva lbw b Ferguson 4 A Mathews c †Latham b de Grandhomme 0 J Mendis c Neesham b Ferguson 1 NC Perera c Boult b Santner 27 I Udana c Henry b Neesham 0 S Lakmal c Santner b Boult 7 SL Malinga b Ferguson 1 Extras 11 (b 1, nb 2, w 8) TOTAL 136 all out (29.2 Overs, RR: 4.63) Fall of wickets: 1-4 (HDRL Thirimanne, 0.2 ov), 2-46 (MDKJ Perera, 8.1 ov), 3-46 (BKG Mendis, 8.2 ov), 4-53 (DM de Silva, 11.5 ov), 5-59 (AD Mathews, 14.4 ov), 6-60 (BMAJ Mendis, 15.2 ov), 7-112 (NLTC Perera, 23.4 ov), 8-114 (I Udana, 24.4 ov), 9-130 (RAS Lakmal, 28.1 ov), 10-136 (SL Malinga, 29.2 ov)

N

ew Zealand bulldozed their way past Sri Lanka in their opening encounter, sealing a 10-wicket win in the third match of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Cardiff on Saturday (June 1).

The New Zealand pacers dismantled Sri Lanka with disdain, as the Asian side folded for 136. Dimuth Karunaratne scored a fighting half-century, and became the second batsman after Ridley Jacobs to carry his bat in a World Cup game; while Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson wreaked havoc.

New Zealand’s openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro aced the chase, as both scored half-centuries to cross the line in the 17th over.

Since the last World Cup, Sri Lanka have lost the most number of wickets in the ‘powerplay’, and the trend continued. Ahead of the tournament, the brief to the openers would have been simple: give the team a steady start and allow the middle-order to capitalise. Early wickets would have been a strict no-go. However, the three wickets lost on the day inside the first ten overs had a telling impact, as Sri Lanka failed to recover from the early blows.

Henry picked up the first three - Lahiru Thirimanne (4), Kusal Perera (29) and Kusal Mendis - as Sri Lanka were left wobbling at 46 for 3. Kusal Perera and Karunaratne scored 42 for the second wicket at a healthy rate, before a collapse sealed their fate. While Kusal Perera was caught at mid-on trying to hit Henry out of the park, a tentative poke from Mendis landed with Martin Guptill at second slip.

Dhananjaya de Silva was trapped in front by Ferguson, while Angelo Mathews was

Bowling MJ Henry(7-0-29-3) TA Boult (9-0-44-1) LH Ferguson(6.2-0-22-3) Grandhomme(2-0-14-1) JDS Neesham(3-0-21-1) MJ Santner(2-0-5-1) New Zealand Innings (target: 137 runs from 50 overs) MJ Guptill not out 73 C Munro not out 58 Extras 6 (lb 3, nb 1, w 2) TOTAL 137/0 (16.1 Overs, RR: 8.47) Yet to bat: KS Williamson (c), LRPL Taylor, TWM Latham †, JDS Neesham, C de Grandhomme, MJ Santner, MJ Henry, LH Ferguson, TA Boult Bowling SL Malinga(5-0-46-0) RAS Lakmal(4-0-28-0) I Udana(3-0-24-0) NLTC Perera(3-0-25-0) BMAJ Mendis(1.1-0-11-0)

caught behind off an inside edge off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme. Sri Lanka’s most dependable batsmen had both been dismissed even before they could open their account, as New Zealand continued to make the most of the early help from the track.

At 60 for 6, Karunaratne had seen his batsmen fail to show patience and the needed temperament on a slightly testing track. The New Zealand pacers were ruthless and consistent, but were aided by the shoddy display from the Sri Lankan batsmen.

Karunaratne and Thisara Perera managed to add 52 for the seventh wicket, before the latter’s greed got the better of him. Thisara fell for 27 off 23, trying to attack Mitchell Santner but not succeeding. There wasn’t much resistance from the tail, as Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham also got among the wickets.

Once the bowlers set up the platform for a small chase, Guptill and Munro eased the team past the line inside 17 overs. Both batsmen scored briskly as the conditions eased out just a touch, and struck half-centuries to build some confidence going ahead in the tournament.

While the Sri Lankan pacers found more swing in comparison to their opponents, their accuracy wasn’t up to the mark to trouble the New Zealand openers. Guptill and Munro stitched together their highest opening stand - going past the 88 they had made against Pakistan in Hamilton in 2018. (excerpted from cricbuzz)

sunday, june 2, 2019

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guyanatimesgy.com

21

Guinness “Greatest of the Street” football, Bartica play-off set for June 14

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he Bartica playoffs of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Street’ football tournament will take place from June 14 to 16 at that town’s Community Centre Basketball Court, and the winning team would advance to the National Finals which would be played in Georgetown in August.

The competition is an annual national promotion of Banks DIH Ltd’s Guinness Brand, in association with Colours Boutique, and this will be the third installment of the Bartica leg. The organisers are hoping that as many teams as possible would be involved, Speaking with Guyana Times Sport President of the Bartica Football Association (BFA), Alden Marslowe, said: “Every form of the game contributes to its overall development. The people of Bartica really love the party atmosphere that accompanies these

games. So when the game is won, it feels like Guinness Football was made for us.”

Marslowe has also promised that the BFA would continue to engage sponsors in a bid to convince them that football in Bartica is “alive and kicking”. He indicated that the BFA was at one point among the top associations in Bartica, and he is confident that, in good time, football will again occupy the exalted position it once did in Bartica.

For registration to participate in this competition, teams may contact Alden Marslowe or Ryan Andries.

Closing date for registration is Saturday, June 8, 2019. All players must be eighteen years or older.

Previously, Rivers View and Disconnection Crew have represented Bartica at the National Finals.

Competition is expected to be of the

Part of last year’s play-off action in Georgetown. This competition will be heading to Bartica

highest standard this year.

The winners of this event will collect $500,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will receive $250,000 and

the corresponding accolade.

The third and fourth place teams will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively, together with a trophy.

ROOMS AND SHOPPING

Ryan Crawford horse meet on today…

ROOMS AND SHOPPING IN CENTRAL GEORGETOWN FOR MORE INFORMATION: EMAIL: caribamercare@gmail.com TELEPHONES #: 2262409/223-4159/644-2388/687-5448

“Orion expected to dominate in his event,” says Crawford A

fter one month of being shifted because of various constraints, the highly anticipated Ryan Crawford Memorial Horse Racing Meet will be hosted today at the club’s facilities at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice.

The action commences from 13:00 hrs, and the day’s card has six events in which more than 40 horses will participate, as more than 2 million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, President of the Turf Club, Marcel Crawford Jnr, said: “The rains have finally held, and I am very happy as, after four weeks of pushing back the date, the horse meet can finally be held. I am very confident that this meet will be a success, as we have some of Guyana’s top horses participating.

“I am extremely proud of Orion, who originates from the Crawford Stables. he has been training hard and is most likely expected to come out on top in his event. Thus far, he has only lost one race, and that was the one in which he was injured. He has dominated

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

in all his other races, and I am confident that he will dominate today’s races.

“I would like to thank the fans for being patient with me, and the sponsors also; and I would like to invite everyone to come out today and support this event.”

Some of the horses that are slated to participate in this event are: ‘Not This Time’, hailing from Sophia; ‘The Rock’, out of Bush Lot; Golden Blue Echo, Keep on Swinging, Awesome Friday, First Prince, Lucky Star, TNT, Red Jet, Byron Osona, Ebony Prince, Flo Joe, Silver Charm, Up Front, Kentucky Woman, and Massepequa Doctor.

Racing events on the card are listed as follows: The I and Lower, the J and Lower, the L3 Unclassified, the L1 and Lower, L2 and Lower, and the L and Lower. All prizes are inclusive of trophies. Individual trophies and other incentives will be given to riders who have performed exceptionally well.

Some of the major sponsors on board are Banks DIH, Jumbo Jet, Attorney-at-Law Poonai of Georgetown, NTN Studios, and Kenneth Auto Sales.

Orion will be in action

Keifer Lopes: Focused on improving himself

By Timothy Jaikarran

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A

fter losing to Guadeloupe 19-5, the Green Machine were forced to go back to the drawing board to try and determine where they had gone wrong.

For a debuting Keifer Lopes, the experience was a bitter-sweet one. He had been ecstatic to finally break into the Green Machine team as the Hooker or the #2 position.

According to ruck.co.uk, a hooker is one of the forwards’ key decision-makers. He or she would coordinate the timing at the scrum, and is responsible for winning possession in the scrummage by hooking the ball back through the props’ legs. At the lineout, he or she is responsible for throwing the ball in, and must be able to accurately hit the lineout jumper who is expecting the ball.

In open play, the hooker plays a role similar to the props, securing possession at rucks and mauls, or taking short ‘crash’ passes.

During the matchup with Guadeloupe, Lopes had shown heart and determination even though the Green Machine were in a losing position. According to Lopes, his flirtation with rugby started a long time ago,

at the University of Guyana. He noted that he was usually very stressed out, and was easily fatigued and angered.

Luck would play its part with him being introduced to national player Rondel McArthur, who asked him if he’d ever considered playing.

The pathway to fulfilling his newfound dream was laid, and he started out with the UG Wolves Rugby Club and worked his way up the proverbial ladder.

Asked by this publication about his journey towards making the Green Machine, Lopes said, “I’ve been training for the national team a while now. I think it was in 2016 I made the reserve list for the team, but I just kept trying.

Each year, a different version of myself goes out to try and make the team. I officially made the starting squad this year, when we played against Guadeloupe.

“Playing against Guadeloupe was a very intense experience.

I got hits in that game that I haven’t felt in a long time; but it was a good thing, and it woke me up.”

Lopes has said that he still needs to improve himself as a player. He also noted that his main goal is to keep training, pushing himself and challenging the players around him, so that they may grow as a team.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, june 2, 2019

Bravo must make space for someone else – after persistent batting failures ...scored only 36 runs in last 6 matches

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t this point in his career, the elegant stroke-maker Darren Bravo has failed to live up to expectations of his being the next ‘Prince of West Indies Cricket’. Often compared to his eminent countryman, the great Brian Charles Lara, this touted West Indies batsman has been recording too many persistent failures with the bat, and ought to redeem himself quickly in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup if he seriously hopes to retain a place in the West Indies Team.

His poor run of form has been evident since his return to the One Day International (ODI) team in December 2018, when Bangladesh were touring the West Indies. After two years without playing an ODI, his return had seen him score only 57 runs in that threematch series.

Good form continued to

elude this batsman when he played in the Home Series against England. In the four innings he batted, he had only one score above fifty -- 133 runs.

Many had thought that Bravo would produce with the bat against weaker opponents in Ireland, but he failed to score anything nearly approaching 50 in the Tri-Nations Tour of Ireland. In the five innings he batted in that series, he had scores of 09*, 01, 17, 06, and 03.

His batting failures continued in the West Indies’ opening World Cup match against Pakistan when he was dismissed for a duck by Mohammed Amir.

A player of his calibre must produce more substantially with the bat.

It is certainly time for Bravo to face the music by sitting

out the starting XI against Australia, come June 6, 2019.

The selectors have given him ample opportunity, but he has not delivered since his return to the ODI team in December 2018. Instead, he has, in recent times, been involved in disputes with Cricket West Indies (CWI) under the Dave Cameron Administration, which had asked him to play Regional cricket.

From an ODI career average of above 40, Bravo currently averages 30.98 in ODIs in the 108 matches he has played.

And the three centuries he has scored in ODI matches are achievements of ages ago.

Rising stars Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer have surpassed Bravo in terms of centuries and ratings. Hetmyer has scored his centuries in a short space of time, and Hope has been the leading run-

scorer in ODIs since October 2018.

Bravo’s ODI career, which began in 2009, has been overrated by his Caribbean people, because he has never been ranked in the top 20 of the ICC ODI batting ranking.

The 30-year-old Bravo has on his side time to make a return with a bang. He has compiled 2,820 runs in his 108 ODIs, and this includes 18 half-centuries.

Bravo spoke to CWI media during his World Cup campaign, detailing that the West Indies team have a mixture of youth and experience in their firepower batting line-up. In recent times, Bravo has not produced the firepower of an experienced campaigner.

The left-hander is expected to ‘bounce back’ soon; but in the meantime he must be placed on the sidelines, and Evin Lewis should partner

Liverpool thump Spurs to cop sixth title

L

iverpool erased the disappointment of last season’s Champions League Final loss by claiming the trophy for the sixth time with victory over Tottenham in Madrid.

It was Mohamed Salah -- such a disconsolate figure when he was injured early in that loss to Real Madrid -- who set Liverpool on their way with a penalty after two minutes, when Moussa Sissoko was contentiously punished for handball.

In a final that rarely touched the heights of the blockbuster semi-finals that made this an all-Premier League showpiece, Spurs had chances, but were denied by Liverpool keeper Alisson, who saved well from Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Christian Eriksen.

And their failure to capitalise was ruthlessly punished when substitute Divock Origi ensured manager Jurgen Klopp won his first trophy as Liverpool manager by driving low and powerfully past Hugo Lloris with three minutes left.

Spurs counterpart Mauricio Pochettino took the gamble of selecting England captain and main striker Harry Kane -- despite his not having played since April because of an ankle injury -- to replace semi-final hat-trick hero Lucas Moura, but Kane had no impact.

Liverpool have lifted the trophy that was taken from their grasp in Ukraine last season, and now stand behind only Real Madrid and AC Milan as serial winners of this tournament, the final whistle sparking huge celebrations among players, management, and the red wave of supporters in Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

From heartbreak to glory for Salah

One of the enduring images of Liverpool’s loss to Real Madrid in Kiev was a tearful Salah being led off midway through the first half, as realisation dawned that he could not continue with the shoulder injury he had sustained in a tangle with Sergio Ramos.

It was a moment that changed the mood inside the stadium and left Liverpool unable to turn the tide once it went against them; so this was an occasion laced with meaning for the world-class Egyptian.

And his moment came almost instantly, when he took responsibility from the penalty spot and powered the ball past Lloris.

How fitting it was that the player who has contributed so much to Liverpool’s renaissance should make such a significant contribution.

Another major difference from last year’s disappointment was the giant presence of

Alisson in goal, as opposed to the hapless Lloris Karius, who had gifted goals to Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale in Kiev.

Here, the £67m Brazilian was a rock with his safe handling and vital interventions when Liverpool came under stress in the second half.

Alisson, along with Virgil van Dijk, has given Liverpool the extra dimension that pushed them so close to a first league title in 29 years, and has now made them European champions once more.

Klopp casts aside ‘unlucky loser’ tag

Liverpool manager Klopp knew one subplot to this Champions League final, played out in the searing heat of Madrid, would be his grim record of losing six successive finals.

He had lost three with Liverpool, including in this competition last season, and while no one can seriously doubt the German’s outstanding work, it was his legendary Anfield predecessor Bill Shankly who coined the phrase: “First is first, and second is nowhere.”

Klopp can now cast off that mantle and instead be known as the manager who restored Liverpool to the pinnacle of European competition.

Ironically, after a season of sustained brilliance and a single defeat that brought the scant reward of second place to Manchester City in the Premier League, this landmark triumph was achieved with one of Liverpool’s least sparkling performances for some time.

That will not matter, however, because Liverpool earned this glory with wins such as those over Bayern Munich in the quarter-final and the astonishing 4-0 turnaround against Barcelona at Anfield in the semi-final.

Klopp was already a much-loved figure; now his name will be written into club folklore.

Pochettino’s Kane gamble comes up short

In the end, the temptation was simply too much to resist; and it was easy to understand why.

Pochettino knew his world-class striker Kane was a player who had hurt Liverpool in the past, and could hurt them again; so he left out Moura, the scorer of that dramatic hattrick in the semi-final second leg in Ajax that took Spurs to the final.

Kane had not played since sustaining another ankle injury in the quarter-final first leg against Manchester City on April 9, and it showed, as he failed to exert any influence on

Mohamed Salah (15) is Liverpool’s second highest Champions League scorer, behind Steven Gerrard (21)

the game. Moura was introduced belatedly, but was unable to produce a second miracle.

Spurs and Pochettino were left heartbroken, and perhaps with a sense of missed opportunity; because Liverpool were nowhere near their best, and occasionally looked vulnerable.

Pochettino, however, deserves huge credit for taking Spurs to their first Champions League final without strengthening his squad this season.

It surely will not be too long before he follows Klopp and wins his first trophy as a manager in England. (BBC Sport)

BCB’s cricket season set to commence from June 8

T

he perpetually hectic cricket season in Berbice was placed on hold upon onset of the rainy season, but will resume from Saturday, June 8th, with the Carib Beer-sponsored 50 Overs’ tournament. The Let’s Bet Sports’ 100 balls tournament and the NBS 40 Overs’ tournament are additional fixtures slated for prompt resumption. The fixtures of these matches will be released during the week.

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) officials are asking that all cricket venues take shape, and that all four of the zones across the county: New Amsterdam/Canje, Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne and West Berbice, get their teams ready to participate.

Among the clubs in West Berbice are Blairmont Community Centre, D’Edward Cricket Club, Cotton Tree Die Hards,

and the Archivers. Clubs from the New Amsterdam/ Canje area include Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Tucber Park, Mt Sinai, and Mental Hospital. The Upper Corentyne clubs include Skeldon Titans, Number 72 All Stars, Dukestown and No 64 Fighting Marines; while the Lower Corentyne clubs include the powerhouse teams of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Albion, Port Mourant and Courtland.

The outstanding finals for BCB tournaments will also be played shortly, when sponsors set the respective dates. During the coming August holidays, all the youth tournaments will be played.

In the history of the BCB, the Let’s Bet Sports-sponsored tournament is the most successful event in terms of sponsorship attained by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, june 2, 2019

Shepherd brimming with confidence for second CPL stint

By Brandon Corlette

Shepherd took three wickets on CPL debut

P

ossessing the powerful physique of a modern-day fast bowler, Tucber Park lad Romario Shepherd is revelling at his second-time selection to the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team.

One of five Berbicians and eight Guyanese selected for the home franchise, Shepherd took the time to speak to this daily publication in an exclusive interview.

“It’s obviously a great feeling for me to earn selection for a second successive year for the GAW, and this is a confidence- booster for me”, Shepherd told this reporter.

The 24-year-old all-round player added, “It is early days, but looking into the future, with any opportunity given in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), I will bowl my best”.

Shepherd made his de-

but appearance in the 2018 edition of the CPL playing against Trinbago Knight Riders, participating in three matches in the latter part of the tournament. He has been one of Guyana’s rising talents, and has had a great 4-Day tournament playing for the Jaguars in the 201819 season.

“The 4-Day tournament is obviously a different format, but my performance has given me the confidence moving forward”, Shepherd detailed.

Having played only 21 matches in his First-Class career, Shepherd has already grabbed 67 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, since making his debut against Jamaica in 2017.

His recent 4-Day season with the Guyana Jaguars was certainly his breakthrough season, with him finishing as the best fast bowler in the entire tournament, having taken 37 wickets while playing in all 10 matches, and scoring 315 runs with the bat, including two half-centuries. His per-

formance is ample testimony to his level of fitness and development of his game overtime.

The confident Berbician told this reporter that, in the T20 format, his aim is to pick up wickets for his team, and bowl at a healthy economy rate. The 2019 edition of the CPL is slated for September, and Shepherd is currently in preparation mode.

A tournament as eminent as the CPL will feature all the big names around the globe, and it calls for mental toughness. Shepherd is focused on the positives.

Having placed himself on the radar for a call-up to the West Indies ‘A’ and West Indies senior teams with his Regional performances in recent times, Shepherd will use the CPL as another stepping stone in his quest to play International cricket.

He started his cricket career as a batsman, although he is now a celebrated bowler; and he has not lost his batting skill although he focus-

es more on his bowling. The right-hander has three Firstclass half-centuries, and possesses a peculiar ability to clear the ropes with great ease.

His ‘List A’ career has also been promising, with this New Amsterdam lad being an active member of the Cricket Guyana Inc. Academy. He has taken 24 wickets in his 18 ‘List A’ matches.

Romario Shepherd has the ability to zip the new ball and seam it around, but in the white ball game he has the ability to bowl those deadly Yorkers. Shepherd has a best bowling figure of 3-29 on his debut in CPL against the powerhouse Trinbago Knight Riders team, the defending champions.

In his debut match, he picked up the prize scalps of Colin Munro, Brendon Mc Cullum and Darren Bravo.

The confident Shepherd will be reminiscing on his debut for the GAW, and is eager to make an even greater impact the second time around.

23

Playing for Guyana Jaguars, Shepherd has turned in some top performances with both bat and ball

Global T20 Draft shifted to June 9 – Caribbean players likely to participate

T

he second edition of the Global T20 Canada draft has been shifted to June 9, 2019. With many Guyanese players registered for the draft, the 2019 tournament is set to facilitate more Caribbean players.

In the inaugural tournament, Cricket West Indies (CWI) had registered a presence via a team, and numerous Caribbean players had participated. In this second edition (2019), the new CWI administration under President Ricky Skerritt, having recently strengthened partnership with Cricket Canada’s President, Ranjit Saini, will participate in Cricket Canada’s activities via a Cricket West Indies ‘B’ team (developmental team).

In the 2018 edition of the Global T20, the West Indies ‘B’ team led by Anthony Bramble had reached the final of the tournament. Apart from the Global T20 tournament, more cricket administrations from the Caribbean will participate in other leagues in Canada.

Cricket West Indies will allow teams from Canada to participate in the CWI Men’s Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup and the CWI Regional U-19 female tournaments that were held in Trinidad and Tobago.

Moreover, Cricket Canada and CWI will continue to share a rather productive and brotherly relationship within the ICC Americas system for more upcoming years.

CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, has expressed his pleasure in the continuous collaboration.

Sherfane Rutherford had, in 2018, scored a brilliant unbeaten 134 from 66 balls, and Fawad Ahmed had grabbed 14 wickets to set himself up for a CPL 2018 purchase. Trinidad and Tobago’s Lendl Simmons had also scored the most runs in the tournament when he finished with 321 runs in eight matches.

Sheldon Cottrell finished the 2018 tournament with 16 wickets, followed by Fawad Ahmed’s 14 and Lasith Malinga’s 13. Fidel Edwards had taken 11 wickets, while promising West Indies player Obed McCoy had taken 11 wickets.

The second season of the Global T20 will comprise 22 matches, including three playoffs games; and the finals will be played on Sunday August 11, 2019. The tournament had consisted of six teams in 2018: Vancouver Knights, West Indies B, Winnipeg Hawks, Montreal Tigers, Edmonton Royals and Toronto Nationals.

CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, and Cricket Canada’s President, Ranjit Saini

Ramdhani appointed to Pan American Confederation body A

lready the holder of several important positions relative to his sport of choice, Local Badminton coach and player Gokarn Ramdhani has been invested with yet another lucrative position in this regard.

Current president of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), Ramdhani has recently been appointed Deputy Chair of Communications & Marketing, Badminton Pan American Confederation (BPAC). He will hold this position for four years, 20192023.

On May 22 last, the BPAC Annual General Meeting was held in Nanning, China in the framework of the Sudirman Cup and Badminton World

Federation (BWF) AGM 2019. Gokarn Ramdhani was there appointed to his new position.

Asked about his appointment to this highly respected position, Ramdhani stated, “I am very pleased to get this position to help with the development of International Badminton and Guyana, and (I am) also happy to know that my work and contribution to Badminton is being recognised by the highest international bodies.”

The positions that Ramdhani currently holds are: President: Yonex Badminton Club (YBC); President: Guyana Badminton Association (GBA); Council Member: Guyana Olympic Association (GOA); Vice President:

Gokarn Ramdhani at the BPAC Annual General Meeting in China

Caribbean Badminton

Regional Confederation

(CAREBACO); 2nd Vice President: Confederation of Central American & Caribbean Badminton (CONCECABA); and Deputy Chair of Communications & Marketing: Badminton Pan American Confederation (BPAC).

The Badminton Pan American Confederation (BPAC) is the governing body of badminton in the Americas, and is recognised as such by the World Badminton Federation. It was founded in Mexico City in 1976, and is currently composed of 37 member associations.

BPAC had nominated Victor Jaramillo (MEX) as President, to serve until an official election was held at the first Pan Am

Championships the following year.

The first Badminton Pan Am Championships was held in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada in April 1977.

Mr. Victor Jaramillo was confirmed as President, and stayed in this charge until 1981. During those five years, Pan American Championships were held in Canada, Peru, Mexico, and USA. As for Pan Am Junior Championships, they were held in Mexico, Canada, USA and Peru.

From 1981 to 1987, there was no contest; until November 1987, when the V Pan Am Championships was held in Lima, Peru.

Outstanding efforts have been made by Helen Baxter (CAN) in trying to reac-

tivate the Pan American Badminton Confederation since 1982, and also with help from the Badminton Peru National Commission President, Mr. José Andrés Bellido, Badminton Pan Am once again became an active member of the International Badminton Federation in 1987.

During the V Badminton Pan Am Championships, held in Lima, Peru in November 1987, a Congress was held to re-establish the Pan Am Badminton Confederation.

At the Thomas and Uber Cup preliminaries in Pan Am continent in February 1988, Pierre Blouin was elected President.

Badminton was included at Olympic Games programme in Barcelona 1992.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 22

Pg 23

Liverpool thump Spurs to cop sixth title

Shepherd brimming with confidence for second CPL stint

Keifer Lopes: Focused on improving himself

Pg 23

Ramdhani Pg 21

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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JUNE 2, 2019

Feature

The contingent that represented the University of Guyana (team)

By Timothy Jaikarran

S

ome of the greatest things have been achieved through teamwork, because someone ‘has your back’ while you push your limits and achieve something that makes you all proud. It was this level of teamwork that led the University of Guyana’s Chess Club to overcome all their obstacles and securing third place at the recently-concluded University Games in Colombia.

The team was selected following UG Sports Department’s King and Queen Scrabble and Chess Competitions in November last year, with Andre Jagnandan, Davion Mars, Triston Carter, Sidney Nelson and the lone female, Anicia Patterson, ultimately representing UG at the Games.

In the competition held in November 2018, newcomer Patterson defeated Britney Bovell to be crowned the Chess Queen.

The young chess player was hailed by her coach as having an aggressive style of play.

Patterson dominated her opponents with ease as she pushed them back into a corner, applying her killer instinct to announce her presence. In the end, Patterson was able to secure herself a spot on the chess team as the lone female competitor.

However, the reigning chess queen was unable to record a point in any of the categories, as this was her first international exposure. While she may not have gained the results she wanted, Patterson pushed beyond her limit to accomplish something many could only dream of.

The first thing that really took the team by surprise was the Colombian temperatures, and even though the team was informed of the climate before they left, experiencing it first-hand was an entirely different sto-

UG chess coach Ronuel Greenidge standing on the third-place podium (coach)

ry altogether. Even though the team had packed for the cold weather, to some extent their mental endurance was affected. Nevertheless, the team persisted.

Mars retained his crown as chess king in November 2018 by defeating Joshua Gopaul in best- of-three games play. Mars asserted his dominance and won two consecutive games.

From there, he went on to bag his first tournament in 2019, steamrolling the competition, with an astounding 6.5/7 points to finish the event undefeated with six victories and one draw.

Some of the opponents he defeated were former National Junior Champion Saeed Ali, Andre Jagnandan, national player Chino Chung, Ronan Lee, Aravinda Singh and National Junior Champion Joshua Gopaul, whom he had also beaten in the final of the 2018/2019 UG Chess championship.

From there, he continued his fine form bagging wins in the run-up to the University Games in Colombia. At the Games, Mars gained 3/5 points in the male classical category to help the team secure third place; his only two losses came against very strong opposition in

Anicia Paterson was the lone female competitor for the University of Guyana (games)

The University of Guyana Chess team after the competition (teams)

the form of International Master Luis Blandon (rated 2243) from Colombia in the first round and Gaviria Felipe (rated 2066) in the third round. Mars won the remaining games, securing himself a bronze medal.

For Nelson, his 2018 season commenced in an unorthodox fashion, as he was unable to place in the University of Guyana Chess Competition as he was defeated by Mars. But losing to Mars did not stop Nelson as he copped second in one of the first chess tournaments in 2019. The new-

comer was able to finish on 6/7 points in the senior category, forcing the in-form Mars to a draw.

Even though Nelson played in UG tournaments, this was his first-ever Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) tournament, where he claimed wins over Chung, Gopaul and Ali, as well as Olympiad player Roberto Neto among others.

In Colombia, Nelson was also able to bag a total of three bronze medals and was able to amass two valuable points in the classical senior male team cate-

gory to take the team to six points, thus securing their podium finish.

His no-retreat, no-surrender attitude led him to dig deep, pulling out all the stops to earn himself important draws and wins in the Rapids and Blitz categories to hand his team two more bronze medals.

Jagnandan, a newcomer just like Nelson, has etched his name in the minds of Guyanese chess fanatics, as his rise to fame did not come overnight.

Jagnandan’s first competition came at the University

Chess Competition, where he placed third, from there he went on to claim another third in the first chess tournament of 2019. He claimed a total of 3.5/7 points in the junior category, but that was just the tip of the iceberg for Jagnandan as he went on to dethrone National Chess Champion Joshua Gopaul.

After seven intense rounds in the Sasha Cells National Junior Chess Championships, the 19-year-old Jagnandan walked out victorious as he amassed a score of 5.5 score and 24 points. In Colombia, his bronze medals came as a result of his training continuously, however, he faced some major challenges as the cold weather affected him tremendously.

Jagnandan was forced to stay up late at night and play games in the cold so as to become acclimatised, and due to this, he was able to pick up more wins.

Carter has shown to be one of the top minds at the University of Guyana, as he is not only versed in the area of chess, but as a football player as well. While Carter was unable to book a spot in the University Chess Competition in 2018 and 2019 at the University Games in Colombia, the experience for him was a humbling one as he learnt from some of the best chess players in the Caribbean and can only hope he is able to apply what he has learnt.

Mars noted that the team could’ve placed higher if they had converted some opportunities, relating that there were many times when they had a solid structure and a very good position, but failed to either save or secure a full point.

However, they were still able to band together and fight their way to the podium. It was all the teamwork that led to their successful showing and next year, it will just be bigger and better.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

By Utamu Belle

F

or women of the Speightland community situated in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), farming is more than just planting seeds in the ground and watching them grow – it is a way of life which many have grown to love.

Speightland is a small, closeknit community located on the Mackenzie shore of Linden, in close proximity to the old Alumina Plant. Approximately 90 per cent of the population is Indigenous, with subsistence farming and fishing being two of its major economic activities.

While much of the community’s male population are farmers who grow vegetables as a means of supporting their families as well as supplying the market, the women have refused to be left behind.

A walk through Speightland would reveal its love for planting – from kitchen gardens to well thought-out, beautifully decorated yards of flowering plants. And many of the community’s women have transformed their yards into a haven for growing vegetables and fruits.

The Sunday Times Magazine recently spoke with some of these women, who shared their experiences with rediscovering their love for farming while others shared their undying love for the practice.

The members of the community are quite welcoming, much like the calm, peaceful and relaxing Demerara River which runs through it. Take 50-year-old housewife Verna Lorrimer, for example, who was born and raised in the community. Lorrimer, who is a mother of four, told this publication that she learnt a lot about farming from her mother, who was versed in the trade.

She noted that as a child, she wasn’t too keen on farming and strayed away from her mother’s teachings in this regard as an adult; however, she said a love for the activity was recently cultivated in her heart. Displaying her bountiful garden of freshly-grown tomatoes and other vegetables spread around her yard, Lorrimer said she was happy to plant again as she was now reaping the benefits.

“I learned from my mom, because my mom used to go to the creek and farm. When the school closed, sometimes we would go and spend the whole two weeks or when school close for August, we went for the whole two months,” she noted.

Recalling her childhood days, Lorrimer reminisced on using paddle boats at the time to get to her mother’s farm, an activity which is a way of life for residents to this day.

“I never liked it (farming) when I was small, but now as I get big and I start planting a little thing on my own, I get to like it,” she said.

She added that she loved the fact that her vegetables were all natural and not cultivated with too many fertilisers, so she did not have to deal with the issue of them spoiling too quickly. Apart from that, Lorrimer said she was able to save a few pennies owing

to the fact that she did not have to spend on vegetables and fruits.

Additionally, growing and sharing food with neighbours is a common practice in the tightlyknit community.

“When I cut banana, sometimes it’s five, six bunches of banana. I just share it around,” Lorrimer related.

Some of the women explained that they would grow vegetables for their households as well as to sell and would also purchase from other women to sell in some cases. The women plant a variety of vegetables and fruits, including sweet corn, tomatoes, ginger, pumpkin, sorrel, corilla, bora, lettuce, pakchoi, celery, thick leaf calaloo, eshalots, pepper, cucumber, boulanger, sweet potato and mustard.

Fishing is also a hobby shared by the Speightland women. They explained that they would go out at nights with their torch lights to catch fish. The excitement in their voices when explaining the process was convincing enough.

Fishes such as patwa, hymara, bara and hourie are caught using the ‘hook rod’.

“We does go and catch fish,

vated to venture into farming after having little to do with her life. Prior to this, she said she would spend her time sleeping for the most part. Being around a family of farmers, it was hard for her to continue like this.

The women said they started off with only two beds in their own yard before they were motivated to expand. They grow eshalots in basins shaded from the sun by the fruit trees in the yard. Many sorrel trees of varying species surround the outer corners of the yard, while numerous beds of vegetables and fruits are dispersed throughout. They also grow citrus fruits, including orange, tangerine, lemon and lime. Their brothers also have their own farms at a different location.

The women noted that they recently purchased a water can, since it was difficult to water the plants using a hose given the large number of beds. The can, they noted, makes the task a lot easier. They purchase their seeds and seedlings from a local supplier in the community. Their family, they explained, are now more empowered through farming.

Alicia said she has found her pas-

creek fish. Fresh fish – out the water, straight to the pot,” Lorrimer said humorously. “We go up in the creek at night and we juk with spear or we catch with rod. Day time you does catch with hook rod. It does nice, man!” she continued, clear excitement in her voice.

This publication also caught up with Lavern and Alicia Stellingburg, sisters who have transformed their entire yard into a farmer’s paradise. They explained that apart from the numerous vegetables they grow in their yards, they are now starting on ginger. This, they explained, is a new challenge since they never tried growing ginger in the muddy soil previously.

In describing her long-time love for farming, Lavern said: “I used to farm a long time in the backyard. I love farming. You plant and whatever is too much, you sell or you give it away.”

While Lavern, a mother of three, has been more into farming over the years, Alicia explained that she was only recently moti-

sion and encourages other youths who may not have a sense of direction to consider farming, be it on a small or large scale. She said, in her experience, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, positing that she has discovered value within herself and is proud to be independent, all thanks to farming.

As for Lorrimer, she encourages the youth especially to utilise their land meaningfully through farming. This, she noted, can be done right in their own backyard.

“Find a piece of land, start on a small scale. You got to get the courage and you got to get the mind. Farming is something nice, you benefit a lot from it.

Sometimes you benefit so much, you don’t have to go and work with nobody. It can employ you,” she advised.

These women represent just a fraction of the women in the community who are being empowered and self-employed through subsistence farming. They are firm believers in the “Grow More” food initiative.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Feature

I

n the late 19th century, the decision was made for the construction of a market that would stand the test of time in order to accommodate the increasing number of vendors in Georgetown; that market has survived to this very day.

While little official information appears available about the history of Bourda Market, previous unofficial research relates that Bourda market was originally built in 1880, and was soon reconstructed in 1902 to accommodate a growing number of vendors and consumers.

The market got its name from the famous colonial, Joseph Bourda, who was also the proprietor of the Vlissengen Plantation, and was one of the many colonials who found their final resting place in the Bourda cemetery which is opposite the market. A place now neglected and overgrown with bush.

Street

The actual Bourda market borders on the north and south by Robb and Regent Streets respectively, and on the east and west by Orange Walk and Bourda Street. The market has a long history that goes back to the 1870s when mention was just made of the Bourda market in the City Council’s minutes book.

The area in which the market is situated seems from very early in its histo-

ry to have been where people gather to vend their produce on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. From this humble beginning the area later developed into a marketing centre.

Beginnings

According to Schulder Griffith, who was Clerk of Markets at the time of the study, vendors who normally occupied the Stabroek area came down to the Bourda area to do business after the construction of the Stabroek market began. As early as 1878, a shed was erected to accommodate the increase of vendors that now occupied the Bourda area. The Bourda Market was declared a temporary market in 1880.

The report of the City Council of 1881 asked the Council to decide whether to make the temporary structure which was the shed to become permanent. After three and a half years of existence, the shed had become unsafe and was therefore in need of much repair. The report added that if the market was to continue permanently it would be necessary to erect a more substantial building and fence it securely. The construction of Bourda

and drains in the area was laid out in that same year.

The 1882 estimate of the City Council shows that a sum of $651.80 was set aside for enclosing the Bourda market an area of 125 x 50 feet approximately. The estimate also includes erecting and painting the fence.

In 1901, a plan was prepared of a “new iron market” for Bourda, but due to the high prices for materials in that year, the decision was made to start construction in the following year. Provision was then made in the 1902 estimates for the construction of the new market.

Construction

The foundation stone of the Bourda market was laid on 12 December 1902 enclosing an area of 12,500 square feet, accommodating some 2,328 stalls. Bourda market, like Stabroek market, is enclosed with iron railing.

It is a giant timber framed shed with three giant truss roves constructed of wood. A simple iron railed fence surrounds the entire structure.

A clock tower was also constructed, which still exists though it is apparently not functioning.

This tower is not an imposing structure like its more famous sister, Stabroek Market is - people using the areas can go by the market without really noticing the clock tower. The Bourda Market clock was built by W Potts and Sons Makers of England in 1902. The clock bell is of cast bronze and weighs approximately 500 pounds.

Legend

has

it that this bell is a commemorative bell cast for the coronation of England’s King Edward in 1902.

The market was later extended to include what was once called the Bourda Green.

The Bourda Green was paved with concrete, and vending was permitted in the 60s, but the area was later organized and improved by requiring vendors to build stalls so as to remove their produce from off the ground. Further improvements were made as the area was provided with electricity, and stalls had to be made secure to prevent people from sleeping in them since the area that housed the Green was not enclosed.

The Bourda Green is a famous historic site because it was where the politicians in the 40s and 50s would gather to stage their political meetings. Many of them launched their political careers on that very ground. The vendors who occupied the Green were mostly from the East Coast of Demerara. The Green is now so filled to capacity that the Merriman’s Mall has to be used for the selling of farmer’s produce.

The Bourda Market is a very popular market, and is always buzzing with activity on a daily basis. Almost anything can be purchased in this market without having to go anywhere else.

While in need of repair, and in the shadow of the famous Stabroek Market, Bourda Market remains one of the most well-known and utilised traditional buildings in Georgetown.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature Shanti Persaud

S

Dr Kishore Persaud

hanti Persaud thought her diabetes was under control. Months later, she was on the brink of death from kidney failure.

Deep in the throes of renal failure, barely able to eat, move or talk and on the verge of total exhaustion, Shanti had no idea that her struggle for life would become an incredible survival story.

How she beat the odds, survived and eventually moved on to live a normal life is a story of incredible luck, a determined and highly skilled doctor and his team, and a pioneering medical procedure at one of the nation’s leading hospitals.

Although diagnosed with diabetes, Shanti did not worry too much as she always took her medication and was able to live a relatively normal life and do many of the things she loved, such as exercising, taking care of her family, and even indulging in an occasional fast-food treat.

When she visited the clinic monthly to keep track of her condition, her check-ups often included a kidney function test. But one day, her quietude was shaken.

She got her kidney function test results and found out that her kidneys were not working at maximum capacity. The results indicated that the problem was marginal, but it explained recent feelings of fatigue that she had noticed. Still, she and her family, though concerned, were not alarmed as they did not fully un-

derstand the danger or consequences.

But the deterioration was rapid and Shanti’s condition went from marginal loss of kidney function to chronic renal failure. She was not at all prepared.

With chronic renal failure, her tiredness and weakness grew worse and worse. It was as though all the strength, all the vitality had been sucked from her body.

Bathing herself had become impossible without assistance from her daughter. Shanti could not even stand up to prepare a meal.

Climbing stairs had become difficult as she lost her breath quickly.

Her kidneys were almost gone.

That was the reason for her fatigue, pain and bad feelings; and to make matters worse, she was going blind.

Shanti started dialysis treatment during which she was hooked up to a machine that rid her body mechanically of impurities as well as excess fluids and salt. This invasive procedure became an essential part of Shanti’s and her family’s routines, because, without it, she would simply die.

Everything in her life seemed to revolve around this artificial system of filtering impurities from her blood, which is called haemodialysis. Three times a week, her family had to take her on a wheelchair to the hospital for the sessions. For four consecutive hours, a machine would pump her blood through a filter outside the body and pump it back into her body.

A bleak future of intermina-

ble dialysis treatments stretched before her. It was expensive too, costing nearly $50,000 a week.

Additionally, every two months she had to be admitted to hospital for blood transfusions and to treat complications caused by dialysis.

There were terrible side effects. The treatment left her feeling lightheaded and weak. After receiving it, she would be taken from the hospital in a wheelchair, lifted into the car and later, up the stairs to her home. This continued for about eight agonising months.

It is a period Shanti tries to forget.

As her dialysis ordeal continued, there was a ray of hope. It came from Dr Kishore Persaud, a transplant surgeon at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, who urged Shanti to consider undergoing a kidney transplant. He was experienced in this area, having performed several such surgeries with a high success rate.

The surgery would require a willing donor whose physiological makeup would be compatible with Shanti. Shanti’s brother was a perfect match.

Such transplants are generally done at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but Shanti was more comfortable doing hers at Mercy Hospital. Little did she know that it would have been a first for the privately-operated institution.

The Hospital rose to the occasion and a series of prudent actions followed to facilitate a successful surgery.

It was a quiet Saturday in October 2017 when Shanti and

her brother arrived at the Mercy Hospital for the surgeries. She was a little nervous, but Shanti trusted her doctor.

The Mercy Hospital team had left no stone unturned. According to Dr Kishore, “We would have reviewed the protocol and discussed it with the administration at the Mercy Hospital … spoken to all the specialists and … made a clear plan of how to proceed in this aspect, because it was the first-ever transplant we would have been doing at this hospital.

“After setting all the parameters in place, we then proceeded to do her transplant. We partnered with the … university in Miami which gave us a backup to our laboratory service in terms of proceeding with [conducting] all the tests that are not available in Guyana,” Dr Kishore explained.

Shanti and her brother spent over eight hours on the operating tables beneath the skilled hands and watchful eyes of Dr Kishore and a team of medical experts.

Shanti recalled waking up on a bed in a hospital room after the operation. Relieved, she looked over and saw her brother awake on the other bed. The surgery had been a success and her new kidney had begun to function while she was still on the operating table.

Dr Kishore left nothing to chance. He stayed with Shanti throughout the night after the operation to ensure that the kidney was fully functional, and afterwards he and other doctors made frequent follow-up checks.

Shanti experienced none of the pain she had expected in the recovery phase and, after one week of top-notch after-surgery care by the Hospital’s staff, she was able to walk herself out of the hospital.

Her brother had left the Hospital four days after the surgery.

Dr Kishore said many people with renal failure would like a kidney transplant, but it’s not easy to get a compatible donor.

The surgeon remarked that some persons are, in fact, surviving on just one kidney, and are not even aware of it because they have not experienced any symptoms indicating that a kidney has stopped working.

Underscoring that donating a kidney is safe, Dr Kishore explained that the screening process for donors is thorough, following rigid guidelines: “When we take a kidney from someone, we ensure that person is capable of living a normal healthy life for the rest of their life on one kidney. We would never take a kidney from someone if we know we would cause harm to that person. That is our main objective when we screen a patient thoroughly…”

Shanti’s brother, for instance, is enjoying an active life after the successful operation. This includes working hard, going to gym and having active social interactions. Until he heals fully, his only restriction is lifting heavy weights.

One of the ways of increasing the availability of kidneys for persons in need is for cadaveric legislation to be passed in Guyana, allowing for organs to be taken from patients who are brain dead and implanted into those in need.

Since Shanti’s surgery, there has been one other kidney transplant at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital by Dr Kishore and his team. Altogether, 20 kidney transplants have been done in Guyana

by Dr Kishore and his team at the Georgetown Public Hospital with Dr Kishore as the lead surgeon.

He is a strong advocate of kidney transplants in cases of renal failure, declaring the procedure life-transforming for both the patients and their families.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Preserving our literary heritage

B

ooks are always reinventing themselves especially in the face of the ever-present threat of extinction, an indication that books will survive in newer formats long into the future. Graphic books are still holding their own even inducing people to explore non-picture, full text publications. Good Coffee Table books are multifaceted publications that are not losing their appeal despite and in spite of their pricey tags.

‘Reflection of our homeland: through my lens and life’ by Ken Lucas is a coffee table that will hold the reader’s interest book from cover to cover, between which are 342 pages of facts, figures and opinions on Guyana and over 700 images in and about Guyana, designed in such a way to ensure the reader takes away something endearing about Guyana, goading some other to try fixing what is deteriorating and inducing others to value and preserve history. Lucas is resolute that

1940s in Mckenzie, Upper Demerara River. He then attended schools according to house moves, and taught at several schools around the country after graduating from the Cyril Potter College of Education and the University of Guyana.

His work experience included his attachment to the Guyana National Service for twelve years. Migrating to the United States in 1984, Lucas became a Certified Professional Photographer

we also view photography as art. The author says that he is first an artist and then a photographer.

One example will suffice to illustrate the last mentioned issue. On page 69, bearing the caption ‘Kitty

Market, Oh Boy!’ is a photograph of that market taken in 2007 ‘almost in a state of ruin’ and transformed into a pencil drawing in 2016.

The information states that that social space was ‘established in 1882, two years af-

ter Bourda Market’.

The book starts off with the people who came and closes with Independence, in between, is filled with stock information on Guyana, the administrative and physical regions, details which is called ‘conversation’ on Georgetown accompanied by images. However alongside those pieces of information are some little known and interesting facts and figures, and opinions that will invite debate.

Some interesting and little known titbits include the names of the first three train engines to run in the country namely ‘Mosquito’, ‘Sand fly’ and ‘Firefly’. Talking in tree’s: when last did you see a ‘Rhode Island Roster’, a ‘Clean-neck fowl’ or a ‘Dominique fowl’.

Some features of the books are given special and extensive coverage mainly because the author had intimate relation with them including his birthplace, Linden, one of the schools he attended, West Dem Secondary, serving in the Guyana National Service at Konawaruk and Kimbia, the Teachers Training College (now Cyril Potter College of Education), places he frequented like the Promenade and Botanic Gardens, the railway terminal at Lamaha and High Streets.

Moving out of the city, his lens travelled the East Coast, West Coast to Parika, the Essequibo River (a few resorts), Potaro, Mazaruni and Kaieteur.

Apart from places, people and monuments of people who made significant contributions to the country are also featured.

Furthermore, events are given space in the range of his lens and life including our culture, and politics.

The book was edited by Kim Lucas-Felix and Rhonda Lucas-Sabater, and dedicated to the International Decade for People of African Descent.

Ken Lucas was born in the

and created an art gallery at home. And home is where he creates art.

‘Reflection of our homeland: through my lens and life’ by Ken Lucas is a coffee table with a difference. It is a personal odyssey, invested with a human interest and coloured with a grateful heart.

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

Siesta Oh people not mine What is it we can hear?

The old custodian Coddles the tin box In the empty church The ex-monk clips his lime tree Just so my soiled skin flensed.

From my uniform Jesus said to them “oh ye of little faith” Ayamonte is golden The sun rakes over us Meticulous and slow.

A mutt with cataracts licks its parts ticking Portugal lies exposed on her soft cheap cot Passive and docile unlike That bull that is Spain.

The sea’s lips scold me in that Spanish way Gentle and yet firm nothing here is mine.

By Spencer Reece

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

Celebration to mark the end of Ramadaan E id, popularly known as Eid-ulFitr, is a festival observed by the Muslim community to celebrate the conclusion of the month of fasting.

Eid-ul-Fitr literally means 'festival of breaking the fast'. Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolizes faith. The festival is celebrated based on an Islamic belief by following the form of social practice.

Eid is celebrated on the first date of Shawwal, that is, the tenth month of the Hijra calendar. During the festival, Muslims exchange gifts, greeting their neighbours as a mark of solidarity and brotherhood.

According to the Islamic tradition, there are two festivals observed by Muslims every year Eid-ul-Fitr just after Ramadaan and Eid-ul-Zuha in the month of Haj. Ramadaan, the month of fasting, sym-

bolizes a lot practices and beliefs of the community. It is not merely restraining oneself from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.

Muslims, just before the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, keep a month long fast throughout the month of Ramadaan. The practice of fasting is also known as 'roza' that starts from the break of dawn till dusk and during this whole day an individual has to refrain hinself from drinking, eating or having sexual intercourse.

The term 'roza' us an Arabic word means abstinence.

Many Muslims believe that fasting reminds a sense of responsibility within themselves. The month long fasting ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that symbolizes a reward for their fasting.

Muslims on this day wear their best clothers and offer 'namaz' a congregational prayer at masjids or mosques. After offering their prayers they exchange good wishes of the festival with their neighbours and other people. They also donate alms to the poor on the auspicios occasion.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation.

Like other festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr is also observed with great enthusiasm. Delicious food and drinks are an indispensable part of the festivity. People decorate their houses and prepare luscious traditional sweets and cuisines to celebrate the festival. The most common recipe in this festival is the delicious meethi seviyan (Sweet Vermicelli) prepared from various healthy and mouth-watering ingredients.

Moreover, ahead the festival, the markets are filled with fascinating items in the shopping list for Eid. Fancy and food items mostly dominate the festival and as the festival approaches excitement to celebrate gains momentum not only with Muslims but also with shopkeepers and traders doing a brisk business.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is nodoubt perks up the spirit inhere n t

i n all the festivity. The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.

A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadaan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques. (Times of India)

8 Sunday Times Magazine Feature

By Lakanand Singh

A

fter two months of planning, indecision and busy weekends our road trip up the Soesdyke-Linden Highway came to fruition. Was it my idea?

No. Did I plan the excursion? Again, no. I did, however, invest in fishing line, hooks, two yari-yari rods and tagged along with my brother and three of his friends.

Journeying along the stretch of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway has always been, for me, one of the more enjoyable road trips in Guyana, second only travelling along the coast to East Berbice (granted, I haven’t had the chance to traverse the red road to Lethem). The opportunities for great photographs are almost endless.

Factor in the undulating landscape and winding roadway between the sandy hills and pits and you’re sure to have your very own portfolio.

Along both sides of the Linden Highway, countless trails can be seen making their way from the asphalt into the unknown. Hidden from view are villages, schools, resorts and farms. We made our way through one such trail that promised to take us to Splashmins Eco Adventure Park. It’s a short drive from the highway to our destination.

Alas, we arrived on empty stomachs, but we had planned to do our very own cooking on the premises. Fried chick-

en and fried rice were on the menu that day. Our trusty mate Omali was the chief cook for the occasion. As prepared as we were, we had a single kahari in our possession which meant that the rice and chicken could not be cooked simultaneously.

Naturally, the chicken had to be fried first, based on this logic: “we need some cutters budday”. Little time was wasted.

To the fishes! Omali and I remained with our precious chicken while the three enterprising anglers made their way to the waterfront with rod in hand.

They returned without a catch, citing the water level as the main deterrent to fish in the area. We took it with a grain of salt. Funnily enough, we had forgotten to bring salt with us. Thankfully, the chicken was seasoned the night before. However, our fried rice did not fare well. In our defence, it was perfect, save for the lack of salt. The rice was wonderfully boiled (albeit without a strainer – we drained it by the spoonful), mixed with finely chopped vegetables, two entire packets of fried rice seasoning, and of course, the ever-present Chinese sauce. It was quite possibly the blandest fried rice we had ever tasted, but we were hella proud.

All in all, it was a day well spent. Good people, great music, hilarious conversation and dare I say, tasty food (leff we, the ketchup is a frivolous detail). Enjoy the remaining photographs, of water and sky.

JUNE 2, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

9

Health

Dandruff D andruff is a common chronic scalp condition marked by flaking of the skin on your scalp.

Dandruff isn't contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and sometimes difficult to treat.

The good news is that dandruff usually can be controlled. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. More-stubborn cases of dandruff often respond to medicated shampoos.

quent causes of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis may affect your scalp and other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone (sternum), your groin area, and sometimes your armpits.

Not shampooing often enough. If you don't regularly wash your hair, oils and skin cells from your scalp can

for some, it irritates the scalp and can cause more skin cells to grow.

The extra skin cells die and fall off, making them appear white and flaky in your hair or on your clothes. Why malassezia irritates some scalps isn't known.

Dry skin. Flakes from dry skin are generally smaller and less oily than those from other causes of dandruff.

And, redness or inflammation is unlikely. You'll probably have dry skin on other parts

Symptoms

Risk factors

For most teens and adults, dandruff symptoms are easy to spot: white, oily-looking flakes of dead skin that dot your hair and shoulders, and a possibly itchy, scaly scalp.

The condition may worsen during the fall and winter, when indoor heating can contribute to dry skin, and improve during the summer.

A type of dandruff called cradle cap can affect babies.

This disorder, which causes a scaly, crusty scalp, is most common in newborns, but it can occur anytime during infancy. Although it can be alarming for parents, cradle cap isn't dangerous and usually clears up on its own.

Causes

Dandruff can have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis). This condition, one of the most fre-

build up, causing dandruff.

A yeastlike fungus (malassezia). Malassezia lives on the scalps of most adults. But,

of the body, such as your legs and arms, too.

Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermati-

tis). Sometimes sensitivities to certain ingredients in hair care products or hair dyes can cause a red, itchy, scaly scalp.

Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible: • Age. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn't mean older adults don't get dandruff. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.

• Being male. Because more men have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role.

• Oily hair and scalp.

Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff.

• Certain illnesses.

For reasons that aren't clear, adults with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. So are people

with HIV infection, or those who have compromised immune systems from other conditions.

Treatment

Dandruff can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment may take some trial and error. In general, daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and skin cell buildup can often help mild dandruff.

When regular shampoos fail, dandruff shampoos you can buy at a drugstore may succeed. But dandruff shampoos aren't all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works for you. If you develop itching, stinging, redness or burning from any product, stop using it. If you develop an allergic reaction — such as a rash, hives or difficulty breathing — seek immediate medical attention.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 2, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

R

andy Madray is a 25-year-old fashion designer who was born in Georgetown, Guyana.

At the age of 15, because of his successes in the arts in school and his evident love for fashion, Randy was proposed by his closest cousin, Javanna, to enter into a fashion designing competition, FACTS, for students.

At that time, the shy teenager was a student at Queen’s College and was pushed towards realizing his full designing potential.

Being the youngest he was quite nervous but emerged the winner of 3 of the five prejudged segments

and eventually the overall winner. At this point, Randy would have been mentored

by Michelle Cole, Natasha Martindale and Trevor Rose in the competition who provided much support.

Winning awarded him The Student Designer of the Year 2009 Award.

This year makes ten years since Randy Madray has been designing. Randy hopes for yet another productive year and looks forward to one filled with new opportunities and growth. He believes that humility is important but you must know your worth!

If you live what you do, you never have to work a day.

Last weekend, the Guyana Fashion Showcase made its debut at the Ramada Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara and Randy was one of the featured designers. Here are a few pieces from his new collection launched at the Guyana Fashion Showcase.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Ingredients

Ingredients • 1 watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes • (about 10 cups) • 1 medium honeydew melon, cut into • 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups) • 2 pounds peeled and deveined cooked • shrimp • 2 cups green grapes, halved • 1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped • 1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned • 1 small red onion, chopped • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely

Ingredients • 1 tablespoon canola oil • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (2-1/2 pounds), halved • 1/2 cup water • 2 medium s w e e t potatoes, cubed • 2 large carrots, sliced • 1 large onion, chopped • 1/4 cup chopped celery • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder

• • • •

chopped 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Whisk together remaining ingredients. Drizzle over shrimp mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before serving. Toss before serving. (Taste of Home)

•

• 3 cups fresh or frozen mango, thawed • 1 cup sugar • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place blackberries, sugar and salt in a food processor; process until smooth. Press through a finemesh strainer into a bowl and discard pulp.

Stir remaining ingredients into puree.

Fill cylinder of ice cream maker no more

Seasoned Salt combines salt with a perfectly flavorful blend of herbs and spices. It is a quick and convenient way to season practically all your dishes that call for salt!

3/4 teaspoon grated orange zest • 3/4 teaspoon baking cocoa • 1 / 2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 / 8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions On medium heat, add 1-1/2 teaspoons oil. When oil is hot, brown one roast half on all sides.

Remove; repeat with remaining beef and oil.

Add water to pressure cooker. Cook 30 seconds, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Press cancel. Place sweet potatoes, carrots, onion and celery in pressure cooker; top with beef. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over top. Cook on medium for about 55 minutes or until beef is fork tender. Serve with mashed potatoes, over rice or with flat bread.

(Taste of Home)

Combine 1/2 cup kosher salt, 5 teaspoons sriracha chilli sauce, 1/2 teaspoon lime juice; spread into a parchment-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Let stand at least 8 hours or overnight. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

than two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Transfer sherbet to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Freeze until firm, 8 hours or overnight. (Taste of Home)

Sprinkle seasoned salt on eggs, salad dressings, chicken breasts (or baked chicken thighs), or any savory dish that needs salt and seasoning. You can add it before cooking or after (or both)!

Combine 1/2 cup salt, 3 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder and 2 teaspoon sugar. Mix well and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Mix 1/2 cup sea salt and 1 tablespoon grated lime zest and spread mixture on a parchment lined baking pan and bake until it appears dry, about 30 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

In a food processor, pulse 1/4 cup coarse sea salt and 1/4 cup basil leaves. Spread mixture on a parchment lined baking pan and bake until it appears dry, about 30 minutes.

Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 2, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Puzzles

ACROSS

89 Wheel turners

1 Tokyo’s island

90 After-hours joint

7 Part of REM

93 Club car

12 -- pants

94 Bunk in Liverpool

17 Juicy pear 95 Observances

21 Still closed

96 Keg stopper

22 Bell town of fiction

97 Swerve off-course

23 Winter constellation

98 Bout enders 24 Environs

99 Monica of tennis

25 Iron-rich range 100 Tedious

26 Summon one’s courage (4 wds.)

101 Ice and dice

29 DI, twice

103 Go in all directions 30 Plain

106 Potatoes partner

32 Inspired poetry

107 Rock’s Fleetwood - 33 Settle the score

108 Bummer of a car

34 Kassel’s river

112 Big rodeo town

36 Hagar the Horrible’s dog

113 Carry on

37 Lift anchor

114 Move to the beat

38 Waved down

116 It flows past Berne 39 Challenges

117 It’s for the birds

41 -- kwon do

118 Like Kojak

42 After-dinner candy 119 Shorten 43 Overpasses

121 Beads on grass

44 Dynamite inventor

122 Orbital need (2 wds.)

46 Four-footed pals 125 Scribble

47 Aileron locale

127 Cats do it 48 Fetched 128 Dubbed

51 Penn. neighbor

129 Win by -- - 52 Feel empathy

130 Way out 53 Existence

131 Job-safety agcy.

54 Derrick arms

132 Kind of cab

58 Like junk mail, usually

133 Ladies of Spain

60 Fail to remember (3 wds.)

134 Rue the day

62 Shrink back

63 Hideouts DOWN

64 Jetty 1 Purred

65 “Columbo” star

2 Lake near Syracuse

66 Humidity problem

3 More curious

67 Flora and fauna

4 Fitness center

68 Hearty laughs

5 Goddess of spring

69 Drying ovens

6 Harvard and Yale (abbr.)

71 Civilian dress

7 Unfair treatment (2 wds.)

72 B’way notice of yore

8 Stick

73 Yves’ girl

9 Cosmetics, slangily

74 Surfer slang

10 Part of MIT 75 Brownish-purple 11 Pixel

76 “-- Daba Honeymoon”

12 Revise jointly

79 Valentine decor

13 “The Tempest” sprite

81 Glutton’s delight

14 Kegler’s targets

82 Woolly bear, finally 15 Compost

83 Pretty soon 16 Breathing

84 More watered down

17 No-goodnik (2 wds.)

86 Two-way

18 Popsicle flavor

87 Round tent

19 Twilled fabrics 88 Pollute

20 Crusted over

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- NECROPSY (NECROPSY: NEK-rup-see: The examination of a body after death.)

Average mark 43 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 59 or more words in NECROPSY? TODAY’S WORD -- NECROPSY noes nose nosy epos espy censor cero cone coney cope copse copy core corn corny

corps corpse cosy coyer crone crony crop recopy rope ropy rose rosy once open osprey

peon peony person peso poesy pone pony pore pose poser posy prey prone prose prosy

pyre scone scope score scorn senor sepoy snore sore spore spry sync syncope yore

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" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

27 28

31

35

37

38

40

42 43 45 46

47

48

49

50

52

53

54 55

56

57 59

60

61

62

64

66

68

69

70 71

73

74

75

77

78 80 81

82

83

84

85 86

87 British calligrapher’s buy (2 wds.)

88 Prior to yr. 1

90 Use a Singer

91 Previously

92 Ellington of jazz

93 Musical key (2 wds.)

95 Helen to Menelaus

Financial transactions Hedge Computer-chip maker Stimpy’s pal Alaskan town Hot dog Ice-cream treats Siamese greeting Twinkle Underpinning Implore Bursts of laughter Beach scavengers Walking -- -Some spectacles Mardi -Flat-tasting Forsake a lover

97 Joshua tree, for one -- pro quo

99 Mystery Man’s Brenda A whole lot 100 Ivan of the courts Giant slain by Odin 101 Easy gallops Eucalyptus muncher

102 Continent divider Visa and passport 103 Hoarders Mongrel

104 Boxing hold Jungle swingers

105 Writer -- Christie Track prelims

106 Flu or cold Wine or harbor

107 A “Brady Bunch” girl Striped antelope

109 More angry Feeds the kitty

110 Threat ender (2 wds.)

Mini-guitars

111 Most advanced Welds 112 Chocolate source Bean for sprouting

113 Comes unglued Non-pro sports grp.

114 When doubled, “Hungry Gob of bubblegum

Like the Wolf” band Outer, in combos

115 Fluffy quilt Hinder Masculine principle 118 Jostle

119 Salmon variety Poolside turban 120 Mezzanine NBA coach Pat - 123 Wray of “King Kong” Lusitania sinker (hyph.)

124 Brief craze Least of the litter 126 Assoc.

Scientist’s lair Giving it another go See Solution on page 14

Word Search

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

I

ntel is introducing a new device called the “NUC Compute Element.” It’s a slightly updated spin on a new idea: put the core guts of a computer into a modular element that can be easily slotted into other devices to upgrade them when the time comes.

It’s not a bad idea, either.

Think of a kiosk: the touchscreen will probably be good for years, but the computer that powers it will likely need to be updated more often.

It’s such a good idea, Intel has tried it before.

T

he world of noise-canceling headphones is being shaken up with the news that Bose has an all-new flagship model, dubbed the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. They cost $399.95, look nothing like the existing QC35 IIs, and aren’t actually going to replace those more affordable cans. This is Bose signaling its intent to go up in price, features, and, presumably, quality. Alongside the new over-ear edition, the company is also unveiling true wireless Bose Earbuds 500, which we can expect in late 2019, to be followed by Bose Noise Cancelling Earbuds 700 in 2020. The roadmap has been laid out before us.

The design of the NCH 700s looks far slicker and more modern than that of the QC 35s. They have a USB-C charging port, which was overdue from Bose, and the company claims 20 hours of “full-featured” playback.

The shape of the headband is immediately reminiscent of Sony’s 1000X M3s, which remain the most comfortable NC headphones anyone has yet devised. But it’s

A

fter a successful experiment with leather, HP is taking its natural material vibe to the next level with the new Envy Wood series. No, they haven’t exactly been carved out of redwood trees by artisan lumberjacks, but they do come with a “oneof-a-kind authentic wood inlay” on the palm rest.

HP is decking out the Envy 13, Envy 17, Envy x360 13, and Envy x360 15 in the new timber-ish livery, which is available in “Nightfall Black with Natural Walnut,” “Ceramic White with White Birch,”

Earlier this year, Intel bailed on the Compute Card, which was literally the same idea but in a different body.

Intel never even made it to a second generation of the Compute Card.

A spokesperson said this new NUC-branded iteration resolves some of the complaints customers had about the Compute Card.

Instead of being a fully-enclosed, gadgety card, the NUC Compute Element looks and acts a lot more like a computer part, right down to its exposed connector. Intel claims the changes

reduce its footprint inside other devices and also increases the I/O options on tap.

Intel says that this new iteration can fit 8th-gen Core i3 and i5 U-series CPUs, as well as Pentium Gold or Celeron processors, none of which are particularly powerful chips.

Still, one of the key use cases will apparently be powering laptops, and it will be used in laptops

ders like the one you see at the top of this post, so it may be

aimed at the education market that should be out in the first half of next year.

The only image Intel is sharing right now are ren-

that there’s still some work to be done before they’re ready to ship. If you haven’t no-

ticed, Intel has switched this concept over to its NUC brand, which has previously stood for Intel’s own tiny barebones computers.

People have liked NUCs, so it makes sense that Intel would want to apply the brand here.

Intel seems to be committed to the idea of making modular computers.

But the whole reason to make a modular computer is to swap in a newer part later — and that can’t happen if Intel keeps changing the core design.

(The Verge)

One devices, and a handful of other Android smartphones) runs in the background of users’ phones, logging how long they use certain apps and allowing users to set timers to limit usage.

Some Pixel owners — particularly Pixel 3 owners — said turning off the software made a “night and day” difference in their phones’ performance. Others were more equivocal, saying the changes weren’t that no-

ticeable. If you have a Pixel phone, you can test the difference for yourself by going into the Settings menu > then Digital Wellbeing > clicking the three dot icon in the top right and selecting “Turn off usage access.”

Google’s comments on Reddit make it clear that it found no adverse effects associated with Digital Wellbeing, but it’ll be interesting to see how users experience the promised update. (The Verge)

G

what’s inside that Bose is ready proud of, as the company has m a d e voice assistants a major feature of the NCH 700s, claiming “you’ll be able to remain seamlessly connected to your phone without looking at it or even touching it.” Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri will all be ready to answer your call.

Bose also reckons it has the world’s best microphone system ever built into a pair of headphones, which will be a fun thing to test out.

There are four mics, and the company makes big promises about their noise-canceling and voice isolation capabilities. There’s also a new Bose AR platform, which will serve as an audio augmented reality tool. The examples given by Bose are pretty cool: you just look at landmarks around you while wearing your Bose

and “Natural Silver with Pale Birch.”

HP says the wood grain patterns will vary between individual laptops, as you’d hope and expect.

Wood aside, these are

headphones, and compatible apps will tell you about them, or you’ll get context-specific directions like, “Turn left at the McDonald’s.”

The noise-canceling in the headphones themselves is now adjustable, with 11 different intensity settings.

One thing I’m wary about is the addition of touch controls, which Bose says are now housed at the front part of the right NCH 700 ear cup. I have yet to experience commendable touch controls on headphones.

You can preorder the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, in a choice of black or white, now for a June 20th delivery date.

(The Verge)

pretty much the same machines as their fully metal predecessors, only now with options for unspecified “next-generation” Intel Core processors and 2ndgen AMD Ryzen chips with Vega graphics.

The Envy Wood series is set to be available this autumn, just in time for the fall leaves. Pricing will be announced closer to the release.

The Verge could not independently confirm reports that next year’s HP laptops will be constructed entirely out of beetle chitin. (The Verge)

oogle has responded to accusations that its Digital Wellbeing software slows down performance on Pixel phones.

Commenting via an official Google account on Reddit, the company said it had “conducted a thorough analysis” of the software after receiving complaints from users, and concluded there were “no performance issues associated with the Digital Wellbeing app on Pixel.”

However, the company did note that during its investigation it found “unrelated” problems that did adversely affect performance.

It said it was in the process of rolling out software updates that would fix these bugs and “make your Pixel device better.”

Complaints about the Digital Wellbeing app have been bubbling for a few weeks now. The software (which is available on all Pixel phones, Android

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Bollywood/Hollywood

F

ilmmaker Boney Kapoor has confirmed planning a Mr India reboot and has expressed that after the death of wife and superstar Sridevi, he has more reason to do so. The 1987 cult classic starred Sridevi opposite Boney’s brother Anil Kapoor and featured late Amrish Puri as the iconic villain, Mogambo.

Talking about the project, Boney told Mid-Day in an interview, “The idea is to create a reboot first, and then, make a franchise of it. It needs to be made more contemporary. We have a basic structure in mind. We haven’t decided on a timeline yet, but intend to make it soon.”

Boney also highlighted how the film contributed in bringing about a change in Sridevi’s image. He said, “While Sri was considered a glamorous star earlier, the audience’s perception of her changed after Mr India — then on, she was seen as a powerful actress. Anil too became more legitimate a performer with the film. After Sri, I have even more reason to make the film now.”

The producer is also open to the director and the cast of the original joining the reboot. “If Shekhar is free, he can direct it.

The cast and crew made the film what it was, and if anyone from the original lineup wants to be part of it, they can join us

again,” he said.

Anil had kicked off the rumours of uniting with Shekhar Kapur for Mr India sequel by sharing a picture of his meeting with the director. He had captioned the pic, “Discussing the look for the next Mr India 2, or another movie together? You tell them Anil,” Shekhar teased. Anil wrote back: “Feels like deja vu! Shekhar and I are deep in discussion about something new and super exciting! We’re hoping to create the same magic we did before with Mr. India.”

M

eryl Streep‘s fake teeth were the talk of the “Big Little Lies” Season 2 premiere.

As guests filed out of the screening of the hit HBO show into the afterparty, people were buzzing about whether Streep was wearing prosthetic teeth on-screen.

One attendee was overheard saying Streep “asked to wear the fake teeth to more resemble” her on-screen son, Alexander Skarsgård. Page Six confirmed on Thursday that the A-lister was in fact sporting false teeth this season, but it’s unclear whether it was at her request.

Meanwhile, at the party, Streep — a newbie to the show this season — was spotted sipping on martinis and fielding a selfie request from Keegan-Michael Key. The two also briefly danced together as Lizzo played in the background.

Streep’s co-stars at the soirée included Zoë Kravitz, who was chatting and taking photos with Key, Donald Glover and Paul Rudd; a barefoot Shailene Woodley hanging out with Skarsgård and dancing with

A day before, Anil had shared a collage of pictures to mark 32 years of the film and pay a tribute to late action master Veeru Devgan who died on Monday . He wrote with it, “#MrIndia was made iconic by its children friendly action scenes & Veeru’s Midas touch. I want to dedicate its 32nd anniversary to the man who made these unforgettable moments possible. #VeeruDevgan was an amazing man & I’m lucky to have worked with him. He is sorely missed.”

(Hindustan Times)

Iain Armitage; Reese Witherspoon deep in conversation with Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson; and Laura Dern floating around talking to everyone.

Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban were noticeably missing from the afterparty, though they attended the premiere.

Earlier in the night, Witherspoon and Kidman introduced the first episode to the audience.

“The show that ended up on the screen is really a testament to the power of female friendship and female partnership, and I’m enormously proud,” Witherspoon told the crowd, praising Kidman.

Kidman added, “Anyone in this room who works really hard knows that if you have a supportive family, it makes it so much easier.

But it means that families do have to give you up for a long period of time, so we want to say thank you to our families, and thank you to audiences that really demanded this. We’re so grateful.” (Page Six)

N

orah O’Donnell hasn’t been missed by “CBS This Morning” viewers.

The show’s new anchor lineup — led

by Oprah Winfrey bestie Gayle King — is already improving the ratings, new data shows.

For the week ended May 20, the program posted 3.1 million total viewers, topping ratings from the prior week of 3 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

The new lineup, which has King flanked by Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil, also scored more younger viewers than the previous week, when O’Donnell and co-host John Dickerson were still in the lineup, the data shows.

O’Donnell’s last show was May 16.

For the week ended May 20, “CBS This Morning” drew 760,000 viewers in the key 25-to-54-year-old group, up from 749,000 viewers the prior week, Nielsen said.

O’Donnell and Dickerson were moved off the show as part of a broader shakeup that has O’Donnell succeeding “CBS Evening” News host Jeff Glor.

Dickerson is off to “60 Minutes.”

While the new lineup boosted eyeballs from the previous week, King still

B

ollywood actor Katrina Kaif has said Varun Dhawan, who once ran an ‘I Hate Katrina Kaif’ club along with Arjun Kapoor, would make for a really bad chat show host for he won’t stop talking himself. Katrina is the latest celeb to feature on Neha Dhupia’s chat show, BFFs. When asked who would make a bad chat show host between Arjun Kapoor and Varun, Mumbai Mirror report quoted Katrina as saying, “Bad chat show host? Varun Dhawan, because I don’t think he will let you talk.” When Neha asked Katrina to name a co-star who she cannot trust with a major secret, she did not hesitate at all before naming Ranbir Kapoor.

When Neha asked Anaita Shroff Adajania, who also appeared on the show with Katrina, who would make a bad jodi with Katrina -- Ranveer Singh or Tiger Shroff -- the actor chipped in, “Oh, I think they will both actually look really good. I feel Tiger and I should do an action film, and with Ranveer it should be something irreverent, crazy and wacky.”

Earlier, when Katrina appeared on Karan Johar’s chat show, Koffee with Karan season 5, she claimed Varun and Arjun started the ‘I Hate Katrina’ club when they were working on Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya.

“For some reason, Arjun

and Varun started this ‘I Hate Katrina’ club. I am not joking.

I was just walking, minding my own business. I know why Varun started the club. I don’t know why Arjun joined it,” Katrina had said.

She thought they founded the club out of spite for her as she didn’t give them any attention but Varun, who appeared alongside Katrina on the show, revealed that actor Salman Khan, Katrina’s ex, would always take the boys on treks or swimming but he had attention only for Katrina once she joined the shoot. Katrina then realised the boys were angling for Salman’s attention and not hers.

Later, Arjun and Varun gifted a Dalmatian trophy to Katrina and posted the picture on Instagram, announcing they replace their hate club with an ‘I Love Katrina’ club.

Katrina also revealed Aditya Roy Kapur could not match her dancing skills when she shot with him for Fitoor. “I love him, he is fantastic, but I feel Adi (Aditya Roy Kapur) struggled a little bit… or a lot… in the song.

It was a difficult song and he wouldn’t listen to me. If you are trying to pick me up, lift me up, swing me around and do some jumps too, then I am going to be able to give you some help.

But if you don’t want to listen on how to carry me, then what can be done.” (Hindustan Times)

Crossword Solution

has a long way to go to beat ABC’s “Good Morning America” and NBC’s “Today.”

ABC drew 4 million viewers for the week of May 20, down 4% from the year-earlier period, and NBC attracted 3.9 million viewers, also down 4% from the previous year while the Tiffany Network’s 3.1 million viewers is a drop of 12%.

In the 25-to-54-year-old demographic, ABC dipped 5% to 1.1 million, NBC fell 9 percent to 1.2 million and CBS declined 10%. (Page Six)

R

apper Offset won’t face charges for smacking a cellphone out of a fan’s hand at a Georgia Target.

The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Page Six on Thursday that it has dropped the case because Offset paid the victim to repair the damage to the phone.

The fan in question, Junior Gibbons, whipped out his phone to film the Migos rapper at the store in Sandy Springs in late April — when the star took a swipe, knocking the device to the ground.

Police in Georgia issued an arrest warrant shortly thereafter. (Page Six)

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 2, 2019

Fun Times

Archie

Stick to what you know and follow through with (March 21your plans.

No one can make April 19) choices for you. Do what you need to in order to feel comfortable and content. Change begins within.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

A get-together with someone from your past will leave a misleading impression. Consider what’s being said and the feasibility of promises being kept. Protect yourself against being used.

Take pride in what you do. The things you do to help others will be recognized and rewarded. Better health, exercise and a proper diet are encouraged.

Get involved in something you enjoy, believe in or can learn from. Surround yourself with people who are experienced, intelligent and helpful. Self-improvement and personal growth are featured.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Be careful with whom you share personal information. Let your actions speak for you and your accomplishments be your reward. Physical, emotional and relationship improvements should highlight your day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A day trip, reunion or family gathering will be informative. Realizing what needs to be done to improve your life will encourage you to make a positive change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

A change of attitude will result if you surround yourself with positive people.

Visiting someone who encourages you and offers good advice will inspire you to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

The more active you are, the better. Plunge into the activities that make your heart race and leave you feeling energized and ready to make positive lifestyle changes.

Look at your relationships and consider who is good for you and who isn’t.

Trust and loyalty will determine whom you welcome into your life.

Listen to your heart.

Don’t believe everything you hear. Be resourceful and get the facts before you decide to take action. A positive change will result if you proceed with peace and love.

An open mind will lead AQUARIUS to good results. Mulling over (Jan. 20- all your choices and putting Feb. 19) in place an intelligent plan that is based on your needs will pay off.

Getting together with PISCES (Feb. 20- an old friend will help you Mar. 20) put what’s going on in your life in perspective. Distance yourself from anyone using emotional tactics to manipulate you.