Guyana Times Sunday, June 30, 2019

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3970 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, June 30, 2019

PRICE

Appointment of GECOM Chairman

Violating Constitution: President now wants to submit his own nominees

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Dumping” P9 Specialty Hospital was my biggest disappointment – Indian diplomat …says such facility needed in Guyana

Page 3

…Opposition Leader rejects proposal Sale of part of Demerara River

$120 vat included

Page 7

Land close to shore base location now worth millions of US dollars

– as PPP questions strategic land grab at expense of ordinary Guyanese – calls for Police investigation into massive GL&SC land distribution

EBD fatal accident

Cop still on duty 5 days after pedestrian’s P13 death President will decide fate of Crime Chief P12 – Ramjattan ...would usurp Police Service Commission's role

Land Distribution by GL&SC

Marlon Bristol,

Head of the Project Management Office within the Ministry of the Presidency received: • 1 acre in Mocha, Region 4 - February 2019 • 12 acres in Linden (at Dallawalla, the proposed site for Deep Water Harbour), Region 10 - June 2019 • 80 acres in Bohemia, Region 6 (the proposed site for Deep Water Harbour) – February 2019

Charles Ceres, Great Wall Inc. whose wife, Ndibi Schwiers, is with the Department of Environment within the Ministry of the Presidency, received: • 4.5 acres at Liliendaal, Region 4 • 112 acres in Bohemia, Region 6 File number 621112/4

– of which Saratu Phillips is a Director, received: • 20 acres at Schoonord Foreshore, Region 3 (in the Demerara River – proposed site for shore-based facility) – File Number 332242/3 • 20 acres at Goed Fortuin, Region 3 (in the Demerara River – proposed site for shore-based facility) – File number 3322421/3 • 50 acres at Best Foreshore, Region 3 – File Number 332231/38

Aubrey HeathR e t e m e y e r, Deputy Head of SARA, which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency received: • 10 acres on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, Region 4, in 2019 – File number 411412/522b • 1 acre Mocha, Region 4, in 2019

Eric Phillips,

SARA Special Assistant, within the Ministry of the Presidency received: • 1000 acres in the Essequibo River - April 2019 – File Number 321132/1604 • 1000 acres in the Demerara River in 2019 – File Number 331231/7

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections

Commission, Keith

Lowenfield.

Lowenfield received: 216 acres at Millie’s Hideout, Region 10 – June 2019; and 2 acres at Mocha, Region 4.

Fuel dealer, wife Supreme Court slams found dead with APNU/AFC for using Judges’ photos in gunshot wounds Page 10 Page political campaign 10 to heads

…rejects Govt attempts to tarnish, discredit reputation of judiciary

Natural gas crucial to Guyana’s P11 transformation process – energy consultant

Guyana on high alert P14 after measles outbreak in Venezuela, Brazil

2

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

news

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

Sunday, June 23 – 09:00h-10:30h and Monday, June 24 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, June 23 – 08:00h-09:30h and Monday, June 24 – 08:45h-10:15h.

Appointment of GECOM Chairman

Violating Constitution: President now wants to submit his own nominees …Opposition Leader rejects proposal

cate his view on this issue before a date for the meeting with the President is finalised,” Harmon wrote.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Rejected

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), through its executive member Gail Teixeira, wasted little time in responding to Harmon’s letter. In a missive dated the same day as the President’s letter, Teixeira rejected the proposal.

Teixeira pointed out that Article 161 of the Constitution makes it the Opposition Leader’s job to submit names to the President, not the other way around. She noted that to do otherwise would be a case of the President usurping the Opposition Leader’s role.

“The Leader of

Thundery to light rain showers are expected in the morning and early afternoon hours. Partly cloudy skies followed by light rain showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:14h and 20:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.35 metres and 2.25 metres.

Low Tide: 14:18h reaching a minimum height of 0.87 metre.

The letter sent by the Ministry of the Presidency to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

3

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

ne week after the Caribbean Court of Justice advised President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to meet and discuss the way forward on the appointment of a new Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, the Head of State is now proposing that he submits his own list of nominees for the position.

Last week, Jagdeo had proposed daily meet-

ings with the President to determine the way forward but it was not until Friday that the President, through the Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, responded to the Opposition Leader’s letter.

In the letter, Harmon proposed on President David Granger’s behalf that he be allowed to nominate persons for the position of GECOM Chairman.

Harmon based this reasoning on the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ’s) request that the two sides meet and discuss eligible candidates. Harmon also suggested Jagdeo consider this before a date for his meeting with the President is set. “ T h e Government interpreted [the CCJ’s ruling] to mean that both the President and Leader of the Opposition will provide nominees on the list of six persons.

It is hoped that the Leader of the Opposition could quickly communi- Opposition leaderBharrat Jagdeo’s response

the Opposition wishes to remind that the Caribbean Court of Justice, in its recent judgment, in interpreting Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, examined the letter, spirit and intendment of that Article. Therefore, the judgement of the Court must be construed as giving obeisance to the Article, rather than derogating from it.”

“In this regard, it was never a matter of controversy that the list of six names must emanate from the Leader of the Opposition and the appointment of one therefrom, is exclusively the remit of the President,” Teixeira also wrote.

Guidance

The former Chief Whip also noted that the CCJ was merely providing guidance on how to conduct the engagement with the two sides.

Notwithstanding this, however, Teixeira informed Harmon that the Opposition Leader was open to the President suggesting names, informally.

Turn to page 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 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

For a land-use strategy

O

pposition Leader Bharat Jagdeo dropped a bombshell into the political landscape when he revealed that tens of thousands of acres of land had been transferred to persons politically connected to the PNC-led administration. Ironically, these individuals included two very vociferous employees of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), which work out of the Ministry of the Presidency and which have been engaged in a very high profile case alleging that 12 acres of land at Sparendaam had been sold in an opaque fashion to the former President, several Ministers and others.

Some of the beneficiaries of the highlighted land allocations have asserted that there was nothing untoward about the process since they had complied with the required procedures. However, they ignored two important points. First, that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) has conceded there was a huge backlog of applications for land in the Commission and there needs to be some explanation, apart from fortuity, why these particular applications rose to the top of the pile. Second, why the lands, in several instances, were strategically located to service the incipient oil industry. As such, the change of land use would have dictated that a bidding process would have protected the interest of the state to receive the maximum revenues. Third, it also suggests insider knowledge. In one instance, it would appear that the foreshore of the Demerara River – defined as the space between the landline and the low waterline – from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to the mouth of the Atlantic has been sold or leased. This raises questions of the rights of landowners abutting the foreshore and other users like local fishermen’s access and use the river.

Apart from the political implications, the issue of a national land-use policy is raised. Ever since the PNCled APNU/AFC coalition acceded to office in 2015, they have highlighted this issue but have not done anything substantive to consummate it. In fact, the wife of one of the alleged beneficiaries of the land allocation, who is Head of the Department of Environment (DoE) — which operates out of the Ministry of the Presidency— two years ago, opined to a COI into “ancestral lands”, “In the absence of proper land-use planning, productive land uses will perform poorly and this can constrain national economic growth and consequently our attainment of ‘green’, sustainable development”.

But this was nothing new. As far back as 1976, the UN had offered its official position on land use: “Land cannot be treated as an ordinary asset, controlled by individuals and subject to the pressures and inefficiencies of the market…. Private land ownership is … a principal instrument of accumulation and concentration of wealth and therefore contributes to social injustice, if unchecked, it may become a major obstacle in the planning and implementation of development schemes”.

What is needed was succinctly summarised in a report on land use composed by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in 2007 after widespread consultations. In summary, it proposed, in reference to agriculture, housing and commercial activities: “Given the importance of land policies for growth and development, recommendation is made that urgent steps be taken to put in place a written national policy on land distribution. This policy should constitute fully, all the components of equity. It should be a policy that is well publicized and utilized”.

“In order to promote equity in the distribution of land for agriculture, housing and commercial activities, the GL&SC should institute a policy to publicise all leases at both the national levels and particularly in the region in which the lease is to be issued. Both distributing agencies should put in place measures to prevent land grabbing, not only at the level of applicants, but also at the level of other categories of persons, including persons in the distribution of the commodity.”

In terms of the present brouhaha over claimed politically-skewed land distribution by the GL&SC, the recommendation on the publicising of all leases issued over the last two years would be useful.

This painting depicting rural Hindu homes is on exhibition at the fourth Visual Arts Competition & Exhibition, which is being hosted at Castellani House (DPI photo)

Venezuela’s teachers and students skip school for survival

A

t a primary school in a middle-class neighbourhood of Caracas, Venezuela, the students’ parents play an outsize role.

Gasoline shortages have collapsed public transportation, making it hard for teachers to get to work. Others skip class to scrounge for food and medicine, both of which are in short supply in Venezuela. Owing to low salaries, some teachers have quit.

That’s why Karen Benini, the mother of a sixth-grader, often steps in to substitute even though she lacks a teacher’s certificate.

“I’m not a teacher. I never studied to be a teacher. I’m a graphic designer,” says Benini, 41, who volunteers two to three days per week.

Amid Venezuela’s catastrophic economic meltdown, education experts say that it’s getting much harder for children to get a good grasp of history, geography and their ABCs. School staff are resigning in droves. Legions of students and teachers are among the four million Venezuelans who have fled the country in recent years. Those still going to school in the country often find that classes have been cancelled owing to power outages, water shortages, and other breakdowns.

Some school buildings are falling apart, have been taken over by homeless squatters or are used by pro-government militias for training, says Nancy Hernández, a founder and board member of FENASOPADRES, a national association of PTAs. In 2016, the last year the Venezuelan Government released enrolment figures, about 8.5 million Venezuelan children were

Venezuelan Leidy Navarro (left) walks with her daughter Valentina Caceres back to their home in Ureña, Venezuela, after picking her up at school in Cúcuta, Colombia, in March [Juan Pablo Bayona/AFP/ Getty Images]

attending K-12 schools. Now, that figure may have dropped to about 6.5 million, according to rough estimates provided by Hernández.

One independent education group in Aragua state, just west of Caracas, reported that at the start of the current school year more than half of all students were no longer going to classes.

In a TV interview in May, Education Minister Aristóbulo Istúriz acknowledged problems, but blamed them on US economic sanctions and pointed out that, in spite of the Government’s challenges, public schools remain free.

To make up for lost class time, Istúriz announced that the 201819 academic year, which normally ends in June, would be extended through July.

But Hernández, who is also a former national elections official, says that will make little difference.

“We, as an organisation, have determined that the 2018-19

academic year has been lost,” she says of the PTA group. any of the challenges faced by students and teachers are glaringly obvious in Ramo Verde, a mountainside slum on the outskirts of Caracas, where María Pérez has taught geography at a public school for the past 18 years.

She’s one of just four teachers still showing up for work. The other eight recently resigned because they couldn’t survive on their US$5 monthly salaries.

Pérez scrapes by, by peddling cellphone accessories on weekends. She also crosses the border into Colombia to stock up on food, which she resells on the streets and sometimes distributes to her malnourished students.

The school is supposed to provide a midday snack, but often there are no provisions in the cafeteria. Three of her students recently fainted, including one girl who had not eaten dinner the night before or breakfast that

morning and collapsed during gym class.

“It makes me want to cry,” Pérez says.

Many of her students skip school to help feed their families by doing odd jobs – such as hauling water.

During frequent electricity cuts in Ramo Verde, water pumps don’t work. So residents must fill up buckets and containers at mountainside springs and lug them back to their homes. Some of Pérez’s students now spend their days going door to door delivering spring water.

As she walks through the slum, Pérez spots one of them, Roynel Riso, a skinny 14-year-old.

In exchange for about five gallons of water, families will pay Riso with a bag of rice or pasta. He prefers payment in kind because hyperinflation has rendered the bolívar, Venezuela’s currency, nearly worthless.

Riso skips two days of school per week and laments: “I miss going to Math class.”

Yureibis Coronado, a mother of three who lives in a threeroom shack in Ramo Verde, says shortages of water and soap promote absenteeism because many parents refuse to send their children to school in dirty uniforms.

“It’s very worrisome,” she says, “because kids go to school today so they can be somebody tomorrow.”

Despite professing loyalty to her students, Pérez is thinking of joining the exodus of Venezuelan educators.

This summer she plans to visit friends in the United States who have set her up with part-time work. She’ll still be teaching – but this time as a spinning instructor at a gym in North Carolina. (NPR)

Still waiting for justice 5 months after being shot

Dear Editor, It is now five months since I was shot at my home. As far as I know no one has been arrested.

Reports have been made by me to the police about a certain individual who is accused of being a prominent drug dealer in at least 5 schools. Persons have approached me to say that this sad young man has threatened them that if they come forward to identify him they ‘will regret it.’ All this has been given to the police. This is the same individual who I

believe was ‘involved’ in the shooting. There are, of course, more ways to be involved than pulling a trigger.

Reports have also been made to the American Embassy several weeks ago about a certain young man, living in the USA, who admitted to making the first post, back in January, to blow up our school. According to the police report we were given the same boy was interviewed – his defence was simply ‘it was only a joke.’ Four hours after that posting I was shot and narrowly missed be-

ing murdered.

He then posted again asking for immunity and promising to give all the information about the shooting if he was given ‘protection’. And then a few weeks ago we were given a recording from the same boy clearly laughing at the shooting. No doubt an erudite lawyer could explain such a recording away in a court of law – commonsense however would yield a different interpretation.

Five months later I have heard no more from the police locally or the American

Embassy. It could be, of course, that things are indeed ‘happening’ and they are not at liberty to say what, but at the same time surely one is allowed to legitimately feel otherwise.

I have now had 30 interviews by media from the UK, USA, Canada and across Guyana – what should be my response when people ask what is happening?

Sincerely, Dr Brian O’Toole

guyanatimesgy.com

5

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

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

Answers needed from Lowenfield about RLE

Dear Editor, If one is to study the work plan from the 2011 elections, it reveals an important point. From July 18, 2011, when the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) was extracted from the National Register of Registrants (NRR) to put the Claims and Objections (C&O) process into gear, until that process was completed on September 4, 2011, only 48 days (just over 6 weeks) were consumed. At the end of the C&O process, Guyana had a Revised List of Electors (RLE). The political parties were able to use this RLE

to further help GECOM HQ USA make any last minute valid and verified modifications before they printed the Official List of Electors (actual voters’ list). Any person with an average mathematics competence will tell you that there was still 42 days for GECOM to exhaust the full 90 days or 3 months as prescribed by Article 106 of the Constitution.

So why is there a school of thought coming out of GECOM that they can only produce a list by Christmas?

It is a bogus position, full stop.

Mr Keith Lowenfield, the Chief Elections Officer who is now in the middle of a major land controversy involving the former PNC-led Government, must be called to account. Is he deliberately not preparing for elections as some sort of payback for past favours granted by the PNC? We need answers from Mr Lowenfield as to why GECOM could not and did not update its RLE as an outcome of a C&O process from January 2019 to May 2019.

The details from 2011 are below.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh Maryland

Evidence presented by Jagdeo indisputable; Trevor Benn knows it Dear Editor, By exposing the massive land-grab at Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), the Leader of the Opposition has undoubtedly disturbed a vampire’s nest.

And now they are all running wild trying to cover up their tracks!

At his recent press conference, Bharrat Jagdeo, armed with copies of maps with valuable information from GL&SC, very articulately exposed the shameful theft of prime real-estate by Government officials and a tiny elite cabal of the APNU. Despite this, we’re yet to hear from President Granger, under whose name strategic areas of State land were given away.

It’s unbelievable how a man who avoids the press like a plague, whose Government has been engaged in scandals and corruption almost on a daily basis, gets a free pass by some sections of the media, while the PPP/C gets blamed for everything that goes wrong in Guyana by Kaieteur News and News Room even though the PPP/C has been out of office since 2015.

When the land-grab scandal, complete with maps, names and file numbers was exposed to the public, Kaieteur News chose to carry a headline, “Lands and Surveys Commissioner provides facts on Opposition Leader’s land-grabbing claims”.

But what “facts” were presented by Lands and Surveys to dismiss the accusations made by Jagdeo? Why accuse Jagdeo of presenting fake maps? Did the Commissioner of the GL&SC, Trevor Benn, at his press conference, present the original maps of the areas identified with different ownership to prove Jagdeo was lying?

What other “facts” were produced by Benn to refute these allegations? The evidence presented by Jagdeo was indisputable, and Trevor Benn knows it. And while the Government propagandist, Gordon Mosley, was too busy trying to prevent others from airing the damaging report, News Room did not even carry the original story when it was exposed by Jagdeo, but instead carried the entire Charles Ceres statement to the media the very next day. But what else can be expected from News Room?

According to a PPP press release the party notes the comments made [by] Mr Charles Ceres, who peddled a blatant lie when he denied allegedly receiving the 112 acres of land at Bohemia, Region 6, even though documents [File Number: 621112/4] indicated that he did. He also confirmed that he received 4.5 acres of land at Liliendaal, Region 4, and defended this acquisition by saying that the land was used as the site for the construction of a single office. It was disingenuous on the part of Mr Ceres to compare his land acquisition, used

to build a single office, with land acquired through public tender and other allocated land, under the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, which resulted in massive investments – MovieTowne, Giftland, etc – and the creation of hundreds of jobs and opportunities for our Guyanese people. The fact that former PPP/C officials are charged now for land allocations in the same area exposes the duplicity of the coalition Administration. To further defend his acquisition of land, Mr Ceres made allegations about other land allocations under the former PPP/C Government, which will be addressed by the party in due time. Additionally, in an attempt to divert attention from his land acquisition, he also claimed that he was named because he is an AfroGuyanese, even while he admitted that he, as an AfroGuyanese, received over 1000 acres of land under the “Jagdeo Administration”, which he returned to the State because he was unable to pursue development on the land”.

Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission is a department that falls under the President.

GL&SC gives out State lands in the President’s name. It is natural for one to believe the President would know what is going on in his own office, or what is being done in his name.

The purpose of Jagdeo’s exposé was to show how key personnel in the Ministry of the Presidency and SOCU have been securing strategic tracts of Government land that are likely to flip in a year or two for millions of US dollars to the oil companies at the expense of the Guyanese people and the country at large.

Thousands of acres were given away to Government officials and friends of the PNC/ APNU within weeks after the No-Confidence Motion had been successfully passed in Parliament. Is that a coincidence?

Head of the Project Management Office at the Ministry of the Presidency, Marlon Bristol got one acre at Mocha on February 4, 2019, and 12 acres at Dalawala in Linden where very lucrative deep-water harbour and shorebased facilities are likely to be developed in June 2019. He also got 80 acres at Bohemia in Berbice where lucrative deep-water harbour and shorebased facilities will be developed in February 2019.

Charles Ceres, whose wife, Ndibi Schwiers, is Director of Environment at the Ministry of the Presidency, got 4.5 acres at Liliendaal; 112 acres at Bohemia in Berbice (File Number 621112/4) where lucrative deep-water harbour and shore-based facilities are likely to be developed.

Eric Phillips, SARA Special Assistant, who lied in a letter he wrote earlier this year denying that he received land from the Government, got 1000 acres in the Essequibo River

in April 2019, File Number 321132/1604, and 1000 acres in the Demerara River earlier this year. File Number 331231/7.

While he now confirms that he benefited from massive land allocations, he is still to explain why, on February 22, 2019, in a letter to Stabroek News, he denied that he applied for or received land. In his letter, Eric Phillips had called for the evidence to be produced. Now that the evidence has been produced, he is attempting to argue using race. It is also important to note that while SARA is hell-bent on prosecuting Jagdeo and others for purchasing land at Pradoville 2 below market value, two members of this agency are grabbing up as much land as they can get below the market value. We’ll see how this plays out in court.

Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer, Deputy Head of SARA, which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency received 10 acres on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, File Number 411412/522b; and 1 acre at Mocha earlier this year.

Great Wall Inc, of which Saratu Phillips is a Director, got 20.70 acres of Schoonard Foreshore (in the Demerara River - proposed site for shorebased facility), File Number 332242/3; 20 acres of Goed Fortuin Foreshore (in the Demerara River - proposed site for shore-based facility), File Number 3322421/3 and 50.8 acres at Best Foreshore (Including parts of the Atlantic Ocean) File Number 332231/38.

Note that in his press conference, Commissioner Trevor Benn failed to explain the criteria or the business plan to justify giving away 50.8 acres of the Best Foreshore which includes parts of the Atlantic Ocean, and the 40 acres of land on the western side of the Demerara River that alone would be worth about US$100 million, given the shore-based facility that can be exploited there by oil companies. Phillips was involved in the Georgetown parking meter fiasco. The company, Gold Bar Development and Consulting Inc, headed

by Saratu Phillips and Shawn Hopkinson, also benefited from a gold export licence in 2018.

A former PNC Member of Parliament also got 1200 acres in the Pomeroon River, and another 6400 acres that is set to be approved. Another member of his family was also given 2900 acres in the same area.

But the most shocking of all is that GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, received 216 acres of land at Millie’s Hideout in Linden in June 2019, and 2 acres of land at Mocha. Since this sensitive giveaway to Lowenfield was done earlier this month after the CCJ ruling, one has to wonder whether this is a payoff to further delay the elections by caving to Government’s demands for House-To-House Registration.

Obligated to provide answers?

Editor, doesn’t the President feel obligated to provide answers to the public for all the corruption that’s taking place in his name?

It is my opinion that the PNC propagandist has been collaborating with Lands and Surveys to cover-up the corruption, and to use the press conference to draw attention away from the President in another attempt to protect his “clean” image. So as usual, racism lifts its ugly head again, and they’re painting this as a “Black” issue.

Let’s not be fooled, this has nothing to do with racism, but everything to do with corruption. Ordinary Black people are not benefitting from this land giveaway by the Government they voted for, nor have they benefitted from the so-called “good life” they were promised.

It is only a privileged few like the so-called “Black Activist” Eric Phillips, with strong connections to Granger and his cabal, who are the beneficiaries of this pathetic act of greed and corruption. And this is going on nationwide.

Lands taken away from farmers Just recently in Region Five, land that was used by cattle farmers of the Shieldstown Cattle Rearer’s Co-op Society in an area known as Rampoor for over 20 years, were taken away by the MMA-ADA and were allegedly given to cronies of this Government. These include the former Chief Medical Officer of Region Five, Steven Cheefoon, who received 99.93 acres, and other members of his family. Floyd Cheefoon got 200.28 acres; John Cheefoon, 199.98 acres; and James Cheefoon, 99.87 acres. Others include Denise Hamilton, 200 acres; Patricia Mc Pherson and Humphry Leue, 400 acres; Dr Zulfikar Bux, 100 acres; Tazeem Bux, 100 acres; and APNU Member of Parliament, Jennifer Wade, who received 100 acres.

If this is true, I am calling for a full-fledged investigation into this matter. Despite the successful passage of the Whistleblowers Act, a dangerous trend is emerging by this Government to silence anyone who is opposed to their corrupt activities.

Recently, the newly appointed Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, fired the accountant and all the staff of the Personnel Department in her Ministry because she believed that the information given to Jagdeo came from a whistleblower in her department. And so to be sure, she fired everyone for leaking information which exposed the transfer of $20 million in taxpayers’ money to the private bank accounts of the children of Minister Simona Broomes by the Ministry of the Presidency.

Similarly, rather than focus on who may have been bribed to give away massive areas of strategically located State land, Trevor Benn is on a witch-hunt to find the patriotic employee who gave Jagdeo

GL&SC. I urge all patriotic public servants to continue to expose all wrongdoings in their respective departments, and to play their part in putting an end to Government corruption and to this illegal cabal that masquerades as Ministers of Government.

copies of the documents from Lands and Surveys to end the corruption taking place there, and is using threats to discourage whistleblowers. But Benn has no case. These documents clearly show locations, acreage, plot numbers and ownership, and could have easily be refuted by Benn at his press conference if Jagdeo’s accusations were false. But they were not! I wouldn’t be surprised if these maps no longer exist at

Regards, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

saturday, JUNE 29, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

02

05 13

15 19 22

FREE TICKET

17 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02

6

10 21 25

LUCKY 3

3

6

2

3

Afternoon Draw

5

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02

05

10

14

PAY DAY

01 05 06 12 14

16

18

19 SUPER PAY DAY

04 05 10 12 17

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

6

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

Page Foundation How parental love impacts flourishing later in life

…parenting practices have a profound influence on the lives of children

By Tyler J VanderWeele, PhD

O

ver the past several years, the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University has pursued research on parenting practices and how these practices affect the flourishing of children as they grow and develop into adulthood.

A common division of parental styles classifies them along two axes: parental warmth, on the one hand, and parental discipline, on the other. Based on whether the parenting approach is high or low on each of these two dimensions, parenting styles are then divided into four types.

The parenting approach with high warmth and high discipline is sometimes called the authoritative style. In contrast, the approach with low warmth and high discipline is referred to as the authoritarian style. The approach with high warmth but low discipline is referred to as the permissive style. And, finally, the approach with low warmth and low discipline is referred to as the neglectful style.

Research has fairly consistently shown that the approach of high warmth and high discipline (the authoritative style) tends to be associated with the best childWhen parental hood outcomes.

However, much of the research on the topic of parwarmth was enting styles has examined single considered outcomes, one at a time. When this is done with different samples, and on its own, it in different settings, it can be difwas the most ficult to get a broad picture of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the important different approaches. aspect of M o r e o v e r, much of the existing research is also cross-sectionparenting we al in nature, meaning that all of the were able to data is collected at once, rather than collected repeatedly over time. identify This can make it difficult to infer causality. For example, if parental warmth is associated with better child outcomes, it is difficult to know whether parental warmth really causes those outcomes or whether, for example, those children who are going to have good outcomes anyway are simply easier to love. One needs data collected over time, ideally on numerous well-being outcomes, to resolve these questions.

This year we published two empirical studies, one in January in Social Science and Medicine, and one just last month in Nature Human Behavior. Both studies used data collected over many years.

We looked at the effects of different parenting styles on numerous health and well-being outcomes, and the results, using more rigorous methodology, were largely consistent with previous findings.

Children who had parents with the authoritative approach to parenting (high warmth, high discipline) fared best later in life.

Parental warmth

One of the interesting results of our two studies was that paren-

sions as to what shapes health. But perhaps that should change as more and more research points to its profound importance.

Our study is not without its limitations. While the experience of parental warmth, or love, emerged as being of central importance, the measurement of constructs like love or discipline is challenging.

Measures will always be imperfect. Our measures of parental discipline do not take into account what form that discipline takes. The range of outcomes we were able to examine with the data are also limited. They do not include assessments of character. Indeed, the measurement of character is still in its infancy, and difficult to study.

But we might expect parenting practices oriented towards discipline to profoundly shape character, and to shape also the child’s subsequent contribution to the lives of others in adulthood. Nevertheless, despite these limitations, what the research does very clearly establish is the importance of a child’s experience of love.

Love can be experienced in different ways. Forgiveness – being understood as the replacing of ill-will with good-will towards the offender – is itself a form of love. Perhaps love thus ought to be given greater attention, in the empirical sciences, in life, and in our public discourse, as to what brings about true human flourishing. (psychologytoday.com)

tal warmth, or love, seemed to be the dominant factor. While those who had high warmth and high discipline (authoritative style) did the best, the next best category was high warmth, low discipline (the permissive style) and they did considerably better than the group that, in contrast, had low warmth and high discipline (authoritarian style). Not surprisingly, the group that had low warmth, low discipline (neglectful style) fared poorest. However, overall, parental warmth or love seemed the most important. When parental warmth was considered on its own, it was the most important aspect of parenting we were able to identify.

This conclusion was especially manifest in our Nature Human Behavior study, in which we examined multiple aspects of positive parenting. In that study, parental warmth in childhood (measured by satisfaction with the parent-child relationship, generally concerning love and attachment) was associated, several years later, with a 46 per cent reduction in depression, a 39 per cent reduction in anxiety, a 68 per cent reduction in eating disorders, as well as higher levels of emotional processing and expression, and lower levels of cigarette and marijuana smoking.

Other parenting practices, like family dinners, were also important, but simply not as important as parental love and affection.

Likewise, in our Social Science and Medicine study, parental warmth was associated with a wide range of positive flourishing outcomes later in life. The links to some of these (such as happiness/emotional well-being, positive relations later in life, and self-acceptance) were larger than the associations with others (such as social coherence), but they were positive for almost all outcomes.

The research points to the important role of love in human flourishing. While the term “love” means different things to different people, in much theological writing, it is understood as a desire for and/ or commitment to the good of the other. That seeking of the other’s good, in childhood (and arguably throughout life), is very powerful.

In addition to the actions that promote the good of the beloved, that experience of love affirms the person’s intrinsic value and worth. It establishes a bond. It fulfils one of the deepest human yearnings for connection with others. It is no wonder, then, that the experience of love appears to affect so many health and well-being outcomes.

Love is not often considered in our medical and public health discus-

5 tips to improve your relationships with your children

P

Invest in quality time with your kids ositive relationships don’t happen by accident – they take intentional time and action. Plan out quality time with your children.

My mom did this one with me – as a single parent, she seldom had time to spend with me. But, once a month she took a day with me to do something special. We went hiking in the local mountains, built sand castles at the beach, etc. We were not fiscally secure, so we did things that didn’t cost much more than gas. These are some of the most cherished times in my life and things I reflect on often now that she has passed. Make dates with your kids. Honour the time and let them lead the activity when possible. This time isn’t about WHAT you do, but about being together, fully invested in the time with your children.

Turn off the tech

Nothing ruins quality time more than the distraction of the smartphone, tablet, video game, Vimeo, etc. Turn off the tech. Make that an expectation and be sure to live up to it. In our household, we like to watch movies together with our adult child a few times a month when everyone is around. Those movie times are tech-free zones. It’s one of our most cherished norms. And while it isn’t always easy (especially if we aren’t all into the movie), we value the time together over everything else. Plan tech-free times into the day. If you want more info on the effects of screen time, check out my article on developing screen time plans.

Play often

As adults, we often undervalue the impact of “play”. Taking the time to play with your children may feel like a luxury – something you only do if you “have time”. You may have such a packed schedule with sporting events, lessons, etc, that there doesn’t seem to be the capacity to “play”. If this is true, I encourage you to re-evaluate. Play is an opportunity for a child to learn a variety of skills, including the ability to entertain oneself, self-soothing, creativity, and more. When the playtime includes you or peers, this time also becomes critical opportunities to develop social skills, including empathy and compassion, and build positive relationships. Play has been shown to reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve EQ. Seems like a pretty vital thing to me! Schedule a little playtime with the kids. You will marvel at the positive impact in your family.

Spot their strengths and call it out

One of my favourite areas of study in the positive psychology movement is the area of character strength development. Learning our strengths, taking time to develop them and notice them in ourselves and others is linked to reductions in depression and anxiety. Taking the time to see when your children are demonstrating both character strengths and positive behaviours has a significant positive impact on their social-emotional development. Take the time to witness your children’s good behaviour and call their attention to their strengths. This simple act will go a long way to improve your parent-child relationships and make everyone feel great! It will also make those moments when you do need to correct behaviour more meaningful because you speak about both strengths and areas of growth.

Enjoy everyday moments fully

Through my book, The Caring Child: Raising Empathetic and Emotionally Intelligent Children, I speak about the everyday moments we have to positively interact with our children in ways that will develop and build their emotional intelligence. This cannot be stressed enough.

It is vital that we maximise our time with our children, and view every moment as opportunities to build or tear down our relationships, enhance, or decrease their emotional intelligence. These moments are transient. We can’t “wait” until a better time – there isn’t one. Take each moment to build a positive relationship. Take every opportunity to support your children in developing stronger social-emotional skills. Not only will your family benefit from the effort, so will the planet!

Relationships are the key to so many things, including our parenting.

Take a moment to reflect and improve as needed your relationships today. (psychologytoday.com)

news

7

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sale of part of Demerara River

Land close to shore base location now worth millions of US dollars …as PPP questions strategic land grab at expense of ordinary Guyanese …calls for Police investigation into massive GL&SC land distribution

Ministry of the Presidency

Land Distribution by GL&SC Marlon Bristol,

Head of GL&SC, Trevor Benn

A

ttempts by the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) to justify its action in the allocation of thousands of acres of land to persons aligned with the Government still leaves several unanswered questions.

According to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Saturday, the GL&SC in its ‘half-baked’ attempt to explain its actions, had still not explained the rationale for the distribution of land in prime locations along the Demerara River that will now be worth over US$100 million.

The Party noted that the value for this land is especially lucrative, given the need for shore base facilities to cater to oil companies currently operating in Guyana’s waters. The Party noted that GL&SC head, Trevor Benn, failed to address this issue.

According to the Party, aside from Benn’s preoccupation with how the damning details became public, he failed to respond to major questions that were raised by the Party’s General Secretary and Opposition Leader. Key among these unanswered questions was

Head of the Project Management Office within the Ministry of the Presidency received: • 1 acre in Mocha, Region 4 - February 2019 • 12 acres in Linden (at Dallawalla, the proposed site for Deep Water Harbour), Region 10 - June 2019 • 80 acres in Bohemia, Region 6 (the proposed site for Deep Water Harbour) – February 2019

what rationale was used by the GL&SC to give out practically the entire Demerara River waterfront to politically-connected persons.

On Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that there seemed to be a rush to give out prime lands at strategic locations where there lies possibility to develop shore base facilities. In fact, he disclosed that 50 acres along the western foreshore of the Demerara River, as well as 40 acres in the river itself— also toward the western side— were given away.

It is understood that Saratu Phillips, Director of Great Wall Incorporated, was a common name in those leases. Phillips previously featured in the controversial Georgetown Parking Meter project, when another company he owned, Astrolobe Technology Inc., claimed to have had a pre-existing contract to implement the ill-fated project.

According to the PPP, Phillips and miner Shawn

Charles Ceres,

whose wife, Ndibi Schwiers, is with the Department of Environment within the Ministry of the Presidency, received: • 4.5 acres at Liliendaal, Region 4 • 112 acres in Bohemia, Region 6 File number 621112/4

Great Wall Inc. – of which Saratu Phillips is a Director, received: • 20 acres at Schoonord Foreshore, Region 3 (in the Demerara River – proposed site for shore-based facility) – File Number 332242/3 • 20 acres at Goed Fortuin, Region 3 (in the Demerara River – proposed site for shore-based facility) – File number 3322421/3 • 50 acres at Best Foreshore, Region 3 – File Number 332231/38

Hopkinson, own a company named Gold Bar Development and Consulting Incorporated that benefitted from a gold export license in 2018. The Party revealed that Hopkinson’s property is, in fact, currently being rented by Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon.

Great Wall received 20 acres at Schoonoord Foreshore, Region Three, on the banks of the Demerara River. It received another 20 acres at Good Fortuin, Region Three. In addition, it received 50 acres at the Best Foreshore.

Other applicants

The PPP lambasted GL&SC for the fact that Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield received valuable land in Region 10, ahead of others, including Lindeners, who had applied for said land.

“Mr Benn said he had ‘no apologies’ for grant-

Violating Constitution: President...

From page 3

Article 161 (2) of the Constitution states that “…the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person…”

It goes on to outline the process by which the Chairman is appointed, stating that the Chairman is “to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation (between) political parties represented in the National Assembly”.

Last week, former

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson officially stepped down from the position. His appointment was deemed unconstitutional by the CCJ, which noted that President Granger stepped outside of the Constitution when he appointed Patterson.

In its judgement on this matter, the CCJ had said clearly that “once the President and the Leader of the Opposition have hammered out a list of names not unacceptable to the President, the list, comprising the six persons, must then formally be submitted to the President by the Leader of the Opposition and the President must then select the Chairman from among those names”.

While explaining the consensual process to appoint the GECOM Chairman, the CCJ went on to advise that “This approach gives the

President a role in the identification of the six names, but it obviates [eliminates] the possibility that after the formal presentation of the list, the President could suggest that one or more of the names or indeed the entire list, is unacceptable”.

To, therefore, have the Government claim that the CCJ intended for President Granger to himself submit names has some observers questioning the Government’s sincerity in wanting to work with the Opposition to appoint a Chairman of GECOM the right way.

All parties involved are expected back at the CCJ on June 12, where the Trinidadbased court will hand down consequential orders. Most importantly, these orders will decide when constitutionally due elections are to be held in Guyana.

Aubrey HeathR e t e m e y e r, Deputy Head of SARA, which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency received: • 10 acres on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, Region 4, in 2019 – File number 411412/522b • 1 acre Mocha, Region 4, in 2019

ing 216 acres of land to Mr Lowenfield in June of this year, at Millie’s Hideout, Linden, Region 10. Could Mr Benn say why persons in Region 10, particularly Lindeners, who applied for lands to be used for housing and other economic activities, in the same area, did not have their applications approved? Does he have an apology for these Guyanese?” the Party questioned.

“Ordinary Guyanese continue to suffer the hardships imposed by the policies of the coalition Government, including their inability to access house lots, since not one house lot has been developed in the past four-plus years, while there is ‘wanton’ and ‘obscene’ land grabbing that benefits a select few”.

Information

Since the revelation that persons closely affiliat-

Eric

Phillips,

SARA Special Assistant, within the Ministry of the Presidency received: • 1000 acres in the Essequibo River - April 2019 – File Number 321132/1604 • 1000 acres in the Demerara River in 2019 – File Number 331231/7

ed to the Government had snapped up land in prime locations, questions have been raised about the process that was used to allocate such large tracts of land.

Among those questions have been whether an open tender was used, exactly how much all the beneficiaries paid per acre for their land, and how they received information on which prime land locations were available, in the absence of advertisements.

The PPP pointed out in its statement that “the land grab was taking place in strategic locations – locations for possible shore base facilities, deep water harbours, and other major infrastructural developments”.

Questions have been raised about the role played

by Ndibi Schwiers, whose husband, engineer Charles Ceres, received 112 acres in

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections

Commission, Keith

Lowenfield.

Lowenfield received: 216 acres at Millie’s Hideout, Region 10 – June 2019; and 2 acres at Mocha, Region 4.

Bohemia, Region 6 and 4.5 acres at Liliendaal. Schwiers is the Director of the Department of Environment within the Ministry of the Presidency.

In addition, questions have also been raised over why the applications of persons close to the coalition Government and Party were fast tracked after 2015 when A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) came to office, when the applications of thousands of ordinary Guyanese remain in a backlog.

And noting Benn’s call for the police to investigate how materials from his agency were leaked to the Opposition Leader, the PPP instead condemned the Government’s drive against whistleblowers of corruption and called for the Police to investigate the wholesale distribution of land to party cronies.

8

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Bureaucratic hijinks…

O

…at Lands and Surveys K…OK…we know that Trevor Benn, the present CEO of the Guyana Lands &Survey Commission (GL&SC) – which is in charge of doling out State lands for housing, agriculture and development – was once a big one in the PNC youth arm – the Young Socialist Movement (YSM). Nothing is wrong with that…we all make mistakes in our youth!! But did he have to be so POLITICAL in his response to the charges made by the Leader of the Opposition about lands being handed out like “sweetie” to PNC friends, family and cronies??

Jeez! He sounded worse than Trump – who gets red in the face like a beet at leaks about his going-on with staff and jumps up and down in rage! He was more like the Queen of Hearts in “Alice in Wonderland”, who was in a furious passion and went stamping about and shouting “Off with his head!” or “Off with her head!” about once in a minute. Imagine in this day and age of openness and transparency, when most countries have introduced “whistleblower” legislation, Benn threatened to deal “condignly” with members of his staff who had revealed details of the leases Jagdeo spoke about!! This threat of “condign” treatment was a pet phrase Burnham used when dealing with his “enemies”.

The US Whistleblower Protection Act declares unambiguously: “Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation for disclosure of information which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety,” The key term is “the employee REASONABLY believes”, for instance, as in this case, there was an “abuse of authority”.

Why should info on leases of land owned by the State – on behalf of the people of Guyana – be secret from the people? All leases, as they are being issued, should be listed on the GL&SC’s website for all and sundry to see. We, the people, can then decide whether the bureaucrats who work for us are ACTUALLY working for us, rather than themselves, or some friends in politically high places.

At his press conference, Benn pulled a three-card Monte on Guyanese people. He blithely talked about leases being granted during the PPP years, but then being relinquished on leases being issued during the present regime. But duh!!

If say, a 2004 lease for land in Canje is relinquished…what does that have to do with a NEW lease in 2019 for another (strategic!) piece of land at Bohemia??

Benn is obviously familiar with another favourite phrase of Burnham: there are many ways to skin a cat!! …in higher places Back in late 2016, the Government created a Department of Environment (DoE) and Advisor on Climate Change within the Ministry of the Presidency to coordinate all programmes to ensure the “Green State” promised by Granger, would be delivered. It wasn’t confined to painting Government buildings green!! In giving testimony to the COI on African ancestral land, the head pointed out: “Land is featured prominently in environmental protection in the country. The EPA’s mandate spans the management, conservation and protection of all environmental media which includes land.” As such, she declared the EPA has limited, direct authority over private and public land-use decisions. This bureaucrat, therefore, is privy to all inquiries from whatever sources on activities that would involve the use of land – even in the setting up of a corporate office.

Such information has strategic value since armed with such prior knowledge, say of an Oil Services Facility or an Electricity Generating Plant using gas from the FPSO’s offshore being contemplated, investors can make windfall profits by leasing identified lands.

Did pillow talk guide the Bohemia lease? …and enforcing Court decisions Benn also glossed over the award of some large swathes of Pomeroon land; claiming that the Courts had ordered this after the previous Government had seized them.

Is he enforcing the terms that caused the seizure in the first place?

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

news

9

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Dumping” specialty hospital was my biggest disappointment – Indian diplomat …says such facility needed in Guyana

Outgoing Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam

By Vahnu Manikchand

O

utgoing Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, said he was disappointed that the Specialty Hospital Project, which had been marred in controversy since its initial stage, did not take off ground.

The US$18 million project, which was being funded by the India Export/Import (EXIM) Bank via a line of credit (LOC), was dropped in 2016 after the contracted company, Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited – was handpicked by the coalition administration— was blacklisted by the World Bank until 2020 over fraud and corruption practices.

The Guyanese Government

subsequently announced that the project was “dead”. This, according to High Commissioner Mahalingam, was his biggest disappointment.

“The revival of the specialty hospital would have been my biggest achievement and dumping the specialty hospital a second time was the biggest disappointment for me,” the Indian Diplomat said during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times.

The Special Hospital Project started under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration (PPP/C) and back in 2012, the contract was awarded to Indiabased Company, Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited. However, citing instances of alleged fraud and delays, the Donald Ramotar administration in 2014 announced that it had terminated the contract with the India-based company and subsequently filed a lawsuit against it for failing to honour its obligations.

Scrapped project

While in the Opposition, both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC), before they collated, had opposed the US$18 million project and upon their assumption to of-

fice in 2015, decided to scrap the project, which had already expended some US$4 million on certain preliminary works.

The coalition Government then approached India to divert the remaining $13.8 million towards improving the country’s primary healthcare service by upgrading three public hospitals across the country.

According to Mahalingam, he had assured the then new Government that both projects can be pursued.

“I told them that Government of Guyana can do both projects because both are required and they agreed.

Then we went back to the original listing and we saw how we can do it. One of the bidders, who was willing to do the project, was identified… Then when we made the final decision about reviving the project and the contractor was awarded the contract for constructing the specialty hospital, that contractor was blacklisted by the World Bank. It was just on the last few days and that was really a disappointment for me and you can see till today the specialty hospital is not there,” he assured

Guyana needs a specialty hospital

However, the Indian dip-

lomat noted that such a facility is much needed in Guyana, especially with the upcoming economic development the country is about to experience as a result of the oil boom when production commences early next year.

The PPP/C regime was hoping that the specialty hospital would be a catalyst in creating “health tourism” here in Guyana by pulling foreigners and overseas-based Guyanese to Guyana.

“With the oil coming in and with Guyana’s economy going to develop far better than anyone can imagine, a specialty hospital is required… There will be good demand for such services, and not just for Guyana,” High Commissioner Mahalingam posited.

Asked whether his Government would be willing to still fund such a project should it be picked up in the future, the Indian diplomat responded in the affirmative but explained that it would have to be an entirely new project and not the continuation of the previous one.

N e v e r t h e l e s s , Mahalingam noted that he will not rule out this ever happening. In fact, he revealed that after the project was cancelled, some Indian

An artist’s impression of the scrapped specialty hospital

investor had approached him about reviving the project but nothing ever materialised.

Today, however, the Indian diplomat said he would encourage anyone interested to go ahead.

When asked, Mahalingam, who has concluded a five-year tenure in Guyana, told this newspaper that the specialty hospital project would’ve been his biggest achievement in Guyana had it been pursued.

“When I revived a kind of a dead project and then it was moving forward and was about to taken off (a second time), I thought that this is going to be an iconic structure that I would leave as a High Commissioner of India… I thought definitely this project will go through because it was going to be done in one and a half years, and I had more than that before I had to leave… It was my

greatest disappointment also when the specialty hospital fell through…,” the Diplomat asserted.

Meanwhile, the Texila American University (TAU) in Guyana had announced back in 2017 that it was mulling constructing a specialty hospital at its Providence, East Bank Demerara complex. Guyana’s growing popularity as the destination of choice for overseas medical studies was a driving factor behind this consideration, the University had explained.

In fact, TAU President, Saju Bhaskar, had stated at the time that the institution was undertaking a market study for the planned project to examine the prospects of such a facility, which would cater for the provision of medical services such as neurology, urology and cancer treatments.

10 news

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Supreme Court slams APNU/AFC for using Judges’ photos in political campaign …rejects Govt attempts to tarnish, discredit reputation of Judiciary

Acting Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Roxane George

T

he Supreme Court of Judicature, through its Protocol and Communications Unit, has issued a stinging rebuke to the coalition Government for using the photographs of two judges in a political campaign aimed at attracting youths.

The two judges in question

are Puisne Judges Justices Gino Persaud and Simone Morris-Ramlall. Their pictures were incorporated on a poster of 20 “young” public officials put together by A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) under the headline “Confidence in Youth Leadership” as part of their political campaign.

Hours after the advertisement was shared on social media, the Court in a statement said that it “firmly condemns the use of photographs of two puisne judges that have been published in a social media post captioned “Confidence in Youth Leadership—Promise Delivered”.

The ad bearing the two judges’ images was published despite the fact that the Judiciary is autonomous in principle and keeps far away from politics to ensure judgements, when handed down, can be accepted as free from bias. The Supreme Court reminded the Government of

this fact.

“The Supreme Court of Judicature is calling on members of the public to refrain from associating Judges and Judicial Officers with any political party or activity. The Judiciary reaffirms its independence and integrity and rejects any attempt to tarnish and discredit its reputation,” the statement added.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled on June 18 that the Government was defeated by a No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, which means that early elections must be called.

Political parties have, for the most part, started their political campaigns. But the Government has faced persistent criticisms over the years about its ‘geriatric’ Cabinet of Ministers mostly over the age of 60. This criticism has extended to its Members of Parliament, which is dominated by middle aged to elderly parliamentarians, with The advertisement featuring the Judges, who are highlighted by black ink

the exception of a few token youths.

In addition, the appointment of many elderly, and in some cases, known associates of the party, to head agencies that should in fact be led by persons trained and experienced in the agencies work, has also been criticized. It is therefore felt by observers that the ad campaign was aimed at hitting back at the criticisms.

Justice Persaud, who has practiced before the bar in Guyana since 2001, was sworn in before President David Granger as a Puisne Judge in

July of 2017, alongside Justice Morris-Ramlall. Persaud, who was 38 at the time, was said to have been one of youngest ever appointed Judges.

Article 122 of the Constitution of Guyana states that “All Courts and all persons presiding over the Courts shall exercise their function independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control.”

Efforts to contact Justice Persaud were futile.

Fuel dealer, reputed wife found dead with gunshot wounds to heads

A

fuel dealer and his reputed wife were found dead with gunshot wounds to their heads by one of their employees.

Dead are 36-year-old Munishwar Ramkellawan, a businessman of Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and his reputed Venezuelan wife, 26-year-old Marianny Martinez.

Reports are that the couple had been involved in a common-law relationship for some years now and operated a fuel business from their residence along the Eteringbang Landing.

According to eyewitnesses, on Thursday at about 15:00h, Ramkellawan and Martinez were seen imbibing alcoholic beverages at their residence, and this continued into the wee hours of Friday morning.

This publication was told that after some hours of imbibing, persons observed the man and woman engaged in a heated argument. This newspaper was told that the argument lasted for some time before the couple eventually retreated to the inside of their

home together. Reports are shortly after the duo had entered their residence, persons in the area heard two loud noises, which sounded like gunshots, but could not ascertain from which direction it emanated.

However, it was not until late Friday at about 17:50h that Ramkellawan and Martinez were discovered lifeless in their home lying next to each other by an employee.

Meanwhile, the police have since said that the bodies of Ramkellawan and Martinez were found in their bed.

Ramkellawan was discovered bearing a single suspected gunshot wound to the right side of his head while his wife bore a single suspected wound to the left side of her head.

Additionally, a 9mm Taurus pistol along with eight live rounds were found on the bed between their two bodies and two spent shells were discovered in the room.

According to the police, they are treating the matter as a murder/suicide as the probe continues.

NEWS

11

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Natural gas crucial to Guyana’s transformation process – energy consultant …says conversion of bauxite into aluminium will attract new industries

The anatomy of power in Guyana (Part 1) There is talk that the PPP “returning to power” after the next elections. The following was written a year after the 1992 elections. Have the dynamics changed? or most men perception is reality, but because perceptions are often distorted, the actions that flow from them are consequently misguided. After the (1992) general elections, there was a widespread perception that the PPP has “power” in Guyana, and because the PPP is an Indian-dominated party, Indians also have “power”.

Even many Indians hold this view, but what is the reality?

For us to have a discussion, we first have to agree as to what we mean by this word “power”.

Political scientists and other interested social scientists have had a veritable linguistic orgy in trying to pin down a working definition of this slippery concept. I have no desire to enter this morass and for this discussion, we’ll simply Ravi Dev stipulate that a person or group has “power” when that person or group can make a decision which affects other persons or groups and the latter have to go along with the decision, even though it may be against their interests. Power thus implies, simultaneously, a relationship (another person has to be affected) and a possession, since the power holder has to control certain resources (sanctions or inducements), which he can bring to bear on others to ensure compliance.

For Guyanese, therefore, the question is whether in the relationship between the PPP Government and the populace, does the PPP have the resources to enforce compliance with its decisions and initiatives or are these in the hands of others?

At this point, we have to distinguish between the State and the Government. The former represents the full panoply of the power institutions in a country and has the ultimate resort of force to ensure compliance with its policies. The Government, (and this is what the PPP now occupies), is simply that aspect of the State that initiates policies, which the other arms of the State— such as the army, the police, the judiciary and the bureaucracy, etc.— are supposed to implement. In a word, the Government has formal authority and has power only to the extent that these other arms recognise the legitimacy of its directives and act to ensure compliance.

Consequently, real power lays with those who control these other arms of the State; as many as junior officers in several third world States have demonstrated. The answer to the question posed earlier, (as to whether the PPP possesses real power), lies, and then, in discerning whether the other State arms accept the Government as legitimate.

Only time will tell of course, but the eight percent vote of the disciplined forces for the PPP, (which is the approximate number of Indians in the Forces) is not a good portent, since the opposition PNC received the remaining ninety two percent. The Judiciary, through attrition and PNC’s pressures and machinations during its dictatorship, while attempting to maintain some semblance of impartiality has also wavered.

The Bureaucracy (Civil Service etc.) is more overwhelmingly pro-PNC. Most of these state institutions are predominantly African dominated as a result of historical and recent PNC discriminations. While there have been no polls on the subject in Guyana, in neighbouring Trinidad, where there is a similar population mix and perceptions, several SARA polls, conducted by Professor Selwin Ryan, have shown that people of African origin do not view Indian citizens as legitimate aspirants and holders of national power.

In addition to the army, police, bureaucracy etc., certain groups within a society can have “disruptive power”. By this is meant the recognition by any Government of the day of the potential, or likelihood of particular groups looting, burning and committing general mayhem. In Guyana, Indians have been noticeably passive in this respect, while in the sixties and earlier this year (1992), Africans, especially in their strategically controlled Georgetown, demonstrated their disruptive power. By the impressively titled “Rule of Anticipated Reactions”, the PPP has had to take into consideration the reactions of all the above-mentioned groups, before it makes any policy initiatives.

By tailoring its policies depending on its reading of the reactions of these other groups, the PPP demonstrates conclusively, that these groups have real power rather than itself.

F

T

he Callender Law Firm from Houston, Texas, which specialises in energy and oil and gas laws, believes that although Guyana is expected to benefit tremendously from the direct sale of oil, pursuing natural gas electricity is crucial for the country’s transformational process.

According to US-based Energy Consultant Edwin Callender, in a country like Guyana where electricity woes continue to plague the nation, natural gas production will catalyse industrialisation and modernisation if that opportunity is taken by the Government.

Speaking at a recent local oil and gas and energy business forum, Callender said, “You bring natural gas on shore for electricity generation, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production for export and also for local consumption. As an example, each 1000 million cu-

US-based Energy Consultant Edwin Callender

bic feet of natural gas generates 7600-megawatt hours of electricity which is a lot of electricity. And that is being done from a natural gas combined cycle power plant”.

Callender advised that while the country is paying much focus to preparations for a booming oil and gas industry, power generation and its benefits must not be forgotten.

Electricity problem

“People

who

live

in

Guyana know that electricity is a problem and it is a problem because of an old system but it is also a problem because of the fuel source. Bunker C - that is very old and antiquated, the power plants are not efficient in any way, shape or form. And so you have an opportunity now to bring natural gas onshore and have gas fire power generation and that will open a whole lot of opportunities for the

country,” the energy consultant said.

He further explained that at present, the existing industries in Guyana suffer from electricity woes but that a major difference would be made in Guyana’s developmental process if relevant authorities pursue an available cheap source of energy (a spin-off from the oil and gas sector) because it would attract new industries and businesses here.

“They suffer from the cost of electricity to the reliability of electricity due to the stability of the electric grid and this is an opportunity to improve all of that.

Every society in the world that has developed that has gone from being a struggling economy, a poor economy, throughout history, it has been a source of energy, a reliable source, a cheap source, an accessible source of energy.”

Turn to page 15

12 news

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

President will decide fate of Crime Chief – Ramjattan

...would usurp Police Service Commission's role

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

G

iven that President David Granger appointed the Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves, he will determine the fate of the senior member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), who is currently on administrative leave, pending an investigation following reports of misconduct.

This disclosure was made

by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on the sidelines of an event last week.

“If he is cleared he will come back if he is not well

fine. The President, having appointed him, will make certain decisions,” the Minister said, despite the fact that the law states that it is the Police Service Commission that deals with disciplinary issues within the GPF. The Crime Chief was sent on administrative leave last week after whistleblowers pointed to several alleged corrupt acts he was reportedly a party to while stationed in Berbice.

However, when probed about the status of the investigation, which is being conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), Ramjattan referred the question to the Police Commissioner, Leslie James.

Reports are the Crime Chief was allegedly shielding a few junior rogue ranks who have been linked to criminals among other transactions.

The Minister noted that policemen who are aware of the situation will be giving statements to determine whether or not Alves

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves

returns to his job. “We have to take the statements from those police, of course, they will be questioned and of course thereafter legal advice will be sought,” he informed.

Given that the OPR is conducting the investigation, meaning the police is investigating itself, which in itself has raised a number of questions, Ramjattan said, “you do not want to what call a Caricom Commission to come in?”

Further, the Minister said that it is important for such cases to be investigat-

ed by the OPR to build confidence. He added that hundreds of cases have been investigated by the OPR before which have all been respected as they were even subject to further analysis. In fact, cases are even sent for legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In the meantime, pending this investigation, the Crime Chief will remain on administrative leave until the investigation wraps up.

Recently, allegations have stemmed against a lance corporal detective in Berbice of the rank being linked to the criminal network in the region.

This was revealed after the rank’s cell phone number was discovered in the phone of now dead criminal Kelvin “Kelly” Shivgobin, who was shot and killed recently in the backlands of Black Bush Polder during a shootout with the police.

It was alleged that the rank was being protected by Alves, who had previously headed the Berbice division.

Nigel Hoppie Williams.

and

Independent probe

President David Granger

Handpicks

In August last year, President David Granger, during his search for a new Top Cop, said that he was looking for “unbribable” cops.

On August 29, 2018, President Granger had handpicked five top-ranking officials from the GPF for the top police post, but former acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had been excluded.

They were Assistant Commissioner of Police Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Leslie James,

Paul

Last week also the Region Six, the Chairman, David Armogan, had called for an independent probe into the allegations, which he said are causing discomfort among residents and the business community in Berbice.

Furthermore, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday last called out President David Granger for his silence on the matter despite being briefed on it.

Saying it is perplexed by the Head of State’s reaction, the Opposition called for a wider probe into the matter.

“The PPP wishes to stress that the reports by whistleblowers, published by the local media corps, provide enough justification for a wider probe to be ordered, particularly since what is at stake is public confidence in the leadership of the Force and a test of the commitment to address the issue of corruption,” the party noted in its missive on Monday.

news

13

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

EBD fatal accident

Cop still on duty 5 days after pedestrian’s death

A

61-year-old pedestrian, who was attempting to cross the McDoom Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), last week was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a Police Constable.

Dead is Colin Crawford of Lot 111 Covent Garden, EBD. Reports are at about 17:15h, the Police rank, who is stationed at the Brickdam Police Station’s Impact Base Unit, was driving motorcar PLL 9532 along the EBD road on the eastern driver’s lane of the western carriageway when the accident occurred.

The three-lane procedure for vehicles traversing the EBD roadway was active at the time of the incident.

According to reports, the policeman was proceeding south along the eastern side of the western carriageway in the vicinity of Stoby’s Jewellery at McDoom, when Crawford was seen standing on the western side of the eastern carriageway close to the median that separates the eastern and western carriageway on that road.

The police in a statement said that the rank told investigators that he was about to pass the pedestrian who “suddenly jump over the said median” and attempted to cross the western carriageway from east to west.

According to the police, the constable alleged that upon seeing Crawford trying to rush across the busy

roadway, he applied brakes to avoid a collision with the man, but due to the short distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian, it was unavoidable.

The 61-year-old is said to have collided with the left side front fender of the constable’s motorcar.

As a result of the impact from the collision, Crawford fell onto the front windscreen of the vehicle and then bounced onto the roadway.

This publication under-

stands that the injured man was picked up by the police constable with the assistance of public-spirited persons and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention.

He died some three hours after the accident.

At the time of the accident, a breathalyser test was conducted on the police constable and no trace of alcohol was found in his system.

According to the police,

checks were made around the McDoom village for witnesses and to obtain any CCTV footage from residents in the area but these attempts proved futile.

Meanwhile, the fate of the police constable who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident is still to be determined.

This is according to Deputy Police Commissioner and Traffic Chief, Linden Isles, who told this newspaper on Saturday that the rank has

not been charged to date.

“Because he would have spent his 72 hours, as a member of the Force, under close arrest. So he was in custody for 72 hours, and after that 72 hours have elapsed, there is a procedure that has to be followed before any action can be taken. So he is on duty pending the investigation and when we are done investigating we will send the file for advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward.”

14 news Guyana on high alert after measles EPA completes outbreak in Venezuela, Brazil SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Acting Maternal Child Health Officer, Dr Oneka Scott

M

easles outbreaks in Venezuela, Brazil and recently the United States of America have resulted in the continuation of stringent measures in Guyana, which were implemented some two years ago to prevent an epidemic.

Acting Maternal Child Health (MCH) Officer Dr Oneka Scott told Guyana Times on Saturday that as long as there are active cases in areas close to Guyana’s border, prevention and vaccination should be taken seriously.

“Last vaccination week and the year before, the Ministry has been saying that our threat is real. As long as there is an outbreak of any vaccine-preventable

disease in a neighbouring country, we have to step up our immunization plan and that is what we have been doing for the past two years,” Scott stated.

In 2015, there was an outbreak in Venezuela.

Between June 2017 and October 2018, some 7500 suspected cases of measles were reported in Venezuela. With thousands of Venezuelan refugees flocking the Cooperative Republic in 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared an emergency response for Guyana, following Venezuela’s crises and a subsequent spread of this re-emerging disease to Brazil.

Since then, Guyana has sought to have its military, medical and police personnel and persons residing in border communities vaccinated to maintain a clean slate of zero cases.

“The outbreak continues in Brazil, in the state of Roraima, and Bolivar in Venezuela. Roraima state is very close to Boa Vista and Bom Fin in the Lethem Border. Because you have active cases of measles and because we have high traffic with both borders, at any point in time, we can have a patient that comes over from Brazil or Venezuela. If the Ministry is aware of the

final 3 workshops under the EU FLEGT Programme

A

Guyanese are urged to get the vaccinations administered for measles prevention

threat, the traffic from not only Venezuela but Brazil, we will do all efforts like we have been doing through the National Measles Response Plan,” the MCH said.

In the USA, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have recently reported an increase in cases amounting to over 970. With cases continuing in New York for some eight months, it was feared that the country can lose its measles elimination status. Scott indicated that the summer period will see increased visits to Guyana as she urged persons to get their vaccines at the health centres.

“Guyana has had strin-

gent measures since the outbreak. As long as the US has active cases, it is summer and there will be lots of traffic between New York and Guyana. Everybody should make sure that [they are vaccinated] because the US border patrol and public health system have some extremely strict regulations.”

As part of the campaign, vaccines are available for children and adults. There has been collaboration with the Brazilian counterpart to keep the disease at bay.

“The campaign has been ongoing for two years. We have vaccines for children as well as adults. Since 2015, there has been an outbreak of measles in Venezuela. The reason Guyana stepped up this campaign in the bordering areas over the past two years is because of that outbreak. We’ve had collaborative vaccination efforts from Brazil to keep the threats to Guyana at a minimum and to keep Guyana measles free,” Dr Scott related.

Measles is an infectious viral disease, causing fever and rash. The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected person.

When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air and when other people inhale them, contraction is inevitable.

Earlier this month, the Public Health Ministry had issued a statement which informed that they have drafted “an emergency plan outlining different components of the blueprint including risk communication, immunisation coverage, cold storage and International Health Regulations (IHR)”.

s part of the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) Programme, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted the final three workshops in Regions Three and Four. Seventy participants from eleven Community Forest Organisations (CFOs) benefited. These workshops were held at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) training facility in Yarrowkabra, Region Four and the Caria Caria Community Centre, Region Three.

Through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-EU FLEGT funded project “Providing Capacity Building Assistance to CFOs on the Environmental Authorisation Process in Guyana”, the Agency conducted twelve workshops over a five-month period in eight of Guyana’s administrative regions. These workshops were attended by 319 persons, including loggers, community members, women, and youths from 48 CFOs. This project utilised awareness and capacity building as a means of supporting forest operators on the process involved in obtaining an Environmental Authorisation in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana and the EUFLEGT-Voluntary Partnership Agreement legality definition (Annex11). This initiative involved a series of exploratory meetings in all relevant administrative regions, followed by workshops with the identified stakeholders.

Throughout the workshops, participants were enlightened on the role and work of the EPA as well as the Environmental Authorisation process.

CFO representatives were also guided on how to properly complete the Environmental Authorisation application form. In addition, officers from EPA’s Waste Management and Air Quality programmes led practical exercises on noise, air quality and waste management.

Officers engaged participants on the use of the noise meter and other equipment used in the fields; as well as mitigation measures to protect human health and the environment. The Guyana Forestry Commission and Regional Offices were also represented at the workshops.

What is an Environmental Authorisation?

An Environmental Authorisation is an “Environmental permit, a prescribed process licence, a construction permit or an operations permit,”— Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, laws of Guyana As is relates to forestry activities, it is a legally binding document to guide forest operators on the best environmental practices before and during harvesting and utilisation of forest resources.

The EPA is the only agency in Guyana with the authority to grant Environmental Authorisation.

Do I still need an Environmental Authorisation if I have a licence from the GFC? Yes, although the Guyana Forestry Commission has jurisdiction for the forest, you still need an Environmental Authorisation to ensure all aspects of your operation protects human health and the environment.

Get Authorised!!!

The Agency advises all persons involved in developmental activities to be proactive and apply to the Agency for Environmental Authorisation to safeguard your health, the environment and your investment. The Agency will aggressively be pursuing defaulters in 2019 and is advising all those persons who have expired permits to have them renewed promptly to avoid prosecution.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEAP Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

news

15

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GRA warns of persons impersonating officers

T

The CCJ ruling, NoConfidence Motion and the dire need for political maturity

A

s we await the Court rulings on the consequential orders on July 12, 2019, a clearer picture in terms of the future trajectory of the Guyanese economy will then be derived; that is, its political and investment landscape.

Following the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling on June 18, 2019, a number of associations— private sector bodies and the diplomatic community, including the US Ambassador in Guyana, have come out and issued statements for all parties to respect the Court’s ruling and to arrive at consensus in respect to the consequential orders.

Notwithstanding, the President and the Opposition Leader’s positions on the matter are in stark contrast, which hints that it is unlikely that the two major political parties will come to any form of consensual agreement on the way forward. In this regard, the President is demanding for there to be House-to-House registration to manufacture a new voters list which will be ready only until November 2019, while the Opposition Leader is demanding that this is not necessary and that there are other methods of sanitizing the voters list. The Opposition Leader is pushing for elections to be held within three months. As such, it would appear that the CCJ may have to deliver its own orders, which it is slightly adamant to so do as it has pleaded for the political leaders to make this thing work on the basis of a marriage between principle and practicality.

Meanwhile, the private sector and investors are cautiously optimistic that the political directorate will come to some compromise. It is a given that everyone agrees that there needs to be fresh elections, in which case the people of Guyana and investors alike are therefore hopeful that political stability will be restored. However, until such time, the business climate, with the exception of oil and gas related activities—which remain unaffected by the political circumstance— other businesses are closely monitoring the situation as business activities are dwindling.

The Government, against the backdrop of the NoConfidence Motion, is argued by the political Opposition as they are holding on to power illegally and thus cannot expend public monies for any major projects or contracts during this period. The political Opposition has already signalled that it is not extending the life of the Government, which can be done by way of a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly.

The consequences of a growing political uncertainty and a weakened state It can be argued without much doubt that given the current political climate with a collapsed Government in place, Guyana can be characterised as a weak state and growing political uncertainty. This is especially the case since in order to extend the life of the Government until elections can be facilitated, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly. The Opposition, on the other hand, has already indicated that it is not inclined to so do. Moreover, it was noted in the press that the Government is pushing ahead with Budget 2020 preparation, despite the current political and constitutional circumstance—a development that is perhaps unfortunate for a democratic regime. These events can fundamentally undermine the principles of a democratic system.

Studies in other countries have shown that for there to be increases in private investment, it is necessary that a favourable economic climate be provided in such a way that the investor becomes optimistic towards the expected growth of the economy. Secondly, it is emphasized that democracy is very important for a nation to sustain investment. Third, instability in politics deters investment plans. Scholars have argued that there should be a fair play in politics and everyone should have fair opportunity. Moreover, long term policies with certainty in their implications should be preferred over short term policies to achieve stable and sustained investment and as a result— stable economic growth, which is the ultimate goal of economic policies pursued by Governments.

Finally, this author wishes to take the opportunity to urge our politicians on both sides to demonstrate some level of political maturity and that this is the time to compromise in order to pull Guyana out from being viewed as a weak state and growing degree of political uncertainty. These are not good signs for Guyana at this point, especially against the backdrop of the emerging oil and gas industry as the country prepares for commercial oil production in less than a year’s time.

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

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has warned the public to be on the lookout as persons are impersonating officers attached to the organisation.

In a notice published in Guyana Times on Saturday, the tax agency said these activities are more frequent in the Essequibo and Berbice areas.

GRA cautioned that if persons are approached by someone under the guise of an officer attached to the organisation, proof of identification should be requested. This is to avoid any form of deception.

Once provided, persons must take note of the name of the individual and identification number to make a report.

In addition to this, the GRA informed that its employees are not authorised to

The Guyana Revenue Authority’s headquarters on Camp Street, Georgetown

collect monies on its behalf.

“Officers of the GRA are not authorised to collect monies from taxpayers. All payments for licenses or taxes should only be made to cashiers at the GRA headquarter or any of its Integrated Regional Tax Offices, located across the

South Ruimveldt resident remanded on B&E charge

P

rinciple Magistrate Faith McGusty remanded a 29-year-old South Ruimveldt resident when he appeared before her at a city Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering and larceny.

Akeem Prince stood before Magistrate McGusty and denied that between June 1 and June 25, 2019, at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling place of Romario Prince and stole a number of items which amounted to a total cost of $2.3 million.

Prosecutor Seon Blackman informed the Court that the defendant is known to the Virtual Complainant since they are cousins. The Court further heard that on the day in question, neighbours observed Prince, who was already in the house.

The neighbours, having noticed that he was removing household items, informed the Police, who arrived at the scene and managed to apprehend him.

Objections were made to bail being granted on the grounds that the defendant was caught committing the act and that the stolen items were of high value.

Natural gas crucial...

From page 11

Callender noted that while there is an abundance of other natural resources besides oil and gas, a fruitful venture would be to focus on the bauxite industry since the country produces a very high grade of bauxite that can be used in a short timeframe to be converted into aluminium metal.

This, he added, would be lucrative for Guyana in more ways than one.

“In the past, Guyana has been unable to move from beyond the raw material commodity to the value-added product of aluminium.

Now there is the opportunity to actually get there. And when that is done you will attract industries that use aluminium to the shores of Guyana.”

As a result, Magistrate McGusty remanded Prince to prison and adjourned his case to July 19.

country where an official receipt will be issued,” the notice read.

On another note, the tax agency reminded that the issuance of specific licenses such as malt, wine and liquor as well as trade and miscellaneous can only be done at its offices.

Guyana Times was reliably informed that persons have been acquiring monies under the guise of GRA employees to forge such documents. It is unclear whether actual staffers of the agency are involved in this skulduggery.

Persons who suspect anyone of conducting illegal busi-

ness on behalf of the GRA can call 227-6060 extension 32013208 or 4105-6, where an officer’s identity can be verified.

In January of this year, Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia had dismissed several staffers allegedly linked to corruption at the entity.

Statia attributed this to the need for revamping the authority’s organisational chart, as the entity tries to enhance its efficiency.

According to reports in sections of the media, investigations were being conducted since last year into these sacked officers.

It is understood that investigators had found instances of collusion, including the sidestepping of protocol when it comes to clearing goods.

This was not the first time reports of a shake-up at the entity emerged.

Last year, there was a reshuffling of several senior personnel in the GRA – a reshuffling that touched some major departments including Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, General Services and the Integrated Regional Tax Office.

16 news Archaic pipe network being addressed – GWI T SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced activities to update its archaic pipe network in Central Georgetown in order to meet the service demand of the population.

For many months, there has been talks by officials of the utility company about the need for works on the outdated pipelines, which cannot support water at high pressures, resulting in constant ruptures. The iron pipes have also released sediments into the water, compromising the water composition.

Presently, the cast iron and asbestos cement pipes are being replaced by Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Highdensity Polyethylene (HDPE) which has a higher resistance to encrustation. After these

works are completed, persons will be subjected to better services.

“The cast iron and asbestos cement pipes which are being replaced have become encrusted over decades and have exceeded their lifespan.

Many of the pipelines are over 100 years old, and due to this, there is also a high iron content being released, thereby compromising water quality.

They are being replaced with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes which present a much lesser chance of encrustation,” the company stated.

According to the utility company, some 500 metres of pipes were replaced at Sheriff Street and the East Coast Demerara Public Road to Alexander Village. A section

Pipes being replaced at Sheriff Street

of James Street was also addressed and a new phase will commence next month to finish the remainder of the roadway and adjoining streets.

Albouystown is also on the agenda, having displayed signs of tuberculation, which

is a development of corrosion on the inside of iron pipes.

Apart from the aged network, new transmission and distribution mains were installed in a number of areas between Lamaha and Vlissengen Road. They are

working to replace the transmission mains at Church Street, with the installation of 2000 metres of water channels.

However, when works are in progress, there will be a reduced level of service.

It was indicated that new pipes will be placed closer to fences for easy accessibility for future repairs. For this, the Geographic Information System (GIS) will be used to map gate valves and all pipelines for location information.

Citizens were warned that the integrity of the water quality can be compromised following the completion of this operation, since excavation will provide a medium for contaminants to enter the watercourse. To rid this issue, the pipelines will be flushed along with the

shock chlorination process.

This entails filling the lines with a high dosage of a chlorinated solution and leaving it for up to one day. The solution is flushed until one milligram per litre chlorine residual is achieved.

Last year, Managing Director of GWI, Dr Richard Van West-Charles addressed the situation where there are frequent ruptures in the archaic water system, stating that there is the possibility where the pressures can be raised during emergencies.

However, this causes leaks and blowouts along the larger transmission lines.

“It takes time and also it costs because it’s an aged network. We are going to be seeing a greater frequency of leaks but we are prepared to arrest them as we find them.”

New Chief Hydromet Officer appointed Over $1M in prizes up for grabs in Ride with Sujata promotion

Dr Gavin Cummings confirmed as Chief Hydromet Officer

A

fter acting in the capacity of Chief Hydrometeorological Officer since 2015, Garvin Cummings was recently confirmed in the respective capacity.

The Agriculture Minister posited that his performance and representation on the international stage during this time has paved the way for the appointment.

He would have joined the Hydro-meteorological Department back in 1997 as a Hydrological Technician and was lat-

er named Deputy CHO in 2011.

“His outstanding performance in the field and constant academic advancements made way for him to soon be promoted to several supervisory and managerial positions. While serving as the acting CHO, Dr Cummings successfully attended and represented Guyana at a number of national and international weather, water, climate and ozone-related conference,” the Ministry said.

Cummings holds a doctoral degree from the University of Genoa; a Master of Science Degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Management from the University of the West Indies; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Wales and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from University of Guyana.

To date, he has represented the department

in Germany, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Jamaica and Thailand among other countries.

Commenting on his appointment, Cummings said “I’m indeed humbled by this opportunity to serve the people of Guyana through the hydrometeorological service.

It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, especially given Guyana’s vulnerability to hydrometeorological hazards. I look forward to continue working with the team here at Hydromet and our partners to advance Guyana’s thrust towards climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, while ensuring that the service adequately responds to demands for high-quality climate services.”

He currently functions as the Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board, the Guyana Water Company and the Environmental Protection Agency.

C

o n t i n e n t a l Industries Limited is looking to give customers a wonderful Christmas with its Ride with Sujata promotion which will see over $1 million in prizes being up for grabs.

The promotion will run from July 1 to September 30, 2019, and customers will be given a chance to win 3 motorcycles, 2 oneyear free subscriptions for E-Networks TV service, 5 gift cards and 2 hampers.

To win, customers are required to submit any combination of three empty packets of Sujata Curry Powder, Sujata Turmeric Dye or Continental Custard Powder with the special ZZZ code found at the end of the batch number.

Customers can drop their submissions into boxes located in supermarkets countrywide with their name, address and contact number. The closing date for the submission of entries is October 1, 2019.

Employees of Continental Industries Limited displaying the prizes to be won

Administrative Assistant at Continental, Rajesh Ramgolam said that customers have to look for the triple Z code at the back of the packet and once it has that number, they can submit any three packets of any combination.

“It could be one Sujata Dye, one of the custard powder, one of the curry powder, any size, it doesn’t matter, once its three packets with that special code at the back, you’ll be eligible to enter. We have 33 entry boxes across the country, in Berbice, East Coast,

East Bank, Linden, West Demerara and Essequibo” Ramgolam said.

Production Manager, Avesh Persaud of Continental encouraged customers to continue using the Sujata line of products which have multiple health benefits.

Drawings will be held on October 10 and 11 at Continental Industries Limited, Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown and at the company’s Port Mourant, Berbice branch.

Fatal accident

Intoxicated DUI GDF rank still to be charged

T

welve days have passed since 57-year-old pedal cyclist Ramlackhan, who was struck by an intoxicated corporal attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but the army official is yet to be charged.

Deputy Police Commissioner and Traffic Chief, Linden Isles explained to Guyana Times on Saturday that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is still investigating the matter surrounding the pedal cyclist’s death and that further action in this regard is dependent on the post-mortem examination (PME) report.

“It was a serious accident that turned into a fatal accident. So at that time [and until now], he was released in the custody of the Army.

Now the investigation is continuing because it was a serious accident initially and so we now have to investigate a fatal accident,” Isles said. He added that a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge, as well as others that may be laid against the army rank, will be done all together in one file that will be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Meanwhile, C Division Commander, Calvin Brutus, in whose policing division the accident took place, also told this newspaper on Saturday that the police are in receipt of the PME results.

“So, the file should be going for advice to the DPP in the new week,” he added.

Ramlackhan’s death occurred on June 19 last, less than two weeks after he underwent emergency surgery while in an unconscious

Deputy Police Commissioner, Traffic Chief, Linden Isles

state at the GPHC. Previously, Commander Brutus had explained to this publication that since Ramlackhan had been involved in the accident, he never regained consciousness.

Therefore, while he was in an unconscious state, the only charge that could

be laid against the Army Corporal was that of DUI. However, according to the police, now that Ramlackhan has succumbed to his injuries, investigations into the situation will take a different route since the military official can be charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

“The army rank is presently on station bail but has to return to the police station on Monday [June 24, 2019].

The file for the DUI is yet to be returned to us [police] for further action. In relation to the pedal cyclist losing his life, further investigation has to be done since the victim died,” the police explained.

On May 25 last, Ramlackhan was struck down along the Vryheid’s Lust Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara

(ECD) by motorcar PRR 7815 allegedly being driven by the soldier. The severely injured man is said to hail from Lot 346 Martyrs Ville, Mon Repos, ECD. At the time of the accident, Ramlackhan was towing another friend who is reportedly from Sixth Street, Success, ECD. His friend suffered minor injuries.

Reports are that on the day in question the duo was riding along the roadway when they were hit off the bicycle by the vehicle being driven by the GDF rank, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

Ramlackhan was picked up and taken to the GPHC, where he was admitted a patient.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the vehicle and it was discovered that his alcohol in-

take was above the legal limit. While Ramlackhan was in a coma at the GPHC, the soldier, who was allegedly driving the car involved in the accident, was released into the custody of the Army.

“The Joint Services protocol dictates that we hand him over to his superiors pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

With regards to Police having custody of Joint Services ranks, it is dependent on the category of crime. For instance, if it is murder or so, they will stay in our [GPF] custody. If it is a lesser category, we hand them over to their respective agency and they will take responsibility to bring them back whenever is needed; or if advice is to charge, they will make them available and bring them so,” Commander Brutus had also stated at that time.

news

17

SUnDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Draft Local Content Policy lacks East La Penitence man charged for key strategies – former PSC Chair threatening brother

D

raft Local Content Policy lacks key strategies – former PSC

Chair Before handing over the post of Chairman at the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Friday, Desmond Sears spoke about the fact that there is need for a stronger Local Content Policy as the draft legislation is still missing key elements as to how it will achieve its goals.

According to Sears, the need for Local Content Policies and practices being imbedded within the legislative framework is critical at this point, given that oil production is expected within a few months’ time.

Although the importance of this legislation cannot be underscored enough, he made mentioned the inadequacies in the current draft, prepared by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Energy.

According to him, “The draft Local Content Policy recognizes, in generic terms, the objective of local content strategies. It doesn’t speak to the specificities with respect to how it intends to execute local content activities and/ or strategies”.

Sears said that Guyana has enough evidence and experience from other oil-producing countries around the world, with respect to lessons learnt from having poorly implemented Local Content Policy (LCP).

However, as important as the legislation is, he pointed to the equal prominence bal-

Former Chairman of the PSC, Desmond Sears

ance would take, given that a strong LCP can scare away investors.

He explained, “In some countries, it is now imperative that local content strategy be adjusted to adjust important questions about definitions and the measurement of local content and seeking balance between strong regulation and encouraging investment that secures the best possible outcome”.

The former Chairman added, “It is the responsibility of the host Governments to link local content to Governance, anti-corruption strategies and substantive transparency by all parties”.

On this note, Sears said he believed that with the right policies and involvement with all stakeholders, the natural resource could be developmental. Nonetheless, “In order for local content policies to be effective, it is therefore imperative that we seek to enable the necessary legislative framework in so

doing,” he urged.

The Local Content Policy would guide the State in guarding against local companies being bypassed for contracts and services, while foreign companies and workers are favoured.

Former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had said the second review of the Local Content Policy is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2019, as Government wants the new legislation to be ‘balanced’.

Just last month, Guyana Times reported that despite mounting pressure on the Energy Department to finalise the legislation Policy— which would allow Guyanese to benefit from the sector— the key piece of legislation is still in consultation phase.

According to the Director of the Department, Dr Mark Bynoe, he is looking forward to the consultancy phase being completed by June.

“The Local Content Policy… draft report is currently with us, and we are looking towards possibly the ending of June for the completion of that consultancy, given the consultations necessary before that policy is finalised,” he explained.

The Government’s Energy Department Head had assured that the document would be ready long before first oil, which is now due in a matter of months.

This commitment was given more than three years after oil was first discovered off Guyana’s coast by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

…after alleged theft of ducks

F

orty-eight-yearold Joel Stuart of East La Penitence, Georgetown, landed himself in hot water after he allegedly stole from his brother and threatened him.

Stuart appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday where he was slapped with the two charges.

Stuart denied both charges which detailed that on June 24, 2019 at East La Penitence Georgetown, he stole a number of ducks valued at $15,000 property of his brother Godfrey Stuart.

It was further alleged that on June 25, 2019 at the same location he used threatening language towards the

Virtual Complainant (VC), thereby breaching the peace.

According to facts presented to the Court, on the day in question at about 18:00h, the VC and his sister were at home when they were disturbed by a noise coming from the back of the house, upon inspection, the VC observed the defendant making his escape with the ducks and a cutlass in his hands.

The Court further heard that on the following day, the VC made a report to the Police, but on his way home he was confronted by the defendant who, being armed with a cutlass, threatened to chop him up. As such, the VC revisited the station and

the defendant was later arrested and charged for the present offence.

Meanwhile, Stuart (Joel) in an explanation to the Court contended that he is innocent and that his brother would often wrongfully accuse him of stealing items from him.

Nevertheless, Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman made objections to bail being granted on the grounds that he used threatening language to his brother and the prevalence of the offence.

Magistrate upheld the prosecution’s submission and remanded the defendant to prison. The case will continue on July 12.

Nutrition, health and wellness centre launched

Dr Moreen Bishop-Joseph during her presentation

T

he dream of a family member, who has now departed, has become a reality in the community of Pearl, East Bank Demerara (EBD) as Saturday marked the official launching and dedication of the Dr Moreen Bishop-Joseph and Kenrick Clenford Bishop Centre for Nutrition and Diabetes Education, Health and Wellness.

Being the first of its kind in the community, the centre was established with a goal to promote healthy lifestyles through innovative education programs, research and teaching initiatives, as well as collaborating with national and international institutions in order to produce measurable outcomes in reducing critical health issues in Guyana.

One of the many challenges Guyanese face health wise mainly involves the non-communicable disease (NCD)— diabetes— which has since become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, this is according to the centre’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Moreen Bishop-Joseph.

The overseas-based Doctor, in presenting an overview for the centre, explained that the initiative was undertaken after her late uncle, Kenrick Clenford Bishop, who made it his final request to her. Additionally, she noted the role of the centre is eliminating diabetes among other NCDs. “I am here to establish a centre for nutrition and diabetes education, and this cen-

A section of the gathering at the event

tre is not just a centre where someone would be sitting in there to listen and to help people, it’s a centre that would provide education, community outreach, teaching and research. Diabetes is a very serious disease, once you contract diabetes, it affects your kidneys, your heart, your blood pressure and it’s a certificate for a short life”.

Furthermore, an elated Bishop-Joseph has expressed willingness to collaborate with various academic institutions, Governmental agencies, and local communities as well health care organizations in keeping with the goal of the centre.

“I envision this centre growing and collaborating with the various ministries like Ministry of Education to provide education for every pupil…I envision a Guyana where we are a flagship country in this hemisphere when it comes to nutrition and health.”

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, who delivered brief remarks used the opportunity to extend congratulations to the CEO and members of the newly launched centre, while further indicating her readiness to work hand-in-hand with the facility.

“Many of the objectives which you have here goes in tandem with the vision-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health… I’m quite certain that in those collaborative efforts, the Ministry of Public Health-Food and Nutrition Department will be look-

ing forward to working with you…because the data which you would have gathered will work very much for the Ministry of Public Health to help us to analyse the many issues we are facing,” she stated.

On that note, the Minister cited that NCDs account for over 50 per cent of deaths in Guyana, and further underscored that a large sum of the country’s budget goes towards supplying medical drugs to treat these diseases.

“It is well known that Guyana’s NCDs results in about 70 per cent of our deaths; so this is a big issue for us, a large amount of our budget is spent for drugs and medical supplies for addressing NCDs…and so this is going to become part of our 2020 vision that we’re working on…I do look forward to your partnership.” Minister Lawrence explained.

In addition, the centre also seeks to embark on the path of hosting lectures, workshops, open forums, and healthy cooking classes among other activates in order to promote healthy lifestyles in the community and other areas.

At the conclusion of the simple but significant ceremony, the Aurora Primary School was presented with a brand new laptop computer, as the first step in contributing to the home town of the CEO. Parties present at the ceremony were entertained by musical renditions and songs from both the Pearl Nursery School and the Supply Primary School.

18

SUnDAY, june 30, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Caribbean likely to be affected Mother, wife of drowned Salvadoran by drought up to September migrants await their repatriation

T

he Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) said Friday that drought conditions in the Caribbean will continue in several countries from July to September this year.

In its latest Caribbean Climate Outlooks publication, the CIMH said that the situation is due in part to a weak El Niño.

It said Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao (ABC Islands), Belize, and the Lesser Antilles will continue to experience drought situations and that “a progressive increase in wet spells

are expected throughout the region, however, possibly fewer than in most wet seasons.

“The spells may bring some level of drought relief, but also concern for flooding. Peak heat stress will likely be experienced between August and September, especially during heatwaves.

Episodes of Saharan dust incursion are expected,” the CIMH reported.

It said that as of June 1, severe, or worse, drought has developed in northern Belize, eastern extremities of Cuba, coastal French Guiana, the

northern Leewards, western parts of Trinidad on the short term, and in Barbados, southern Belize, southernmost Dominican Republic, French Guiana, south-western Haiti, and Martinique and Trinidad on the long term.

Long-term concerns are also evolving in Dominica, French Guiana, Martinique, Sint Maarten and Trinidad, and is possible in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Barbados, most of Belize, northern Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, St Lucia, Tobago and the United States Virgin Islands. (CMC)

G20 Summit: US-China agree to restart trade talks

T

President Donald Trump

he US and China have agreed to resume trade talks, easing a long row that has contributed to a global economic slowdown. US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping reached agreement at the G20 summit in Japan. Trump also said he would allow US companies to continue to sell to the Chinese tech giant Huawei, in a move seen as a significant concession.

Trump had threatened additional trade sanctions on China.

However, after the meeting on the sidelines of the main G20 summit in Osaka,

he confirmed that the US would not be adding tariffs on $300bn (£236bn) worth of Chinese imports. He also said he would continue to negotiate with Beijing “for the time being”. And at a subsequent press conference, the US president declared that US technology companies could again sell to China’s Huawei - effectively reversing a ban imposed last month by the US commerce department.

President Trump has positioned his trade talks with Xi Jinping as a win for the US - but he may have also given Beijing exactly what it wants on Huawei.

It is still not clear whether what Trump has announced is a complete reversal - but if it is, it would be a significant concession by the US on a company that Washington has said is a threat to national security.

The resumption of talks and pressing the pause button on more tariffs will be seen in the short term as positive for markets and

C

against biometrics at security checkpoints and airplane boarding gates “without the need for a physical passport,” said a statement by the World Economic Forum, which is leading the initiative.

The so-called Known Traveller Digital Identity project is to be tested internally throughout 2019, with the first end-to-end paperless journey expected to take place in early 2020, it said.

“By 2030, international air travel is expected to rise to 1.8 billion passengers, up 50 percent from 2016. With

ays after she lost her small daughter and husband to the treacherous currents of the Rio Grande, Tania Vanessa Avalos, 23, arrived back in El Salvador to await her family’s return — in coffins.

Oscar Martinez, 25, and, Angie Valeria, just shy of 2 years old, died on June 23

President Xi Jinping

American businesses. Those have already complained about the cost of further tariffs saying that if they had gone ahead - American consumers would have ended up paying something like $12bn more in higher prices Chinese businesses have been suffering too - the trade war has hit investment plans, business confidence, and exports in the world’s second largest economy. But pressing pause doesn’t mean the trade war is over. Tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods are still in place.

And the two sides still have much to agree on. (BBC)

current systems, airports cannot keep up,” the World Economic Forum’s mobility chief Christoph Wolff said.

“This project offers a solution. By using interoperable digital identities, passengers benefit from a holistic system for secure and seamless travel. It will shape the future of aviation and security.”

Air Canada and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, as well as airports in Montreal, Toronto and Amsterdam are taking part in the pilot, backed by technology companies Accenture, Vision Box and Idemia. (AFP)

against asylum seekers and other migrants.

Democratic Party candidates for president brought it up in their first debate on Wednesday. Avalos, who escaped the strong current that dragged her family down, returned home to bury them. The bodies are due to arrive on Sunday after repatriation by land from Mexico, the Salvadoran government said.

Avalos declined to speak to the media after arriving in El Salvador, accompanied by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mauricio Cabrera.

Cabrera urged Salvadorans not to undertake the perilous trip to the United States without documents. (Reuters)

US indicts 2 Venezuelan exofficials for money laundering

T

Canada, Netherlands to pilot test e-passports for transatlantic flights

anada and the Netherlands announced Wednesday the launch of a pilot project for paperless travel between the two countries.

Identity data that is usually stored on a chip on a passenger’s passport will instead be securely stored and encrypted on their mobile device.

Passengers flying from Montreal to Amsterdam will be able to manage their encrypted identity data, consenting to share it with border authorities, airlines and others.

It would be checked

D

Tania Vanessa Avalos

as they were attempting to cross the river between Mexico and the United States.

A photo of the two drowned migrants caught them face-down in the reeds of the river’s trashstrewn shore. The little girl, in red tights swollen by a water-logged diaper, is entwined in her father’s T-shirt, a small arm stretched across his neck as if in a final embrace.

Martinez had apparently pulled his T-shirt over his daughter to improvise a baby carrier.

The lacerating image spread virally, and became a lightning rod in the charged US political discussion of President Donald Trump’s hard-line policies

he US government on Thursday announced indictments against a current and former official in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s administration on money laundering charges.

Minister of Electric Power Luis Motta Dominguez -- whom Maduro replaced following nationwide blackouts in March -- was charged along with Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez, a top official who still works at the ministry.

“Rather than use their official positions to serve the Venezuelan people, Motta and Lugo illegally enriched themselves and contributed to the electricity crisis,” a statement from the US Treasury Department said.

Both men are accused of taking bribes in exchange for awarding contracts for

electrical infrastructure equipment, some of which was incompatible with the network, “rendering them useless and contributing to the ongoing deterioration of the electrical system.”

“Venezuelans have suffered over 23,860 electrical outages this year due to the corruption and mismanagement of Nicolas Maduro and those associated with him,” a separate statement from the State Department said.

Motta, 60, and Lugo, 55, allegedly laundered their bribes through banks in south Florida.

They were charged in the Southern District of Florida with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and seven counts of money laundering.

According to the indictment, Motta and Lugo awarded three Florida-

based companies more than $60 million in procurement contracts in exchange for bribes.

The Treasury Department also slapped sanctions on the pair, meaning all their US property and interests in property have been blocked.

However, the sanctions “need not be permanent,” the statement said.

“Sanctions are intended to bring about a positive change of behavior,” the Treasury statement read, meaning they could be lifted if these officials turn on the Maduro regime and take “concrete and meaningful actions to restore democratic order.”

The United States opposes Maduro and recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country’s interim president. (AFP)

Migrant boat: Rescue captain accused of trying to sink Police boat

I

Carola Rackete

taly’s far-right interior minister, Matteo Salvini, has accused the captain of a ship carrying rescued migrants of trying to sink a Police boat.

Carola Rackete was arrested at the Italian port of Lampedusa after a twoweek stand-off with police

at sea.

Her vessel, Sea-Watch 3, was banned from docking, but it eventually entered the port on Friday night.

On Saturday, Salvini called Rackete a “rich, white, German woman” who had committed “an act of war”.

“She tried to sink a police launch with officers on board at night,” he said.

“They say ‘we’re saving lives’, but they risked killing these human beings who were doing their job, it’s clear from the videos.”

Salvini added: “A vessel weighing hundreds of tonnes tried to ram... a police launch with officers aboard, who managed to

get out of the way to save their lives. That’s a criminal act, an act of war.”

Rackete could face a 10year jail term if convicted of attacking a police boat.

She had rescued 53 migrants off the coast of Libya on 12 June, who were drifting on an inflatable raft in the Mediterranean Sea. After docking in the Italian port, the 31-yearold German was filmed being led away by police.

Some 13 migrants have been taken in by the authorities for health reasons, while Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the G20 summit that several EU countries had agreed to take in the 40 remaining migrants. (BBC)

sunDAY, june 30, 2019

19

In desperate times, England seek desperate measures

J

onny Bairstow has had middling returns in this World Cup so far, averaging only 35. He’s hitting more headlines now, after prompting a further lash out by initially suggesting that criticism has been too harsh against England. It might have just brought on more pressure on the team, but there’s a theory that it’s just Bairstow being Bairstow, looking for that extra needle to get him going.

He’s thrived on it in the past, and England might need it more than ever tomorrow; not just because they are in danger of losing out on a semifinal spot, but also because it could be the best way to break India’s unbeaten roll.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have been outstanding in the last two games, but even when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was fit and playing, India did not concede more than 48 in a ‘pow-

erplay’ this World Cup. Their economy rate in the first ten overs is 3.72, and this is comfortably better than the next best (4.88 by England). It is even more significant because this is India’s mojo. With a good bowling ‘powerplay’, their spinners start looking better than they already are, their fifth bowler is allowed to bowl according to Virat Kohli, and there’s no deviation from their best plans.

And, so far in the World Cup, that applecart has rolled along smoothly, hitting no road bumps. They could hit their first one against England, for there is no pair more explosive at the top than Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy (who is expected to return) in ODI cricket at the moment. Their scoring rate in this phase of 5.79 is comfortably better than the next (4.93). Put that up against the numbers of Shami and Bumrah, and you can see why this battle in the pow-

erplay could potentially be match-defining.

But those could mean little if England can’t find a way to battle their pitch demons.

Eoin Morgan again emphasized that point when asked what England have been doing wrong. “Where we’ve let ourselves down as a group is adapting to conditions,” he said.

The pitch, therefore, could be of as much interest as anything else surrounding this game. It is different from the one that New Zealand played Pakistan on, which was on the slower side. In the two games here so far, wickets have fallen more frequently in the powerplay than in any other phase.

The England think tank must have realised the need to strike India hard in the powerplay, for Morgan admitted that they’d take the risk on Roy if there is no danger of a long-term injury. If he and Bairstow do find a way

to tackle the conditions and India’s bowling form, they could be making the headlines for the right reasons once again.

What to expect: The sun has been out in the days leading up, and it is expected to stay that way through the game as well.

India: They are unlikely to change a combination that is winning.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah England: They decided to wait and see how Jason Roy and Jofra Archer pull through in their last practice session before the game to make a decision. Morgan admitted that they’d take a risk on both if there was no danger of a longterm injury. Those sessions, though, indicated that the latter could very well miss

out, having bowled very little of his full run-up and none at all in the nets, which brings Liam Plunkett into the equation.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood “Although we haven’t lost a game until now, we still can’t be complacent as a side. The reason why we won all the games that we’ve played is because we’ve been very professional and precise in pressure moments. It [England’s losses] is a bit surprising, but I expected something like that in the World Cup, where teams are going to be put under pressure.” Virat Kohli on his own team and England’s “No, I can’t fault the commitment or application that the guys have produced in every single game. Where we’ve let ourselves down as a group

Virat Kohli

is adapting to conditions. It’s been a bigger challenge in this World Cup than in previous bilateral series that we’ve played. So tomorrow’s going to be the exact same.

We’re going to have to adapt to conditions, adapt to playing against a strong side in India” - Eoin Morgan (Cricbuzz)

Minister receives status Hamilton Green Cup tourney concludes today update on synthetic tracks F

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton inspecting works being executed at the Berbice site of the Synthetic Track Project, during a spontaneous visit to the facility on Wednesday last

T

he two new synthetics tracks that are currently under construction are said to be ‘shaping up nicely’. This is according to a status update that the Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, received on Thursday last.

The primary updates were provided during a meeting with the project’s external supervising consultant and engineer from BSW Regupol, Mr. Patrick Heinen, who recently conducted the third of four scheduled inspection visits.

The meeting, hosted at Minister Norton’s Main Street, Georgetown office, also included Permanent Secretary Ms. Melissa Tucker, Assistant Director of Sport and project manager Ms. Melissa Dow-Richardson, the Ministry’s maintenance inspector Mr. Oswin Crawford, and local consultants from AquaSun Designs – Mr. Orin Boyce and Mr. Jason Baptiste. The engagement follows a series of inspections and evaluations carried out by the project management team and consultants and engineers over the past week.

According to Mr. Heinen, the Linden aspect of the project is “shaping up nicely,” while there have been some minor glitches occurring at the Berbice site.

“We looked at works that have already been done, works that are ongoing, as well as works that are projected to be done,” Heinen informed the meeting.

He explained that works being executed by Builders Hardware in Linden are on par with the

projected timeline of the project.

Heinen estimates that the Region 10 track will be ready for the laying of asphalt materials within the next two months.

“That part of the project will take approximately 20 days, so it should be completed

by September,” Heinen pointed out.

The engineer noted that the asphalt would require two weeks to cure, after which the facility would be ready for the installation of synthetic material, thereby completing the track.

“Other works will still continue during the asphalt curing phase,” Heinen posited.

In the meantime, the team is working to address some of the minor challenges tied to the project, so as to ensure that the year-end timeline remains intact.

Prior to the meeting, Minister Norton paid a spontaneous visit to the construction site in New Amsterdam, Berbice, to inspect the works executed thus far.

Dr. Norton remains hopeful that both sites of the synthetic track project would be completed before 2020.

The Minister remains committed to providing local athletes with state-of-the-art facilities that can not only be used for adequate practice, but for the hosting of prestigious meets such as the Carifta Games as well. The next edition of the Carifta Games is set for 2021, right here in Guyana.

ootball fanatics will converge this afternoon at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground to witness the conclusion of this year’s Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward Cup football tournament.

The final, which had to be rescheduled due to the inclement weather, is set and ready to provide riveting action as the curtains close on what has so far been an exciting tournament. The action will commence at 15:00hrs with play in the round of 16.

This will see the respective winners progressing to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the highly anticipated final. In the day’s opener, Mahaicony will attempt to overthrow Vreeden-Hoop, before Soesdyke clash with Liliendaal. In the third matchup, Mocha will engage Charlestown in their bid to enter the finals.

Pouderoyen will then tackle Timehri, before Goed Fortuin square off against De Kindren. Bourda Blues will then duke it out with Sophia, before host, Den Amstel Back Street, take the field against Zeelugt, while Uitvlugt will attempt to see off Bagotville in the final game of the round.

The quarter-final matchups will see the winner of

Delon Lanferman

game one battling the winner of game 5; the winner of game 2 will then take on the winner of

take home $300,000 and the winning trophy, while the second-placed finisher will collect $100,000 and a trophy.

Some of the entities on board are John Fernandes Ltd, A.H & L Kissoon, Techno Mills, Ready Mix, Sattaur Gafoor, E.C Vieira, BEV Enterprises, B K

game 6.

The other two quarterfinal matches will feature the winner of game 3 taking on the winner of 7 and the winner of game 4 locking horns with the winner of game 8.

The four survivors will meet in the semi-finals, to determine the two finalists.

The victorious team will

International, IPA, New Thriving, Ricks and Sari, E-Networks, Starr Computers, NAMILCO, Cummings Electrical, National Sports Commission, Star Entertainment, Alfro Alphonso, the Guyana Police Force, GuyOil, Minister of State, Prime Minister, and Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Jermain Junior

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, june 30, 2019

Heroics of Imad Wasim and Wahab Riaz keep Pakistan alive I

mad Wasim reaped the rewards for managing to scrape through a tough period of batting -- hanging on till the end, to feast on the nervous, generous medium pace of Gulbadin Naib -- as Pakistan kept their semi-final push well afloat with a three-wicket win over Afghanistan in a match played at Headingley.

Imad’s unbeaten 49, and his crucial partnerships with Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz, saw Pakistan through their last 11 overs in a period when they had to contend with Afghan spinners on a turning pitch and at the same time get more than run-a-ball, with just four wickets in hand.

Neither team seemingly made any particular extra push for control. When Pakistan had Afghanistan at 57 for 3, they resorted to defensive bowling; and Afghanistan recovered, only to hand the game back to Pakistan within two overs. And then Pakistan replicated them in the chase, until they looked down-and-out, staring at a shattering loss. Then Pakistan were handed 28 of the easiest runs over 10 balls from Gulbadin Naib, who went for 73 in 9.4 overs.

This undid all the good work done by their spin attack, which, on the day, had turned into a four-pronged one after seamer Hamid Hassan hobbled off early in the innings with an injury.

Filling in for him was experienced all-rounder Samiullah Shinwari, who last bowled for Afghanistan in March against Ireland.

The conditions almost exclusively helped spinners, and Shinwari benefited; much like Mujeeb ur Rahman, Mohammed Nabi, and Rashid Khan had. His figures read a creditable 8-0-320. With 46 required off five overs, and with Imad struggling to pick the spinners, Gulbadin’s decision to bowl himself over Shinwari cost them 18 in the 46th over.

Imad had his luck -- he was deemed not out on an lbw call when on 1, and a splice at extra cover was completely fluffed by a spinning Asghar Afghan off the second ball of the 46th over – and he made use of it, picking up two more boundaries before Wahab Riaz smote Rashid Khan for a six and a four despite a hairline fracture on his right hand. By the

time Gulbadin returned for the last over, only six were required.

Pakistan’s top order hadn’t been particularly responsible about the way they set out to chase this target. Fakhar Zaman, trapped in front by a Mujeeb carrom ball, looked fairly certain he hadn’t got an edge on the ball, but chose to review anyway. As early as the second ball of the innings, that loss of review set the tone: a little pressure, and Afghanistan could put Pakistan to the test.

Nabi’s spell, arguably one of the best of the tournament, was built on this motif. As he’s done notably for a while, Nabi used those old-school off-break tools -- dip and drift -- to keep Imamul-Haq and Babar Azam planted in the crease and pushing with hard hands. That was until Imam could resist no longer, and stepped out early to one that didn’t drift, but instead floated wide of him. He had no chance to come back in, even as Ikram Alikhil took his time to gather and break the stumps.If that was rash, then Babar’s dismissal in Nabi’s next was to top it. Having dragged Pakistan to a win against New Zealand in what he called his best innings, Babar was guilty of being over adventurous on Saturday. He chose to sweep a full leg-stump ball, and was both through it too quickly and out of shape, as Nabi sneaked through and bowled him around the legs.

Pakistan were forced into conservation, with Mohammed Hafeez and Haris Sohail -- who were in the middle -- each having the ideal game for such a strategy. Boundaries were only sought, and successfully obtained, off the odd short balls handed to them, and all seemed well. That was until Hafeez added to his collection of ordinary shots against spin this tournament, chopping a short ball straight to backward point.

Shortly after that, Sarfraz Ahmed, who had already survived because of a dropped chance, ran himself out looking for a second run that wasn’t there. But one captain’s misdemeanour was eventually balanced out by the other’s.

This was much the pattern through Afghanistan’s innings as well. Afghanistan were handed a rather gentle welcome when Pakistan, with three in-form fast

Videos showed Pakistan and Afghanistan fans clashing outside Headingley

bowlers, opened the bowling with Imad. Gulbadin lapped it up, getting himself in with three boundaries, until Sarfraz brought Shaheen Shah Afridi into the attack. The impact went both ways. Shaheen’s over went for 14, but he had Gulbadin and Hashmatullah Shahidi caught off consecutive deliveries -- off the outside edge and leading edge respectively.

Afghanistan have lost at least three wickets every time they’ve scored at close to five an over in the opening 15 overs in this tournament, and that was the case once again.

A free-flowing Asghar took on Shadab Khan, and pretty much anyone who felt a sense of discipline bowling to the patient, watchful Ikram Alikhil at the other end. Shadab got him in the end, with a piece of ingenious strategy: he brought in a silly point and prompted Asghar, whose forward blocks are bottom-hand dominant, to step out and swing at him again.

Only, on this occasion, the line was off stump, the pace was quicker than when he had hit him over midwicket, and the turn was minimal, but just enough to hit off- stump.

In the next over, Ikram, who had played 65 balls for 24, went against his brief and holed out to long-on. Afghanistan’s lower order, with some big hitters, were then forced to patch up the innings, and the innings was doomed to peter out into a middling 220s score.

Nabi, Najibulah Zadran, and Shinwari all made it to points where they could have taken off, but Afridi and Wahab were around to stop them every

Crawford Memorial Caricom Day Meet postponed to August 1

By Timothy Jaikarran

(Cricinfo)

POINTS TABLE AUS 8 7 1 14

1

INDIA 6 5 0 11 1.16 NZ

8 5 2 11 0.572

PAK 8 4 3 9 -0.792 ENG 7 4 3 8 1.051 BDESH 7 3 3 7 -0.133 SL

7 2 3 6 -1.186

SA

8 2 5 5 -0.08

WI

7 1 5 3 -0.32

AFG 8 0 8 0 -1.418

H Part of the action that occurred on June 2 at the CMTC track

and Flo Joe. The feature event of the meet is the 3-Year-Old race, which is set to be run over a distance of 1300 metres. A winning purse of $240,000 and trophy are being contested.

Some of the sponsors on board for this event thus far are Colin Elcock, Banks DIH, Jumbo Jet, Attorney-at-Law Poonai of Georgetown, Guy Hookumchand, Annirude Construction, Fazal Habibulla, Poonai Pharmacy at Rose Hall Town, and NTN Studios.

Persons desiring further information are invited to contact Marcel Crawford Jr on 6785342 or 696-9009.

Pakistan fans celebrating their last-over win over Afghanistan, which keeps their World Cup hopes alive

SCOREBOARD Afghanistan Innings (50 overs maximum) Rahmat Shah c Babar Azam b Imad Wasim 35 Gulbadin Naib (c) c †Sarfaraz Ahmed b Shaheen Shah Afridi 15 Hashmatullah Shahidi c Imad Wasim b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 Ikram Alikhil † c Mohammad Hafeez b Imad Wasim 24 Asghar Afghan b Shadab Khan 42 Mohammad Nabi c Mohammad Amir b Wahab Riaz 16 Najibullah Zadran b Shaheen Shah Afridi 42 Samiullah Shinwari not out 19 Rashid Khan c Fakhar Zaman b Shaheen Shah Afridi 8 Hamid Hassan b Wahab Riaz 1 Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out 7 Extras 18 (lb 8, w 10) TOTAL 227/9 (50 Overs, RR: 4.54) Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Gulbadin Naib, 4.4 ov), 2-27 (Hashmatullah Shahidi, 4.5 ov), 3-57 (Rahmat Shah, 11.6 ov), 4-121 (Asghar Afghan, 25.2 ov), 5-125 (Ikram Alikhil, 26.6 ov), 6-167 (Mohammad Nabi, 36.4 ov), 7-202 (Najibullah Zadran, 44.4 ov), 8-210 (Rashid Khan, 46.4 ov), 9-219 (Hamid Hassan, 48.2 ov) BOWLING O M R W Imad Wasim 10 0 48 2 Mohammad Amir 10 1 41 0 Shaheen Shah Afridi 10 0 47 4 Mohammad Hafeez 2 0 10 0

Wahab Riaz 8 0 29 2 Shadab Khan 10 0 44 1 Pakistan Innings (target: 228 runs from 50 overs) Fakhar Zaman lbw b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 0 Imam-ul-Haq st †Ikram Alikhil b Mohammad Nabi 36 Babar Azam b Mohammad Nabi 45 Mohammad Hafeez c Hashmatullah Shahidi b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 19 Haris Sohail lbw b Rashid Khan 27 Sarfaraz Ahmed (c) † run out (Najibullah Zadran/†Ikram Alikhil) 18 Imad Wasim not out 49 Shadab Khan run out (Gulbadin Naib/†Ikram Alikhil) 11 Wahab Riaz not out 15 Extras 10 (b 1, lb 4, w 5) TOTAL 230/7 (49.4 Overs, RR: 4.63) Yet to bat: Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Fakhar Zaman, 0.2 ov), 2-72 (Imam-ul-Haq, 15.6 ov), 3-81 (Babar Azam, 17.2 ov), 4-121 (Mohammad Hafeez, 29.1 ov), 5-142 (Haris Sohail, 34.6 ov), 6-156 (Sarfaraz Ahmed, 38.6 ov), 7-206 (Shadab Khan, 46.4 ov) BOWLING O M R W Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10 1 34 2 Hamid Hassan 2 0 13 0 Gulbadin Naib 9.4 0 73 0 Mohammad Nabi 10 0 23 2 Rashid Khan 10 0 50 1 Samiullah Shinwari 8 0 32 0

Transcend Tapeball tournament set for Caricom weekend

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Crawford Memorial Turf Club horse race meeting that was originally slated to be run off on Caricom Day (July 1st) at the Club’s facilities at Alness Village, Corentyne has been postponed because of the vagaries of the inclement weather.

The event will now be held on August 1st, and more than 30 horses are thus far set to compete in the 7 categories of races that are the fare for that day. In excess of one million dollars in prizes are up for grabs.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport in regard to this development, CMTC President, Marcel Crawford Jnr, said: “We have had a lot of horses registering for the event. Despite the date being shifted, we are confident that, on the chosen date, the excitement will still be there, as horseracing fanatics come out in their numbers.

“We are expecting there to be no rain on August 1, but even if there is, the track has been groomed to withstand (deterioration brought on by) the weather and run off a successful meet. But, in the end, we are just praying for good weather.”

Some of the horses set to participate in the event are Orion, First Prince, Touch Down, Red Jet, Gold Again, Irish Boy, Release The Heat, Fresh Dancer, He Is In Control, Cat Ruler Byron,

time they tried. It was perhaps the only sense of order in an otherwise chaotic display from both teams.

Meanwhile according to the BBC, action will be taken to punish fans involved in “scuffles” at the World Cup match between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Headingley, says the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Videos on social media showed fans clashing outside the ground and a group trying to break through the gates between the main road and the ground in Leeds.

Fans were also seen jumping over the fence that surrounds the ground and gaining access to the concourse behind the Western Terrace.

The clashes continued after Pakistan’s thrilling three-wicket victory, with supporters charging on to the pitch and some fans captured on camera throwing punches at each other in the stands.

aving a total of 26 teams and counting signalling their interest in competing in the third annual Transcend Entertainment’s Seven-aSide Independence Cricket Festival event, promoter Dwight Dodson is confident the event will be a success.

Play in the event is scheduled to commence at 08:00 hrs today and tomorrow at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac in Georgetown.

In an invited comment, Dodson said, “I’d just like to encourage everyone to come out early and have a good time...teams are encouraged to bring out their supporters and be ready to compete with the best of the best.

“We express or sincerest gratitude to all our sponsors, ‘cause without them the fes-

tivals is practically impossible. We’re asking them to continue to work with us, as this festival is growing every year and we can assure them mileage for their investment....

“We would also like to invite other sponsors to come on board, as we seek to develop and give back to the people. We are most grateful to our sponsors. It is important that we mention that, because without them it wouldn’t be possible. In addition, Superbet Guyana has provided us with lots of giveaways for patrons.”

Some of the teams that are expected to participate are: Team Corruption, Village Rams, Tallawahs United, Tarmac, Eccles All Stars, Outlaws, and Hangover.

Many other teams are, however, expected to participate.

This event, which has

gained t h e support o f t h e

National Sports Commission (NSC), is so far sponsored by Superbet, Banks DIH, Ramps Logistics Ltd, Imperial Trading, Red Carpet Wash Bay, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Star Party Rentals, Xavier’s Investment, Movement Auto Sales, Precision Auto Works, W&J Enterprise, Fung-A-Fat Hatchery, Ole’s Jewellery, Seeta’s Bar, Regent Household Electronics, Royal Real Estate, Church’s Chicken, Fireside Grill, Magic City, S&D Enterprises, Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service, and Sankar’s Auto Works.

sunday, june 30, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS ARACARI ARACARI HOTEL, WBD (NEAR HARBOUR BRIDGE) ALL MODERN AMENITIES- RATES FROM US$25.

TEL #264-2946-8 CONFERENCE & RETREATS- FULL SERVICE: HOTEL, CATERING & FACILITES. ARACARI RESORT, WBD. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES. RENTAL OR FULL SERVICE: BANQUET HALL & CATERING, ARACARI RESORT. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

SALON: COSMETOLOGY-FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000. ARACARI SALON & SPA, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927.

LAND for sale TRANSPORTED LAND 11.6 ACRES. LOT 15 PUBLIC ROAD, No2 VILLAGE, WCB/CE. PRICE $18M. CONTACT # 686-4818, 648-7109

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

spirituality & ASTROLOGY OM SHAKTI ASTROLOGY. MEET PANDIT ONCE AND GET PERMANENT SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. JOB, LOVE, HEALTH AND DOMESTIC PROBLEMS 100%. CALL OR WHATSAPP 692-9449. LOCATED – ECCLES EAST BANK DEMERARA.

TO LET & FOR SALE Single & Double Rooms apartment for rent. Triumph, East Coast Demerara, Atlantic Side. Land for sale at Triumph, East Coast Demerara, Atlantic view next to Republic Bank. Double house lot for sale 16 rooms. Tel: 624-7111, 6382268, 220-2254.

VACANCY 1 Female Accounts Clerk Qualifications: CXC English A, Mathematics and Accounts Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and VAT preparation 5 years’ experience Apply to Vinod Mohan Maraj Building Charlotte and King Sts Or contact 227-1713/629-1525

wanted Waitress for bar, Age 18-28. #6122522 One Certified Crane Operator.

Attractive salary is offered. Three years’ experience would be an asset. Call 592-665-1141.

NOT

RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

guyanatimesgy.com

21

NYSCL Independence Cup 2019…

Undefeated Regal Masters on the verge of booking semi- final spot H

avfirst, and posted 149i n g 4, with contributions previously coming from Ramesh been crowned chamDeonarine (56), Eric pions in the NYSCL Thomas (39) and Independence Cup David Harper (21). tournament of 2018, No Corriverton defending champions Masters bowler was Regal Masters have spared the assault. placed themselves in a In reply, Corriverton good position to guarMasters were bowled out antee a semifinal spot in for a meagre 103 in 17.1 this year’s play; and they overs. Left-arm spinner aim to retain the title.

Laurie Singh spun When the action got unwebs around the derway at Canarsie Park batsmen to claim in Brooklyn, USA on 3/9, supported by Friday June 28, Throy Kippins Ramesh Narine the defending with 3/24 and pulling hard champions speedster for six against Corriverton Masters easily knocked David over Corriverton H a r p e r SVC Masters and with 2/28.

(NYSCL) Masters to keep Regal then followed up an unbeaten record heading this sterling performance into day 2 of the three-day in the second preliminary three-tier tournament. match, wherein they limitPlaying in the Masters ed the NYSCL Masters to category, Regal opened their 107-8 as the latter replied to account with a 46-run victory the 129-9 they had posted. over Corriverton SVC, before In Regal Masters’ innings, stopping NYSCL Masters by opener Uniss Yusuf blasted 22 runs in sunny but humid 27 (3x6) while Deonarine’s conditions. consistency continued with In the opening match, a patient 17. There was an Regal Masters opted to bat entertaining 17-run 9th

Fast bowler

Regal Masters had an awesome day at the office in winning both of their matches

wicket partnership between Laurie Singh (01 not out) and Parsram ‘Pacer’ Persaud (15 not out) to get to the respectable score after some good bowling from the hosts had created a crisis of sorts.

Faizul Ulla led NYSCL Masters’ bowling with 3/19,

while Kumar Chickery snared 2/23 and Imtiaz Ali 2/27 in blazing sun. In reply, NYSCL were unable to handle the pace of Regal Masters, and crawled to 107-8 when their 20 overs expired. Bobby Parasnauth lead the rout with 3/16, and got support

Bobby from Parasnauth Laurie was Singh accurate with 2/24, and deadly w h i l e ‘Pacer’ Persaud and Kippins each grabbed one wicket to put their team in a good position to contest the semifinal.

Also in the Masters’ category are Fishermen Masters, the only other Guyanese team. They drew the bye on Friday morning before winning their second round match to put themselves in a good position to contest the semifinal as well.

The other categories in the competition are: Open, which attracted eight teams, and the Legends (Over 50 years old), with seven teams.

There are also seven Masters (Over 45 years old) teams.

The teams are in two groups for round robin competition before the top two teams advance to the semifinals, which are set for Saturday afternoon.

These games are set for play at Roy Wilkins Park.

Guyana Chess Federation awards Guyana’s Akshay Homraj hits half-century 2019 national champions in USA T20 trials

T

he former Berbice and Guyana Under-19 batsman, Akshay Homraj has been selected in the United States of America 30-man T20 trials squad. Homraj, a former Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) batsman, struck a fine 72 from 45 balls including seven fours and four sixes in the second USA T20 trials match held at Woodley Park in Los Angeles.

Playing for Team Blue, Homraj took his team to 140-7 in 20 overs. In reply Team Red was led by fomer West Indies and Jamaican batsman, Xavier Marshall who struck 77 from 56 balls striking the identical boundaries to Homraj.

The former South African, Rusty Theron produced an economical spell with Akshay 0 for 19 in four overs for Team Blue. The Homraj only other batsmen to reach 20 for team Red were Ali Samad making 20 off 28 balls at No. 3 before being caught behind off Nosthush Kenjige and Roy Silva, who made 28 off 22 balls at No. 5 before becoming one of Allen’s two wickets, ending with 2 for 31.

In the afternoon T20 trial match at Woodley Park, Nisarg Patel produced a solid all-round performance for Team Blue in a 32-run win. Nisarg scored 48 off 30 balls coming in at No. 3, including five fours, before producing a very tight spell of leftarm spin with the ball ending with 1 for 11 in four overs including a maiden.

The only other top-order batsman to cross 20 for Team Blue was Durham’s Cameron Steel, who made 22 off 24 balls with no boundaries before he was dismissed by Vikas Mohan’s offspin in the 18th over to make it 119 for 9. Steel had made a golden duck giving a return catch to Walsh Jr. in the first match of the day.

Homraj couldn’t follow up his half-century from the morning with another big knock, falling for 4 off 3 balls to Jamaican, Steven Taylor, who ended with 1 for 15 in three overs. The selection camp was organized to help pick a squad for USA’s next round of 2020 T20 World Cup Qualifying, which will be in Bermuda from August 18-25.

USA squad: Timroy Allen, Usman Ashraf, Karima Gore, Shaheer Hassan, Ian Holland, Akshay Homraj, Elmore Hutchinson, Aaron Jones, Nosthush Kenjige, Ali Khan, Jaskaran Malhotra, Xavier Marshall, Vikash Mohan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Monank Patel, Nisarg Patel, Sagar Patel, Sahaj Patel, Timil Patel, Kyle Phillip, Srinivas Raghavan, Srini Salver, Ali Samad, Roy Silva, Jessy Singh, Cameron Steel, Abdullah Syed, Steven Taylor, Rusty Theron, Hayden Walsh Jr.

The 2019 National champions pose with their trophies

T

he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), in a simple ceremony held last Friday at the National Racquet Centre, awarded the winners of the various national championships for the year 2019.

In the National Championship, FIDE Master Anthony Drayton played unbeaten to capture the Open category, finishing the tournament with seven points from seven games. Candidate Master Taffin Khan took second position with six points, his lone defeat coming against FM Drayton.

Loris Nathoo, Roberto Neto and Kriskal Persaud all finished on 3.5 points. With the tiebreaker added, Nathoo was adjudged third, Neto forth, and Persaud fifth. Shiv Nandalall took the sixth position, while Saeed Ali took seventh.

Candidate Master (CM) Wendell Meusa, who chose not to participate, finished with zero points and eight positions respectively.

In the Women’s Championship, Woman Fide Master Maria Varona-Thomas also played undefeated to secure seven points from seven

games. Chelsea Juma and Nellisha Johnson both finished on five points. With the tiebreaker added, Juma was adjudged second and Johnson third. Fourth position went to Samirah Gobin, while sixth and seventh positions went respectively to Sasha Shariff and Angel Rahim.

Waveney Johnson took seventh, while the eighth position went to Aneesa Hussain.

In the Sasha Cells Junior Championship, Andre Jagnandan, playing in his first Junior Championship, secure his first junior title with five and a half points. Ghansham Allijohn and Rajiv Lee each finished with four and a half points. With the tie-break, Allijohn was adjudged second and Lee third. Ethan Lee took fourth, and Jayden Taylor fifth. Chelsea Juman, Joshua Gopaul and Jarrel Troyer took the sixth, seventh and eighth position respectively.

The Guyana Chess Federation hereby expresses its appreciation to the Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, and the National Sports Commission; Sasha Cells, and Trophy Stall for their contribution in making these tournaments a success.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, june 30, 2019

ExxonMobil Girls’ Under-14 tournament

Charlestown maintain streak, Campbellville look ominous

I

t was their second week of competition, and the female teams in the ExxonMobil Girls’ Under 14 competition upped the ante in pursuit of a spot in the knockout stages.

In Saturday’s action, defending Champions Charlestown Secondary asserted their dominance against the East Ruimveldt females, while New Campbellville Secondary continued to showcase their talent on the playing field.

The first game played for the day saw New Campbellville trashing Uitvlugt Secondary by an 8-0 margin. Roshana Warren was the top striker of the match, bagging the highest amount of goals (five) from an individual thus far in the tournament, with goals in the 8th, 22nd, 36th, 38th and 40th. With one goal contributions from Grace Miller (6th) Nuella Haynes (15th) and Rayana Benjamin (26th), Campbellville were able to not only trample their opponents, but send a stern warning to the other competitors.

2018 champions Charlestown Secondary barely outplayed East Ruimveldt Secondary to add more points to their tally. A collective team effort from the Charlestown

girls was enough to see their opponents off, with goals from Shania Eastman, Carletta Ross and Daniel Smith. On the other hand, Shaqwana Wright’s double (17th, 19th) was not enough to overcome last year’s winners.

Meanwhile, a lone goal from Madison Chichester in the 5th minute of their game was enough for St. Stanislaus to overcome St Mary’s secondary in their encounter.

Dolphin Secondary brought their ‘A’ game on Saturday afternoon as they defeated Ann’s Grove 5-1. Both Akila Smith (19th, 32nd) and Jerica Paris (30th, 40th) netted doubles for Dolphin, while Niomie Williams added one goal in the 33rd for Dolphin’s five.

Consolation goal for Ann’s Grove came off the boots of Rennae Wills in the 16th minute of play.

Parents and other supporter were made to bite their nails in anticipation as a stiff encounter between Lodge and Tucville Secondary unfolded.

Michelle Fitter of Lodge netted a goal in the 16th to give her team the advantage, but when second half play resumed, Keithana Mollyneaux was quick to score the equalizer. Try as they may, no other

A snippet of action in the girls’ tournament of the ExxonMobil U-14 competition

player was able to get on the score sheets; and the two teams were made to settle for the 1-1 draw.

On the other hand, walkovers on the day saw Ann’s Grove being awarded points when they were scheduled to take on Richard Ishmael. Annandale Secondary also benefited from Richard Ishmael’s

absence with a walkover of their own.

Additionally, Dolphin Secondary was given a walkover instead of playing Annandale Secondary.

The ExxonMobil Under 14 Girls’ action will resume next Saturday, July 6, at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Guyana Under-17s commence 4-day training camp

DCC benefits from 2-ton roller donated by Guyana Shore Base Inc

Team Guyana Under-17 on their first training session at the National Stadium at Providence (Brandon Corlette photo)

Executives of DCC gathered at the conclusion of the presentation ceremony (Brandon Corlette photo)

– team’s fitness is priority, says Coach Bailey

By Brandon Corlette

C

ricket West Indies’ (CWI’s) Regional Under-17 tournament -- a 50-over affair slated to run from July 6 to July 13 -- will be played in Trinidad and Tobago; thus the Guyana Under-17 team has commenced training and team bonding with a four-day camp.

Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport at their first training session on Saturday, June 29, at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, EBD, Team Manager Nazeer Mohammed declared this a well-balanced team.

With the players being informed about their selection since Monday last, Mohammed said, the camp commenced with a group meeting at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) facility where they are encamped; and this was followed by an intense fielding session spearheaded by Coach Orin Bailey at the National Stadium at Providence.

Because the rain was threatening a deluge, Mohammed said the players would return to the LBI facility and get some batting drills done in the indoor net facility.

“We are supposed to have one or two practice matches. Hopefully, the weather stays faithful to us”, he declared.

Mohammed said the team is well balanced, and has given a good account of itself, especially in the highly competitive Hand-in-Hand Under-19 tournament.

“A lot of these guys have an understanding of the basics (that are required) in (playing) cricket,” he declared. “We have some very good players, and hopefully they can make Guyana proud this year,” he observed.

Coach Orin Bailey explained that this camp would focus on the fitness of each player in

the 14-member squad. Refusing to disclose the composition of the squad at this time, Bailey explained that the fitness level of the team must be acceptable to allow for competition at the Regional level of cricket.

“Previously, we had been losing games because the guys were not match-ready” Bailey told this reporter.

The Guyana Under-17 team played as the Select Under-17 team in the Inter-County U-19 tournament, and Bailey said he feels that break from action was a long one.

Thirteen of the 14-member squad are currently in training as they await the arrival of Matthew Nandu, who resides in Canada. He was among the top performers in the Inter-County Under-17 tourney, and gave a decent account of himself in the Under-19 Inter-County tournament. Nandu has been drafted into the Global T20 League in Canada

by Vancouver Knights, the team for which Chris Gayle plays.

The Guyana Under-17 team currently comprises most of the players who had played in the Select Under-17 team during the Under-19 inter-county tournament. Some of those players are: left-handed opener and spinner Nandu, middle order batsman and off-spinner Sarwan Chaitnarine, middle order batsman Marvan Prashad, West Indies Under-15 wicket-keeper/batsman Mavindra Dindyal, fast bowling all-rounder Sheldon Charles, left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj, Azizi Christiani, legspinner Niran Bissu, left-handed batsman Andre Seepersaud, and former Guyana Under-15 captain Zeynul Ramsammy.

Led by Sachin Singh in 2018, the Guyana Under-17 team had finished in third position in the Regional tournament; while Barbados, who had tipped the hosts, are defending champions.

I

n a simple but significant presentation ceremony yesterday, Saturday June 29, Guyana Shore Base Inc. presented a two-ton roller to the prestigious Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) at the Club’s premises in Queenstown, Georgetown Known as “the home of legends”, DCC has been producing great cricketing talents, and this roller will certainly boost the cricketing talents. DCC has produced greatness in Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies great captain; Lance Gibbs, an impressive spinner; Roger Harper, a spectacular fielder, among others, such as Roy Fredericks.

President of the Guyana Shores Base Inc. Mark Edwards, was happy to make the donation to the DCC. “I am very proud to be standing in a club with such great history, but this event is about the future”, Edwards disclosed as he emphasized the importance of developing the next generation of players who will represent the West Indies.

“Let’s hope that this roller will play a part in the development of the next generation cricketers, particularly from Guyana and DCC”, the Englishman Edwards stated.

Shore Base Inc. is a new company that has been up and running for approximately 18 months, and this presentation is seen as a moment of delight for the company, which focuses on playing a positive role for youths in Guyana.

Guyana Shore Base Inc. is a majority Guyanese-owned shore base facility built to provide a world-class level of service and

support to the emerging oil and gas industry.

Meanwhile, the DCC President, former West Indies player Roger Harper, thanked the Shore Base Inc. for this great contribution, which he said will play a role in DCC’s success.

Harper said the roller would be used to prepare better match and practice pitches.

“Significantly, this will enable us to have two pitches used simultaneously on selective afternoons”, Harper explained. This will allow more players to gain more exposure, and impact these players from DCC directly.

As GCA and DCC boss, Harper, the younger brother of Mark Harper, who was also present, complimented the Shore Base Inc. for fulfilling that social obligation. “This roller will benefit the youths and the entire country, because DCC plays a positive role in the life of all individuals”, Harper stated.

Making a hearty promise, Harper said he would give assurance that the roller would be well taken care of, regularly serviced, and that the operator would be a well-trained individual.

“We will treasure this gift, and we are currently in the process of making a room to secure this roller,” Harper explained.

The Demerara Cricket Club has been producing great cricketing talents since 1912, and is currently 107 years old. This roller is the first of its kind for the prestigious cricketing facility. (Brandon Corlette)

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, june 30, 2019

Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc to the fore as Australia thump New Zealand B

ig-game temperament, they said. On a decent run of form, with players coming back in who will strengthen them further.

Know how to win a World Cup (or five). Plenty of observers warned the real Australia would turn up at this tournament, though fewer predicted they would be the first team to secure a semi-final place.

But after brushing aside the early pacesetters in this round-robin format, Australia look increasingly -- and menacingly -- close to their best once again.

New Zealand removed Australia’s openers cheaply, Usman chipped away at the middle Khawaja order, and then finished off the playing a shot as innings with a Trent Boult hathe battled trick -- the first in ODIs at Lord’s. his way That Australia managed to make as to a halfmany as 243 for 9 was largely down century to a century partnership between Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey, the latter batting more fluently than anyone else on the day.

Mitchell Starc then corralled a record third World Cup five-for, as a relentless, ruthless and (admittedly) slightly hotchpotch attack dismantled New Zealand.

The key wicket -- that of Kane Williamson -- was claimed by Mitchell Starc, whose x for xx saw him over his tournament-leading tally of 23 wickets from the 2015 World Cup. New Zealand’s captain had not previously been dismissed by Starc in ODIs -- a record which included their group stage encounter four years ago, when Williamson thundered the final six that sealed a barnstorming onewicket win in Auckland. At Lord’s, it never got so close.

Having recovered from 92 for 5, Khawaja anchoring the innings from the fifth over to the 49th - when he became the first casualty of Boult’s late-swinging Yorkers. Australia simply preyed on New Zealand’s insecurities with the bat. Williamson’s 40 included being dropped twice, and Ross Taylor was the only other player to get past 20, as the challenge of going at almost five an over on a tacky pitch proved too much.

Australia captain Aaron Finch was able to cycle through as many as four part-time bowlers, including himself, as his three premier quicks plus the orthodox spin of Nathan Lyon kept New Zealand tied down. Never was the sense greater that momentum was with Australia than when Steven Smith was brought on to bowl an over of leg-spin and promptly claimed his first ODI wicket in five years, as Colin de Grandhomme picked out long-off.

Finch, Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell combined for figures of 9-0-43-1, and that in itself provided a measure of Australia’s eventual dominance. None of the big four went at more Alex Carey

than 3.60 an over, with Jason Behrendorff backing up his fivestar performance against England by removing both New Zealand openers in an opening spell that was extended to nine overs; and Nathan Lyon claimed his maiden World Cup wicket to suggest they have found the right balance for the slower surfaces that have predominated in the tournament.

New Zealand were left to ponder another stuttering batting

SCOREBOARD Australia Innings (50 overs maximum) DA Warner c †Latham b Ferguson 16 AJ Finch (c) lbw b Boult 8 UT Khawaja b Boult 88 SPD Smith c Guptill b Ferguson 5 MP Stoinis c †Latham b Neesham 21 GJ Maxwell c & b Neesham 1 AT Carey † c Guptill b Williamson 71 PJ Cummins not out 23 MA Starc b Boult 0 JP Behrendorff lbw b Boult 0 NM Lyon not out 0 Extras 10 (lb 3, w 7) TOTAL 243/9 (50 Overs, RR: 4.86) Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Aaron Finch, 4.3 ov), 2-38 (David Warner, 9.1 ov), 3-46 (Steven Smith, 11.2 ov), 4-81 (Marcus Stoinis, 19.6 ov), 5-92 (Glenn Maxwell, 21.3 ov), 6-199 (Alex Carey, 42.6 ov), 7-243 (Usman Khawaja, 49.3 ov), 8-243 (Mitchell Starc, 49.4 ov), 9-243 (Jason Behrendorff, 49.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W TA Boult 10 1 51 4 C de Grandhomme 8 1 29 0 LH Ferguson 10 0 49 2 IS Sodhi 6 0 35 0 JDS Neesham 6 0 28 2 MJ Santner 3 0 23 0 KS Williamson 7 0 25 1 New Zealand Innings (target: 244 runs from 50 overs)

display, which leaves them facing a potentially nervous final group game against England next week. The move to bring in Henry Nicholls for Colin Munro at the top of the order brought only limited success, although an opening stand worth 29 was still New Zealand’s third-best of the competition; while, despite their

KFC Independence Cup

Santos, Dynamic upset opponents to book final spots

I

t was a day of upsets at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre at Providence as the semifinal of the KFC Under 20 ‘Independence Cup’ tournament was contested.

When the dust settled on the synthetic Astro turf surface on Saturday evening, two unlikely teams were the ones to overcome their opponents; and as such, they booked their spots in Monday’s final showdown.

The first of the two semifinals saw Botofago FC out of Linden taking on the fairly new Dynamic FC, hailing from the Demerara East Coast. The experienced Botofago FC drew first blood -- in the 24th minute, compliments of Shane Haynes -- to take the advantage. However, a valiant fight back from Maurice Adams resulted in the scores being levelled in the 33rd.

Jjust before the half was called, Julius Hamilton found the back of the net, to give Dynamic FC the lead going into the latter half of the game. There, Maurice Adams netted his second goal of the game in the 60th, to extend the lead to 3-1.

However, one of Botofago’s most trusted strikers, Andre Mayers, scored a goal of his own to give the Lindeners a glimmer of hope. But a win for Linden was not to be, as John Gonsalves made the task even harder with Dynamic’s fourth goal in the final minutes of the game.

Two Georgetown teams were slated to

face each other in the second semifinal, which looked like a remake of the Georgetown InterAssociation final. However, the script was written differently this time around, as Santos FC defeated their longtime rivals, Fruta Conquerors FC. When the two had met in the Georgetown final, Fruta Conquerors had easily dispatched their rivals. However, Santos came to the semifinal with a plan that involved a bit of revenge.

Donned in white, Santos were able to hold off the Fruta Conquerors’ strikers in the first 45 minutes, thus frustrating not only the playing XI, but the coaching staff as well. Santos were able to hold up their excellent plays in the second half, and just when it looked like the encounter would go to extra time, they were rewarded with a goal off the boots of Stephen Reynolds in the 80th.

Reynolds was not done; he returned in the 88th to net another goal, adding salt to the wounds of Fruta Conquerors.

Come Monday, July 1, Dynamic FC will battle with Santos FC for a chance to grab a $500,000 grand prize and bragging rights of being the best Under 20 team in the country. The second place team will be rewarded with $300,000.

Meanwhile, after the third place playoff between Fruta Conquerors and Botofago FC, the winner will pocket $200,000. The entire top four will receive medals and trophies.

MJ Guptill lbw b Behrendorff 20 HM Nicholls c †Carey b Behrendorff 8 KS Williamson (c) c †Carey b Starc 40 LRPL Taylor c †Carey b Cummins 30 TWM Latham † c Smith b Starc 14 C de Grandhomme c Khawaja b Smi th 0 JDS Neesham c & b Lyon 9 MJ Santner c Behrendorff b Starc 12 IS Sodhi lbw b Starc 5 LH Ferguson b Starc 0 TA Boult not out 2 Extras 17 (b 4, lb 3, w 10) TOTAL 157 all out (43.4 Overs, RR: 3.59) Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Henry Nicholls, 9.2 ov), 2-42 (Martin Guptill, 13.1 ov), 3-97 (Kane Williamson, 25.4 ov), 4-118 (Ross Taylor, 31.4 ov), 5-118 (Colin de Grandhomme, 32.1 ov), 6-125 (Tom Latham, 35.3 ov), 7-131 (James Neesham, 38.1 ov), 8-141 (Ish Sodhi, 39.6 ov), 9-144 (Lockie Ferguson, 41.1 ov), 10157 (Mitchell Santner, 43.4 ov) BOWLING O M R W

JP Behrendorff 9 0 31 2 MA Starc 9.4 1 26 5 PJ Cummins 6 1 14 1 NM Lyon 10 0 36 1 SPD Smith 2 0 6 1 AJ Finch 1 0 7 0 MP Stoinis 2 0 12 0 GJ Maxwell 4 0 18 0

23

initial success with the ball, Ish Sodhi’s leg-spin was underused, and Williamson resorted to bowling himself for seven overs during the pivotal stand between Khawaja and Carey.

Williamson perhaps reasoned that his off-breaks were more likely to trouble the pair of Australia left-handers, with both Sodhi and Mitchell Santner turning the ball into the batsmen; but it reinforced the nagging sense that New Zealand are overly reliant on their captain.

He did eventually remove Carey, caught at cover looking to press the accelerator in the final Powerplay, though by that time Australia had fought their way back into the contest. Khawaja was largely becalmed, scoring only two boundaries Trent Boult in his first 100 balls, but he proved an celebrating adept foil for the more dynamic Carey, his hat-trick who continued his excellent form by scoring more than two-thirds of the runs during their 107-run stand.

On a day highlighted by several brilliant catches -- Martin Guptill’s to dismiss Smith, James Neesham’s off his own bowling to remove Glenn Maxwell, and Smith off Tom Latham, all deserving a mention in dispatches -- it was a missed chance that may have proved most significant. Khawaja’s second ball, driving at Boult, flew hard and low off the outside edge, only for Guptill to shell it going one-handed to his right from second slip.

Australia had chosen to bat, but for only the second time in the tournament, Finch and David Warner fell cheaply. Boult rapped Finch on the knee roll, and Warner was the first of a brace of shortball breakthroughs for Lockie Ferguson, with Smith then plucked brilliantly by Guptill after pulling sweetly but within range of short fine leg; but although neither Stoinis nor Maxwell could produce the goods in the middle order -- Australia’s one area of minor concern -- they nevertheless found a way to get away.

The innings juddered to a halt as Boult struck the stumps of Khawaja and Starc, then had Behrendorff lbw to complete the first World Cup hat-trick by a New Zealander. But it was Australia who ended the day emphatically on top.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 22

DCC benefits from 2-ton roller donated by Guyana Shore Base Inc Pg 22

Charlestown maintain streak, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc Campbellville to the fore as Australia look ominous thump New Zealand Pg 23

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

June 30, 2019

TIMES HOLLYWOOD:

Page 14

FREE DISTRIBUTION

2 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 30, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

C

What is CARICOM Day all about?

ARICOM Day commemorates the treaty establishing the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and is observed annually by all CARICOM countries, though not necessarily on the same date of the year.

The establishment of the Caribbean Community and Common Market was the result of a 15-year effort to fulfil the hope of regional integration, which was born with the establishment of the British West Indies Federation in 1958.

The West Indies Federation ended in 1962 but its end may be regarded as the real beginning of what is now the Caribbean Community.

With the end of the Federation, political leaders in the Caribbean made more serious efforts to strengthen the ties between the islands and mainland by providing for the continuance and strengthening of areas of cooperation that existed during the Federation. Further, CARICOM headquarters in Guyana Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago both attained indeGrenada, St. Kitts/Nevis/Anguilla, Saint pendence in August that year and with it Lucia and St. Vincent in July, and of the power to control their own domestic and Jamaica and Montserrat on August 1, external affairs.

1968. British Honduras (Belize) became a In announcing its intention to withdraw member in May 1971. from the Federation, the government of At the seventh Heads of Government Trinidad and Tobago proposed the creation Conference in October 1972, Caribbean of a Caribbean Community, consisting not leaders decided to transform CARIFTA only of the ten members of the Federation, into a Common Market and establish but also of the three Guianas and all the is- the Caribbean Community of which the lands of the Caribbean Sea - both indepen- Common Market would be an integral part. dent and non-independent.

At the 8th Heads of Government To discuss this concept, the prime min- Conference of CARIFTA held in April 1973 ister of Trinidad and Tobago convened the in Georgetown, Guyana, the decision to first Heads of Government Conference establish the Caribbean Community was in July 1963, and attended by the lead- brought into fruition with the considerers of Barbados, British Guiana, Jamaica ation of Heads of Government of the draft and Trinidad and Tobago. At this confer- legal instruments and with the signing by ence, the participating leaders of the four 11 members of CARIFTA (the exception beCaribbean countries all spoke clearly of ing Antigua and Montserrat). the need for close cooperation with Europe, The Accord provided for the signature Africa and Latin America. of the Caribbean Community Treaty on In July 1965, talks between the pre- July 4 and its coming into effect in August miers of Barbados and British Guiana and 1973, among the then four independent the chief minister of Antigua on the possi- countries: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and ble establishment of a Free Trade Area in Trinidad & Tobago. the Caribbean resulted in the announceThe Georgetown Accord also provided ment of definite plans to establish such a that the other eight territories - Antigua, Free Trade Area. In December that year, British Honduras, Dominica, Grenada, Heads of Government of Antigua, Barbados Saint Lucia, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis/ and British Guiana signed an agree- Anguilla and St. Vincent which signed the ment at Dickenson Bay, Antigua, to set Accord would become full members of the up the Caribbean Free Trade Association Community by 1 May 1974.

(CARIFTA).

The Caribbean Community and The new CARIFTA agreement came Common Market was established by into effect on May 1, 1968, with the partici- the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was pation of Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and signed by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana Tobago and Guyana. The original idea to and Trinidad & Tobago, and came into efpermit all territories in the region to par- fect on August 1, 1973. Subsequently, the ticipate in the association was achieved lat- other eight Caribbean territories joined er that year with the entry of Dominica, CARICOM. The Bahamas became the 13th

Member State of the Community on July 4, 1983, but not a member of the Common

Market.

In July 1991, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos became Associated Members of CARICOM, followed by Anguilla in July 1999. The Cayman Islands became the fourth Associate Member of the regional grouping on May 16, 2002, and Bermuda the fifth Associate Member on July 2, 2003.

Suriname became the 14th Member State of the Caribbean Community on July 4, 1995.

Haiti secured provisional membership on July 4, 1998, and on July 3, 2002 was the first French-speaking Caribbean State to become a full member of CARICOM.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Feature

CARICOM Member States and Associate Members

T

wenty countries make up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Fifteen are full members and five are Associate Members.

The geographical boundaries of the Caribbean Community stretch from The Bahama Islands in the north, southward to Guyana and Suriname – both on the north coast of the South American mainland. They also extend from Belize in the West on the Central American mainland to Barbados – the most easterly of the islands.

Suriname defines the eastern boundary of the Community.

All CARICOM countries are classified as developing countries. They are all relatively small in terms of population and size, and diverse in terms of geography and population, culture and levels of economic and social development.

CARICOM countries share similarities and challenges. On the one hand they are all in proximity to major markets in North and South American, and most countries, have had to make the transition from agriculture or mining to a service-driven economy, especially tourism and financial services. On the other hand, they have to overcome the challenges of frequent natural disasters, in addition to small size with associated lack of economies of scale and vulnerability to external shocks.

Associate Members There are 5 Associate members of CARICOM:

01 - Anguilla Membership: 1999-07-04 02 - Bermuda Membership: 2003-07-02 03 - British Virgin Islands Membership: 1991-07-02 04 - Cayman Islands Membership: 2002-05-12 05 - Turks and Caicos Islands Membership: 1991-07-02

Member States

There are 15 Member States of CARICOM: 06 - Grenada Membership: 1974-05-01

11 - Saint Lucia Membership: 1974-05-01

07 – Guyana Membership: 1973-08-01

12 - St Kitts and Nevis Membership: 1974-07-26

03 - Barbados Membership: 1973-08-01

08 - Haiti Membership: 2002-07-01

04 - Belize Membership: 1974-05-01

09 - Jamaica Membership: 1973-08-01

13 - St Vincent and the Grenadines Membership: 1974-05-01

05 - Dominica Membership: 1974-05-01

10 - Montserrat Membership: 1974-05-01

01 - Antigua and Barbuda Membership: 1974-07-04 02 - Bahamas Membership: 1983-07-04

All members subscribe to the Community’s principles outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2002).

Leaders of member states shape the Community’s policies and priorities. They meet twice yearly to discuss issues affecting the Community and the wider world at the Conferences of Heads of Government. All members have an equal say regardless of size or economic status. This ensures that every member has a voice in shaping the Caribbean Community.

Membership

According to the Treaty of Chaguaramas of the Caribbean Community, membership of the Caribbean Community shall be open to any other State or Territory of the Caribbean Region that is, in the opinion of The Conference, able and willing to exercise the rights and assume the obligations of membership.

Obligations Member States of the Caribbean Community:

Are allowed to attend, participate and vote in all Meetings of the Organs and Institutions of the Caribbean Community Have the right of participation in the deliberations of all bodies in order to promote its interests in all programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures, or the modification of programmes and

14 - Suriname Membership: 1995-07-04 15 - Trinidad and Tobago Membership: 1973-08-01

measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not Accept the Caribbean Community travel document Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat.

Associate Members of the Caribbean Community Attend as Observers, Meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community Are members of all Institutions except Council of Foreign and Community Relations Have the right of participation in the deliberations of those bodies in which it has membership in order to promote its interests in specific programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures or the modification of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not Accept the Caribbean Community travel document Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat. (CARICOM)

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme

S

ixty-three per cent of CARICOM’s population is young people under thirty years. Their education, entrepreneurship development, safety and security, health and wellbeing; identity and citizenship among others rights and benefits are of utmost concern. More importantly, their full participation as architects and enablers of the Region’s development is a goal that CARICOM continues to strive for.

The CARICOM Secretariat, particularly its Youth Programme has been working with Member States, Youth Ambassadors, Community Institutions and other regional and international stakeholders to design, implement and execute programmes and projects to facilitate CARICOM Member States in meeting this goal. Currently, the CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP), is the principal strategy that guides the CARICOM Secretariat’s work programme for this area.

The goal of this plan is to improve access to the quality and quantity of opportunities available to adolescents and youth between the ages of 10-29, and in and out-of-school. This plan takes forward the 2010 Declaration of Paramaribo on the future of Youth in the Caribbean The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme was launched in Saint Lucia in 1993 by the Heads of Government to mark the Twentieth Anniversary of CARICOM and was formally instituted in 1994.

Since its inception, the Youth Ambassador Programme has contributed to increased youth knowledge and awareness of CARICOM issues and priorities; has raised the profile of young people at the national and regional levels; and has assisted in integrating the views and perspectives of young people from across the Region into national, regional and international policy and programmes. (CARICOM)

Here are some of those CARICOM Youth Ambassadors:

Andre Browne Dean

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Kylah Ciego Belize

Keyola Green Montserrat

Andrew J. Munnings

Odayne Haughton

Donique Billingy

Samantha Sheoprashad

Ezbai Charis Francis

Simone Townsend

Belize

St Vincent and the Grenadines

St Lucia

Jamaica

Guyana

Jamaica

Terez Lord

Trinidad and Tobago

Vishal H. Joseph Guyana

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Preserving our literary heritage

CELEBRATING CARICOM

From many distant lands, our forefathers came Some seeking adventure, some bound in chains Through battles waged and fought Through victory and pain By test of their courage Our freedom was gained In homage to those gone before us The heroes of lands in the sun We vow to join hands and to focus On building one Caribbean Chorus Raise your voices high Sing of your Caribbean pride Sing it loud and strong Feel our hearts beat as one Celebrate in song As we rise to heights where we belong Sound the victory drum For CARICOM Verse 2 Though great and diverse be our ethnicities The bonds that unite us are stronger than these We dine we pray we love, we dance and we play We relate to each other the West Indian way Today as people united Determined and steadfast we stand We look to a brand new horizon The future now firmly in our hands Chorus Bridge Hélé hélé bwavo (Shout Bravo) Opo yu stem CARICOM (Raise your voices CARICOM) Lévé lévé vwa’w (Raise your Voices) Naki yu dron CARICOM (Beat your drum CARICOM) Tanbouyé tanbou a wo (Drummer drum woh) Opo you stem CARICOM (Raise your voices CARICOM) Lévé lévé vwa’w (Raise your voices)

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

Health benefits of Surya Namaskara

T

he daily practice of Surya Namaskar contributes to a healthy, efficient and energetic day.

Surya Namaskar, also known as ‘Sun Salutation’ (“salute to the sun”), is a common sequence of asana (yoga postures). It is a combination of 12 physical postures.

This sequence of yoga postures originated in India, where its large population has been showing respect to the sun by doing Surya Namaskar, and at the same time benefitting from its effects.

Surya Namaskar calms the mind and helps to improve concentration. It is a set of 12 postures, preferably to be done at the time of sunrise. Its regular practice improves circulation of the blood throughout the body, maintains health, and helps one remain disease-free. From head to toe, every part

01 Namaskarasana (Prayer Pose)

Stand erect with feet together.

Join the palms together in front of the chest. Concentrate on standing straight, steady and in a prayerful attitude. This posture helps to induce a state of introversion, relaxation and calmness. Exhale fully.

02 Hasta uttanasana (Raised Arms pose)

Inhaling stretch both arms above the head, palms facing upward. Arch the back and stretch the whole body.

It expands the various lobes in the lungs and puts more oxygen which increases the oxygen level in the body.

03 Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot pose)

Exhaling bend the body forward and down, keeping the spine straight.

Avoid collapsing the chest or “overrounding” the upper back. Keep the legs straight and perpendicular to the ground. This posture massages the abdominal organs, especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals, uterus and ovaries. The power of digestion increases and female disorders such as prolapse and menstrual irregularities are relieved. A healthy flow of blood is sent to the spinal nerves as they are stretched and toned. The hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh and calf muscles are stretched and toned. Inversion increases blood flow to the brain.

04 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)

On your next inhalation, extend the left leg back and drop the knee to the ground. The right knee is bent and kept between the hands and the right foot placed flat on the ground. Lift the spine and open the chest. Concentrate at the eyebrow centre. The right leg and left leg are interchanged in the next Surya Namaskar set. It opens groin and psoas muscles improving flexibility of the hips, strengthens knees, ankles, and waist. It is therapeutic for indigestion, constipation, and sciatica.

of the body is greatly benefitted by Surya Namaskar, which is why it is highly recommended by all yoga experts.

When done at a fast pace, Surya Namaskar is an excellent cardiovascular workout and an ideal way to lose weight.

How to perform Surya Namaskar?

Every morning during sunrise or within one hour of sunrise is an ideal time to perform Surya Namaskar. On an empty stomach, drink 120ml of water before you do Surya Namaskar. One has to perform 12 Surya Namaskar with 12 physical postures.

In a previous interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketer Akshaya Persaud talked

05 Chaturanga Dandasana (Stick pose)

On the exhalation bring the right leg back to join with the left leg and keep body in one plane like a straight stick. It builds upper and core body strength, lengthens the spine and strengthens the low back muscles.

about how practising Surya Namaskar has significantly contributed to him being a well-rounded individual, especially as a cricketer.

“I was fortunate to be with the Guyana Amazon Warriors team for three years as an under-19 cricketer. I am very passionate about cricket and always want to be on top of my game. One of the things that help me accomplish this is yoga, especially Surya Namaskar. Yoga helps me to focus. Also, I was struggling with a back injury and by practicing Surya Namaskar, my back is much better now. It has made my body flexible and helps me to concentrate better,” Akshaya explained.

Akshaya demonstrated how the 12 Surya Namaskar postures are done: and makes the spine straight and taut. It relieves varicose veins and tones spinal nerves.

09 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Same as asana No 4, but with the other leg forward)

Breathe in as you come in this posture.

06 Sashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Parts Or Points)

Exhaling gently drop both knees to the ground and slowly slide the body down at an angle as you bring the chest and chin to the ground. All eight limbs - toes, knees, chest, hands and chin - touch the floor. The buttocks are kept up. Hold the breath. This posture develops the chest and strengthens arms. It sends additional blood to this area helping to rejuvenate the nerves.

07 Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

On the inhalation, lower the hips while pushing the chest forward and upward with the hands, until the spine is fully arched and the head is facing up. The knees and lower abdomen remain above the floor. This pose gives dynamic expansion to the organs of the chest and abdomen, relieving many ailments such as asthma, indigestion, kidney and liver problems. It is very helpful in relieving tension in the back muscles and spinal nerves.

10 Hasta Padasana (Same as asana no. 3)

Breathe out as you come to this posture.

11 Hasta uttanasana (Same as asana no. 2)

Breathe in as you come in this posture.

08 Parvatasana (Mountain pose)

Raise the buttocks and lower the head between the arms, so that the body forms a triangle with the floor while still keeping the arms and feet in the same place. Try to place the heels flat on the ground.

Focus awareness at the neck area. This posture strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs, stretches the calf muscles and Achilles’ tendons

12 Namaskarasana (Same as asana no. 1)

Retain your breath for a few seconds.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 30, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Acne A

Sunday Times Magazine

9

Health

cne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.

Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.

Symptoms

Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition: • Whiteheads (closed plugged pores) • Blackheads (open plugged pores) • Small red, tender bumps (papules) • Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips • Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules) • Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)

Causes

Four main factors cause acne: • Excess oil production • Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells • Bacteria • Excess activity of a type of hormone (androgens) Acne typically appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. Hair follicles are connected to oil glands.

The follicle wall may bulge and produce a whitehead. Or the plug may be open to the surface and darken, causing a blackhead. A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores. But actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it's exposed to the air.

Pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected with bacteria. Blockages and inflammation that develop deep inside hair follicles produce cystlike lumps beneath the surface of your skin. Other pores in your skin, which are the openings of the sweat glands, aren't usually involved in acne.

Factors that may worsen acne

These factors can trigger or aggravate acne: Hormones. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives also can affect sebum production. And low amounts of androgens circulate in the blood of women and can worsen acne.

Certain medications. Examples include drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.

Diet. Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including skim milk and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne. Chocolate has long been suspected of making acne worse. A small study of 14 men with acne showed that eating chocolate was related to a worsening of symptoms. Further study is needed to examine why this happens and whether people with acne would benefit from following specific dietary restrictions.

Stress. Stress can make acne worse.

Acne myths

These factors have little effect on acne: Greasy foods. Eating greasy food has little to no effect on acne. Though working in a greasy area, such as a kitchen with fry vats, does because the oil can stick to the skin and block the hair follicles. This further irritates the skin or promotes acne.

Hygiene. Acne isn't caused by dirty skin. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse.

Cosmetics. Cosmetics don't necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that doesn't clog pores (noncomedogenics) and remove makeup regularly. Nonoily cosmetics don't interfere with the effectiveness of acne drugs.

Treatment

If you've tried over-the-counter (nonprescription) acne products for several weeks and they haven't helped, your doctor can prescribe stronger medications. A dermatologist can help you: • Control your acne • Avoid scarring or other damage to your skin • Make scars less noticeable Acne medications work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection or reducing inflammation — which helps prevent scarring. With most prescription acne drugs, you may not see results for four to eight weeks, and your skin may get worse before it gets better. It can take many months or years for your acne to clear up completely.

The treatment regimen your doctor recommends depends on your age, the type and severity of your acne, and what you are willing to commit to. For example, you may need to wash and apply medications to the affected skin twice a day for several weeks. Often topical medications and drugs you take by mouth (oral medication) are used in combination. Pregnant women will not be able to use oral prescription medications for acne.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of medications and other treatments you are considering. (Mayo Clinic)

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 30, 2019

Feature

The Jumpsuit Factor J

umpsuits are, without a doubt, a statement style. The head-to-toe, all-in-one garment creates a striking look that moves beyond a simple dress or pants and top combo, and into more fashionable territories. So why then, do so many women still avoid this trend-worthy style?

Well, it isn’t always the easiest piece of clothing to pull off. Choose the wrong fit or add the wrong accessories and your jumpsuit can go from a fashion hero to a fashion zero.

However, all you need to do is be your authentic self and love your look.

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

FOODS OF CARICOM Jamaican ackee and saltfish

Begin crushing the plaintains with a potato masher by gradually incorporating cold water until obtaining a velvety purée. To serve, add the onions mixture on top with fried cheese and eggs.

Belizean Salbutes

INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound salt fish, steamed fresh ackee soaked, or tinned ackee 1 medium onion, chopped 1 small sweet pepper (yellow/red or green), julienned 1 medium tomato, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, chopped finely (omit if you don’t want the dish spicy) 2 stalks scallion, chopped 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Directions Heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, scallions, tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper and sweet pepper until tender, about five to six minutes. Add flaked saltfish, fresh or canned ackee and black pepper. Toss lightly; cover and allow to stand over low heat for about 2 minutes.

Dominican mangú

Guyanese bake and salt fish 1 pound fresh corn masa or 1½ cups masa mix 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup water 3 large chicken breasts 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 cups red onion, divided jalapeño pepper, deseeded, sliced 1/4 cup white vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Vegetable oil for frying Tortilla Press Masa Mix masa, flour, baking powder, salt and water until soft and masa holds together. Divide masa and shape into 11/2 inch balls. Place ball of masa in-between 2 sheets of parchment paper in the center of a tortilla press and flatten. Heat oil in a large frying pan and fry until lightly browned, but not crisp.

Chicken Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper and ½ teaspoon oregano. Boil in enough water to cover chicken for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked. Remove from water, cool and shred. Reserve chicken broth.

Onions Bring reserved broth to a boil, add onions, jalapeño pepper, vinegar and1/2 teaspoon oregano. Remove from heat, cover and set aside for 10 minutes. Drain, reserve onions and pepper.

Place inflated fried corn round on a serving plate, press down slightly to flatten. Top with shredded chicken, onions and jalapeño pepper.

Photo rec3

Montserrat goat water INGREDIENTS 5 green plantains (peeled), diced 5 tablespoons butter (or 5 tablespoons olive oil) 2 red onions , sliced ¼ cup white vinegar 4 tablespoons vegetable oil Cold water Salt INSTRUCTIONS In a bowl, combine the onions and vinegar. Add a pinch of salt. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, boil the plantain in water with 2 pinches of salt, until very tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.

While cooking plantains, heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven.

Sauté the onions and vinegar (being careful not to burn, as vinegar may splash in oil). Set aside.

Once plantain is tender, drain and place in a large dish.

Add the butter or olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of the onion mixture.

1 ‘hot’ green pepper, whole Salt and pepper to taste 3 oz. Fresh marjoram or oregano 11/2 cups Flour 3-4 Tablespoon Browning/caramel colouring Method Cut the meat in 2-inch cubes, being sure to leave the bones in. Wash the meat in salt water and place in a large saucepan (large pot). Cover with cold water, bring to boil, simmer covered for 5 minutes.

Skim fat and continue simmering covered until meat is slightly tender. Add remaining ingredients; add boiling water as necessary. When meat is tender, combine 11/2 cups flour with enough water to make a smooth paste and stir enough of this mixture into the stew to give desired thickness, add some browning for colour. Half cover the pot and let it continue to simmer until meat is done.

Photo rec4

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds goat or sheep meat 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon whole cloves, crushed 2 Onions, cut up 1 Tablespoon mace 1 Teaspoon Accent/MSG Herbs and chible (local name for scallions and thyme)

Ingredients Bakes 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 1/2 cup more for kneading 4 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup white sugar 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, but not melted 1 1/3 cup water, more as needed Oil for frying Saltfish 2 pounds boneless, skinless saltfish 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped 3 large garlic cloves, minced 1 wiri wiri pepper or scotch bonnet 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped 1 tsp tomato paste 2 sprigs scallions 6 tbsp oil for cooking Instructions For bakes Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together. Rub butter into flour mixture. Add water to flour and knead to form a stiff and smooth dough ball. Add flour as needed to bring the dough together. Pinch off golf ball -sized pieces of dough and roll in palms of hand to make smooth. Place in a greased plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Allow to sit for one hour minimum.

Heat oil for frying. Flour surface and roll each dough ball to 1/4-1/8 inch thickness. Place dough in hot oil. Use spoon to pour oil over each piece of dough as this will help it puff up.

For saltfish Fill the pot with enough water to cover saltfish. Boil for 5-6 minutes. Drain and fill with clean water. Boil another 5-6 minutes. Drain and flake fish with a fork. Set aside.

Heat frying pan with oil. Add onion, garlic, hot pepper and cook until onions are translucent. Add tomato paste, saltfish and seasonings. Cook a couple of minutes then add chopped tomatoes. Let cook 5-6 minutes until tomatoes have melted into fish. Garnish with scallions.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 30, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Puzzles

ACROSS

1

6

11

16

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

32

34

36

37

39

41

43

45

47

49 51

54

55

56

60

61

62

64

65

66

67

68

70

71

73

74 75

77

78

79

80

82

83

84

87

88 89

93 94

95

97

Medieval adventure European capital -- tube Ply the broom -- influence George who was a she Watered silk Liszt opus More frosty Variety show Dot on a monitor -- -- in the bucket Best medicine?

Matter of dispute Kind of sculpture Fabric meas.

Mouths, in biology Puts down Terra -Davis of “The Fly” Mink or ermine Mongol rulers Post-sneeze word Has to have Abolishes Ram, in astrology Cod kin Jean Auel heroine Show up Photographer Ansel -“People” people Constantly, to Poe Sink unclogger Avoid capture Taboos (hyph.)

Split in two Lightning by-product Ms. Lombard of film Weeping over Gravy morsel Vexes Ale serving Lovely lily Read palms Blender button Drops in the slot Target amount Coffee holder Tears to pieces TV’s “Shaka --” Wool-eater Crete locale Stacks It’s often toasted Stooge with bangs

98 Bogs down

99 Thin nails 100 Rangy

101 Rock tumbler stone

103 Face or amble lead-in

104 Rainwater pipes 106 Handbook

107 Looked hard

108 -- spumante

110 Dunham of “Girls”

111 Scarlett of Tara

112 Faction makers

113 Sunspot activity 115 Haughty

116 Bread ingredient

117 Winter apple

120 Garden starters

122 Vast expanse 124 Barter

128 Memorable decade

129 “Daddy” Warbucks’ servant 131 Unwilling

133 Tramped the woods

135 Pale gray 136 Dwindled

138 Video game pioneer

140 Like a house - 142 Carthage neighbor 144 Bogus

145 Forum speech

146 Krishna devotee

147 Recital pieces

148 Links champ Sam - 149 Glimmerings

150 Fable author

151 Try a mouthful

DOWN

1

2

3

4

5 6

7

8

9

10 11

12

13 14 15 16

17

18

Throws in the towel Claudius, to Hamlet Royal decree Haul into court Garr of “Tootsie” Individuals Walrus hunters Bolt for a girder Debt memo Proofer’s word Dazzle Ear pollution Ford predecessor Previously Trust Halted British inc.

French money

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- APHORISMS

(APHORISMS: AF-uh-riz-ems: Terse statements of a truth or principle.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 58 or more words in APHORISMS? TODAY’S WORD -- APHORISMS

amir amiss aphis apish apsis arms pair parish pass passim pish posh pram prim prism

prom hair harm harp hasp hiss hoar hora oasis ramp rash rasp roam romp samp

sapor sari sash sham sharp shim ship shop shrimp smash soap soar sophism sora spam

spar spasm marsh mash mass mishap miso miss mohair morass morph morphia moss

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.

19

20

31

33 35

38

40

42

44

46

48

50

51

52

53

54

55

57

58

59

61 62

63

66

67

Be crazy about View from Everest Snake plate Curved moldings Dork Flock of geese Rub against Not digital Film speed no.

Widespread damage Key -- pie Really skimps Pie-chart lines Scoreboard posting Halloween doing Teen bane Redhead’s tint Raises one’s voice Flood barrier Glacial ridge Enjoying solitude Slinkies Unisex garment Great Lake natives Declares invalid

69 Crosswise to the keel 107 Tableau 109 Maybes

72 Carpenter’s nail holder

111 Admits to the clergy 73 Marauds 112 Big change (hyph.)

74 Have a date (2 wds.)

114 Kind of gas

76 Shopping - 115 “Will it play in --?”

78 Hollow stems

116 Flake 79 Completely

117 Lagoon protectors

81 Amherst sch.

118 Cosmopolitan

82 Canasta plays 119 Deep black

83 Earthshaking event 121 Buoy up

84 Busch Gardens city

123 Does pull-ups

85 Whodunit suspects 125 Emulates banshees

86 Snowy-white bird

126 Neck scarf

87 Dogie catcher 127 Moon position

88 “The Prisoner of --” 130 Sanskrit dialect

90 Bradley and Sharif

132 Joke response (hyph.)

91 Carved pole

134 Powdery residue

92 Listens to

137 NASA counterpart

94 Dried fruits

139 A bit

95 Coiffure

141 “-- upon this quiet life!”

96 -- yoga

143 Generous -- -- fault

99 Transvaal trekker

100 Maui cookout

102 Horses’ strides

105 Surveyors’ maps See Solution on page 14 106 Poltergeist

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Photo Feature

Dolphins playing offshore Guyana

A pod of dolphins was spotted having some fun offshore Guyana.

The marine mammals were gleefully playing when Romeo De Freitas captured these images.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 30, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Bollywood/Hollywood Shah Rukh Khan: There’s no better film in Naomi Watts on Game the world when it comes from the heart Of Thrones prequel:

B

ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan unveiled the trailer of Marathi romantic drama Smile Please on Wednesday night in Mumbai. Directed by fashion designer-turned-filmmaker Vikram Phadnis, the film stars Mukta Barve, Lalit Prabhakar, Prasad Oak and Aditi Govitrikar in pivotal roles.

During the trailer launch, Shah Rukh shared some light moments with Vikram Phadnis. He also praised Vikram’s work as a fashion designer and said, “To me whoever becomes a filmmaker becomes very dear. So, I was very thrilled when he made his first film. I just hope his goodness and creativity is taken over to cinema, so all of us can have a lot of beautiful films to watch. Today I asked Vikram, ‘Have you made a nice film or not?’

Not that I am someone who should be right now credited with making good films or not.

But what the hell? If you work for so many years, you can be a bit patronising. I told him to make an action or comedy film and he said he made it from his heart. There is no bet-

ter film in the world when it comes from the heart. I hope the film reaches to more people.”

SRK added, “Sometimes the purpose of film and storytelling is to invoke a feeling of compassion, love, togetherness and goodness. Inspite of all the emotional upheavals that we might face, I think that any story or film reminds us that in our journey, how much ever ups and downs there maybe, we are not alone. And we should always carry this message in our heart no matter how much we have to struggle.”

Talking about Smile Please, Vikram Phadnis said, “The meaning of Smile Please is that everybody has struggles, be it emotional, physical, mental or financial struggles, but when you say smile please to that person, half your battle is won.”

The film’s story revolves around a very successful female photographer and how she reaches the pinnacle of success and then hits rock bottom.

Smile Please is scheduled to release on July 19, 2019. (Indian Express)

Fans won’t be let down

I

t’s often said that actresses have trouble finding meaty roles as they get older, but at age 50, Naomi Watts is flourishing, with two key projects that share a common theme — strong women determined to have their voices heard.

On Sunday, Watts will be seen in the Showtime limited series The Loudest Voice, where she stars as Gretchen Carlson in the dramatization of the sexual harassment scandal around the late head of Fox News, Roger Ailes.

Watts also stars in the film Ophelia, which will be in theaters June 28 and on video on demand and digital on July 2.

It’s a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a different perspective. Directed by Claire McCarthy, written by Semi Chellas and adapted from Lisa Klein’s book, it’s a female-driven project — which was part of the appeal for Watts.

“We’ve put to bed that theory that, you know, you age out after 40,” she said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “It’s a great time for women of my age. So that’s again a very heartening thing that we’re witnessing in this lifetime.”

And Watts still has more coming up, including her role in the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel to air on HBO. The Oscar-nominated actress talked about the pressure of following the juggernaut series, playing a TV anchor in “The Loudest Voice” and how women are uniting more in Hollywood in the #MeToo era.

Q. In Ophelia you play Hamlet’s mother, but the prince isn’t the protagonist of this story.

This has been changed to the point of view of Ophelia’s and in the play that we know, she was significantly different: quite young and pure. I mean she’s still young pure and chaste and tragic, and then a little bit mad. And we find, I think with Shakespeare’s works, often the women are a little bit one-dimensional, they’re either like that or the opposite, overly sort of emotional or powerful and crazy. And so, it was nice to see a reimagining, that you can take a story like that and just turn it on its head. And it speaks to a new era and new generation.

Q. How did you tap into playing the role of Gretchen Carlson to become a TV personality?

She was someone that worked really hard and was highly, highly educated. She was not just a pretty face. So it was an impressive act, how she managed to survive against all odds.

And obviously as an actor again, looking for complicated women, how did she manage that and succeed and transform and turn it into something that, I mean, let’s look back 10 years from now. She’s made an impact on history.

Q. Are you worried about living up to the fan hype of Game of Thrones and how are you feeling about the role?

Goose bumps all over! … I’m excited and I’m sorry I can’t say anything. It is intimidating…. having just come off the last series where the world was blowing up over it, everything was ensure their children are taken care of.

“Game of Thrones”-related, all the advertising on TV, every ar“A country can develop only when ticle, everybody’s jumping on that bandwagon. So it’s scary but you ensure these basic rights, let them hopefully those fans come along and get to find something new voice their opinion and give them basic and interesting in this world as well. I think they won’t be let education, hygiene, medication, portadown. ble water and when you empower that Q. You recently posted a sweet tribute to your former partis true development. They can’t be exner, Liev Schreiber, on Father’s Day that many found inspiraploited.” tional. Is it important to maintain a strong relationship?

Sayani also praised her co-star Absolutely. Always the children first. I mean there’s no Ayushmann. question that they will do better if there is synchronicity. If it’s “Ayushmann has single-handedly acrimonious, they pick up on it, you know. And so that was alchanged this narrative. You are no lonways our pledge to one another and the kids, obviously, that we ger depended on a huge star for the film had to always keep assembling a semblance of family for them. to do well, you are actually successfully And we’ve stuck to it. We’ve done pretty well. able to market a film where you have the Q. You also frequently post about your girlfriends — some of content. them famous. What do those friendships mean to you?

“If content is the king, then It’s so much the era of women supporting women and it’s Ayushmann is the ruler of that kingheartening, it really is. It makes you feel good, particularly for dom. He has an understanding of a good the younger generation. And we want to collaborate with each script. From Vicky Donor till now, he has other…. Women together collectively can make powerful things chosen interesting stories that he would happen and tell great stories. And we’ve always had great stohave like to watch as an audience.” ries. … We haven’t created the space for that, for those stories The actor is happy with more and to live. And now finally having come out of the #MeToo movemore actors signing up for content-drivment and followed by the #TimesUp movement our voices are en films. (Indian Express) being heard and space is being created and it’s good news. …

I’ve seen a really, really dramatic visible change in this time and I’m so glad to have witnessed it. (Indian Express)

Rarely you receive a script that you feel grateful to be part of: Sayani Gupta

S

ayani Gupta believes she has successfully straddled between mainstream and independent cinema but the actor says she is currently not picking any commercial movie due to paucity of time.

The actor said she chooses meaty roles in independent films over less exciting mainstream offers.

“I have done Margarita with a Straw, Parched with Jagga Jasoos, Jolly LLB 2, Baar Baar Dekho. I have been able to balance. But in the last one and a half year, I did not have a single day off. I was doing Four More Shots, I did a British series and then I did two films. I had no time. You need to have time to say yes. I don’t have the dates.

“I did Article 15 because one of my films got cancelled. In the commercial space in the last year, I haven’t got anything that is super exciting for me to do.

I have said no to three big films that are yet to be released because the roles were not meaty,” Sayani told PTI in an interview here.

After Mulk, Anubhav Sinha had offered Sayani a film – a farcical comedy, but things did not work out and then Article 15 happened.

“He liked my work in Jolly LLB 2 and since then we both have been wanting to work with each other for a while. Things were not working. Even this time when ‘Article 15’ came up I had a Bengali film

already in my hand. But I got to know that the Bengali movie is not happening and my dates just freed up.”

According to Sayani, Anubhav was initially a bit apprehensive to cast her as a Dalit woman in the crime-drama, after her last outing as a glamorous girl in web-series Four More Shots.

The film, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead, is based on Article 15 of the Indian Constitution which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

Sayani believes Anubhav has presented an honest take on discrimination through the film.

“When I was reading the script, I couldn’t put it down, I was crying, smiling, was overjoyed and very rarely you come across a script that you feel really grateful to be part of it. He had written the story with so much honesty and right intent.

“It is an entertaining investigative drama, which is funny, satirical, heartbreaking at some places. It was a tight script. He has a balanced way of looking at it,” she said.

The actor said discrimination of any sorts should be eradicated for a country to progress.

“It should be part of our day-to-day dialogue, conversation and awareness.

You have to take care of those who are in less advantage position and you have to

Alia Bhatt launches YouTube channel “I

have always been a super expressive person.

Somewhere I have become a little more private after I became an actor,” citing this as the reason, Alia Bhatt on Wednesday launched her YouTube channel with much gusto.

The actor, who is currently busy with the much-anticipated film Brahmastra, took time off to try her hand at exploring the world of YouTube. The 26-year-old star is already the reigning queen of other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. But according to Alia, through small YouTube videos, her fans will get an insight into her personal life and what it takes to be a star.

In the first video, where Alia Bhatt introduces the channel to her fans, we get to see several snippets from her

real life. From recording the “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” video which she shared on social media last year, to doing hair and make-up in 44 degrees in Benaras for Brahmastra and even shooting the song “Ikk Kudi”, which she crooned along with Diljit Dosanjh in Udta

Punjab, Alia shares what all went behind the scenes, including funny instances.

“What you’ll get to see on my YouTube channel is a lot of me being totally unadulterated, what goes behind the scenes.

Good days, bad days, funny days, hectic days, simple days, sweet days, just days,” she shares.

Alia Bhatt will be sharing screen space with real-life beau Ranbir Kapoor in her next, Ayan Mukerji directed Brahmastra, that also stars Amiabh Bachchan, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Dimple Kapadia and Mouni Roy. The film’s title logo was revealed amid much fanfare in March this year. The superhero sci-fi film is scheduled to release in the summer of 2020. (Indian

Express)

Crossword Solution

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 30, 2019

Fun Times

Archie

Take a breather and rejuvenate your body, mind and (March 21spirit.

Make plans with a loved April 19) one. Having something to look forward to will bring you and a special someone closer together. Romance is encouraged.

ARIES

Think before you make TAURUS an irreversible change. A (April 20- hasty decision will lead to reMay 20) gret. Bide your time and consider talking to someone you trust to help you revamp your plans.

Don’t react to something GEMINI that may get you into trou(MAY 28- ble with a loved one. Keep a June 20) lid on your feelings and intentions for the time being.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Secrets are meant to be kept. You’ll score more points if you are trustworthy and offer insight and sound advice. Question motives if someone pries or meddles in your affairs.

Jump into the spotlight.

A social event will lead to a chance encounter. Focus on what you do best if you want to make a lasting impression. Romance is in the stars.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

It’s probably best not to take on additional work or make promises that you will have trouble fulfilling. You should be aiming to ease stress, not trying to be superhuman.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Attending a reunion will lead to an interesting turn of events. You will meet someone who will have an impact on the way you do things moving forward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Calvin and Hobbes AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

A joint venture may not go as anticipated. Be on guard, but don’t rule out following through with your plans. Ask questions and contribute only as much as you wish.

Trying to please everyone won’t lead to success or satisfaction. Protect yourself from people who take advantage of you. Acquire a minimalist attitude and avoid excess and indulgence.

If you don’t share your plans, you’ll end up in a compromising position. Honesty and integrity should guide you to do what’s right and best for everyone.

There is plenty to do and to decide. You can get ahead if you reveal what you want to unfold to those who can help you achieve your goal.

You will end up in a tugof-war and an unsavory situation. Put a stop to what’s happening before it has a chance to grow out of control.

Take charge.