Guyana Times Sunday May 12, 2019

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3915 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Govt lacks political will to address conflicts of interest – economist Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Probe into Demerara River crossing tendering

Jagdeo slams sloth in charging Minister P7

…Guyana has numerous gaps in procurement system ‒ GCCI President 4-year APNU/AFC anniversary

Govt gets F grade on ‘accomplishments’, corruption fight – MP …cites 4-year record of unaddressed scandals

Losing their mom for Mother’s Day: Triplets tell their story

Page 7

Deaths of children at GPHC

Guyana Medical Page Council 2 concludes probe into doctors conduct …files sent to Disciplinary Committee

Prisoner dies after mistakenly drinking poison P16

See story on page 10

Interior P15 Police commence birth, migrant registration

Putting on brave faces despite their circumstances.

Triplets Jenepher, Jescia and Johanna Pensammy remember their mother whom they lost two weeks ago (Andrew Carmichael photo)

PTA fumes over non-action to rectify P8 unsanitary conditions at Anna Regina schools

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Deaths of children at GPHC

Guyana Medical Council concludes probe into doctors’ conduct …files sent to Disciplinary Committee

M

ore than three months have passed since the deaths of three juveniles occurred at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and although two independent investigations into those matters have been concluded, sanctions, if any, are yet to be imposed.

Chairman of the Guyana Medical Council, Dr Navindranauth Rambarran, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Saturday said that the Guyana Medical Council has concluded its probe into the deaths and the files have been sent to the council’s Disciplinary Committee.

“All I could say on the issue is that the issue is now engaging the disciplinary committee at the medical council. But the course of natural justice has to take its path. So I cannot comment on that further,” Dr Rambarran said.

With regard to the doctors who were found in the initial probe by the hospital to be negligent of following protocol, and who are still on the job, Dr Rambarran

explained that it is not the role of the Guyana Medical Council to interfere in those operations but rather, the Disciplinary Committee has to do its work.

GPHC, earlier this year, concluded its own probe into the matter, which found that the medical personnel did not follow the established protocol in administering drugs to the three children who died earlier this year.

In March last, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) of Guyana, Dr Karen Gordon-Campbell, told the media that the doctors who treated the three juvenile leukaemia patients who later died at the GPHC administered the drugs incorrectly. Instead of intrathecal administration of the drug vincristine, they administered it intravenously.

It was this that led to the adverse reactions of those three children and ultimately their deaths.

She explained that investigations revealed that protocols the medical practitioners should have followed would have stipulated which drug has to be administered

“when and where.”

“It wasn’t a question of dosage but administration in terms of where it was administered. That was done incorrectly. The dosages would have been fine but in terms of where they administered what,” the Deputy CMO explained.

She stated that the three medical personnel involved in the matters were aware that they had broken protocol but not at the initial stage of administering the medicinal drugs to those patients.

“The reasons that were given encompassed the fact that they were stretched and maybe not fully attentive at the time. That pretty much is the long and short of the reasons given but I don’t think that initially they realised. But eventually, when they recognised that the patients were deteriorating when they checked they realised their mistake.”

Deficiencies

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the GPHC, Kesaundra Alves told the media that an internal investigation by the hos-

Six-year-old Sharezer Mendonca

pital’s administration into the circumstances surrounding the treatment of three leukaemia patients and their subsequent adverse reactions has revealed that human deficiencies and systemic challenges contributed to the demise of those three children.

“Statements were solicited from the parties directly or indirectly involved and parties who were witnesses or otherwise privy to pertinent information that could

Three-year-old Roshini Seegobin

assist with the investigation.

The Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr Jeffery, submitted his final report to the Chief Executive Officer on January 28, 2019.

That report concluded that human deficiencies and systemic challenges contributed to the demise of the three children.”

She stated that an independent investigation by the Public Health Ministry was also launched and findings were similar to those of the

GPHC’s; non-adherence to the hospital’s protocols led to the three young children succumbing at the GPHC. Since the deaths occurred, parents and other activists have been calling for the suspension of medical licenses of those doctors responsible for the deaths of seven-yearold Curwayne Edwards on January 14, three-year-old Roshini Seegobin on January 18 and six-year-old Sharezer Mendonca on January 24.

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt lacks political will to address conflicts of interest – economist

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…Guyana has numerous gaps in procurement system – GCCI President

W

ith allegations of conflicts of interest and corruption besetting the Government over the past few months, questions are being asked over whether Government just lacks the political will to meaningfully address these issues.

During an appearance on the Globespan24x7 Town Hall panel discussion on Saturday, Economist Sasenarine Singh referred to some of the recent scandals, including the case of Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes and her company, Videomega Productions, receiving Government contracts.

According to Singh, who is a former member of the Alliance For Change, the fact that a Minister’s company can get Government contracts and there is no action taken against her by her Government or even an investigation, shows there is no commitment and political will to genuinely clean up conflicts of interest at the top.

“Obviously Guyana is a far way off from the (anti-corruption) standards of the United States. But if you look at the laws Guyana has, Guyana has a fair amount of laws covering a wide angle of things.

The problem in Guyana is enforcement of the laws.”

“And it’s because the regulators are always fearful that the political people will come for them. So everyone walks on eggshells, so to speak. We saw the other day some low level officer in the Ministry of Finance was going in after six into the safe room, tampering with documents. It has become a culture within the public procurement

From left: GCCI President Nicholas Boyer; Economist Sase Singh; Marketing Executive and political strategist, Salaudeen Nausrudeen; and political strategist, Dr Bishnu Ragoonauth of UWI, during their discussion on Saturday

system, that everything is a hustle.”

At his last press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had also addressed Minister Hughes’ matter and had compared it with former Housing Minister Valarie Patterson-Yearwood, who was transferred to another Ministry after revelations that her husband was getting contracts from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

“We have a Minister who got a contract in her own Ministry,” Jagdeo had said. “So if you move one in the public interest because her husband got a contract from her Ministry, what about the Minister who got a contract in her Ministry?”

Gaps Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Nicholas Boyer was also a part of the Globespan panel discussion. He made it clear that while there is a Public Procurement Commission

(PPC) and laws governing procurement, there are still gaps and issues with enforcing the law.

“I think the public procurement system has a number of gaps. We have to give some credit to the Government, that they implemented the Procurement Commission.

But there are still gaps,” he said.

“Contract splitting has been an issue. You have the direct conflict of interest where you have people who are in public positions holding private interests in companies. And when they’re going up for work, it is either felt that the work was not publicly tendered. Or if the work was publicly tendered, the companies did not report who were the direct owners.”

“In the oil industry, they are very beholden

to the US foreign corrupt practices Act. And when you go into their procurement systems, they require you to declare the ultimate beneficiaries and politically exposed persons.”

As a consequence, Boyer noted that foreign companies cannot do business with local suppliers who have any connections whatsoever to corrupt practices or conflicts of interest with politicians. Such connections, he said, have to be publicly declared.

“Secondly, there must be no pay to play kind of thing going on. So these are things we need to inculcate in our Government procurement. The gaps in our procurement are allowing these situations to coming about. And as long as these gaps are there, no matter who is in power they will exist.”

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SUnDAY, may 12, 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

Editorial

Constitutional democracy, not monarchy

T

he arguments made by the Government lawyers and others to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), seeking to deny that the No-confidence Motion was validly passed by our National Assembly on December 21, 2018, forced one participant to observe that the Government is suffering from the misapprehension that they are ruling Guyana as a monarchy rather than as a Republic. And it is this misapprehension that has brought us to the pass where even the August Justices had to wonder wistfully why the case in front of them had to be brought and not settled through discussion and negotiation. Monarchs, after all, rule by divine right and have no need to consult anyone before they issue edicts.

This was brought out clearly when the Government’s lawyers insisted that the President’s discretion to appoint the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission GECOM should be totally “unfettered” – not even having to offer reasons for rejecting names proffered by the Opposition Leader. The incredulous Court had to inquire as to the purpose of the change wrought to the Constitution after the Herdmanston Accord, when the extant unilateral and “unfettered” discretion was modified by Article 162 (2). This introduced the requirement that the President could only act unilaterally when the Opposition Leader did not submit a list of six names.

The Government’s lawyers were not engaging in some creative concoction to further their principal’s case but in fact were faithfully representing President Granger’s position from the onset. In fact, the latter was even more extreme in rejecting the constitutional change away from unilateralism, when he derided as “perception” the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag) in the High Court that the candidate for the position did not only have to be a Judge as previously was these case since the insertion of the phrase “or any other fit and proper person” irrevocably opened up the field of choice.

This Government needs to be reminded, as the Justices of the CCJ each did by implication on separate occasions as they tutored the Government’s lawyers, that Guyana is a “democratic sovereign State” (Article 1) and that “sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives…” (Article 9). And as the High Court and the Appellate Court asserted recently, our Constitution has a “basic structure” that demands only the “sovereign people” can alter the substance of the values enshrined by Articles 1 and 9. And the President certainly could not do so as he and his representatives were petitioning the CCJ to do.

There was, for example, the insistence by the Government’s lawyers that the “representatives of the people” – the Members of Parliament – who were exercising the latter’s “sovereignty” – could not vote their conscience but had to toe the party line like automatons. As one of the CCJ Justices had to ask pointedly, what then was the purpose of Article 106 (6), which was under question and which allowed a motion of confidence? If the MPs that constituted the Government’s majority were compelled to vote for it, would not the exercise be moot?

The tradition of the government retaining the support of the majority of the people’s representatives in the Assembly is a fundamental tenet of constitutional democracy, since it is only through their unfettered acts can they exercise the people’s sovereignty to give or withdraw legitimacy to the Government. To hold that the party’s position takes precedence over the will of the people via their representatives is a retrograde position that is reminiscent of Charles I entry into the House of Commons to seize five MPs who “remonstrated” him over his high-handed actions.

The Speaker famously defied the King, who not long after, literally lost his head.

As both the High and Appellate Courts have held, Article 156 (3)’s directive that the representative disqualifies himself from holding his seat if he declares he would not support his party, only applies prospectively after the implicit or explicit act. To hold otherwise, would be to deny the representative using his conscience on behalf of his constituency.

This mother and her daughters were seen by Guyana Times photographer Dexter Ceres, displaying their very well decorated hats at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown

Venezuela’s Guaidó promises to persevere despite crackdown

By Joshua Goodman

V

enezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó is looking to jumpstart his movement to oust Nicolás Maduro in the wake of last week’s failed military uprising, promising to persevere in the face of a deepening crackdown.

In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Guaidó reiterated his willingness to consider inviting foreign troops to force Maduro from power, echoing the line from Washington that “all options” are on the table for dealing with Venezuela’s rapidly-escalating crisis.

He blamed the socialist leader for blocking all attempts to negotiate a solution and noted: “The biggest obstacle to that is Maduro.”

The 35-year-old National Assembly President, who the US and some 50 other countries recognise as Venezuela’s rightful leader, sat for the interview at his party’s headquarters two days after the number two leader in congress was jailed and as several other lawmakers took refuge in foreign embassies.

All are facing arrest for joining Guaidó and a small cadre of security forces in a military rebellion April 30 that was the closest the Opposition has come in years to overthrowing Maduro.

Yet, Guaidó isn’t showing signs of fatigue.

He talks serenely and smiles widely when well-wishers huddle with him in prayer. While the Maduro Government hasn’t dared arrest him – the US has warned of severe consequences should he be harmed – he said security forces who track his every move could “kidnap” him at any time. Meanwhile, his fellow activist wife and twoyear-old daughter have been living outside Venezuela for

months.

“There’s a movement made up of a majority that’s in the streets and that’s not going to change no matter how much they hit us,” he said. “The one thing the dictatorship fears most is hope.”

But observers note the fresh-faced Opposition Leader may be running out of options.

Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with the Crisis Group in Caracas, said after the failed military rebellion, it seems unlikely that the US will carry through on threats of military action.

“He’s in a bind,” Gunson said. “If the repression is going to continue at this level, it’s going to be difficult to keep up his campaign of mass mobilisation because people are going to be too scared to go out on the streets.”

In the current stalemate, Gunson said negotiations are the Opposition’s best exit strategy. But demands that Maduro step aside as a precondition for talks are no longer a real possibility.

“They already played their best hand,” he said, referring to the Opposition.

Nonetheless, Guaidó said winning over the military is possible and requires greater outreach so that troops understand they won’t be targeted if they flip. He said most top commanders and their troops already despise Maduro and are only feigning loyalty to him because they are under constant surveillance by Cuban and Venezuelan secret Police.

“What keeps Maduro in power, and we’ve witnessed more openly in recent hours, is terror,” Guaidó said.

Guaidó, a previously unknown lawmaker, revived the flagging Opposition movement when he declared himself interim President in January, accusing Maduro of breaking the constitutional

order when he claimed victory in elections widely seen as lacking legitimacy after several opponents were barred from running.

His humble roots and unpretentious speech have endeared him to struggling Venezuelans and managed to keep together an unruly Opposition coalition frequently torn apart by battling egos and strategic differences.

But old fractures are re-emerging as some blame prominent activist Leopoldo Lopez, who fled house arrest to stand alongside Guaidó in the uprising, for overplaying his hand. After the putsch failed, Maduro ordered Lopez’s arrest and the former Caracas area mayor fled to the Spanish Ambassador’s residence, where he is holed up.

Lopez, who was arrested in 2014, is one of Venezuela’s shrewdest political operators who even while in state custody worked behind the scenes to promote Guaido’s rise when few Venezuelans had even heard of his name. But he’s also been dogged by criticism that he overestimates his own strength and takes ill-advised risks.

When pressed, Guaidó refused to criticise his mentor, noting that this was not the time to focus on personal ambitions. Guaidó said he is grateful for support from the US, which has slapped severe oil sanctions on Venezuela and sent several planeloads of aid to bordering countries as part of a failed opposition plan to open a humanitarian corridor. With delivery of that aid unlikely for now, he said he’s willing to donate some of it to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is working with the Maduro Government to distribute supplies.

He said sanctions aren’t to blame for Venezuela’s col-

Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó

lapse, as the Government contends, but are nonetheless succeeding in squeezing Maduro’s ability to buy support through corruption.

“Without hesitation they’ve called Maduro what he is: a dictator,” he said of the Trump Administration. But as the impasse with Maduro has dragged on, America’s interest could begin to wane.

Last week, Trump directly contradicted earlier statements by his own national security team that Russia has been propping up the socialist leader with military and financial support. Instead, the US President said, Russian President Vladimir Putin was not “involved” and only wants “positive” things for Venezuela.

Guaidó downplayed Trump’s comments, saying they were “just a different way of reaching out to Russia.”

Meanwhile, he said he was encouraged by recent comments by China’s Government that it would step up its work with the EU and the international community to support political dialogue. Coming from Venezuela’s biggest creditor and a Maduro ally, the remarks were seen as something of an endorsement for the International Contact Group, an EU-led initiative that is seeking to promote early elections – something Maduro has steadfastly refused to consider. (AP News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, may 12, 2019

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

Neil Boston’s presentation to CCJ highlights what danger lies ahead Dear Editor, Those three days of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) proceedings were an eye opener for many of us in the rational middle, who are wedded to the principles of democracy and genuine human development, unlike the political class that follows this list and that list submissively. It is this “falla the leader” mentality that has rendered Guyana into a human underdeveloped wasteland although it haas the greatest potential wealth within Caricom.

So to listen to the licentiousness preached by no less than a Senior Counsel in defence of the ruling political class at the CCJ was just shocking.

I was able to reconcile what I heard with my own ears from the CCJ on GlobeSpan 24x7 to what was printed in the Guyana Chronicle, a paper that I rarely read (I deliberately chose the Chronicle for this occasion).

This is what Neil Boston, SC, was heard saying and was quoted in the Guyana Chronicle “the Guyana Constitution was amended to prohibit Members of Parliament (MPs) from voting against their list….”

This declaration leads one to wonder, are there only rubber stamps in Parliament? If the inten-

tion was to have the 65 MPs slavishly follow the list, then we do not need them. In such a circumstance, we need at most five rubber stamps. A Leader of Government Business, maybe a Government Chief Whip, a Leader of the Opposition, maybe an Opposition Chief Whip and a Speaker who does everything the Executive President instructs and at the end of their sitting, they will all hold hands and sing “God save the king”. At least the food and drinks bill from Parliament would have been reduced from $700,000 per sitting to about $50,000; a great saving to the people.

Furthermore, if we are to follow Boston, we do not even need a National Assembly because the President will then serve the role as both the Executive and Legislative and assume the role of a Monarch, Tsar and Emperor. But this was never what the founding fathers and mothers intended when they petitioned the British to free themselves from the Queen of England as they held hands and collectively adopted the status as the world’s first Cooperative Republic in 1970.

My forefathers wanted to be free of the Monarchy and, therefore, one must understand that there is no role

in these modern times for a King Granger. No. But enough of this fairytale fantasy of Boston. The framers of the Constitution, however flawed that document, did have one fundamental thought set in mind – checks and balances.

That is why they have established a framework that protects the independence of the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive with clear roles.

The Legislature makes the law, the Judiciary interprets the law and the Executive enforces the law.

If the Constitution wanted the National Assembly to be a rubber stamp, it would have said so.

Lastly, Charrandas Persaud was one of the 25 MPs who came from the geographic list as the representative of the people from the Corentyne. There were good reasons why he was placed as the lead MP for the coalition from that district. If this list system was all that matters, then you could put up any “PNC rum bogies (sageewangs)” from Berbice who would not even have to campaign and they would have won because the people of Corentyne so loved the PNC and their list. No, Editor, there is merit to the argument that Persaud made a difference for the PNC-led list in the

2015 general elections because of his social and legal advocacy in the Corentyne area. He was well liked in 2015 and he is well loved now by the people of Corentyne. In the books of the majority of the people of Corentyne, Charrandas Persaud is their hero for his willingness to stand up to the current oppression in the sugar belt.

Boston can better serve himself if he understands the concept that you should only resort to legal distortions if your commitment to humanity, the rule of law and politics is shallow.

If your commitment to humanity, politics and the rule of law is deep, then you need not be afraid to speak the truth.

Boston’s presentation was an unfortunate performance and it highlights what danger lies ahead.

These 8 per cent of folks will stop at nothing to keep the status quo in place, where a minority has imposed their ways on a majority since December 21, 2018. But if precedence from the CCJ is my guide, then we all will learn shortly how to put constitutional order back in place.

Win or lose, the judgment will be good for Guyana. Therefore, I call on all law-abiding Guyanese to accept the judgement. Win

Communities Ministry stifling local authority system Dear Editor, The Ministry of Communities has made a mockery of the Local Government Elections (LGE) system, as it relates to the binding legal framework for the expected necessary Government to provide support, contrary to the expectations of elected councils, however, the Ministry has been partisan and administratively suppressive in the context of Local Government jurisdiction. Their adjusted strategy is now premised on countering lost image in view of the obviously inexorable elections. As such, the Government has set about creating another deceptive framework intent on fooling citizens with undelivered promises.

It is a fact which should be widely recognised that the Government, over the past three years, through their Ministry of Communities, imposed policies to take the wind out of the sail of councils won by the PPP/C. This turned out to be futile in light of the LGE results, forging some very desperate measures. Administratively, they initially moved to deflate decisions made by the councils by flagrantly encouraging abuse of au-

thority by Overseers and Regional Executive Officers (REOs). The Ministry of Communities has been commandeering and approving actions by these officers regarding where finances should be expended which run in conflict with decisions made by councils.

One can obviously deduce from the Ministry’s concurrent actions that they seek to run things at the NDCs from the inside.

The Government imposition of delaying tactics related to the full establishment of the Local Government Commission (LGC) has been deliberate, given that this entity has the constitutional authority for investigating and monitoring Local Authority Area Councils.

This is clear after the numerous delays and continued manipulating manoeuvres which negatively affect the timely release of appropriated financial appropriations for the effective operations of the LGC. It is quite embarrassing that the cabal seems to have succeeded in pauperising and limiting the investigative teeth of the LGC, which in effect, makes the entity an ineffective paper tiger. Chairpersons

of LAA Councils have informed that the LGC frequently fails to formally acknowledge or treat with convenient speed, their complaints and reports. At the same time, the Governmentappointed Chairman and leaders of the Commission remain disappointingly silent. It is notable that the Ministry continues to drive a system in which approvals of spending on projects by NDCs are subject to approval by Government controlled REOs when such actions fall under the functional mandate of the LGC. This situation runs counter to the position of Government Ministers who were part of the Select Committee of the National Assembly prior to 2015. The records of Parliament confirm that they advocated for amendments now adopted in existing legislation that correctly recognises the need for expansive empowerment at the Local Authority level together with appropriate monitoring by the LGC. Now that they have been found wanting for breach of contract to the people, however, the strategy has changed in accordance with their true nature. In reality, the new position can be

described as nothing but a woeful attempt to neutralise citizens’ rejection of their incompetent, fraudulent, vindictive and increasingly unpopular behaviour.

The sinister guile contemplated in the design of the so-called ‘bringing the Government to the people outreach’ approach is obvious. It is nothing but short of vacuous gaff intent on overriding the LAA Councils in some respect, which significantly undermines their empowerment while creating a false image of the Government’s ineptness in the system of local governance across the country.

They simply do not have the time to fulfil these promised announcements and it is evident that they are illegal and on borrowed time.

As if the foregoing is not shamefully revealing enough for the coalition, the appalling manipulation seems to be everywhere. It stems from the slaughtering the APNU/AFC received at the 2016 Local Government Elections when the PPP/C captured forty thousand votes more than the coalition.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

or lose, the politicians must meet the people at the ballot box shortly to settle this situation once and for all. At the end of the day, the voters of Guyana know

best and we did not need to spend over $100 million in legal fees to know this fact.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Why were 6 Govt Ministers at the CCJ? Dear Editor, It is with great dismay that I observed the presence of no less than six Ministers of Guyana’s Government in attendance as ‘observers’ during proceedings at the Caribbean Court of Justice.

None of these Ministers is directly involved in any of the cases being heard.

Christopher Ram has already raised a valid question of taxpayers funding this cheerleading exercise.

What concerns me most is the early corruption of two new Members of Parliament (MP) and Ministers, namely, Ministers Tabitha SaraboHalley (Public Service) and Hemraj Rajkumar (Business).

These two Ministers have only been appointed two weeks ago, it is not unreasonable for the taxpaying citizens to expect service given the hefty remuneration and benefits packages that accompany the job.

However, the two Ministers find themselves in the viewing gallery of the CCJ and not performing the functions of their offices.

Instead of immediate focus on the job, these two

Ministers have been handed titles and asked to perform political acts instead of honest labour to deliver service to the people of Guyana.

Editor, this pattern of corruption where political favours are asked of appointees and agencies is very much a feature of the Granger Administration with attending consequences. Familiarity breeds contempt. It has in the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), where the use of the agency for political witch hunting led to employees becoming corrupt by the thought of favours owed for partisan actions taken. It does not take much extrapolation to reach the conclusion that two new Ministers now feel special consideration is now owed for overt support given in person at the Caribbean Court of Justice.

The irony of being asked to perform a political act does them great harm and that point is sadly lost on them or perhaps refusal was not an option.

Regards, Roodi Balgobin

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sUNday, May 12, 2019

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Foundation

By Sarah Yang

Stumped on what to do for Mom this year? We asked some favourite bloggers for their best ways to celebrate with the family.

1. Scavenger hunt “Take mom on a scavenger hunt that leads to her favourite places or spots, like a coffee shop, a café for lunch, the spot in the park where she takes a morning run, or even under her pillow at home.

At each place, she gets a new note, drawing, or letter from a different member of the family telling her how much they love her so that she collects these notes and moments throughout the day. The kids get to be involved by making something for mom and getting to surprise her with these notes. Plus, the whole family gets to go on an adventure too!” – Joy Cho, ohjoy. blogs.com 2. Breakfast in bed “For me, the ideal Mother's Day begins with cuddling in bed with my kids, a decadent breakfast cooked by my husband (think rich, custard-y French toast), and is followed by an activity we will all enjoy— the key is to find something where I get to say yes more to the kids than I have to say no. The last two years, we've gone on a bike ride through the arboretum near our house to set up a picnic. I get to enjoy the flowers (and maybe a glass of rosé) and they get to climb rocks and

hunt for bugs.” – Ashley Muir Bruhn, hitherandthither.com 3. Outdoor activity “For Mother's Day we love being able to do things all together as a family. And our kids love being active of course, so whether it’s bringing a bat and whiffle ball to the yard for some impromptu baseball or getting the mats out to do some yoga poses doing it all together makes the best Mother's Day memories!” – Emily Frame, smallfryblog. com 4. Museum outing “Head to a museum! We love going to open studio sessions at the MoMA with the kids followed by brunch and walk on the Highline in New York City. Or another idea would be a day trip to Storm King in Hudson with a picnic on the grounds.” –Marissa Kraxberger, ladyandprince. com 5. Picnic time "I love family picnics! Pick up or pack your favourite lunch to enjoy on a beautiful spring day with your whole family. Don't forget your children's favourite outdoor activity to keep the kids busy. If you are lucky, you might buy yourself some quality one-on-one time with your spouse!” – Caroline Knapp, houseofharper. com

By Crystal Cox

A

mericans are expected to spend more than US$23.6 billion celebrating Mother’s Day this year. The average American is expected to spend US$186, according to the National Retail Federation.

So clearly, we are remembering our mothers. Yet, each year I am faced with the same question: What should I get my mama for Mother’s Day? How do I show my love?

Sometimes, to be quite honest, I get stuck. So this year I reflect: What do I want for Mother’s Day? What makes me feel special?

Mama’s eyes are so bright and blue they are almost blinding.

Her hugs are so warm they can light a fire.

Her kisses are so soft and warm I think it’s the sun.

Mama’s cooking is so delicious that I think I’m in food heaven.

I used to wonder why my mama said something homemade meant more than something bought, but now I understand. Hearing how my family feels about me is the best present. God teaches to, “honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). Honor your mom with your words this

6. Brunch and gardening “We have a Mother’s Day tradition in our home of making a big brunch together and then heading out to the nursery to pick out new plants, flowers, and pots to plant together outside. It’s fun for the kids and I get to make our patio spring-ready!” – James Kicinski-McCoy, bleubirdblog.com (www.realsimple.

If you’re stuck, too, here are three things most moms would love for you to do: 1. Relieve her of her duties I’m a wife, mother of two, human puppy mama, daughter, granddaughter, friend, and teacher. Like all mothers, I’m busy. Busy transporting kids, cleaning messes, giving advice, lending a hand, working a job, doing laundry, and attending meetings and events.

Nothing says, “I love you,” like walking into the house and finding my husband has already cleaned it. I love when my son or daughter does chores without being asked.

This Mother’s Day, relieve mom of her usual to-do’s by making it your responsibility. Plan the meal. Do the laundry. Help her catch up on something for work. Galatians 5:13 says, “through love serve one another.” Honor your mom by serving her this Mother’s Day. 2. Reassure her with your words In fourth grade, my son wrote a poem.

Mother’s Day. 3. Remember something she loves Whether it’s a special piece of jewelry she’s had her eye on or her favorite snacks, a thoughtful gift reminds your mom of how well you know her and that you’re thinking of her.

What does your mom love? Be creative.

One year for Mother’s Day, my husband surprised me with framed pictures of me and my son. The pictures were taken during a day together in the mountains. My husband knew I would love looking at those pictures and remembering an awesome day. Jesus gave. Love gives. Philippians 2:4 reminds, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Honor your mom by remembering what she loves on Mother’s Day. Make this Mother’s Day special for your mom and think about how you can hit one or all of these three Rs – giving her some relief and reassurance, and showing her you remembered. (newspring.cc)

news

Probe into Demerara River crossing tendering

Jagdeo slams sloth in charging Minister

– says SOCU completed investigation months ago

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

I

t is a case that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), set up by this very Government, has already found wrongdoing and pronounced on since August of last year but yet, despite an investigation from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), no charges have been filed.

The case in question is the single sourced contract to Dutch company LievenseCSO for a feasibility study into constructing a new Demerara River crossing. At his recent press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo questioned what he described as the “foot dragging”, especially when Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson was questioned by SOCU in relatio9n to the matter.

“Until now, we’re still waiting on SOCU for Patterson. They’ve completed the investigation but nobody is following up on this… about when charges will be laid against Patterson. Since January they have concluded the investigation, five months ago. The report was made since August 2018. And there’s evidence of the wrongdoing here. And no charges,” the Opposition Leader said.

Asked whether his concern over SOCU deviat-

7

SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

ing from its original mandate meant the agency should not handle the case, Jagdeo noted that he had no qualms with them handing the case over to the regular Police.

“I don’t have a problem with us shifting the Patterson issue over to the CID. Because SOCU already did the investigation. And if, in this case it’s a regular case of corruption and a report has been made, I don’t have a problem with any department of the Police Force doing this,” Jagdeo added.

A probe conducted by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), upon request from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), had flagged Patterson for requesting from Cabinet that the $148 million contract be sole-sourced instead of being processed through the Procurement Board as the law says should be done.

As a result of the findings, the Opposition last August asked the Guyana Police Force’s SOCU to investigate the PPC’s findings.

Based on a complaint filed by then Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, the Procurement Commission completed its investigation into the award of the contract for a feasibility study

on a new Demerara River bridge and handed its report over on August 7, 2018.

The report noted that several companies had bid for the project to do the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge and 12 companies were shortlisted. It further outlined that only two of the 12 companies had made proposals.

As such, the bidding process was annulled. It added that on November 12, 2016, the Tender Administration Board approved the move for the project to be re-tendered. The project was not re-tendered; instead, Dutch company LievenseCSO was engaged by the Public Infrastructure Ministry to do the work.

Page seven of the report noted that the bid from LievenseCSO was “unsolicited”, but Patterson took the company’s proposal to Cabinet for approval, and Cabinet granted approval for the company to be engaged. The report, on page seven, stated that monies to be spent on the project were taken from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Asphalt Plant Accounts).

It was subsequently announced that SOCU would be investigating the matter. Patterson submitted a statement to the investigative unit in September 2018, although this was criticised as the Opposition said the same standard utilised for questioning its members should apply to Government.

Around that time, Opposition politicians were being questioned at SOCU headquarters over other matters. After much pressure from the Opposition, SOCU did take the Minister in for questioning on November 19, 2018. The file has since been sent to the Guyana Police Force legal adviser.

4-year APNU/AFC anniversary

Govt gets F grade on ‘accomplishments’, corruption fight – MP

…cites 4-year record of unaddressed scandals

W

The Government celebrated four years in office on Friday

ith the coalition Government giving itself a pat on the back for its accomplishments over the past four years, a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament has debunked claims that the coalition is addressing issues like corruption.

In an interview with this publication, PPP Member of Parliament Juan Edghill pointed to several scandals that have rocked the Government during its four years in office, scandals which have gone largely unaddressed by the Government.

“The APNU/AFC is living in a bubble of self-deception,” he said. “The standards they are measuring themselves by are not standards considered acceptable and normal. Their perfor-

mance as it relates to governances and rule and law has been pathetic.”

“As it relates to corruption, it has affected from the top right down to the bottom.

And these are not mere allegations. These are real issues and no amount of playing it down will cause it to disappear. The fact that there was a No-confidence vote against them was a clear case that their scorecard was way below an F grade,” Edghill told this newspaper.

According to Edghill, Government has been embroiled in trying to explain the unexplainable. He pointed to the lofty promises they made before they got into office, of their determination to fight for good governance and the rule of law and expressed disappointment in what has actually happened

Member of Parliament Juan Edghill

since.

“They are incapable of regulating themselves.

With the Sussex Street bond, they say they are doing an investigation. They put Government Ministers to investigate, they say better could have been done and after millions, better was not done.”

“With D’Urban Park, they try to deceive the people of Guyana that no Government money was spending. Now the Auditor General can’t find receipts for millions. The very same things they say they are not guilty of; they are guilty of.”

The Government heralded its four-year anniversary on Friday with a statement hailing its achievements over the time it has been in office. turn to page 15

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Traffic Chief appeals to drivers to take caution on wet roads

T

he rainy season is known to bring along with it many things and road fatalities just happen to be one of those that cannot be accepted. This is according to Traffic Chief Linden Isles, who on Friday appealed to drivers to be extra careful on the wet roads.

The Traffic Chief explained to this publication that road accidents and fatalities have increased for this year. This was seen when figures were compared with those for last year for the same period.

“We had 35 accidents with 39 deaths last year up to today’s date and in 2019, we got 38 accidents with 40 deaths, an increase of accidents by eight per cent and deaths by two per cent,” he said.

In light of this, the Traffic Chief is calling on all road users to be careful on the wet roadways.

“When the road surface is wet, there is less friction between the tyres and the roadway so if brakes is applied vehicles tend to skid and the drivers tend sometimes to drive in water that causes water to spill on pedestri-

Traffic Chief Linden Isles

ans and we know that while inclement weather is on, we have to reduce our speed because braking distance, when brakes is applied the vehicle will travel a longer distance before it can come to a standstill,” he explained.

The Traffic Chief made specific reference to the fact that extra care must be exercised at night when it rains as the drivers’ visibility will be affected.

“Because of the weather the vision is reduced so I would urge them to reduce speed and be more careful, think of the five C’s. Care, caution, consideration, cour-

tesy and common sense.

Especially at nights because the vision would be far more less because of the weather so they will have to drive within their lights, don’t try to outdrive their lights,” he cautioned.

On Tuesday last, Guyana Times reported that one man died while two were left in a serious condition after the minibus in which they were travelling plunged into a trench at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara.

The dead man was identified as 34-year-old Michael Cozier of Lot 3 Charlestown, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 22:50h as the minibus, bearing registration number BXX 3014 was heading to Georgetown at a fast rate of speed and while in the vicinity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Army Corps, the driver lost control.

This resulted in the minibus toppling several times before coming to a halt in the trench. At the time of the accident, there were reportedly seven passengers in the minibus including a Police

Constable, Linden Charles, and Devon Benjamin.

About a week prior, a 31-year-old office assistant of a mining company died after he reportedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving along the Rupert Craig Highway, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Videsh Lakeram Singh of Kitty, Georgetown, while his friend, Rakesh Ramsaroop, a customer service representative at Qualfon Communications, was nursing injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports are Singh was speeding at about 23:00h that evening in the vicinity of Liliendaal, ECD, when he lost control of motorcar PLL 4706.

According to the police, Singh’s vehicle was proceeding east along the northern lane of the northern carriageway at a fast rate of speed and while negotiating a turn, he lost control of the motorcar. The vehicle veered north into a nearby drain and toppled several times before coming to a halt.

Several other fatalities were recorded during April.

PTA fumes over non-action to rectify unsanitary conditions at Anna Regina schools

T

he Parent Teachers’ Association of the CV Nunes Primary School in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), has called out the Regional Education Department over its non-action to rectify unsanitary conditions at the school.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Chairman of the PTA Rasheeda Persaud said that she is at her wits

Acting Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah stands next to a condemned septic tank near the Anna Regina Nursery School which poses a danger to children

end with the situation of the sanitary block of the CV Nunes Primary School. On Friday, the media and acting Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah were invited to the school to have a firsthand look at the washroom facility. During the visit, it was observed that some of the toilets at the school were not functioning and the few operational ones, including the male urinals, are overflowing. The PTA Chairman noted that the septic tank is in a terrible condition and needs flushing out. The drainage pipes, which are underground, are too small and silted up, causing overtopping of the septic tank. That waste then flows into the drains around the school and when it rains the situation is worse, the PTA Chairman said. There are some 750 students at the leading learning institution.

The acting Regional Chairperson also visited the Anna Regina Nursery School, where concerned parents reported of a condemned septic tank, which

is located in front of the school’s building with a broken, opened top which is covered with a zinc sheet.

Parents are fearful for their children’s safety and are calling for the immediate dismantle and removal of the condemned septic tank.

The concerned parents also complained that despite numerous reports, no action has been taken to rectify the situation.

One parent told this publication that some months ago, two regional workers visited the compound to examine the situation but nothing has happened since that initial assessment.

The acting Regional Chairperson said that she is very disappointed with the pace of work and the way things are being done in the region.

She said she will be advocating for immediate action to be taken to fix the problems in the school system including the furnishing of teachers’ living quarters in the interior locations within the region.

Back to square one…

T

…on meaning of “majority”

he PNC/AFC Government insisted on playing hopscotch over our Constitution; so, not surprisingly, we’re back to square one!! To wit, why wasn’t the NCM passed, when the Speaker and the National Assembly affirmed on Dec 21 that it was; and it was then accepted by the President? All was going hunky dory, excepting Amna Ally, the Government’s Chief Whip, who was ruing the day she taunted the PPP by saying, “Bring it on, baby!!”

The PPP did bring it on, and before the night was over, “some a dem a hallah and some a dem a bawl!!”

Cries of anguish, “No, Charrandas! Noooo!!” filled the airwaves from one distraught PNC female MP from the interior, while the PNC MP from Linden viciously elbowed the said Charrandas from the AFC, who had the temerity to vote his conscience.

The Government had bragged about “democracy working” in Guyana with the NCM! PM Nagamootoo even boasted the PPP had cogged his phrasing of the NCM he’d brought in 2014! Then thrown a straw about cutting MPs in half to calculate an “absolute majority” of 65, the PNC/AFC desperately clutched at it and headed to the courts.

Knowing they never had a leg to stand on - much less a legal theory - they fell back on the mathematical concoction that had been invented for totally different circumstances. And the High Court - in the person of none other than the Chief Justice (ag) - threw them out on their ears!!

But winning the case was not the point; delaying the elections from the constitutionally mandated three months was what they now wanted, so that their plan to “fix” the election could kick-in. Enter the tag-team tactic with GECOM - now controlled by the Granger unilaterally appointed Chairman, Patterson - to wrestle the PPP to the ground over house-to-house registration till 2020, when first oil would start flowing!! They therefore trooped over to the Appellate Court, where some chips were called in and two of the three Justices - including the Chancellor (ag) - shockingly ruled in their favour.

These two were definitely falling on their swords, since they’d never be able to regain any credibility in the Commonwealth judicial fraternity for accepting the cockamamie argument to declare that 33 wasn’t greater than 32 - when it was on this basis that the Government WAS the Government!!

The CCJ’s already repeated the point made by the Chief Justice earlier: that any so-called “absolute” majority was defined by the Constitution as the majority of ALL 65 members voting; as opposed to a “simple” majority, which is the majority of whoever are present.

So, next week, the CCJ will tell us 33’s greater than 32!! And then on to elections on square two!!

…on naked threats

Once again, Basil Williams demonstrated to the worldwide legal fraternity - thanks to the new communications technology - what a mediocre lawyer he is. One wonders why he was awarded silk by Granger.

Surely it couldn’t be for being possessed of any legal acumen, since he’s the losingest AG in our history.

This was painfully evident in his presentation to the CCJ panel. But he took cover among the battery of highpriced lawyers from foreign, whom they’d hired. They were just as clueless as he was!

Your Eyewitness wondered where the five old heads were, who’d been hired to whisper legal maxims into Williams’s ears when he was flummoxed, as he frequently was. One of them had even sat on the CCJ benches, and - unlike the five cheerleaders - might’ve warned Williams when he was entering choppy waters.

As for instance, when he asked the Bench to ignore legal precedents, since that would torpedo Government’s case. He pleaded that that would lead to “unrest”.

Sounds like a threat, since PNC has a monopoly on “unrest”!

…on corruption

On its 4th anniversary, the PNC/AFC Government issued a panegyric to itself. It insisted, “No government before has done more within such a short span of time.”

Done more what? Looted more per annum that any other administration?

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

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Business community feels “backlash” of No-confidence Motion cases – GCCI …investors want stability – PSC

G

uyana has been placed under the spotlight once again with regard to the legal battle over the validly of the No-Confidence Motion passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. However, as these legal battles continue, the business community is impacted as the uncertainty of the cases have had adverse effects on this section of society.

This is according to President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer, who during a live broadcast on Globespan 24x7 on Saturday said that the arguments put forward at the Caribbean Court of Justice over the past few days also give the impression that “things are being stymied” in the country.

“All of this back and forth and fighting is without kind of coming to a firm, settled position where you have a Government in place that is legitimate and there, not one that is well may be legitimate, may not be legitimate, depending on how this case goes, has affected business.

The Chamber had done a survey and had shown almost two-thirds of businesses are feeling some effect since this No-Confidence Motion case has been brought so you clearly have

that impacting the business climate. So that’s the thing that is being affected the most by this case and we want to come to some sort of finality,” he explained.

According to Boyer, pres-

her services if the coalition Administration is booted out of office.

Likewise, he pointed out that there are consequences in relation to potential international investors and even the ones who are presently doing business with or in “I think what it has done Guyana. is put us in the spotlight “It has real confor almost a comical case. sequences…and if you are an internaI mean going back to the investor you fact of the matter is clearly tional are going to say that everybody with common I made treaties with sense understands what we this Government but felt should have happened. if it changes will it recognised? Or And it seems to be that you be will there be change have a Government running to these agreements? from an election process. So We have an unnecwhat they are doing, I don’t essary kind of speed know who is advising them bump in the business community,” or who their strategists the GCCI President are but they are spending said. political capital to, almost He added that minute by minute, ‘cause it the entire situation with the validity of would have been a stronvote has escalatger move to go back to the the ed to the point that polls” – GCCI President the country’s business community is facing the backlash and progress has been halted.

“I think what it has done ently, small contractors who are doing work for the is put us in the spotlight Government of the day may for almost a comical case. I feel threatened with regard mean going back to the fact to job security if he/she feels of the matter is clearly evthat the Opposition party, erybody with common sense if it is reinstated as the rul- understands what we felt ing party, will not issue pay- should have happened. And ments or continue with his/ it seems to be that you have

a Government running from an election process.

So what they are doing, I don’t know who is advising them or who their strategists are but they are spending political capital to, almost minute by minute, ‘cause it would have been a stronger move to go back to the polls,” Boyer said as he lashed out over the matter.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Desmond Sears said that the PSC shares the same sentiments as the GCCI with regard to local businesses being negatively impacted due to the court case at the CCJ. “A few businesses are waiting on the response to know which direction they should go in. I don’t think businesses would disappear but it is definitely causing a slowdown in the business economy.

Investors who want to invest in something here are taking into consideration the business climate, political situations, etc because they want to know that when they invest their monies it is in a good environment etc,” Sears explained.

He added that the PSC is awaiting the CCJ’s ruling and hopes that it is done expediently.

On December 21, the No-confidence Motion

GCCI President Nicholas Boyer

PSC President Desmond Sears

brought by the parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) against the Government succeeded when former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are spelt out in the Constitution of Guyana. Clause 7 of Article 106 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the

election”.

President David Granger had initially committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition.

Since the passage of the motion on December 21, 2018, however, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, husband of sitting Government Minister, Cathy Hughes, sought to question the motion’s validity even as the vote had already been certified.

He claimed that 34 votes were needed to validly pass the motion. Since then, the Government has held onto this explanation and moved to the court.

Last week, the Caribbean Court of Justice heard arguments on the matter and is expected to rule soon on the slew of cases filed.

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Losing their mom for Mother’s Day: Triplets tell their story

By Andrew Carmichael

M

other’s Day is that time of the year when persons show appreciation for their mothers or persons they consider a mother but for those without a mother, it is a challenge on emotions.

This is the case for triplets, Jenepher, Jescia and Johanna Pensammy, who lost their mother, Amedia Backus, two weeks ago.

Today, Mother’s Day, will be their first without her.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the three 11-yearolds said that they were very close to their mother since they did not have a good relationship with their father. The triplets, rocking in a hammock as they spoke to this publication, in a sombre tone, said that it has only been two weeks since they attended their mother’s funeral and the reality that

Triplets: Jenepher, Jescia and Johanna Pensammy with their mother on their tenth birthday

they are now without her is emotionally wrecking. With tears in their eyes, the girls questioned their dead mother as to why she had to leave them. The girls, of Canefield,

East Canje, Berbice, told this publication that the road ahead will be challenging but at this moment in time, they cannot focus so far as they are simply try-

ing to get through their grief one day at a time for now.

As of now, the girls said that they are keeping their mother in their thoughts on Mother’s Day, adding that her memories will guide and be with them for the rest of their lives. The triplets told this publication that the reality of anything else is too monumental for them to talk about presently, saying that they are finding it difficult to confront the reality of “Mother’s Day without mom”.

The girls have two other siblings – one older and one younger. As they spoke with this publication, Jenepher, the quietest but considered the most responsible; Jescia, considered the bully and Johanna, who is very persuasive but strong-headed, all wanted another Mother’s Day with their mother.

Now they have to depend on each other as none of them is old enough to take on that motherly role, forcing them to stare reality straight in the face. One of the triplets said that the loss of a mother and, more so, days before Mother’s Day, cannot be described in words. For now, the girls are staying with a neighbour as they try to build a relationship with their father who also lives nearby.

Losing her job

Meanwhile, this publication reached out to Didawattie Sharma, who is also from East Canje,

Didawattie Sharma has been unemployed since the Rose Hall Sugar Estate closed

Berbice, who lost her job after the Rose Hall Sugar Estate closed.

At the age of eight, Sharma lost her mother and grew up with a stepmother.

At 52, those memories have all faded.

The death of her stepmother several years ago cannot come close to her not being able to do what she has been doing on Mother’s Day for the past decade.

“I have a few adopted mothers and on Mother’s Day I like to invite some of them over and cook a nice meal for them and make them feel special,” she told this publication.

Sharma, who worked with the Rose Hall Sugar Estate is now jobless following the closure of the estate 17 months ago.

“Mother’s Day is every day but there is a special day that we put aside for mothers. ‘Mother’ means the world to me.”

“I can’t do anything for my mothers now because I don’t have a job and that really hurts,” she told this newspaper.

She said that buying gifts and paying visits to all of her “mothers” is something she looked forward to but she cannot afford it this year.

“You can’t even make ends meet. Mother’s Day is a very special day and it has always been something I look forward to. Right here in East Canje, so many mothers are struggling and many of the men will not be able to do more than say Happy Mother’s Day to their wives. Mother’s day can’t be a happy time for us here in Canje.”

“One of my friends, she had to go and do people housework just to be able to buy something for her mother. Just to make her mother happy. Mother’s don’t look forward for anything but…”

Sharma recalls Mother’s Day in 2016 when she invited several mothers to her home and dined with them.

“I was able to give them a gift and make them happy because many mothers don’t have family. Those are the things I like doing but now I can’t,” Sharma noted while adding that for the past two years, she has not been able to spread joy and happiness on Mother’s Day.

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dissolution of NFMU

CEO did not reapply for new role

Being a (hyphenated) Guyanese

I

n his remarks last week at the dedication of the Indian Arrival Monument, President Granger emphasised that “the nation is multicultural”, and that “little attention was paid by those who brought us together (as) to how these various groups with different cultures would coexist cohesively. It is the challenge of the present generation to overcome those differences and to continue to construct a cohesive country.”

But he ignored the insight of MG Smith, who pointed out that if the different cultural segments were ‘differentially incorporated’ into the power relations of their societies, this fact would inevitably precipitate conflict as groups struggle to achieve “equality”. As citizens of a Guyana state that promises equality, our lived experiences inevitably determine how we feel about the attainment (or not) of that egalitarian promise. These experiences, after all, are filtered through our cultural lenses, and it should not surprise any that if our several groups (defined cultural) are differentially incorporated into the power structure, political consciousness Ravi Dev would cleave along cultural (read ethnic) lines. Whither, therefore, the cohesiveness?

After decades of focusing on an economistic notion of equality, there is still not an appreciation of the need for cultural equality also. So much for the politics of ‘identity’ and ‘recognition’ in Guyana.

There are some who posited that if we had (or have) economic equality among the various ethnic groups, our troubles would be over. I’d like to vehemently disagree. “Man does not live by bread alone”; there are many other “goods” we compete over, include cultural self-worth, even as we always measure our “deprivation” relatively.

An indicia of the ‘power relations’ is who gets to define what is the “national culture” to which all groups have to genuflect? And it is the differential incorporation of the various cultural groups in this equation that our policies on “multiculturalism” have to address.

But “multiculturalism demands that society presents a full range of prospects, membership, and respect to all its members, regardless of cultural and religious differences; while also creatively accommodating them in a fashion that is both morally persuasive and practically effective for the majority of society.” Can Granger honestly say this is the case in Guyana today for Indian Guyanese?

It's positive the “Ministry of Culture” has been jettisoned. The name itself - CULTURE - suggests pushing a singular, monolithic, overarching “culture” as a stalking horse for assimilation through the back door. We suggest our motto be changed to “Unity in Diversity through Equality in Diversity”. One definition of ‘multiculturalism’ suggests that it is “a systematic and comprehensive response to cultural and ethnic diversity with educational, linguistic, economic and social components and specific institutional mechanisms”. This suggests areas in which we initially pursue equality.

Now, we want to stress that we certainly are not emphasising any ‘separatist ideal’ in which each group lives in hermetically sealed enclaves. We are suggesting that the ‘equal treatment in culture’ imperative, if implemented and becomes real, would eliminate the barriers of hauteur and exclusion that set off inevitable reactions of resistance. We believe that when we deal with each other as equals, there would be the inevitable crosscultural fertilisation (in all directions) and not one-way; that is, seen as top down.

With the state out of ‘culture’, the Government should focus on promoting a feeling of “Guyaneseness” among our people through the conscious construction of a democratic state - the creation of conditions wherein we are all treated as one, equally, by the state.

Equality of opportunity; human rights, encouragement of diversities, due process; justice and fair play and rule of law may seem dry compared to the warmth of the blood ties of “nation”, but they can engender the unity of public purpose and the recognition of individual worth, wherein we can be proud of our common citizenship. Citizenship of Guyana has to become something that has concrete meaning to all of us. It is not under the present discriminatory policies of the coalition Government against Indian Guyanese, and this has been the greatest failure of the coalition Government.

If we were all treated equally by the state, our ethnicities would be defined outside our “Guyaneseness”, and to be AfricanGuyanese or Indian-Guyanese would not be contradictory in any sense. The first part of our identity would be specific, while the latter would be universalistic. The “national” will now be a space where ethnically imagined communities can live and share.

To be “Guyanese” would be to share moral precepts - norms, values and attitudes - rather than shared cultural experience and practice.

T

he Public Telecommunications Ministry has completed the recruitment process for the Telecommunications Agency, which will replace the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).

The Ministry stated on Saturday that under the Telecommunications Act of 2018, provisions are made for the dissolution of the NFMU and its absorption by the Agency.

For this, employees of the Unit were asked to submit Expressions of Interest for employment prior to the May 10.

This was done “to complete the formalities to facilitate rehiring decisions without a break in employment of selected staff. This process was designed to give employees of the NFMU priority with respect to employment with the Agency”.

However, the Chief Executive Officer and another employee have since not acted on the recommen-

dation. The other 16 persons have applied but only 14 were endorsed for the positions offered.

“Two of the staff members, including the current NFMU CEO, have so far not taken up the offer. The remaining 16 have applied and it has been recommended that 14 of the 16 who applied be offered positions.

Two individuals were deemed not qualified for the positions for which they applied and have and so far appeared disinterested in positions commensurate with their qualifications,” the Ministry stated.

The 14 persons will take up new positions within the Agency. However, it was not indicated what will happen to persons who were unqualified or did not apply.

Back in January, Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes had said that the Agency was created to better regulate and monitor operations.

“The objective of estab-

Valmiki Singh

lishing the Agency now is to give us time to put in place certain administrative arrangements that [are] necessary for the Agency to function effectively when the entire act is brought into force.

Some of the things the Agency needs to put in place are its internal Government arrangement — such as financial regulations, human resource policy, rules of procedure of the Board. The administrative procedure to

facilitate the implementation of the legal provisions for licensing, monitoring, enforcement, and other responsibilities that are specified for the agency in the 2016 Act and in the regulations.”

Meanwhile, Consultant Andre Griffith mentioned that an order was signed to establish the Agency as a body corporate, and the Agency would have begun the preparatory work for the policies.

He noted that those polices would have to be assented to by a Board, which is yet to be established.

“The functions of the Agency are to be discharged by a Board, and that Board is authorised to regulate its own procedure. A lot of the preparatory work we have done is subject to the Board’s review, and [members of the Board] would want to look at it, refine it, amend it,” he noted.

The Unit was managed

by Valmiki Singh.

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Issuing receipts will be a financial burden – street vendors

…as CCAC to clamp down on non-issuance of receipts

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he Consumer Affairs Act states that a supplier is someone who sells a product to a consumer so it doesn’t matter if you’re the owner of a store or you’re a vendor on the street. As long as you are supplying a product or a service, you are a supplier and you are obligated to all the

Vendors displaying their goods in downtown Georgetown

provisions of the Consumer Affairs Act.” Those were the sentiments shared by Consumer Affairs Officer at the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), Feyona Austin-Paul, when asked about which businesses are required to issue receipts.

She explained that receipts are important as it is the only proof of purchase a customer would have and without it, the Commission would not be able to help a consumer who would have been exploited in some way.

“We try to encourage persons to be vigilant because without a proof of purchase it

would be hard to prove that you purchased an item at the supplier and they can refuse to take responsibility so we always encourage persons to not shop at stores that do not offer receipts,” Austin-Paul said.

But although the Consumer Affairs Act clearly stipulates that all suppliers

must issue receipts to customers upon each purchase, regardless of the cost of an item, most street vendors are unaware of this law and claim that it would add strain to their daily earnings.

Guyana Times spoke with several vendors in Georgetown on Saturday who complained that the issuance of receipts would pose a burden to them.

A florist, who operates on Water Street said, “Now you are telling me that vendors are supposed to issue receipts, you putting vendors under pressure.

Vendors are ordinary people who just ply their trade to feed their families and to send their kids to school.

You’re gunna give them an additional expense now for what? We issue receipts for our purchases cause we take orders and we give out stuff but at the same time I’m studying some of the vendors don’t even know how to write their names… I know for a fact that some of them didn’t go far in school and to give them a task like that, what are you doing to them?”

A watch vendor told this publication that he does not issue receipts and has no intentions of doing so.

According to him, “I don’t got time with them things, once I collect me money I alright”.

Zimbo (only name given), another vendor, who plies his trade on Robb Street,

Georgetown, says he does not issue receipts. He explained, “We don’t got a standard price, the price is go up and down. Is long I selling here now and I never hear nothing bout no receipt. Is now they bringing up that topic.”

Further up Robb Street, another vendor, Sheldon (only name), said he never knew that receipts had to be issued to his customers.

Nevertheless, he said that he would be willing to hand out same if it is required of him. “They could able to carry they bill and show people well you paid x amount for something. I don’t see anything bad about duh,” he said.

“If all the vendors got to give a receipt then we find it gun be hard because the vendors them you got to say is like a sub-contracting we doing like, you know we purchase from all the stores them and I tink not all stores give receipts cause sometimes you have some deals when them give you for reasonable price without no bills and that is wah is help them vendors to hustle lil to make a daily living so to give receipts it will be so tough and I think a lot of screwing up will happen with sales because the street vendors them don’t have all the convenience to make receipts and do all of these things,” Anand Persaud, another Robb Street vendor explained.

With mixed reactions received from the business community, the CCAC said it intends to begin business inspections soon to ensure that all vendors comply in this regard.

According to the Consumer Affairs Officer, “We are doing business inspections and when we say business inspections we mean any person that is selling items so it doesn’t matter if you own a big store or you’re a vendor on the street, we’re inspecting countrywide and you will also be held accountable if someone makes a report about any breach of the Consumer Affairs Act”.

NEWS

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police, stakeholders meet with Charity residents to address concerns about children

…Education Ministry officials a no-show

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he increase in teen pregnancies and the spike in children involved in criminal activities are the two main issues affecting residents in Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) This is according to Commander of G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands), Khali Pareshram, who told Guyana Times that during a meeting with dozens of residents, the police were told that these issues stem from truancy acts.

As such, a stakeholder meeting was recently held between the residents and various Government agencies to discuss solutions to these pressing issues, however, representatives from the region’s Education Department were a no-show.

“Some persons pledged

to have more children registered in the Police Youth Group and this was done in an effort to instil values and skills in the youths. Noticeably absent at the meeting was the Education Department, whose input was much needed to deal with truancy among other matters.

Despite a written invitation was sent,” the Commander related.

However, in attendance were the Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikarran, and representatives from the Child Care and Protection Agency, Probation and Welfare Department and Charity/ Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

According to Commander Pareshram, several other issues were raised and ad-

dressed.

“In addition, an Action Group was formed, mainly to deal with delinquent youths in the Charity community. Members of this group comprise of residents and stakeholders with the Child Care and Protection Agency as the lead agency. Matters raised in respect to the NDC of Charity were numerous and this has prompted a separate visit by Mr Jaikarran to address the many irregularities.”

It was also noted that many skilled persons offered their services to support the functioning of the Police Youth Group at Charity.

“With the current systems in place coupled with the Action Group, residents of Charity have now felt satisfied that efforts were made to deal with their difficul-

ties,” the Police Commander added.

One week before this meeting, over 50 residents of Charity, Region Two, turned up to a “Face the Community” meeting hosted

by G Division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) where they voiced several concerns.

Guyana Times was told that over 80 per cent of the issues affecting those residents stem from actions by school-aged children.

Commander Pareshram explained that at the top of the long list of concerns raised was the matter, which was pointed out by several persons, that a specific group of young men are committing crimes in their community.

The Commander added that those pinpointed are the same individuals who had alleged “police brutality” when they were earlier apprehended by police ranks in relation to other crimes committed.

“The residents called on the police and the relevant stakeholders to quickly address the very unpleasant situation with the young boys which has now become unbearable.”

Complaints were also made about other children between the ages of 10 and 14 who are also said to be engaging in criminal activities. Many of these children should be attending schools, however, for reasons unknown, they are not in class-

rooms but reportedly involved in illegal actions, he noted.

“These children that the residents are complaining about, apparently they are all delinquents, they are not going to school. The residents also said that there are children living in stalls at the Market Centre. A request was made for a truancy campaign.”

The residents of Charity also pointed out that a growing trend in their community is the issue of an increase in teenage pregnancies.

Commander Pareshram noted that they also highlighted that there are young females in their area who are involved in “sexual favours”.

(Kristen Macklingam)

14 news

SUnDAY, may 12, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Mother’s Day shopping sweeps Georgetown

Persons shopping for Mother’s Day presents

Floral arrangements on display along Water Street

he Mother’s Day shopping hype was evident among small vendors and large-scale establishments across Georgetown as many persons hunted for the perfect

day. Some persons also planned on opening their businesses today to provide for last minute shoppers.

A florist on Water Street, Georgetown, Rawle

T

gift for their mothers.

Guyana Times visited a few popular locations on Saturday where the rush commenced during the early morning hours and continued throughout the

Chin explained that many persons opted for fresh flowers this year as opposed to fragrances and other items. His flowers ranged from multi-coloured roses, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, anthurium, kalanchoes among others. It was explained that there was a slight decline in sales but nothing too alarming.

“I only come out here on holidays and so on. The Mother’s Day this year is not like the other Mother’s Day but persons are still coming out and getting what they want. You see a lot of people going for flowers. That is a popular one as we speak.”

Meanwhile, Charlene, who markets fragrances and gift items, said she has been selling for the past nine days nonstop because the response has been overwhelming. She explained that her stall on Robb Street will be opened on Mother’s Day as well to cater for late consumers.

“I must say that Mother’s Day is one of the biggest day for us. We make gift items and it is quick for persons to just come by and grab one because its well presents and all. Usually, persons would come on the day to get something so I will be here in the morning to assist them,” she explained.

Over at the Guyana Stores, persons were capitalising on the cutbacks being offered. The lawns were occupied with some of the products and Assistant Manager Radesh Pitamber stated that the outdoor sales have attracted scores of persons.

“We do it out on the lawn here and it’s a Mother’s Day sale for every single thing so this is a time to save. You’re getting from 30 to 50 per cent off most of what we have.”

One shopper, Cassidy, explained that she opted for customised gift items this year since they were trending online and in some stores.

This period of time also features the Mother and Daughter Pageant, which was held on Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre, featuring two categories. (Rupa Seenaraine)

Preparing for the impending ban on singleuse plastics- Part 2

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life without plastics seems impossible, since plastics are the main component in almost every single everyday item; from our computers and mobile phones, to food containers and other packaging.

Single-use plastics, however, generally have a functional life of less than a week, and are not designed to be repaired or refurbished. Single-use plastics include packaging, bags, bottles, straws, containers, cups, cutlery, and other items. Bioplastics are not exempted from the single-use plastics’ designation, as, in general, biodegradation occurs only under specific conditions; for example: certain temperatures, and the presence of microorganisms.

Experience is the best teacher Our previous article noted that the ban on single- use plastics will come into force from 2021. As Guyana prepares for this monumentous intervention regarding the waste management dilemma, lessons from previous waste management experiences come to mind. In enacting the Styrofoam Ban 2015 Regulations, it was noted that while the majority of consumers and businesses alike were willing to comply, the lack of alternatives -- and moreso locally sourced ones -- posed a challenge. It is anticipated that similar challenges can be faced in enacting the ban on single-use plastics, and those would have wider-reaching implications.

Therefore, the Agency is taking a proactive approach to ensuring all stakeholders are adequately informed, and that the alternatives are appropriate, economical and easily accessible.

Many alternatives to plastics exist; from cloth, to paper, seaweed, and other natural fibres such as bagasse. We need business and other budding entrepreneurs, or even someone who may have brilliant ideas, to start exploring alternatives to single-use plastics, especially using local products.

What can you give up?

• Plastic shopping bags and packaging. Here you have the opportunity to select the perfect specimen, but you can skip the nasty plastic packaging and use your own sustainable tote bags. Alternatively, you can easily make your own totes from any light fabric (e.g. an old t-shirt) or simply pack your produce in an old cardboard box. Pack your empty produce bags and a few reusable shopping bags together in a single reusable bag; you'll always be ready for your next shopping trip!

• Water bottles. Sometimes buying a bottle is just unavoidable. If you do buy one, try to buy only clear PET bottles, as they are the most readily recyclable.

• Take out containers. Every second, 140,000 items of food packaging are disposed of.

• Plastic cups, plates, forks & spoons. There are a variety of options currently available locally.

• Drinking straws. There are now a variety of reusable options, with glass, stainless steel, bamboo and reed straws being the most popular.

• Clothes hangers. These are uniform in look, and won’t break or bend under the pressure of heavy clothes. These items can also be made locally with lesser used species of wood.

We hope that you will start to think differently about singleuse plastics, and how you can gradually eliminate them from your lives. Do continue to follow our series of articles on singleuse plastics, to learn about what is happening locally as well as globally.

Choose to celebrate your mothers in a sophisticated way by choosing reusable over disposable. Make it a celebration free of single-use plastics.

Happy Mother’s Day! Sources • https://packagingeurope.com/are-alternatives-tosingle-use-plastics-the-answer/ • https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog /entry/ourfavourite-alternatives-to-disposable-plastic-items You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

15 Interior Police commence birth, migrant registrations A news

SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Debt Sustainability analysis of Guyana’s public debt

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oday’s article focuses on analysing Guyana’s Sovereign Debt Sustainability position. In the Bank of Guyana’s Annual Report for 2018, it was reported that the total stock of Government’s debt increased by 1.5 per cent, representing 43.9 per cent of GDP. Table 1 below shows the breakdown and computation of how this level of Debt-to-GDP ratio was derived. That is, total domestic debt plus total external debt gives rise to 353.5 billion dollars (using an exchange rate of 208.5 for the external debt). Using the total debt figure of 353.5 billion dollars as the numerator and GDP in nominal terms of $805B as the denominator, this will give rise to 43.9 per cent.

However, this analysis shall focus on two important elements which this computation did not consider. Firstly, Government’s total debt of $353.5 billion did not consider the $30 billion bond which is a contingent liability for the Government, and also did not consider the $55.2 billion overdraft balance, which is also a form of borrowing, at the Central Bank. As can be seen from table 2, therefore, when adjusted to include these two other forms of debt, Government’s total debt in real terms is in fact $438.7 billion, rather than 353.5 billion as reported in the official reports.

This effectively means that the total sovereign debt is understated in real terms by $85.2 billion.

The second factor that is critically important when analysing Guyana’s Sovereign Debt, in particular, is that it is typically measured as a percentage of GDP in nominal terms, rather than real terms. To this end, nominal GDP for 2018 was reported at $805 billion, while real GDP is about $689 billion.

Using the adjusted total public debt of $439 billion, the adjusted debt-to-GDP ratio is 54.53 per cent, instead of 43.9 per cent in nominal terms. It is more prudent, when contextualising these numbers, to use real figures, as opposed to nominal figures; as, given the unique nature of Guyana’s economy and its structure, these are important considerations one must not ignore as macrofinancial analysts.

s the influx of Venezuelan migrants continues, with many of them settling in the interior locations, Police ranks have since been mandated with the duty of registering persons upon entry in the country along with registering births.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, Commander of F Division, (Interior locations), Kevin Adonis said that a number of children who are being registered were actually born in Guyana and were taken to Venezuela. He said that among the challenges ranks are facing is that these parents never sought to obtain relevant documents such as birth certificates or passports for the children before leaving with them and are now seeking the requisite documentation.

“In the Eteringbang, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) area, many children do not go to school and we are registering them.

That is an area where most Venezuelans or Guyanese who went to Venezuela and returned went there…a lot

Govt gets F grade on...

from page 7

The real effects of debt

Empirical evidence suggests that high levels of debt are bad for growth and economic activity in industrial economies. To this end, when sovereign debt reaches 85 per cent of GDP, further increases in debt may begin to have significant impacts on growth.

Countries with too much public debt may be potentially trapped in a debt overhang situation, which could lead to a default condition.

The highlighted key debt indicators presented above reveal that the current level of the total public debt is deemed manageable, healthy and sustainable, with adequate leverage for additional borrowings, if need be, provided that all other variables remain constant, or relatively unchanged within the current macroeconomic framework. Notwithstanding this, the central Government needs to manage its expenditure more responsibly. There is sufficient evidence in the public domain with respect to Government’s spending to corroborate this position -that Government has incurred, in some cases, unnecessary and exorbitant expenditure.

In concluding today’s piece, this assertion is supported by the fact that the one indicator that should lead to a more proactive approach in the management of the economy is the state of the country’s international reserves and net foreign assets held by the banking system. This outcome cannot be ignored, as it could have severe adverse implications not only for the economy overall, but also for the public debt management framework. It means that, with the steady depletion of international reserves and net foreign assets, the country would inevitably default on its external debt servicing obligation, especially as adequate foreign exchange may not be available to do so and to accommodate international trade.

Imported goods would therefore become more expensive and/or the country may not have the capacity to import certain goods and services due to shortage of foreign exchange. Inflation would increase, and the currency is likely to depreciate further.

These are just a few of the consequences that could occur.

Therefore, the risks highlighted herein and the situation with the nation’s international reserves need to be arrested now, to avert the risk of a depressed economy.

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

The statement does admit, however, that reduction of corruption remains one of several incomplete tasks.

“Avoiding public fanfare and triumphalism, the coalition Government steered the country forward as a stable and growing economy; promoted and defended its sovereignty and territorial integrity; restored respect for Guyana as a democracy in which all human rights and press freedom are protected; and supported and encouraged social cohesion among our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, plural population,” a part of the statement also reads.

The PPP has previously documented some of the unexplained scandals under the Government, including the Sussex Street Drug Bond deal, the Government of Guyana’s $1 billion “outof-court” settlement with a contractor and the issuance of two fuel licences to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Inc, Dr Richard Van West-Charles.

Among the other “scandals” highlighted by Jagdeo’s Office have been the questions which still linger over the inauguration of President David Granger, the alleged removal of eight containers of steel by BK International from the Public Health Ministry compound, the dismissal of close to 2000 Amerindian Community Service Officers (CSOs), the appointment of 33 foreign honourary advisors, as well as a number of presidential and ministerial advisors.

Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Kevin Adonis

of them [children] were born in Guyana and were taken to Venezuela but do not have any documentation so they are being registered to that effect by our police stationed in that area too,” the Commander said.

Guyana Times was further told that police officers who are stationed at that location were recently trained to conduct various types of registration for those entering Guyana from Venezuela.

They were also trained to accommodate Guyanese who had migrated to Venezuela and are now returning.

“So for the children, we are doing the birth registration, so that they can have official paperwork and can be admitted to schools etc.

Some of the older ones, they were born here, but don’t know anything about here or didn’t even know so we are getting the right documents for them. It is a lot of work but we were given that task and will do it to the best of our abilities,” the Commander added.

Just last month, the Ministry of Citizenship, the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had announced the intention of training officers in border locations to conduct registration of births.

According to a release from that Ministry at that time, the Eteringbang community in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) has been identified as the first location where officers will be trained.

The decision came following a meeting of the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee.

Eteringbang, Minister Winston Felix had informed, would be used as a pilot before registration is rolled out in other border locations.

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

MACORP introduces technicians for Prisoner dies after mistakenly the Caribbean online training drinking poison

CEO of MACORP, Guillermo Escarraga (centre) with other officials and stakeholders

P The bottle with the substance which the prisoner drank

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n inmate of the Mazaruni Prison is now dead after allegedly consumed a poisonous substance which he believed to have been alcohol.

Dead is Gary Stuart.

Guyana Times was told Stuart died at about 05:45h on Saturday.

Reports are the now dead man was working along with other inmates on Friday at a nearby quart and was said to be washing and painting boats when they found a bottle of what they believed was alcohol.

This newspaper understands that the inmates hid the bottle from the prison officer and Stuart drank the substance. However, it was not until 05:15h on Saturday morning that Stuart cried out for pains in his stomach, and as a result, was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.

Stuart’s body is at the Hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. An Investigation has been launched.

ersons desirous of having a career in the technical field will now have a free opportunity to do so, as Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) on Friday launched a world accredited online training programme, Technicians for the Caribbean.

The training, which can be accessed through any internet-connected device, was made possible through a partnership with the Caterpillar brand, enabling persons to acquire a technician’s certificate that is internationally recognised.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Human Resources Manager, Anita Rampersad explained that the introduction of this programme to Guyana is timely, as, in the coming years, the country will demand vast hu-

man resources in the technical field.

“In the direction Guyana is heading, I think that there is never going to be a question of what to do with the skill but how to find the people that will sustain the industries that are obviously going to come on board in the next few years,” she said.

Rampersad stated that in the mechanical industry, there is always a high demand for persons who are well trained and skilled in their respective fields. In most cases, the only way to find such people is by offering the requisite training.

She emphasised that technicians are always needed since many problems arise in a working environment, thus requiring effective and reliable solutions.

“In the industry that we serve, it is highly specialised and technical and calls for a set of skills that unless we don’t develop them ourselves, they don’t just come to us. With the way the economy has been fluctuating there are times when there is excess demand for skill and then there is time when you don’t know what to do with the skill that you have,” Rampersad stated.

Meanwhile, Chief

Executive Officer of MACORP, Guillermo Escarraga pointed out that the organisation has physically trained some 400 technicians over the years. It has been 25 years since MACORP established operations in Guyana, offering employment to scores of persons.

“At the end of this programme, every single student will receive a certification of completion. This certification is valid throughout the world. If you have one of this certification, you can go anywhere in the world. Hopefully, those that complete this programme will stay in the region and in Guyana,” said Escarraga.

He added, “Now is the time. We have been talking about Guyana developing and opportunity and potential but we have not materialised. This is the time.

MACORP has played an integral role in the development of a skilled workforce”.

The online training is the first of its kind in the world and can be completed in just a few months. There are different levels which can be pursued for further advancements in the technical field.

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SUnDAY, may 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Production figures released by GRDB misleading – Berbice rice farmers

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ith the first crop for 2019 almost complete, the national production is just under seven tons per hectare. This is according to the Guyana Rice Developing Board (GRDB).

GRDB General Manager Nizam Hassan has announced that this is considered as excellent. However, rice farmers in Berbice are contending that the figures released by the GRDB are aimed at misleading persons.

The high acreage is against a backdrop of challenges faced by some farmers in accessing water early in the crop and then an unprecedented invasion of paddy bugs.

Hassan, speaking on a GRDB Special Report aired on national television, said they explained what happened during the current

crop.

“The crop in terms of harvest did well,” Hussain boasted.

However, Berbice farmers say that they are seeing a totally different picture. One rice farmer, Julius Singh, told this publication that while Hassan’s statement may somewhat be true, it does not reflect the true situation.

According to Singh, the GRDB is acting as though the impact of the paddy bug infestation on the crop is not serious.

“Some rice you cut 35 bags per acre and some you cut 40 bags per acre but what is the use; the ‘Gandhi’ [paddy bugs] suck everything out of the paddy, you can’t get money off the paddy,” the rice farmer said.

Some of the farmers have had to dump their paddy after mills rejected it because

Some of the paddy that was dumped

of the poor quality as a result of paddy bug infestation; the worst in decades according to some farmers.

According to Hassan, over ninety per cent of the crop, which was hit by the paddy sucking insect, has been harvested in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), ninety-eight per cent of the

13,281 hectares under rice cultivation has been harvested.

“In that region, there was some issues with paddy bugs and we had an intervention. The average yield for that region is 5.7 tonnes per hectare,” the General Manager said.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) the average was

5.5 tonnes per hectare.

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), which has a small acreage of 3600 hectares, yielded a whopping seven tonnes per hectare while in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), which cultivated almost 40,000 hectares, the yield was 5.7 tonnes per hectare.

“Region Six had 23,726 hectares under cultivation and yielded almost seven tonnes per hectare. So the overall yield for the country thus far is 6.07 to be exact which is an excellent performance despite the challenges,” Hussain said.

On Wednesday last, several farmers on the Corentyne in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who have been affected by the paddy bug infestation called on Government to provide some form of assistance to enable them to go

into the next crop.

Some of the farmers have had to dump their paddy after millers rejected it because of the poor quality which resulted from the paddy bug infestation.

When the crop started, farmers said that they were forced to pump water after the Regional Administration lacked fuel to operate the four pumps in the Black Bush Polder. This was followed by the blockage of the Seaforth Canal, which created more difficulty for some farmers.

Rice Producers Association Field Officer, Ramlagan Singh said more than 30 farmers in the region had all of their paddy rejected and were forced to dump it; some on the roadside and others on the beach.

He added that most of the paddy was not even fit for animal consumption.

PCR launched as Eureka Lab celebrates 24th anniversary

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he Eureka Medical Laboratory (EML), which now boasts 24 years of existence, launched its new Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which will see results of medical tests being generated at a faster rate.

PCR tests for infectious diseases by detecting the pathogen’s nucleic acids using amplification methods and is a highly specific and sensitive diagnostic tool.

In simpler terms, PCR is a technique that takes a specific sequence of DNA and amplifies it to be used for further testing.

The test is specifically important because of its sensitivity and accuracy and when used, it establishes the diagnosis by conducting preventative screening methods and monitoring the effects of certain treatments.

As the advanced technology had been difficult to acquire in middle-income countries such as Guyana, with challenges being delayed results and the costliness for certain tests to be sent overseas for results, Eureka saw it fit to break those barriers.

Eureka can now offer the testing which will acquire diagnosis at an affordable cost to the Guyanese public, with results being available within four hours.

“These definitive diagnoses can be given early in an infection cycle at that point

of first contact, so appropriate treatment can be initiated and there is a saying, early and timely intervention always help in preventing the spread of diseases” Tiffany Roberts of Eureka explained.

PCR will also allow Eureka to be involved in advanced techniques such as gene expression, developing treatment and being involved in cancer research, disease diagnosis and management, food testing, animal and plant breeding and forensics.

Speaking at the event, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle reflected on Eureka’s beginning and commended Andrew Boyle, her husband and founder, for this new stride.

“Today makes 24 years since our dream became a reality, so I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to our families who have been behind us tangibly, morally, emotionally, I want to thank our children who have also stood by us but the staff, we couldn’t do this without you” Dr Gordon-Boyle commended.

Dr Gordon-Boyle also delivered the feature address of the Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, who conveyed her recognition of the work and dedication of Andrew Boyle, who according to her, gives the health of our nation paramount importance.

Minister Lawrence noted that the introduction of the PCR machine is of inestimable value to the Guyanese people, the health sector and Guyana as a whole.

According to the Minister, presently, Guyana is at a very important juncture of its history, that is, being on the threshold of enormous economic wealth.

She, however, noted that Guyana’s vision would be blinded if focus was not placed on the nation’s health.

“Without a healthy nation, Guyana’s trajectory towards development and sustainability will be severely compromised. I must reiterate this point, that without a healthy nation, we would not be able to reap the benefits of what will soon come to Guyana hence the reason for kudos to Mr Boyle for this strategic intervention, he always has the interest of the nation’s health in mind” Minister Lawrence congratulated.

The PCR testing will provide for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, cervical cancer, HPV, micro bacterium and tuberculosis testing.

Lawrence noted that from Government’s perspective, the incidents and prevalence of HPV are high on the agenda.

“The issue of HPV is under the lens of the Ministry of Public Health that have adopted a comprehensive approach, with the administration of the HPV vaccine to 9-30 years old across the country last year followed by a more aggressive campaign in 2019. According to the World Health Organisation, cervical cancer linked to HPV is the second most cause of cancer among women. Guyana have the highest prevalence rates of cervical cancer with two-thirds of women developing the disease below the age of 60.

I wish to laud the efforts of Eureka Lab and the indefectible efforts of Mr Boyle,

representative of the Private Sector who at every step of the way lends a compassionate ears to the country’s plight and comes up with

strategies that help to support the Government’s intervention” Lawrence further applauded.

The Eureka Laboratory

presently has branches in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10.

100 mothers honoured for role in Region 5’s education system

Mothers gathered at the Latchmansingh Primary School

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ome 100 mothers were honoured by the Education Department, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), for their significant contributions to the education system in the region through their involvement in the life of their child.

The event was held under the theme: “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers” and hosted at the Latchmansingh Primary School.

Delivering the feature address was the Ministry’s Technical Officer, Simone Wills, who in her address commended the region for boasting an outstanding parental partnership in the school system. She further noted that parents who show an interest in the curricula and educational methods are more able to assist their children with home assignments and monitor their study habits.

“Three ways of providing such mutual exchange

are open lines of communication, maintain the houseschool connection and tackle problems constructively and collectively…Family involvement in students’ learning cannot be overemphasised. Parents unquestionably are considered the most important stakeholders, since they share a common interest and investment in their children’s learning,” Wills explained.

Meanwhile, the region’s Welfare Officer, Gloria Davidson-James said that over the past years the welfare section of the Department of Education has conducted truancy campaigns and counselled children with behavioural issues throughout the region.

According to Davidson, the initiative to honour mothers began two years ago when it was discovered that parental involvement was minimal across the region. She said that through consultation, it was decided that there should be a

competition to encourage parents to become more involved in the academic lives of their children.

Additionally, Regional Education Officer, Deon Lyn Lewis-Clarke said that parents are required to teach children good behavioural practices. Adding that parents need to ensure that their children attend school regularly and punctually.

According to the REDO, the parents honoured yesterday should feel privileged to be selected from a larger group of parents. She told the mothers that their involvement in the education system means a lot for the growth of the respective schools, community and the country as a whole.

Among the criteria considered when choosing the parents to be honoured are regular attendance to Parent Teachers Association meetings and being a motivator to their children, other children and parents of the school.

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sunday, may 12, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Gunmen storm 5-star Venezuela braces for fresh hotel in Pakistan protests as Maduro clamps down

V

T

hree gunmen have stormed a five-star hotel in the restive Pakistani province of Balochistan, killing at least one person, officials say. The attack targeted the Zaver Pearl-Continental Hotel in the strategic port city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion-dollar Chinese project. A hotel spokesman said there were no guests and few staff due to Ramadan.

The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army said it had carried out the attack to target Chinese and other investors. Militants in Balochistan oppose Chinese investment, saying it is of little benefit to local people. The gunmen stormed the hotel, usually popular with top government officials and foreign visitors, at about 16:50h (11:50 GMT), killing one security guard

The Pearl Continental Hotel

who tried to stop them at the entrance.

Security forces entered the hotel and took part in a gun battle with the militants.

Due to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the hotel had no guests and a very limited number of staff, a Zaver Pearl-Continental spokesperson told the BBC. However, earlier reports said that hotel guests had been evacu-

ated safely. The hotel sits on a hilltop overlooking the Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea, which is being developed by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a network of roads, railway and pipelines between the two countries. The attack comes just weeks after gunmen killed 14 people, including 11 military personnel, in the region. (BBC)

T&T Govt hit with more revenue loss

T

wo days before Trinidad’s Finance Minister Colm Imbert prepares to present his 2019 mid-term budget review, comes news that BPTT will not have enough natural gas to supply Atlantic LNG’s Train One and the plant may have to close down for at least two years.

“Recent disappointing results from our infill drilling programmes have had a material impact on our forecasted production, especially in 2020 and 2021. This means there are challenges to our supply of gas to Train 1 after 2019. BP along with Atlantic and its shareholders are working through options for the future of the train,” BPTT said in response to questions from the media.

Infill drilling is used to increase production in a field that is already operating.

This potentially means a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in government revenue and could put any economic recovery at risk, since

At­lantic LNG’s operations

Imbert has consistently said he expects increased natural gas production to drive economic growth. It will also cause an abrupt end to the Government’s plan to increase natural gas production.

The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the energy sector on Friday, with several leaders in the sector calling it a major dent in confidence and a shock to the sector.

By a Guardian Media calculation, this will mean a 20 per cent drop in BPTT production and a 12 per

cent decline in the country’s natural gas production.

It is also likely to lead to a fall in the crude oil output due to less condensate from the country’s third largest oil producer and reduce Atlantic LNG’s production to less than 70 per cent of its capacity.

BPTT is the country’s largest natural gas producer, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the total supply. It is also the largest supplier to Train 1, providing close to 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the plant. (T&T Guardian)

4 dead, 29 injured in Colombian factory explosion

F

our people died and 29 were injured, including 17 children, following an explosion at a factory where gunpowder is handled in Colombia’s capital Bogota on Friday, authorities said.

“There are four people without vital signs,” a fire brigade source told AFP. The explosion happened at midday in a factory that produces wicks for a local Andean game called tejo or turmeque, in which metal discs are thrown at targets that contain gunpowder and explode on impact.

“The causes of the accident are being investigated,” the fire service A fire fighter inspects the damage at the factory in Bogota source said. (AFP)

enezuela braced Saturday for another day of nationwide protests after President Nicolás Maduro clamped down further on opposition leader Juan Guaidó, locking up his deputy in a military prison following a dramatic arrest.

Edgar Zambrano, deputy speaker of the opposition-majority National Assembly, is being held in preventive detention for “the flagrant commission of the crimes of treason, conspiracy and civil rebellion,” the Supreme Court said in a statement

announcing the verdict of a lower court.

Zambrano was arrested by Maduro’s SEBIN intelligence service in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday for supporting the April 30 revolt organised by US-backed Guaidó.

Maduro also accused his sacked intelligence chief of being a CIA “mole” and the architect of the failed military uprising.

He said General Christopher Figuera was “the one who orchestrated the coup d’etat” by contacting the group of around 30 members of the armed

forces who joined Guaidó’s mass demonstration.

“He was captured by the CIA a year ago and was working as a traitor, mole and infiltrator,” Maduro said of Figuera, whose defection to the opposition saw him rewarded earlier this week by the US, which removed him from its sanctions list.

The latest regime actions ratcheted up tensions ahead of a national demonstration Guaidó called for Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers. (AFP)

South Africa’s ANC wins reelection with reduced majority

T

he ruling African National Congress (ANC) has won South Africa’s parliamentary elections with 57.5 per cent of the vote, the electoral commission said, announcing the official results.

Saturday’s win assured a sixth straight term in power for the ANC. But the result was the worst-ever electoral showing for the party, which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid 25 years ago.

Support for the ANC, which gained 62 percent in the previous election in 2014, has steadily declined since it took a record 69 percent of the vote in 2004. Saturday’s electoral showing comes amid growing voter frustration over rampant corruption and high rates of unemployment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced scandal-plagued Jacob

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Zuma last year, now faces the challenge of regaining public confidence in a party that remains beset with internal divisions and which oversaw a raft of economic crises in the country.

The result, which gives the ANC 230 seats in the

400-member parliament, will renew pressure on Ramaphosa to decisively deal with cabinet ministers accused of corruption.

In a victory speech in the northern city of Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the election confirmed “freedom and democracy reign” in South Africa.

“Our people have given all of the leaders of our country a firm mandate to build a better South Africa for all.”

Earlier in the day, Jessie Duarte, ANC deputy secretary-general, struck a more sombre tone, saying the party would move swiftly to counter corruption and increase economic growth.

“We need to correct our mistakes,” she said, adding that the election showed voters want an “ANC that is united, and in its unity remains true to the values and principles on which it was founded.” (Al Jazeera)

Cuba to increase rationing amid shortages

C

uba has announced rationing of more products amid shortages it blames on the US trade embargo and hoarders.

There have been hourslong queues for basic foodstuffs in recent weeks on the Caribbean island.

People have posted photos of long waits at the supermarket under the hashtag #lacolachallenge, meaning queue challenge.

A universal rationing system was introduced on the island just after the revolution in 1959.

In 2017 US President Donald Trump reimposed some trade and travel restrictions lifted by his predecessor Barack Obama, although he kept the embassy open in Havana and did not end flights to the

country.

But less aid from ally Venezuela has also led to shortages of essentials - as has a drop in exports - leaving the Communist-run island struggling to pay for imports.

Cuba brings in up to 70% of its food from abroad.

Numerous agricultural reforms in recent years have failed to boost production.

Commerce Minister Betsy Díaz said supermarkets will now restrict how much people can buy of certain products like chicken and soap, while other items - including rice, beans, eggs and sausage - will only be available on the ration card, and limited to a monthly amount.

“Our mission is to fracture all the measures the US government imposes,

and today we are setting priorities,” she said.

But Díaz also blamed Cubans who hoard products for the shortages, saying some people kept items they felt might disappear from the shops while others resold goods on the black market.

Journalist Yoani Sánchez tweeted that what was once of the beststocked shops in the city had “turned into a battlefield to get a kilogram of frozen chicken”.

In April, 91-yearold Cuban revolutionary Guillermo García Frías suggested Cubans could eat ostriches, crocodile and edible rodents known as jutía amid the shortages, prompting a flood of memes mocking the commander’s suggestion. (BBC)

sunDAY, may 12, 2019

19

CSK, MI fight for title #4

T

he IPL 2019 points table has a tale of competitiveness to tell.

For the first time, the team finishing eighth earned points in double digits, a team made it to the playoffs with just 12 points, and the difference between the table- toppers and the one right at the bottom was the lowest to date: just seven points.

It means more teams started well, or recovered from bad starts and persevered; and even with RCB losing six on the bounce at the start and KKR suffering the same through the middle, there wasn’t an obvious punching bag to take easy points off through the season.

And the scramble for points and spots wasn’t just restricted to the top half; the bottom sides fought ferociously to avoid the embarrassing wooden spoon.

But when the dust settled from all the frenzy, IPL 2019 was narrowed down to the most expected two-horse tussle: two seasoned, successful horses with six titles and 13 final appearances between them [eight for CSK, 5 for MI].

When a handful of disgruntled CSK fans left the Chepauk stadium just four days ago with chants of Mumbai Indians mocking them, they vowed on behalf of their side to never lose to this team again; so they told each other. At the player level, rivalry is still an uncharted territory in the IPL, but for the two fan bases, the story could be very different. And when trophy count bragging rights are at stake, why not?

Mumbai Indians’ utter dominance over Chennai Super Kings in recent years will all be forgotten, even if only temporarily, if the holders can turn the tables in the only fixture of the season that matters in the end. When MI clinically made it 3-0 between the two sides for this season alone on Tuesday, Stephen Fleming alluded to this feeling: “We’d love to have another go at it [a game against MI], win 1 out of 4, because it’ll be a good one.”

As far as atonement goes, CSK can’t possibly find anything better

this year. The spot-fixing ban from 2015 to 2017 meant they had to watch from the outside as Mumbai Indians strode ahead to become the best IPL team of the first decade.

But having earned title parity in 2018, they’ve now created for themselves an immediate chance to even surpass MI and add unprecedented success to their unmatched consistency model.

But Mumbai Indians are in the middle of the sort of second-half sprint that usually ends in title victory. Going into the final, they’ve also got what CSK had over last year’s losing finalists, SRH - the psychological edge. And to have that against a team like CSK, for not just this year but a few seasons running, is commendable.

By 2011, it was well-established that CSK was going to be the team to beat for years to come. The tournament needed sides to step up or risk falling off the wagon each time.

In the years hence, Mumbai Indians - through auction strategy and tactical flexibility - have put their hands up and broken the code to render CSK ineffective.

Sunday’s game then, with both teams aiming to go one up on each other, is an opportunity to either enhance recent reality or achieve sweet redemption.

Road to the final was…

A groggy start met with typical late acceleration

Mumbai Indians found trouble starting again, and at the halfway stage in the league, had four wins from seven games. But once the business end kicked in, the muscle memory of excelling under extreme pressure took over. The result: five wins in the last seven games, to go from

during the game as well.

Team news:

Mumbai Indians

being one of the playoffs’ spot scramblers to finishing top of the table.

Smooth at first, bumpy through the middle

Chennai Super Kings’ ride was nearly the opposite of what MI had achieved. They were true to their title of defending champions at the start of the season, peeling off six wins in the first seven games. But through the latter stages, teams began to find flaws to pick. The result was three wins in the last seven games to finish second, based on an inferior NRR. When: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2019 Final, May 12, 2019, 8PM IST Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad What to expect: The Hyderabad strip has been kind on the fast bowlers, to such an extent that Alzarri Joseph wiped out Sohail Tanvir’s 11-year-long best-bowling figures with a six-for. The overall tally, too, is heavily skewed in favour of the quicks - 52 to 27 for the spinners.

Weather-wise, temperatures in the early 30s during match time are expected to greet the two sides. There was rain on the eve of the game, and there could be a slight chance of rain

Mumbai Indians have had the advantage of a mini-break before the final by virtue of winning the first qualifier. But as Friday night’s game at Visakhapatnam unfolded, it brought them a match-up vs conditions dilemma. On a spinning Chepauk pitch, MI opted to bench Mitchell Mc Clenaghan, despite his previous game returns, just to bring in an off-spinner in Jayant Yadav to trouble Suresh Raina early.

The CSK No.3 came with the reputation of getting better with the bat as the tournament progresses, and has been particularly proficient in the knockouts.

In the first qualifier though, MI’s move worked like a charm - Jayant claimed Raina’s wicket in his first over.

Going with the same team should be ideal then, but what of the conditions? Fast bowlers have thrived on the Hyderabad pitch this year, and SRH’s left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed’s numbers at home (10 wickets in 4 games) might tempt Rohit Sharma to bring back Mc Clenaghan.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Rahul Chahar, Jayant Yadav/ Mitchell Mc Clenaghan, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah

Chennai Super Kings

Going a batsman short against a Kagiso Rabada-less, bits-and-pieces Delhi Capitals bowling attack was a calculated move. But can such a decision come easy when it has to be carried off against the Jasprit

Bumrah-fuelled bowling machinery of Mumbai Indians? Unlikely.

Shardul Thakur replaced Murali Vijay for the second qualifier, only to bowl just a single over. There’s a good chance, then, that CSK would revert to including an extra batsman in the line-up.

Probable XI: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir, Shardul Thakur/Murali Vijay, Deepak Chahar

When in Hyderabad…

- Mumbai Indians looked ordinary with the bat, and lost their way early while trying to force the pace of the game. They started with an abysmal PowerPlay, and worsened exponentially from then on, only for Kieron Pollard to hold it all together with a cameo. And then Joseph ran riot.

Chennai Super Kings didn’t particularly enjoy batting either. The trip to Hyderabad came at a time when CSK had won six out of their seven games, with four of those coming on sluggish pitches at home. But they just couldn’t cope in Hyderabad through the middle-overs, and ended up with a sub-par total that David Warner & Co. easily surmounted. The good news, though, is that Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis CSK’s twin architects from their Q2 victory - got their eye in in that fixture. (cricbuzz)

Did you know?

- Mumbai Indians enjoy a 1611 head-to-head tally against CSK. It’s down to 4-4 in knockouts/playoffs, while MI have a 2-1 advantage in finals.

- Each of Mumbai Indians’ five final appearances has been against a Dhoni side [CSK in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2019; RPS in 2017].

- CSK have won 12 out of 16 tosses this IPL.

RHTY&SC’s 29th Awards Ceremony…

Jewellers on board with special prizes; NSC donates to ‘Say No/Say Yes’ programme

P

lans for the 29th Annual Awards Ceremony of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS -- leading youth and sports organisation in Berbice -- are slowly falling into

place.

The Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, 19th May, 2019 at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Centre, and almost 80 persons will be honoured as the RHTY&SC recognises the outstanding contributions of its members and cricketers in 2018, along with the efforts of several others who have contributed to development in the Ancient County.

Long time sponsor King’s Jewellery World has, for the 15th successive year, donated one of its world renowned West Indies Cricket Medallions to the event.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, in receiving the medallion from CEO of King’s Jewellery World, Looknauth Persaud, said the special prize will be given to the RHTY&SC member who has been selected by management to enjoy a year’s benefit period, in recognition of outstanding service and contribution over an extended period of no less than five years.

Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu has been selected to enjoy 2019 as a benefit year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the continued development of Guyana’s leading

NGO. At just 19 years old, Naidu has taken over the daily operation of the Club, while the veteran Secretary/CEO concentrates on fulfilling his duties as President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

Guyana’s first-class cricketer Steven Jacobs has also come on board for the first time as a Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club sponsor, and has donated a special cricket ring which he will be launching shortly at his business place -- ‘Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn Shop,’ located in Pike Street, Kitty.

The 30-year-old all-rounder has said he has always been impressed by the outstanding work of the RHTY&SC, and is elated to contribute.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has donated $400,000 to the Club’s 2019 ‘Say No/Say Yes’ programme.

The funds will be used for publication of the RHTY&SC’s 19th Annual Magazine, and to assist several cricket clubs in Berbice with cricket balls.

The 48-page magazine will be published shortly at the F&H Printery in Georgetown, while approximately twelve clubs will receive balls at the Club’s upcoming awards ceremony.

Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu has expressed gratitude to Looknauth and Ryan Persaud of King’s Jewellery

World; Steven Jacobs of Jacob’s Jewellery; and Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, for the assistance they have offered to the Club.

Naidu has reassured that the club is totally committed to the development of youths in Berbice, and will continue the hard work in the future.

The 40 members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, who will be honoured at its 29th Annual Awards Ceremony include medical personnel, retired teachers, outstanding 2018 teachers, students and law enforcement officers. Jimeel Davis of Food for the Poor is expected to deliver the Feature Address.

Among the awards costing over $2 million that will be distributed are: the Under-15 Player of the Year; Under-19 Player of the Year; Most Committed Player; Most Disciplined Player; Most Promising Player; Most Improved Player; Female Cricketer of the Year, and Cricketer of the Year, who are expected to carry home close to $300,0000 worth of prizes.

Club members like Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Jonathan Rampersaud, Shabiki Gajnabi and Kevlon Anderson are among those to be honoured.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, may 12, 2019

Harmanpreet stars as Supernovas clinch title with last-ball win

I

f ebbs and flows fascinate you in a game of cricket, the final of the Women’s T20 Challenge in Jaipur, watched by over 13,000 spectators at the stadium, had plenty of that: early wickets, fight-back, positive starts, wickets from the pressure of a growing run-rate, a Harmanpreet Kaur assault, and a final-ball finish.

The Supernovas skipper struck a 37-ball 51 to take Supernovas close to the finish line in a chase of 122, but it was Radha Yadav who saw the team through with an unbeaten 10 off 4 deliveries, as Supernovas registered a four-wicket win over Velocity to clinch the title.

The Tahuhu-Patil partnership

Lea Tahuhu had bowled only one over in the game: against Trailblazers; while she didn’t bowl at all in Supernovas’ previous game against Velocity. Harmanpreet Kaur had a surprise in store for the final, as Tahuhu was asked to open the attack. The outcome was a wicket off the second ball, as she had Hayley Mathews edge to the ‘keeper’ one that moved away.

With her slingy action, which generates natural outswing, she tested Danielle Wyatt and finished with a wicket-maiden.

Anuja Patil got the new ball from the other end, and as has been the case in the previous matches, she provided an early wicket by getting Wyatt out stumped. Then came the next dismissal, in which both Tahuhu and Patil had a role to play, as they combined to send back Shafali Verma to reduce Velocity to 14 for 3.

Did the experienced batters lead the fight-back?

Not really. Mithali Raj and Veda Krishnamurthy started with a lot of promise, but the pressure that came with a sedate scoring rate got the better of the skipper, while Veda was the victim of some smart glovework. Veda overbalanced while trying to flick a delivery from Sophie Devine down the leg side and was out stumped by Taniya Bhatia.

And then came the counter-attack

Mithali tried to loft an on-drive, but all she managed was a catch to Devine, as Natalie Sciver became the fourth in this innings to bag a wicket in her first over, thereby reducing Velocity to 37 for 5.

How did Velocity finish with 121 then?

All thanks to Sushma Verma and Amelia Kerr. Working the singles and twos, putting away the loose deliveries and wielding the long handle to good effect, Kerr and Sushma did exactly what the top-order batters failed to do: build a partnership and transfer the pressure back on the opposition. They didn’t go on an all-out attack, but instead chose to cash in on the right moments. The outcome of that strategy was a superb stand worth 71 runs, 28 of which came in boundaries.

Although Kerr (36 off 38) fell in the penultimate over as she looked for quick runs, Sushma provided the finishing touches to the innings with a six and two couples off Sciver in the final over -- which yielded 13 runs -- as she finished with an unbeaten 40 off 32.

How did Supernovas approach the start of the chase?

In a positive manner, initially. Despite losing Chamari Athapaththu to a run-out in the second over, Priya Punia and Jemimah Rodrigues led an attacking start. Punia was

Having scored only four off her first 11 deliveries, Harmanpreet began her assault by taking on Ekta Bisht for a four and a six in the 15th over. Alam conceded 13 off her final over, with the Supernovas captain striking two fours. With 25 needed off the last three overs, Harmanpreet clobbered two sixes off Vaidya to reduce the equation to under a run a ball; but Pandey’s tight over took it to the final over, with Supernovas needing 7.

A superb catch by Mathews created some nervous moments in the Supernovas camp, as Harmanpreet departed off the second ball.

But a cool-headed Radha Yadav scored three couples before hitting the last ball for a four off Kerr to help Supernovas to a thrilling win.

excellent with her timing and bisecting the (cricbuzz) field when she managed three fours off Shikha Pandey in the third over.

Jemimah Rodrigues struck a couple of boundaries off Mathews Velocity Innings as Supernovas managed 31 in the (20 overs maximum) first four overs.

HK Matthews c †Bhatia b

SCOREBOARD

What was Velocity’s response?

Creating pressure through a dry spell! Ekta Bisht and Jahanara Alam conceded only two runs between them, to pull down the scoring rate. Although the next two overs yielded two fours for Supernovas, Velocity again sneaked in tight overs, which eventually led to the dismissal of Rodrigues who, in her attempt to take on Kerr, handed a catch back to her. Punia followed soon after, outsmarted by a Devika Vaidya delivery that spun away sharply to have her out stumped. Alam then cleaned up Sciver, who failed in her attempt to play across the line; and bagged her second wicket when Devine tried to cut a delivery that was too close to her body, as Supernovas slipped to 64 for 5.

Tahuhu 0 Shafali Verma c Patil b Tahuhu 11 DN Wyatt st †Bhatia b Patil 0 M Raj (c) c Devine b Sciver 12 V Krishnamurthy st †Bhatia b Devine 8 S Verma † not out 40 AC Kerr c Kaur b Poonam Yadav 36 S Pandey not out 1 Extras 13 (lb 4, w 9) TOTAL 121/6 (20 Overs, RR: 6.05) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (HK Matthews, 0.2 ov), 2-1 (DN Wyatt, 1.2 ov), 3-14 (Shafali Verma, 2.6 ov), 4-37 (V Krishnamurthy, 6.5 ov), 5-37 (M Raj, 7.3 ov), 6-108 (AC Kerr, 18.2 ov) L Tahuhu (4-1- 21-2) AA Patil (3-0-19-1) RP Yadav (2-0-13-0) S Devine (4-0-19-1) N Sciver (4-1-27-1) P Yadav (3-0-18-1)

Supernovas Innings (target: 122 runs from 20 overs) PS Punia st †Verma b Vaidya 29 AC Jayangani run out (Bisht/†Verma) 2 JI Rodrigues c & b Kerr 22 H Kaur (c) c Matthews b Kerr 51 NR Sciver b Jahanara Alam 2 SFM Devine b Jahanara Alam 3 LMM Tahuhu not out 2 RP Yadav not out 10 Extras 4 (w 4) TOTAL 125/6 (20 Overs, RR: 6.25) Yet to bat: AA Patil, Poonam Yadav, T Bhatia † Fall of wickets: 1-9 (AC Jayangani, 1.5 ov), 2-53 (JI Rodrigues, 9.6 ov), 3-53 (PS Punia, 10.1 ov), 4-59 (NR Sciver, 11.6 ov), 5-64 (SFM Devine, 13.3 ov), 6-115 (H Kaur, 19.2 ov) S Pandey (3-0-17-0) H Matthews (2-0-17-0) E Bisht (3-0-20-0) JAlam (4-0-21-2) A Kerr (4-0-29-2) D Vaidya ( 4-0-21-1)

Potaro Strikers surge into Baptist Madrid Open: Halep misses number 1 Church under-15 final

ranking, loses to Bertens

J

ason Smith and Robin Singh bulged the net for Potaro Strikers FC to defeat Beacon FC 2-nil and knock them out of the Bartica Baptist Church (BFA) under-15 tournament.

Potaro have now earned a place in the finale of this tournament -- being promoted by the Bartica Baptist Church and its partner, Victory International Ministries, in collaboration with the Bartica Football Association.

For the Potaro Strikers, coming into the competition has been a stroll in the park. They dominated throughout the tournament, with Robin Singh being their standout in the The victorious Potaro Strikers team. In their last matchup, against Byderabo FC, Singh scored thrice for Potaro Strikers to have them defeat their opponents 7-0, and has thus far scored a total of four goals in two matches.

After five matches, three teams remain in contention. On day one, Potaro Strikers defeated newcomers Byderabo FC, while the following match saw Beacons FC emerging triumphant over Agatash FC. In match #3, Mil Ballers FC went down to Rivers View FC, to give Rivers View the right to Saturday’s semi-final against Rising Stars FC, who defeated Lazio FC on Thursday last.

President of the Bartica Football Association (BFA),

Kiki Bertens (left) embracing Simona Halep

R Alden Marslowe, when asked about the BFA partnership with the church, said the association looks forward to repeating this partnership on an annual basis, as it is a must for the development of the sport locally.

The third place playoff and finale will be played today from 14:00 hrs at the Bartica Secondary School Ground. The winners will receive trophies and medals, while all teams are guaranteed one ball and one set of football uniforms.

At the end of the week-long tournament, the winners will receive trophies and medals, while all participating teams will each receive a ball and one set of football uniforms.

omania’s Simona Halep missed out on regaining the world number one ranking, as she lost the Madrid Open final to Kiki Bertens.

A win would have seen Halep overtaking world number one Naomi Osaka, but she lost 6-4 6-4.

The title is the biggest of Bertens’s career, and she will climb to fourth in the rankings on Monday, making her the highest-ranked Dutchwoman in history.

She also becomes the first woman to win in Madrid without dropping a set.

Halep is the fourth Grand Slam champion Bertens has beaten during the tournament, and will now be seen as one of the favourites for the French Open, which begins in two weeks.

Both players struggled to hold serve, with eight breaks across the two sets - three to Halep and five to Bertens - but the Dutchwoman was the more dominant.

Last year’s runner-up hit 25 winners and four aces, with her forehand in particular causing problems.

sunday, may 12, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

21

Trojans humble Eagles again ...depart for Colombia May 20

T

he UG Trojans have continued their winning ways against arch-rivals Eagles, whom they defeated 87-38 last Tuesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, and followed up that win with a 98-88 victory yesterday.

After defeating Vikings 87-38, the Trojans were handed the uphill task of facing-off against the Eagles in their second game. The Trojans hit the court fully determined to make light work of the Eagles, with whom they were very familiar.

As the first period began, the teams exchanged points as they scored at a slow rate, each being on the defensive. However, the first period went to the Trojans 33-29.

Having a deficit of four points, the Eagles needed to redeem themselves early before the lead was lengthened; but things did not go as planned, because the Eagles tied the second period 17-17 to maintain a four-point advantage and sink the Eagles into a hole from which they

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third period of the game, 27-18.

By that time the Eagles were flustered and frustrated, as they not only saw defeat on the horizon, but it brought back memories of how the Trojans whipped them in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association’s (GABA’s) Under-23 Division play.

Umrao, Algoo lead respective charts after 3-day inter-county tournament

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could not escape.

The Eagles then changed their strategy and pulled out all the stops, substituting players in their bid to rid themselves of the fourpoint advantage the Trojans had over them.

But the Trojans were apparently too strong for the Eagles, and flew away with the lead in the

Now having a deficit of 13 points going into the final quarter, the Eagles pulled out a consolation win, 24-21, but it was too late, as the Trojans managed to defend their territory and stop a possible comeback.

Top scoring for the Trojans were Kadeem Peterkin with 32 points, Jonathan Browne with 18, Alister Lewis with 14, Selvaughn Mosley with 12 and Jabari Joseph with 10 points.

Scoring for the losing side were Travis Belgrave with 21 points, Kwesi Thompson with 16, Darren Thomas with 12 and Shamar Huntley 10 points.

Trojans Coach Warren Wilson said, “These two games really have encouraged not only me, but the team: that as long as we put the work in, by God’s Grace, we will reap the rewards. I am confident we can win, because we have added some fresh talent and they are hungry for the win.”

The Trojans will depart for Colombia on May 20.

A

fter completion of the Hand-inHand Three-Day Under-19 InterCounty tournament, the Berbice duo of Kelvin Umrao and Alex Algoo lead the respective charts.

The West Indies U-19 left-arm spinner Umrao ended the tournament with the most wickets and the most five-wicket Alex Algoo hauls. His U-19 team mate Algoo has scored the most runs in the tournament, inclusive of the lone century scored.

Umrao, the talented lad from Albion, ended the tournament with 23 wickets in the 3 matches and five innings he bowled. In his first match, against Guyana Select U-17, he snared 5-55 in the first innings, but did not bowl in the second innings due to the inclement weather.

In the second-round match against Essequibo, at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, Umrao snared 5-24 and 2-23. He continued to prove his consistency when he met the big guns, Demerara, against whom he grabbed 11 wickets in the match.

In the first innings he grabbed 5-21, and followed that up by taking 6-41 in a match-winning effort that earned him ‘player of the match’ recognition at Lusignan.

Arguably the best right-arm off-break bowler around, Joel Spooner took 17 wickets in the tournament, after taking 11 wickets against Essequibo in the opening round played at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda.

The other off-spinner among the wickets was Essequibo’s Amit Persaud, who had two six-wicket hauls against the most dominant teams in the inter-county tournament. He had 6-69 against Demerara and 6-93 against Berbice in the second round.

Guyana’s Select U-17 player Chanderpaul Hemraj was also among the wickets, having taken a five-wicket haul against Demerara.

West Indies U-19 World Cup player Ashmead Nedd, the Demerara captain, has not had the best of three-day tournaments, but in the One-day format starting Monday he will be hungry for wickets.

His teammate Sachin Singh has had a poor tournament with the bat, but will be aiming ‘to make things right’ in the shorter format.

The leading batsman of the three-day format has been Alex Algoo, who scored 270 runs at an average

of 45. Algoo, who hails from the Young Warriors Cricket Club in Berbice, smashed a high-score of 175 in a sublime innings played against the Select U-17 Team at the Everest Cricket Club in the opening round. Although not at his consistent best, he recorded a half-century after his marathon innings. Algoo has had scores of 06, 175, 22, 52, 05 and 10 in the six innings he batted.

His opening partner Junior Sinclair ended the tournament with 195 runs at an average of 39. His top score has been 50 not out against Essequibo.

Garfield Benjamin (128), Robin Williams, Alphius Bookie, Kelvin Umrao Orlando Jailall, Kevin Christian, Mavindra Dindyal and Zeynul Ramsammy all had some scores, but were not consistent to score centuries in the three-day tournament.

A few of the National U-19 players each had a poor tournament with the bat: Sachin Singh, Adrian Hinds, Yudister Persaud, and even Kevlon Anderson did not get the runs they would have hoped for.

The senior players will be aiming for improved fortunes when the One-day tournament commences on Monday May 13.

“Big 4” clash for Trophy Stall title…

Regal Masters, Mikes Pharmacy Masters, HS Masters and Ariel Masters to participate

A

ction will continue today at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) ground on Camp Road, Georgetown with four of Guyana’s top softball teams duking it out for top honours, as lots will be at stake.

The four teams in the tournament are Regal Masters, Mike’s Pharmacy Masters, HS Masters and Ariel Masters.

The specially arranged mini-tournament is part of the Everest Cricket Club Masters’ Team Day of Activities, which will coincide with the club’s ‘IPL finale viewing’ brunch. The event promises lots of action from the first ball.

The inclement weather has currently left the club’s outfield damp, but

this will add to the excitement when semifinals’ play is called at 09:30h.

The winning semifinalists will play for the Trophy Stall title at 13:00h, while Player of the Final will also receive a trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall.

Regal Masters will begin as favourites because of their recent form.

The side is set to feature the destructive Eric Thomas and David Harper, who has proven himself at the back end of the innings. Regal will be hard pressed by a peaking Mike’s Wellman Team, which would see the entertaining Lloyd Ruplall and Eon Lovell continuing their rich run of form.

The determined HS Masters will be looking to prove a point, but they will heavily depend on the bowling pair

of Puran Singh and Jagdesh Persaud; while the underdogs, Ariel Masters, will be boosted by Mohamed Rafeek, who will be looking to score Regal Masters will be entering the competition as favourites big in the prey on known weaknesses when the opening encounter. first ball bowls off.

Each of the four teams is familiar Whichever way it goes, one thing is with the others, and will be looking to certain: there will be lots of fun.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, may 12, 2019

An IPL filled with West Indian flavour

Russell, Gayle score 1000 runs collectively

Chris Gayle scored 490 runs

Andre Russell scored 510 runs and grabbed 11 wickets

By Brandon Corlette

T

he 2019 Indian Premier League was one of great significance for the Caribbean people in that it was the first occasion that saw three Guyanese participating: Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer.

Veteran T20 stars Andre Russell and Chris Gayle also emerged as lead players after scoring 1000 runs in 26 matches between themselves.

This is a positive sign, since the dynamic duo will feature in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, the matches of which will commence from May 30, 2019 in England and Wales.

Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, this was Russell’s most prolific season. He scored 510 runs at an average of 56.67 and a giant strike rate of 204.82.

Adding the icing to the cake, Russell ended his 13 matches this season with 52 sixes, in

contrast to six-hitting boss Chris Gayle, who ended the 2019 IPL with 34 sixes in the same amount of matches this season.

Gayle, who continues to shine in the latter part of his career, finished the 2019 season with 490 runs at an average of 40.83 and a strike rate of 153.61.

With Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians set to play the final match of the tournament, the West Indians on the respective teams will add that flair to the match.

From Mumbai’s perspective, Kieron Pollard will be an important asset with his experience, while Evin Lewis may sit out the starting XI. CSK will have the veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo in their starting XI, while a maximum of three West Indian players may have opportunity to play in the final.

Guyana’s Sherfane Rutherford played seven matches for the Delhi Capitals on his debut season. He scored 73 runs, and had a strike rate of 135.19. He finished the tourna-

‘Canal 6’ emerge 13th annual Sash Sawh Memorial domino winners

Satram Jagmohan (left) handing over the winning trophy to Basdeo Persaud in the presence of other team members

C

ANAL 6 made it three consecutive years in a row when they carted off the win in the 13th annual Satyadeow ‘Sash’ Sawh Memorial Dominoes Tournament, played on Monday (Indian Arrival Day) at Ernest Shop at Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara.

Organised and sponsored by Sash Secretariat, the tournament saw the eventual champions mark 78 games to win easily from International 6 with 73 and Cold Fusion with 71.

The victory also marked the third consecutive year that ‘Canal 6’ has won this tournament; they defeated Mixed Up and Sash Secretariat at the same venue last year.

The game was evenly contested throughout the first five sittings, with International 6 entering the final sitting with a slim four-game lead, and the scores reading International 6 on 64, Canal 6 and Cold Fusion deadlocked on 60 each.

A brilliant final sitting by Canal 6 saw them registering the maximum 18 games and sealing the deal for the winners, as International 6 managed nine and Cold Fusion 11.

Skipper Kedar Seopaul and Shawn Singh led the way for Canal 6 with the maximum 18 games, while Avinesh Persaud supported with 13. For International 6, Edmund Sammy

ment with one wicket -- the prize scalp of AB De Villiers.

His team mate Keemo Paul finished the tournament with nine wickets in the eight matches he played. He also recorded a Player of the Match performance in his debut season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Shimron Hetmyer had a tough season. In the five matches he played, he scored 90 runs, but in the final match of the RCB campaign, he showed his true colours by smashing a fine half-century.

It was never seen before in the IPL, a debut player announcing himself in fine fashion as Alzarri Joseph did. Another West Indian who added that flavour to the IPL, Joseph made his debut for the Mumbai Indians, and rewrote history with astonishing bowling figures of 6-12 in 3.4 overs against David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad. To date, this is the only five-wicket haul in the 2019 tournament.

A highly rated innings in the IPL came from the big West Indian Kieron Pollard,

who smashed his way to a 31-ball 81 against Kings XI Punjab. His brilliant innings included 10 sixes and three fours in a match in which he played the role of standing captain of the Mumbai Indians.

In the four matches he played, Oshane Thomas brought pace to the table and took five wickets in his debut season for the Rajasthan Royals.

Nicholas Pooran had 168 runs in his promising IPL, but his Trinidad and Tobago teammate Sunil Narine had a quiet IPL season with both bat and ball. Narine scored 143 runs in nine matches, and took 10 wickets for KKR. Only Russell, who picked up 11 wickets for the same team, was able to match Narine’s success.

What will an IPL be without West Indian players, who continue to excite the fans globally and bring that Caribbean flavour to India year after year?

Inter-county cricket returns to Albion

– B’ce U-19 players upbeat to play at home

MVP Shawn Singh (right) collecting his trophy from Jagmohan

marked 15 in his first three sittings and 11 in the next three, after being chosen to play through in the five-man team. Manniram Shew and Claude Stuart made 13 each.

The top players for Cold Fusion were Parmanand Jairam (14) and Ameer Khan, who scored 25 playing through.

The winners’ and first runners-up trophies plus prizes for the three top players in each team and the overall Most Valuable Player (MVP), were sponsored by Sash Secretariat.

The MVP was Canal 6’s Shawn Singh, who edged out his captain, Kedar Seopaul, the latter giving away 20 games to Singh’s 19; while the three top players were Singh, Sammy (International 6) and Jairam (Cold Fusion).

Sawh, a former Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, died under tragic circumstances on April 22, 2006. A minute’s silence was observed prior to commencement of the tournament.

Among those responsible for the staging of the tournament are United States-based Guyanese Mark Dookhan, who served as driver to the late minister; Sahadeo Mahabali, Vishnu Persaud and Indra Jagmohan.

The organisers take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to the proprietor of Ernest Shop, for allowing the venue to be used to host the tournaments over the years.

Team Berbice

A

fter an absence of more than five years, Berbice will witness the return of inter-county cricket when its U-19 side play the Essequibo U-19 side at Albion Community Centre Ground on Monday, May 13, 2019.

Fresh from winning the Three-Day Championship title, Berbice will now look to defend their One-Day title when the match bowls off from 9:30h local time.

The last time that an inter-county under-19 match was played at Albion was in July 2013, when Berbice took on Demerara.

Speaking to <<Guyana Times Sport,>> Berbice captain Kevlon Anderson said it would be the first time he would be playing an inter-county match at home.

A confident Anderson said his team would look to start on a positive note, and playing at least one match at home is a big plus. “It is always nice to play at home, in front of families and friends; and we are expecting a big turnout,” he said.

Anderson has had only one score of 50 in the just concluded three-day tournament, and he added that his training camp in Antigua played a role in his performance. “…in Antigua, we were playing a lot of back-foot shots in camp, and the first few games in this inter-county I was still accli-

matising,” he explained.

He added that he would be aiming to score the most runs in this one-day version of the tournament, and the rest will be important for him to reboot.

As with all his other teammates, West Indies U-19 selectee Kelvin Umrao is also happy to play on his home ground. The ‘home boy’ has played all his cricket at the Albion Cricket ground, the same historic venue that once hosted international cricket.

The One-day format may see some changes made to the Berbice 14-member squad. When the players returned to Berbice on Friday afternoon after the Handin-Hand match, they were asked to attend an important meeting with BCB president Hilbert Foster. The 14 players are: Kevlon Anderson, Kelvin Umrao, Junior Sinclair, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Doorasammy Mahadeo, Garfield Benjamin, Leon Swamy, Gevon Schultz, Alex Algoo, Deonauth Persaud, Carl Gilgeous, Aaron Beharry and Chris Harry.

Chanderpaul Govindhan, Shamar Angel and Jitendra Outar are the players omitted from the 14 that were asked to attend the meeting prior to the opening game of the one-day tournament. (Brandon Corlette)

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, may 12, 2019

Ambris’ maiden century highlights West Indies record chase

23

T

wo men who are both not going to be in the World Cup in England, stole the show in neighbouring Ireland with power-packed centuries, but in the end Sunil Ambris had greater firepower around his 148 off 126, than Andy Balbirnie’s 135 off 124.

Ambris is not part of West Indies’ World Cup squad, and while Balbirnie is going to be in Ireland’s squad whenever they play - they aren’t going to play in the World Cup. Ambris’s maiden ODI century meant West Indies hunted down Ireland’s imposing 327 for 5, completing their highest successful chase in the process. Ambris was pushed up to open only because John Campbell had a sore back after hitting 179 in the tournament opener, as part of a world-record opening partnership. He grabbed his chance though, and was confident right from the start, feasting on some ordinary bowling by Ireland to ensure West Indies’ chase never flagged.

His innings pushed Balbirnie’s in the shade, but the Ireland No.3 was no less impressive, showing great shot selection and timing during his stay. However, West Indies’ firepower in batting meant they had enough in the tank to chase the target down on a flat pitch, even if the outfield was rendered sluggish due to rain on the previous day.

Ambris batted till the 40th over, and all through, he kept West Indies abreast of the required run rate. When he was eventually out, Jonathan Carter and Jason Holder smashed the bowling around at close to ten runs per over to bring up victory in just 47.5 overs.

Ambris and Shai Hope had gotten West Indies’ reply off to the perfect start, and they were aided by Ireland’s bowlers’ indiscipline. A boundary ball was never far away, even when a couple of good ones came together, and every time the bowlers started to build any sort of pressure, a release ball arrived. Ambris capitalised fully, and his aggression allowed Hope to tick along without playing extravagant shots. When Hope fell, Darren Bravo walked in and that was the only time Ireland gained any measure of control. Bravo was unable to get the ball away, but despite that, Ambris kept the run-rate healthy. He then shared a crucial 128-run stand with Roston Chase off 116 balls that dragged West Indies back on track, before Carter and Holder finished things off.

Earlier, Balbirnie’s stand with half-centurions Paul Stirling (77 off 98) and Kevin O’Brien (63 off 40) first set a platform for Ireland, then launched them to a mas-

Stirling and Balbirnie put on a stand of 146

sive total.

Balbirnie was in

t h e Ambris’ middle in ton the fifth over, helped the and stayed till the West Indies 44th. He settled into secure the groove seamlessly, and record chase no West Indian bowler could tie him down. When they bowled with discipline he placed and nudged the ball. When they erred, he took full toll. He put on a brisk 146 with Stirling for the second wicket, with the opener mixing caution with bursts of explosion in contrast to Balbirnie’s more even-tempered knock.

When Stirling fell, followed soon by William Porterfield - batting at No.4 for the first time for Ireland across formats - soon after, O’Brien joined Balbirnie, and the two put on 84 off just 63 balls. O’Brien was aggressive from the outset, and went ballistic against Jason Holder in the 48th over, carting the West Indies captain for three consecutive sixes before holing out off a bouncer.

That late boost was the perfect finish after Balbirnie had provided the spine of the innings, but on a batting beauty, it proved to be a little short as West Indies moved to the top of the tri-series points table. (CricInfo)

SCOREBOARD Ireland Innings (50 overs maximum) PR Stirling c Cottrell b Gabriel 77 JA McCollum c †Hope b Cottrell 5 A Balbirnie c Holder b Carter 135 WTS Porterfield (c) c Nurse b Gabriel 3 KJ O’Brien c Cottrell b Holder 63 MR Adair not out 25 GC Wilson † not out 4 Extras 15 (b 5, lb 3, nb 1, w 6) TOTAL 327/5 (50 Overs, RR: 6.54) Did not bat: GH Dockrell, TJ Murtagh, WB Rankin, JB Little Fall of wickets: 1-19 (JA McCollum, 4.2 ov), 2-165 (PR Stirling, 31.3 ov), 3-173 (WTS Porterfield, 33.2 ov), 4-257 (A Balbirnie, 43.5 ov), 5-299 (KJ O’Brien, 47.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W SS Cottrell 10 1 67 1 KAJ Roach 10 2 62 0 FA Allen 3 0 19 0 ST Gabriel 10 1 47 2 JO Holder 10 0 55 1 AR Nurse 4 0 37 0 RL Chase 1 0 13 0 JL Carter 2 0 19 1

West Indies Innings (target: 328 runs from 50 overs) SD Hope † c McCollum b Rankin 30 SW Ambris c sub (AR McBrine) b Rankin 148 DM Bravo c sub (AR McBrine) b Stirling 17 RL Chase b Little 46 JL Carter not out 43 JO Holder (c) c Porterfield b Rankin 36 FA Allen not out 0Extras 11 (lb 2, w 9) TOTAL 331/5 (47.5 Overs, RR: 6.91) Yet to bat: AR Nurse, KAJ Roach, SS Cottrell, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-84 (SD Hope, 12.4 ov), 2-112 (DM Bravo, 19.1 ov), 3-240 (RL Chase, 38.3 ov), 4-252 (SW Ambris, 39.6 ov), 5-327 (JO Holder, 47.4 ov) BOWLING O M R W TJ Murtagh 10 0 62 0 MR Adair 7 0 57 0 JB Little 10 0 78 1 GH Dockrell 9 0 53 0 WB Rankin 7.5 0 65 3 PR Stirling 4 0 14 1+

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden edition

Quarter-finals set after final round robin games E

ight teams have now moved a step closer to the grand prize after booking their spots in the quarterfinals of the Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ tournament.

The Mackenzie Tarmac came alive on Friday night as twelve teams took their last shot at making a quarterfinal appearance in the Linden edition of the Guinness tournament.

In game one, Amazings silenced Assassa Ballers with a 3-0 trouncing, which solidified their goal difference and made them advance. David Fiedtkou netted the team’s first goal in the 8th minute, and Errol Davis in the 19th secured a Guinness goal, which counts as two goals, for the 3-0 win.

The second game was not contested, and Capital Storm enjoyed a walkover instead of facing NK Ballers. As such, Amazings and Capital Ballers advanced out of Group A. A nil-all score at the end of regulation time plunged the encounter between Retrieve Unknown and High Rollers into penalties. High Rollers prevailed in the sudden death penalty kicks 3-2.

Coomacka made light work of the Amelia’s Ward Russians with a 3-0 win. Kebert Edmonson was the hero of the game with a goal in the 7th and a Guinness goal in the 20th. While Coomacka qualified at the head of Group B, their group mates Quiet Storm have also made the quarterfinal cut.

Wisroc eased past Swag Entertainment in the following game with a single goal scored by Hussain Cumberbatch in the 14th minute for the win. Although Swag Entertainment lost their final group game, they were still able to advance, having won all their other games. On the other hand, Wisroc’s win ensured that they would cop a quarterfinal spot along with their Group D mates.

The final game of the night was indeed the most thrilling, as defending champions Silver Bullets went toe-to-toe with Barsenal.

Damion Williams and Robin Adams each had two early goals for Silver Bullets, and Keshawn Dey of Barsenal responded with two of his own for a 4-2 score. However, just when Barsenal’s hopes were mounting, Jermaine Samuels netted a Guinness goal for Silver Bullets to let them get

away with the win.

Expectedly, the defending champions will advance with High Rollers out of Group C. In the quarterfinals, Quiet Storm will face off with Capital Storm, while Amazings battle Coomacka. Swag Entertainment will come up against High Rollers, and 2018 champs, Silver Bullets, will take on Wisroc.

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

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Ambris’ maiden century highlights West Indies record chase Guinness "Greatest of the Streets" Linden

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final round robin games

An IPL filled with West Indian flavour

– Russell, Gayle score 1000 runs collectively

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