Guyana Times Sunday May 19, 2019

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3928 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, May 19, 2019

PRICE

House lot allocations 4 times less annually than under PPP

...dropped from 4400 to 1100 under APNU/AFC See stories on pages 3 and 11

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Berbice crime wave

Mibicuri Police Station finally gets vehicle P15 …after being unable to respond to robberies-in-progress

Carpenter P8 charged for executing Bartica miner

…denies having “issues” with decease – Police

Region 2 business P9 community slams Police over attitude, corruption

…house lot squeeze drives increased squatting

…as heavily armed men demolish 6 homes at Anna Catherina

Minister admits Prison Service burying dead foreign prisoners without families’ knowledge

...claims finding relatives a difficult task

NDIA bans RPA from using Water Users Association building Page 12

Eco-tourism challenged by constant savannah fires – P17 ranchers

Page 7

GPL woes: 9-hour power outage expected today See story on Page 9

Linden-Lethem road network

P16

Rehabilitated road network could see up to 1300 trucks traversing daily

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, May 19 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, May 20 – 05:00h-06:30h.

...dropped from 4400 to 1100 under APNU/AFC

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 19 – 16:55h-18:25h and Monday, May 20 – 05:05h-06:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning cloudy skies will give way to light rain showers, as light cloudy skies roll in in the afternoon. Light rain showers can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 04:32h and 16:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.80 metres and 2.66 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:32h and 22:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.41 metre and 0.59 metre respectively.

saturday, may 18, 2019

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PAY DAY

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House lot allocations 4 times less annually than under PPP

SUPER PAY DAY

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

T

he distribution of house lots has reduced significantly since the change of Government in 2015 despite the fact that the demand has not decreased.

This is evident in the 2017 Annual Report of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) which was recently laid in the National Assembly. The report shows that a total of only 1131 house lots were allocated in that year for qualified applicants. In fact, the report states that the original target of allocations for that year was merely 1000.

This does not compare favourably with the previous year, which according to the report, 2020 house lots were allocated in 2016, an improvement on its original target of 1100. This includes 625 low to moderate income house lots and 1395 middle to high-income house lots.

But both of these years’ figures pale in comparison to the number of house lots distributed in previous years under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. In the CH&PA’s 2013 annual report, its programme performance assessment had indicated that 4417 house lots were allocated, just shy of the 5900 target.

In the area of conveyance of transports and titles, the authority was able to achieve its targets for successive years. The report shows that in 2017, 2076 titles were processed and 3498 were distributed. A target of 2000 was set for both activities. It is, however, a reduction from 2016, when 2212 titles were processed and 4874 allocated.

Again, however, 2017’s figures are unable to stand up to CH&PA’s performance under the former Administration. In 2013, the PPP planned to process 5000 titles and exceeded that target to process 5326 titles. In addition, it distributed 3643 titles that year.

The backlog of applicants waiting for a house lot has been a consistent problem that CH&PA has been faced with. Last year, CH&PA had announced that nine new housing areas would be developed in 2019.

But the house lots being distributed are in stark contrast to times when in excess of 4000 house lots were once distributed by the authority, when former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali was at the helm.

Under the previous Administration, over 100,000 house lots were distributed and over 200 core houses were made available to underprivileged families, while a programme for professional groups provided 200 teachers, nurses and Policemen with fast-track access to loans for home construction.

There is also the 1000 Homes Project that was

An example of the Turn-Key Houses under the former Administration

launched in June of 2013 by the CH&PA to expand the Ministry’s Turn-Key Houses programme that recommenced in 2011.

Construction began in May of 2014 and by December of 2014, one hundred Buttercup Cottages were completed. Apart from the houses themselves, this project provided employment opportunities for over 300 skilled and semi-skilled workers in the construction industry.

Now, it is understood that there are approximately 25,000 applications still piled up at the CH&PA’s office.

In an interview earlier this year, the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul had said that at least 5000 solutions are required annually for the next five years to reduce the backlog.

While this may be the case, the CEO told the media that just about 3000 housing solutions were made over the past two years in the form of houses and house lots.

According to him, the agency plans to develop a number

of areas soon to tackle the backlog; however, undertaking the project to develop the lands will be costly.

He pointed out that its costs at least $4 million to have one house lot developed, which would require a vast sum being allotted for this purpose only.

Given that the number of applications would have mounted to the huge figure, Saul had explained that while it will be important to distribute house lots based on the date of the application, consideration will also be given to those in “dire need”.

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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

Rising crime and no relief W

hen the PNC-led coalition assumed power in 2015, much of the credit was due to the incumbency factor that worked against the PPP Government after 23 years in office. But there were also the strident claims of the coalition parties during the campaign: that their slate, which was dominated by high level ex-personnel from the Police and Army, would be able to do a better job at curbing crime.

Under “Programme of Action”, their manifesto promised: “Within the first 100 days of the formation of a Government of National Unity, the following will be done: development and implementation of a sustained national crime prevention plan”. Many citizens believed their assertions.

Sadly, four years after the change of Government, the levels of crime stalking the land have risen to unprecedented levels, especially violent, gun-related depredations. One year ago, the US State Department released its 2018 Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Report on Guyana’s Crime and Safety Report. It declared that Guyana’s general crime rate, in a population of just 750,000, was at a “critical level” and “above the US national average.” The Report that will be issued soon for the following year will have to paint an even bleaker picture, since crime has continued to rise exponentially.

To the cries of a beleaguered populace, the Government, through its Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has unfolded a two-pronged strategy that is based on PR more than concrete Police action. The Police began releasing regular “crime statistics” that were so constructed to convince the hapless populace that their personal experiences with crime are not to be trusted. For instance, one report from around the time the US Report was released stated that there was: “a 26 per cent increase in robberies where no instruments were used; however, a 13 per cent increase in robbery under arms where firearms were used.

Further, there was a 32 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used.”

What is the average citizen to make of this gobbledygook in percentages, which emphasises “decreases” when in reality robberies with firearms have skyrocketed, and obviously use of “other arms” would have decreased? Were the citizens to be comforted to know they will be facing more firearms when they are robbed? Only last week, there was an attack on a supermarket located a stone’s throw from one of the largest Police Stations in Berbice – Albion – wherein an AR-16 automatic rifle was fired so indiscriminately that even the Police vehicle parked outside the station was riddled with bullets.

Yet there was no response from the Police inside the station. Mere days later, a family in Black Bush Polder was shot at, brutalised, robbed, and one member was taken hostage; while the Police responded to frantic calls from the family by stating that they had no vehicle. A vehicle was found to bring them the next morning, in broad daylight.

The SWAT Unit that was ostentatiously brought from Georgetown to Berbice was not called out. The other prong to the Public Security Minister’s “crime fighting” strategy was to use the Police’s concocted “crime statistics” to compare them with those of other countries and insist that “crime is not so bad here”.

Earlier, the President had brushed aside his Security Minister’s recommendations in regard to the reorganisation of the top brass of the Police Force. He had proceeded to fire one Police Commissioner and his successor, and then handpick the incumbent. The Crime Chief, whom the Security Minister described as “very competent”, was reassigned to a desk-bound back office, while the unilaterally appointed incumbent seems to be out of his depth.

The most telling assessment of the Granger Administration’s record on crime, however, came in his assessment of his four years in office last week. The release was completely silent on crime. And this silence is more pregnant with meaning on the Government’s failure to fulfill its most basic duty to the citizens of this country: to protect them from “a nasty, short and brutish life”, than all its previous fake statistics.

Get with the Times: These Grade Four students of Mae’s Schools paid a visit to the Times Media Group Complex as part of their school tour on Friday, and took some time to catch up on the latest news in the Guyana Times

Angry Venezuelans wait hours for fuel as shortages worsen

People with their vehicles wait in line to refuel at a gas station of the State oil company PDVSA in San Cristobal

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ngry drivers queued for hours in towns across Venezuela on Friday as fuel shortages worsened in the South American nation following a plunge in gasoline imports and a stoppage at the nation’s second-largest oil refinery.

Shortages of motor fuel have become a periodic occurrence in the OPEC nation, particularly in border regions where smuggling to neighbouring countries is rife, the result of generous subsidies from state-run oil company PDVSA that have made gasoline nearly free in Venezuela.

But in recent days lines at gas stations in the western and southern border states of Tachira, Zulia and Bolivar have grown longer than usual, often lasting more than five hours, according to Reuters witnesses.

Unusually, hours-long lines also appeared outside service stations in the central states of Carabobo and Aragua - abutting the capi-

tal Caracas - after a regional storage center ran out of fuel, sources said.

“This is an outrage,” said Mario Garcia, who had waited unsuccessfully for an hour to fill up his car in Puerto Cabello, a port city some 200 km (125 miles) west of Caracas in Carabobo state. “It cannot be that this is an oil producing country and we are going through this.”

Venezuelans are already struggling with hyperinflation and widespread shortages of basic goods amid a painful five-year recession.

Tough U.S. sanctions on the energy sector have slashed crude oil exports and left President Nicolas Maduro’s government struggling to import fuel.

Washington has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s rightful leader after he invoked the constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, saying Maduro rigged last year’s elections.

Maduro has branded Guaido a puppet of

Washington.

PDVSA’s imports of fuel and diluents, which are mixed with Venezuela’s extra-heavy crude for export, plunged to 86,000 barrels per day (bpd) on average in the first half of May, nearly one-third of their average level in April, according to internal PDVSA documents and Refinitiv Eikon data.

The sources indicated that Venezuela had not imported a gasoline cargo since March 31.

In addition, Venezuela’s 310,000 bpd Cardon oil refinery - which had been operating well below capacity - halted operations on Wednesday because of damage at some of its units, two workers at the PDVSAoperated complex said.

That left only two refineries in operation in Venezuela.

Neither PDVSA nor Venezuela’s oil ministry immediately responded to requests for comment.

From Puerto Cabello on the Caribbean coast to the eastern industrial city of

Puerto Ordaz, on the banks of the Orinoco river, several motorists waiting for fuel said Maduro’s government needed to do more to tackle the fuel problems.

“This is chaotic. Every day here is chaotic and now we have a problem with gasoline,” said Oswaldo Ruiz, as he sat in a long line of vehicles at a gas station in Puerto Ordaz. “I don’t know what will happen here but there has to be a change.”

In Caracas, however, there were few signs of widespread gasoline shortages as Maduro has prioritised services to the Venezuela capital. Industry sources said tankers were being diverted from other parts of the country to supply the city of some 6 million people, home to roughly a fifth of Venezuela’s population.

“Things are a bit complicated here, but Caracas residents have it better than in other cities,” said Franco Arase, as he sat aboard his motorbike. (Reuters)

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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

APNU/AFC missing in action as violence against women escalates into a national crisis

Dear Editor, Even as we agonise over the gruesome murder of Zaila Sugrim by her intimate partner this past weekend, news came out of Essequibo of another woman cruelly stabbed to death by her husband.

None of these incidents is the direct fault of the President or his Government. But Violence Against Women (VAW), including Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), has further escalated in Guyana and is getting worse every day. Intimate Partner Violence and deaths are a genuine national crisis, demanding urgent action by the Government.

As early as 2006, I called attention to this matter as a global public health challenge. In 2008, Minister Priya Manikchand made the fight against VAW a priority national programme. Exactly

one year ago, I wrote about this national crisis and urged our Government to act with a sense of urgency. It is distasteful and completely unacceptable that any of us must still urge our Government to lead a vigorous fight against VAW. There are many voices calling for action. But without the leadership of our Government, we will lose the battle to combat VAW and IPV. The sad truth is that this APNU/AFC Government is MIA, missing in action, as VAW in Guyana has become a runaway train, leaving too many lives in tatters.

The death of young Zaila Sugrim this past week is, at the same time, a grim reminder that we are losing the battle against VAW and an urgent call for action. Zaila Sugrim, a beautiful young woman and a mother of five

children, is the newest victim of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Guyana, but too many have already preceded her. If her story does not prick our collective conscience, we are not humans. This week, Zaila’s life of domestic violence came to an end, not because she was able to escape her abuser, even though she desperately tried to, but because she was brutally murdered by her abuser-husband.

Zaila was mercilessly beaten, shot in the head, burnt and buried in a shallow grave behind her husband’s business.

Meanwhile, her children were excitedly waiting for her to celebrate one of their birthdays. Now these innocent children have become orphaned.

Like many thousands in our country and many millions around the world, Zaila was a victim of the Violence Against

Dear Editor, The negative misguided statements that consistently emerge from key players in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have created a fed up environment amongst citizens. It is time President Granger’s quartet recognise that they have become a local and international laughing stock and they must desist from trying to fool this nation.

They have been interchangeably using the terms Official List of Voters (OLV) and Official List of Electors (OLE) in statements of convenience in advancing the interest of the APNU/AFC cabal. The proven purpose is an effort to kerfuffle and deceive unfamiliar persons with their baseless and spurious attempts at delaying the readiness of GECOM for elections. The term OLV is the Official List used for Local Government Elections, while the OLE represents the List for the Regional and National Elections.

It is clear that GECOM has a database that the organisation uses as the repository of registered persons or the Register of Registrants.

It is from this ‘Register of Registrants’ that the 2015 Official List of Electors was extracted after the APNU/AFC moved the NoConfidence Motion against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. President Donald Ramotar thereafter prorogued Parliament and with a very short period of continuous registration, followed by only a few days of Claims and Objections; GECOM produced the Official List of Electors, which was used to conduct the Regional and National Elections within the ninety-day period.

The APNU/AFC coalition parties at the time, advanced in the National Assembly and used the same Continuous Registration and Claims and Objection accepted formula to extend the life of the list from three months to six months.

Further, they hurriedly held Local Government Elections

in 2016 in an effort to test their strength. APNU and AFC individually used the same Register of Registrants along with a short period of Continuous Registration and simultaneously did the Claims and Objection in order to prepare the Official list of Voters.

It is of significant note that in the process of holding two Local Government Elections, the Government, through its Ministry of Communities, introduced eleven new Local Authority Areas (LAAs), with changes in several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils’ boundaries. In these instances, the same cycles of the periodical Continuous Registration and the Claims and Objection were repeated and it cannot be made clearer that these are the acceptable methods for GECOM to keep the OLV and the OLE in a state of readiness for any election. With the passing of the No-Confidence Motion, GECOM Chief Executive Officer, Keith Lowenfield and GECOM Public Relations Officer said that GECOM is ready for Elections.

It is also useful to observe that at the recent Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) case to which GECOM was a party, the entity failed to make a timely submission for obvious reasons. They simply do not have any rational candour in the face of the facts. However, they later said that GECOM could not hold Elections within the three-month period specified in Article 106 of the Constitution because the matter was the subject of court cases. Secondly, because President David Granger did not name a date for elections and that GECOM did not have the necessary funding.

It is even clear that through the constitutionally approved method of the No-Confidence Motion, the Opposition legitimately booted the APNU/AFC coalition Government on December 21, 2018. In keeping with the Constitution, we should have had National and Regional Elections before March 21,

2019. Ms Excellence Dazzell, the Attorney contracted by GECOM, recently provided her legal opinion on the issues which give greater clarity and exposes the lack of prudence and alacrity of Granger’s quartet at GECOM to hold elections.

In her advice dated May 13, 2019, to Commissioners and the Chief Election Officer of GECOM at a statutory meeting, she made reference of the illegality of the need for house-to-house registration to create a new list of electors. Instead, she said the current list, which expired at the end of April, should be updated. Further, the opinion refers to The Election Laws (Amendment) Act 15 of 2000, section 7 (1) which states that “where there is an interval of more than six months after the qualifying date…which the official list of electors…is prepared under section 5 (1) and the day appointed for the next election after that date, the Commissioner shall cause the Official List of Electors to be revised, in accordance with the procedure established by the Commission by regulations”.

In the 1985 Regional and National Elections, Catholic Bishop Benedict Singh, Anglican Bishop Rudolph George, along with representatives of the Bar Association, categorically described the massive Fraud perpetrated against the nation by the PNC agents, while the Human Rights Association issued a joint statement in which they condemned the Elections as dishonest.

The groups made reference to “the familiar and sordid catalogue of widespread disenfranchisement, multiple voting, ejection of polling agents, threats, intimidations, violence, and collusion by police and army personnel,” The reactions of GECOM’s Commissioner have trended similarly but these dark and nasty days must never be returned to Guyana.

GECOM creating “fed up” environment amongst citizens

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Women (VAW) pandemic.

About one in three women in the world suffer from violence by their own partners. Dozens of these victims in Guyana will end their lives of terror and misery only by death, just as more than 40,000 women around the world this year.

Of the 87,000 women globally murdered, about 40,000 of them are killed by a partner. Zaila Sugrim is now one of them. So too is Farida Khayum of Essequibo, the newest Guyanese victim, who has left three of the newest orphans in Guyana.

The nation is genuinely shocked and many of our citizens are demanding action. There has been no word from the Minister of Public Security. He is too busy thinking about men who frequent places where sex workers hang out, while conspiring to replace Moses Nagamootoo as Prime Minister. There has been no word from the Minister of Social Protection, under whom women affairs fall. She is too busy politicking. The Minister of Public Health is similarly silent, also too busy with politics and desperately trying to stop Basil Williams from emerging as a presidential candidate. The Prime Minister, desperately trying to stop Ramjattan

from replacing him, is too concerned about dual citizens to even bother about the senseless killing of a woman. The President, as usual, seems too busy doing nothing to even care. The truth is that the President and his Government are missing in action, MIA, as VAW continues to escalate and the national crisis heightens.

Not so long ago, a man pumped bullets into the head of his wife in a busy Georgetown street. Less than a month ago, a young man drove his car back and forth over his wife. Now, there are the sad and fatal stories of Zaila Sugrim and Farida Khayum. But such brutal attacks on women by their partners are occurring nearly every week in Guyana. These stories prick our conscience too often. Each time, we are shocked and our conscience tells us enough is enough.

But our country moves on, little action is taken, the Government chooses to be MIA, and we await the next death to prick our conscience a little more. The problem is our leaders seem to be numb by the frequency and the increasing brutality of these murders, that they treat them as just another unfortunate event in the daily grind of life

in Guyana.

I heard today on a TV programme, Ms Gail Teixeira raising the issue and calling on Government to lead the fight against VAW and IPV. Ms Teixeira, who led Guyana’s team to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994 has been relentless in demanding more action against VAW. Ms Priya Manickchand has been an ardent advocate, urging a vigorous national effort to combat VAW. Many women and NGOs have been actively working on their own to stem the tsunami of VAW in Guyana. But our present Government continues to behave as if VAW is not a matter for concern. Since 2015, the APNU/AFC Government has been either silent or extremely stingy in acknowledging Guyana has a VAW problem and that IPV is epidemic in our country. We are not alone. Both VAW and IPV are pandemics, public health crises, in every country in the world. But our Government cannot excuse itself because VAW happens to be a global problem. Guyana needs action now and the President must step up to the plate.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Ethics, purpose of David Patterson’s trip Dear Editor, Over the past two days, there has been a back and forth between the People’s Progressive Party and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson on Facebook. On Thursday, the PPP’s official page carried an assertion that China International Contractors had made a deposit of US$9000 into Minister Patterson’s personal account.

Early on Friday, AFC Treasurer Dominic Gaskin, speaking at his party’s press conference, said he would put his neck on a block that US$9000 was never deposited by China International Contractors into the personal bank account of Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson on February of 2017.

However, on Friday evening, Patterson replied to the PPP via Facebook to confirm that a deposit was made into his account by China International Contractors as asserted. His explanation was that the deposit was reimbursement for his travel expenses to the Seventh International Investment and Construction Forum in Macao, China, and this arrangement was approved by Cabinet.

Quite apart from the loss to Dom’s body, this answer raises many questions as to the ethics and purpose of Patterson’s trip. It is a legend that Singapore stamped out corruption at the very top by jailing a Minister who accepted a paid vacation, in contrast, we have our Cabinet approving the acceptance of a ‘free’ trip by a Minister who routinely makes decisions which are vital to our public infrastructure.

Is there any public report or record submitted by Patterson of his activities at this conference? Given that two massive contracts were awarded to Chinese companies for provision of service to GPL - one was more than a billion dollars over the engineer’s estimate and the other exceeded the nearest bid by a billion also - GPL falls under the Minister’s purview; can we ask if these companies also attended the forum in Macao? Given that there was a massive reduction in the deliverables of the CJIA expansion project, a ‘fixed price’ contract and a bewildering increase in payment to a Chinese firm, can we ask if China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was also present in Macao? And if so, were there any talks with Minister Patterson?

Going forward, it would be useful for Minister Patterson to respond to assertions via the recognised press and provision of proof of “prompt” remittance to MARAD as claimed to be provided. A provision against acceptance of ‘free’ anything by Ministers of Government should be written into the much vaunted APNU/AFC Ministers’ Code of Conduct, for it seems the basics of ethics and common sense have evaded the Cabinet; today also saw another AFC Minister, Cathy Hughes, assert that the citizens of the country are corrupt to explain her lack of remorse that a company she owns was awarded Government contracts without due process.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

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By Monica Foley, Med

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s a parent, you may have wondered how best to help your children learn to make positive choices. One way to set your children up for success is to establish strong boundaries in your home.

It’s essential to begin instructing your children about boundaries between themselves and others very early on in their childhood.

A child who grows up in a home where healthy limits are well established will learn to apply such boundaries in his or her own life, thus developing better self-control and the capacity to make positive choices.

What does “boundary” mean?

A boundary signifies a limit that a person has for themselves. Limits that people set can be physical or emotional boundaries.

1. Physical boundaries. This limit can be physical and tangible, such as one’s own body parts. This involves explaining to a child that his body belongs only to himself and that nobody else teaches him to develop a sense of his physical self. Explaining, “Daddy’s body belongs to him” and “Your body belongs to you” is a good place to start.

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Foundation

2. Emotional boundaries. Another type of boundary is more emotional than physical. Teaching children that it’s not okay to say hurtful things to others is an example of an emotional boundary. Teasing would be another way of crossing a person’s emotional boundaries.

In a sense, boundaries are rules that you live by.

Living with boundaries basically means, “I won’t do anything to harm you” and “I expect you not to do anything to harm me, but if you do, I’ll let you know.”

Teaching boundaries

When you’re raising kids to have healthy boundaries, it’s important to allow your children to have and express their own feelings.

This one can be pretty tough as it isn’t unusual for some parents to try to suppress a child’s healthy behavioral expression.

For example, if a fouryear-old starts crying and stomps her feet, what would you do as a parent? One healthy strategy to ensure your four-year-old develops healthy boundaries is to help her label her feelings. Say something like, “I see that you’re frustrated that you can’t have the candy right now. Maybe you can

have some candy after dinner.” Then, move on with life.

You helped her to label her emotions. You chose not to punish her or demand that she stop crying or “Straighten up right now.”

As a parent, you just showed acceptance of your child’s feelings. Each time you behave this way as a parent, you’re reinforcing your child’s natural sense of self and boundaries.

Another example is a two or three-year who throws a toy at their sibling. Again, tell your child that it’s okay to have and express angry feelings, but it’s not okay to throw a toy at others.

During the episode, show no feelings. When you’re establishing boundaries, it’s time to be diplomatic. Be firm, but not frustrated or angry.

Simply state, “It’s not okay to throw a toy at your brother. When you throw a toy, you have to sit in a chair,” and say nothing more until the minutes have passed. Have your child sit in a chair for the number of minutes that matches their age (if they’re two years old, they sit for two minutes; three years old, three minutes).

After the time is up, thank your child for sitting in the chair and go on with

your day. Hopefully, your child will not throw a toy again. Instead, he or she will see that you allowed them to have and show feelings without negative consequences, as long as they stayed within your boundary.

Expect your children to occasionally “test the limit,” or challenge your boundary – this is completely normal.

When these testing behaviors occur, think of each situation as an opportunity to show your kids the consequences of crossing the line.

Sometimes, there will be situations when you find it prudent to explain some boundary situations or “rules” to your child. For example, telling your child that no one but a doctor when Mom or Dad is also present should touch your child where their bathing suit fits is an effective way to teach limits and boundaries related to his or her own body.

Modelling boundaries

Ultimately, the single best way to teach children healthy boundaries is for parents to have healthy boundaries themselves and to model them in the home.

Showing respect for each person in the house, ensuring everyone has rights to their feelings and appropri-

ate expressions of them, as well as talking openly and honestly about any challenging issues demonstrate healthy boundaries for children.

From the time your children are born, you’re charged to teach them many things so they’ll grow up to make positive choices in life. Help create happier, healthier lives for your kids

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by teaching your children about limits and boundaries.

Parents who ensure their kids grow up learning about limits and boundaries provide a solid foundation for their children’s futures.

Apply some of these methods in your home to teach your kids about having and maintaining healthy limits and boundaries, and your kids will thrive. (childdevelopmentin-

fo.com)

aising a teenager is difficult for the best of parents, just as being a teenager is difficult for all teens, regardless of how easy a childhood they had. But these are the years when parenting needs to be done delicately. Watching your teen draw away from you can be hurtful and worrying but this is when your child needs that space, and you need to give it to them.

Once children are born, they get progressively more distant from their parents, growing their independence so that they can become their own people. Teenagers are the culmination of this. Teens need space to discover themselves as separate beings from their families. It is valuable growing space that you need to respect.

Though it’s hard to leave your teenager alone, especially as their behavior becomes more and more worrisome, you must create boundaries – for both you and them. This can be as formal or informal as you feel is necessary. Make sure they are aware that you will respect these boundaries that you’ve set for yourself. Consider giving your teen a say in the boundaries that they would like to see in place. Even if some of them are unreasonable, having this discussion should give you insight into what your teen is thinking, feeling and needing.

But don’t let go of your teen entirely. During this phase it can be tempting to just give up entirely once you’ve started down this path, but resist the temptation.

Your teen, more than ever, needs to know that you love them and are there for them. This is a time when many risky behaviors take place and when your teen will test your limits.

Everyone needs space, but no one more than teenagers. As they’re slowly separating themselves from their family identity, they need room to discover themselves.

Boundaries are important for giving teenagers their privacy but also important for safety and consistency. Let your teen know that they will have a little more space to themselves but don’t allow that to create a license for chaos.

The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers: The Secret to Loving Teens Effectively is a great resource for parents that provides an approach that will help them to openly communicate with their teen while allowing them to have the space they need to develop a sense of direction to successfully move toward increased independence. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Minister admits Prison Service burying dead foreign prisoners without families’ knowledge ...claims finding relatives a difficult task

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

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ublic Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattam has admitted that the Guyana Prison Service has indeed been burying foreign prisoners who died in Guyana without their families’ knowledge. Speaking with Guyana Times on the sidelines of Parliament last week, Ramjattan said that this happens because of the Prison Service’s inability to contact relatives. He noted that in some instances, relatives are reluctant to claim their loved ones’ bodies.

“I understand it was difficult for the Director of Prisons to get on to some of the family members,” Ramjattan said when asked about the reports that Guyana is secretly burying dead foreign prisoners.

“That is what the explanation is. There are some people who will come into the prison system, difficult to get their family members in time for bodies to be removed.”

“Sometimes, we understand from the Head too that when they tell the family members, they are too poor over there to send for them, the bodies, and that is a difficulty,” the Public Security Minister added.

Asked how many prisoners were buried in this manner, Ramjattan could not say. However, he made a commitment to seek those figures.

Earlier this year, reports had surfaced that visitors who entered Guyana illegally or overstayed their time were being held in cells at several police stations until they could fund their own airfare. In some instances,

when prisoners cannot afford their transportation cost home, they are left to languish in their holding cells for months and, in cases where they die, are then buried clandestinely.

Against international convention

This, however, goes against international convention.

The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela rules, named after former South African President Nelson Mandela, is an international guide on the treatment of prisoners that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

Section 44 of these rules (Notification of death, illness, transfer, etc) states that “upon the death or serious illness of, or serious injury to a prisoner, or his re-

An aerial view of the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara

The Mazaruni Prison

moval to an institution for the treatment of mental affections, the Director shall at once inform the spouse, if the prisoner is married, or the nearest relative and shall, in any event, inform any other person previously designated by the prisoner”.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has several recommendations when it comes to the death of prisoners in custody.

And throughout those recommendations, a common theme is the need for respect and carefulness towards the deceased.

It also notes that “In case of temporary burial, a body

tag with indelible marking and a unique code should be attached to the body; and the grave must be marked and recorded carefully. This will help ensure the traceability of the body”.

In addition, the “Body of Principles for the Protection of all persons under any form of detention or imprisonment”, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly resolution 43/173 of December 1988 provides additional recommendations for Governments to follow.

Principle 34 states that “whenever the death or disappearance of a detained or imprisoned person occurs during his detention or im-

prisonment, an inquiry into the cause of death or disappearance shall be held by a judicial or other authority, either on its own motion or at the instance of a member of the family of such a person or any person who has knowledge of the case. When circumstances so warrant, such an inquiry shall be held on the same procedural basis whenever the death or disappearance occurs shortly after the termination of the detention or imprisonment. The findings of such inquiry or a report thereon shall be made available upon request, unless doing so would jeopardise an ongoing criminal investigation”.

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Carpenter charged for executing Bartica miner …denies having “issues” with deceased

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he family of slain 21-year-old Antonio Dos Santos, a miner from Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), is one step closer to receiving justice as the man who is allegedly responsible for the young man’s death is slated for the court of law on Monday.

Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Kevin Adonis told this newspaper on Saturday that the carpenter, who is accused of the crime, will appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Meanwhile, a police source confirmed that the accused and the now dead man were known to each other, and while the alleged perpetrator did not admit to any problems that he and Dos Santos had, enough evidence has been garnered that point in the direction that the suspect is guilty in this matter.

On Monday last, Dos Santos was said to have been imbibing in front of an entertainment bar at First Avenue, Bartica, around 02:25h when the suspect approached the young man and shot him twice in the left region of his chest.

Dead: Antonio Dos Santos

The shooter then made good his escape while attention by others had been diverted to rendering assistance to the bleeding Dos Santos.

The injured man was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was treated and quickly referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

However, before Dos Santos could arrive in Georgetown, he succumbed to his injuries at about 07:05h at the Bartica Airstrip while being medevaced.

Police commenced a hunt for the

29-year-old carpenter of First Avenue, Bartica, but the manhunt ended when the suspect was handed over to the police by his mother at about 17:15h on Monday last.

This is the second incident in under two weeks where a young man was shot while imbibing in a public spot and lost his life.

Earlier this month, 23-year-old Patrick Matthew Fraser at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was also shot twice while imbibing with friends in an abandoned yard, known as the “drug yard” at Bagotstown.

Fraser of Republic Park, EBD, died at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital (Diamond Hospital).

Although no arrests have been made to date in relation to Fraser’s murder, investigators close to the matter had initially ruled out robbery as a motive for the young man’s death, stating that it appeared to be a “planned execution”.

However, police say that investigations into this murder are presently on-going.

Escapee admits to robbery, escaping from lawful custody charges

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he 23-year old rape and robbery accused, Kishan Wilkinson, called “Kevin Wilkinson”, who had escaped the Cove and John Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD), lockups for a brief period on Thursday last, has been sentenced to two years in jail.

Wilkinson, who is a labourer and hails from Lot

271 Hope, East Enmore, ECD, was slapped with two counts of robbery under arms as well as one charge of escaping from lawful custody on Friday and appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

Appearing before Magistrate Fabio Azore, Wilkinson admitted to the two robbery under arms of-

Kevin Wilkinson

fences, which stated that on February 20 he robbed Ramnarace Somar and on May 10, he robbed Kusilica Bhagwandin.

He also pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody while at the Cove and John Police Station.

Magistrate Azore sentenced Wilkinson to two years’ imprisonment for each of the three charges, however, the sentences will run concurrently.

Wilkinson had been originally slated to appear in court on Thursday but the

court clerk, it was reported, accidentally, sent his case file to another magisterial district, which delayed the hearing.

However, as Wilkinson was being prepared for court, he escaped from custody at the Cove and John Police Station. The police then launched a manhunt for him and, after receiving intelligence, they went to his sister’s home where they were first met with some resistance, during which time Wilkinson tried to slip away through the alleyway but was nabbed.

Two ranks who were reportedly in charge of guarding and monitoring Wilkinson before he made his escape from the police station were put under close arrest. The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Guyana Police Force had commenced investigations into the matter but it is still unclear as to whether those ranks deliberately aided in Wilkinson’s daring escape or if they will be sanctioned for that incident.

To PNC Govt…

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…”it’s only” money ual citizen ex-Minister Dominic Gaskin wanted to know what’s “the fuss” about the ministerial delegation jetting off to TT to personally observe the hearings of the NCN appeal. They could’ve seen it streamed over the Internet, like the rest of Guyana. And in that question we get an insight into how the players in this PNC-coalition, from Granger to his gardener, think about spending our hard-earned tax dollars.

Another dual citizen ex-Minister had claimed that the Ministers went to TT ‘cause, otherwise, the CCJ Judges would’ve felt the Government’s lawyers “were on their own” if there wasn’t a cheerleader squad in the court!! Yes, this was actually SAID!!

Well, if this were so -- and CCJ judges are swayed by the audience as much as by the lawyers’ arguments -then maybe the entire Cabinet should’ve traipsed over; especially since Allicock, Norton, Henry, Sarrabo-Halley and Rajkumar weren’t faces that would’ve been recognisable to the CCJ bench. For all the judges knew, these were just the usual riff-raff from the streets who showed up at CCJ hearings to get out of the sun!!

At least the PNC didn’t try to defend the boondoggle by claiming the entourage was there to advise the Government’s lawyers!! Even though, come to think about it, from the performance of those high-priced lawyers, even Granger’s gardener might’ve offered welcome advice!!

And that brings up another instance of the PNC’s posture as the last of the big-time spenders of our money.

While they’ve been coy about releasing the exact sum paid – and there’s very good reason for their coyness - the figure of $70 million hasn’t been denied.

And, of course, against this sum, maybe Gaskin’s dismissal of the ministerial junket is understandable: “What is the total cost in the grand scheme of things?”

Indeed, what is that cost? And we have to include Bulkan, whom we’re told jetted in for the second day’s hearing. Maybe because the original five didn’t have the desired effect of inspiring shock and awe on the CCJ judges? Yup!! The regionally famous Minister of Communities had to be rushed in!! First class tickets (of course); rooms at a top hotel (of course); per diem; taxis etc, and we only talking about $5 million! Peanuts compared to lawyers’ fees!

But there’s another reason why Gaskin should scoff at spending $5 million for a quick ministerial getaway. He, after all, had just been offered a job for which he confessed he isn’t qualified; a job that would pay him MORE than his old ministerial job, with all the old perks!! And he hadn’t even asked for the job!!

But seriously, folks, the two newly appointed Ministers – Halley and Rajkumar -- had to be inducted into the “it’s only money” lifestyle!! …UG VC is a sinecure And the beat goes on with the University Unions vs the VC at UG. The unions now demand VC Griffith be terminated for the odious oodles of money he lavishes on himself while starving the University of even basic items, like toilet paper. They don’t realise that YSM Chair Griffith attended UG in the 1970s and had to use the Chronicle in the toilets. He expects the same be done now!! Of course, since he lived in foreign for donkey years, he needs his Charmin in his AC’d lavs!!

But your Eyewitness is a tad tetched the academic union hasn’t followed on his challenge to them to investigate why Griffith was let go with two years left on his contract at his last stint at Fort Valley State University in Georgia.

With a Deep South student body very similar to Guyana’s, Griffith sold them a bill of goods he couldn’t deliver.

Unfortunately for him, he didn’t have friends in high places!! …the mouth is muzzled How dare the GECOM Legal Officer (GLO) offer requested legal opinion that’s unfavourable to the PNC’s desire to delay the elections??

It explains why Patterson unilaterally appointed Marcus to represent GECOM at the CCJ! The GLO holds that the list should be REVISED!!

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

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPL woes: 9-hour power Region 2 business community slams Police over attitude, corruption outage expected today

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lanned maintenance work by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc, will today result in several communities in Georgetown, on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara being without power for at least nine hours.

According to GPL, residents from Buzz-Bee Dam in Craig to Providence, East Bank Demerara, will experience a disruption of electricity from 08:00h to 17:00h.

Other affected areas in Georgetown are A to E Fields, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; North Sophia to Success, East Coast Demerara; and in thew city – North and South Ruimveldt; Festival City; Shirley Field-Ridley Square; Guyhoc Park and Gardens; Meadow Brook and Roxanne Burnham Gardens; Tucville; Stevedore Housing Scheme; and Lamaha Park and Springs.

The utility company said the interruption to the power supply is because it would be conducting vital maintenance work at its Sophia

substation.

Last week, the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS), which is operated by GPL, suffered from yet another shutdown, causing power outages in several communities.

The utility company announced shortly after that the system was indeed non-

functional and promised that the situation will be rectified.

Not long after a burnt primary conductor on the L23 transmission line caused disruptions from Canefield to Auchiyne in Berbice. The interruption was necessary to connect the transmission line to the Skeldon generation facility.

Meanwhile, two weeks ago, the DBIS recorded a shutdown due to a fault in one of the circuit breakers at the Garden of Eden Power Plant. This caused a “lock out” of the busbar, fa-

cilitating the transfer of power from four generators.

According to GPL, the “sudden” loss of 18 megawatts of generator capacity resulted in the shutdown.

GPL’s poor services have come under criticism many times, primarily by the general populace. Residents on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), were faced with constant power outages in April, just one day after the commissioning of a $1.8 billion power plant at Anna Regina.

Just a few months ago, a loan was granted from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to the tune of US$20 million, to be provided to the Guyana Power Light (GPL) for upgrading the services.

The loan was expected to facilitate the rehabilitation of 153km of GPL’s medium voltage and low voltage network and 6941 smart meters, including the associated transformers, service lines and distribution boxes along with the rehabilitation and extension of two 69/13.8KV substations at Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop.

A section of the business community at the meeting on Saturday

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anks attached to the G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands), Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), came in for harsh criticism on Saturday when members of the region’s business sector met with two Ministers at State House in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

The meeting was held with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and new Business Minister, Hemraj Rajkumar. During the meeting, members of the business community in the region complained about the attitude and reported corrupt practices of some of the Police ranks within the division.

Speaking at the meeting, cellphone dealer Nahib Sabar who was robbed four times in 2018 and once in 2019, complained that to date, no arrest has been made in any of the robber-

ies. According to Sabar, the Police in the region appear reluctant to investigate, although he provided them with much-needed information. He publicly told Minister Ramjattan that on one occasion, he caught two men stealing phones from his business and took them to the Anna Regina Police Station but to his surprise, when he went back to the Anna Regina Police Station the following day, there were no records at the station of the persons he took in the previous day. He added that he made several complaints to the Divisional Commander but the Police kept ignoring him and he subsequently reached out to the media to vent his frustration. According to the businessman, after his views were published in several sections of the media, he was arrested and placed in the

Anna Regina Police lock-ups for over 72 hours. The businessman said he was subsequently released on $100,000 station bail but no charges were instituted against him.

He said too that he has since been unable to recover his bail money.

Following the businessman’s complaint, Ramjattan immediately called the Commander who was in the vicinity providing security to join the meeting to hear the business community’s complaints. Meanwhile, other business persons present at the meeting complained about traffic ranks soliciting brides, the harassment of drivers, bad public attitude displayed by some ranks and the need for the improvement of investigative capacity. The business community also called on the Minister to address the long wait for gun licences.

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Independence and Armed Forces Indian exclusion

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s we approach another “celebration” of our Independence from Britain, crime once again threatens to overwhelm the country. This is even as President Granger sits on the last of a string of British-funded proposals to “professionalise” the Police Force, which appears to be permanently on its back foot. It is more than passing strange that none of these plans recommend that the Disciplined Forces in general, and the Police Force in particular, be made more ethnically representative of the country’s population - much as the British Police have attempted to do, with great success, in their country.

It is an article of faith in all multicultural countries that police drawn from the various groups are more effective in crime fighting.

What makes all of this more peculiar is that, in one of its last acts before granting Independence to Guyana Ravi Dev under the PNC, the British had witnessed the dangers of having ethnically skewed forces during times of tension between the groups.

In 1964 in Wismar, the Volunteer Force and the Police stood by while hundreds of homes were razed to the ground; three persons were killed; dozens of women were raped; hundreds were beaten, and eventually 2300 Indians were forced to flee the community permanently.

The British Governor formed a “Special Services Unit” that year with equal numbers of African and Indian Guyanese, even though Indian applicants exceeded Africans. The SSU was commanded by an Indian -- Major Ramon Sattaur, a Sandhurst graduate -- who served under the British officer Colonel Pope. Six persons were selected for officer training in England at the Mons Officer Cadet School. They were Pilgrim, Naraine, Morgan, Roberts, Budhu and Ishoof (3 Indo-Guyanese and 3 Afro-Guyanese).

Elite soldiers from all over the world were students at that prestigious military academy. All Guyana was proud when Naraine won the coveted Sword of Honour, and Ishoof won top prizes for marksmanship and military knowledge. He went on to lead military units in Guyana on two dangerous military operations – the New River Triangle Operation, when soldiers from Suriname were driven out from that area, and the Ankoko Operation that repelled Venezuelan incursions from the Essequibo.

As part of the agreement for granting Independence, the British insisted that the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) would investigate and make recommendations on the composition of the police and army with the goal of making them representative of the country’s ethnic make-up. The ICJ then recommended that Indians be recruited in higher proportions than Africans until the numbers were balanced. On November 1, 1965, however, Burnham created the Guyana Defence Force, and went completely against the ICJ’s recommendations.

According to the CIA Fact Book, “The SSU was renamed the Guyana Defence Force in 1965. The transition to complete Guyanese control of the GDF began in 1966, shortly after independence was granted. Prime Minister Burnham, who also served as Minister of Defence, oversaw the transition.

“Major Raymond Sattaur, an Indo-Guyanese officer and graduate of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, was heir apparent to the British GDF commander. But perhaps because of ethnic considerations, Burnham selected an Afro-Guyanese officer, Major Clarence Price, as the new commander.

After the 1968 election, Burnham began to purge IndoGuyanese from the GDF officer corps. By 1970, Afro-Guyanese dominated both the officer and the enlisted ranks of the GDF. “The PNC attempted to both consolidate and expand the loyalty of the GDF by manipulating racial symbols and by materially rewarding loyal soldiers. Politically- minded officers portrayed the PNC as the sole protector of Afro-Guyanese interests. These same officers also portrayed the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as an Indo-Guyanese organisation whose victory would result in economic and political domination of Afro-Guyanese by IndoGuyanese.

“In 1973, an aide to Forbes Burnham openly advocated that the GDF pledge its allegiance to the PNC in addition to its loyalty to the nation. This recommendation was made policy the following year. Although the recommendation was unpopular among career officers, disagreement was not voiced openly for fear of losing high salaries, duty-free cars, housing, and other privileges. Nevertheless, throughout the 1970s and 1980s, an undercurrent of tension existed between officers who favoured a politically neutral GDF and those who favoured political activism.”

Now President David Granger, an ex-Brigadier, was one of those who favoured “political activism”. Isoof did not, and left in 1972. Ironically, Granger sat on the 2004 Disciplined Forces Commission, but conveniently forgets he recommended their composition be reflective of our ethnic composition.

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Heavily armed men demolish 6 homes at Anna Catherina …claim to be acting on behalf of CH&PA to go, they were asked to file land applications and if the area is not allocated to be regularised, then they will get land elsewhere.

As such, they were shocked when the armed men entered the area on Friday and started to demolish the buildings. During the process, several pieces of equipment and tools were taken, while others were tossed onto the street.

Speaking with this publication, one of the residents, Bibi Aleena Dhoray, explained that “two come in

A damaged section of one of the dwellings that were torn apart One of the houses that were completely demolished

Bibi Aleena Dhoray

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ix houses at Anna Catherina on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) were destroyed on Friday afternoon after four armed men stormed the properties demanding that the families evacuate with their belongings.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, the residents related that the men charged into their properties at about 13:00h and the ordeal lasted for more than an hour. It was explained that they have been living on the land for a few months now but the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) had reached out to them, informing them that they will have to move. The residents said after explaining that they had nowhere

These residents were left to contemplate their next move after the demolition exercise

here with a sledgehammer and a crowbar and they start break from the back…Then they come here and the start-

ed breaking the bathroom, the kitchen sink, the shed…I had to beg them not to break the place because we have nowhere to go.”

The woman stated that her child was almost injured by a piece of wood that fell during the demolition exercise. She pleaded that they

cannot afford another place to live.

“We don’t have nowhere to go. We come here and this is all that we have. They break the place and a wood fall on the bed and my children sleeping there. My husband had to bring the baby outside,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Dianna Bacchus said after the men started breaking the buildings, she asked them why they were demolishing the houses and were told that they are acting on behalf of CH&PA. “I tell them that they can’t break the house. We never receive a notice or anything and they saying that they from Central Housing and Planning Authority and that we can’t live here.”

Adding to that, Nandalall Jodhan related that the men threw his belongings onto the roadway and carried away

some of his tools and a generator. He was still counting his losses in distress.

“We hustling for somewhere to live. They didn’t send no notice or nothing.

They come and break down the place and carry way all my tools, generator, everything. They throw out everything on the road, even the hammock that I does sleep in.”

Others who were affected were still contemplating their next move since they could not afford to go elsewhere. Some vacated the land and were staying with relatives.

“I get two sons and I can’t maintain rent money. I got to pay bills, look after the children and send them to school,” one man said.

Calls by Guyana Times to the head of the CH&PA, Lelon Saul, for a comment on the issue, went unanswered.

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

NDIA bans RPA from using Water Users Association building

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he National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has stopped the Rice Producers Association (RPA) from using the Water Users Association (WUA) building at Number 63 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The RPA had used a public address system to an-

nounce its proposed meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss the last crop issues with farmers and others members of the RPA. However, on Monday, the Chairman of the 5274 Water Users Association, Neezam Raja, received instructions from the NDIA not to allow the RPA to host its meeting there.

Some of the rice farmers who were present at the meeting which was held at an alternative location

Guyana Times was told that the instructions were

handed down from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NDIA, Frederick Flatts.

When contacted, Flatts confirmed that the decision was one made by the management of the NDIA. He noted that permission has to be granted for such an event.

However, General Secretary of the RPA, Dharamkumar Seeraj said it was unusual for assess of the Benab facility to be denied to the RPA. According to Seeraj, for more than 30 years he has been working with farmers and it was the first time farmers were being denied

access to that office to address their concerns.

Seeraj believes there is political interference.

In recent weeks, rice farmers have been very critical over the limited reaction received from Government through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) in tackling the paddy bug infestation which was countrywide and saw some farmers losing their entire crop, while others could not sell their paddy to milers because of its poor quality.

Farmers in Berbice have also slammed the GRDB, saying the production figures released by the General

Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan, were misleading.

Hassan had announced that the national average for rice production was above six tonnes per hectare which is an excellent yield.

Rice farmers on the other hand noted that the General Manager failed to mention the extremely poor quality of rice produced during the crop.

At Mondays meeting, which was eventually held next door to the WUA building at Joe Park, over 50 farmers attended where the impact of the paddy bug infestation was discussed.

Farmers noted the serous damages caused to their crop as a result of the widespread infestation of paddy bugs.

Concern was also expressed over the high increases implemented over the past year to cultivate rice, foremost among them being the inclusion of Value Added Tax on agriculture equipment.

Farmers noted it now costs 12 per cent more on all tractor parts and for a new tractor, while paddy bags have been reduced from 143 pounds to 120 pounds. This, they say, has resulted in a loss of income.

Included in the increase cost of production is the increased land rates which Government is demanding from the farmers.

NEWS

US medical team completes 262 eye surgeries at Port Mourant

Some of the United States Army’s New Horizons team

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21-member United States Army (US) ophthalmology team has successfully completed 262 surgeries at the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, Berbice.

The two-week programme, which was undertaken by United States Army’s New Horizons team, completed 208 cataract surgeries, 49 pterygia (A pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea. The cornea is the clear front covering of the eye.

This benign or noncancerous growth is often shaped like a wedge) and one lens implant.

The team also carried out four other surgical procedures during their visit.

The team, which comprised of eight surgeons, four optical technicians, one biomedical engineer, five operating room nurses and five security personnel, commenced operations on May 6.

Head of Team Horizons, Ophthalmologist, Major Andrew Lewis noted that the team was able to complete so many surgeries in that short period because of the assistance it received from the Cuban brigade pri-

or to its arrival.

He explained that the local doctors were adequately able to evaluate the patients, thus enabling the team to do more of what it came to do.

“When we came in and did the prescreening we say 313 patients and we were able to sign up neatly 270 of those patients. That is a testimony to the quality of the physicians that are here.

Where we were at other locations in other countries and not had a local team that has been able to take care of the patients in such a good way we have not been able to do nearly as mush surgeries while we have been there.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Dan Stoica of the US Embassy representing the US Ambassador said the team represented the US well.

Focal Point Coordinator Alex Foster explained that for some time, the hospital has not been able to deliver a good service and over 2000 persons were on the waiting list for surgeries.

He told the visitors that the sunshine which they brought to over 250 Guyanese families will be returned to them.

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 news

SUnDAY, may 19, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Attack on cargo vessel in Essequibo not piracy – Police

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he attack on a cargo vessel in the Essequibo River earlier this month, which resulted in two men on the boat being severely wounded, was not piracy related.

This is according to Commander of G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands), Khali Pareshram, who told Guyana Times in an interview on Saturday that while his ranks are still investigating this, there was never a report about it being a piracy act.

He stated that the suspects and the injured men are known to each other. It is believed that the group of men had a dispute with each other and this led to the planned attack on the cargo vessel on

G Division Commander Khali Pareshram

May 9, 2019.

However, no one is presently in Police custody.

“No, it is nothing of the sort of piracy. We are investigating an incident where we have made progress… we have made two arrests. They were in custody and released on bail.”

Earlier this week, Deputy Police Commissioner and Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves, confirmed that the incident is now in the hands of detectives in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Guyana Times understands that the cargo vessel with a three-man crew came under attack at about 22:00h on Thursday last. The cargo vessel was said to be heading to Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) from Parika,

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) when the attack occurred.

Reports are two of the crew members were hospitalised after being chopped about their bodies by the attackers.

At the time of the incident, one crew member managed to escape after he jumped into the Essequibo River where he waited out the attack on his co-workers.

He then managed to swim back to the vessel, where he found his co-workers badly wounded. The man subsequently called for assistance on a cellular phone.

The attackers also carted off with an undisclosed sum of cash that was to be used to purchase fuel and supplies.

Rotary Club of NA celebrates 32nd anniversary

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s the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam observes its 32nd anniversary, the Club continues to make a difference in the lives of many.

This was highlighted when the Club officially observed its

anniversary recently at a simple ceremony during which New Amsterdam’s Mayor, Winifred Haywood, congratulated the Club’s President, Rafeek Kassim, for the outstanding work it had been doing.

Speaking at the event, which was held at Handin-Hand lawns in New Amsterdam, Kassim noted that the Club, over the past 32 years, hosts an annual dinner to observe world peace and understanding day where either

a Head of State of Ambassador is invited to address the topic of world peace.

In the area of disease prevention and care, the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam has hosted several programmes with the aim of eradicating polio while large sums were spent on securing lens for cataract surgeries in Berbice. The Club, over the years, also held medical outreaches to address diabetes.

“In water and sanitation, a well at was dug at Gangarram which services that entire community. Also, the most recent project is that of its pure water supply project which has so far seen eight schools benefiting from pure filtered water.”

In the area of maternal health and child care, the Club would have built the current Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

“Last year we did a medical outreach in the Waruni area where PAP smears were done for cervical cancer. A school was build at Manchester by the Club which falls under education and literacy.

“Annually we hold a programme called RYLP [Rotary Youth Leadership Program]; empowering our youths in leadership skills.

In the area of economic and community development, Kassim said the Esplanade Park stands out as the Club embraced the project in its initial stage.

The Mayor, in words of encouragement, urged the Club to continue its good work.

Meanwhile, past President Tajepaul Ajoeda explained that it was the Georgetown Rotary Club which sponsored the New Amsterdam Club. He said the Club now has three more members than when it started 32 years ago. However, the 23 members represent a figure well below the peak of 36 members.

Among the achievements of the Club is the best club award which was presented to the Club in Guadeloupe in 1993.

The Club was nominated in 2018 for a similar award but did not win. In 1994, the Club won an international award for its outstanding service to the community. The Club also received several citations from Rotary International from 1991 to 1994.

The New Amsterdam Rotary Club is also the sponsor of the Corriverton Rotary Club.

Preparing for the impending ban on singleuse plastics- Part 3

G

uyana has, over the years, been implementing laws (Regulations) to tackle the solid waste scourge, including the Litter Regulations of 2013 and the Expanded Polystyrene Regulations of 2015. The latest in these efforts is the impending ban on single-use plastic products, which is expected to come into force in 2021.

In our previous articles, we spoke about the ban itself, and offered alternatives that you can start to consider as we transition to a life with much less plastic. For many of us, environmental issues get our attention only when they have a direct impact on our health or immediate surroundings; so you might ask yourself, ‘Why should I care about a ban on single use plastics?’

According to quora.com, these are just some of the reasons why plastics are not the ideal material for the environment and humans.

• The processes of making, storing, disposing of, and just being around plastics can be extremely harmful to living things.

• Plastic is made from toxic compounds known to cause illness, and because it is meant for durability, it is not biodegradable.

Effects of plastic pollution: • It upsets the Food Chain: Because it comes in sizes large and small, polluting plastics even affect the world’s tiniest organisms, such as plankton. When these organisms become poisoned due to plastic ingestion, problems are caused for the larger animals that depend on them for food. This can cause a whole slew of problems each step further along the food chain.

Plus, it means that plastic are present in the fish that many people eat every day.

• Groundwater pollution: If you’ve ever seen a garbage dump, imagine what happens every time it rains; then imagine that being in your drinking water. This has had terrible consequences on many marine species, which can lead to consequences for those that eat fish and marine life for nutrients – including people.

• Land pollution: When plastic is dumped in landfills, it interacts with water and forms hazardous chemicals. When these chemicals seep underground, they degrade the water quality.

Wind carries and deposits plastics from one place to another, increasing the land litter. Plastics can also get stuck on poles, traffic lights, trees, fences and towers among other places; and animals that may come in the vicinity might suffocate to death on them.

• Air pollution: Burning of plastics in the open air (a common practice in many parts of the world, including Guyana), leads to environmental pollution due to the release of poisonous chemicals. The polluted air, when inhaled by humans and animals, affects their health, and can cause respiratory problems. . It kills animals: Despite countless TV ads over the years showing ducks or dolphins trapped in six-ring plastic can holders, these items are still used and discarded en masse each day.

Whether because the mass of plastics has displaced animals or the related toxins have poisoned them, plastic pollution does a lot of damage to the world’s ecosystems.

• It is poisonous: Man makes plastics by an artificial process that uses a number of toxic chemicals. Therefore use of, and exposure to, plastics have been linked to a number of health concerns affecting people around the world.

• It is expensive: It costs millions of dollars each year to clean areas that have been exposed to plastics, not to mention the loss of the lives of plants, animals and people. As land becomes more valuable, just finding a place to put garbage is becoming a problem in many parts of the world.

• Plus, excess pollution has led to decreased tourism in affected areas, significantly impacting those economies.

In addition to the human health impacts and the damage to the natural environment, improper disposal of plastics also hurts our economy. Over the years, billions of dollars have been spent on cleaning drains and fixing drainage systems due to the plastic waste disposed, including the “Clean Up My Country Project”.

Further, as plastic does not biodegrade or break down in nature, when we send these items to the landfill, they take up space, shortening the lifespan of that landfill. The Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill already occupies 150 acres of land, which could have otherwise been used for housing or agriculture. At our current rate of consumption (for the areas that utilise the landfill) and our disposal practices, the lifespan of the landfill will be further reduced by a significant number of years. https://www.quora.com/Why-should-the-government-banplastics 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

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.

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SUnDAY, may 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice crime wave

Mibicuri Police Station finally gets vehicle

…after being unable to respond to robberies-in-progress

The potential impacts of the Venezuelan crisis on Guyana

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enezuela is a major oil producer and exporter; and the 2014 crash in oil prices, combined with years of economic mismanagement, hit Venezuela’s economy hard (Nelson, 2018).

The political crisis in Venezuela is fundamentally underpinned by a severe economic crisis. In this regard, the Venezuelan economy has contracted by 35 per cent since 2013 -- a much larger contraction than the Great Depression of the 1930s, which the U.S had experienced. The country is struggling with a massive degree of hyper-inflation of more than 1,000 per cent, which means that the value of the Venezuelan local currency is literally worthless.

This is in addition to a situation of famine; meaning, there is a shortage of food and medicine, compounded by overall deteriorating living conditions, with significant humanitarian consequences (Nelson, 2018). These are, in simple terms, consequences of an economic and political crisis; that is, when a country is characterised as having a shortage of food, deteriorated living conditions, high unemployment rates, and a massive emigration problem by its people.

As the Venezuelan crisis worsened over the years leading to this day, millions of its people have reportedly migrated to neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.

Venezuela/Guyana border controversy (historic background) The Guyana/Venezuela border controversy was, since 1962, created by Venezuela with respect to the validity of the “full and final” Arbitral Award. This matter is again before the World Court (ICJ) for another potentially final resolution. The question of whether Venezuela would respect the outcome thereof if it is not in their favour is another matter altogether. Will this lead, in the region, to another major war which is seemingly developing into a World War III? This is a ‘food for thought’ question.

A more detailed background of the historic sequence of events of the border controversy can be viewed here. https:// guyanatimesgy.com/the-venezuelan-border-controversy/ Implications of Venezuelan crisis and the border issue and conclusions As it relates to the Venezuela/Guyana border issue, it should be mentioned that, not too long after the no-confidence motion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reported that the Venezuelans attempted to land a helicopter on Exxon’s ship.

These developments can have far-reaching, detrimental consequences for Guyana, and can even delay the production of oil. With Russia supporting the Venezuelans in the area of military support especially, and announcing plans to set up a military base in the Caribbean, there can be an imminent American/ Russian war in Guyana’s backyard. The sad reality of such an outcome is that no American or Russian people would be harmed, except for the military personnel, but it is the Caribbean people -- Guyanese and Venezuelans -- who would suffer.

Against this backdrop, with the judicial challenge to the noconfidence motion pending resolution, if that ruling turns out in a particular manner, then there may be a constitutional and political crisis, which would lead to an economic and social crisis, especially if fresh elections are not held within 90 days, as stipulated by the Constitution.

These events, if materialised, would inevitably weaken Guyana within these dimensions; and when that happens, Venezuela may very well seize the opportunity to aggressively continue to threaten Guyana with the use of military force. It is no coincidence that the last aggressive move in this regard was done on the very next day after the no-confidence vote. That was a strategic move by the Venezuelans, and if Guyana’s political climate becomes further weakened, the outcomes are going to be devastating. Therefore, the politicians need to do what is best for Guyana; and that is to have fresh elections in the next three months, if the CCJ ruling turns out in a particular manner.

Against this background, the increasingly deepening crisis in Venezuela is receiving global attention. Guyana is also closely monitoring the developments. In this respect, the Government and the political Opposition seem to have a united front on this issue, which is of course in the national interest of Guyana.

The Guyana Government reported that it is gravely concerned at the deepening of the political crisis in Venezuela.

It has also taken the position of “firmly supporting the efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful means and with full respect to human rights and the rule of law.” The Guyana Government went on to state that “it supports calls made at both regional and international levels for immediate dialogue involving all political and social actors, with a view to preservation of the democratic process and a return to normalcy”.

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

Devi Roopnarine

Harmond Roopnarine

Lennox Ramcharran

ne day after two daring robberies took place in Black Bush Polder, Berbice, and allegations that the police could not render assistance in one of the incidents due to the lack of transportation, the Mibicuri Police Station has been equipped with a vehicle.

Guyana Times understands that less than 24 hours after one of the families told the media that they were not helped when they sought assistance from law enforcement officials, a vehicle was sent to the police station.

However, Commander of B Division (Berbice), Paul Langevine, is claiming that police ranks could not have responded to the robbery which took place in Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, Berbice, on Friday last, because they were not notified about the incident.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday, the Commander stated that allegations that his ranks failed to execute their duties are not accurate but did not address the issue of lack of transportation.

“They [police] did not respond to that robbery because it was not reported.

The police responded to one robbery, these two robberies were said to have occurred hours apart, they responded to one. But they could not respond to the other robber because they were not notified.”

The Commander added that the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team that was deployed to Berbice to aid in tackling the crime wave is under his command and that he would be the one to determine where to send them.

His denial of a report of the robbery comes in light of the fact that Berbicians are uncertain as to why the SWAT team that is in their region was not summoned to assist the families who were robbed on Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, another police source told this publication that one of the gunmen in the two robberies is believed to be the suspect that has been on the run for the Old Year’s night double murder in 2018 at Bush Lot

village, Corentyne, Berbice.

“We have been looking for him since then and we believe that he is involved in these robberies, probably others that happened, since the double day murders here in Berbice. Those bandits fled into the backdam area but it is not easy to go in there and find them because they are familiar with that area while we are not. But we need to do something, go in there, or so because that is where they run and hide,” the source added.

Harmond Roopnarine, 40, a farmer and his wife and two children, aged 17 and 16, were at their Johanna North home about 01:20h on Friday when the man heard someone trying to break into his home.

He stood up, waiting with a cutlass in his hand as they repeatedly hit the window.

He then saw the bandits using a piece of wood to break open the window to

enter the house.

As one was making his way in from the broken window, the family began to scream while Roopnarine stood next to the window armed with a cutlass. The bandits ordered him to put down the cutlass but he did not comply. This led to them firing shots at the farmer and demanding, while still outside, that Roopnarine hand over his gold and money.

He said another shot was fired in the direction of his wife and children, who were in the bedroom.

The two bandits, the farmer said, were outside of his home for about ten minutes during which time several calls were made to the Mibicuri Police Station but the family was told that the police are incapable of responding because of the lack of a vehicle.

Meanwhile, at Johanna South, Lennox Ramcharran,

O

B Division Commander Paul Langevine

51, a rice farmer, was beaten after gunmen went into his home at about 20:30h on Thursday.

He said his son immediately called the police, informing them that they were under attack by bandits.

All three of the bandits had guns, the man recalled.

He said that the bandits ransacked the house after his wife gave them money and jewellery. She and her two children were also beaten.

The men left with $300,000 and an undisclosed amount of jewellery. As a means of escaping without any incidents, the men grabbed the man’s 16-year-old daughter but released her after they realised that they were not being followed.

Ramcharran said shortly after the incident, two police officers arrived on motorbikes.

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“Fifty” freed of Rehabilitated road network could see 2018 murder up to 1300 trucks traversing daily Linden-Lethem road network

…Region 10 officials voice security, maintenance concerns

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he move to rehabilitate and construct roads as part of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and Linden-Lethem road network could see up to 1300 trucks traversing on a daily basis in addition to local traffic.

This is according to Project Director and team leader attached to design/consultancy company Beston/SRKN’gineering, Stuart Hughes.

The company has been contracted by the Public Infrastructure Ministry to conduct feasibility studies and detailed designs for the major rehabilita-

tion of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway as well as upgrades to the Linden-Mabura Hill road and the construction of a river/bridge crossing at Kurupukari. Hughes noted that this figure is according to data the company has received from the Ministry.

Hughes stated during a consultation with officials from the Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that the company has to look at a design which caters for the entire Lethem corridor.

Hughes said the company also has to look at the weight and axle loads of

Brazilian trucks since bridges would have to be designed to ensure that they support the weight of these trucks.

Similarly, he said the roads will be designed to facilitate local container trucks.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian alluded to issues such as security, noting that with the Brazilians having easier access, there might be a need for a security plan to be put in place.

Social and Gender Specialist Vanda Radzick, who is working along with the team, noted that recommendations coming out of nearly every stakeholder meeting conducted thus far is for a fully trained 24hour highway patrol system to be present and a place where all regulatory agencies are set up. However, the Regional Chairman expressed concern over “back roads” which he noted can be used to avoid checkpoints as he called for more advanced systems such as drones to be put in place.

Concerns were also raised over the lighting of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway which is expected to be carried out prior to the commencement of the rehabilitation project. Project Manager attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry,

Dionne Amsterdam said consultants will make recommendations on the most feasible option in this regard. Owing to past issues such as theft, Amsterdam said the lights may not be reachable when installed.

Councillor Charles Sampson also voiced concerns about lumber and sand trucks which utilise the highway to get to sawmills located along the stretch. In many instances, he said, the curb walls and edges of the roadway are broken by these trucks. Hughes also posited that major issues occur once the curb is broken.

“We would have to look at a solution for people who have to access the highway, both for the existing accesses and for the future...we have to come up with a design that will actually ensure that it does not erode away those individual accesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, Councillor Gordon Callender pointed out that persons are digging sand pits at the side of the highway in close proximity of the carriageway, as he asked for methods to be put in place to cushion the effects. Hughes said this is a major concern which has been brought up at every stakeholder engagement.

In this regard, Radzick said the company will be sending these complaints to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission since it is the regulatory body.

Travis Hazel, also known as “Fifty”

Leroy Barron

agistrate Wanda Fortune on Wednesday ruled that there was insufficient evidence in the case against Lindener, Travis Hazel, called “Fifty”, who was accused of murdering 55-year-old Leroy Barron on September 15, 2018, at Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie, Linden.

The Magistrate ruled that a no case submission was upheld, thereby discharging the case against the defendant thus rendering him free to go when the case was called at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Hazel, of 24 Silvercity, Wismar, Linden, was represented by Counsel Stanley Moore while Police Prosecutor Vernetté Pindar had represented the State.

In his submissions to the court, Moore argued that there was no evidence presented against his client for a prima facie case to be made out against him or to warrant a committal for the offence of murder.

He argued that none of the witnesses who testified in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) gave any evidence linking the accused to the of-

fence. The final witness, Esme Griffith, took to the stand on Wednesday shortly before the magistrate gave her ruling.

A clearly relieved Hazel walked calmly out the court’s dock after he was told that he was free to go.

Several witnesses have testified since the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on March 26, including the brother of the deceased, Kevin Barron, former ambulance attendant, Fiona Mingo, Police Corporals Tyrone Van Hearsel and Omyanna Layne, Police Constables Alex Sancharie and Devon Greene.

An Engineer, Rawle Watson, and a clothes vendor, Romain Haynes, were among the others who testified.

The allegations were that on the day in question, while at Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie, Linden, Hazel inflicted injuries upon the deceased during an altercation, which resulted in his death.

Initial investigations had revealed that there was an argument between Barron, who was known to do odd jobs around the market.

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Eco-tourism challenged by constant savannah fires – ranchers “We want to focus more on conservation. Now that we’ve gone into tourism and we’ve placed so much investment into this ranch and the conservation, it’s just senseless and irresponsible for people to just casually set fires on someone’s lands. I mean, if you aren’t going to add value, desist from doing so,” she expressed.

Prevention

The Waikin Ranch

By Rupa Seenaraine

I

n the last few years, there have been continuous calls for eco-tourism to take centre stage in Guyana but the challenges faced by ranchers and eco-lodges in the savannah are far too many, especially the prevalence of fires that are deliberately set by locals.

The Waikin Ranch in Lethem, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), entered the eco-tourism world just a few months ago but also suffered from one such fire. It has boundaries from the main Rupununi trail, the Ireng River, the Brazil border and the west and Pirara River and covers almost 33,000 acres of mostly rolling savannah plains and is a sanctuary to hundreds of wildlife.

Speaking with Guyana Times during an interview, Owner of the Ranch, Victor Pires explained that these fires are deliberately set by residents from neighbouring communities to obtain food. After the flames are doused, they would return to collect the wild animals that were burnt. For the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in these deliberate fires.

“What they normally set the fire for is to collect turtles.

They will burn the turtles that are on the bush island or wherever and pick up cooked turtles and then they eat,” Pires explained.

He added, “The occurrences of fire are noticeably more. It’s higher this year than previous years. For one particular bush

The aftermath of the savannah fire

island, this is the third time in one year that it has been set alight. But when you have the heavy wind, the damage is tenfold”.

Pires stated that he would have spent millions of dollars to develop the ranch and construct fences around the perimeter. Throughout the years, the wild animals were bashful, venturing into the bushes in the presence of humans. This grew to change after the population increased, resulting in human interactions with rare birds, reptiles and mammals.

During the latter part of April, the flames lasted for three days due to high winds and were finally contained through combined efforts of several individuals. Pires stated that hundreds of trees were damaged along with the animals, making it the third fire in the area for the year.

“That was a windy day and the fire just spread and got away. It was an inferno and I think we lost about 10 square miles of savannah and a kilometre and a half of fence. What we assume is that someone had to walk hundreds of metres after cross our fence to set this

fire. Most of the animals live in the bush wherever there is greenery and protection,” the owner stated.

While this is the chief challenge, it is not the only one. The waters are often spiked with poison to extract fish until they are completely exploited.

“There is a history of poisoning the water for fish, even when the ponds have already been fished and netted out.

When they do these things, it doesn’t recover fast enough for the next season,” Victor explained.

He added, “That same Pirara River used to have arapaima, the long-nose pink dolphin and many others because it’s part of the Amazon River but because of the heavy netting, it is not like that anymore.

It is not just the Guyanese that does it, the Brazilians do so as well”.

Co-owner, Francesca Pires expressed that it is very difficult to maintain these natural resources when they are constantly threatened by human actions. She stated that advocating for it to stop does not help the cause unless efforts are taken.

According to the ranchers, the only way to stop these fires is by prevention since fire units are miles away and cannot effectively extinguish such areas of land. It is even more challenging when the flames are influenced by high winds.

“We can talk about conservation and we can talk about the green Guyana but we need to start putting some weight to that and not just lip service,” she stated.

She stated that constant fires destroy the composition of the land which can result in barrenness in the near future.

Adding to that, ranchers are mandated by law to construct fences around their properties but the cost to enclose thousands of acres of land is substantial and they are constantly destroyed during bushfires.

It was mentioned that they are seeking to replant the area that was destroyed but this can only be done during the rainy season.

Eco-tourism destination

Last March, Guyana was named number one “Best of Eco-tourism” destination in the world. The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin,

Owner of Waikin Ranch, Victor Pires

Germany.

The second annual “Best of Top 100” awards is a selection of the finest top 100 destinations selected by a panel of experts who review sustainability success stories submitted by destinations worldwide.

The newly created “Best of Eco-tourism” category was added in 2019 and puts Guyana up against very well-known and experienced eco-tourism destinations, such as Sierra Gorda in Mexico, Tmatboey in Cambodia, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

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sunday, may 19, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

T&T Air Guard on verge of collapse J’can among 13 nabbed in US immigration sweep T

he Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard’s (TTAG) dwindling air assets, coupled with the resignations of over 17 experienced helicopter pilots in the last two years, has left a critical arm of this nation’s national security infrastructure operating on bare bones and resulted in the loss of millions of taxpayers’ dollars.

The issue of the unit’s ability to mobilise air surveillance came up in the public domain on Wednesday, after Police Commissioner Gary Griffith had to rent a National Helicopter Services Limited (NHSL) helicopter for aerial support during the manhunt for eight prisoners who escaped from the Golden Grove Prison in Arouca. A national security source also subsequently told Guardian media that of the 10 aircraft initially available to them to fight crime from the air, only two were now operational.

Yesterday, however, a senior source working at the TTAG said the Air Guard was also not “only crippled in the helicopter department but also in the fixed wing assets area.”

“Apart from the problem with the Augusta helicopters, we have two C-26 Metroliner aircraft that have obsolete surveillance equipment that is not even working,” he said.

The surveillance equipment for these planes shows up as a bulge at the bottom

T

A T&T Air Guard helicopter engaged in a search-and-rescue mission

of the place near its tail.

Under the United National Congress government, the purchase of four AugustaWestland helicopters was made to bolster the ability of the TTAG. But in 2017, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the Government had decided it could not fund the initiative due to the cost of maintaining the aircraft.

However, the effect of grounding those helicopters has had a domino effect on the TTAG. The TTAG source said, “Of those four helicopters, two are unserviceable while the other two are serviceable but it will be a hefty cost to have them maintained.”

He explained that the “two serviceable” Augusta helicopters that are in preservation mode will be maintained by the NHSL, which has the contract to service them. The NHSL has, however, been unable to ful-

fil this mandate because they themselves are cashstrapped. He revealed that to get these helicopters operational again would cost millions.

While the burning issue of non-functioning Augusta helicopters has been in the limelight for quite some time, the shortage of pilots and training for the unit remained a shaded issue that needed to be brought to light, the source said.

“There is no current crew to man any of these aircraft (planes and helicopters), not from the back end, which is the winch operations, or the front end - which are the pilots. None of them have been given updated training by Civil Aviation. Usually, this type of training takes place every 12 months to ensure everyone is up to speed,” he said.

In fact, he painted a dire situation about the number of pilots now in the unit. (T&T Guardian)

he United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says a Jamaican national is among 13 people detained during a four-day “surge effort” that targeted immigrants who have been issued a final order of removal in the past five years.

It said that those detained have also criminal convictions or have pending criminal charges.

ICE said that the unidentified Jamaican, who was in the US illegally, was arrested

on Wednesday. He had a prior firearms-related offense.

“As this operation clearly demonstrates, ICE continues to focus its efforts first on public safety threats,” said ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) Newark, New Jersey Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.

“The vast majority of the individuals targeted in this effort have criminal offenses in addition to their immigration violations, making them among the highest priority for enforcement,” he added.

ICE said some of the individuals arrested during the operation will face US federal criminal prosecution for illegal re-entry after removal and that those detained who are not being federally prosecuted will be processed administratively for removal from the country.

Ice said last year, 58,581 immigrants were arrested, 90 per cent of whom had criminal convictions, or previously issued final orders of removal from the country. (CMC)

Austrian Govt collapses after far right leader caught in video sting

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ustria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called on Saturday for a snap election, pulling the plug on his coalition with the far right after its leader was caught on video discussing state contracts with a woman posing as a Russian oligarch’s niece.

The far right Freedom Party’s Heinz-Christian Strache resigned as vice chancellor and party leader after the video was released by two German news organisations. He acknowledged that the video was “catastrophic” but denied breaking the law.

Kurz, a conservative who formed a coalition with the Freedom Party a year and

Heinz-Christian Strache

a half ago, said the apparent video sting, in which Strache discusses contracts in return for financial or political favors, was the last straw in the relationship.

“Enough is enough,” Kurz said in a statement to the media, listing various lesser

scandals that had previously strained their relations.

The downfall of the Austrian coalition comes just a week before elections to the European parliament and is a blow to one of the most successful of the anti-immigrant, nationalist parties that have surged across the continent in recent years. The Freedom Party is a major part of a new nationalist grouping that aims to score record gains in the European vote.

Kurz said he was proposing to President Alexander Van der Bellen that a snap election be held as soon as possible. Van der Bellen was due to speak later on Saturday. (Reuters)

EU removes Bermuda, Florida governor protests ‘dumping’ of migrants Aruba, Barbados from tax haven blacklist

T

he European Union removed the British overseas territory of Bermuda, the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba and Barbados on Friday from the bloc’s blacklist of tax havens, leaving no EU territory still on the list.

The three islands were added to the list in March as they had failed for months to change their tax rules, which the EU deemed at risk of facilitating tax evasion in other countries.

But now Aruba has been removed because it has changed its legislation to make it compliant with EU requirements, an EU statement said.

Bermuda and Barbados have committed to addressing EU concerns and have therefore been moved to a so-called grey list of countries still under EU scrutiny for their tax practices, the statement said, effectively giving them more time to be fully compliant.

The blacklist has now shrunk to twelve jurisdictions, among which are the United Arab Emirates, Oman and the three US territories of American Samoa,

Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

Other jurisdictions on the list are Belize, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Dominica, Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago. Blacklisted states face reputational damage and stricter controls on transactions with the EU. The EU set up the blacklist in December 2017 after revelations of widespread tax avoidance schemes used by corporations and wealthy individuals to lower their tax bills.

The list initially comprised 17 jurisdictions, but it is subject to regular reviews. Countries with legal shortfalls are added if they do not amend their rules by set deadlines. (MSN)

lorida’s governor decried Friday what he called a plan to send undocumented migrants to his southeastern US state to relieve overcrowding at the southern border with Mexico, a claim immigration authorities denied.

Florida officials includ-

ing Governor Ron DeSantis said the state can’t cope with the 1,000 undocumented migrants they anticipate federal authorities will send each month to two counties near Miami.

“We cannot accommodate in Florida the dumping of unlawful migrants into our

state,” DeSantis told a press conference, adding he will raise the issue with President Donald Trump.

“I think it will tax our resources, our schools, the health care, law enforcement, state agencies,” he said, as cited by The Miami Herald.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official denied the reports, telling AFP: “We are not transporting any family units to Florida at this time.”

The uproar began on Thursday, when Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters that federal authorities would be moving to his county migrants who’ve arrived in El Paso, Texas on the border with Mexico.

The immigrants will be families applying for asylum who are to be released as they wait for their cases to go through immigration court, Bradshaw said.

“It’s not a good plan. We

showed the Liberal-National Coalition close to a majority.

Opposition Labor Party leader Bill Shorten has announced he is resigning after accepting defeat.

Exit polls had suggested a narrow Labor win for the first time in six years.

The final result of the elec-

tion may not be known for some hours, but with more than 70% of votes counted the Coalition has won, or is ahead in, 74 seats in its quest for a 76-seat majority, with Labor on just 66 seats.

Try finding someone who says they saw this result coming. For well over

two years, the coalition has trailed behind Labor in the opinion polls, and the assumption had been it would be Labor’s turn to govern.

But somehow Scott Morrison managed to turn things around at the 11th hour - and he did it largely on his own. (BBC)

In this file photo: An asylum seeker rests outside El Chaparral port of entry while he waits for his turn to present himself to US border authorities to request asylum, in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico (Photo: AFP)

F

Australian PM celebrates ‘miracle’ win

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ustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has thanked voters for re-electing his conservative coalition in a shock result at the federal polls.

He told supporters he had “always believed in miracles” as partial results

think it’s a danger to our community, and it’s gonna put a real strain on what the resources are,” he said, adding that there are “no accommodations for transportation, no accommodations for shelter or (a) place to live.”

Palm Beach County Mayor Mack Bernard said if the relocation plan is carried out, an “emergency” will have to be declared.

While the two counties the migrants were said to be destined for — Palm Beach and Broward — are Democraticleaning localities situated just north of Miami, DeSantis is a Republican and a supporter of Trump’s hardline immigration policies.

He recently signed into law a measure that bans in Florida “sanctuary cities,” where local police don’t cooperate with immigration authorities.

Almost half a million people have been stopped at the southern US border since October.

Most migrants who cross the US-Mexico border without authorisation surrender to authorities and file for asylum.

Overcrowding at emergency shelters has forced authorities to release some migrants from detention as they await a review of their asylum applications. (AFP)

sunDAY, may 19, 2019

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Sterling scores hat-trick as Man City win FA Cup to clinch domestic treble

Victorious Man City

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aheem Sterling scored the first FA Cup final hat-trick since 1953 as Manchester City rounded off an outstanding season by crushing Watford at Wembley to clinch a historic domestic treble.

Sterling was instrumental as Pep Guardiola’s team became the first English men’s team to achieve the feat of winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the same season. They reaffirmed their status as this season’s dominant force as Watford were utterly outclassed, City achieving the biggest FA Cup final win since Bury beat Derby 6-0 in 1903.

Watford’s best chance of overturning the odds came early on when City keeper Ederson saved at the feet of Roberto Pereyra, and they were furious when referee Kevin Friend waved away penalty claims after Vincent Kompany blocked Abdoulaye Doucoure’s shot. The contest was effectively over from the moment David Silva finished from close range after 26 minutes, Sterling doubling the advantage before half-time by turning in Gabriel Jesus’s goal-bound shot.

Watford rallied briefly after the break, but were always wide open to the counter-attack.

They were brutally punished by an imperious City side, as substitute Kevin de Bruyne scored from Gabriel Jesus’s pass just after the hour, before the Brazilian raced clear for

another goal shortly afterwards.

Sterling wrote his own name into the history books with a treble by scoring twice in the final 10 minutes -- turning in Bernardo Silva’s perfect cross, before bundling in the final goal of a memorable display from Guardiola’s side.

The England international is the fourth player to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup final, and the first since Stan Mortensen scored for Blackpool 66 years ago. It was City’s sixth FA Cup triumph, and their first under Guardiola, who has now won six trophies since taking over at Etihad Stadium in 2016.

City’s win means Wolves, who finished seventh in the Premier League table, will play in the two-legged second qualifying round of the Europa League on 25 July and 1 August.

Irresistible Man City make history City claimed the coveted League and FA Cup double for the first time -- the first time it has been achieved since Chelsea did it under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009-10. This comprehensive triumph, however, was about even more than that.

The securing of three trophies underscores the scale of City’s achievement, and emphasises the hunger and desire which has driven them this season, notably to finish ahead of Liverpool in a relentless Premier League title race.

Their ability to move to another level when required was on show here, at they resisted Watford’s early promise and then brushed them aside. They refused to ease up when Watford were down and out, pressing forward until the final whistle, with substitute John Stones only being denied by the bar in the final seconds as City almost became the first team to win an FA Cup final by seven goals.

The pedal was still pressed to the floor as the goals racked up. And it was all achieved without leading goal scorer Sergio Aguero, who had been restricted to a place on the Raheem Sterling scored the first FA bench alongside De Bruyne, Cup final hat-trick since 1953 Stones and Leroy Sane. the managers said After securing the Premier League title Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola: “It at Brighton last weekend, Guardiola stated was an incredible final for us, and we have that he is addicted to winning. This was a finished an incredible year. To all the people performance of class and quality from a team at the club, a big congratulation, especially that looks in shape to satisfy the Catalan’s the players; because they are the reason why craving for years to come. we have won these titles.”

On Ederson’s early save from Roberto Watford feel FA Cup final pain Pereyra: “In the final, these kinds of things Watford arrived at Wembley hoping to make the difference. Ederson saved us at overturn the odds and enjoy a happier day a key point at the beginning of the game, than they experienced in their previous FA because 1-0 would have been really difficult Cup final appearance, when they lost 2-0 to for us.”

Everton in 1984. In the end, brief defiance Can City get even better? “We have to; ended in a fearful hammering, as they were always you can improve. There is no sense to taken apart by this magnificent City side. Yes, stay still.” they will look back at Pereyra’s early missed Watford boss Javi Gracia: “In this moment, chance and that handball appeal. everyone is really sad, but we knew before the But in reality, the team that finished game we had to play the perfect game. We a mammoth 48 points behind City in the started well and we created the best chance Premier League saw the chasm opening after 10 minutes with Roberto Pereyra, but out in front of them on a day of pain at after that they dominated. It was very difficult the national stadium. Watford’s fans were for us to press, which is what we were trying magnificent, waving their flags in defiance as to do. They were better. Congratulations to their team were thrashed, and they will still them, and we will try again next time. have memories of that remarkable comeback “Maybe scoring that early chance from two goals down to beat Wolves 3-2 in [would have helped]. You need to take any the semi-final. opportunity. But after that, they are really On the pitch, however, they will wish good, they found the spaces. Sometimes you to wipe a harrowing 90 minutes from the have to lose to win in the future, and we will memory bank as soon as possible. try to do it next time.”

‘Incredible final, incredible season’ - what

Independence Classic off to exciting start …track and field action continues today

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he fourth annual ‘Independence Classic’ track and field competition, hosted through the collaborative efforts of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and the Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association (GOBSA), got off to a scintillating start on Saturday at the Leonora facility with athletics fans, parents and other supporters being treated to a series of heats, while the major events for the day were the 100-metre (100M) races for the younger categories of competitors.

In the Boys 9-11 100M dash, Jair Samuels took top spot with a time of 13.47s, with David Williams and Kevon Stephens following with times of 13.52s and 13.87s respectively.

In the female version of the race, upcoming star Akeela Dover of Running Brave club clocked 13.70s for her first place win, while Athaleyha Hinckson also of Running Brave clocked 13.83s for second and Marissa Thomas of De Challengers placed third with a time of 14.23s.

The 12-14 division expectedly saw some faster and more competitive races. When the dust settled, David Higgins was first in the Boys race with a time of 11.60s, while Omar James and Shaquan Nelson followed with times of 11.73s and 11.83s respectively.

Winning time in the female race was 14.21s, which Running Brave’s Lakesha Wilson clocked as she crossed the line first, followed by Shanauda Low-Koon of Super Upcoming Runners in

14.32s, while Atalia Bookie of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was third with 14.35s.

CARIFTA Gold Medallist Matthew Gordon did not disappoint in his 15-17 1500M race. The youngster from the Hopetown Flames club in Berbice sealed the win in 4.18.40. His club mate Morvin Hamilton crossed the line second in 4.29.17. Running Brave’s Widdon Antigua was third in a time of 4.32.85.

Meanwhile, Running Brave’s Kissanna Glen took the female gold with a time of 5.10.80. Adriel Austin (Running Brave) and Kellannie of De Challengers booked second and third respectively with times of 5.19.59 and 5.21.26.

Over in the field events, it was proverbially another day at the office for Javelin record holder Leslain Baird of the Guyana Defence Force, who secured another win with a throw of 66.19M. The podium was completed by Tramaine Beckles with a throw of 57.56M and Timothy Sealey with 52.66M. Another CARIFTA Gold medallist, Annisha Gibbons of Rurallites, shone brightly in copping gold in the 15-17 female javelin event with a throw of 35.39M. Tennisha Bruce of the University of Guyana threw 12.00M for second place, while Shawnika Trotz of Upper Demerara Schools copped third with a throw of 16.03M. More CARIFTA stars were on show in the 15-17 long jump, as keen competition between Running Brave athletes Keliza Smith

and Princess Browne ended with the former bagging the gold medal. Smith jumped 5.76M for the win, while Browne, with a leap of 5.36 M, placed second. Shinana Liverpool of Upper Demerara Schools completed the top three with a jump of 5.04M. Upper Demerara Schools’ Jahaziah Copeland, who continues to perfect her craft, took home another gold in the 15-17 discus event with a throw of 29.56M for the win. UG’s Tennisha Bruce placed second with a throw of 19.87M, while Shawnika Trotz missed out, owing to a foul.

The track and field action will continue today at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara.

A glimpse of Saturday’s track action

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guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, may 19, 2019

Hope, Gabriel lead players in Tri-Nation Series Shannon Gabriel

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n the recently concluded TriNation Series in Ireland, West Indies duo Shai Hope and Shannon Gabriel led the series’ batting and bowling charts. Hope was awarded ‘Player of the Series’ for his stellar performances in scoring 470 runs, while paceman Shannon Gabriel finished with eight wickets in the series.

West Indies lost to Bangladesh in the final.

West Indies had shown dominance against a weak opposition, Ireland, but failed to show that domi-

nance against a higher-ranked Bangladesh team. Hope ended the series with two centuries and two half-centuries, accumulating his 470 runs in five innings in which he averaged 94. The Barbadian class act now has an ODI average of 51.06 in his 54 ODI matches.

Tailing Hope on the runs chart in the Tri-Nation Series, Sunil Ambris had 278 runs in four innings.

Ambris, who is named as one of the ten reserve players for the ICC Cricket World Cup, scored a career best 148 and one half-century in the series. Ireland’s Paul Stirling finished the series in third position in terms of runs. He aggregated 207 runs for Ireland, while Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar had 193 runs in the series.

Notable failures in the series came from middle order batsmen Darren Bravo

and Bangladesh’s Sabbir Rahman.

Bravo scored only 36 runs in five innings, while Rahman scored seven runs in three innings.

The bowling chart saw the pace-machine Shannon Gabriel as the lead bowler with eight wickets. Gabriel played in four of the matches on tour, and picked up his eight wickets at an average of 22.37 runs and an economy rate of 5.77.

Ashley Nurse f i n Shai Hope ished the Tri-

Nation Series with seven wickets, second among all the bowlers from the three respective teams.

T h e off-spinner Nurse had seven wickets, with a best bowling figure of 4-51 and an economy rate of 7.01.

Left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh finished in third position with six wickets to his name and a bowling average of 29.50.

The Bangladeshi captain Mashrafe Mortaza had six wickets, Ireland’s Boyd Rankin had five wickets, while newbie Abu Jayed

had five wickets -- the only five-wicket haul in the TriNation Series.

Notable underperformances came from the following persons: Fabian Allen, who played three matches and grabbed only one wicket with the ball; Sheldon Cottrell, who had two wickets in four matches; and Kemar Roach and Jason Holder, who had only three and two wickets respectively from the five matches they played.

This TriNation Series was historic for Bangladesh. It was the first time they won a multi-nation tournament, and they h a v e done it over-

seas. Bangladesh are currently ranked seventh in ODIs, while West Indies are in eighth position.

(Brandon Corlette)

Sunil Ambris

Rose Hall Canje CC receives Ramesh Sunich: Male Sports Personality of the Year 2018 covers worth $320,000

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he Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club (RHCCCC) has recently benefited from the overseas-based Canje Cricket Club (CCC) in New York and notable executives when they received covers for the Cricket Club.

With the assistance of Anil Beharry, the cricket club was able to obtain $210,000 from the Canje CC, and $100,000 from former (RHCCCC) executive Yasin Mohammed. The additional sum of money came from the executive members of the East Canje-based Cricket Club.

The RHCCC expressed its gratitude to those who played a role in the significant contribution, especially the Canje CC in New York, Anil Beharry, Yasin Mohammed, Hubern Evans and the other executive members of the club. Recently, the RHCCC has been on the rise, producing players who have gone on to represent Berbice and even Guyana at the junior levels.

Guyana U-15 fast bowler Isai Thorne, who is on the verge of playing for the West Indies U-16 Team, has been among the promising prospects

produced by the cricket club. In the year 2019, the club has enjoyed a fruitful year; three players went on to represent Berbice U-15, one participated in the President’s XI; and Thorne, who is rated as one of the fastest youth pacers in the Caribbean, went on to play Regional cricket for a second successive year for Guyana U-15.

Additionally, the cricket club has been gifted with female talents. This year, three of the RHCCC players represented Guyana U-19 in the tournament played in Trinidad and Tobago.

One of the U-19 girls, Ashmini Munisar, played for the Berbice Senior Female Team, and in her debut match was awarded ‘player of the match’.

A club that has shown immense progress in recent times continues its rapid rise; and with covers, more prospects may come from this cricket club. The entire RHCCC members are thankful for the covers, since they would aid the club in its development, and players will have a chance to play in the rainy season, once the covers are in place.

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o one can question the benevolence of businessman Ramesh Sunich. A Masters Softball player and avid sports enthusiast, Sunich continues to express his deep love for the growth and development of sports in his homeland by contributing to various organisations, events and individuals through his business, The Trophy Stall.

In a society where sponsorship for sporting activities is hard to come by, Sunich has demonstrated the desire to make a difference by willingly donating trophies, medals and other paraphernalia to just about everyone who turns up at his counter.

This generous Guyanese has put smiles on the faces of many of his countrymen and women who excel in their respective disciplines, and this has made him a well-known figure in the sporting arena.

For his meaningful and outstanding contribution to sports, Ramesh Sunich is the National Sports Commission’s Male Sports Personality of the Year 2018.

Ramesh Sunich and his wife, Devi Sunich

Edghill, Rose named Sports’ Woman and Man of the Year …GFF adjudged Best Association

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hile then only 18 years old, Stanton Rose stepped up to the plate and led the Guyana National Basketball Team to their first ever CBC Championship win in 2018; and Chelsea Edghill’s consistency with the tennis paddle in all these years has finally paid off. These two sporting personalities have been announced as the Senior Sportsman and Woman of the Year 2018.

The National Sports Commission hosted their 2018 Sport Awards on Friday evening, May 17, at the Pegasus hotel, causing Guyana’s most prolific sportsmen and women to gather to see who among them would receive top honours. When the proverbial dust had finally settled, Stanton Rose emerged as the Senior Sportsman of the Year 2018, and Chelsea Edghill as the Senior Sportswoman of the Year 2018.

In that year, while then 18 years old, Stanton Rose was captain of the National

Other awards bestowed on the worthies were as follows: Male Sports Official: Franklin Wilson Female Sports Official: Dr Karen Pilgrim Female Sports Personality: Kathy Ten-Pow Sports Personality: Ramesh Sunich

Basketball Team which went on to win the Caribbean Basketball Confederation title for the first time ever in this country’s history. Rose is again captaining the National Team as they venture into the FIBA Americup 2021 Qualifiers. Junior Hercules, who coaches the team, has also been identified as the Best Male Coach of 2018.

“Sometimes the rewards that you get is seeing an athlete that you’ve worked with achieve and compete at their highest level. That’s the satisfaction that you gain as a coach when you see your athletes excel and go beyond,” Junior Hercules said about the paybacks of the job.

Chelsea Edghill has been making headlines for her prowess in the table tennis arena, and after

receiving numerous Junior Sportswoman awards, Edghill has, for the first time ever, received the senior accolade.

Not only did she cop gold in the Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships last year, but she also excelled in the College National Districts competition and bagged the second position in the College National Regional competition, in the United States where she was studying.

Shomari Wiltshire has a few different sport disciplines under his belt, but his sport of choice is squash, which he has been dominating for some time. The Queen’s College student has been a force to be reckoned with in 2018, copping the U15, U17, and U19 titles in one tournament.

He has been hailed as the

The awardees at the National Sports Commission’s 2018 Awards

Junior Sportsman of the Year.

Priyanna Ramdhani has been rewarded for her Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) gold, silver and bronze medals with the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award.

“The best part was when I got second in the Open Senior Championships (CAREBACO) which developed my ranking points, and I’m really proud of it,” Priyanna noted about her achievement.

Given their firsttime qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, among other stellar achievements such as hosting the 2019 FIFA Development Conference, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has been declared the Sports Association of the Year.

“I think we’ve clearly done a lot for 2018, and in 2019 I’ve reminded myself of the challenges before us; but I will also take time out to acknowledge some of the progress we’ve made. As a

sports administrator, you sometimes feel like much of the work goes unnoticed, so it’s always heartening to have an experience where you get to celebrate the achievements of the fraternity,” GFF president Wayne Forde said.

While the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation was hailed as the Most Improved Association, lawn tennis’s Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan was recognised as the Female Coach of the Year.

sunday, may 19, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

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Hand-in-Hand U-19 One-Day Tournament…

Demerara confident of dethroning Berbice

By Timothy Jaikarran

Joel Spooner will be a dangerous factor with the ball

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fter an entire week of fierce competition being played in the broiling sun, the Demerara Under-19 Cricket Team and their Berbice counterparts will do battle today at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda (GCC) from 09:30 hrs in the final game of the Hand-in-Hand One-Day U-19 tournament.

Demerara U-19 battled Essequibo U-19 on Friday last at this same ground, while 2018 champions, Berbice, battled a Guyana Select U-17 Team at the Everest Cricket Club ground on the northern outskirts of the city. In the end, both Berbice and Demerara emerged victors, to seal their spots in the finals.

While Berbice will be looking to retain their title after finishing at the top of the points table, Demerara will be keen to know what strategy their

opponents will be bringing to the table, as they had previously lost to this Berbice side during the course of the week.

Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport in an interview, Demerara captain Ashmead Nedd said in response to being asked his view on his team booking a spot in the finale: “I feel very proud of the squad. It’s something we’ve been doing throughout the cricketing under-19 level.

Majority of the times we have made it to the finals, we have faced Berbice; sometimes we overcame them, while there were times when we lost. But nevertheless, I am proud of the guys for putting their best foot forward to book a spot in the One-Day Finals despite having a bit of a letdown in the ThreeDay format.”

Nedd also disclosed that the team are very familiar with the Berbice squad and their style

of play, and when they hit the field today, they are not looking to have a repeat of the previous match played during the course of the week, in which they lost to Berbice. He noted that in the last game, during the round robin session, there were some minor mishaps in which the team were unable to pick up enough singles while batting, but related that it is something they will definitely be working on as they aim to demolish the Berbice side.

During the course of that match, Nedd was hit on the hand, but he has assured this publication that his hand would be one hundred per cent ready when he takes to the field today.

As skipper of the Demerara Team, Nedd has proven to be valuable with both bat and ball during the latter stages of both innings.

The Demerara side would feature the in-form Adrian

Hinds at Should Mootoo get the top everything right on this of the order, special day, he can make and Alphius the Berbice batsmen Bookie would pay the ultimate be coming in price.

Ashmead Need to stabilise the The team on his follow middle order, as winning the toss through both batsmen were and electing to instrumental in the bat first have a Demerara win over higher chance of Essequibo, scoring 73 lifting the trophy, and 67* respectively. as the GCC pitch Demerara will also has proven to be depending on Joel be difficult when Spooner, who has been a chasing. There have valuable asset throughout been instances at the the tournament, and has GCC ground when teams not been afraid to flight were batting comfortably the ball to the batsmen, and were on the verge of and draw them forward winning, but somehow lost so he could trap their wickets their way and 8 or more wickets before they could accumulate for less than 30 runs. substantial scores.

Whatever the outcome, Daniel Mootoo would also this matchup promises to be a be one to keep an eye on, as thriller as these two giants go he recently pawned 18 runs to to war. bamboozle 4 of his opponents.

Everest Masters, MMZ Masters battle for “Sticky” Jubilee Cup

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he highly anticipated ‘Sticky’ Jubilee Cup will see Meten-Meer-Zorg Masters accepting the challenge thrown out by Everest Masters as they battle in a ‘25 overs per side’ cricket match to celebrate the 50th birth anniversary of Ronald ‘Sticky’ Jaisingh today.

A longstanding member of the Everest Cricket Club Masters Team, Jaisingh has opted for a cricket celebration since most of his adult life has been spent in cricket, as a player and administrator, especially along the East Bank of Demerara.

A dominant force on the local scene, Everest Masters reached out to the Odyssey Transportation Services-sponsored Meten-MeerZorg (MMZ) Masters Team to have this game played for the occasion, and the MMZ Masters have accepted the challenge.

In their most recent match, MMZ Masters eked out a win over the Media XI in a nail- biting finish, and will be looking to continue their winning ways; while the Everest Masters recently regained their winning ways with a comprehen-

sive victory over Bartica Masters, after losing four consecutive matches in and out of Guyana.

In the MMZ Masters/Media XI matchup, the Masters side played with class and finesse to dominate the entire encounter. Their bowling was on point, and their spinners were able to grab early wickets in the ‘power-play’ overs and at the end of the game, when it was crunch time.

The teams will wear coloured clothing and will play with the pink ball.

The first ball is expected to be bowled at 12:30h.

Ronald ‘Sticky’ Jaisingh The Odyssey MMZ Masters’ repEverest Masters’ representation will come resentation will come from Troy Khan (capfrom Rajesh Singh (captain), Sahadeo Hardaiow, tain), Muneshwar Balgobin, Mohan Chatram, Saheed Mohamed, Hemraj Garbarran, Azemul Vinod Rajkumar, Jetendra Kishore, Hemandra Hanif, Basil Persaud, Imtiaz Sadik, Robert Kowlessar, Sham Persaud, Gary Headley, Pereira, Robin Bharat, Ucil Armstrong, John Mohamed Willie, Zaheer Haniff, Chabiraj Ramsingh, Safraz Sheriffudeen, Ravi Narayan, Ramcharran, Naaiem Habib, Abid Haniff and Nadir Baksh and Ronald Jaisingh.

Zamal Khan.

GFF-KFC Under-20 Knockout Football…

Potaro Strikers rush into Bartica KFC Final P

otaro Strikers FC, spurred on by an early saved penalty kick, stymied a talented and consistent Rising Stars FC, and eventually overcame them three goals to one in the Bartica GFF-KFC Under-20 Knockout Tournament played on Friday at the Bartica Secondary School ground.

Following a scoreless first half, Daniel Gardener netted twice for Potaro Strikers while his teammate, National Under-17 defender Kevin Reddy, converted one from the penalty spot. Rising Stars’ consolation goal came by way of Alonzo Narine.

The other semi-final will be contested between Lazio FC and Rivers View FC at the same venue, with the final billed for Sunday at 16:00 hrs.

The winner of the competition will earn the right to represent Bartica in the National Playoffs of the GFF-KFC Under-20 Tournament in Georgetown, scheduled to be held between May 31 and June 9, 2019.

The Bartica leg of the tournament will be played among eight clubs; namely Beacons, Rising Stars, Lazio, Wolves United, Potaro Strikers, Rivers View, Mil Ballers and Agatash FC. The winner of each leg will participate in the National Playoffs in Georgetown.

The BFA matches are being held from April 27

to May 20, while the National Playoffs would be played from May 31 to June 9. For players to be considered eligible to participate, they would have had to be born on or after January 1, 1999.

At the association level, should scores remain level at end of 90 minutes of play, the match goes straight to penalty kicks; while for national playoffs, extra time will be given.

Prizes for the tournament are as follows: first place, $500,000; second place, $300,000; and third place, $200,000.

The tournament is the Bartica leg of a national collaboration between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the franchise holders of Daniel Gardener and Kevin Reddy scored for Potaro Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

Strikers FC

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, may 19, 2019

Retired Bravo, Pollard, Paul listed among 10 reserves for WC

Kieron Pollard

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est Indies will continue their preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup

2019 by holding a training camp in Southampton, England from May 19 to 23.

The four-day camp, which would involve the entire 15-man squad for the marquee tournament, would include an additional warm-up fixture against Australia, which will be played on May 22 at the Ageas Bowl, home of the Hampshire County Cricket Club.

The West Indies were originally scheduled to be based in Bristol from May 23, and to play two official ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up matches: on May 26 against South Africa, and on May 28 versus New Zealand. The official West Indies opening ICC Cricket World Cup match is against Pakistan on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

Batsman Sunil Ambris and all-rounder Raymon Reifer have been called up as cover for the camp in

Southampton. They were part of the just-concluded Tri-Nation ODI Series in Ireland. Ambris is available as cover for Evin Lewis, who recently recovered from a viral infection, and Reifer will cover for the bowling group, as part of workload management.

According to WICB CEO Johnny Grave, the idea behind the training camp and playing an extra warm-up game is to give the World Cup squad more preparation time in English conditions; and game time together, especially as seven members of the squad missed the Tri-Series in Ireland due to the IPL. Grave said: “We are very grateful to Hampshire CCC for agreeing to host us at the Ageas Bowl, and to Cricket Australia for agreeing the additional warm-up game. Due to the commitments and promises made to both our players and the BCCI, this is

Dwayne Bravo

the first time that our entire World Cup squad can get together since the IPL finished. We are confident that these additional five days of training and the extra warm-up game will mean that our players will be ready to perform at their best in our opening match against Pakistan on the 31st May.” Addressing the reserve players, Interim Chairman of Selectors Robert Haynes commented: “The choice of Keemo Paul players in the reserve list is to really cover our bases Jonathan Carter The ten reserve players and ensure we have a good Roston Chase for the ICC Cricket World balance in the pool of playShane Dowrich Cup are as follows: ers that can be selected if Keemo Paul replacements are required.

Khary Pierre Sunil Ambris We think the skill set in Raymon Reifer Dwayne Bravo this pool is strong, with a Kieron Pollard John Campbell good blend of exSCHEDULE perienced and Travel to Southampton upcoming young Sunday, May 19: training at Ageas Bowl – 1pm players who can Monday, May 20: training at Ageas Bowl – 10am be ready to conTuesday, May 21: training at Ageas Bowl – 1pm tribute when reWednesday, May 22: warm-up vs Australia at Ageas Bowl – 10:30am quired.”

Travel to Bristol

John reigns supreme in Banks DIH’s Rainforest Waters 11-stage cycling

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ational U-23 rider Jamal John emerged champion of the ninth edition of the Banks DIH’s Rainforest Waters 11-stage cycle race, held at the National Park on Saturday last.

The in-form Michael Anthony, who won the 50-mile race in Berbice last weekend, came in second position. He was involved in a tense finish with Paul De Nobrega, who was also amongst the top finishers, in third position.

John, who represented Guyana in the U-23 Pan American Games in Mexico, won the 35-lap feature event in one hour 22 minutes and 35 seconds. Additional outstanding finishes came from Paul Choo-Wee-Nam, who rode in fifth position, and Kwesi Moses, who completed the top six positions in the feature event.

John led the race from the inception, and was awarded three sprint prizes, while Paul De Nobrega of Team Evolution had three sprint prizes of his own. The race was

Veterans battling it out in the opening race

planned early when John, Anthony and DeNobrega broke away from the main pack, which was led by Evolution’s Christopher Griffith.

In the first race of the day, Kenard London won the veterans over 60 five-lap race in 11 minutes and 31 seconds, while Linden Blackman came in second position.

In the second race of the day, Berbice’s David Hicks won the 10-lap Juveniles race in 25 minutes and 20 seconds. In the 12-to14 years’ category, Sherwan Samson came in first position, finishing his three laps in eight minutes and eight seconds.

The 2018 winners of this event were: Curtis Dey, who won the School Boys and Invitational event in one hour and 14 minutes; and Briton John, who won the 10-lap Juveniles event in 24 minutes, one second.

Junior Niles had copped first position in the veterans’ class when he completed his five laps in 12 minutes and four seconds.

(Brandon Corlette)

GBTI fuels National Lawn Tennis Open once again The undermentioned are the other categories in the competition: Novice Medley Singles Men’s Over-35 Singles Men’s Over-45 Singles Ladies’ Open Doubles Men’s Open Doubles Mixed Open Doubles Men’s Over-35 Doubles Men’s Over-45 Doubles Novice Medley Doubles Photo: Lawn Tennis

T Jamal John reaching for the skies in delight after outsprinting Michael Anthony

he Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) are preparing to serve off one of their biggest tournaments of the year -‘The GBTI Open’ -- and their ability to do so was boosted by their primary sponsors, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited, who on Friday presented them with

a sponsorship cheque for an undisclosed amount.

The GBTI Open is the GLTA’s most anticipated tennis competition of the year, and the GBTI cheque has signalled the Bank’s continued support for that sporting discipline, this year being the tenth edition of the tournament.

Over the years, the GBTI

have remained committed to sponsoring this event annually, a statement from the GLTA has said; and the GLTA is very appreciative of the bank’s commitment, as it relies on sponsorship for such a largescale tournament, which directly impacts the continued development of tennis in Guyana.

The event is slated to run from June 7th to June 23rd, 2019 at the GBTI’s Bel Air Park facility.

The 2019 tournament will feature highly competitive categories, such as the Men’s and Ladies’ Open Singles and the Boys’ and Girls’ Junior Open Singles.

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sunDAY, may 19, 2019

23

US-based CMG take over Barbados Tridents’ ownership

CMG Principal, Manish Patel

T

he Barbados Tridents can now focus on Wednesday’s Hero Caribbean Premier League Draft after its ownership was assumed by the USA-based CMG Companies (CMG). In addition, Jason Holder has been named its marquee player.

The US-based CMG Companies (CMG) lead a team of local and international investors in acquisition of the cricket franchise in Barbados.

CMG, through their affiliates, primarily own and operate franchise restaurants, hotels, and

real estate across America, and are one of the largest owners of a major fast-food franchise.

CMG are also no stranger to sports, with sponsorship deals with NBA teams including the Dallas Mavericks and several similar initiatives at the collegiate and grassroots levels.

Addressing the lucrative buy, Manish Patel, Principal of CMG, said, “Selling our ownership rights of the winning Jamaica Tallawahs, held from 2014-2016, was the right move for us as a business, but we missed being involved in the Region and in CPL. When the chance to purchase the Tridents came along, we were delighted, especially with the opportunity to bring good, strong, local partners on board.

We can’t wait to get started at enhancing the profile of this team on and off the field, and in bringing a comprehensive sports entertainment package to Barbados. We will work very hard to make Barbadians proud of their team.”

The new co-owners and local entrepreneurs, Kailash Pardasani of Promotech and Terrol Cummins and Arvind Gopwani of Silver Technetium Capital Inc. (STCI), are excited about the opportunity for Barbadians to venture into sports entertainment in an era where the new format of cricket has generated renewed excitement in investment opportunities worldwide, including in India, Australia and the UK, among others.

Tridents Co-CEO Kailash Pardasani reveals that the investment by local partners is “an investment in Barbados, and a vote of confidence in the resilience of its people and the resurgence of the country as a whole.

Cricket has been an integral part of the fabric of our society, and has uplifted and united families and entire communities. We are investing in that. We couldn’t ask for better investment partners and for a better time to place our money and efforts while continuing to be huge fans.”

On the other hand, Chief Operating Officer of CPL, Pete Russell, said: “The issues that the Tridents have faced in recent months have been well documented, and are being fully addressed as a priority. We have been working tirelessly to find a solution, and we believe that this international-local investor collaboration is the ideal solution. This is a group of passionate cricket fans and astute business minds who have experience of successfully running a CPL franchise. The Tridents are in safe hands, and the issues the franchise has faced are a thing of the past.”

The arrival of an experienced and successful ownership team means that the Tridents will now enter the 2019 tournament on a solid financial footing and with a clear plan both on and off the field. Local investors in the Tridents are

focused o n renewing t h e connection between t h e Jason Holder franchise a n d the local community, through partnerships with the Barbadian business community and a lineup of fan-centric events and content.

In addition to the team’s new ownership, Barbadian native Jason Holder has been announced as the team’s marquee player.

While Holder had West Indies duties during some of the CPL seasons in the past, the bowling all-rounder has been with the team since its inception in 2013.

Holder joins three other marquee players, namely: Nicholas Pooran (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Chris Gayle (Jamaica Tallawahs), Kieron Pollard (Trinbago Knight Riders), leaving two more marque players for the St. Lucia Stars and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots yet to be announced. The CPL draft will be hosted on Wednesday, May 22, and this year’s biggest party in sport will enter its seventh season on September 4.

Italian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach final

D

efending champion Rafael Nadal reached his 50th Masters 1,000 final with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece at the Italian Open in Rome.

Nadal, 32, had lost in the semifinals of his last four tournaments, including a defeat against Tsitsipas last weekend at the Madrid Open. But his majestic forehand dominated as he won in one hour

42 minutes.

He faces the winner of the evening game between world number one Novak Djokovic and Argentine Diego Schwartzman. It is Nadal’s first clay court final of the year, and he will look to continue a fine record in the Masters 1,000 Series.

Since 2005, the Spaniard has won at least one of the nine events

in the calendar every year except in 2015. In overcast, breezy conditions in the Italian capital, Nadal built a 3-0 lead and took the opening set in 49 minutes.

He continued to work the athletic Tsitsipas -- who won this month’s Estoril Open and lost in the Madrid final to Djokovic last week -with some typically stylish, precise ground stokes into the corners.

Tsitsipas, who moved into the last four by virtue of Roger Federer’s withdrawal through injury, had not dropped a set in the tournament, and was seeking a fifth final this season, which would have taken him to fifth in the world rankings.

But Nadal was in masterful form and recorded his fourth win in five matches against the powerful world number seven.

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2019

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

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Hand-in-Hand U-19 One-Day Tournament…

Pg 21

US-based CMG take over Barbados Tridents' ownership

Demerara confident of dethroning Berbice

Retired Bravo, Pollard, Paul listed among10 reserves for WC GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

May 19, 2019

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John Abraham won’t star in Sarfarosh sequel Page 12

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Ramadaan Kareem

2 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 19, 2019

Feature

Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of learning self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, dur-

ing which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people and children, are exempt from fasting.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12 month lunar year of approx-

imately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year. It takes 33 solar years for the lunar months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season. This year, the month long fast of Ramadan began on May 7th, 2019 in Guyana. The month tradi-

tionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon.

During this month, Muslims fast from pre-dawn until sunset, as a means to grow in God-consciousness and moral excellence.

Muslims fast from predawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. The fast of Ramadan entails forgoing food and drink, and if married, abstaining from sex during the fasting hours.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to train themselves both physically and spiritually by avoiding any negative acts such as gossiping, backbiting, lying or arguing.

Muslims welcome Ramadan as an opportunity for selfreflection, and spiritual improvement. Ramadan is also a highly social time as Muslims invite each other to break fast together and meet for prayers at the mosque.

The ultimate goal of fasting is gaining greater Godconsciousness, in Arabic, taqwa, signifying a state of constant awareness of God. From this awareness a person should gain discipline, self-restraint and a greater incentive to do good and avoid wrong.

In commemoration of the revelation of the Qur’an, Muslim’s holy book, which began during the month of Ramadan, Muslims attempt to read the entire book during Ramadan and gather nightly at mosques to hold special prayers during which the entire Qur’an is recited by the end of the month.

All Muslims who have reached puberty are obliged to fast. However, for people in situations where fasting would be a hardship, they a r e exempted from fasting. This includes any-

one who is sick or traveling; women who are pregnant, nursing, or on their menses; or older people who are too weak or ill to fast. Anyone who is exempted must make up the fast later, except for those who cannot fast due to age or chronic illness.

Instead, they can feed a poor person for every day of fasting they miss.

While children are not required to fast until they reach puberty, it is customary for children beginning around seven years of age to perform limited or symbolic fasting such as fasting half days or on weekends. This trains them gradually and helps to engender a sense of inclusion during the month long observance. Mosques often give special recognition to children who are fasting their first full day or first Ramadan.

A Muslim family usually rises about 5:00 a.m. before the first of dawn and eats a modest, breakfast-like meal called suhoor. After the meal, the family performs the morning prayer, and depending on the circumstances, the family goes back to bed or begins the day.

Particularly during the long summer months, people often take a nap in the late afternoon after work or school. At sunset, family members break the fast with a few dates and water, and depending on the culture, other light foods such as soup, appetizers or fruit.

This is referred to as iftar which means “breaking the fast.”

After performing the sunset prayers, the family eats dinner. Inviting guests to break the fast or going to someone else’s house for iftar is very common in Ramadan.

Many families then go to the mosque for the night prayer and a special R a m a d a n prayer called Tarawih.

A f t e r completi n g

their prayers, the families return home and prepares for the next day. During Tarawih, the prayer leader recites at least one thirtieth of the Qur’an so that by the end of the month the entire Qur’an will have been recited.

Many mosques host daily community dinners where Muslims can break their fast together. This is a great service for students, the poor and anyone who desires a break from cooking. Almost all mosques also host a community dinner on the weekends.

Since Ramadan is a time for Muslims to be especially charitable and fasting helps Muslims feel compassion for the hungry and less fortunate, many mosques hold food drives or fundraisers for charity during Ramadan. Many mosques also host open houses for their friends and neighbors of other faiths to join them for their fast-breaking dinner or iftar at the end of the fasting day.

The Night of Power known as Lailat al-Qadr, is believed to fall on one of the odd nights during the last ten days of Ramadan, but is most widely observed on the 27th night of Ramadan.

It is considered the most blessed night in Ramadan because it is believed to be the night in which the Qu’ran was first revealed.

Mosques are open all night as Muslims hold vigils in prayer, Qur’anic recitation, and contemplation.

Breaking the fast with dates is the only strictly traditional culinary custom associated with Ramadan. It is interesting to note the suitability of dates for this purpose as they are a concentrated source of energy and easily digestible. Different Muslim-populated countries have a variety of special dishes and desserts for Ramadan.

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MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

S

omeone once said “Music is a moral law.

It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

Fittingly, that quote embodies the drive and passion for spreading music that Nawaz Khan possesses.

The fifteen-year-old student of the Al Ghazali Islamic Academy has been singing for over eight years now and is intent on leaving an undeniable legacy. Though still young and untrained, Nawaz’s voice has the ability to move crowds to tears and invoke a sense of selfintrospection.

Though initially taught to sing qaseedas, a form of Islamic poetry, Nawaz is very fond of the soul of qawaalis and envisions a future where he is allowed to make his mark in the music world. When he was 7, Nawaz’s father introduced him to Islamic poetry in the form of qaseeda and he was first taught to sing “nabiyo kay Sardar Muhammad.”

That initial qaseeda would later forge an unbreakable bond with Nawaz’s love for music. However, as he was being taught by his father, Nawaz did not take a liking to the hours of practice so it was initially something he showed little interest in. However, after hearing of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, Nawaz immediately realised his calling.

He became engrossed in the music that Atif made and started his own journey. He decided to pay more attention to his music and the hours and hours of learning complicated lyrics,

harmonizing and controlling his pitch seemed not enough for him. He was focusing most of his spare time to watching youtube videos and teaching himself the intricacies of the various qaseedas, Sufis and qawwalis.

“Although my father was the person who taught me my first qaseeda and got me in the whole singing thing he is not a singer. In fact, I am the first person in my family that has taken up singing and it is something that I now enjoy.

I cannot see myself doing anything else other than having a career in singing,” he said.

Still a student, everything Nawaz know about singing is what he taught himself. There are times when he would have to choose whether academics or music take precedence and more than often it is the latter. However, he still performs well in school and is somewhat saddened that music does not form part of his academic studies.

“School is good for me and after I finish I plan to take music training. Atif Aslam is my role model and like him, I want to make my

T

he importance of family cannot be underestimated and stems from its significant role, namely the making of an individual who benefits himself and others. This calls for a much longer, deeper and harder period of training.

Taking care of one’s family is an important part of every religious belief since the bond forged by family members runs deeper than any other bond.

While everyone takes care of their family in their own unique way, Punadai Ramdass is no different. The mother of three girls does everything in her power to ensure that their lives are comfortable and that they can follow the teachings of Islam as prescribed by the Holy Qur’an.

Family togetherness during Ramadaan is especially important for parents of young children and adolescents.

Children’s early experiences of Ramadaan informs the feeling and memories they associate with this blessed month throughout their lives.

Creating family traditions to get children excited about and engaged with Islam dur-

Punadai Ramdass (second right) with her husband Manzoor and three children on their way for Eid ul Fitr prayers

ing this month will help them grasp hold of the inexplicable aura of blessings and sacredness that we as adults cherish about Ramadaan.

For Ramdass and her family of four, Ramadaan is a time they use to reflect on the trials

of the past year as well as all they would have accomplished.

They set goals and set about achieving them.

“Ramadaan is where we reflect on everything. It is time for our family to follow the rules of Islam. We are not

bothered about waking up at three in the morning and getting our day started.

We actually look forward to Ramadaan every year,” the matriarch said.

In preparation for Ramadaan, Ramdass and her family would get involved in thoroughly cleaning their house so that the workload is somewhat lighter during the period of fasting. This gives the family the time to become much closer as they would begin and end their fast together, pray together and visit the masjid.

One of the highlights of the family’s time during fasting is looking forward to celebrating Eid ul Fitr and breaking bread with their fellow Muslims.

This Ramadaan is like every other for the family as they reflect and give thanks for everything the Almighty Allah has afforded them.

Now that her eldest daughter is married and have started a family of her own, Ramdass prays imparts that Islamic knowledge to her grandson.

She spends time teaching him the Qur’an and ensure that he follows the rules of Islam.

name known in Bollywood. I know I can accomplish that I will do that because I will work hard to get where I want to be. It is my dream and I will achieve it.”

The devout Muslim was taught the Quran at a very young age and says that he uses it to guide his everyday life. He uses the teachings of the holy book to navigate the challenges he is faced with daily.

Thus far, Nawaz has participated in a number of qaseeda competition both locally and regionally. He has certainly placed his name out there as a force to be reckoned with and someone who is passionate about what he does. He credits his success to his parents Abdul Hamid and Nalima Nesha everyone who has been his supporter from day one.

“Singing is relaxing for me. When I sing I forget everything else and I go to place where it is just me and the music, a place where I am peaceful and happy. I sing from my heart and I am sure people realise that I have the potential to go very far.”

Punadai and her husband Manzoor

4

Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 19, 2019

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MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

An important Pillar of Islam

T

he five pillars of Islam (arkan al-Islam; also arkan al-din, “pillars of religion”) comprise five official acts considered obligatory for all Muslims. The Quran presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to faith.

The five pillars are the shahadah (witnessing the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad ), regular observance of the five prescribed daily prayers (salat), paying zakah (almsgiving), fasting (sawm; siyyam) during the month of Ramadan, and performance of the hajj (pilgrimage during the prescribed month) at least once in a lifetime.

The first pillar, the shahadah, consists of two declarations. The first, “There is no god but God,” affirms belief in a single divine reality (tawhid). The second, “Muhammad is the messenger of God,” affirms submission to God via acceptance of His message as revealed to humanity through Muhammad.

This declaration of faith signifies entrance of the believer into the broader community (ummah) of Muslims and is required of converts to Islam.

The second pillar, the five daily prayers, signifies the believer's submission to God and serves as public, physical evidence of the believer's adherence to Islam. Prayers are to be performed just before dawn, at

noon, in midafternoon, just after sunset, and in the evening, between an hour after sunset and midnight.

Prayers are to be made in the direction of Mecca and must be carried out in a state of ritual purity, achieved by either ritual ablutions or a bath. Movements during prayer imitate entrance into the presence of a great ruler (symbolized by the raising of the hands to the ears and proclamation of the glory and majesty of the ruler for all to hear), bowing reverently, and then uttering the opening chapter of the Quran, the Surat al-Fatihah.

Worshipers then utter other Quranic verses while completing the ritual bowing, which is followed by prostration, performed on the knees with both hands on the ground and the forehead touching between them.

Worshipers repeat their glorification of God and prostration three times. The entire cycle of prayer (rakah) is then repeated. After every two cycles and after the third cycle in the sunset prayer, the worshiper sits back on the heels and addresses God with a ritual prayer calling forth God's blessings upon Muhammad.

After completing all cycles of canonical prayer, the worshiper sits back on the heels and recites the shahadah, formally reaffirming the truth of Islam and engag-

ing the worshiper in direct communication with God. Private petitions are then offered. Formal blessings are requested upon Muhammad and Abraham . The prayer ends with an invocation of peace. Every canonical prayer requires between two and four rakahs. In total, seventeen rakahs are performed daily.

The third pillar is the zakah (alms tax), typically paid to a religious official or representative of the Islamic state or to a representative of a local mosque. This amount is traditionally set at one-fortieth, or 2.5 percent, of the value of all liquid assets and income-generating properties owned by the believer. It is used to feed the poor, encourage conversion to Islam, ransom captives, help travelers, support those devoting themselves to God's work, relieve debtors, defend the faith, and any other purpose deemed appropriate. The zakah serves as a reminder of one's broader social responsibilities to the community.

The fourth pillar is observation of the monthlong fast (sawm) of Ramadan (the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar), from sunrise to sunset. The believer is supposed to abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity during the daylight hours, demonstrating affirmation of ethical awareness and serving as a purifying act of sacrifice of one's bodily desires for the sake o f

God. The direct experience of pain and hunger over a prolonged period of time reminds the believer of the pain and hunger experienced by the poor.

The fifth pillar is the pilgrimage to Mecca during the first ten days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of making the trip and performing the prescribed rites is required to make the hajj.

The nine essential rites of the hajj are the putting on of the ihram (unsewn cloth symbolizing the humility and equality of all believers), circumambulation of the Kaaba, standing at the plain of Arafat, spending the night at Muzdalifa, throwing stones at three symbols of Satan, sacrifice of an animal at Mina, repetition of the circumambulation of the Kaaba, drinking of water from the well of Zamzam, and performance of two cycles of prayer at the Station of Abraham.

The hajj can be considered complete without performing all of the required rites, but the pilgrim must pay expiation for the failure to complete them. During the hajj, the pilgrim is to avoid thinking about anything but the remembrance of God and the rites of pilgrimage, since the circumambulation of the Kaaba, like canonical prayer, symbolizes the believer's entrance into the divine presence.

Both Sunnis and Shiis agree on the essential details for carrying out the five pillars. In popular Sufi piety, the five pillars were personally internalized as acts of devotion and spiritual exercises. The shahadah became a constant recollection (dhikr) of God and the obligatory prayers became a life of continuous prayer and meditation.

6 Sunday Times Magazine Fashion

MAY 19, 2019

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MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

M

Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca

ecca is the holiest place for all the Muslims in the world. It is also the largest mosque in the world that covers an area of 356,800sqm. Millions of Muslims visited here for performing Hajj. It is the largest gathering in the world.

Kaaba Mosque, Medina

The first stone of the mosque were placed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) when he arrived on his emigration from Mecca to Medina.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina

It is the second holiest site in Islam. Masjid-e-Nabawi is situated in Medina. It was built by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It is a big destination for pilgrims who perform Hajj from Mecca to Medina.

Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem

It is located in the old city of Jerusalem. The mosque is believed to be the second house of worship after the Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 19, 2019

Preserving our literary heritage Educational Leadership:

by

Petamber Persaud

E

d u c a t i o n al Leadership: A Guyanese Perspective, is an adventure into the social fabric, nay, into the essence of Guyana exposing some of its strengths and weaknesses while offering significant solutions to its educational and moral shortcomings; this four-decade adventure, beginning in 1978, was an adventure with all its attendant challenges, setbacks, and pyrrhic victories accompanied by a gracious sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that banished thoughts of surrendering and stemming the adrenaline rush knowing there was more to do, more that can be done, and many other less travelled roads to explore.

In the words of O’Toole, ‘[f] or whatever successes that are shared in these pages, there were as many false starts, obstacles, scenes of disunity and times of deep

discouragement and disillusionment…’. It is useful put all these features together for they provide an insight into why the author labels this adventure ‘a journey of faith’. Faith is ‘the substance of things hoped for’ (Hew. 11.1- KJV). And it took a lot of faith for him to leave his wife of only ten days behind while he headed to Guyana in search of employment and a place to live in order to be reunited with his wife. But his faith was there, strong, grounded in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, blessed by many miracles.

Educational Leadership is not an overtly academic approach to teaching and learning although it incorporates academics as its guiding principles to progress and development rather it is a practical method of walking the walk, very often, hand in hand, as together stakeholders build, block by block, step by step, with faltering steps and false starts, with disil-

lusionments and triumphs functioning as teaching aids, incorporating indigenous wisdom like ‘waan waan dutty buil dam’ and commonsense concept like ‘cut your coat according to your cloth’, thereby transforming ‘despair into hope’.

All of the above would be of little consequence if not supported by moral education. A sound educational leadership rests firmly on sound moral principles. This is demonstrated throughout the book.

The book, Educational Leadership: A Guyanese Perspective by Dr. Brian O’Toole tells a narrative of over forty years of experiment in education, in leadership and in educational leadership, showing also that schools needed leaders and not mere managers. And the book, according to Prof.

Roy McConkey, in his foreword, ‘is about leadership that educates’ focusing on ‘disability, early child educa-

tion, literacy, health promotion, and social problems’ using locally produced teaching aids and examples, all coming together to emphasise that Educational Leadership is ‘practical application of knowledge’.

Central themes of the book could be ‘relationships are more powerful than systems’ and ‘fragmented activities do not produce sustainable development’, each could stand on its own but together they translate into ultimate transformation of individuals and communities.

The book traces the life and work of Brian O’Toole, incorporating the work of his helpmate, Pamela, from 1978 when they arrived in this country to be greeted to two faces of Guyana – ‘a curious mixture of warmth, hospitality, joy, kindness, but also there was a profound sense of hopelessness and despair’. The life and work of the O’Tooles in Guyana include the sojourning and con-

tribution of a few other persons.

Once again, O’Toole exhibits magnanimity with this book by including the reflections of many of the stakeholders emphasising that this is not the story of one man rather it is the story of ‘a number of remarkable people to put faith into action and to begin to articulate some new lines of development’. Some of those names worthy of mention at this juncture include Roy McConkey, Gordon Naylor, Pat Cameron, Jamshid Aidun, and Soma Stout.

This user-friendly book pregnant with inspiring stories of transformed lives and communities is thoughtfully designed and laid out into seven chapters with a foreword, an introduction, an index, references, and further

reading.

Why such a book was not placed into the domain of public long before this date? O’Toole explains that ‘funders wanted action and this took priority over writing’.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: New Releases: Going home by Milton Bruce, Arshana by Indrani Guyadeen, On watching a lemon sail the sea by Maggie Harris, Antipodal by Terence Roberts, New and collected poems by Ian McDonald, Two young birds by Leonard Marks, A Proud product of Guyana’s Bitter-Sweet Sugar

by Nowrang Persaud.

It’s the month of prayer In which, they stay in silence They begin to pray, by saying 'Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim..'

Let us all say, Ramadan Kareem!

The month begins By the mark of the Moon The heavenly body that glows beautifully Let us all say, Ramadan Kareem!

Wherever they're They stay steadfast for prayer They pray, whether together or lonely Let us all say, Ramadan Kareem!

Throughout the day They may be weak or silently pray But in their faces, their eyes gleam Let us all say, Ramadan Kareem!

Through this fast, They learn a lot Discipline, obedience, humility Let us all say, Ramadan Kareem!

They fast with zeal For half the day We stand with you, for it, to holily keep Let us all say, Ramadan Kareem!

By Alen Alexander

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

9

Gangrene

G

angrene refers to the death of body tissue due to either a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection. Gangrene commonly affects the extremities, including your toes, fingers and limbs, but it can also occur in your muscles and internal organs.

Your chances of developing gangrene are higher if you have an underlying condition that can damage your blood vessels and affect blood flow, such as diabetes or hardened arteries (atherosclerosis).

Treatments for gangrene include surgery to remove dead tissue, antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The prognosis for recovery is better if gangrene is identified early and treated quickly.

Symptoms

When gangrene affects your skin, signs and symptoms may include: • Skin discoloration — ranging from pale to blue, purple, black, bronze or red, depending on the type of gangrene you have • Swelling or the formation of blisters filled with fluid on the skin • A clear line between healthy and damaged skin • Sudden, severe pain followed by a feeling of numbness • A foul-smelling discharge leaking from a sore • Thin, shiny skin, or skin without hair • Skin that feels cool or cold to the touch If you have a type of gangrene that affects tissues beneath the surface of your skin, such as gas gangrene or internal gangrene, you may notice that: • The affected tissue is swollen and very painful • You're running a low-grade fever and generally feel unwell A condition called septic shock can occur if a bacterial infection that originated in the gangrenous tissue spreads throughout your body. Signs and symptoms of septic shock include: • Low blood pressure • Fever, possibly,

though temperature may also run lower than the normal 96.8 F (36 C) • Rapid heart rate • Lightheadedness • Shortness of breath • Confusion

Types of gangrene

Dry gangrene. Dry gangrene is characterized by dry and shriveled skin ranging in color from brown to purplish blue or black. Dry gangrene may develop slowly. It occurs most commonly in people who have arterial blood vessel disease, such as atherosclerosis, or in people who have diabetes.

Wet gangrene. Gangrene is referred to as "wet" if there's a bacterial infection in the affected tissue.

Swelling, blistering and a wet appearance are common features of wet gangrene.

may make a crackling sound when you press on it because of the gas within the tissue.

Gas gangrene is most commonly caused by infection with the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, which develops in an injury or surgical wound that's depleted of blood supply. The bacterial infection produces toxins that release gas — hence the name "gas" gangrene — and cause tissue death. Like wet gangrene, gas gangrene can be lifethreatening.

Internal gangrene.

Gangrene that affects one or more of your organs, such as your intestines, gallbladder or appendix, is called internal gangrene. This type of gangrene occurs when blood flow to an internal organ is blocked — for example, when your intestines

Men are more often affected, but women can develop this type of gangrene as well.

Fournier's gangrene usually arises due to an infection in the genital area or urinary tract and causes genital pain, tenderness, redness and swelling.

Progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene (Meleney's gangrene). This rare type of gangrene typically occurs after an operation, with painful skin lesions developing one to two weeks after surgery.

Risk factors

Several factors increase your risk of developing gangrene. These include: • Diabetes • Blood vessel disease • Severe injury or surgery

It may develop after a severe burn, frostbite or injury. It often occurs in people with diabetes who unknowingly injure a toe or foot. Wet gangrene needs to be treated immediately because it spreads quickly and can be fatal.

Gas gangrene. Gas gangrene typically affects deep muscle tissue. If you have gas gangrene, the surface of your skin may initially appear normal.

As the condition progresses, your skin may become pale and then evolve to a gray or purplish red color. A bubbly appearance to your skin may become apparent, and the affected skin

bulge through a weakened area of muscle in your abdomen (hernia) and become twisted.

Internal gangrene may cause fever and severe pain.

Left untreated, internal gangrene can be fatal.

Fournier's gangrene.

Fournier's gangrene involves the genital organs.

• Smoking • Obesity • Immunosuppression • Medications or drugs that are injected

Complications

Gangrene can lead to scarring or the need for reconstructive surgery.

Sometimes, the amount of

tissue death is so extensive that a body part, such as your foot, may need to be removed (amputated).

Gangrene that is infected with bacteria can spread quickly to other organs and may be fatal if left untreated.

Prevention

Here are a few suggestions to help you reduce your risk of developing gangrene: Care for your diabetes.

If you have diabetes, make sure you examine your hands and feet daily for cuts, sores and signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or drainage. Ask your doctor to examine your hands and feet at least once a year, and try to maintain control over your blood sugar levels.

Lose weight. Excess pounds not only put you at risk of diabetes but also place pressure on your arteries, constricting blood flow and putting you at risk of infection and slow wound healing.

Don't use tobacco. The chronic use of tobacco products can damage your blood vessels.

Help prevent infections.

Wash any open wounds with a mild soap and water and try to keep them clean and dry until they heal.

Watch out when the temperature drops. Frostbitten skin can lead to gangrene because frostbite reduces blood circulation in an affected area. If you notice that any area of your skin has become pale, hard, cold and numb after prolonged exposure to cold tempera-

tures, call your doctor.

Diagnosis

Tests used to help make a diagnosis of gangrene include: Blood tests. An abnormally elevated white blood cell count often indicates the presence of an infection.

Your doctor might also perform blood tests to look for the presence of certain bacteria or other germs.

Imaging tests. An X-ray, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to view interior body structures, such as your internal organs, blood vessels or bones, and assess the extent to which gangrene has spread. These types of tests can also help your doctor see any gas that is present under your skin.

An arteriogram is an imaging test used to visualize your arteries. During this test, dye is injected into your bloodstream and X-ray pictures are taken to determine how well blood is flowing through your arteries. An arteriogram can help your doctor find out whether any of your arteries are blocked.

Surgery. Surgery may be performed to determine the extent to which gangrene has spread within your body.

Fluid or tissue culture.

A culture of the fluid from a blister on your skin may be examined for the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, a common cause of gas gangrene, or your doctor may look at a tissue sample under a microscope for signs of cell death. (Mayo Clinic)

10Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 19, 2019

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MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Make Ramadan 2019 a healthy one with these exceptional Ramadan recipes for your Iftar and Suhoor menu. Get your daily dose of nutrition tips to ensure healthy eating throughout this month and all the way to the magnificent feast on Eid ul Fitr.

Instruction Mix cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese together in a bowl. Cut a slit into each date so they can be spread flat. Spread cheese mixture into each date; top with a walnut piece.

Ingredients • 3 ounces softened cream cheese • 3 ounces Gorgonzola cheese • Pitted dates • Walnut pieces

Ingredients • • • • •

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 5 green chilli peppers, finely sliced 1 teaspoon ginger paste 3 whole cardamom seeds 2 whole cloves 1 1/2 (2 inch) cinnamon sticks 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup water 2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces

2.

3.

4.

Stir in the garlic, green chilies, ginger paste, cardamom seeds, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Cook and stir until the garlic begins to brown, 3 to 5 more minutes.

Mix cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and water into the onion mix-ture. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture has thickened.

Stir in beef chuck pieces until coated with spice mixture; simmer over medium-low heat, stir-ring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

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• • • • •

• • •

• • • • •

2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 inch pieces 1/2 teaspoon garam masala salt to taste 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1 onion, chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional) 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 cup water 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon honey 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-

high heat. Add chopped tomatoes and garlic, stirring occasionally, until liquid has cooked out of the tomatoes. Carefully break eggs over tomatoes without breaking yolks. Lightly season with salt, reduce heat, and cover.

Simmer covered for 20 minutes, or until yolks are fully cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve with pita pockets.

Persian Rice Ingredients • • • • •

2 cups basmati rice 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 2 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. crushed saffron

Rinse rice three times in water until water runs clear. Place rice in a 4-qt. saucepan and cover with 4 cups water, with an inch of water over top.

Add oil, butter, and salt and let sit for 15 minutes.

Bring to a boil, stirring so the rice doesn’t stick.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid wrapped in a dish towel. Cook 45 minutes, or until the bottom of the pot sizzles when the outside is touched with a wet finger. Carefully place the bottom of the pot under running water and let sit 2-3 minutes. Mix saffron with 2

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until the onion has sof-tened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking and stirring until the onion is very tender and dark brown, 15 to 20 minutes more.

Ingredients

Directions

2.

Instructions

Directions 1.

1 tablespoon olive oil 5 large fresh tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon minced garlic 6 eggs 4 pita bread rounds

Instructions

1.

2.

3.

4.

Season the lamb with garam masala and salt. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the lamb cubes until browned, stirring constantly.

Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the turmeric, ginger, and garlic.

Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the cayenne and toma-to paste until well blended, then stir in the water. Bring to a simmer and return lamb to the skillet.

Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until lamb is tender.

Stir in the cream and honey. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • •

1/4 cup warm water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast 3/4 cup warm milk 3/4 cup plain yogurt 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon Kosher salt 1 stick melted butter, for brushing 4 cloves minced garlic Fresh cilantro, to top

Instructions

• In a glass measuring cup, combine the yeast, sugar, and water and let sit until very foamy, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the

Tbsp. warm w a t e r in a small bowl.

Scoop out rice onto serving platter; remove 1⁄2 cup cooked rice and mix with saffron water and sprinkle over platter of rice. Using a metal spatula, carefully loosen crust from the bottom of the pot. Serve crust, or tahdig, alongside rice.

•

•

•

•

flour and salt together in a large bowl and create a well in the center.

Whisk in the warm milk and plain yogurt into the yeast mixture until well-combined.

Pour into the well in the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough is formed, then turn out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover loosely with a damp kitchen towel. Let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.

Knead briefly into a disc and cut the dough into 12 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.

Heat a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Roll each dough ball out until it is about 1/4 inch thick and approximately 6 inches wide. Brush the dough lightly with butter and place one at a time onto the hot skillet. Cook until large bubbles form on the surface, about 2 minutes. Flip the dough and cook the other side until golden, about 1-2 more minutes. Stack the cooked flat bread on a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm as you cook the remaining pieces.

Add the minced garlic to the remaining melted butter. Loosely cover and microwave for 15 seconds. Brush the warm naan with the garlic butter (scooping out some of the garlic to sit on top) and sprinkle generously with cilantro. Serve warm.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 19, 2019

Puzzles

ACROSS

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It makes waves Speedily Rosetta Stone rock Tintype hue Medieval strings Bummer of a car Main course Uncouth Galena and cuprite Like rich soil UFO shape Dangerous mosquito CIA files Behind, at sea Ball of yarn Rightful Hindu mystics Invitation addendum FICA number Pipe bends Music collectibles Drink with scones Opposite of haw Tongues do it Harem jewelry Coffee shop lures Druid, e.g.

Winter runner Bro or sis Guys like Hamlet Bonze or friar Washstand item Recurring theme Adams or Brickell Takes a sip Debated Chablis or Port Like owls Deadly snake Lou Grant portrayer Kind of vaccine Orchidlike flower Admit a mistake (2 wds.)

Towered over Fetch Painter -- Neiman SWAT team gear Doubles Skyline feature With, to Maurice Happy -- -- clam Doozie Opposite of “paleo” Action flicks Parking-lot mishap

108 Stacks

110 Intrigue

112 What never to tell (2 wds.)

113 PGA great

115 “Como -- usted?”

116 Donkey features

117 Vacuum tube

118 Bearskin, maybe

120 Comet -- -Bopp

122 Roost sitters

123 Coy expression

124 Coated with flour

128 Really big T’s

129 Vane dir.

130 Koan discipline

131 Um cousins

132 Counting-rhyme start

133 “-- the season to...”

135 Ketch cousin

137 Wrote bad checks

139 Freud topic

140 Addresses for ladies

142 Mantra chants

144 Dauntless 148 Hesitate

150 The Big - 153 Sponge

155 Voice-mail prompt

156 -- marbles (Parthenon pieces)

157 Drops syllables

158 More peculiar

159 Blows it

160 Outmoded jacket

161 Pluck

162 Forest

163 Give off fumes

DOWN

1 Galumph

2 Mark’s successor

3 AAA suggestions

4 Unkempt

5 Asserts

6 “Will it play in --?”

7 Gather together

8 Web suffix

9 “Orinoco Flow” singer

10 Wins against

11 Wheel buy (2 wds.)

12 Good name for a cook?

13 Orbit segments

14 Scallions’ kin

15 Brewer of pop

16 Flip through

17 Before, to bards

18 Splash about

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- CLAIMED (CLAIMED: KLAME’D: Demanded, asked for or took as one’s own or one’s due.)

Average mark 43 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 59 or more words in CLAIMED? TODAY’S WORD -- CLAIMED calm came camel clad claim clam clime lace lade laic laid lame lead lice lied

lime aced acid acme aide ailed aimed amice amid iced idea ideal idle mace made

maid mail male malice mead meal medal media medial medic medical meld mica mice mild

mile email dace dale dame deal decal decimal declaim deli dial dice diel dime

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

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Tristan’s beloved Impose taxes Specks Worry too much Rustic lodgings German “bugs” Less rosy Crazy bone Encumbered Madrid art gallery Kind of boom Tender Ms. Sommer of films Trinket Kipling novel Powwow Thing, in Tijuana -- ex machina Occupies, as a post Tear to pieces Squabbles Mooring site Longstanding fights Prefix for pod Glossy fabrics

69 To the point

70 Beads on grass

73 Lobbied for

75 Cliff debris

77 “Bolero” composer

81 Mi. above sea level

82 Olive in the comics

84 Take back

85 Carpet nails

86 Above the horizon

87 Foolish, plus

91 Crater edge

92 Gin-fizz flavor

93 Grammar

94 Flammable gas

95 Sofa ends 96 Compete

99 Opulent

102 The woman’s

103 Split to join

104 Jockey

105 Prophets

107 Running late 109 Dawdle

111 So-so grades

114 Really liked

117 119 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 130 134 136 137 138 140 141 143 145 146 147 149 151 152 154

Train restaurant -- -- grip!

NASA counterpart Rudder Four-legged hunters Excavate further Entertain Sufficient Tiara Insulted wittily Look amused Further downhill Pal, slangily Keep from doing Waiter’s offering Kebab holder Flat-bottomed boat Pumice feature Concerning (2 wds.)

Anchor’s place Term of respect L.A. summer zone Electric swimmer Hubbub See Solution on page 12

Eid Al-Fitr Word Search

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech The UK gets its first official 5G launch date

imposes restrictions on live-streaming

O

n Tuesday, Facebook announced that it would start restricting who can live stream video on the platform following the white nationalist terrorist attacks in New Zealand only a few months ago.

According to the blog post, Facebook said that it would be applying what it called a “one strike” policy to Facebook Live that would ban users who violate the platform’s community standards once from using the live-streaming service for set periods of time. This applies to content posted elsewhere on the website, not just streamed on Facebook Live. If a user were to post a harmful link on their profile, like content which leads to a terrorist website, they would be banned from live-streaming as well.

These new restrictions also apply to Facebook’s Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy that was introduced earlier this month and led to right-wing personalities like Paul Nehlen, Alex Jones, and Milo Yiannopoulos being banned from both Facebook and Instagram.

“Our goal is to minimize risk of abuse on Live while enabling people to use Live in a positive way every day,” Guy Rosen, Facebook’s vice president of integrity said in a blog post.

Rosen said that Facebook hopes to expand these restrictions to other parts of the platform in the future. Soon, these same users who violate Facebook’s Community Standards will be banned from creating ads as well.

The decision to impose restrictions on Facebook Live comes after a white nationalist terrorist entered mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and live-streamed the attack on the platform. After the shootings, Facebook was hotly criticized for allowing the individual to stream and for not removing copies of the video at a fast enough pace.

“Following the horrific terrorist attacks in New Zealand, we’ve been reviewing what more we can do to limit our services from being used to cause harm or spread hate,” Rosen said.

Facebook also announced that it would be partnering with more researchers and universities to improve the platform’s “image and video analysis technology.” Rosen wrote that these partnerships are valued at around $7.5 million. (The Verge)

Lenovo shows off the world’s first

‘foldable PC’

F

olding phones are already being pitched as the next big wave of tech, and whether or not that turns out to be true, the industry has no plans to stop there. Lenovo has just announced what it says is the world’s first “foldable PC:” a prototype ThinkPad that iterates the foldable tech we’ve already seen from phones on a much bigger scale.

It’s not just a cool tech demo, either: Lenovo has been developing this for over three years and has plans to launch a finished device in 2020 as part of its premium ThinkPad X1 brand. The goal here is a premium product that will be a laptop-class device, not an accessory or secondary computer like a tablet might be.

Cool factor aside, though, why build a folding PC? The answer is largely por-

tability. Conceptually, it’s the opposite of what most of the foldable phones out there are trying to do. There, companies like Samsung and Huawei are trying to take a device the size of a regular phone and make them bigger. But the idea behind the folding ThinkPad is to take a full-sized PC and make it smaller.

The result is a 13.3-inch 4:3 2K OLED display that can fold up to about the size of a hardcover book (we don’t have the exact weight yet, but Lenovo says it’s less than two pounds, which is about as much as a hardcover copy of one of the larger Harry Potter books). That’s already enough to put it on the lighter side of the portable computer spectrum, but the size savings are really when you fold it in half, making it dramatically smaller than a regular laptop. (The Verge)

V

odafone has announced that its 5G network will go live on July 3rd, making it the first UK carrier to set a hard date for the launch of its next-gen mobile network. The service will be available in seven cities at first, and Vodafone plans to release four handsets and one home router on its network in the coming months. The operator says that prices for its 5G plans will be the same as their 4G equivalents, and will announce the new price plans next week.

Vodafone is the first of the UK’s four major operators to announce a specific date, but its 5G network might not be the first to actually arrive. EE has said that it plans to launch its 5G network this summer, without a firm date. Meanwhile, Three will launch its network in the second half of this year, while O2’s network will be available before the end of the year.

At launch, Vodafone’s 5G network will be available in seven cities; Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and London. By the end of the year, the operator plans to add 12 more cities — Birkenhead, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Guildford, Newbury, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Reading, Southampton, Stokeon-Trent, Warrington and Wolverhampton — for a total of 19 cities. Outside of the UK,

Vodafone will offer 5G roaming across Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Four 5G phones will be available for the new network soon.

The first of these, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G, will go on sale starting next week, while the Huawei Mate 20 X (5G) and Samsung S10 5G will be available to preorder later this month.

Vodafone also says that Huawei’s 5G foldable handset, the Huawei Mate X, will be available this summer, and that a 5G home router called the 5G Gigacube will also be available. Pricing of these handsets and router is due to be announced next week, and they will initially be available to use on 4G networks before the July 3rd switch on date.

A July launch for Vodafone’s network means the UK’s first next-gen mobile network could arrive months after the US. Verizon’s 5G network was switched on in the beginning of April in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis, but at the time we found that coverage was very limited when we tried it for ourselves. There was also only one 5G device available at the time. Verizon also chose to charge $10 extra for 5G over 4G, while Vodafone customers will get access to the new network at no extra charge.

So while the UK has had to wait longer than the US for its first 5G network, at launch it will be available in more cities, with more devices, and at no extra cost over 4G. (The Verge)

Update WhatsApp now to avoid spyware installation from a single missed call A vulnerability discovered in Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging app is being exploited to inject commercial spyware onto Android and iOS phones by simply calling the target, reports The Financial Times.

The spyware, developed by Israel’s secretive NSO group, can be installed without trace and without the target answering the call, according to security researchers and confirmed by WhatsApp. Once installed, the spyware can turn on a phone’s camera and mic, scan emails and messages, and collect the user’s location data. WhatsApp is urging its 1.5 billion global users to update the app immediately to close the security hole.

“WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date, to protect against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices,” said WhatsApp in a statement.

Facebook issued a security advisory on Monday apparently in relation to the WhatsApp vulnerability. “A buffer overflow vulnerability in WhatsApp VOIP stack allowed remote code execution via specially crafted series of SRTCP packets sent to a target phone number,” according to the advisory. The vulnerability exists in the following versions of WhatsApp:

WhatsApp for Android prior to v2.19.134 WhatsApp Business for Android prior to v2.19.44 WhatsApp for iOS prior to v2.19.51 WhatsApp Business for iOS prior to v2.19.51 WhatsApp for Windows Phone prior to v2.18.348 WhatsApp for Tizen prior to v2.18.15

The vulnerability discovered in early May, was targeted as recently as Sunday when a UK-based human rights lawyer was attacked by NSO’s flagship Pegasus program, according to researchers at Citizens Lab. The attack was blocked by WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is investigating the situation but is so far unable to estimate the number of phones successfully targeted by the exploit, said a source speaking to the FT. “This attack has all the hallmarks of a private company known to work with governments to deliver spyware that reportedly takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems,” said WhatsApp in a statement provided to The Financial Times. “We have briefed a number of human rights organizations to share the information we can, and to work with them to notify civil society.”

NSO says it sells Pegasus to governments and law enforcement agencies to help fight terrorism and crime. But that hasn’t stopped the company’s spyware from being used by countries, organizations, and individuals undeterred by human rights concerns. In 2016, NSO spyware was implicated in an attack on Emirati human rights activist named Ahmed Mansoor. In 2018, NSO’s spyware was aimed at prominent TV journalist Carmen Aristegui and 11 others while investigating a scandal involving the Mexican President.

Researchers claim that NSO’s powerful spyware has been used by as many as 45 countries to aid in the persecution of dissidents, journalists, and other innocent civilians. (The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 19, 2019

Bollywood/Hollywood Crossword Solution

B

ollywood actor John Abraham, who was rumoured to be headlining the sequel to Aamir Khan’s hit Sarfarosh, will not be a part of the new project, fresh reports suggested Wednesday.

John had announced last year that he will step into Aamir’s shoes for the sequel. Director John Mathew Matthan, who directed the first film, is also helming the new one. The 1999 film also starred Sonali Bendre and Naseeruddin Shah in important roles.

A Mid Day report quoted a source as saying, “The actor was in touch with Matthan

over the past several months as he was developing the script. The two were said to be co-producing the film.

However, the economics of the project is not working out, which is why it hasn’t gone on floors yet. On his part, John has committed to other films.

He is currently shooting for Anees Bazmee’s Pagalpanti.

From July, he will start work on Rensil D’Silva’s yet-untitled drama revolving around bike racing.”

Abraham’s spokesperson confirmed John won’t be a part of Sarfarosh sequel and told the tabloid, “We were

in discussion with John Matthan for Sarfarosh 2.

But things didn’t work out. We wish the best for the project.”

John had earlier said, “I was more than happy, and then I decided to produce it, too. I had a lot of faith in John. However, I didn’t chat with Aamir. John and he have been talking. I am sure he’s got Aamir’s blessings to do this. Aamir is someone I am deeply fond of, and I’m a big fan of his. It’s an honour to be stepping into a role that has such a big history.”

Claiming he never fi-

nalised any actor, director Matthan told Mid Day, “I never confirmed that John is doing my film, nor did I mention any other actor’s name to the media. I am not aware of what he has said. We were in negotiation, but, as of now, nothing has materialised. I am currently giving the finishing touches to the script. Only once we sign someone will I be able to comment on the casting.” (Hindustan Times)

S

elena Gomez blasted social media as “terrible for my generation” during an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival — and urged young people to unplug for a while if they’re feeling overwhelmed.

The 26-year-old singer and actress — who boasts more than 150 million followers on Instagram and about 57.6 million on Twitter — made the comments during a press conference for “The Dead Don’t Die,” a new zombie comedy in which she plays the leading role.

“For my generation specifically, social media has been terrible,” Gomez said, according to a report in the Guardian. “I understand that it’s amazing to use as a platform but it does scare me when you see how exposed these young girls and boys are. I think it’s dangerous for sure.”

She told reporters that it’s “impossible” to make social media safe at this point.

“I’m grateful I have a platform,” Gomez added.

“I don’t do a lot of pointless pictures. For me, I like to be intentional with it. I see these young girls … I’ll meet them at meet-and-greets, and they’re just devastated by bullying and not having a voice.”

“I would be careful and allow yourself some time limits of when you should use it,” the songstress added. (Page Six)

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MAY 19, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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may 19, 2019

Fun Times

Archie

Go over your financial, legal and medical papers, (March 21and make sure you have evApril 19) erything in order. Before you give one thing up, have something ready to put in its place.

ARIES

Get together with friends TAURUS or relatives to share your feel(April 20- ings. You’ll be offered advice May 20) that will affect how you move forward. Make romance a priority.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

Your emotions will be tested. Don’t let the actions of others bother you. You’ll get further ahead if you mind your own business and walk away from disruptive situations.

What you have to offer will put you in a good posi(June 21- tion. If you do your part, an July 22) unexpected opportunity will lead to a personal change that will improve your life.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

You may not like what someone does, but you are best off not interfering. Don’t believe everything you hear or trust someone trying to sell you something. Concentrate on personal growth.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Visit friends or sign up for something that is educational or geared toward selfimprovement. A partnership will grow if you share your thoughts. Romance is on the rise.

Think about your former LIBRA and current associates. Don’t (Sept. 23give someone the benefit of the Oct. 23) doubt if they’ve let you down before.

Peanuts

Invest in yourself and your SCORPIO goals. Relationships are fea(Oct. 24- tured, and discussing your inNov. 22) tentions with others will help solidify your plans. Romance is in the stars.

Walk away from unsetSAGITTARIUS tled situations. Exaggerating (Nov. 23Dec. 21) will only make matters worse.

Concentrate on your own emotional well-being and on making personal improvements.

Say no to excessive behavior.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

Make change happen.

Consider the improvements you can make at home that will be more conducive to family fun, romancing a loved one or a new business venture.

Look at what you can acAQUARIUS complish, and walk away (Jan. 20- from stagnant or no-win Feb. 19) situations. How you spend your time and direct your energy will determine how much you achieve.

You’ll be pulled in two difPISCES (Feb. 20- ferent directions: one of selfMar. 20) destruction and one of personal and self-improvement.

Don’t slip into bad habits, even if someone you care about tempts you.