Guyana Times Thursday April 11, 2019

Jet Blue set to commence P11 operations at CJIA Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3891

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Thursday, april 11, 2019

More collaboration needed on constitutional reform – British envoy Page 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sacked GNNL General Manager P11 appeals dismissal

...says Constitution clear on dual citizens until reforms made

No sitting of National Assembly today Page 7

– Clerk not officially informed of sitting – confusion reigns among Govt spokespersons

Linden records approximately 48 bush fires within a month P15

Taxi driver P8 gets 3 years, fined $1.7M for narcotics trafficking P10 Teen chopped to head during argument over girl

A delegation of European Ambassadors, along with EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtič and UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn met on Tuesday with a delegation from the parliamentary Opposition, including PPP’s Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali; Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira; and Opposition Member of Parliament Juan Edghill

US ready to help Guyana with Page 3 aid for Venezuelan migrants Woman who allegedly 40% of Guyanese paid $7M to kill youths Page 12 husband arraigned unemployed Page 8 with murder

– job fair caters only for 200 of the 600 applied

G/Town Mayor to seek Council’s approval to P9 release list of delinquent businesses

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thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Thursday, April 11 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, April 12 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

US ready to help Guyana with aid for Venezuelan migrants

Thursday, April 11 – 07:40h-09:10h and Friday, April 12 – 08:45h-10:15h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light cloudy skies with light rain showers are expected in the morning, followed by sunny intervals in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 08:21h and 21:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.28 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:53h and 14:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.75 metre respectively.

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US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

W

hile there has been no formal request from the Guyana Government for funding, the United States (US) stands ready to provide aid to help with the influx of Venezuelan migrants here.

Currently, Guyana is benefiting from US funding through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Organisation for Migrant (IOM) to facilitate the thousands of Venezuelans fleeing their homeland.

However, according to newly appointed US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, there is no direct bilateral arrangements between Guyana and the US for such aids.

Nevertheless, she said, if approached by the Guyana Government, she is willing to explore the options available.

In fact, Ambassador Lynch noted that she even indicated this during her engagements with the various Government officials.

“There has not been a request for (bi-lateral assistance) as yet but I have had some conversations with the Government… What I have offered is that I am happy to have the embassy explore this issue and have additional conversations if they would like assistance,” the US diplomat said during a recent interview with a group of local journalists earlier this week.

Last month, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) injected some US$1.6 million to Trinidad and Tobago to assist with Venezuelans moving there.

Thus far in Guyana, there are approximately 5800 Venezuelan migrants – double the amount recorded six months ago – and this number is expected to increase daily.

On this note, Ambassador Lynch noted that while the situation is not a “serious concern” to the Guyana Government as yet, it may soon become one due to the heightened influx of migrants from the neighbouring Spanish-speaking country.

“In the past, the majority of Venezuelans have been on the border. But a few weeks ago, there was a vessel with about 140 Venezuelans that came right into Georgetown. So that is an indicator that maybe things are worsening a little bit,” she noted, while recently she met a Venezuelan working in a restaurant in Berbice, which is quite a long way from the border.

The US diplomat pointed out that basic facilities in Guyana, including key services such as health, education and even job opportunities will

become stretched.

“I know particularly the health area is being stressed because the Venezuelans coming into Guyana have not had decent health care in several years… So that might be a particular area of concern…

But there are all sorts of (other) things to be met and it is something for Guyana to watch,” she asserted.

Nevertheless, the US envoy lauded Guyana for its generosity in accepting these persons who are fleeing worsened living conditions back home.

“I want to applaud the country for its generosity in accepting the Venezuelans without blinking an eye and I think that has been a tremendous help for those people,” Ambassador Lynch noted.

In recent years, Venezuela has been experiencing worsened economic and political turmoil. In fact, the deteriorated political situation has given birth to a parallel Government, putting the nation into unchartered territory – with two Presidents. However, many countries around the world now recognises Opposition Leader Juan Guiadó as the interim President following a 2018 elections, which re-elected President Nicolás Maduro.

However, a majority of the international community has deemed those elections as fraudulent.

Speaking on this during Monday’s interview at the US Embassy, Ambassador Lynch said her country is worried about the South American country.

“It has been a declining situation for years. The Maduro regime had a so-called election in May 2018. It was fraudulent, coercive, there was electoral rigging… So there has been pressure put on the Maduro regime for from the international community for Mr Maduro to step aside and

allow his country to be rebuilt and his citizens to regain their place in the region, and to feed their families. There are basic needs that are not being met right now in Venezuela,” the US diplomat stressed.

However, the support of these countries for Guiadó has

international assistance and support,” but noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) should respect the Venezuelan legal order.

The current crisis engulfing Venezuela is now in its fifth consecutive year and accord-

resulted in Maduro – who still enjoys control over the courts, Central Bank and the military – breaking diplomatic ties with several nations including the US. But in a recent turn of events, Maduro has said his country is now willing to accept international aid following a meeting with the Red Cross Chief, Peter Maurer.

Maduro took to his Twitter on Tuesday saying, “We confirm our readiness to establish cooperation mechanisms for

ing to a new United Nations report, almost a quarter of the once-wealthy South American nation’s population is in dire need of help, with a whopping 94 per cent Venezuelan living in poverty.

International media reports say the internal report highlights that some seven million Venezuelans “or about 24 per cent of the total population currently living in the country, are estimated to have urgent priority needs for assistance and protection.”

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thursday, april 11, 2019

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

Attacking a well intended proposal

T

he People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, recently stated that some fifty thousand jobs will be created if that party were to win the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Knowing Ali’s skills in economics and financial management, his statement could not have been one just rooted in politics for the sake of building expectation to garner votes. It would have been a derivative of sound economic analyses, coupled with visionary thinking taking into consideration the country’s vast potential.

In any country, job creation is vital and innovative ways have to be found to keep increasing the numbers. The positive multiplying effect of this resonates in all aspects of the national economy. It is therefore no coincidence that job creation and expanding the economy are prominent in election campaigns. Of course, some are mere rhetoric while others have genuine grounds.

Following Ali’s announcement, persons who are seemingly aligned to the coalition Government, have wasted no time in attacking his statement. In their attempt to render it unachievable, the criticisms seem to be deliberately manufactured to create the impression that Ali’s pronouncement is just another campaign ploy devoid of substance.

The naysayers have failed to see the value in the statement and examine how it can possibly work for the benefit of all. Ali managed the Ministry of Housing under both Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. Under his watch, that sector boomed in an unprecedented manner. That led to thousands of ordinary Guyanese becoming homeowners. They would not have done so had it not been for the enabling environment created.

Simultaneously, thousands of jobs were created in the process; from block-makers, through lumberyards, masonry, carpentry, painting, electricians, furniture making, landscaping, transportation, food and other areas that boosted and sustained local economies across the country. Commerce in the villages grew as residents became empowered and lifestyles vastly improved.

The numerous housing schemes, both newly established and regularised across the country, speak to the tremendous success which the housing boom realised. It was lauded by some Caribbean leaders who took the opportunity to have a first-hand look. That success that led to many years of unprecedented and sustained economic growth in the history of Guyana could have only been realised through a process of prudent holistic management.

Ali naturally played an integral part in the People’s Progressive Party’s success story which provides the credible and solid grounds for his statement on job creation. On the contrary, jobs continue to be lost since May 2015, when the current Government took office. Instead of finding ways to create jobs, the Government seems bent on reducing them.

Two thousand Indigenous persons and a large number of qualified public servants and contract workers were relieved of their jobs almost immediately after that election; reportedly based upon their assumed political affiliation. Thousands of sugar workers were left jobless when the Government, without any form of social impact assessment, closed some sugar estates under the pretext it was not viable. In doing so, it contradicted its own study giving credence to the belief that its action to close the estates was politically motivated.

Reports out of Region Six, where thousands of sugar workers are now jobless, are that the regional administration is being bypassed and many jobs under its control removed and managed by a Government agency which offers only to friends and cronies.

Also, many businesses were forced to close, pushing hundreds of others into the unemployment line. The social impact from these massive losses continues to be devastating with many families challenged to provide food and children forced to leave school due to the inability to meet the related expenses. Social ills are exacerbating in many of these affected communities as residents have no choice but to adopt survival mode.

The reality is that the housing boom ended after the May 2015 elections and the negative trickledown effect it precipitated has taken a stranglehold in many areas. Not only were jobs lost, but the local economies have been ravaged. The woes of the citizens have been worsened by that and through the unleashing of a plethora of taxes and the constantly increasing cost of living.

In other words, it has become extremely burdensome for many residents over the past four years and a major factor is the loss of jobs as the economy spiral downwards.

The Government has not offered any practical solution to create jobs to help mitigate the challenges faced by the people. It keeps peddling its uninspiring “plantain chips” and “cook-up rice” policy which some have deemed laughable and which clearly demonstrates a dearth in economic ideas to advance the country and improved the lives of its people. That cannot be the solution to the macroeconomic issues.

With an absence of vision in managing the country’s economic affairs, it is therefore not surprising that Ali’s proposal is being attacked by Government affiliates. He offers a holistic solution with fervent hope for all so that Guyana can return to the days of unprecedented prosperity. Unfortunately, in life, not everyone is enthused by something well-intended. The attacks will therefore not cease.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch attended the graduation ceremony on Friday last in Corriverton for graduates of the Basic Life and Employability Skills (BLES) programme, managed by USAID’s Community, Family and Youth Resilience programme. Fifteen young adults of Corriverton completed the five-week programme, bringing it to a total of 188 persons who have benefited from BLES programme across various communities in Guyana (US Embassy photo)

Latin American countries seek funds for Venezuela migrants

S

everal Latin American countries and the representative for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó sought more international funds Tuesday to manage the millions of migrants fleeing crisis-hit Venezuela.

An estimated 2.7 million people, an average of 5000 every day in 2018, have left Venezuela, according to the United Nations which has noted that neighbouring countries especially Colombia have taken on most of the burden.

Venezuelans are escaping an economy in tailspin, with hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities including food and medicine. “Concrete actions” of financial support are necessary, Ecuadoran vice minister of human mobility Santiago Chavez told reporters at the meeting in Quito.

It was also attended by representatives from the UN, World Bank and the Inter-American

A Venezuelan living in Ecuador – one of the millions from his country who have fled an economic meltdown – holds a sign asking for a job or for people to buy one of his lollipops, on a street corner in Quito, Ecuador, in January 2019

Development Bank.

“We are not really satisfied with what the banks have done in terms of financial cooperation and have asked them to do more. This serious and urgent situation demands it,” Chavez said, without specifying the amount of global aide necessary.

Ecuador alone has

asked for US$550 million to fund programmes through 2021 for about 250,000 Venezuelans registered on its territory. In December, the UN appealed for US$738 million to help displaced Venezuelans as well as 16 countries hosting them.

Tuesday’s Quito declaration – which said about 3.5 million Venezuelans migrat-

ed to countries of the region in the last four years – was signed by representatives for Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

Also endorsing it was Rene de Sola, designated ambassador to Quito by Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who has been recognized as the interim Venezuelan president by more than 50 countries.

Guaidó is in a power struggle with Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, who is supported by the military as well as China and Russia.

Maduro’s Government refused to participate in the Ecuador conference, part of the “Quito Process” to address the humanitarian and migratory crisis.

A fourth meeting is set for July 4-5 in Buenos Aires.

The UN estimates the number of Venezuelan migrants could reach 5.3 million by the end of 2019. (MSN)

Raúl Castro pledges Cuba will never abandon Venezuela

R

aúl Castro has promised that Cuba will never abandon its leftist ally Venezuela despite US “blackmail”, even as the Trump Administration threatened more sanctions over its support.

In a speech to the National Assembly, the head of the Cuban Communist party said the island had been increasing defence preparedness in recent months in view of mounting US hostility.

The island nation had also been adopting economic measures to contend with the Trump Administration’s tightening of the decades-old US trade embargo, Castro told legislators.

“We will never abandon our duty of acting in solidarity with Venezuela,” Castro said. “We reject strongly all types of blackmail.”

The US Vice President,

Mike Pence, told the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday the United States would announce additional action to hold Cuba accountable for its support of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.

Donald Trump’s Administration has accused Cuban security and intelligence officials of propping up Maduro’s Government.

Cuba denies those claims.

“Cuba is being blamed for all evils, using lies and the worst kind of Hitlerian propaganda,” Castro said.

“We have told the US Administration Cuba is not afraid and will continue building the future of the nation without outside interference.”

Cuba’s National Assembly was meeting to enact a new Constitution which allows the Government to launch a modest revamp of

its centrally planned single-party system with dozens of laws expected on everything from the justice system to political structures.

Many observers are hopeful the Government will open Cuba’s still inefficient State-run economy further to free enterprise with a law recognising private businesses, not just self-employment, although they do not expect that to be among the first pieces of legislation it tackles.

That could give a boost to an economy which has had to contend with declining aid from Venezuela and a resulting cash crunch over the past three years, prompting the Government to introduce austerity measures.

Shortages of basic goods have increased recently, including flour, eggs and chicken, with the state even

reducing the size and circulation of its newspapers due to a lack of newsprint.

The situation could worsen further in coming months in view of the tightening US trade embargo, Castro warned. That did not mean a return to the kind of deep crisis Cuba experienced following the 1991 collapse of its former benefactor the Soviet Union, however, as its economy had diversified since then, he said.

Cubans overwhelmingly ratified the new Constitution in a February referendum after a year of debate, updating its 1976 Soviet-era Magna Carta. While it retains socialism as “irrevocable”, it codifies changes in Cuban society since 1991, like the opening of the economy to free enterprise, and includes a political restructuring among other changes. (The Guardian)

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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

Let the record show

Dear Editor, In Stabroek News of April 8, 2019, there was an opinion piece from one GKH Lall which sought to instruct Mr Mohamed I Ali (executive member of the PPP) upon which plank he should jump.

What campaign is Mr GKH Lall talking about?

There can be no official campaign until general elections are called by Mr Lall’s candidate, Mr David Granger.

It was Mr GHK Lall who said in the 2015 campaign that Mr Granger was polite and acceptable (see interview with Chris Ram) and offered his support to him. That is his right as a dual citizen and voter and beneficiary of the Treasury, thanks to his political and economic sponsors in the PNC. But please do not play with the people’s intelligence and pretend that you

mean well for Mr Mohammed I Ali or the people of Guyana.

This nation is yet to see the outcome of this politeness that Mr Lall was referring to in 2015. Is the word polite now being re-defined by Mr Lall? Is it polite to ignore the Guyana Constitution and not follow the rule of law? Is it polite to unilaterally impose on the nation a GECOM Chairman who has revealed himself as nothing else but a political apparatchik of Congress Place? Is it polite to supervise the greatest acts of corruption in the history of Guyana that took place between 2016 and 2019 and not do a thing as Executive President? Is it polite to be untruthful to the youths by stealing more than 30,000 jobs for them in three years in defiance of your promises in 2015?

I was in Guyana in March 2019 and asked Mr

Mohammed I Ali some hard questions. One of those questions was – Why are you (Mr Ali) not more on TV explaining your policy measures? In his wisdom, this was his answer.

He asked me – Has an elections date been announced?

Mr Ali further told me that at this time he is listening directly to the ordinary people in the villages and urban wards of Guyana on a 1-2-1 basis.

His mission right now is to use the data gathered from those conversations to craft a menu of human development policies which can be launched swiftly once his party wins power. The common theme he is hearing is the need to create new jobs sustainably and this is what he plans to do when the occasion presents itself. He outlined for me in detail how he is going to create these 50,000 jobs over 5 years

and from my international experience, I am convinced in my conviction that it is highly possible.

What it needs is proper programme management of the plan, which is a skill set sorely lacking in Team Granger. So what appears like rocket science to these inexperienced and incompetent minds in Team Granger, is what the rest of the world is doing every second of the day – creating new jobs.

When I was a Project Manager on a CDB Project, I had a chance to observe Mr Ali’s skill set and from what I saw, he is a person who has real project management competence and skills, unlike Mr Granger. This skillset served him well when he accelerated and project managed the PPP’s most successful public policy – housing. What

the PPP did was to expand the stock of land available for housing by over 100,000 house lots in under 20 years. More than half of those lands now have real homes on them with real families in those homes who are on a pathway to building real new wealth with their real equity. That is the sort of human development that continues to evade these friends of Mr GHK Lall.

I was advised that Mr Ali will be telling his story nationally when Mr Lall’s candidate, Mr Granger (who has now been certified after 3 years as a human development failure), calls the elections. Until such time, Mr Ali told me he plans to continue with his original plan – deepening his direct bond with the masses.

Let me share a real-life example. When I visited Berbice in March 2019, two village

teams told me they wanted to meet Mr Ali. I telephoned him and the very next day he was walking in those mixed Guyanese villages listening to the plight of the people and even sat down under a bottom house and had a meal with one of the families.

So there is a method to the strategy and let the record speak, Mr Mohammed I Ali is not alone in this struggle to ensure that democracy is kept alive. There are thousands of us who are working tirelessly to protect this democracy won by Dr Jagan in 1992. Let the record show, history and time are on Mohammed I Ali’s side. Can we say the same for Mr GHK Lall and friends in Congress Place?

Yours faithfully, Sasenarine Singh

Investigation into Guyana’s human trafficking needed Dear Editor, The recent exposure by the parliamentary Opposition Leader, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, at his weekly press conference on April 3, 2019, of what he believes to be a “people smuggling racket” in the Ministry of Citizenship aimed at inserting the names of foreigners into the voting list should come as no surprise.

An overwhelming pattern has been emerging over the last year of ‘human trafficking with a political agenda’ and this requires a full-scale investigation by the media, the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) and other regional and international agencies that monitor human trafficking.

Mr Jagdeo’s recent statement was backed up by a sample from a number of advertisements published in the State newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle, of persons applying for naturalisation in Guyana with the Ministry of Citizenship.

He observed that there were two ads with the photograph of the same person at different addresses, one in Lethem and one in Kitty, on March 27 and 29, 2019. The actual applicant, who lives in Lethem and who is known, is correctly portrayed in an ad on February 22, 2019.

In another two ads, the photograph of another person appears with different names and addresses on February 5 and 7, 2019. Four mistakes such as these may seem insignificant but they do send up red flags for attention.

On investigating the ads for 2019 further, another two applicants have only lived in Guyana for a year and, therefore, are not eligible for citizenship, which requires five years’ consecutive residency. In addition, one of these same person’s name is different than in the ad.

This is not the first case we have encountered with persons obtaining Guyanese citizenship who have not been residents here for the required time. In September of last year, a non-national entered Guyana and was granted a Guyanese passport with a Guyanese name in the same month they landed even though their maiden and married names are completely different.

However, these concerns, with regards to a political agenda behind a large human trafficking ring, are not new. In fact, this issue has been on the radar of the parliamentary op-

position since January 2018.

Over a year ago, the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Affairs, which I chaired, discussed the issue of foreign nationals and concerns regarding human trafficking, particularly, of Haitians. On February 26, 2018, the Committee wrote Minister Winston Felix, requesting information on the number of Haitians entering and departing Guyana over the last 5 years. After many reminders, Minister Felix on May 8 and May 23, 2018, provided information of the arrivals and departures for the years 2013-2018 (April) of foreign nationals of China, Brazil, India, Cuba, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Bangladesh. The Minister on July 20, 2018, provided information on arrivals and departures of Caricom nationals and other nationalities which did not show the same disparities between arrivals and departures as the May 2018 data.

On May 31, 2018, the parliamentary opposition leader at his press conference, stated that “false documents, including birth certificates and passports, are being sold for US$6000 per person and the illegality is being facilitated by the Ministry of Citizenship.” He further added that: “We have said that we are aware that Haitians are trafficked through Guyana, that is supported by the Government… the evidence is that often groups are met airside at the CJIA by Government officials.”

I also wrote a letter to the Editor on June 14, 2018, headlined “State-sponsored human trafficking in Guyana?” and this was published in several newspapers. My letter used the data provided by the Minister of Citizenship for the years 2013-2018 (April) to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations. This information revealed that the years 2016 and 2017 showed the highest upsurge in the numbers of arrivals of several nationalities.

Most alarming, these figures revealed that the presence of 5485 Haitians and 17,615 Cubans in 2018 could not be accounted for.

This is a significant number of unaccounted people, speaking different languages, who represented 3 per cent of the population.

These are rather serious indications of human trafficking on a large-scale and its connection to the provision of

Guyana’s identity documents (and in some cases creation of new identities) to the victims as part of their “safe passage” through Guyana, should have set off alarm bells. In fact, there were concerns that these new Guyanese identities could be used for registration of voters with the intent of padding the electoral list which seemed to have been dismissed.

This information emerged at the same time a new cycle of continuous registration was in progress and which ended on July 8, 2018. Yet none of this information triggered the media and the relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of Citizenship, Guyana Registry and the Guyana Police Force to investigate.

Based on this information, it does not appear to be a mere coincidence that in April 2018, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Minister Amna Ally, called for new house-to-house registration.

Minister Felix finally appeared before the Committee in the presence of the media on August 9, 2018. The Minister in response to a series of prepared questions from the Committee emphatically said: “What you can see is not great disparities between the arrivals and departures…one thing I will assure is that you will not find Cubans neither would you find Haitians, they are not there…all that they do is come to Guyana and we are assuming that they leaving back track for Cayenne. I can assure you of that…we know where the Brazilians are, we know where the Cubans are but no one can tell me they know where the Haitians are.” He assured the Committee that “… we have not suspected any trafficking of Haitians in Guyana, through Guyana, or whatever.

Not Haitians. At least up to this point of reporting, so far, zero.”

On the issue of special treatment at airside of the CJIA for Haitian arrivals, the Minister said he needed evidence from the opposition.

Despite the Minister’s denial, one company employed by the Georgetown Hospital buses its employees, of which a majority are Haitians, every day to work. Between the months of October 2018 to March 2019, some 3800 Haitians landed in Guyana on COPA Airlines.

One may wish to remember that Minister Felix was summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Sectoral

Committee on Foreign Relations in 2016 to answer a number of queries: 1. With regard to the reasons for the refusal of entry of 168 Caricom nationals (20152016); and 2. The role his new Ministry of Citizenship which is now responsible for Immigration plays with regards to the statutory immigration responsibilities of the Guyana Police Force and its investigative role.

Minister Felix is in direct control of immigration, GRO, Passport Office and the granting of citizenship—an interesting and convenient combination. However, for the Guyana Police Force, it has two masters it must report to and take instructions from – the Minister of Citizenship and the Minister of Public Security. It is, therefore, no surprise that the concerns regarding a human trafficking ring with the involvement of Government officials have yielded no results.

When asked about the difference between the treatment of Caricom nationals in 2016 and Caricom nationals and other nationalities in 2018, the Minister merely said: “the policy had changed”.

During the budget debate, the Minister informed the House that the digitisation of the GRO records had commenced and they had three million transactions thus far and that the GRO had ordered 300,000 birth certificates. In the case of the former, the issue of the integrity of the system and who is in charge of the system is critical to ensure that it is tamper proofed since false data or “mistakes such as the Guyana Chronicle ads” can be input into the system, which can then be used to give false identification to individuals both Guyanese and foreigners.

If one were to input data for the last 100 years - births, deaths and marriages - one could estimate approximately 2.8-3 million records. But this is not the time period that is being inputted. In the case of the latter, since one does not know how many birth certificates are issued each year but assuming that each person applying for their birth certificate requests 3 copies, then 100,000 birth certificates would be issued. If all the births in 2019 are issued, their birth certificates coupled with those who request copies, as these may be lost or they never had one, it is hard to conceive of 100,000 persons being issued

birth certificates.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that concerns with regards to ads in the newspapers for applicants for Guyanese naturalisation also came under scrutiny. Compounding this is the fact that birth certificates are also being given out at PNC “green” events in the presence of GRO staff.

In light of the GECOM Chairman and Governmentappointed members’ refusal to comply with the Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution of preparing to hold elections within three months and instead bulldozing their way for a house-to-house registration in order to “sanitise” the voters’ list - a list used on November 12, 2018, which the Government nor any political party had any complaints - one cannot help but be suspicious of the Government’s agenda to delay elections as long as possible.

The Government’s objective to have house-to-house registration was part of the plan since 2018 in order to prepare for the scheduled 2020 General and Regional Elections. This would allow for a new voters’ list which would include thousands of false identities and “new citizens”, many of whom would not have been eligible due to the

5-year residency requirement, while at the same time disenfranchising Guyanese who were out of the country for more than three months.

The passage of the no-confidence motion put a “spoke in the wheel.” Nevertheless, the Government and GECOM continue to relentlessly and hurriedly move forward to commence a house-to-house registration despite the appeal before the Caribbean Court of Justice. Interesting that such speed was not shown in complying with the 90-day requirement for elections by March 21, 2019!

We may not have conclusive evidence but all these events, information and data point to an overwhelming pattern which requires a full-scale investigation.

We welcome and want all people, regardless of their nationality, to love our country and be happy to make their home here. However, we cannot stand by silently when information keeps emerging that point to human trafficking of a significant level in which the victims are being exploited to serve a political agenda.

Sincerely, Gail Teixeira

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E

mpathy is one of those strange qualities – something almost everyone wants, but few know how to truly give or receive it. In a world where self-gratification is emphasized, it is in short supply but high demand.

This is all the more reason to teach the next generation what it means to have empathy for those around them.

What Is empathy?

Many people confuse sympathy and empathy, but they are two distinct values.

Empathy is not just the ability to understand someone’s feelings; criminals often take advantage of people by appearing to understand their feelings and subsequently gaining their trust. Empathy is more than that. Not only is it the ability to recognize how someone feels, but it also values and respects the feelings of another person. It means treating others with kindness, dignity, and understanding.

Kids need to see adults show empathy

While some children are gifted with naturally kind hearts, in most cases kids need to see empathy modelled by the adults around them.

It begins with the way parents relate to their children.

Parents who show an interest in the things that matter to their kids and respond to emotions in a positive and caring way are teaching the

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Foundation

skill of empathy.

Meet emotional needs

When children have their emotional needs met, two things happen. They learn how to meet the emotional needs of others and they are anchored in what they are receiving, meaning that they are secure enough to give to others when the need arises but first they need to receive. An empty jug cannot fill a cup.

how other people experience them. Give their emotions names (for example, jealousy, anger, and love) and teach them that these are normal. Talk to them about how to handle emotions in a positive way and point out situations where other people are experiencing emotions. Teach them about respecting the emotions of others and show them how to act in a situation where a response is required.

Get your kids playing the role of another person. This might be a character in a book or on TV, or even someone you know who has been through a significant experience lately. You can act out the story together and ask your kids to stop and imagine how their character might have been feeling at any given moment. This will focus their attention on the emotions that another person might experience when in that situation. You can ask them to make faces that reflect the feelings of their character.

Develop their inner moral compass

Talk to kids about emotional needs

Many adults find it hard to talk about emotional needs or anything related to emotions. Consequently, they spend their lives tiptoeing around the subject of emotions. These are people who don’t know how to handle the emotions of others and are uncomfortable with any situation that calls for an emotional response.

Sometimes they are afraid of their own emotions because they have never learned how to deal with emotional needs.

It’s a good idea to talk to kids about emotions and

Look for real life situations to practice empathy

There is nothing like a real life example to model what you are teaching. Look for situations that affect another person and talk to your kids about what it means to the people involved and how they might feel. For example, if you see an ambulance speed past, talk about how the family members of the sick person might be feeling.

Play games

Younger kids in particular love to pretend that they are someone or something else. You can use these fun times for teaching empathy.

Teaching your kids the difference between right and wrong from a young age gives them a strong internal moral compass that will direct them to make good choices. In situations that require a decision, help them to see how our choices and behaviour affect others. Talk to them about how wrongdoing harms others and help them to see the hurt and damage that it causes. It’s a good idea to talk to them about the little things such as calling a sibling an unkind name that hurts her feelings or refusing to play with their brother when friends visit.

When building a strong moral foundation, start small and begin with the basics.

By

Empathetic kids: Givers not takers raising

your

kids

to understand and practice empathy, you’re giving them the gift of giving. In a world where great emphasis is placed on looking out for your own interests, people who are givers are all too rare. But they are the ones who enjoy the greatest sat-

isfaction from life, live the most meaningful lives, and enjoy more rewarding relationships. Teaching your kids empathy is a worthwhile investment for their own futures and for the world they will inhabit. (child-

developmentinfo.com)

By Monica Foley, Med

A

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.

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 behavioural expression.

For example, if a four-year-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. (childdevelopmentinfo.com) TO BE CONTINUED

news

7

thurSday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

No sitting of National Assembly today – Clerk not officially informed of sitting – confusion reigns among Govt spokespersons ting and Government is well aware of this, hence they would need to give notice with ample time to prepare for a House sitting but this was not done.

When contacted, however, Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally confirmed that there will not be any sitting of the National Assembly today.

invalid.

However, when questioned whether Government had changed its mind about reconvening parliamentary sitting or that they dropped the ball in following procedures to prepare for their return, the Government’s Chief Whip declined to answer.

Further asked about the

tary sitting, he had also indicated that all MPs on Government’s side will be attending the sitting, including himself, who along with two other Ministers have dual citizen status – something which has been under much contention in recent months. Local courts have since ruled that it was illegal for persons holding

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs

T

he much-anticipated sitting of the National Assembly today has been postponed.

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs on Wednesday told Guyana Times that the Parliament Office was not formally informed of a sitting for today’s date and as such, no preparations were made.

“As far as I’m aware [there will be no sitting today] and I did not send out Order Paper… The Order Paper is the invitation that is given to a member when there is a sitting. It is my duty, yes, to send out the Order Paper when there is a sitting [but] nobody told me about any sitting so no Order Paper was sent,” Isaacs stated.

According to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament (MPs) are to be given a sixday notice prior to any sit-

Government’s spokesperson, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced during a post-Cabinet press briefing two weeks ago that Government will be returning to the National Assembly on April 11 following the Court of Appeal’s ruling that the December 21, 2018, passage of the no-confidence motion was

coalition’s plans to return to the National Assembly after the three-month hiatus, Ally said “you will know when we have Parliament.

As soon as we confirmed a date, we will let you guys know”.

At the time when Minister Harmon had announced the date for the reconvening of parliamen-

dual citizenship to be elected to sit in the National Assembly.

Since then, Harmon, Foreign Affairs Minister and Second Vice President Carl Greenidge and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin have resigned and the former two will be giving up their second citizenship. But President David

Government Chief Whip Amna Ally

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Granger said one day after accepting the three resignations that it would not be with immediate effect.

The Head of State explained that there are certain constitutional processes that need to be followed before the three Ministers are officially resigned.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that Government was not serious with the resignations and that it was a deliberate ploy to show the public that they are adhering to the courts’ ruling.

On this note, he announced that three Opposition MPs, Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, Odinga Lumumba and Adrian Anamayah will also be resigning as MPs and have started this process. Additionally, Jagdeo had noted that with the exception of Anamayah, the other two Opposition Parliamentarians will also be renouncing their foreign citizenship.

Despite this, howev-

er, the Parliamentary Opposition has indicated that they will not be attending any House sitting until the appeals on the no-confidence motion before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) are determined.

The last sitting of the National Assembly was on January 3, when House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland refused a request by Government to reverse the passage of the no-confidence motion.

Government then moved to the High Court, where they were once again unsuccessful. A subsequent approach to the Court of Appeal resulted in a 2:1 majority decision that the motion needed an absolute majority of 34 votes and not a simple majority of 33 to be valid.

The Opposition, PPP, has since appealed this ruling at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which has set May 10 for arguments on the matters.

MARAD launches safety initiative

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assenger boat operators have welcomed the safety initiative by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) that helps passengers identify certified vessels at the various stellings.

Travellers can identify the boats by looking for the MARAD decals that will be displayed at the front of the vessels.

The stickers indicate that the boats are licensed and certified by MARAD and are safe for travelling.

Captains Stephen Belle and Steve Narine who operate at the Parika Stelling have commended the initiative.

Captain Belle, who is also the President of Bartica Speedboat Owners Association, said: “It will let people know the boats that are ferrying passengers… have operators who are licensed and once you are licensed to carry passengers, it brings some amount of safety in terms of the entire boat operation. So, I think it is a good venture and it will be welcomed by associations throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”

Another captain, Narine who travels the Supenaam to Parika route, said it will

this will help them. It will shine a guiding light for passengers, especially those who travel regularly.”

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), The different coloured decals seen on the boats will identify which route the vessels are travelling. Blue stickers are for the Bartica route, green for Supenaam, purple for Leguan and orange for Demerara.

The initiative was a call made by boat operators to protect themselves and their passengers. “The colours will signify the route and the route is also at the

Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores interacting with some boat operators at the Parika Stelling

help passengers identify the boats that are safe for travelling. “The passengers will know it’s a licensed boat and it is not the ‘hustle boat’ because after hours, the hustle boat charges an extra fee and passengers blame all the boat operators, including the licensed boats and captains as well because they say they travelled on a boat and had to pay X amount of dollars. So,

front of the boats. It is basically for passengers to know which are the boats that are certified as competent by MARAD and those that are not, they should not go on because they probably are not safe to travel on,” Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores explained.

Passengers are being called upon to only use such boats and to adhere to the safety regulations when travelling in the vessels.

Licensed boat operators can uplift the decals at the various stellings or at the MARAD office for $1500.

8 News

thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Labourer charged for murdering friend during drinking spree

T

he 28-year-old labourer who fatally stabbed his drinking buddy during an argument on Saturday last was arraigned for murder at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Micheal Culpeper of Lower Pomeroon River was not required to plea to the indictable charge when it was read to him by

Magistrate Esther Sam. Police stated that on April 6, he murdered 48-year-old Micheal Chu called “Chuman” of Charity Housing Scheme Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Culpeper was remanded to prison and will reappear on May 5, 2019, at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

It was reported that Chu had been reportedly consuming alcohol with Culpeper at Lower Pomeroon River when a heated argument broke out between them.

Reports are that the younger labourer, in the midst of the argument, armed himself with a knife and stabbed Chu several times about the body.

A Coast Guard responded to a request for assistance and Chu was transported to the Charity Hospital in Essequibo where he was admitted.

However, he was later transferred to the Suddie Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The accused was later arrested and charged with the capital offence.

Woman who allegedly paid $7M to kill husband arraigned for murder

A

woman, who was recently nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CIJA) for the 2009 murder of her husband, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday slapped with a murder charge.

Milaimi Alli was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that while being in the company of another, she murdered her husband, Ramzan Alli, at Coldingen Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), between July 11 and 12, 2009.

The 49-year-old woman of Kissoon Housing Scheme, Good Hope, ECD, was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva who told the court that his client is a mother of five and given that the murder happened 10 years ago, he would like to have an early date for the Preliminary Inquiry to commence.

Police Prosecutor Neville told the court that the police

Murder accused Milaimi Alli escorted by a Police rank

file is incomplete.

The woman was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to

the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court for April 15.

The woman arrived in Guyana mere days after a

wanted bulletin was issued for her arrest. Upon her arrival on a Caribbean Airlines flight from the United States of America, she was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters where she was grilled after which the murder charge was instituted.

Investigators received new information that Alli paid her lover $7 million to kill her husband, which led them to reopen their investigation into the murder of the fuel dealer in March 2009.

Thirty-eight-year-old Zaheed Mitchell of Foulis, ECD, was recently charged for his involvement in the murder of Alli.

Alli’s body was discovered in a rental car trunk with a plastic bag duct-taped to his head on the Coldingen Railway Embankment Road on July 12, 2009.

Alli was last seen alive by relatives when he left his Good Hope home on July 11, 2009, in the rental car for an unknown location.

Taxi driver gets 3 years, fined $1.7M for narcotics trafficking

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36-year-old taxi driver was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of $1.7 million when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for trafficking over eight pounds of cannabis.

Sherwin Edwards Clarke was found guilty of the charge which stated that on February 11, 2019, at Garnett Street, Kitty, he

trafficked 3.86 kilograms of cannabis.

Police evidence was led

by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Narissa Leander. Magistrate McLennan in her ruling explained that Clarke, who was unrepresented, opted to change his plea and confess to the charge while leading his own defence.

However, she informed him that it was too late in

the trial for him to change his plea.

According to the Chief Magistrate, the prosecution proved that Clarke had knowledge and was in control of the drug on the day in question.

The taxi driver told the court that he has learnt from his mistake and in the future will check his passengers’ luggage before placing them in his car.

After being found guilty, Clarke said: “I’m thankful for all the lies that witnesses told and this hurt my family and my unborn child”.

Reports are that Clarke, on the day in question, was the lone occupant of his car when he was stopped and searched by CANU ranks at Garnet Street, Kitty, when the illegal drugs were discovered in his car.

City Constable charged for shooting minibus driver A City Constabulary Officer was on Wednesday charged for discharging a loaded firearm when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Mark Murray, 24, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 26, 2018, at Water Street, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded fire-

arm at Paul John with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or to cause him grievous bodily harm.

The court heard that on the day in question, Murray approached John and told him that he could not park in the area but this resulted in an argument followed by a scuffle. It was at this time that Murray discharged his service weapon.

The VC told the court that the constable shoved him which led to the scuffle and while he was walking away, the man discharged his firearm hitting him to his leg.

However, other city constables disputed the man’s claims and said he tried to grab Murray’s gun.

Murray’s attorney, Roger Yearwood, in a bail application told the court that his

client is the sole breadwinner for his family with a sixmonth-old daughter, adding that he was acting in the course of his duty and is not a flight risk.

Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman did not object to bail. The accused was released on $75,000 bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty and the matter was set for April 24, 2019.

The smell test…

I

…and Minister-connected contracts n the real world, ordinary folks use the “smell test” to determine whether something’s “fishy”…i.e. whether there’s something wrong about it. As to exactly WHAT might be wrong, they then proceed to use the “duck test”: if it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, then there’s a very high probably it’s a duck.

Using these tests then, let’s examine the cases where two Ministers of the PNC-led coalition Government have been accused of conduct giving rise to conflicts of interest.

Your Eyewitness has already gone over the case of the Minister of Housing’s husband being awarded contracts by the CH&PA, under her jurisdiction. If the head of the CH&PA himself admitted indeed a conflict of interest existed, immediately when informed, then one has to conclude that both the smell test and duck test were satisfied. For the Minister to aver that she didn’t know her husband secured the housing contracts that were awarded, has to strain the credulity of the archetypical “reasonable man”!! No pillow talk??

But for the head of the CH&PA to arrive at his conclusion, meant he was unaware of the said contract.

And this signals that there was something going BEYOND fishy here, with officials below him not bringing the matter to his attention. Now these officials can’t have been oblivious to the relationship between their Minister and the contractor, and this means (at best) they bent the rules on their own or at worst, they were instructed to do so by the Minister. Now even if they’d done the dirty on their own to “curry favour” with the Minister, surely they would’ve had to inform her at some point, or have her husband do so more informally. In either event, the Minister’s culpable a misfeasance in public office.

Now for the latest revelation, where the Minister of Communications admitted that her media company did in fact receive a contract from the Energy Department in the Ministry of the Presidency. The Minister said she removed herself from the operations of her company since she became Minister and didn’t even know of the contract.

Now this strains your Eyewitness’ credulity: unless she placed her company in a blind trust (which she didn’t) surely at the end of the year, she’d look over the annual performance of her investment. This causes a wrinkling of the nose!

But additionally, there was no public bidding for the contract, since the Ministry of the Presidency said the Minister’s company WAS CALLED about doing the ads.

Your Eyewitness’ nose has to be squeezed!!

As to the duck test, if there’s a pattern and practice then it’s misfeasance time, baby!! …and the Demerara Harbour Bridge One of the projects the PPP bequeathed to the PNC-led coalition was for a fixed-span bridge across the Demerara River to replace the antique floating one. A location was identified and a local design floated (pun intended!) but the Public Infrastructure Ministry decided to reinvent the wheel. They invited bids for a design; received 2 but scrapped the process. On the instruction of the Tender Board new bids were to be solicited.

Instead, Minister Patterson “sole sourced” the $148 million contract to the Dutch company LievenseCSO, and had it approved by Cabinet causing the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to investigate how this came to pass. The Report was handed in since August 2018 and showed that the $148 million was taken from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Asphalt Plant Accounts). With the wall of silence on the MPI egregiously failing both the smell and duck tests, the Opposition took the matter to SOCU. But the silence only thickened.

Citizens have to hold their noses as the PNC waddles to the polls!! …and constitutional change Constitutional change was the AFC’s big thing.

But after four years of lassitude, their Committee’s recommendations remain buried in the hapless AG’s Chambers. Without protest!

And now they’re suggesting fast tracking a change to accommodate their dual citizens? Wankers!!

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

News

9

thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

More collaboration needed on constitutional reform – British envoy ...says Constitution clear on dual citizens until reforms made

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ith criticisms abounding about the slow pace of constitutional reform, British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn has noted the need for a collaborative and consultative approach.

The British High Commissioner noted that while many persons recognise the need for constitutional reform, a more collaborative approach is needed.

“We’ve been talking about constitutional reform.

In 2016 we funded a proj-

ect with the Carter Center, which launched a discussion on constitutional reform. Ultimately constitutional reform has to be a Guyanese-led process. There are a lot of people who recognise work must be done on the Constitution.”

“It’s now over to the political parties to decide what needs to be done to move the process forward, if that’s what they want to do… because it has to be a consultative process. Changing the Constitution takes two-

thirds of the 65 seats in Parliament. So it’s not like one party or another can direct. So they need to decide how to move that forward, if they want to move it forward.”

Asked about the recent resignations of dual citizen Members of Parliament (Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and Public Service Minister Dr Rupert Roopnarine) from Guyana’s

National Assembly, the diplomat noted that the Constitution is clear on the matter.

“The Constitution at the moment is clear about the dual citizens’ issue and the courts have ruled on that.

So unless there’s a change to the Constitution, things will have to play out the way they’re currently playing out [resignations].”

“The Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and, therefore, must be adhered to across the board. And I think that’s what we’re see-

G/Town Mayor to seek Council’s approval to release list of delinquent businesses

Mayor Ubraj Narine

M

ayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine has told media operatives that the Council will have to decide on whether the list of businesses that owe taxes to City Hall should be released in the public domain.

He made this comment on Wednesday in light of remarks emanating from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GGCI) that a list should be provided after Narine pointed out that some 140 enterprises are delinquent tax payers.

The GCCI expressed disappointment at the “public and broad brush attack on the integrity of the entire business sector” by the Mayor. In fact, the body said

it was looking forward to being briefed on the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) plan for the city as well as its financial position.

On Friday last, Mayor Narine called a press conference where he complained that over 140 city business proprietors have failed to pay taxes, which results in the build-up of garbage in Georgetown.

The Mayor had complained that the overflow of garbage in the city was as a result of damages to the tyres of the lone tractor owned by the City Council.

A replacement of the tyres is difficult to obtain locally, he said, which saw the garbage bins throughout Georgetown being left unattended for the past three days. Further, it is expensive to buy new tractors, the Mayor noted.

The Mayor then lambasted some 144 “high-end businesses” in Georgetown which have failed to pay their taxes and who owes City Hall billions.

According to Narine, City Hall is willing to procure two additional tractors, however, this is difficult since the finances are unavailable.

However, the GCCI, which represents businesses in the city and on the outskirts of the country, said that the remarks shared

by Narine were rather “dis-

GCCI President Nicholas Boyer

pleasing”.

“The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) notes the recent public comments of His Worship, The Mayor Ubraj Narine, which it finds displeasing to the intended spirit of a recent meeting convened with the new Mayor at which the Chamber extended an olive branch to discuss issues, not limited to but including those, which may be hindering the City Council’s collection of taxes,” the body stated.

According to the Chamber, all of its members are mandated to adhere to its code of conduct which includes respect and adherence to all legislative

framework, inclusive of tax payments.

“The GCCI has always stood on the side of the rule of law and will continue to encourage all businesses in Georgetown, both members and non-members of the GCCI to be responsible in their civic duty of paying taxes,” the Private Sector body assured.

It further stressed the importance of businesses, noting that they create employment and economic activities to benefit everyone.

As customary, 30 Councillors would vote on decisions to be taken by the Council, where the majority would determine what action should be taken. This process would be spearheaded by the Mayor and overseen by the Town Clerk.

British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

ing. And that’s how it must be,” the British diplomat said.

The Ministry of the Presidency had previously announced that effective from April 1, Members of Parliament (MP’s) on the Government side that have dual citizenship have resigned and as such, would not have been returning to Parliament when it reconvenes on April 11.

Article 155 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states that “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or State.”

In February, Chief Justice Roxanne George had ruled on the case filed

by Compton Reid over the dual citizenship of former

AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud.

In the case it brought to the Chief Justice, Government had argued that Persaud’s dual citizenship status invalidated his vote in support of the No-confidence Motion that brought the Government down.

This argument also formed part of the opinions presented to Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland in the hopes that he would reverse the ruling… something the Speaker ultimately refused to do.

The Court of Appeal later upheld the January High Court ruling that it is illegal for persons holding dual citizenship status to be sitting in the National Assembly.

Government has been under increasing criticism, even from its own supporters, for stating that dual citizens will return to the National Assembly despite these two rulings.

During a recent press conference, Trotman had said that his party wants the constitutional provisions against dual citizens sitting in the National Assembly removed through the constitutional reform process.

Over the past few years, constitutional reform has been before a parliamentary committee. There is a Constitutional Reform Commission bill that was to be examined by the committee. But there have been accusations made of members of the committee stalling the process.

10 news

thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mahaica accountant’s murder trial

Accused admits to cuffing deceased’s brother T he High Court trial into the 2015 murder of Suresh Nandkishore also called “Ravo” continued on Wednesday with the two accused, Sukhdeo Dharamdat called “Toney” and his son, Eshwardat Dharamdat called “Bruddow”, at the High Court before Justice Navindra Singh.

The State’s case is being led by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy in association with Teriq Mohammed and Abigail Gibbs, while defence attorneys include Pamela De Santos, Brandon De Santos and Alanna Lall.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh took the stand to offer evidence pertaining to the matter.

During his testimony, Dr Singh informed the court that while performing Nandkishore’s post-mortem, he observed a lacera-

Deceased: Suresh Nandkishore

tion to his head measuring about 8cm. He further stated that he died as a result of subgaleal or under-scalp haemorrhaging, which is bleeding in the potential space between the skull, as a result of head trauma.

Meanwhile, the older Dharamdat (Sukhdeo) who led his defence by offering evidence into the matter,

told the court that on the day in question (February 3, 2015) he and his son (Eshwardat) were working when his smaller son (Chaitram) informed him that the Nandkishores were repairing the fence on their plot of land.

He further stated that when he approached the victims to inquire about what they were doing, a heated argument ensued and as a result, he and his smaller son were attacked by the deceased brother, Parmanand Nandkishore, who was armed with a cutlass which he used to inflict a chop to his face.

The accused claimed that Eshwardat was nowhere around at the time of the attack.

However, while under cross-examination by State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy, the accused admitted to picking up a piece of wood and throwing it in the direc-

Murder accused: Eshwardat Dharamdat (left) and his father Sukhdeo Dharamdat

tion of the deceased as well as cuffing the dead man’s brother even though he posed no threat.

He, nevertheless, denied that he started the argument and that his sons attacked the now dead man,

his father and brother. The accused further stated that he did not say “we ga kill all them men before we go to jail” as he explained that he tried to save Bhopaul Nandkishore (deceased father) who was injured unknowingly to him and fell into the trench.

On the other hand, the second accused, Eshwardat Dharamdat, led his defence by an unsworn statement in which he stated that he had no involvement in the attack but only went to his father’s rescue after being alerted.

At the conclusion of the accused’s testimony, both defence attorney and State prosecutor delivered their closing address to the 12-member jury on behalf of their respective clients, after which the panel of jurors is expected to deliver a verdict as the matter is to be summed up today.

Drivers of vehicles with coloured Teen chopped to head during argument over girl lights will be charged – Police

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teenager is now nursing a chop wound at the Linden Hospital Complex which was inflicted by another male during an argument over a female on Tuesday.

Injured is 19-year-old Zamaul Bobb of Lot G-40 Canvas City, Wismar, Linden. Based on information received, the now in-

jured man and the suspect were involved in a heated argument over a female but the matter was resolved following the intervention of the victim’s father.

However, at about 22:30h on the same day, the suspect confronted Bobb in the vicinity of the Canvas City Nursery

School and allegedly inflicted a wound to his forehead with a cutlass after which he made good his escape.

Bobb was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was treated and admitted in a stable condition. The police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

T

he Guyana Police Force has issued a stern warning to drivers and owners of vehicles with blue or green lights.

“This practice is illegal and should cease forthwith,” the Force reminded in a statement. Police headquarters said it has observed that vehicle operators are affixing these coloured lights to

the front of their vehicles.

“The Guyana Police Force Traffic Department wishes to advise owners and drivers who are guilty of this illegal practice to desist from affixing these lights on their vehicles or face the consequences of being prosecuted.”

Regulation 34 (1) (a) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02

states: “Every motor vehicle, the width of which does not exceed seven feet, other than a two-wheeled motorcycle not having a sidecar attached thereto and an invalid carriage, on any road, during the hours of darkness shall carry two lamps, each showing to the front, a white light visible from a reasonable distance”.

NEWS

11

thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CANU will continue Sacked GNNL General Manager appeals dismissal to do its work with

Sacked General Manager of GNNL Sherod Duncan

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acked General Manager of the Guyana National Newspaper Limited, which is the publisher of the Guyana Chronicle, Sherod Duncan is moving to the Prime Minister’s Office to have his dismissal overturned.

According to Duncan’s attorney, James Bond, the litany of breaches brought against his client does not warrant dismissal and as such, a call is being made to the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who has over-

sight for the State entity, to review the decision made by the Board.

“These matters I must say does not warrant dismissal… no one could show that Mr Duncan benefitted personally from any of those, I think that was to his credit” Bond stated.

According to the learned attorney, if the matter is not addressed at this level then a wrongful dismissal lawsuit will be filed at the High Court.

“I wouldn’t want to give too much to what they said but that is the essence of them saying that there was not [a] vote to dismiss Mr Duncan so that would be our primary trust in appealing to the Office of the Prime Minister that there was no vote …If the matter isn’t address at this level, a wrongful dismissal case will be filed at the High Court”, Bond revealed.

Duncan, who was the Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor for the city of Georgetown and Deputy Mayor, served as General Manager of the company from June 1, 2018, to April 1, 2019.

The Board of Directors of GNNL in a statement

Attorney James Bond

said the decision to dismiss Duncan came after a five-hour long meeting at the company’s office where Duncan and his legal representative, Attorney James Bond, were given the opportunity to provide an explanation in response to the findings of the audit report which was dated March 18, 2019, and answer questions posed by the Directors as to why he should not be disciplined in accordance with the recommendations of the report, which was presented by the Office of the Auditor General.

According to the statement, one Director recommended a one-month suspension and an extension of probation for Duncan while two other Directors recommended an extension in the probation period while three other Directors held the view that Duncan’s services should be terminated with immediate effect for gross misconduct.

A vote on the matter of termination of services was called and three Directors voted against, while three voted in favour. There was a tie and the Chairman, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, supported the termination of Duncan’s services in accordance with Article 94 of the company’s Articles of Incorporation.

There are over 20 transactions conducted under Duncan’s watch or by Duncan himself, which were in blatant violation of financial regulations.

A special audit ordered by the Office of the Auditor General found numerous violations during the short three-month period under Duncan’s stewardship of the company.

Jet Blue set to commence operations at CJIA

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he New York-based carrier, Jet Blue, which currently operates in over 100 countries is expected to begin operating soon in Guyana.

Guyana Times understands that the airline will facilitate direct flights from Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to the United States’ John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in a few months.

Jet Blue is said to have a fleet of about 253 aircraft and has been dubbed one of the most affordable carriers.

The airline signalled its intention to begin operations here last year. Jet Blue is not the only carrier which has been drawn to the shores of Guyana in recent times as a number of other airlines have already begun operating.

The window for such activity was opened as the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has been signing a number of open skies agreements in a bid to promote tourism in the country, among others.

Director of the GCAA, Egbert Field during an interview said that Guyana is preparing itself for a massive tourism influx with the signing of such agreements.

He had noted that al-

ready, the Agency has signed open skies agreement with other South American countries which will allow for more airlines to fly here as well.

On that note, it was pointed out the GCAA has already inked an agreement with Brazil and Ghana which will allow for direct flights to those countries as well as give a go-ahead for any airline which wishes to fly here from those countries.

In addition, he disclosed

that the Civil Aviation Authority is seeking to sign more of such agreements with Columbia and other African states such as Tanzania and Nigeria among others, with the aim of having as many airlines as possible enter the country.

He was keen to note that the agreements being inked were in keeping with 2018’s theme of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) with regards to connectivity.

In December, an Interline Agreement was inked between a German airline, Condor, (Thomas Cook Group) and LIAT’s flights from Germany to Guyana which makes flights easier and more convenient for passengers using this route.

The Interline Agreement is one between individual airlines which is drafted to

handle passengers travelling on itineraries that require multiple flights on multiple airlines.

It allows passengers to use coordinated flight connections and checkedthrough luggage and affords cheaper tickets year-round.

professionalism – Unit

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n light of a lawsuit brought against the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) by a United States-based woman who alleged that she was asked to strip naked and squat by drug enforcement officers, the unit is contending that it will continue to conduct searches of passengers, luggage, vehicles etc. at all ports of entry and exits in Guyana.

In a release to the media, CANU stated that those searches will be done in accordance with local and international standards with due cordiality and professionalism.

“In keeping with CANU’s mandate to stem the trafficking of narcotics the Unit has been successful in thwarting a number of passengers from using their bodies, luggage, cargo and other objects to traffic narcotics (cocaine in particular) through Guyana’s Ports”, the drug enforcement unit stated on Wednesday.

Further CANU stated that it will continue to aid in maintaining the perceived credible Image of the ma-jority of Guyanese Travellers and will continue to abide by the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act Chapter 10:10 of the Laws of Guyana.

Recently it was reported in the local press that Ayana

Attorney Siand Dhurjon

Adams, who is Guyanese by birth and a US citi-zen, was in the process of returning to New York on a Caribbean Airlines flight, after vacationing in her homeland when she was forced to strip and squat.

As such, she has reportedly filed a $40 million lawsuit against CANU through her attorney Siand Dhurjon who had given a detailed account of what took place.

As a result of the incident, Adams missed her flight which ultimately meant that she would have missed school and more importantly, she was una-ble to report for duty following her vacation here in Guyana.

According to Dhurjon, CANU has breach his client’s human rights.

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thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

40% of Guyanese youths unemployed – job fair caters only for 200 of the 600 applications

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he Department of Youth has taken note of the whopping 40 per cent unemployment rate among youths in Guyana and will be hosting the first job fair on Friday where young people will be interviewed on the spot with the hope of gaining meaningful employment.

This was revealed by the Department on Wednesday during a press conference where the Youth Director, Melissa Carmichael, told the media that over 600 applications were received, although the Department was initially catering for about 200.

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Norton said that the job fair was inspired by the large amount of jobless youths.

The Minister explained, “The Department of Youth recognises that youth unemployment is one of the

greatest challenges among the nation’s most valuable assets, youth. Statistics show that young people constitute one-quarter of the world’s population in the developing nations.

This signals a vibrant and hopeful resource for the world…statistics show that approximately 40 per cent of the youth population in Guyana is unemployed. The Department of Youth recognises this scourge, seeks to bring Private Sector and Government agencies together to tackle this growing issue”.

It is against this backdrop that the Department of Youth has decided to host its first youth fair at the National Sports Hall.

Carmichael told reporters that while the fair may not be the biggest, she looks forward to a great turnout and lasting impact. “While it is not the biggest one, we believe that with the companies on board, it will

Youth Director Melissa Carmichael

certainly make a great impact,” she stated.

A few of the companies who are seeking to hire the youths on Friday are Courts Guyana Inc, Qualfon, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company (GT&T), Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Giftland.

Carmichael said that

only those applicants who would have completed their secondary education will be considered.

Most of the positions, she informed, will be for customer care representative while others may be technical.

According to her, the job fair will be geared towards providing a space for in-

formation sharing, providing an avenue for young people to speak to Human Resources officers at companies to voice their concerns and more importantly, being interviewed and hired for respective posts at participating agencies, among others.

She stressed the importance of having young people interact with Human Resources officers as many times they are not given a chance to speak with them to address their worries.

In 2012, the Bureau of Statistics conducted a survey which found that 10,326 or 37 per cent of the 17,571 Guyanese between the ages of 15 and 19 were unemployed.

The Bureau said that in 2002, the unemployment rate for this age group stood at 38 per cent.

The high rate of youth unemployment has triggered a number of negative effects. Only in January,

the Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said that 80 per cent of prosecuted crimes are committed by youths between the ages of 19 and 29.

In February Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, told Guyana Times that unemployment will present a major challenge in the coming years.

Ram spoke of some of the reasons for Guyana’s low employment rate and also expressed the belief that not enough attention is being paid to its economic and social side.

“Part of the problem we have is that we have a very low wage economy,” Ram said, adding “and it discourages people entering into the employment sector. If you get the minimum wage and you have to spend 20 per cent of it on transportation alone, it’s not a great motivator for you to work”.

35 ICT hubs to offer STEM training

Students utilising the kits to build models and robots

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total of 35 Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technologies (ICT) hubs are equipped to offer training in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM. Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes made this announcement during a visit to St Pius Primary School on Wednesday, where she stated that

this is one of the schools that was assisted with robotic kits and other ICT services.

These kits give students an opportunity to learn the dynamics of coding, wireless communication and sensor technology.

“We are making sure that we’re doing STEM training in as many of our hubs that we’re able to organise. Right now, we have earmarked 35 hubs where students

in the area and students in schools close to where those ICT hubs are will be able to come and get some training,” said Hughes.

She placed emphasis once again on opportunities which will be created in the future, primarily in the ICT sector. According to her, students should take advantage of these opportunities and try to earn a living from the prospects of the ICT sector.

“The jobs that are going to be available in the future, you’re going to need to have these skills… start thinking as to how you will be able to make a living from this when you get older,” the Minister stated.

Software programs were also installed on the school’s computer systems, which are open to teachers as well.

This initiative comes as Guyana has been listed as the host for the youth robotics pre-qualifier competition. Qualifiers will then go to represent Guyana at the International Youth Robotics Competition.

STEM Guyana will ultimately select local students to vie against

Minister Cathy Hughes interacting with the children

other youths from around the world in the seven to 12, 13 to 17 and open categories of the competition. The teams will be selected from eight regions from across the country.

STEM Guyana, in association with the Ministry, had launched a series of certification sessions for technology buffs or school leaders who are interested in starting technology clubs in their commu-

nities.

Coaches were introduced to details about the league, how to organise and lead a technology club, how to fundraise for their club, how to prepare young people to compete in a global marketplace, how to use the league competition software, the basics of building and programming robots and the fundamentals of MIT Scratch programming.

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Thursday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Waiakabra residents plead North Pakaraima Mountain Safari billed for this weekend for electricity, access to T social services he 17th Annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari is expected to kick off on April 13 as close to 100 persons including tourists from Korea and North American countries seek to explore the scenic beauty of Guyana’s mountainous regions.

The safari is organised by the Pakaraima Safari Club and Rainforest Tours in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Administrations of Regions Eight and Nine and the Communities Ministry.

It will run for eight days and will see explorers seeing the sights of 14 indigenous villages throughout

all.

“It is once again an exciting time for Rainforest Tours as we seek to promote adventure nature tourism through an event such as this. This safari is our biggest safari for the year and the overlying journey has created a special impact in the lives of many safarians who continue to participate yearly with family and friends. This year’s event seeks to promote adventure, nature and domestic tourism in Guyana providing substantial economic benefits to the local community and residents, creating community awareness understanding and support for tourism development and

that we just was recently won the number on eco-tourism destination award in the world but in order for us to stay on top we can only do so by improving our product, our experience and our sustainable practices” Chandra encouraged.

Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Valarie Garrido Lowe described the safari as a wonderful experience which is unmatched.

She applauded Frank Singh, one of the key organisers, for his commitment to the continued promotion of the safari and recognised its growth.

“I’d like to thank him for his sustained effort in this

The village of Waiakabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

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esidents of Waiakabra on the SoesdykeLinden Highway are complaining that they have been neglected by the APNU/AFC Administration.

Many of the residents reached out to Guyana Times and raised issues that have been affecting them for quite some time.

The residents complained of the lack of electricity, high unemployment rate and the lack of access to social services in the community.

They have been pleading with the Administration for the regularisation of land and the establishment of a nursery school for the community since the area has a high rate of nursery aged children.

The nursery school closest in proximity to Waiakabra is located at Kuru Kuru which is a far distance for the children to walk on a daily basis.

Further, residents said that most of them are unable to send their children to school because they cannot afford transportation and are also asking for assistance by way of a school feeding programme and any other public assistance available.

Residents said that during the last two Local Government Elections

(LGE), Government Ministers visited the area and held meetings where they made promises to improve the livelihood of the residents but after the elections, they are still to receive another visit and none of the promises have been delivered thus far.

“Every election time them does come and promise we up. Now I see them sending AFC people again to tell we vote for them when elections come again but they can’t answer when we ask them what happen to everything they promise us,” one resident said.

The community has a growing population of more than 300 residents who depend mainly on small-scale farming as no other job opportunities are available to them.

Chairman of the Community Development Council Lloyd O’selmo when contacted by this publication said that the community has started to benefit from the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme.

This programme has seen the training of a number of youths from the community in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, agriculture, ecotourism and technology. This, he hopes, will bring about some devel-

opment to the community.

He said he would welcome the idea of a nursery school for the community and the regularisation of land that the residents have been calling for. O’Selmo added that a very small section of the community has electricity, however, a majority of the residents still do not have access. He said that although some efforts are being made to aid in community development, there is still a lot more to be done.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Social Cohesion Ministry, Rehanna Ahmad when contacted by Guyana Times stated that while a visit was never made to the community, the Ministry has programmes that are geared toward sensitising communities of the roles of the Ministry. She added that the residents were also enlightened about the inclusion training which is beneficial to communities in fostering better relationships.

She advised that the community write a formal letter to the Ministry highlighting the troubles facing them and they will ensure that a visit is made to the community by relevant agencies responsible and necessary assistance will be provided in an effort of moving forward together.

(Lisa Lowe)

Members of the head table at the launch of the 17th Annual Pakaraima Safari

Regions Four, Eight, Nine and 10 mainly Karasabai, Tiperu, Rukumoto, Morabaiko, Yurong Paru, Monkey Mountain, Tuseneung, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukabaru, Itabac and Orinduik.

Some 20 4X4 vehicles along with 13 motorcycles of voyagers will then visit the Orinduik, Cheong and Lehilibar Waterfalls before continuing their journey to Lethem where participants will experience the Rupununi Rodeo.

According to Assistant Safari Coordinator Lisa Smith, three such safaris are hosted annually, however, the North Pakaraima Safari is the biggest of them

to conserve and protect the natural environment as well as assuring respect to customs, tradition and cultural heritage of the local people” Smith highlighted.

GTA’s Deputy Director, Carla Chandra said that the Pakaraima Safari takes the cake as the ultimate up close and personal experience in Guyana.

According to her, the excitement starts as soon as the journey out of Georgetown begins and as such, the safari is one of the reasons why Guyana was awarded the number one eco-tourism destination in the world.

“By now I trust that everyone in Guyana is aware

Pakaraima Safari going every single year, it is not an easy task but I think that it has grown and people are coming on board quite willingly now and he has limited spaces and its really great. As a Government, we will, of course, make good roads there especially with the impending oil” the Minister revealed.

She noted that Guyana’s attraction is in the hinterland and as such, encouraged Guyanese to take the journey.

GuyOil, which continues to support the event, will this year be donating footwear to several villages along the Pakaraima Mountains.

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thurSday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

MOTP Climate Change Office hosts stakeholder workshop

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he Ministry of the Presidency’s Office of Climate Change on Wednesday hosted a stakeholder validation workshop on the National Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.

The workshop, which was hosted at Cara Lodge and saw several stakeholders in attendance, was aimed at pursuing sustainable management of forest resources which is a major source of mitigation to the change in climate. It will be based on the three pillars of sustainable development which includes economy, environment and human resources.

Head of the Office of Climate Change, Janelle Christian during her remarks at the opening of the workshop highlighted the changes that are being experienced in the Caribbean which includes more hot days, more intense rainfall and longer periods of drought which puts livelihood and other economic activities at risk.

She noted that the

source of power generation in Guyana is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and as a result, Government has aspired to transition to renewable energy. “We will continue to pursue sustainable management of our forest resources,” she said.

Further, Christian alluded to the challenges facing Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), with respect to water and water resources due to the prolonged dry season, however, due to Government’s construction of a manmade reservoir, it was able to offer some relief to some of those communities.

She noted that the signs of climate change have been recognised and as a result, Guyana needs to take action to ensure the protection of lives, livelihood, ecosystems and infrastructure for the people of Guyana. “We need to have a framework across Government to do policy strategies and plan to ensure that we adapt, adjust and build resilience so that

Head of the Office of Climate Change Janelle Christian

when these events come, we are able to withstand and continue life as normal,” she added.

According to Christian, Guyana is now preparing its third national communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change.

The aim of this policy is to ensure that action is taken across all of Government and the community level since the people are usually the first to be affected by climate change. “We want to ensure that whether we have months without rain-

fall, it will not disrupt the livelihood of our people,” she stated.

She highlighted the need for the creation of resilience in assets and infrastructure adding that the policy will take into account all vulnerable groups among us.

Meanwhile, consultant Dr Kalim Shah, who gave an overview of the policy, noted that as climate change action is being implemented in Guyana, awareness should be made with respect to efficiency in the use of limited resources and should not aim to replicate programmes already being undertaken by other related agencies but rather focus on the building of capacity and other resources to tackle climate change.

Guyana’s climate change policy seeks to integrate the socio-economic and environmental challenges of climate change into national sustainable development planning that generates strategic actions at all levels for adaptation, mitigation and resilience.

The national goals for addressing climate include the reduction of climate-related loss and damage across productive sectors, promoting community development and redirecting economic activities away from vulnerable areas. It also aims at reducing poverty, loss of livelihood and food insecurity and promoting a clean environment for all.

Further, it targets the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across sectors and transitioning to climate resilient infrastructure and integrated physical land use plans. It also seeks to promote holistic development planning by utilising environmentally friendly materials and adopting new technologies and early warning signs.

Further, it aims to develop and implement sustainable land management best practices to combat land degradation with focus on the hinterland and improved availability and access to climate change data and information.

Implementation of Youth Policy stalled due to needed adjustments – Norton

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lmost three years after the National Youth Policy was approved in the National Assembly, it is still to be implemented since some adjustments are required.

This is according to the Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Youth, Dr George Norton, who stated on Wednesday that the Department of Youth has been working on the implementation and has arrived at an implementation strategy in a structured way.

Chiming in during the press conference was the Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, who was keen to note that since the document was passed in 2016, the Department has been implementing the five priority areas.

“All our work, our work plan for every year since then 2017, 2018 and 2019 has been under the priority areas as well as the principles as outlined in the National Youth Policy”, Carmichael noted.

She added that the

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for youth, Dr George Norton

Department has a “comprehensive report” on the implementation strategy as well as some of the programmes carried out as a result of same.

The Youth Director further noted that the Department is cognisant of the fact that not many young people are aware of the Youth Policy and how it benefits them. In this regard, sensitisation sessions will be rolled out in the near future, she assured.

The National Youth Policy is premised on improving the social, emotional and cultural skills of young people, producing a productive and enterprising youth workforce, developing quality education and market-oriented skills, encouraging leadership, participation and representation and promoting good health, security and safety.

The policy caters for development of a National Youth Empowerment Action Plan which will include comprehensive and strategic programmes and projects being implemented.

It also identifies the vision and the five key objectives that are further sub-divided into several priority areas for youth development. It further suggests policy imperatives that should be implemented in each of these identified priority areas.

The process of developing the policy had commenced in 1993 when the Education Ministry, with the support of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, contracted Sociologist Berkley Stewart, then Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Guyana, to make a study and car-

ry out consultations with a view to formulating a National Youth Policy.

During the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) tenure in office, it had started to draft the policy through a broad-based stakeholder approach, but this had never been taken to Parliament due to the 2015 elections and subsequent change of Government which saw a new body taking on the task.

Part of the formulation of the National Youth Policy under this governing Administration entailed regional consultations between youths across Guyana who were engaged in discussions and decision-making on how the policy should be developed for the benefit of youths between the age group of 1535 years.

IDPADA-G sympathise with cyclone-hit African nations

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he International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana has extended its sympathy to the citizens of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe on the loss of life caused by cyclone Idai.

The death toll from Cyclone Idai, which devastated the African nations last month is nearing 1000, according to the latest figures released by the two Governments. Zimbabwe on Tuesday updated its death toll to 344 while Mozambique’s recorded fa-

talities stood at 602 and 860,000 people were said to be affected by floods in Malawi, with 85,000 losing their homes and are now living in camps.

In a release issued, the IDPADA-G said it is saddened by the suffering of the hundreds of thousands across southern Africa in the wake of the storm.

As such, the Assembly calls on the Government of Guyana to assist in whichever way possible, through the international agencies working to bring aid and comfort to those whose

homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.

“We also request that all African Guyanese of faith work through their religious organisations and other bodies to assist in the response to this tragedy”, the release added.

IDPADA-G stands ready to work with its member organisations, churches and other charitable institutions in demonstrating their solidarity with the citizens of countries so terribly impacted by Idai.

news

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thurSday, april 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden records approximately 48 bush fires within a month I

n light of the current “dry spell” which is being experienced across the country, the Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community has recorded approximately 48 bush fires over the past month.

This is according to statistics from the community’s fire department.

Information from the department suggests that this is a major increase from previous years.

According to information received, some of the fires in the community are caused by the naturally occurring heat in the atmosphere, lit weeds and fires which result from dropped cigarettes.

The fire department has since issued warnings to members of the community to desist from lighting bush fires. The issue has also become one of concern for regional officials, who recently highlighted numerous challenges faced by the fire department given the increase in bush fires.

At a statutory meeting last week, Councillor Vladimir Glasgow highlighted some of the issues while putting forward a few recommendations.

He outlined that recently, the fire department in Linden has faced challenges due to issues such as location, distance, vehicle shortage and firefighting equipment.

“We had several fires around the mining town of Linden. I know in Richmond Hill as well we had several fires which also threat-

An area at Wisroc, Linden, which was recently affected by a bush fire

ened the dish [television station] that we have up there. Some members of the community came out to assist as well because the fire wheel was in Block 22 assisting with another fire that was threatening a building”, he noted.

With the fire station being situated on the Mackenzie shore of Linden, Councillor Glasgow pointed out that there is a location which was identified for another station to be set up on the Wismar shore in addition to another location which was identified at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie.

The Councillor indicated that there is need for more fire stations

in the community as he also made the recommendation for persons in the community to be trained as part-time fire responders.

“This would assist greatly because like I said, two days ago there was a lot of bush fires set around the town of Linden based on the weather that we’re experiencing now. So if we can have persons trained we can initiate that, to assist firefighters in these instances,” he explained.

The Linden fire station is reportedly equipped with 2 fire tenders, however, regional officials have noted that with the increase in bush fires, response time is be-

ing affected. Areas such as Wisroc, Amelia’s Ward, Blueberry Hill and other areas in Linden have seen an increase in bush fires recently, with some threatening destruction of electrical power and telephone lines.

According to a Coomacka resident, a fire tender which was sent to the community to put out a bush fire last Friday encountered difficulties upon arrival. By then, the fire had reportedly spread to an area which housed old tyres.

“When the fire tender arrived, less than a minute after it stopped at the scene of the fire, the truck just broke down. Nothing ain’t coming on...the fire was extinguished by a few residents with the help of the Chinese company that is inside the village. I think that’s the only working fire tender in the entire region and it’s very embarrassing that something like that happened,” the resident stated.

Dysfunctional fire hydrants

As far back as 2015, regional officials had made calls for fire hydrants in Linden to be made functional again since most are currently dysfunctional, however, the issue has since remained.

Councillor Gordon Callender had suggested that officials contact the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Water Incorporated to provide assistance in this regard.

He had noted that in numer-

ous instances, the fire hydrants cannot supply water in cases of fire because of their deplorable condition.

Councillor Glasgow also alluded to the issue at the recent meeting. “...we spoke a while ago at this same Council about putting back fire hydrants in certain strategic points within communities.

That itself can assist the firefighters instead of coming with one truck and having to go back for more water”, he noted.

Additionally, Regional Chairman Renis Morian also pointed to challenges faced by fire tenders in accessing some of the locations where the fires occur.

“I support you [Councillor Glasgow] as it relates to the fire station. In my area they had three fires”, he noted.

As it relates to fire hydrants in the community, he said it is yet to be ascertained which agency’s responsibility it is.

“But as it is right now, we write Ministry of Public Infrastructure to talk about fire hydrants, we’ve written Bosai asking for help and we’ll continue to press that issue”, the Regional Chairman said.

In the case of homes, he said one of the challenges faced is the location where people choose to build. Morian said the issues will be raised at a security and fire meeting which was slated to be held recently.

First phase of groundwater management plan completed

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he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has announced the completion of the first phase of its groundwater management plan, which entailed the geophysical logging of 100 wells along the coast of Guyana.

This was revealed on Wednesday when the company stated that groundwater needs to be sustained, given the fact that it represents some 90 per cent of the supply chain on the coastland and 70 per cent countrywide. Adding to that, it is the “most reliable” source of potable water, furthering the need to sustain these sources.

Groundwater is primarily extracted in Guyana using wells but the logging mechanism was implemented to garner data on the coastland aquifers and soil composition.

For the project, GWI stated that “The logging was carried out in collaboration with Deltares, an applied research institute in water and subsurface environment and the Inter-American Development Bank under the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme (WSSIIP).”

Manager of Water Resources and Climate Adaptation at GWI, Orin Browne had explained at a recent workshop that the outcome of the geophysical well logging survey was an-

Workers at the groundwater sources

alysed and interpreted with the help of previous data.

This information was interpreted and is being entered into a database which will form a physical model of the aquifer system.

“The idea of building the model is to enable us to have a tool for predicting our groundwater abstraction and use because we realise that for Guyana’s future and the growth of future generations, there must be an integrated approach towards groundwater management and for the overall water resources management,” Brown had stated.

Eight engineers from the utility company were also trained in modern

well-logging techniques, analysis and data visual-

isations, which will be a crucial factor in GWI’s inhouse well-drilling capacity with the acquisition of a new drilling rig.

Guyana Times understands that when this database is completed, agencies such as the Hydrometeorological centre of the Agriculture Ministry, the Office of Climate Change, the Communities Ministry, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Banks DIH Limited will be given access to the information.

Acting Chief Hydromet Officer, Garvin Cummings was among the stakeholders to welcome the initiative since his agency is mandated to license well drillers.

“All wells being drilled

across the country should be guided by Hydromet.

Obviously, this kind of information has not been available before, so once available to Hydromet, it will guide us in terms of the licensing of wells and well owners and well drillers. So

it’s really critical to what we do, it is a guide to what we do in terms of where wells should be drilled and hopefully this can grow into helping us determine the abstraction rates for wells,” he stated.

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THURSday, APRIL 11, 2019

Regional

Trinidadian arrested as Haiti officially has a new Prime Minister US officials foil terror plot

Rondell Henry, who lives in Maryland, admitted to the plot after being arrested

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Trinidadian-born man has been accused in the United States of plotting to plow a stolen van into a crowd at a large shopping and entertainment compound outside of Washington, in what prosecutors said was an ISIS-inspired attack.

According to court documents, 28-year-old Rondell Henry, a naturaliSed US citizen who lives in Maryland, allegedly admitted to the plot after being arrested on March 28. The charging documents have only just been unsealed. He has been charged with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Although Henry faces no terrorism charges, court documents detail terrorism-related accusations.

According to prosecutors’ detention memo, Henry stole a U-Haul van with the intention of using it as a weapon against pedestrians on sidewalks within the National Harbour complex along the Potomac River in Maryland.

Prosecutors said that for two years, he harboured

“hatred” for those who do not practice the Muslim faith. And, allegedly inspired by videos he watched of foreign terrorists, he decided to conduct a vehicular attack similar to the 2016 truck attack in Nice, France, for which ISIS claimed responsibility.

“He had no escape plan, intending to die while killing others for his cause,” the detention memo stated. Henry wanted to create “panic and chaos” at National Harbour, the “same as what happened in France”, the detention memo said.

However, by the following morning, Police Officers had discovered the location of the stolen U-Haul, and when Henry jumped over the security fence from the boat dock, they arrested him. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Prime Minister Jean Michel Lapin

T

he man chosen to be Haiti’s interim Prime Minister af-

ter Jean-Henry Ceant and his Cabinet were ousted last month, has officially been given the job. Prime Minister Jovenel Moise announced on Twitter on Tuesday that Jean Michel Lapin has been appointed Ceant’s successor.

Lapin, a former Culture and Communications Minister, was one of three people being considered for the post, and was selected after Moise’s consultations with the Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

The other two were

Defiant Cuba enacts new Constitution amid US pressure

US calls on UN to recognise Guaidó as Venezuela's President

U

S Vice President Mike Pence asked the United Nations on Wednesday to revoke the UN credentials of the Government of Nicolás Maduro and recognise opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president.

"The time has come for the United Nations to recognise interim President Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of Venezuela and seat his representative in this body," Pence told the UN Security Council, adding that he has drafted a resolution on Venezuela. It was unclear when and where – either the Security Council or General Assembly – he planned to introduce the resolution.

Pence also announced that the US Government will provide other US$60 million in humanitarian aid to Venezuela. More than 50 countries have recognised

US Vice President Mike Pence addresses the United Nations Security Council at UN headquarters in New York

Guaidó as Venezuela's leader since the Opposition Leader declared himself interim President on January 23, calling Maduro's presidency illegitimate.

On Tuesday, the Organisation of American States (OAS) recognised the envoy of Guaidó as the regional group's official Venezuelan delegate.

Maduro accuses Guaidó and the US of attempting to stage a coup, and many

believe any resolution the US introduces at the UN will fall short of the support needed to pass. Still, Pence expressed optimism, telling reporters that he believes "the momentum is on the side of freedom", Reuters reported.

Maduro maintains the support of Cuba, Russia, Turkey and China, among other countries. Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said the US should stop interfering in the affairs of other countries.

"We call on the United States to once again recognise that the Venezuelan people and other peoples have the right to determine their own future," Nebenzia said. "If you want to make America great again, and we are all sincerely interested in seeing that, stop interfering in the affairs of other states." (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

This handout picture released by Cuban official website www. cubadebate.cu showing Cuban First Secretary of the Communist Party Raul Castro giving a speech during the proclamation of the new Constitution of the Republic of Cuba at the Convention Palace in Havana, on April 10, 2019

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ommunist-run Cuba enacted new Constitution Wednesday that recognises the role of the free market in the country's future while championing socialism as Havana faces increasing US pressure.

The National Assembly met in extraordinary session to enact the new Constitution, ratified in a February referendum after months of public debates.

"Today our Constitution is

proclaimed. Our duty is only to it and to Cuba," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a tweet.

In a rare speech, Communist Party chief Raul Castro told the assembly the new Constitution "is the daughter of its time and reflects the diversity of society. It becomes a legacy for new generations of Cubans."

The new document, which replaces a Cold Warera text, recognises a limited role for the free market, pri-

T

endum on going to the ICJ no later than six to eight weeks from the originally scheduled date”.

And Tuesday, after meeting with his Cabinet, Barrow said his Government will go to Parliament on Friday and the Senate next Monday to pass legislation “that in our view will be fail-safe that in our view will be failsafe”.

“We know that there is absolutely no uncertainty about the fact that we will be having the referendum. It is just a matter of time…,” the Prime Minister told local television station News Five.

The PUP had sought the injunction to stall the vote until the hearing of a substantive case on the constitutionality of the Special Agreement signed in 2008 that ended negotiations and opened the way for the territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala to be taken to the ICJ. Guatemala, which has claimed the territory of Belize, in whole or in part since 1821, had its own referendum in April last year and 95.88 per cent of voters supported sending the claim to the ICJ. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

vate ownership and foreign investment as being necessary to grow a US sanctions-bound economy riddled with shortages.

Castro, who stood down as president in April 2018 in favour of Diaz-Canel, warned of tough times ahead for the nation. "We need to be alert and aware that we face additional difficulties and that the situation could worsen in the coming months," he said.

The new constitution formally recognises changes that have already become part of daily economic life on the Caribbean island.

Cubans have been allowed to work for themselves or in privately-owned businesses since 2008, in a sector which now employs 591,000 people – 13 per cent of the workforce.

But the political content of the Constitution remains largely unchanged from the 1976 version it replaces, reaffirming the central role of the Communist Party and the "irrevocable" nature of socialism. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Migrant caravan: Hundreds of Hondurans leave on new trek

ICJ referendum off for now, but Belize Govt says it will happen within weeks

he referendum on whether Belize should take its territorial dispute with Guatemala to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) won’t happen today as originally planned, but the Government is adamant it will happen by June.

After the Court of Appeal refused to overturn an injunction, granted to the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow Monday evening indicated that he is “in no doubt that we will be having a refer-

Majorie Alexandre Brunache, a former Consul General of Haiti in Boston and the daughter of former President Boniface Alexandre; and Gabriel Fortuné, the Mayor of Les Cayes.

Lapin must now choose his Government before going to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to have his programme ratified. He took over the number two spot in government on an interim basis on March 21, three days after the Chamber of Deputies voted in favour of removing Ceant. (Caribbean360)

Waiting to leave San Pedro Sula

H

undreds of Hondurans have gathered in the city of San Pedro Sula from where they plan to begin a journey of more than 4000km (2485 miles) to the US. Almost 1000 people, Police say, gathered at the bus terminal after news of a new migrant caravan spread. The migrants travel in large groups for safety to avoid being robbed, kidnapped or killed by Mexican gangs on the way.

Thousands of migrants who made their way north with previous caravans remain stranded on the Mexico-US border. The migrants on the border, who are mainly from Central America, are awaiting US asylum hearings.

US President Donald Trump has railed against the growing number of migrants coming into the US via Mexico and called on the latter to stop the caravans.

Trump has also ordered the

suspension of aid payments to Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, the three countries from which most of the migrants in the caravan come from.

Figures provided by US Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday suggested the number of migrants detained entering the US from Mexico had risen sharply. More than 103,000 migrants were apprehended or deemed "inadmissible" in March, up from almost 77,000 in February, according to those figures.

According to the New York Times, Trump is considering implementing further limits on asylum seekers, ending birthright citizenship, and closing ports of entry at the Mexican border.

But those gathered at the bus terminal in the crime-ridden city of San Pedro Sula told reporters they were not deterred by Trump's threats to close the border with Mexico. (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURsDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

17

Around the World

Israel’s Netanyahu wins re-election, First ever black hole image released main challenger concedes defeat

Confetti falls as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara stand on stage after Netanyahu spoke following the announcement of exit polls in Israel’s parliamentary election at the party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel April 10, 2019

I

sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a clear path to re-election on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a parliamentary majority and his main challenger conceding defeat.

With more than 99 per cent of votes counted - ballots cast by soldiers at military bases will be tallied

over the next two days Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party looked likely to muster enough support to control 65 of the Knesset’s 120 seats and be named to head the next coalition Government.

It would be Netanyahu’s record fifth term as premier.

In a televised statement, Yair Lapid, number two in the centrist Blue and White

party led by former General Benny Gantz, said: “We didn’t win in this round. We will make Likud’s life hell in the opposition.”

The close and often vitriolic contest was widely seen in Israel as a referendum on Netanyahu’s character and record in the face of corruption allegations. He faces possible indictment in three graft cases, and has denied wrongdoing in all of them.

Despite that, Netanyahu gained four seats compared to his outgoing coalition Government, according to a spreadsheet published by the Central Elections Committee of parties that garnered enough votes to enter the next Parliament.

Netanyahu was now poised to become, in July, the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, overtaking the country’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion.

That could be scuppered if criminal charges are filed and force his removal. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The first ever picture of a black hole: It’s surrounded by a halo of bright gas

A

stronomers have taken the first ever image of a black hole, which is located in a distant galaxy.

It measures 40 billion km across - three million times the size of the Earth - and has been described by scientists as “a monster”.

The black hole is 500 million trillion km away and was photographed by a network of eight telescopes

across the world.

It was captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a network of eight linked telescopes.

Professor Heino Falcke, of Radboud University in the Netherlands, who proposed the experiment, told BBC News that the black hole was found in a galaxy called M87.

“What we see is larger than the size of our entire

Indians head to the polls with PM Modi the front runner

Algeria sets presidential election for July 4

A

lgeria’s newly-appointed President has set July 4 as the date for the country’s postponed presidential election, according to State media.

The announcement on Wednesday came a day after Abdelkader Bensalah was appointed as interim President for 90 days, replacing long-time leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika who stepped down last week in the face of mass protests against him.

Bensalah, who will not be able to run in the election, signed a decree on

the vote shortly after taking the post on Tuesday, Algeria’s official news agency APS reported.

In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, the 77-year-old pledged to deliver a free and transparent election within his tenure and said he hoped the vote would return a President committed to building a new Algeria.

Bensalah also announced plans to urgently create a “sovereign” body, with the help of the political class and civil society, to help lay down the

required conditions for an “honest” process.

His appointment, however, failed to quell protesters, with thousands on Wednesday taking to the streets of the capital, Algiers, to call for a complete political overhaul.

Earlier on Wednesday, Algeria’s army chief of staff said the military would watch over Algeria’s preparations for presidential elections, but suggested the military does not want to intervene. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

NZ passes gun law reform in wake of Christchurch attack

“I cannot imagine circumstances where that is more necessary than it is now,” the Prime Minister said of the gun reforms [Jorge Silva/Reuters]

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ew Zealand’s Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of legislation to ban semi-automatic and military-style weapons.

The changes were first proposed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern just days after a gunman carried out an indiscriminate shooting

spree in two Christchurch mosques, killing 50 Muslims.

The gun reform bill also enacts a ban on pump action shotguns with detachable and non-detachable magazines and parts that enable firearms to be converted into more powerful weapons.

Just one of the of 120 Members of Parliament opposed the legislation, called The Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazine and parts) Amendment Bill.

Twenty-eight-yearold Brenton Tarrant, the self-confessed white supremacist charged over the mosque attacks, purchased his weapons legally online and modified their capacity by using 30-round magazines.

He held an A category gun licence, the standard licence for gun owners in New Zealand.

“I cannot fathom how weapons that could cause such destruction and largescale death could have been obtained legally in this country,” Ardern said.

The bill still needs to be granted Royal Assent by the Governor-General of New Zealand, seen as a formality, and is expected to officially pass into law on Friday, exactly four weeks after the attacks.

The legislation has been pushed through in under two weeks, with gun owners given just one day to make oral submissions on the fast-tracked laws.

The President of the Islamic Association of New Zealand, Mustafa Farouk, said the speed with which the legislation was passed was necessary to honour the victims of the country’s worst-ever attack. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Solar System,” he said.

“It has a mass 6.5 billion times that of the Sun. And it is one of the heaviest black holes that we think exists. It is an absolute monster, the heavyweight champion of black holes in the Universe.”

The image matches what theoretical physicists and indeed, Hollywood directors, imagined black holes would look like, according to Dr Ziri Younsi, of University College London - who is part of the EHT collaboration.

But having the first image will enable researchers to learn more about these mysterious objects. They will be keen to look out for ways in which the black hole departs from what’s expected in physics. No-one really knows how the bright ring around the hole is created.

Even more intriguing is the question of what happens when an object falls into a black hole. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses an election campaign rally in Kolkata, India, April 3, 2019

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ens of millions of Indians will begin queuing today to cast their ballots in the first phase of a mammoth general election at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen as the front-runner, campaigning on his national security record.

Voting in the first of seven rounds will be held in 91 constituencies across 20 States and federally-administered regions, amid tightened se-

curity, stepped up after violence killed seven people on Tuesday.

Pollsters say Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been riding high on his tough stance against Pakistan, after aerial clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbours followed a February attack by an Islamist militant group that killed 40 Indian paratroopers in disputed Kashmir.

But the main opposition Congress party, which wrested three major farming States from the BJP in December by promising to waive the outstanding loans of distressed farmers, sought to corner the Government on a lack of jobs and weak farm prices.

The alliance led by Modi’s BJP is poised to win a narrow majority of 273 of the 543 seats at stake, an average of four opinion polls showed.

In the 2014 general election, the party won a landslide 282 seats, securing a clear majority for the first time in decades and raising hopes of economic reform after a period of sluggish growth.

More than 142 million Indians are eligible to vote in the first phase, of a total of 898.9 million. Votes in the seven rounds, spread over 39 days, will be counted on May 23. (Excerpt from Reuters)

EU wrangles over new Brexit delay sought by May

E

uropean Union leaders were poised to grant Prime Minister Theresa May a second delay to Britain’s fraught exit at an emergency summit on Wednesday, after arguing over how long and on what terms.

French President Emmanuel Macron was pushing to withhold any commitment to extend Friday’s deadline much beyond elections to the European Parliament on May 23-26 unless May binds herself, and any potentially more anti-EU successor, not to disrupt

the workings of Brussels.

Legally, Britain is due to leave the EU on Friday with no transition to new trading arrangements.

But leaders insisted they would not force Britain out in a disorderly departure.

May has asked the EU to wait until June 30.

Some leaders, like Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, said Britain should have a year more to sort itself out. Others, like Swedish premier Stefan Lofven, echoed Macron’s concerns about the risks of a long extension for the functioning of the EU.

If Britain does not elect EU lawmakers, it must leave, with or without a deal, on June 1, according to a draft summit agreement seen by Reuters.

Otherwise, it would leave as soon as it ratifies the deal, or without one when the extension ends.

If granted an extension to, say, the end of this year, any British Government would be unable to leave earlier, even if it wanted to, unless it signed up to the Withdrawal Agreement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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THURsDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Take the initiative to do your own thing. It’s nice to help others, but don’t go overboard. Don’t let anyone use you. Listen to others’ needs, and respond with facts, truth and good intentions.

CANCER

Use your emotional energy wisely. Understanding and patience will be necessary, and overreaction should be avoided. A partnership will be enriched by your response.

Romance is on the rise.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Make change happen.

If there is something you want, go after it. You’ve got what it takes to reach your destination if you focus on what’s important to you.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

A change should be looked at carefully before you proceed. Be resourceful and get your facts straight before you engage in talks.

Focus on what will bring you the most in return.

Do something constructive.

Getting involved in a costly joint venture isn’t in your best interest. Moderate, responsible changes that will benefit you as well as those you care about are encouraged.

You’ll accomplish plenty if you discuss your ideas with a loved one. Making long-term plans will give you something to look forward to. Romance should be a priority.

Lend a helping hand, but do so for the right reason. Don’t let anyone pressure you into something that will cause a problem at home or between you and a loved one.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Spiritual awareness will lead to emotional gains.

Express your thoughts and intentions, and let someone you care about know what you expect and what you have to offer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Too much of anything will lead to trouble. If you stand back, listen and observe, you’ll gain perspective regarding someone’s intentions. Don’t be fooled by a flatterer trying to butter you up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Your experience will help you recognize what you are up against and how to best handle things as they unfold. Stand tall and forge into the future with confidence.

Keep busy doing things that will lead to a better you.

Taking care of home improvements and adding to your qualifications will help you discover your true potential and uncover new possibilities.

Express your thoughts and feelings, and share your plans with someone you want to get to know better.

Positive domestic changes can be made. Romance is highlighted.

thursday, APRIL 11, 2019

19

Pollard to the rescue! Stand-in captain snatches victory from Kings XI P

ollard to the rescue! Stand-in captain snatches victory from Kings XI Kieron Pollard’s 83 off 31 balls eclipsed Chris Gayle’s storming 63 and KL Rahul’s unbeaten century, as Mumbai Indians’ stand-in captain single-handedly took on a chase of 198 and led his side to a three-wicket win at the Wankhede stadium. Mumbai needed 133 to win off their last 10 overs – a feat no IPL team had achieved before – and they sneaked home in a nail-biting finish.

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, who was rested as a precautionary measure after he suffered a muscle spasm in his right leg, Pollard took control and promoted himself to number four. He tore into the Kings XI bowling, especially the left-arm seam of Sam Curran, who went for 54 runs in his four overs, 17 of them coming off the penultimate over.

With 15 required off the last over, Pollard smashed a six and a four off Ankit Rajpoot before miscuing a pull to David Miller at deep midwicket. The equation was now four off four balls, and Alzarri Joseph and Rahul Chahar hauled the hosts over the line with their frenetic running between the wickets.

overs from the 13th to the 17th, and at the Having opted to bowl, Mumbai could not end of that spell Rahul was batting on 64 off 52.

Sam Curran brought some urgency into the keep the opening pair of Gayle and Rahul quiet innings with successive fours off Jasprit Bumrah beyond the fourth over. Having made just 20 off the first four overs, Gayle and Rahul took turns to in the 18th over, and Rahul took the baton upon punish the bowlers in the next five overs, belting his dismissal, scoring 36 off the last 12 balls of his them for 66 runs. Kings XI’s score after the first innings, including hitting Hardik Pandya for 6, 6, half of their innings was an imposing 93 without 4, 6 in a 25-run 19th over. Even so, his 63-ball ton was the joint fifth-slowest in IPL history. loss.

Gayle did most of the damage, taking 22 off Jason Behrendorff in the fifth over and 14 off Mumbai’s early stutter Hardik in the ninth. He brought up a 31-ball fifty The Kings XI bowling unit, especially Mohammed in the 11th over, swatting Krunal over long-on for Shami, stifled Mumbai’s top order in the first half of the sixth six of his innings. Rahul, not taking too the innings. Debutant Siddhesh Lad, who scored his many risks, brought up a 50 of his own, two overs later, off 40 balls.

3 The dismissal of Gayle in the 13th over came at the start of what eventually Kings XI Punjab Innings (20 Mumbai Indians Innings proved a fatal (target: 198 runs from 20 overs) overs maximum) slowdown for KL Rahul † not out Q de Kock † c Miller b Ashwin Kings XI. Only 24 100 30 runs came CH Gayle c KH Pandya b SD Lad b Mohammed Shami in the five 15

Quick, slow, quick

KL Rahul hit his maiden IPL hundred

SCOREBOARD

Behrendorff 63 DA Miller c †de Kock b HH Pandya 7 KK Nair c Chahar b HH Pandya 5 SM Curran c †de Kock b Bumrah 8 Mandeep Singh not out 7 Extras: (lb 1, w 6) 7 TOTAL: (4 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 9.85) 197 Did not bat: SN Khan, GC Viljoen, R Ashwin (c), Mohammed Shami, AS Rajpoot Fall of wickets: 1-116 (CH Gayle, 12.5 ov), 2-131 (DA Miller, 14.6 ov), 3-141 (KK Nair, 16.5 ov), 4-151 (SM Curran, 17.3 ov) Bowling: JP Behren-dorff 4-0-35-1, JJ Bumrah 4-0-381, AS Joseph 2-0-22-0, RD Chahar 4-0-27-0, HH Pandya 4-0-57-2, KH Pandya 2-0-170

SA Yadav c sub (MC Henriques) b Curran 21 KA Pollard (c) c Miller b Rajpoot 83 Ishan Kishan run out (Curran) 7 HH Pandya c Miller b Mohammed Shami 19 KH Pandya c Miller b Mohammed Shami 1 AS Joseph not out 15 RD Chahar not out 1 Extras: (nb 1, w 11) 12 TOTAL: (7 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 9.9) 198 Did not bat: JP Behrendorff, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-28 (SD Lad, 3.4 ov), 2-56 (SA Yadav, 7.4 ov), 3-62 (Q de Kock, 8.5 ov), 4-94 (Ishan Kishan, 11.6 ov), 5-135 (HH Pandya, 15.1 ov), 6-140 (KH Pandya, 15.4 ov), 7-194 (KA Pollard, 19.2 ov) Bowling: AS Rajpoot 4-0-52-1, Mohammed Shami 4-0-21-3, GC Viljoen 4-0-34-0, R Ashwin 4-0-37-1, SM Curran 4-0-54-1

Kieron Pollard played hero first IPL for the Mumbai Indians runs with a six and a four off Rajpoot, fell to a full one from Shami in the fourth over. Shami had cramped him for room with his first three deliveries, and then knocked back his leg stump when he tried to walk across his stumps to manufacture a shot.

Just when Suryakumar Yadav and Quinton de Kock were pulling things back, Curran halted Mumbai’s progress by snaffling out Yadav in the eighth over. Ashwin had de Kock caught in the deep in the next over, for 24. That would remain the second-highest score of the innings.

Captain Pollard to the rescue

Pollard continued from where he’d left against Sunrisers Hyderabad last week. Mumbai were 58 for 2 after 8 overs, and with the chase running out of steam, the onus was on Pollard to play a blinder.

And he did exactly that. He changed the course of the game in the 12th over, punishing Curran for 18 runs. Off the last ball of the over, however, Curran effected a brilliant run-out to send back the nonstriker Ishan Kishan. With that, Hardik Pandya joined Pollard, but even he couldn’t do much, scoring 19 off 11 before spooning Mohammed Shami to longon. Krunal Pandya departed in the same over, and Pollard was now truly on his own.

Still, he kept his cool, and sent powerful hits to all parts of the ground – he hit ten sixes in all. He went after Curran in particular, making use of the ample room he provided, and smoked him for 47 off 15 balls.

Wisden: Sam Curran, Jos Buttler & Virat Kohli among 5 Cricketers of the Year

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wenty-year-old Sam Curran has become the youngest Englishman in a century to be named as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.

The all-rounder was named alongside his international teammates Jos Buttler and Rory Burns. England batter Tammy Beaumont and India captain Virat Kohli complete the list.

Kohli was also named the leading cricketer in the world, while compatriot Smriti Mandhana was the world’s leading women’s cricketer.

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan was named the world’s leading Twenty20 cricketer for a second year running. Excluding 1918 and 1919 when schoolboy cricketers were honoured after the end of World War One, only Jack Crawford, who was 19 when he was named as one of the five leading cricketers in 1907, was a younger recipient than Curran.

The Cricketer of the Year award can only be won once by a player in their career and is based on performances in the English summer.

Both Burns and Curran made their Test debuts in 2018, as well as helping Surrey win their first County Championship title since 2002. Curran scored 272 runs and took 11 wickets to be named Man of the Series in England’s 4-1 win over India in September.

Opening batsman Burns, who captains Surrey’s red-ball side, was the championship’s leading run-scorer and subsequently made his England Test debut. Buttler returned to England’s Test

Tammy Beaumont, Jos Buttler and Sam Curran have all regularly featured for England in 2018

side in the summer and made his first century, as well as scoring 336 runs in England’s 50-over whitewash of Australia.

He has scored more runs than any other England Test player since his recall in May 2018 and is Vice Captain in all formats of the game. Opener Beaumont hit the fastest T20 century by an England women’s player in June when she reached three figures from just 47 balls.

She averaged 50.22 from nine one-day internationals in 2018, and made back-to-back centuries against South Africa during the summer. India’s prolific batsman Kohli, who was named leading

cricketer for the third successive year, scored 2735 runs across all three formats in 2018 – more than 700 more than his nearest rival, Joe Root. During that period he scored 11 centuries in 37 innings and ultimately led India to their first Test series victory in Australia.

England’s leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson and leading run-scorer Alastair Cook – who retired from international cricket in 2018 – are on the front cover of the 156th edition of the Wisden Almanack.

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thursday, APRIL 11, 2019

CONCACAF makes rule changes to bring Gold Cup in line with other major tournaments

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ONCACAF has taken a step forward by removing quirky regulations that made its top competition stand out.

The Gold Cup will do away with its six-player replacement policy and bring extra time back into the tournament’s knockout round, among other rule changes aimed at bringing CONCACAF’s premier tournament in line with other confederations’ top competitions.

Previous iterations of the tournament have allowed nations to name 30-man squads and replace up to six players on their roster between the group stage and the knockout round.

Now, the region’s managers will be required to name a squad and stick to it.

“The roster change was something that was tested over the last editions of the Gold Cup,” CONCACAF Chief of Football Manolo Zubiria said.

“We tried to maybe take a little pressure off the teams that come from a long season and maybe give them the opportunity to have more flexibility. but we realised after a thorough investigation with our

technical study groups and also in discussions with coaches that it really was not helping the purpose of what the rule was intended to do and it wasn’t really in line with what major competitions around the globe are doing so we decided it was no longer going to be used for the Gold Cup.” The technical group and coaches also told CONCACAF they wanted extra time to come back into use. For the 2017 tournament, only the final would have gone to extra time had it been tied after 90 minutes with the other knockout games going straight to penalty kicks. Zubiria said the change will allow teams to decide their most important games on the field, with less left to chance.

“Again, we’ve done a thorough evaluation of all of our competitions from the youth to the Gold Cup and it was decided that in our top competitions we need to have overtime in these crucial knockout games to not leave anything to chance in a penalty shootout,” he said.

CONCACAF also will be using International Football

CONCACAF’s Chief of Football, Manolo Zubiria

Association Board’s (IFAB) updated rules, which include a new interpretation of handball and requires substitutes to leave the field of play at the nearest point off the touch line or goal line.

To ease the transition for referees, the CONCACAF U-17 championships in May will be operating with those rules with an officer from IFAB also on site to help provide instruction and feedback for the officials.

All the changes are meant to

benefit the tournament, making it feel more like its counterparts, the European Championship and Copa America. While Zubiria said some rule tweaks have benefited competition and will stay, others needed to fade out.

The confederation’s President, Victor Montagliani, has worked to change the philosophy in the organisation to putting football first.

These modifications are in line with that mindset, with Zubiria noting that it is time to emulate other regions.

“We don’t want to be experimental. We definitely want to follow the lead of what governing bodies want to do,” he said.

“We’re obviously open and are trying these new rules for the last two years. The fourth substitution in extra time, we’ve been trying that for the last few years and it’s worked really well. We tried the fact that you can show a yellow card or even a red card to any of the coaches and officials on the bench. We’ve been very, very in line with FIFA’s refereeing department, with IFAB and we’ve been trying to be a resource for them to

try things on the field, but we don’t want to explore and get into a path where we’re trying different things other than what the world of football is doing across the confederation.”

While the most up-to-date rules will be in use for the tournament, this edition of the Gold Cup still will not have VAR. “We are committed to bringing VAR into CONCACAF. We know there’s obviously a lot to be done because VAR is not just the technology aspect, there’s a lot of the human aspect as well that goes into the training, the simulators.

That’s where we’re committed to starting,” Zubiria said. “Already we have a set of referees that’s familiar with it. At the World Cup, they’ve been exposed to VAR, they were actually VAR assistants at the World Cup in Russia, but we need to grow that pool of referees that then we can put in our major competitions to officiate using the technology. The technology is probably the easiest part. It’s more how to use that technology to make sure the right decisions are made.”

Guyanese WBC welterweight champion Sport enthusiast supports Regal looking to build boxing ring in Berbice teams for Florida Cup double

G

uyanese WBC welterweight champion Nazir Sulaiman wants to build a boxing ring in Berbice. The world champion boxer has plans to further develop the sport of boxing in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

For years, Nazir Sulaiman has been assisting young boxers in Berbice with gear as he tried to develop the sport in the Ancient County. Now he wants to take it a step further by ensuring that a boxing ring is built in Berbice.

Most parts of the ring have already been acquired and the boxer is seeking land on which he will construct a building which will house the ring.

“If I get the land I will construct a building which will have the ring and around the ring there will be sand bags, speed bags, floor bags and so forth. It’s a couple of years now that I have been waiting for a place.

As soon as I can get a place and construct a building, I will start shipping down the stuff for the ring.”

Along with former national bantamweight fighter Darius Ford, Sulaiman has been providing assistance to local fighters; mainly from the Ancient.

“We don’t care where you come from, if you need any boxing gear and you contact us we will be willing to help. It is one way to put the kids on a good path in life and discipline them. Eventually our plan is to set up a boxing gum in Berbice.”

Giving preference to the location, the champion boxer said New Amsterdam or Rose Hall Town are preferable. These two communities have in the past produced the bulk of the boxers from Region Six. Berbice has been able to produce both national and Caribbean champions.

L

Guyanese WBC welterweight champion Nazir Sulaiman

Sulaiman noted that when many boxers from the region are about to take on their first fight, it is the first time they enter a boxing ring.

“There is not enough training for them inside the ring and this affects their performance,” he added.

Whenever there is a boxing encounter in Berbice, there rig is always transported form out of the Region. Sulaiman says it is time for Berbice to own a boxing ring.

“Not just the ring, but we need to keep on supplying the boxing gears that they need.

All they have to do is to contact us and let us know what they need…”

In 2014 Sulaiman won the US National Welterweight Championships, in 2015 he won the New York title, and in 2018 he won the WBC Armature title. At 66 he fights armature. (Andrew Carmichael)

ongstanding supporter of sport in Guyana, and softball cricket in particular, Denesh Persaud, on Wednesday joined the list of sponsors that have thrown their weight behind Regal cricket as they get ready to defend their titles in the Florida Cup 2019.

Persaud, who is particularly fond of the brand of cricket that the Regal AllStars and Regal Masters play, said he will support a winning team and a winning brand any day.

These sentiments were echoed at a presentation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Georgetown to Regal tour Manager, Divesh Ramjattan. Persaud said, “It is not easy to send two teams overseas regularly and to win year after year.

I know the challenges and want to be part of such a winning team and process.”

On accepting the donation from Persaud Junior on behalf of the Florida Cup double defending champions, Ramjattan expressed his gratitude and promised to play a good brand of cricket and to represent the sponsors and the entire country with pride and distinction.

Regal All-Stars and Regal Masters are the de-

Denesh Persaud Jr (left) hands over the sponsorship to Divesh Ramjattan on Wednesday in Georgetown

fending champions in their respective categories of the South Florida Softball Cricket League, organised by the Florida Cup which bowls off on April 12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This year marks the 15th

edition of the tournament and more than 30 teams are expected to be on show over the three days of play. The finals are set for Sunday April 14 at the Central Broward Regional Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Simmons hat-trick inspires Rivers View fight back to top BFA League table

A

ndrew Simmons bulged the net three times for Rivers View FC against Wolves United FC to inspire his club’s 4-1 victor y

and comeback to the top of the points table, when play continued on Monday, in the BFA-GFF Men’s Senior League, at the Bartica Secondary School Ground.

The former table toppers of the League made a grand resurgence mere days after Beacons FC shot past them to record 12 points from five games. Facing a resilient Wolves United team, Rivers View had to step on the gas in the sec-

Andrew Simmons scored three goals

ond half following a stalemate in the first 45 minutes. Andrew Simmons, a nagging bother to the Wolves defence, eventually broke free and opened the scoring in the 54th minute.

He scored again shortly after from the penalty mark following a handball in the box. Wolves United responded in the 70th minute by way of a powerful strike from Mark Richards.

But Rivers View were not

giving up as Omario Lake took on the Wolves defence, and got one pass, scoring one of the most beautiful goals of the season so far. It wasn’t long before Simmons scored again to complete the first hat-trick of the League.

On Tuesday, Lazio FC and Agatash United FC waged battle to a one-one draw. Malcolm Booker’s precise finish, just after the half, gave the Agatash boys their first point in their

League bid. But Lazio’s Nicholas Collison also pulled a point back for his club with a cool finish at the other end five minutes to the final whistle.

Rivers View FC now leads the League with 13 points, followed by Beacon FC on 12. Play continues today with Mil Ballers FC duking it out with Potaro Strikers FC, and Rising Stars FC battling Beacon FC on Friday.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, APRIL 11, 2019

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GCA launches Easter Youth Cricket Festival – U-19 and U-15 to commence on April 16 & 24

By Timothy Jaikarran

A

t a simple ceremony held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) launched its Easter Youth Cricket Festival. The Festival will see two tournaments kicking off – the Toucan Distributors Trophy GCA U-15 Cricket Competition and the New York Tri State GCA U-19 Competition.

Opening the tournament was Chairman of the Senior Selector of the GCA, Mark Harper, who stated that the U-15 tournament allows the young cricketers to be more tactful at a young age. Harper further stated that the tournament is a training ground as it will teach the captain of the respective teams to always be thinking. Harper also said the U-19 tournament will also feature some of our budding cricketers, such as the Nedd, Jodah and

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General Manager of Toucan Industries, Lenox Shuffler hands over a cheque to President of the GCA, Roger Harper

Dindyal. It will give the players a chance to play against foreign players which will allow them to gain experience.

Also present at the simple ceremony was the General Manager of Toucan Industries, Lenox Shuffler who said, “Being a part of this competition is more about development, it’s not about the money. We would like to see the continuity of effort by the youngsters which would lead them to represent the West Indies. If you want to succeed you must pay the price and that is to train hard. There is a price for success which is work hard, show

dedication and love for the sport.

Cricket is a big sport and we can show the world what we have to offer. We at Toucan Industries are happy to support this group and from this we would like to see the hard work and dedication from it.”

Echoing the remarks of Toucan Industries General Manager, President of the GCA, Roger Harper related that once again it is that time of the year at the GCA where everyone is given the opportunity to showcase their talent.

But not only to showcase talent but to also give the players the opportunity to develop their skills. He further stated that through sports,

the GCA can provide the opportunity to teach players if they work hard they can be successful. In closing Harper said, “We want to thank Toucan Industries for supporting us for the second year to help run off the U-15 tournament.

For the U-19 tournament we expect exciting cricket and through this competition, the future of Guyana cricket is secured as we will see the future of West Indies secured”.

The U-15 competition is divided into two zones, namely Zone A and B. It will feature eight clubs and one school (Queens College).

The clubs which are a part of Zone

A are DCC, Malteenoes, GCC and MYO, while Zone B consists of Transport, Bel Air Rubis, Everest and Queens College. Each team in the competition will play four preliminary matches and will see the top two teams from each zone qualifying for the semi-final. The competition is 100 overs which will see the team batting first playing 55 overs, while the team chasing will have 45 overs. If the opening team fails to utilise their 55 overs, the remaining overs will be added onto the overs of the team chasing.

Forty per cent of the overs which is equivalent to 20 overs must be bowled by the seamers. Players must be attired in all white. The competition will commence on April 24.

The U-19 competition is also divided into two zones – Zone A and B – which will feature 12 teams in total. The teams in Zone A are TriState, Bel Air Rubis, DCC, Queens College, GYO and MYO. The teams in Zone B are GCC, Everest, Matleenoes, GNIC, GUYCEA and Transport. The competition will commence on April 16 and will see the top two teams qualifying for the semi-final on April 24. After the semi-final concludes, the final will be played on April 26 at DCC. The competition will be played in coloured clothes and each team will face 50 overs; 40 per cent of the overs must be bowled by seamers, if not, 10 runs will be added to the opposition.

Richard Chatura continues to dominate in SPR Ent 40 Overs…

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he SPR Enterprise/ ECCC 40 Overs and the inaugural Neville Ramotar T20 cricket competition continued last Sunday, as teams on the East Coast of Demerara duked it out in several matches.

The scores for the following matches are: Lusignan East trounced Helena SC by 10 wickets at Strathavon as Helena SC posted 94 all out in 28 overs. Bowling for Lusignan were P Balkissoon and P Appana who took 2 wickets apiece. Needing 95 for the victory, Lusignan reached their target in 6 overs with Bashkar Yadram scoring an unbeaten 67.

Buxton SC got the better of Mahaica Cavaliers by 6 wickets at Buxton. Mahaica Cavaliers scored 121 all out in 27 overs. K Fraser 76

– leads team to victory with another century

Richard Chatura continued his excellent form in the competition as he scored another century

was the leading run scorer as Andre Mcfarlane and Marlon Thomas took three wickets apiece.

Buxton chased the target with ease as they made 125-4 in 17 overs with Marlon Thomas and Kwesi Douglas scoring 36 and 34 respectively.

Enterprise BSC defeated Lusignan B by 8 wickets at Enterprise ground.

Lusignan B fell for 105 all out in 33 overs. K Franklin to score with 30 while B Samaroo and Z Mohamed took 3 and 2 wickets apiece.

Enterprise BSC then replied with 108 from 21 overs as Rohan Mangal led from the front with 41 not out, despite Navin Persaud’s 2-18.

Fairfield SC defeated Canegrove SC at the Fairfield ground by 55 runs.

Fairfield SC posted 2976 from 40 overs. Richard Chaturia continued his good form with 101, whilst Ramnarine Chatura and T Charles supported with 37 and 35 respectively. M Sanchara bagged 4-63 from 7 overs. Canegrove SC tried but in the end were only able to score 242 all out from

30 overs, with C Ageday hitting 81 and Y Umroa, 46.

Richard Chaturia and L Tacochandra took three wickets apiece while Ramnarine Cahtura took two.

Lusignan A made light work of LBI SC at Lusignan by 9 wickets. LBI SC made 110 all out in 33 overs as K Bishundial, KC Ramraj and R Basdeo each took 2 wickets apiece to demolish their opponents. Lusignan A replied with 114-1 in 17 overs with Steven Ramdas unbeaten on 63.

Ogle CC defeated Beehive SC by virtue of a walk over. Meanwhile, two matches were played in the ECCC/Neville Ramotar Memorial T/20 knock out competition at Enmore. In game one, Strathavon B defeated ECCCC B by 14 runs.

Strathavon B scored 144-4 from 20 overs with Jermain Persaud leading with 54. In reply, ECCCC B got over the line as they posted 130-9, with C Seemangal, 36; and D Wilson, 24.

In game two, Enmore CCCC A defeated Strathavon A. Strathavon A were restricted to 120-7 as Chaterpaul Hemraj 39 and Gobinraj Hemraj 29 were the two main contributors as Satesh Jainarine bagged 3-14. ECCCC A made light work of the score as they posted 126-4 in 19 overs with Hemraj Garbarran 46 and Amir Khan scoring an unbeaten 38.

SPR Enterprise 40 Overs competition continues this weekend with matches at Enterprise, Ogle, Lusignan, Better Hope, Cane Grove and Strathavon grounds.

DeAbreu completes World Archery Ranking Tournament

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rchery Guyana has been making strides on the international stage recently after Wayne Gerald DeAbreu represented Guyana at the World Archery Ranking Tournament, in Santiago City, Chile last week. This event also served as the second stage of qualifiers for the Pan-Am Games, which will be hosted in Lima, Peru in July-August.

However, regrettably, Guyana did not qualify.

On Tuesday, April 2,

Wayne DeAbreu at the 2019 Pan Am Qualifiers in Chile (Crispin Duenas Photo)

there was the 72 Arrows Ranking Round, where our Guyanese Archer secured the 32nd position after achieving a shooting score of 594.

The very next day, he was up against Bolivia in the eliminations but regrettably lost in the first round to Bolivia 7-1. The following day the Pan Am Eliminations continued and Wayne DeAbreu excited fans as he won against Barbados Archer Brandon Field in the first round 6-0.

He then went on to compete against Ecuador’s Lester Ortegon Morales where unfortunately, he lost with a score of 0-6.

Guyana as a result did not qualify to move forward to the Peru games but the reports out of Chile reveal that in spite of this being Guyana’s first participation at an international tournament, the Guyanese archer was competitive, and that it is certainly a promising start-up for Guyana’s archery.

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thursday, APRIL 11, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

GCB’s U-17 Inter-county 50 Overs tournament…

Chaitnarine, spinners dismantle Essequibo in Berbice victory Hemraj Harilall on the go during his magical spell

Story and

Photos

by

Brandon Corlette

S

arwan

Chaitnarine continued his rich vein o f form when h e smashed h i s s e c o n d halfcentury in as many matches to lead Berbice to 177 all out in 47.4 overs. In Essequibo’s reply, they were demolished for 41 all out by the triple threat of Hemraj Harilall, Gourav Ramesh and Abdul Ramsammy. The spin trio took three wickets each in Berbice’s 136-run win.

The boys from the Ancient County, Berbice U-17, won the toss and elected to bat

first on a slow turner at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda.

Opening batsmen Ricardo Ramdihol and Colis Noble added 24 runs inside five overs. Noble who replaced Rayad Karim at the top of the innings, was out caught for 13 to the lively right arm speedster, Sheldon Charles.

Left-handed Ricardo Ramdihol fell for 12 with the score on 49-2 after 13 overs. The former Guyana U-15 captain, Zeynul Ramsammy, batting at number three was out via the run out route for 22 after timing three boundaries. Marvan Prashad hit a four and was out bowled

by Ryan Atkinson.

At 65-4, Berbice dynamic duo, Sarwan Chaitnarine and Jonathan Rampersaud, added 37 runs together before Rampersaud was out caught after a painstaking 10. Albion’s Chaitnarine continued to bat in finesse, taking his team to the 100 run mark with a cut shot to the boundary in the 29th over.

After Rampersaud departed at 102-5, Abdul Ramsammy making a return to the team, looked a class apart in the 31 run partnership with Chaitnarine.

Abdul Ramsammy, the elder brother of Zeynul Ramsammy, hit the first 6 of the match into deep mid-wicket off the bowling off the bowling of Renaldo Scouten.

The classy Abdul threw his wicket away, hitting one to mid-on off the bowling of offspinner, Wazim Mohammed.

His promising 14 included one six and one four.

After Sarwan Chaitnarine reached his second half-

Gourav Ramesh bowled with extreme control at Bourda

Essequibo’s Wasim Mohammed had 5-28

century in as many matches in the inter-county, he played a loose drive to cover and was out for 51.

His carefully constructed 51 included three boundaries as he displayed great running between the wickets.

When the Berbicians were reduced to 150-7, the Essequibo boys were aiming to wrap up the innings.

Mahendra Gopilall was striking the ball with immense power, smashing left arm spinner Aryan Persaud into the sight screen. Gopilall ran out of partners, remaining unbeaten on 25 when Berbice were bowled out for 177 in 47.4 overs. Bowling for Essequibo, off-spinner, Wazim Mohammed snared 5-28 in 10 top overs.

In reply, Essequibo ran into a roadblock from the Berbice spinners when they were bowled out for 41 runs in 22 overs. Only skipper Sheldon Charles and Orin Gibson reached double figures with

Sarwan Chaitnarine scored backto-back 50s

13 and 10 respectively.

Backed up with some brilliant fielding, led by Ricardo Ramdihal who took a blinder at midwicket to remove Uriah Stoll, the bowlers were in firm control.

The Berbicians bowling an allspin attack in this encounter, began with right arm offspinner Jonathan Rampersaud who immediately got the breakthrough in his second over. Left arm orthodox spinners, Hemraj Harilall and Gourav Ramesh spun webs around clueless batsmen picking up three wickets each.

Right-arm off-spinner Abdul Ramsammy did some of his own damage with the ball, grabbing three wickets in the complete performance.

Hemraj Harilall had 3-4 in seven overs, Gourav Ramesh had 3-15 in six overs, while Ramsammy had 3-10 four overs.

RHTY&SC boosts Port Mourant Regal Masters end Florida Cup Public Hospital with donation preparation with crushing win T R

he 10 cricket teams who fall under the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) MS on Monday last fulfilled a commitment made by their Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, and handed over $100,000 worth of materials to management of the Port Mourant Public Hospital.

The Secretary/CEO was very impressed with the high standard of the staff and the general physical upkeep of the institution after being a patient for a week recently.

Foster stated that the donation will be the first of many to the Hospital as RHTY&SC and its cricket teams will look to establish a long-term relationship with the Hospital. The donation included stationery, clocks, medical items, an electric iron, blenders, kitchen utensils, toys, calculators, crayons, among others articles. The long-standing Secretary/CEO disclosed that another donation will be made shortly, while four doctors and 10 nurses will be honoured on May 12, 2019 under the RHTY&SC first ever Tribute to Health Workers Programme.

Noting that he was unwilling to visit the public hospital because of negative reports in the media, Foster stated that the service was at the highest level. Head Doctor at the Hospital, Dr Devendra Radhay expressed gratitude to the Rose Hall

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over the donation to Dr Devendra Radhay of the Port Mourant Hospital

Town Youth & Sports Club for the contribution. He stated that the entire management and staff were committed to providing top quality health care service. Over the last five months, the compound and facilities of the hospital have undergone remarkable transformations under Dr Radhay’s dynamic leadership.

The 10 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club are the King Solomon Logistics U-12, Poonai Pharmacy U-13, Farfan & Mendes U-15; Bakewell U-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, Gizmos & Gadgets; Gadgets U-21 and First Division. Every year, the teams undertake hundreds of personal development programmes under sub-headings of sports,

culture, education, charity, health, awards, social, youth development, community development and religious among others.

In 2019, the teams are expected to support the management of the club by successfully completing at least 300 activities. These include assisting youths, NGOs, churches and schools, Cricket Academy, monthly pensioners breakfast, summer camp, Say No/Say Yes Campaign, Region Six Mother of the Year, Christmas Village and Multimillion Christmas Charity programmes.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket Teams are said to be among the best in Berbice and in 2018/2019 have won fifteen titles and being runner-up in three others.

egal Masters will wing out for Florida Cup 2019 full of confidence after winning a specially organised four-team tournament at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground, Thomas Lands, Georgetown last Sunday.

After overcoming Fishermen Masters in the semifinal, thanks to a swashbuckling unbeaten 102 from Eric Thomas, the yellow and green army then disposed of Mike’s Wellman by six wickets in the final to add another title to their collection.

Setting an imposing 157 runs to win from 15 overs, Regal Man-of-the-Match Throy Kippins (left) Masters run chase was off to a collects his prize for his hard work perfect start with eventual Mantheir 15 overs. Ruplall who carried his bat for of-the-Match Throy Kippins and Eion Abel racing to 72 in seven overs before 68 (4x4; 5x6) was supported by opener Greg the latter was bowled by Greg DeFranca for 28. DeFranca who made 31 (5x4; 1x6) and Eon Kippins who was fourth to be dismissed then Lovell with 31 (1x4; 4x6).

All of the bowlers had their work cut out on added 35 with fellow Berbician Rudolph Baker who clobbered 32 (9 balls; 5x6) and 28 for the the small outfield but Arjune snared 2 for 46 third wicket with Samuel Kingston (10). Rawl and was ably supported by Kippins (1-28) and Reid (2 for 12) almost spoiled the fun for the leg-spinner Tyrone Sanasie (1-29).

The tournament was organised by Wayne Florida Cup champions when he accounted for Baker, Kingston and Kippins (40 runs; 2x4; 2x6) Jones who gave Regal Masters much needed match practice ahead of the Florida Cup, in the space of two overs.

When Kippins was spectacularly snapped which gets underway on Friday April 12 and up by Reid running back to his own bowling runs until Sunday April 14 in Fort Lauderdale. at the end of the 13th over, Regal Masters still It is the 15th edition of the international needed 18 runs to win from 12 balls with two tournament and more than 30 teams from Canada, Guyana, New York, Florida, Orlando new batsmen at the crease.

However, in the very next over, Mohendra and Minnesota are expected to compete in Arjune took Latchman Kallicharran to the three categories; All-Stars, Masters Over 40 cleaners, taking him 21 runs to ease to victory and Legends Over 50.

Regal Masters are the defending champions with six wickets in the hut with an over to spare. Arjune finished on 18 not out from five of the Masters category and have ended their balls (3x4; 1x6) and David Harper was on one long period of intense preparation in perfect fashion to head to North America gunning for not out when the target was reached.

Earlier, attacking right handed opener a title repeat. Along with Regal All-Stars, they Lloyd Ruplall played some attractive strokes to are the only teams in the tournament from get Wellman to a competitive 156 for 4 from Guyana.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, APRIL 11, 2019

CONCACAF Gold Cup

23

Golden Jags drawn with T&T, USA and Panama G

uyana’s National Senior Men’s football team, the Golden Jaguars, will have an uphill task ahead of them as they prepare for the impending CONCACAF Gold Cup. Following the Gold Cup draw that was hosted in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday evening, it was revealed that Guyana will compete in what can be considered one of the toughest groups. Being drawn in Group D, the Golden Jaguars will have to battle Panama, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America.

The boys hailing from the “Land of many waters” will play their first game on June 18 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, against hosts USA. Their second game day will be on June 22 with a match up against

ney,” the Golden Jaguars Head Coach stated.

When questioned about Guyana’s readiness, Johnson was confident about his team’s abilities in the next level tournament.

“We’re going to enjoy it. Nobody really gave us a

Panama in Cleveland, Ohio. Their final game will be against Caribbean counterparts and longtime rivals Trinidad and Tobago in Kansas City, Kansas.

Present at the draw and speaking on behalf of the Golden Jags was Head Coach Michael Johnson.

The event’s host was full of praise for the coach who was appointed just last year and managed to lead

chance to get here, and I’d imagine nobody would give us a chance to get out the group but I have a group of players who I’ve got really strong belief in and on any given day we can beat any team in this CONCACAF so we’re hoping to be prepared and we’re hoping to

be ready for the competition,” he confidently said.

The Golden Jags qualified for the Gold Cup just a few weeks ago, on March 23, after pulling off a scintillating 2-1 win over Belize who were also competing for qualification.

(Jemima Holmes)

the team to the Gold Cup, but a humble Johnson diverted some of the praises the his hardworking team.

“Thank you for congratulating me, but it’s not just me. There’s a huge team behind me, the staff, the technical director, the players, the fans, it’s been a collective effort. And also they’re people who have gone before me who put a brick in on this long jour-

GCB’s U-17 Inter-county 50 Overs Tournament…

Demerara survives Select U-15 scare to claim championship ─ Nandu, Ramnauth, Dindyal hit 50s Story and Photos by Brandon Corlette

T

eam Demerara remained unbeaten in this year’s U-17 inter-county tournament when they snatched a tworun win over Select U-15.

The spirited Everest saw Demerara batting first and scoring 207 all out, with Player-ofthe-Match Matthew Nandu scoring 70. In r e p l y , Select U - 1 5 m a n aged 2056 in 50 overs, with Rampertab Ramnauth a n d Mavindra Dindyal scoring 76 and 67 r e spectively.

A confident Demerara team w o n the toss and took first strike against t h e G u y a n a Select U-15 at t h e Everest Cricket Club.

Demerara l o s t R e y n a l d o Mohammed for one when he w a s run out

with the score on 8-1. The left-handed stroke-maker, Matthew Nandu and right-handed Rommel Daterdeen played some level-head stokes in their 99run partnership.

Daterdeen missed out on a half-century when he suc-

cumbed t o Zachary Jodah for 49 from 79 balls decorated with five boundaries.

Shamar Yearwood (05), Andre Seepersaud (16), Chetram Balgobin (05) and Rudranauth Kissoon (02) fell c h e a p l y .

Select U-15 Mavindra Dindyal scored 67

Matthew Nandu played some useful shots, top-scoring with 70 from 111 balls; hitting seven boundaries, after batting for 151 minutes and stroking seven fours.

Batting at number eight, Niran Bissu came in and played a gem of an innings when he smashed four sixes in his 40 from 30 balls, striking at 133.33. Bissu ensured Demerara reached 207 all out in 48.1 overs.

Bowling for the Select U-19, left arm spinner Zachary Jodah had 3-39 in 10 overs, while Krsna Singh had 3-44 in 10 overs.

Rommel Daterdeen missed out on a halfcentury for Demerara

Player-of-the-Match Matthew Nandu bats during his sparkling 70

In reply, Select U-15 had a positive start with openers Anthony Khan and Rampertab Ramnauth adding 38 runs together in 28 balls. Khan was out bowled for 12 off the bowling of Andre Seepersaud.

M a v i n d r a Dindyal partn e r e d

Ramnauth and the duo bat with maturity maintaining a healthy runrate throughout their 106 run partnership.

The lad from Port Mourant, Ramnauth

was out via the run out route for a shot-filled 76 from 123 balls batting for 134 minutes and smacking 11 fours. Dindyal remained the key for Select U-15 as he looked to bat deep into the innings to chase 208 for victory. The wicket of Dindyal halted the Select U-15 scoring rate when he fell for 67 from 104 balls batting for 145 minutes hitting seven fours.

It was a match that came down to the wire when Thaddeus Lovell smashed a six down the ground but his spirited effort left the Select U-15 team short by Rampertab Ramnauth hit 76 for Select U-15

two runs in the intensifying encounter at Everest. Select U-15 ended on 205-6 when their 50 overs expired; bowling for Demerara, Andre Seepersaud had 2-31 while Rudranauth Kisson who bowled the final overs with bravery finished with 1-44 with his off-spinners.

Demerara are the new champions after Berbice won in 2018. Speaking after the match, Demerara captain Chanderpaul Ramraj said proudly, “From the inception of the Select U-15 innings, we had the match in our hands but the bowling slipped away, but we were confident of defending the target.”

The Guyana Select U-15 team displayed great spirit and competiveness throughout the U-17 inter-county as they gathered practice to depart to Antigua for the Regional U-15 tournament.

thursday, APRIL 11, 2019

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

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Concacaf Gold Cup

Golden Jags drawn with T&T, USA and Panama Page 23

GCB’s U-17 Inter-county 50 overs Tournament…

Demerara survived Select U-15 scare to claim championship Page 23

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