Guyana Times,Thursday January 30, 2020.

P7 Lack of resources, funding major challenges for EPA setting up oil and gas unit Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4181

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

US raps APNU/AFC Govt for undermining democratic principles Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Former MP reports Govt’s possible breaches of fiscal laws to P7 Police

...misapplication of Constitution, court rulings Election Day protocol

GECOM to discuss provocative utterances by APNU/AFC leaders GPHC’s Psychiatric Ward damaged by fire Page 11

Page 9

Smoke billows from GPHC's psychiatric ward on Wednesday. Inset: firefighters rushing to contain the blaze

RUSAL lays off more employees

Foreign oil P12 companies to be under strict EPA watch P10 Wanted bulletins issued for 3 Linden rape suspects

Rape accused on $270,000 bail P8

Page 9

Ballot paper production on schedule – GECOM Commissioner See story on page 2

…likely to be completed early next month

3 Bangladeshis jailed for P10 entering Guyana illegally

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regional and General Elections

Ballot paper production on schedule – GECOM Commissioner …likely to be completed early next month

T

he production of the ballot paper that will be used for voting during the March 2 General and Regional Elections is progressing according to schedule.

This is according to Opposition-nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Sase Gunraj.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Gunraj, who

cesses) is progressing according to schedule,” the Commissioner explained to this publication, adding that it should be completed by early February.

It was announced earlier this month that Gunraj and Corbin would be sent to Canada to observe the printing of ballot paper. This is being done by printing firm Canadian Bank Note Company Limited, which

printed products and related issuing and control systems in four business areas: lottery systems, identification systems, payment systems, and shareholder services.

In addition to owning GLCL and getting the contract to print Guyana’s electoral materials, Canadian Bank Note also prints Guyana’s currency notes and recently got a US$12.4

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

GECOM to contest the upcoming polls, making this one of the longest election slates in recent memory.

Apart from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), the other parties contesting are A New and United Guyana (ANUG); The New Movement (TNM); The Citizenship Initiative (TCI); Change Guyana; Fed-Up; Organisation of the Victory of the People (OVP) and the United Republican Party (URP).

55-year-old man freed of 2018 rape charge

A

is presently in Canada along with Commissioner Charles Corbin, where the papers are being printed, was asked for an update on the process. Gunraj noted that not only was it on course for completion but gave a rough estimate of when.

“The production of the ballots and other (pro-

first supplied GECOM with elections materials at the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Canadian Bank Note has a long history with Guyana.

It owns the Guyana Lottery Company Limited (GLCL).

According to the GLCL website, Canadian Bank Note is a company which supplies

million ($2.5 billion) contract to procure a new border management system to cater for e-passports.

This was announced in September last year.

The two Commissioners will be in Canada until the production of the ballots is completed. A total of 11 parties have been approved by

12-member jury on Friday delivered a unanimous not guilty verdict against 55-year-old rape accused Sean Bacchus, who was on trial before Justice JoAnn Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court at the Demerara High Court.

Bacchus, who pleaded not guilty to the indictable charge, was found not guilty after deliberations by the jury. The indictment had read that on a July 27,

Freed of rape charge: Sean Bacchus

2018, on the East Bank of Demerara he engaged in sexual activity with a sixyear-old girl.

According to reports, the child was left in the care of the accused. The incident was reported by the child’s mother to the Police.

State prosecutors Teriq Mohammed and Mandel Moore presented the state’s case while attorney-at-law Clyde Forde represented the now free man.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, January 30 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Friday, January 31 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, January 30 – 07:05h – 08:35h and Friday, January 31 – 07:40h – 09:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected throughout the day.

There will be partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 07:50h and 20:10h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 01:25h and 13:42h reaching minimum heights of 0.73 metre and 0.78 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS 3

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US raps APNU/AFC Govt for undermining democratic principles ...misapplication of Constitution, court rulings

T

he United States has rapped the Government of Guyana for undermining democratic principles, including misapplication of the Guyanese Constitution and court rulings.

US representative Sean Mariano Garcia had some tough words for Guyana’s delegation, which was headed by Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador John Deep Ford.

Garcia was referring to the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion and the subsequent onslaught of Guyana’s Constitution by the Government, which disregarded the provisions it needed to adhere.

The US representative conveyed the concern of the US, regarding what transpired last year when elections were supposed to have been held in accordance with the Constitution but were not, as well as the possible effect on democracy.

“The United States recommends that Guyana immediately implement reforms to strengthen electoral procedures and enhance the independence of electoral authorities to ensure that the March 2 elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.”

“The United States is concerned about recent actions by Guyana that may undermine democratic principles, including apparent misapplication of the Guyanese Constitution and certain court rulings,” Garcia also said.

Garcia, in fact, laid out a number of areas that the US would like to see reformed in Guyana. In his response to the comments on elections, Ambassador Ford maintained that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is an independent entity.

Guyana’s human rights record also came under scrutiny on Wednesday before the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Guyana’s 3rd review was held in Geneva, Switzerland.

In his presentation, Ford noted that there have been several challenges to Guyana meeting some of its obligations.

“These are challenges related to Guyana’s geographic dispersion, multicultural population and economic and environmental vulnerability.

Guyana is a small country, with a population estimated at 750,000, where 90 per cent of the people live on a strip of coastland that represents 10 per cent of the country’s landmass.”

“The remainder live in what is described as hinterland regions. Guyana is divided into 10 administrative regions, with several of these being remote and not easily accessible,” Ford said, going on to, nevertheless, cite the strides that the country has made on a cultural front. He used the establishment of the Social Cohesion Ministry to bolster his argument.

Ford also pointed out that

Ambassador John Deep Ford

Guyana, like other Caribbean countries, is exposed to the effects of climate change, protectionism and other risks.

Ford also cited the regional financial stipulations that negatively impact the country’s access to capital.

“Regulations that negatively impact (Guyana’s) access to capital resources. More recently, the Government is actively responding to increased migration flows from countries in the region. These economic, social, and natural environment challenges have the tendency to narrow the fiscal space necessary to enact reforms and address all the needs of our population”.

According to Ford, Guyana has, nevertheless, tried to provide human development services to all regions.

Guyana is one of the 14 States being reviewed by the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group during its 35th session. A number of human rights issues are usually addressed, including the level of democracy afforded to citizens.

Guyana has previously

US representative Mariano Garcia

Sean

faced criticism over delayed elections, despite a no-confidence vote being passed. Last year, several countries and organisations expressed concern over the lack of an election date. After much pressure both locally and internationally, President David Granger named March 2 as E-Day. But while Granger did name March 2, 2020, as the date for elections, the Constitution of Guyana stipulates that elections must be held within three months of the passage of No Confidence Motion.

Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution states, respectively: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” And “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not

President David Granger

less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

The No-Confidence Motion was passed against the Government since December 2018. After failing to overturn the motion at the parliamentary level the next month, the Government then embarked on a series of court cases in which it argued, among other things, that 33 was not the majority of 65 but rather, 34. Those arguments too have been thrown out by the Caribbean Court of Justice. The CCJ subsequently ordered that elections be held as stipulated by the Constitution. The CCJ decision was given on June 18, 2019 and paved the way for elections. In keeping with the constitutional three-month provision, this means General and Regional Elections should be held on or before September 18, 2019. That too was not done by the seating caretaker Government.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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

Dishonesty & mistrust

V

ery often, in everyday life, what is advertised vastly differs from what manifests. This results in mistrust and there are many tales to vindicate. Currently, one of APNU/AFC Government’s 2020 elections campaign slogan, “honesty and decency”, reminds of that vast difference between what is touted and what is real.

For starters, after taking Government in 2015, it claimed to have inherited an empty treasury. Despite that claim, it was able to offer itself massive wage increases and host an extravagant inauguration ceremony. While the newly-elected Government officials reaped the benefits, the excuse of a lack of funds was used conveniently to deny public servants a wage increase.

That early incident made it extremely difficult to see any semblance of honesty in the context of the empty treasury claim.

Further, a leading official subsequently proclaimed that there will be no apology for such actions.

Clearly, such behaviour by a public official cannot be in the realms of decency as was the action of another, who, sometime after in an open demonstration of unbridled power, humiliated a security guard while he executed his duty in the parking lot of a popular establishment. Those two are minuscule in comparison to the long list of incidents that took place but shielded under the slogan of “honesty and decency”.

Glaring, were cases when the Constitution was disrespected with seemingly utter disregard for law and order. Much has been said about President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of the previous Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). A ruling of the highest court of arbitration confirmed his actions as unconstitutional.

Not to be deterred, Mr Granger and his coalition government manufactured reasons not to respect the validly passed December 21, 2018, No-Confidence Motion (NCM) and the constitutional procedures its passage automatically triggered.

Elections, which should have been held within three months of the NCM, are now to be held one year later.

It, therefore, becomes almost laughable that having fought valiantly to prevent the enshrined constitutional procedures from being effected and to not abide by law and order, the APNU/AFC campaigns on “honesty and decency”.

Given what unfolded and how the Constitution was defiled, one can easily state that it’s dishonest for the APNU/AFC Government to use the word “honesty” as a campaign selling point. One may even go further to state that it’s woefully indecent to do so. That said, and with democratic gains being trampled upon as noted from the incidents cited, there is still freedom to choose campaign slogans.

Having done so, and having plastered almost the entire country with flags conspicuously branded “honesty and decency”, the expectation would have been for that slogan to be defended.

Instead, the APNU/AFC’s campaign is focused on attacking the General Secretary and Presidential Candidate of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

In addition, the President boasts of a plan he and his coalition government have for the development of Guyana. To date, that plan is yet to be unveiled and a manifesto presented with only about four weeks left for the March 2 elections. One can easily interpret that with the touted plan and manifesto still to be revealed, that none of the two exists. That would reek of dishonesty.

Sadly, it doesn’t stop there. The Government initially vehemently denied the existence of the US$18M signing bonus.

As pressure mounted, it tried to defend why the money was not placed into the Consolidated Fund. Then, eventually, the excuses led to the bonus being labelled as a “gift”. Obviously, the question in that context is: a gift for whom?

Within days of this year, contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars were signed, when they should not have been. Aside from that, PPP/C activists were abused and attacked while in the process of conducting elections awareness exercises in Laing Avenue. Planned meetings of the Opposition at Bagotstown and Mocha were disrupted with the one scheduled for the latter, forced to be called off.

In many other areas across the country, PPP/C’s flags have been removed and activists abused and threatened. Recently, a senior government official while addressing a public meeting, called on coalition supporters to remain outside polling stations and for strong men to be mobilised to follow ballot boxes. In the historical context of our elections, such a call can be seen as encouragement for undesirable actions which history can remind.

Civil society has branded such a beckoning call as dangerous and irresponsible. That may have summed it up; a campaign slogan that vastly differs from the reality on the ground. When APNU/AFC’s abysmal failure to deliver on electoral promises are taken into consideration, it becomes much easier to understand why mistrust in it is very prevalent.

Maya Kachina, 82, and Lev Kitayev, 86, perform at a social centre in Moscow, Russia. When Kachina and Kitayev met on the dance floor in a park in the Russian capital over 20 years ago, neither of them was a professional dancer. Now they are the most mature dancing couple in Russia, performing several times a week (Reuters/Evgenia Novozhenina)

Stop APNU from destroying medical supply chain Dear Editor, It is with great concern for the interest of the public that I write on the destruction of the health supply chain system that was set up to ensure medicines and supplies reach our health facilities to provide quality healthcare.

Prior to 2015, the management of drugs and supplies were at a standard that was comparative to the best public systems in the world and bested many others. We had countries in South America that wanted to come and learn from us. We had 100% availability of critical drugs in all ten regions 365 days a year, we had 90% of all essential medicines available and over 85% of non-essentials available.

During this time, the PPP/C was aggressively chastised by Volda Lawrence, the then-Head of the PAC, for not doing enough to manage our supply of medicines. Now, Volda is in the driver seat and before you know it, she crashed the system faster than you can say “save it”.

As I write this letter, there are no HIV medications in the system and countless other drugs.

The MoPH does not know its stock levels and their consumption forecast.

Medicines and supplies are stored in bottom houses in unsanitary conditions, they are paying 1700% more for drugs in the regions and patients cannot get basic drugs, such as diabetic pills.

Now let’s break down a series of events that brought us to this situation. Firstly, they broke the procurement laws and gave substantial contracts to foreign companies and other shell companies that are not meeting their obligations, this was done

to simply spite our locally established companies for political reasons at the expense of the people.

Second, they decentralised the procurement of drugs to the regions and transferred this skill set to unskilled people, like the RHO in Region 6 who purchased drugs for $256 that should have cost us $13. This led to politician-backed shell companies getting drug contracts to supply medicines with little or no oversight on the efficacy that puts the patients at risk of consuming dangerous medicines.

This action points closer to corruption even if it means putting lives at risk.

Third, they overpaid exorbitant sums, such as the case of $256 million to store condoms and used beds in a bottom house in Sussex Street. The items in the bottom house are worth less than the rent.

Additionally, this extreme sum of tax dollars could have supplied all of Guyana’s lifesaving drugs for at least four months or it could have extended the warehouse space at Diamond by 30%. They also stored medicines in hotel rooms at Ocean View Hotel and expect patients to consume medicines stored in such unsanitary spaces.

There are also unverified reports of a third bottom house storing medicines in Carmichael Street under a private company name.

Ironically, the only place that drugs are being stored to acceptable standards for the Ministry is at the very same company they are maliciously depriving of doing business with, but this company still holds strong to do the right thing in the face of evil and vindictive acts.

Fourth, the Ministry has millions upon millions

of dollars in expired drugs wasted due to accepting medicines with as low as three months shelf life and paying the full contract sum for these items.

The Ministry does not know how many expired drugs are in the system and some have speculated that they amount to well over $100 million in losses.

One of the reasons why the Ministry is storing drugs in unsanitary environments is because the expired drugs are taking up space at the Government warehouse.

Fifth, there is a complete breakdown in inventory management and forecasting of consumption that makes it impossible for the Ministry to plan and purchase the right number of drugs and supplies. This is a result of a breakdown in networking

of information flow of data and communication between the regions and the central body.

From the above issues, it would be safe to conclude that lives are being severely affected or deaths occurring from the poor management of our medicines supply chain. It is sure to say that if this kind of poor practice continues after March 2, we will be heading to a complete collapse of a supply chain that can take the lives of countless patients.

This is a concern for all Guyanese to act and stop this craziness before you become the victim of corruption and incompetence.

Dear Editor, I have stopped reading “Freddie” for some time now (even though we grew up in the same neighbourhood) because of the most times illogical columns he writes.

However, a lawyer friend this morning (Wednesday) called and referred me to Freddie’s column which dealt exclusively with my letter appearing in yesterday’s (January 28) newspapers.

Firstly, while I have absolutely no intention to continue to “take on Freddie”, I wish to refer to a few inaccuracies in his surprising attempt to speak on behalf of “a guy from the Arctic Ocean”.

Freddie, I was NOT the Ambassador to Brazil when “my party lost power in 2015”.

Check your facts, boy.

The comment to your 1:

“The entire public sector undergoing an ethnic transformation... even under Forbes Burnham” can only come from a twisted mind, warped by hate and malnourished by political allegiances.

Give your readers the statistics, boy.

While not claiming— as Freddie so often does— to be an intellectual, I suggest that he researches the word (or term, as he called it) “fascistization”.

It seems as if your political “groundings” and “intellectual” background were wasted with the passage of time, boy.

His comment 2: please be advised that the Ombudsman is NOT the legal authority to determine the termination of a contract as illegal (as far as I have been advised).

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins Certified supply chain professional

Check your facts!!!

TURN TO PAGE 5

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

5

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

Is this the positive change Volda Electorate should vote for party with was talking about at Golden Grove? track record of providing shelter for all

Dear Editor, If one is to listen to Cde Volda Lawrence’s speech at Golden Grove, it was “mountainous claptrap” and nothing compares to it but the illusionary mountains in the APNU official photo of that meeting that dishonestly inserted images of a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) political meeting.

Big difference! Jamaica has almost four times the population of Guyana plus the JLP has a popular go-getter leader – Andrew Holness. On the other hand, the APNU is a dwindling political force with a political leader who is totally clueless on how to move this nation forward, rendering the true meaning of their slogan as “FORWARD NEVER; BACKWARD EVER WITH GRANGER”.

But what is becoming absolutely clear is the fact that Mr David Granger is being pushed out from real power in the PNC. The competitors are being crushed as Cde Volda ascends to the top of the PNC and by extension, moving to control the APNU and AFC. Thus, her inflammatory messages at these APNU meetings to rile up the worst of the worst in the PNC. But her incendiary language on the campaign trail continues to confirm that if God forbids the APNU does not lose in 2020, this nation must expect a full-frontal attack from the PNC on the people. From the language of Cde Volda, if they are not deposed from power at the ballot box on March 2, 2020, then expect greater marginalisation, more corruption, and non-adherence to the rule of law and even greater policy paralysis and incompetence. So, let us get to business, as Cde Volda asked of us, and dissect her speech.

Cde Volda confirmed that in 2015, all the votes cast for the coalition were done to achieve outcomes from the APNU/AFC manifesto. So, let us reflect on the track record and we can

start with their 100-day plan.

1. Mr Granger, in his statement in that manifesto, committed to establishing a government of national unity and democratic renewal? After 4 years and 6 months under Team Granger, Guyana has now earned the status of being in the most divisive state in its entire independent history. Every day, I am talking to people across the land and what I am hearing is them living in fear as this society disintegrates. To fix this will take new ideas and time. If there is one thing that this nation, especially the youths, must penalise Mr Granger for at the ballot box, is the state of our social cohesion and national unity. It is one big mess after 4 years and 6 months under Team Granger.

2. Mr Granger in 2015 stated that “young people demand jobs” and he will create for them. Yet the facts after 4 years and 6 months speak to the loss of 30,000 jobs under Team Granger. What Cde Volda and her team did in the sugar belt was anti-human, anti-Guyanese and anti-patriotic. If there is another reason to oppose and banish Team Granger from office, it is this act of destroying jobs in Guyana.

3. Mr Granger in 2015 called for “safe homes for our women and children”. Yet, today it is the women and youths of Guyana who are under the greatest threat for their personal security because of escalating crime over the last 4 years and 6 months under Mr Granger.

4. It was Mr Granger who promised this nation an education system that will produce “citizens of quality”. What we are seeing instead, after 4 years and 6 months, there are more instances of school violence than any other time in our entire history. And these are not fistfights; these are “juke up” and “kick up” of our

students and teachers. The situation is so bad that today, under Team Granger, we have cases of young boys going to school with modified cutlasses in their school bags rather than school books. Yet, rather than having an education infrastructure framed to attack this ignorance, we have a former Minister of Education (who does not even know her national holidays), calling school fights “a regular occurrence” without stopping to take stock of the crisis so that some action can be taken in these last days of the Granger regime.

5. Mr Granger promised this nation in 2015 an energy policy that will bring an end to blackouts. What he did, instead, was apply the INVERSE KING MIDAS touch on the electricity assets of Guyana that resulted in everything he touched turning into, well, you know what – just read Dr Walter Rodney.

Are these the results that Cde Volda was boasting about at Golden Grove? Is this the positive change Cde Volda was talking about at Golden Grove?

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

Dear Editor, According to an article titled “No land, no vote – Squatters take up lands in Cummings Lodge/Sophia” published by News Room on January 27, 2020, twenty persons began squatting behind Eugene F Correia International Airport last week, and the number has grown significantly since. It is certainly not the first time citizens have decided to occupy lands without permission. The most recent surge in the squatting phenomenon occurred soon after 2015 elections when citizens descended on several communities across the country and attempted to occupy lands illegally (see, for instance, “President believes land grabbing issue was orchestrated,” INews, May 21, 2015).

Squatting, however, predated these incidents and was widespread before 1992 because the PNC attempted to provide shelter to Guyanese without any housing policy or programme. Indeed, there were 120 squatter settlements when the PPP/C assumed office in 1992 and Sophia was the largest. Under the regularisation programme, however, the PPP/C transformed the squatter settlement into a housing

Check your...

I understand the courts are the proper fora to do so, and that is where I took my case.

Seems as if you were not certain of your legal rights, with all the “mouth” you have, and friends in the legal fraternity.

You need competent legal advice, as I had, boy.

His comment 3: since YOU are the person who knows it ALL, why don’t YOU tell your readers the numbers and names of those “demonised”?

I, for one, would wish to be so enlightened, boy.

His comment 4: nah,

FROM PAGE 4

Freddie boy, me nah bin ah drink “something strange”.

But if yo want, me can gi yo some ah wha me bin drinking, fo free.

Freddie, you always quoting what somebody says to you, as now in the case of Mitra Ally.

Again, I implore/urge/encourage you to let us have the benefit of the “countless others” apart from you and your wife.

It may help your obvious cause, my boy. Stan good, mi boy.

Best regards, Harry N Nawbatt

scheme.

To a large extent, the practice of squatting was blunted because of the housing programme of the PPP/C Government. During its tenure, the PPP/C Government distributed approximately 112,761 house lots, of which 80 per cent of the beneficiaries were low-income families. Between 2000 and 2010, low-income families would have benefitted from wealth transfers in the form of land and infrastructure subsidies that approximated to $23 billion.

Faced with a variety of challenges, including increasing demand for house lots and low occupation rates, the PPP/C implemented a raft of initiatives such as Core House, Home Improvement, Hinterland Project, and Young Professional Scheme. In line with its objective of promoting Sustainable Development, the Government also focused on developing industrial and commercial zones in new settlement areas during the last six years in office. These new initiatives benefitted over 2000 households and were estimated to provide beneficiaries with approximately $1.5 billion in the form of direct subsidies.

Notwithstanding its success in the area of housing, the demand for house lots outstripped

supply, and this prompted the PPP/C Government to focus on the East Bank-East Coast Road Linkage Project and start work on Silica City. These projects would have started and 50,000 households would have benefitted from house lots upon their completion if the PPP/C was returned to office in 2015.

However, in its wisdom, the APNU/AFC abandoned Silica City completely and stalled the road project. The result is the denial of 50,000 families of the opportunity to own their home and encouragement of squatting in Sophia, an area that the PNC once shamelessly ran squatters off.

If the electorate had made the correct decision in 2015, we would not be in this situation today. However, we have another opportunity in a few weeks to correct this mistake by voting out the APNU/ AFC, who failed to provide poor households with housing opportunities while simultaneously granting large land parcels to a small elite group.

Instead of demanding that the APNU/AFC provides house lots, the electorate should vote for the party with the track record of providing shelter for all.

Sincerely, Name provided

Bryn Pollard among the finest legal minds

Dear Editor, I read with great sadness of the death of Mr Bryn Pollard. He was, I believe, from my own experience, amongst the finest legal minds and men our country has ever had.

I had the enormous privilege of working with Mr Pollard when I was intimately involved in helping to draft an emergency

Broadcast Legislation at a time when it was urgently needed. Not since then has the country benefitted from a Broadcasting Act nor an Authority or Regulations which come near to meeting the demands of a free, open and democratic society.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

Page Foundation Coping Copingwhen when aa parent parent has has an analcohol alcoholor or drug drug problem problem

I

f you live with a parent who has an alcohol or drug problem, you're not alone. Alcohol problems and addictions to drugs (such as opioids) are called substance use disorders.

Substance use disorders harm a person's health, and change the way they act. They cause problems at home and work. It's not easy living with someone who has a substance use problem.

Especially if it's your parent.

If you are going through this, tell someone what it's like for you. Get the support you need and deserve.

What's it like to live with a parent who has a substance use problem?

Living with a parent who has a substance use problem is hard. It can affect how you feel and act. It can affect your family life too. What it's like is different for each person. Here are some common examples. See if some of them describe what's it's like for you. ***How people might feel. Some people feel:*** embarrassed, angry, or sad about a parent's substance use worried about their parent's health or safety worried for themselves, siblings, or their other parent scared, alone, or unsafe at home frustrated when their parent doesn't change relieved when a parent takes steps to recover it's hard to trust or relax they have to be an adult before they're ready overwhelmed depressed or anxious How people might act.

Some people: try hard not to upset a

parent who drinks too much try to stay out of a parent's way may not speak up, or ask for what they need keep their feelings to themselves keep their parent's problem a secret hide what their life is like at home avoid having friends over because they never know how their parent will act miss school, or have trouble keeping up with schoolwork take on adult tasks argue or fight with a parent harm themselves act like they don't care, even if they are hurting How family life might be affected. In some families with substance problems: a parent has trouble keeping a job or paying the bills there may not be enough food or money older siblings may have to take care of younger ones parents mistreat, abuse, or neglect their children a parent may drive drunk or high. They may get into trouble, get hurt, or hurt others. kids might have to live somewhere else to be protected or cared for parents split up or divorce relatives or friends step in to help parents get help and recover

What can I do?

If you're living with a parent who has a substance use problem, you might be having a tough time. Reach

Tiny changes to make your life 10 times more enjoyable

D

on't underestimate the cumulative power of small, steady changes in your daily routines.

I think we are all open to making changes in our lives that make us happier and more successful, but few of us follow-through, because committing to something that’s going to change our lives is a daunting and massive undertaking, right?

Not necessarily.

Instead of focusing on huge, radical steps, start moving forward by incorporating these eight changes that are so small and simple that you can implement them immediately.

These eight steps can drastically change your life for the better.

Reprogramme your mind to stay positive

out to others for safety, help, and support. Here are some things to do:

Open up to someone

Talk to a good friend.

Also talk to an adult you trust. For example, a teacher, doctor, therapist, or relative. Let them know what you're going through. It can be a relief to share what it's like for you. And they may be able to help you in other ways.

Know that it's not your fault

Some people blame themselves for their parent's substance use. They may think about times when a parent was angry or blamed them.

They may wonder if they caused a parent to drink or use drugs. But kids can't cause a parent's substance problem.

Know and name your emotions

Don't bury your feelings or pretend that everything's OK. Notice how a parent's substance problem makes you feel. It's OK to feel the way you do. Use words (and not harmful actions) to express how you feel and why.

Find a support group

Find a group like AlAnon/Alateen or go online

for help. Join a support group. Talking with others who are going through the same thing can help you cope.

Find a safe place

Do you avoid home as much as possible? Are you thinking about running away? If you think you or another family member could be in danger, call 911.

Build good habits

Some people learn not to speak up or show emotion.

They worry it may trigger a parent's drinking or substance use. Habits like these may help you survive tough times at home. But they may not work in other parts of your life. Being able to speak up, say how you feel, and show emotion help you have good relationships in the future. Sometimes people need therapy to build good habits they were not able to learn living with an alcoholic or addicted parent.

Stop the cycle

People who have parents with substance use problems are at higher risk of having these problems too. A support group or therapy can help you learn how to avoid this risk. (kidshealth.org)

Our thoughts and actions are influenced by our feelings. That’s why when you’re just feeling “blah” because the weather is crummy or you had a stressful week all you want to do is stay in bed.

Here’s the problem. Negativity is all around us. There’s nothing we can do about that, either, but what can do is learn how to reprogramme our minds to stay positive. You can't trap every negative thought in the happy-clappy end zone of your mind, but can take charge of your thoughts by: Keeping a gratitude journal. Jot down what you’re thankful for every day instead of worrying what you don’t have. Gratitude will make you happier, increase your productivity, and help you sleep better at night.

Creating and repeating positive affirmations that acknowledge the progress you are making in the areas where you want to improve.

Surrounding yourself with positive people who lift your spirits. Remember, emotions are contagious.

Don't acknowledge negative thoughts.

Staying active. Exercise releases endorphins but idleness leads to over-analysing and overthinking.

Set your alarm half an hour earlier

One trait many successful individuals have in common is they get up early. While you don’t have to wake up at the ungodly hour of 3:45 am like Apple’s Tim Cook, you could start setting your alarm half an hour earlier. So, if you normally set your alarm for 7 am, set it for 6:30 a.m.

The reason?

This will give you some extra time in the morning to exercise, meditate, read, check your emails, have breakfast with your family, plan your day or work on something that you’re passionate about. It saves you from rushing out the door each morning feeling forgetful, unaccomplished, and discombobulated. Time tracking is key to self-improvement.

Clean up after yourself immediately

How long does it really take to make your bed or wash your morning dishes? Maybe five minutes? Here’s the thing. If you don’t stay on top of these minor chores, they quickly build-up. That cereal bowl and coffee mug becomes a sink full smelly dishes that take a lot of time to clean. If washed immediately, you wouldn’t have this headache.

What’s more, people who immediately clean-up after themselves, like making their beds every morning, tend to be happier, as well as more successful since it makes you feel accomplished, removes clutter, and gives them a sense of control.

Don't over-commit

A common theme I notice with self-help advice is how people make goal-setting sound easy. They’ll suggest that you get more exercise or sleep, but that’s easier said than done when you’re working 12-hour days and helping with a newborn.

I’m not making excuses. Far from it. It’s just easier to commit and follow through successfully if you keep your goals simple and clearly defined. Start small and work your way up. Don't jump into a marathon headfirst if you need more exercise. Start with 10 push-ups a day, a walk down your block after dinner or this seven-minute workout plan that you can do in your room.

If you want to start meditating, start with devoting five minutes a day.

This rings true in the business world as well. When we started my company we tried to be everything to everyone. Now, we focus on being the best invoicing company out there. Don't overpromise and under deliver. (Excerpt from entrepreneur.com)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Former MP reports Govt’s possible breaches of fiscal laws to Police

F

ormer Member of Parliament and Junior Finance Minister, Juan Edghill, has written to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) seeking an investigation into reports that the Government has broken the law by using monies from the previous fiscal year for projects in the new year.

In the letter, which was seen by this newspaper, Edghill refers to reports in sections of the media that Cabinet noted 57 contracts as of 2019 year-end. Edghill pointed out that a contract was signed in 2020 for the construction of a school at Yarrowkabra.

The former MP also contended in his letter that a cheque was cut on December 31 for the construction of a school at Abraham Zuil.

According to him, these monies were drawn from the 2019 budget allocations. He cited Article 217 (1) of the Constitution and the Fiscal Management & Accountability Act.

Former MP Juan Edghill also sat on the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament

Article 217 states that “No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except: a. to meet the expenditure that is charged upon the Fund by this Constitution or by any Act of Parliament, or b. where the issue of those monies has been authorised

by an Appropriation Act, or c. where the issue of those monies has been authorised under Article 219."

Section 43 of the FMA Act meanwhile states that: “Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law, at the end of each fiscal year, any unexpended balance of public monies issued out of the Consolidated Fund shall be returned and surrendered to the Consolidated Fund."

“Assuming that the legal requirement for the return of all unexpended monies to the Consolidated Fund at the end of the fiscal year 2019 was complied with and, therefore, a legal mechanism would have had to be utilised to make withdrawals in 2020,” Edghill wrote.

“As far as I am aware, no such legal mechanism exists that allows for payment of monies for contracts awarded in 2020. It is against this backdrop that I would like to hereby request that the Guyana Police Force (GPF),

immediately launch an investigation into this matter.”

This publication reached out to the Education Ministry for a comment on this matter. Up to press time, one was not forthcoming.

Last year August, the coalition government had announced that it had given its approval for the awarding of close to $1 billion in contracts— ranging from road works to hydropower.

The single biggest contract was worth US$2.251 million for the supply and installation of a 150 kW hydropower plant at Chiung River, Kato, Region Eight.

But it came at a time when the Government was supposed to be in caretaker mode after losing a NoConfidence Motion (NCM).

At the time, DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, had said that’s the Government’s understanding of what it means to be a caretaker Government.

Police Commissioner James

Leslie

Some of the limitations on their power, according to Harmon, include restrictions on overseas travel by the President or ministers.

“In its interim mode, the Government shall exercise restraint by not engaging in any initiatives that are likely to be considered controversial, such as embarking

on new policy initiatives, programmes or projects including the signing of new international agreements or embarking on new major infrastructural projects.”

“Secondly, to attend to matters considered urgent and in the public interest, such as matters of security, the maintenance of public infrastructure and systems for public health, housing and education and other routine functions.

We will continue to implement projects approved by Parliament and in respect of which, contracts have been signed and work commenced before the interim period”.

According to Harmon, the Government would also ensure that new projects carried out will not be too difficult to carry out. At the same time, however, Harmon had insisted that the Government still retained its full array of powers… something hotly contested by the parliamentary Opposition.

Lack of resources, funding major challenges for EPA setting up oil and gas unit

D

espite Guyana already into oil production, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still working to build a specialised unit to monitor the local petroleum sector. However, the agency is facing many challenges in achieving this goal.

Among some of the issues the EPA is facing are the lack of funding and resources, including human capital.

This is according to the agency’s Executive Director, Dr Vincent Adams, on Wednesday.

He was the guest speaker at the annual business luncheon organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at the Pegasus Hotel.

Wednesday’s event was held under the theme “Environmental protection imperatives for oil & gas and beyond”.

According to Dr Adams, they are hoping to get the 36-member unit in place by the end of this year to streamline its monitoring duties of the oil and gas sector.

He believes that this unit must have more qualified people than oil companies.

“To me, the Government must always have better-qualified people than the other side or else, you lose your bargaining power.

They’re not gonna respect you, they will want to overshadow you and you will feel so diminished. You will be afraid and embarrassed to even ask a question when you’re in doubt. You just gonna go along with what everybody says,” he posited.

But the EPA Head noted

EPA Executive Vincent Adams

Director,

Dr

that achieving this is proving to be a challenge. “[I'm hoping] to set up the petroleum unit comprising of 36 people which are highly-skilled people, and we have set up two expressions of interests and have not gotten anybody from within Guyana who meets the qualifications. So we might have to go abroad and when you start going abroad, the costs go up but I think as long as you get the right people, the cost will be well worth it,” he stated.

Although the EPA’s work is rooted in science and engineering, Dr Adams recalled that when he took over the agency in October 2018, there were no engineers and only a few chemistry majors. Since then, he has been working to build a full complement of staff.

In fact, he noted that in 2019, they hired an additional 25 persons and by the end of this year, they are looking to double the staff complement; then triple it the following year.

Strengthening the team

But in efforts to beef up his staff, he recognises that

it is a young batch and as such, is looking to bring in now retired specialists to mentor his current team and strengthen their abilities.

Additionally, Dr Adams noted that the agency has been training staff and sending them overseas to international conferences so they can have exposure as well as network with stakeholders.

As part of its capacity-building efforts, the EPA Director revealed that they are currently working on a recruitment programme right now – a study-leave policy, where they will be sponsoring staff on a contractual basis to go to university, here and abroad, to specialise in areas to meet the needs of the EPA. Moreover, he noted that they have an internship programme this year for at least 10 students. This stint will allow the agency to look at all of the students and how they work, and recognise which of them they want to stay on and work in the agency instead of just going out there and hiring people blindly.

Added to its staffing woes, a lack of resources is hindering the EPA to effectively carry out its mandate such as conducting unexpected inspections at sites especially at offshore operations.

“We have to have unfettered access to every single facility. I know we do not have the means right now or capabilities, we still have to depend on the contractors to take us out to those ships. But that’s our goal, we have to have unfettered access to any site on land or any ship at sea at any time… [At my pre-

vious job in the United States] we used to have people onsite all the time and we used to find over 90 per cent of the precursors to these incidents so that’s why I’m a firm believer in having our staff out there,” Dr Adams stressed.

He went on to add too that the EPA is also looking to have a new head of-

fice as well as establishing its own laboratory.

However, he noted that all of the agency’s plans are on hold given that there was no budget for this year. He noted that the one-twelfth budget provisions would be insufficient.

In fact, Dr Adams pointed out that the agency has been basically operating on

monies that it had retrieved from persons who were in arrears for their permits.

But even that $140 million, he explained, is becoming inadequate since the EPA’s activities have significantly increased over the years with more permits being applied for and, thus, more inspections needed.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rape accused on $270,000 bail A 49-year-old taxi driver, who allegedly raped a 12-year-old child, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

The rape charge was read to Orlando Fraser, of Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown,

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The charge stated that on June 10, 2019, at Pike Street, he engaged in sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16.

The matter was heard in-camera.

The prosecution is con-

tending that the taxi driver and the child are known to each other, since he would usually transport the girl to and from school each day. It is alleged that on June 10, 2019, the driver picked up the child from school and took her to his home where

the rape occurred. The matter was reported to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) after the girl confided in her teacher.

On Wednesday, Fraser was released on $270,000 bail.

The case will continue on February 3, 2020.

Teen remanded for court tout’s murder

A

n 18 year old, who was an alleged accomplice to the murder of court tout Darrell Breedy, was on Wednesday charged for murder and remanded to prison.

Leon Patterson

Leon Patterson of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on October 5, 2019, at Hummingbird Street, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he murdered Breedy during the course of a robbery.

Dead: Darrell Breedy

The case was adjourned to February 10, 2020.

Two weeks ago, 26-yearold Terrence Pitt, called “Sonna Boy” or “Shots”, of Third Street, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was also charged for the tout’s murder.

Patterson was previously charged for robbery under arms and illegal possession of a firearm.

Adding insult…

A

…to (PNC’s) injury ll right, your Eyewitness knows Granger was all shook up by Jagdeo when he showed up at the PNC’s rally in New Amsterdam. And it was the PNC and not the fig-leaf “coalition” ‘cause Cathy Hughes was allowed to speak – she’s a “born PNC” while Khemraj Ramjattan was gagged! How’d you have your PM Candidate in the audience and not have him say a word in his own neck of the woods?!

But Granger also had to be smoking something – medical marijuana? – for him to even think about the PNC kicking out the PPP from Region Six!! After going on labouredly and laboriously at length about a decline of the PPP’s vote in Berbice, Granger concluded: “We have to bring the PPP control of Region Six to an end.

We have to chase the PPP out, chase them out, chase them out, don’t let them come back. God bless you all, but chase them out first!”

Now this flight of fantasy might also be an effect of believing your own BS! The PNC had bused in supporters from Point Playa and Pakaraima to Georgetown and Crabwood Creek and could it be that Granger thought he was able to bring out a crowd in Berbice?? But the nerve of him!! From the Esplande where he spoke, it’s clear he didn’t realise that Rose Hall Estate was just a stone’s throw away. Imagine him closing down that factory – which supported the entire Canje Creek settlement from Cumberland to New Forest – taking away bread from the mouths of over ten thousand people and then telling them to vote PNC?? He’s lucky those people weren’t at his rally, or else he might just have had another Cuffy-like rebellion on his hands!!

At the other end of Reg 6, he’d shuttered Skeldon Estate – causing an even greater dislocation in that community. Did he think out of sight was out of mind?

Maybe for him, but certainly not for Berbicians. What made Granger’s bombast even more surreal was that in 2011, the AFC did siphon off some traditionally PPP votes, most of which they might’ve brought over in 2015. But it was his personal intervention to renege on his promise to Nagamootoo and Ramjattan – plus the recommendations of his own CoI – not to shut down any estates that drove those voters back under the PPP’s tent!!

Granger rubbed salt into the wounds of Berbicians when he insisted that the people of Reg 6 must “chase out” the PPP and install the PNC into the regional government.

He’ll have his answer on March 2 when those same folks will give him a taste of his own prescription!! …to God’s worship Granger has perfected the art of virtue signalling, not the least by assiduously publicising that he attends church. He did not miss the opportunity to belabour this claim ad nauseum when he spoke in Berbice. But if he’d actually listened to any of the sermons while in church, it’s not attendance that counts, but good works! Which is not throwing poor people to the wolves!!

Didn’t Christ say, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?

Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

He should heed this advice: “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.”

Granger’s vindictiveness has doomed him. …to political control A hat tip to the NCN editor in chief, who displayed BBC-type public broadcasting standards, when he requested a PNC candidate step down from reading the news.

But who’s surprised when Nagamootoo’s lap dog tried to bully him?

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

9 GPHC’s Psychiatric Ward damaged by fire W NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

hat could have been a catastrophic disaster was on Friday averted by staffers of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), who sprang into quick action to put out a fire which erupted in the facility’s psychiatric ward.

According to reports, the fire erupted at the facility at about 09:15h in the female holding area of the ward located on the first floor of the medical block building and was allegedly started by a psychiatric patient.

However, Divisional Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Gregory Wickham told reporters at the scene

Employees at GPHC standing outside as firefighters assess the damage

that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. He added that damages to the facility were not extensive

owing to the staffers at the hospital, who managed to put out the blaze with fire extinguishers before fire

No fuel, blocked river

RUSAL lays off more employees

R

USAL has reportedly moved to lay off more of its workers just a week after laying off over 142 employees. A letter from the company dated January 29, 2020, which was seen by this publication, indicated that the company was forced to further reduce operations and to lay off employees owing to adverse operating circumstances including shipment interruption because of the blockage of the Berbice River. The letter, which listed 146 employees, stated that the layoff will take effect from today (January 30, 2020) with the employees to be recalled as soon as the situation returns to normalcy. It further indicated that letters would be sent to employees’ home addresses by way of the post office. Following the decision to lay off employees owing to claims of fuel shortages, workers and residents

blocked the section of the Berbice River utilised by the Aroaima-based company.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union in a statement to the media stated that the decision to lay off the workers is in contravention of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. The Union stated that the Government of Guyana is yet to facilitate the process to bring about a resolution.

The Labour Department, on the other hand, said on Wednesday that on January 27, it met with the management of RUSAL and the recognised majority union separately.

It stated that the Labour Department took the position that the workers were improperly laid off by the company and should, therefore, be recalled immediate-

ly.

It added that it has advised the Union that it was illegal to block the river and should, therefore, take steps to unblock it.

“The Department is contemplating convening a meeting with the parties to determine the way forward with outstanding negotiations for a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) of which wages and salaries are a component. The Department will continue to do everything possible within the confines of the known laws and prudent industrial relations practices to have all differences settled,” the statement from the Labour Department said.

The dispute started on January 23, when the company announced its decision to lay off workers after Government ended its duty-free importation of fuel arrangement.

tenders arrived.

“So they were able to minimise the damage before the fire service got here to put the fire out. Our investigators are doing their job…the ceiling was severely damaged; apart from that, the fire did not spread to other departments or areas,” he said.

Wickham shared that even though five fire tenders responded to the blaze, they faced immense difficulties accessing the building, noting that drivers chose to ignore the sirens.

Reckless motorists

“I advise that the motorists should adhere to the sirens…our time to get here was impeded very greatly by those motorists who did not heed to the sirens, an institution as this where we have thousands of patients, we cannot afford to have our progress by those stubborn or reckless motorists.”

Patients

Meanwhile, GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brigadier George Lewis shared that some 48 patients were evacuated out of the building, but, nevertheless, other patients will be returned to the building while psychiatric patients are expected to be relocated and receive medical care.

“At the time, there would’ve been 6 patients in the psychiatric holding area.

The area where the fire started

All of them were evacuated and there would’ve been 48 patients in total at the medical block….we anticipate that because there are no structural damages to the building. We’ll be able to return patients to the male

medical ward. We are doing follow-ups on how we can relocate the current psychiatric patients and continue providing service”.

An investigation has since been launched by the Guyana Fire Service.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Alleged cutlass-wielding Wanted bulletins issued for 3 Linden rape suspects bandit remanded

T

wenty-one-year-old Joshua Perreira, of Charlestown, Georgetown, was on Wednesday remanded to prison for allegedly robbing a woman while waving a cutlass at her.

Perreira appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge which stated that on January 17, 2020, at Saffon Street, La Penitence, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and

Wanted for rape: Kelvin Mc Kenzie

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued wanted bulletins for three men, all residents of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), in relation to the offence of rape, which was committed last year.

Wanted are Wayne Orlando Sauers, Tevin Richmond and Kelvin Mc Kenzie.

Sauers, 30, of Lot 36 Stewart Path Christianburg,

Wanted for rape: Tevin Richmond

Wismar, Linden, is wanted for the sexual offence which took place in May 2019 at Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

Meanwhile, 26-yearold Richmond, of South Amelia’s Ward, is wanted for the offence of rape, which occurred sometime between May and June of 2019, at Phase 3 Amelia’s Ward.

Mc Kenzie, 53, of Lot 53 Mackstrad Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, is also

Wanted for rape: Wayne Orlando Sauers

wanted for rape. It is alleged that between September 28 and 29, 2019 at Buckton and Blue Lake Wismar, he raped a nine-year-old relative.

Reports are that the child left her residence on September 27, 2019, to spend the weekend with relatives in the mining town and returned home on September 29 in a withdrawn state. She subsequently confided in her aunt about the incident and a report was made to the

Police.

The GPF is urging anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the three men to contact the Police on telephone numbers 261-2760, 216-0254, 2160251, 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 226-7065, 2292750, 227-1149, 226-7065, 225-6940, 226-9834, 911 or the nearest police station, as all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

armed with a cutlass, he robbed Patricia Abrahams of a phone valued $65,000, several gold rings and cash totalling $331,000, property of Abrahams.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence. The case will continue on February 15, 2020.

On January 24, 19-yearold Mark Gravesande, of Lot 2194 Dairy, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was also charged for the same offence.

He is currently on remand.

3 Bangladeshis jailed for entering Guyana illegally

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan jailed three Bangladesh nationals who admitted that they entered Guyana illegally.

The three men, Jackel Chowdhurg, 19; Siddik Ahmed, 27, and Shakhawat Khan, 20, admitted that on January 20, at Springlands, East Berbice, Corentyne, they entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without presenting themselves to an immigration officer.

The Court heard that the men entered Guyana through Suriname and were proceeding to Brazil.

However, they were intercepted by Police ranks and ranks were informed that they did not present themselves to an immigration officer upon entry to Guyana.

As such, they were arrested and charged for the offence.

After completing the three-month jail term, the three will be deported to Bangladesh.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Election Day protocol

GECOM to discuss provocative utterances by APNU/AFC leaders T

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to discuss the recent utterances on the campaign trail by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) candidates, where they called on supporters to “protect their ballots”.

The issue was raised with GECOM via a letter written by former Attorney General and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) candidate, Anil Nandlall. On Wednesday, GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh wrote to Nandlall and informed him that the issue would be discussed when the elections body meets on February 4.

Disturbed at utterances

In his letter, Nandlall outlined that the PPP/C is gravely disturbed at the utterances of several of the candidates on the coalition government’s list. He explained that they have been utilising their political platforms to encourage the assembly of their supporters at polling places after the polls close.

He singled out a number of candidates who have been encouraging supporters to “protect their ballot”, and among those names are People’s National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Volda Lawrence, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Attorney General Basil Williams and

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

former Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Gary Best.

The PNC Chairperson, at a public meeting in Kitty, Georgetown, on January

19, told supporters: “When 6 o’clock hit, comrades, you supposed to already have your bath and put on your nightshift clothing…You understand what I am saying, comrades? This is not a time for sleeping…They must not catch us sleeping on the job.

Comrades, at 6 o’clock, you return to work at the places of polling and you will remain out there and let our staff inside know that you’re out there…And then our nice strong men will be mobilised to follow that ballot box until it goes into that container and the APNU/AFC padlock and chain is placed on that container…”

GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh

PNC Chairperson Lawrence

In his letter, Nandlall reminded that violence and riotous behaviours are commonly associated with the conduct of elections of Guyana. He reminded Justice Singh of such instances during the conduct of the 2015 General and Regional Elections when the car of PPP/C candidate Joseph Hamilton was torched, as well as a polling place in Sophia.

“Even senior APNU/AFC leaders who appeared on the scene could not quell this assembly of coalition supporters which was quickly transformed into a mob.

Statements of the type, which reference is made above, are, therefore, a sure recipe for disaster. GECOM and the se-

by the Representation of the People’s Act,” Nandlall outlined in his letter to Justice Singh.

He reminded that Section 78(A) of the Representation of the People’s Act Cap 1:03 makes it a criminal offence for any unauthorised person to obstruct or interfere with the conveyance of election materials, ballot boxes, and ballot papers.

Nandlall, therefore, pleaded with GECOM to publicly denounce the statements, as well as reassure the electorate that such activities would not be tolerated.

In her response to Nandlall, Justice Singh informed that the matter would be placed on the Commission’s

curity forces are quite competent to secure and convey the ballots to its requisite locations and no political party ought to be involved in this process, except as authorised

the Police and not supporters to secure ballot boxes.

The CEO made it clear that the only time parties have a role in securing ballot boxes is when disciplined services go out and vote. He noted that on Election Day, when the entire population votes, no such arrangement exists.

“Let’s start with the disciplined services. For disciplined services balloting 10 days before elections, we have

concerns over statements she purportedly made to the Guyana Chronicle.

The State’s newspaper quoted Justice Singh as saying, “Why should I take off people? Come elections day, should these people come up with their pink slip, indicating that they were registered, what are we going to do? The people will demand that they have a right to vote because they were registered,” during

ballot stations in Police and army localities. When I go to Timehri, for instance, and the day is ended, I facilitate the movement of those votes back to the centre to be secured,” Lowenfield said.

“Each location will have a (party) agent. So the Commission has approved the movement of agents from the respective parties to accompany. We can only take X amount in the bus we have.

So yes, there is accompaniment of the votes from the disciplined services, so they arrive at the destination at GECOM. And they will observe us placing the boxes in a container. For general and regional, there is no such arrangement.”

According to Lowenfield, he will be meeting with the various election parties to brief them on these and other issues.

an interview.

However, Nandlall said that the PPP/C is concerned with the statement and asked for clarifications.

“Our understanding is that the law and the Constitution only permit persons whose names are on the Official List of Electors (OLE) to vote. Unfortunately, your statement appears inconsistent with this legal reality. You must appreciate that this is a matter of crucial importance and unless this inconsistency is resolved, it can result in public disorder, confusion and chaos on the day of poll,” the letter stated.

In her response, Justice Singh clarified: “I have to inform you that there was no indication in my statement that persons should vote with ‘pink slips’. The reference to ‘pink slips’ attested only to the fact that they would have been registered”.

GECOM will be hosting General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.

Volda

agenda when they meet next Tuesday.

Just over the weekend, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield reminded that it is the responsibility of

No voting with ‘pink slips’

Nandlall also wrote the GECOM Chair expressing

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Foreign oil companies to be under strict EPA watch H

ead of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams, has stressed that companies, especially foreign com-

panies coming to operate in the local oil and gas sector, will have to strictly adhere to Guyana’s laws.

“There is some who still believe they can come in

Dr Vincent Adams

and own the entire country, and of course, we are going to stand up to them and ensure our laws are met and adhered to,” he stated at a business luncheon on Wednesday hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing Service Association (GMSA).

He referred to the mud spill just recently in December from which fines

amounting to a total of approximately $2 million were collected. Spanish oil company Repsol and United Kingdom-headquartered Volaris Drilling were fined some US$5000 each for the mud spill which occurred offshore Guyana in the Kanuku Block.

It was reported that the UK company was conducting drilling operations in the Kanuku Block when a valve was left opened and resulted in the mud used to prevent well blowouts spilling into the ocean. Repsol is the operator of the Kanuku Block.

According to the EPA Director, companies will have to be held for these incidents.

It was against this

backdrop that he noted a $2.5 billion liability coverage insurance was secured from another oil operator, Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), in the case of an oil spill. EEPGL is the local subsidiary of United States oil giant, ExxonMobil, which is the operator of the Stabroek Block where there have been 16 oil discoveries and has already started production.

He noted that Esso Exploration was forced to take out maximum insurance coverage since the company is a limited liability one.

“Their liability is limited, they don’t have any assets so they could declare

such, he held off approving their permit.

“I say, well it’s not going anywhere. That permit on my desk did not cost me anything.”

However, at that point, its parent company, Exxon, stepped in and took over the coverage of any amount “above and beyond” the insurance sum.

“At least we’re covered if anything happens…,” he noted, adding that this was one of their major accomplishments as it is the highest liability coverage.

“We are in a better position now because we learned from all the experiences in the past. However. If it happens, we’ve got to have some way where the clean-up will

bankruptcy and we could be stuck with the bill. Of course, Guyana can’t afford if something happens, we really suck,” he stated.

To this end, Dr Adams said that EEPGL was asked to put in a guarantee but said they could not and as

be covered.”

According to Dr Adams, he is currently working on streamlining operations at the EPA, which he noted was in a disorganised back in 2018 when he took over the agency.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden schoolgirl stabbing

Education Department can only offer moral support– REO

The injured Linden Foundation Secondary School student

I

n light of the stabbing of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) last week, Education Officer Rabindra Singh has indicated that the region’s Education Department can only offer moral support to those affected. He said that the matter is in the hands of the Police and as such, the Department’s intervention is limited.

In an invited comment on the matter, Singh said the Education Ministry does not allow the Department to intervene in such cases and it cannot give any statements regarding the issue. He said that the Department can only give moral support to those affected and it has been carrying this out.

According to Singh, he and a team have since visited the affected Linden Foundation

Secondary School student and has been offering moral support.

Meanwhile, the 12 and 14-year-old sisters, who are at the centre of the stabbing, have since been released from Police custody. This comes after the Police application to the High Court for a further 72 hours period detention of the teen was denied.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised the Police to conduct further investigations into the stabbing of Linden Foundation Secondary School student.

The teen was stabbed to her back with a Rambo knife by a schoolmate during a fight on Thursday last.

Meanwhile, the victim of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden remains a patient at the Intensive Care Unit

at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). Her condition is listed as stable.

The student, who was stabbed to her lower back, suffered extensive injuries to her muscles, tendons and several of her internal organs including her lungs, spleen, diaphragm and stomach.

The stabbing occurred at about 15:00h at Third Corner, Central Amelia’s Ward and was caught on camera and shared on social media.

Based on reports received, the injured student was involved in a physical altercation with another female student of the said school when she was stabbed. The suspect is the older sister of the student with whom the victim had the altercation.

Foreign oil companies to be under...

FROM PAGE 12

At the time, he revealed that they had uncovered over 500 permits expired some over 15 years ago. There was a culture at the agency, he explained, where people were not held accountable for not carrying out their responsibilities.

Nevertheless, he noted that within the last year, they have collected some $140 million from most of that 500, except for a few companies that did not

want to get into compliance and have now gone out of business.

Dr Adams went on to outline that while the 1996 EPA Act does not contain specific provisions for the oil and gas industry, it does have broad mandates to guide the sector. This, he noted, is coupled with international standards that Guyana has adopted.

“We are lucky that we did not have to undergo what those countries had

experienced in order to develop those standards… So standards are there that we’re adopting. In time, we will develop our own regulations but it doesn’t mean that it’s gonna be any different to what currently exists… our goal is to develop our own standards but it is not necessary to say that we do not have standards. Yes, we do; they are not ours but we may have the same standards when we look at it…” he asserted.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US now forcing asylum seekers from Brazil to wait in Mexico

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igrants from Brazil who seek US asylum at the southern border will now have to wait in Mexico to learn their fate along with tens of thousands of others turned back under a yearold Trump administration policy.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Wednesday that it has started sending Brazilians back into Mexico amid a

surge of people from the South American country seeking refuge in the United States.

DHS said in a statement announcing the change that the number of Brazilian migrants arriving at the southern border had tripled over the past year. Many have said they are fleeing persecution, gang violence and economic hardship. They will join about 55,000 mi-

grants waiting in Mexico for rulings on their asylum claims, decisions that can take months or even years.

Previously, migrants presenting themselves at the southern border or apprehended while trying to enter the country were, if they met the initial threshold for asylum, often released on parole in the US to await a final determination by an immigration judge.

T&T woman set on fire on beach

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olice are on the hunt for two men who reportedly doused a young woman with a flammable liquid and lit her afire at a beach in Tobago on Tuesday night.

The woman, who suffered third degree burns to her face and upper torso, is said to be warded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, in a critical condition.

Reports are that around 8.50pm on Tuesday, Allena Dial, 19, of Riseland, Carnbee, was at the Kilgwyn beach alone when she was approached by two men who doused her with a substance and then lit her afire.

Dial, a kitchen assistant at Tri Star Restaurant, Crown Point, ran to the nearby Apex Restaurant, at the corner of Store Bay Local Road and Kilgwyn Road. The restaurant is owned by Tobago Organisation of the People political leader Ashworth Jack.

Jack told Newsday he was not at his businessplace when the woman arrived but learnt from workers that she seemed to be in distress.

"She sat on the steps and the supervisor would have seen her and they recognised she was in distress.

She was in blood and the staff would have rendered whatever first aid assistance and tried to keep her cool." Jack said Dial told the workers she had been burnt. They later called the police and the Emergency Health Services.

"The police came fairly quickly from all indications and I commend the police for that. But the emergency ambulance took a little longer to come."

Jack said she was taken to the Scarborough General Hospital but has since been transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex in Trinidad.

Dial also had a handbag and cellphone, both of which were stolen in the attack. Jack said Dial did not reveal why she was at the beach alone. "Regardless of what she was doing there, nobody has the right to injure anybody. Maybe after counselling, the parents could find out why she was there because sometimes we get too hasty up front when our children need us the most." Jack said he would co-operate with the

police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. He urged the authorities to instal lights at the beach. "I again want to impress on the authorities to have the beach lit. It is a very popular beach with couples and people who go there for spiritual stuff but, reportedly, some nefarious activities also take place there." He added: "I think that for the safety of everyone that beach should be lit. But the fact is that if we want to keep our visitors and citizens safe, there are some things we need to do to ensure the safety of people, especially in a very popular area like this." Jack acknowledged, though, the police officers patrol the area from time to time. The TOP leader commended his staff for the manner in which they handled the situation.

"Sometimes, people freeze up when situations like this occur and the fact that the staff would have responded in the way that they did, I think it was a very human thing to do – to make her comfortable, to make sure everything was all right."

Investigations are continuing. (T&T Newsday)

Migrants wait in line for a meal outside the Human Repatriation office in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico [Photo by Loren Elliott/Reuters]

US President Donald Trump's administration began forcing them to stay in Mexico under the "Migrant Protection Protocols" (MPP) as part of a broader effort to reduce what DHS calls "irregular migration" to the United States.

Advocates for immigrants have sued the federal government to halt the policy, known informally as "remain in Mexico", arguing it deprives people of

the right under international law to seek asylum and makes it harder for them to press their legal cases in backlogged immigration courts.

The US began returning migrants from Central America to Mexico last year. In December, acting Customs and Border Patrol Chief Mark Morgan pledged to try to shut down asylum for migrants from outside the immediate region, noting migrants from

Haiti, Brazil and African countries.

Immigrant rights advocates went to immigration courts on Wednesday to document the number of migrants and asylum seekers who are in court without legal support or representation.

They also denounced the "Remain in Mexico" policy, saying it equals "rape", "violence" and rights violations. (Al Jazeera)

Oil falls as virus death toll climbs, US inventories rise

O

il prices fell on Thursday as the death toll from the new virus in China climbed to 170 and more airlines canceled flights to the country’s major cities, while rising U.S. crude inventories added to the negative tone.

Brent LCOc1 was down 24 cents, or 0.4%, to $59.57 a barrel by 0152 GMT, having risen 0.5% on Wednesday.

US crude CLc1 was down 26 cents, or 0.5%, to $53.07 a barrel.

A second flight of

Japanese evacuees from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak started, landed in Japan on Thursday, with nine showing symptoms of fever or coughing, broadcaster NHK reported. Infections in China have passed 7,700.

“It’s becoming more evident to market participants the balance of risk will remain in the flu cycle much longer than expected,” said Stephen Innes, chief market strategist at AxiCorp.

The bigger-than-expected gains in US crude oil in-

ventories last week also meant “oil prices were dealt the cruelest hand of them all,” Innes said.

Crude stocks rose by more than seven times market expectations, gaining 3.5 million barrels in the week to Jan. 24, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday.

Gasoline stocks rose to a record high, increasing for a 12th consecutive week to 261.1 million barrels, the EIA said. (Reuters)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No China travel ban: Antigua NYC lawmakers weigh changing how drunk is too drunk to drive will not follow Jamaica’s lead amid virus concerns

J

amaica has announced a travel ban between China and the Caribbean island, amid concerns over the deadly coronavirus.

Antigua, however, will not be following suit – at least not yet.

“We took a decision… that a travel advisory would be issued where persons in China, who were planning to travel to the island will be advised or asked to remain in China,” Dr Tufton said on Tuesday after a suspected case of the illness in Kingston sparked alarm across the region.

The advisory, Tufton said, would also extend to Jamaican nationals and Chinese nationals who were planning to make trips to China.

“We’re advising them to postpone, at least for the time being, those travel ar-

Jamaican Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton

rangements that they would have made or are planning to make,” Dr Tufton added.

The Minister had no spe-

cific timeline for the expected length of the newly-imposed ban. The advisory will also be extended to potential in-transit travellers.

“Our quarantine protocols will be put into place, where persons would either be quarantined in specially designed facilities or within their home environment depending on their particular circumstance and depending on the risk assessment that would be done,” the minister explained.

The quarantine arrangements will reflect the two to 14-day incubation period consistent with the virus.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda health officials say they have no immediate plans to issue similar travel restrictions between the twin-island nation and China. (Antigua Observer)

200 Americans to face quarantine

S

ome 200 US citizens are due to be quarantined in California after arriving from Wuhan, China amid the coronavirus oubreak.

The passengers, mostly diplomats, were evacuated via a chartered flight that landed on US soil on Wednesday.

They will be quarantined for at least 72 hours, but could be kept isolated for up to two weeks if they have any symptoms, officials said.

The flight landed at a US air base near Riverside, California.

Earlier, the flight stopped

in Anchorage, Alaska, to refuel while the 201 were given an initial screen for symptoms. None exhibited any signs of the coronavirus, according to the state’s chief medical officer. Five cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the US as of Tuesday.

The Department of State, which chartered the flight, said places aboard were offered to government workers, with unfilled seats sold to US citizens on a “reimbursable basis”, though it was unclear if the agency was offering to pay back the reported $1,000 per tick-

et cost. It was originally scheduled to land at the civilian Ontario International Airport, some 30 miles (48km) from Los Angeles, but was diverted to the March Air Reserve military base.

The Ontario airport had prepared for the arrival of the chartered flight on Tuesday by setting up showers, bathrooms and beds in a hangar. The decision to move the flight to the air base came that evening.

The switch was made for logistical reasons, Curt Hagman, a San Bernardino county official said. (BBC)

US bans 13 Salvadorans over 1989 Jesuit priest killings

T

he US State Department on Wednesday issued a public designation for 13 current and former Salvadoran military officials for what it called gross human rights violations during El Salvador’s civil war three decades ago.

Issued for their alleged involvement in the planning and execution of the extrajudicial killings of six Jesuit priests and two others on a university campus in 1989, the designation bars them from entering the United States.

The crime is one of the most emblematic of the Central American country’s civil war that pitted then-leftist guerrillas the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) against the U.S.backed Salvadoran army. The FMLN is now a political party.

In a statement, the U.S. Secretary of State said it had “credible information” that the current or former officials were directly or indirectly involved in “a gross violation of human rights or significant corruption.”

Lisandro Quintanilla, a lawyer representing the military in El Salvador, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Jesuit priest Ignacio Ellacuria

It was not clear what had prompted the United States to issue the designation.

“We value our ongoing working relationship with the Salvadoran Armed Forces, but will continue to use all available tools and authorities, as appropriate, to address human rights violations and abuses around the world no matter when they occurred or who perpetrated them,” it said.

El Salvador’s civil war lasted from 1980 to 1992. It killed an estimated 75,000 people

and left 8,000 more missing.

As in neighboring Guatemala, which was also the site of Cold War-era conflict, families of victims and human rights defenders in El Salvador have long sought justice.

In El Salvador, the Supreme Court of Justice declared a 1993 amnesty law unconstitutional in 2016 and ordered lawmakers to create a new law that would guarantee justice and reparation for victims. However, the process has been delayed. (Reuters)

A

pair of New York lawmakers want to lower the legal limit for drivers’ blood alcohol content.

Currently, the legal driving blood alcohol limit .08, reflecting the percentage of alcohol, by volume, in the blood.

But Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn) and Sen. John Liu (D-Queens) want to lower the legal limit required for driving while intoxicated to .05, and for aggravated driving while intoxicated from .18 to .12.

“This bill is about bring-

ing loved ones home safely,” Ortiz told the Daily News.

“Reducing the BAC limit from .08 to .05 in New York will save lives. It’s common sense legislation.”

A memo accompanying the bill notes that each year nearly 10,000 people are killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers and more than 173,000 are injured.

[More Politics] All eyes on John Bolton as Trump impeachment trial enters final phase before Senate considers new witnesses » Since the mid-1990s, the

proportion of deaths from accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers has remained constant at around 30% of all highway fatalities. In total, nearly 440,000 people have died in alcohol related crashes.

“No one should have to suffer from the loss or injury of a loved one due to a driver impaired by alcohol. We have an obligation to make the roads safer for all travelers,” Ortiz added.

While all 50 states now have at least BAC level of .08, the National Transportation Safety Board recently issued a recommendation encouraging state to lower the blood alcohol content that constitutes drunk driving.

Utah became the first state to lower the mark to .05 in 2018.

The American Beverage Institute, a D.C.-based trade group, strongly opposes such measures, noting on their website that “the move is an attack on the restaurant and hospitality industries and converts their responsible customers into criminals.”

(NY Daily News)

Jamaican embassy providing support to nationals in China

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inister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith says the ministry continues to closely monitor the welfare of the Jamaican community in China regarding the spread of the coronavirus across that country.

“Since my last communication to the media, our embassy in Beijing has strengthened its outreach to Jamaicans in the Wuhan area of Hubei Province. The number of persons with whom we are in contact via WhatsApp chat group has now increased to 29, as we have added persons there, who had not previously registered with the embassy,” Johnson Smith said.

“In addition to using the embassy’s email, the chat group has been instrumental in facilitating the registration of nationals with the embassy and for allowing them to keep in touch with each other for support.

Our embassy staff has also of course been fielding telephone calls from Jamaican nationals in other locations in China and offering advice and guidance,” she added.

The foreign minister advised that in order to address the concerns being raised by the people in the Wuhan group regarding food and supplies, the embassy was able to obtain from the Hubei Foreign Affairs office a list of 24hour hotlines available to foreigners to provide them with assistance and guidance during the crisis.

This, the ministry said, was immediately shared with Jamaicans and “we

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith

understand that they have since had direct assistance through this medium.”

Johnson Smith assured that the embassy will follow up with the authorities on their behalf if they experience further challenges, while also recognising that all people in Wuhan are going through a “challenging

time”.

Johnson Smith advised Jamaicans in China to continue to monitor information and advisories issued by both Chinese and Jamaican officials and to cooperate in all efforts to contain the spread of the virus. (Jamacia Observer)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

Regional

Shaken Caribbean tiptoes back to Caribbean urged to prepare for long drought normal after shock of major quake T S haken Caribbean residents and tourists said on Wednesday that life was returning to normal after a powerful earthquake struck the Region and rattled nerves, but spared the area from serious damage to property or loss of life.

The magnitude 7.7 quake hit Tuesday afternoon in the Caribbean Sea between Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Cuba, bursting drains and ripping open sinkholes.

Several aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 6.1 tremor closer to the Cayman Islands, unnerving people for hours afterwards.

“Our nerves are on edge not knowing if we’re going to be safe or not,” said Canadian tourist Andrew Walsh, 43, on a visit to Jamaica’s Montego

Bay with his family. “It is still causing us some anxiety.”

In the Cayman Islands, home to about 62,000 people, many schools remained closed but most businesses were open, according to Sandra Hill, editor with Cayman Marl Road, a local news website.

“We are still feeling aftershocks. There are a lot of sinkholes,” said Hill, 46. But she added that “generally speaking there is a sense of normalcy today.”

The quake was also felt in Miami where several highrise buildings were evacuated downtown.

Attorney Jake Greenberg, 33, based on the 24th floor of a Miami skyscraper, said he was not worried about returning to the office. But the tremors triggered memories of the

Several aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.1 tremor closer to the Cayman Islands, unnerved people for hours afterwards

September 11, 2001 attacks, when he was living near New York City.

In Cuba, the quake was felt in many provinces. The

government said there was no damage nor injuries, after thousands of people were evacuated from buildings.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

he Barbados- based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) is warning that long-term drought is evolving throughout the Caribbean during the threemonth period of February to April this year.

In its latest Caribbean Climate Outlooks, published here yesterday, CariCOF warned that during the peak of the dry season, limited water availability will be caused by evolving or possible long-term drought throughout the Caribbean, except in French Guiana and north-west Bahamas.

“In addition, frequent dry spells and short-term drought in a majority of places may pose water stress to sensitive, rain-fed crops.

There is marginal concern for flooding and flash floods in Belize and the is-

lands through March, but some concern in April.

Temperatures, seasonably cool and comfortable until March, will start rising by April,” CariCOF added.

According to CariCOF, as of January 1, moderate or worse drought has developed in the ABC Islands — namely Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao — eastern Bahamas, northern Cuba, and most islands except Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Martin, Trinidad and Tobago.

It said long-term drought is evolving in ABC islands, Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Cayman, Dominican Republic, eastern Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, “and is possible in other locations”. (CMC)

Peru's Opposition Leader Keiko Fujimori British man on pleasure tour in custody again

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eru's Opposition Leader Keiko Fujimori has returned to prison for a new 15-month pre-trial term amid ongoing investigations into accusations of corruption and money laundering.

Fujimori has already spent 13 months in jail but Peru's top constitutional court ordered her release in November.

Prosecutors appealed, and a Judge ordered her to return to prison saying she might interfere with the investigation.

She denies any wrongdoing and says the accusations are politically motivated.

Fujimori, 44, has been accused of taking $1.2M in illegal campaign financing from Keiko Fujimori rejects the accusations as politically motivated the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht in 2011. But she has a mother, I am going to bring out all the team would appeal against Zúñiga's rulnot been officially charged. strength that I have". ing.

She arrived in court to hear the end The tone of the message seemed to A divisive figure in Peruvian politics, of Judge Víctor Zúñiga's decision and was mark a shift in her strategy – Fujimori Fujimori lost presidential election runimmediately taken to Chorrillos womsaid last year she would take a break offs in 2016 and 2011. Her once-influen's prison in Lima. Minutes later, she refrom politics and dedicate herself to her ential conservative Popular Force party leased a pre-recorded video on social mefamily. suffered a crushing defeat in legislative dia.

Fujimori also said her husband would elections on Sunday, losing dozens of "This isn't justice," she said, vowing to seek support from foreign governments seats in the Congress it had dominated give a "political response to this political and groups to support her release. Her since 2016. (Excerpt from BBC News) persecution". "As a woman, as a wife, as lawyer, Giuliana Loza, said the defence

found dead on boat near Jamaica

T

he decomposing body of a British man, which was found aboard a 30-foot sailboat off the coast of Jamaica late Monday night, was removed from the vessel after it was towed to the Errol Flynn Marina in this town on the island's north-north eastern coast early yesterday morning.

Police, who identified the dead man as 42-year-old Mark Brennan, say the information they have is that he left the United Kingdom aboard the Avrio alone on December 6, 2019, on a pleasure trip around the world.

Mexico's Pemex chief pushes for state control over major offshore oil area Zama

M Tobago cop to sue TTPS Commissioner over promotions

A

senior Police Officer from Tobago has been given the green light to sue Police Commissioner Gary Griffith over his handling of promotions to the rank of Superintendent.

High Court Judge Eleanor DonaldsonHoneywell yesterday granted acting Senior Supt Collis Hazel, of Roxborough, Tobago, leave to pursue his judicial review case against Griffith.

In the lawsuit, Hazel, who joined the T&T Police Service (TTPS) in 1991, claimed that after passing the promotion examination and interview with the Promotion Advisory Board, he was placed at number 46 on a merit list.

On September 4, 2018,

the first 45 officers were promoted.

Hazel claims that although Griffith agreed to extend the life of the merit list to September 3, 2020, he subsequently revoked his decision.

In the lawsuit, Hazel, who has been given acting appointments, is claiming that Griffith’s decision was unreasonable as it was done without any warning or consultation. Hazel is also contending that the issue has affected several other senior officers, who are similarly circumstanced.

Hazel is seeking a declaration that he has been treated unfairly and an order directing Griffith to provide written reasons for the sudden decision to revoke

the list.

He is also seeking an order to quash the decision and declare it illegal, null and void and of no legal effect.

Hazel is being represented by Anand Ramlogan, SC, Alvin Pariagsingh, and Alana Rambaran.

The lawsuit is expected to come up for hearing within the next two months. (T&T Police Commissioner Gary Griffith Guardian)

Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard reportedly received a message from the United States Coast Guard Monday night about the presence of the Avrio in Jamaican waters.

The boat, which was flying a British flag, was found about 72 nautical miles north-west of Ocho Rios with the body and was towed to the marina where it was met by the Port Antonio Marine Police.

The body was removed to a funeral home. The Port Antonio police are investigating. (Jamaica Observer)

exico’s state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos wants operational control over a major offshore oil area discovered by a consortium of private companies before development gets underway, its top official said on Wednesday.

Pemex Chief Executive Officer Octavio Romero told a news conference the company believes most of the crude found by the consortium, in the largest oil discovery made by any private firm in Mexico in decades, lies in an adjacent block where it holds development rights.

“This reservoir is shared,” Romero said, confirming that Pemex believes the so-called Zama discovery extends from the area operated by U.S.based Talos Energy Inc into its own neighbouring block.

The fight for control of Zama could mark a turning point for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a leftist who favours a state-centric energy industry, as he seeks to boost the

economy without scaring off private sector investors.

“Pemex also wants to be the operator of this field,” Romero said, referring to who should be in charge of commercially developing the area. He said a company analysis showed that “most” of the Zama reservoir was in the adjoining block belonging to Pemex.

Romero did not provide details of the analysis of the area, located along the southern rim of the Gulf of Mexico.

The offshore Zama find was made by a group led by Talos in 2017, just two years after it won rights to the area. Reuters reported last year that Pemex was seeking control of the project.

The Talos-led consortium has already drilled several exploratory wells on its block and has been negotiating behind closed doors for about a year with Pemex over a joint scheme to develop the field, but no agreement has been announced. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

17

Around the World

Brexit: European Parliament Dozens killed by suspected rebels in eastern DRC's Beni region overwhelmingly backs A terms of UK's exit

M

embers of the E u r o p e a n Parliament have overwhelmingly backed the terms of the UK's departure from the EU. MEPs ratified the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement by 621 votes to 49 following an emotional debate in Brussels.

After the vote, MEPs marked the UK's exit by singing Auld Lang Syne.

Several British MEPs said they hoped the UK would return one day although Eurosceptics, including the Brexit Party's Nigel Farage, used their final speeches to tear into the EU. The UK is due to leave the bloc at 23:00 GMT on Friday.

Ratification of the withdrawal agreement, agreed by the UK and EU in October, was not in doubt after it easily cleared its committee stage last week.

Signing the letter confirming the EU's consent, the Parliament's President,

Some MEPs wore "half-and-half scarves" to mark the UK's final day

David Sassoli, said the two sides must heed the words of the late Labour MP Jo Cox when approaching their future relationship and recognise "there is more that unites us than divides us".

"You are leaving the EU but you will always be part of Europe…It is very hard to say goodbye. That is why, like my colleagues, I will say arrivederci".

Wednesday's session saw those on either side of the

Brexit debate, including the UK's 73 MEPs, celebrate or lament the end of British EU membership.

Some MEPs marked the occasion with songs – others wore "always united" scarves.

The Parliament's Brexit spokesman, Guy Verhofstadt, said it was "sad to see a country leaving that has twice given its blood to liberate Europe". (Excerpt from BBC News)

WHO to reconsider declaring global emergency as China virus evacuations begin

F

oreign governments flew their citizens out of the epicentre of China’s coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday, as the number of deaths jumped to 133 and the World Health Organization voiced “grave concern” about person-to-person spread in three other countries.

The WHO said its Emergency Committee would reconvene behind closed doors on Thursday to decide whether the rapid spread of the new virus from China now constitutes a global emergency.

“In the last few days the progress of the virus especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us,” WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference in Geneva, naming Germany, Vietnam and Japan.

“Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small, they hold the

potential for a much larger outbreak.”

There have been 6065 cases of the flulike virus in 15 countries worldwide - all but around 70 in China - according to the latest WHO figures.

All the deaths so far have been in China, where the National Personnel in protective clothing Health Commission approach an aircraft, chartered by said there had been the US. State Department to evacuate 132 fatalities as of Government employees and other end-Tuesday. Another Americans from the novel coronavirus threat in the Chinese city of Wuhan, death was reported in after it arrived at March Air Reserve Sichuan province on Base in Riverside County, California, Wednesday.

US The situation reand a senior economist premained “grim and complex”, said Chinese dicted a major impact on President Xi Jinping, who growth.

The WHO’s panel of on Tuesday had vowed to 16 independent experts defeat the “devil” virus. US President Donald Trump twice last week declined said he had spoken to Xi to declare an internaand his administration was tional emergency but will working closely with China re-evaluate the situation on containing the outbreak. on Thursday. (Excerpt from Some major airlines Reuters) suspended flights to China,

t least 36 people have been killed in a suspected rebel attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Beni region, where hundreds have died in violence since November, a local official has said.

DRC troops have been carrying out a military operation on an armed group in the east of the country - long plagued by various armed groups - and fighters have responded with a series of massacres against the civilians.

"They were all hacked to death. This brings [the toll] to 36 bodies," local Beni Governor Donat Kibwana told the AFP news agency on Wednesday, updating casualties from Tuesday's attack.

Officials had earlier re-

ported 15 fatalities.

Two people with skull fractures caused by machetes have been admitted to a hospital in Oicha for surgery, AFP said.

The main attack took place late on Tuesday in Manzingi, a village 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of Oicha, while a pastor was also killed in nearby Eringeti.

According to a toll compiled by a civil society organisation, the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), 265 people have been killed in the Beni region since the army began its crackdown on the armed group, the Allied Democratic

Forces (ADF), on October 30.

The massacres seem to be a tactic by the ADF to frighten the population into silence, local commentators said.

The group has also disrupted operations to curb an outbreak of Ebola in North Kivu province. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Anger in Palestine over Trump plan, but protests see low turnout

A

day after US President Donald Trump announced his Middle East plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calls for mobilisation by various Palestinian factions have gone mostly unheeded.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas vowed popular mobilisations against the deal, as groups including the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and Hamas, which has governed the occupied Gaza Strip since 2007, called for mass protests.

But while Palestinians were angered by Trump's announcement on Tuesday, with some referring to it as "a new Balfour Declaration", many brushed off the USIsraeli announcement as "nothing new".

"The announcement brought us a lot of anger and disappointment," said Maan Musatafa, a 39-year-old taxi driver in the occupied West

Bank. " B u t the reality is, we have been living under this deal and under de facto Israeli occupation for decades. Palestinian students protest against Trump's So, the an- Middle East plan in occupied Gaza Strip [Photo by n o u n c e - Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters] ment wasn't new or cades-old conflict and for shocking," he told Al Jazeera. a four-year freeze in new Seif Abdo, a 27-year-old Israeli settlement construcstudent from East Jerusalem, tion, during which details of agreed: "Nothing is new. a comprehensive agreement Nothing has changed. It's al- would be negotiated. ready our reality."

It suggests Jerusalem "Trump has already rec- as the "undivided capital" ognised Jerusalem as the of Israel, while promising capital of Israel, moved the the Palestinians a state of US embassy there, and im- their own and a new capital plemented Israeli law in the in eastern Jerusalem. This Jordan Valley and Golan proposal had been rejected Heights," he added.

by Palestinians in the past.

Trump's plan calls for a (Excerpt from Al Jazeera) two-state solution to the de-

Greta Thunberg seeks to trademark her name to stem misuse

T

een climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Instagram on Wednesday she has applied to register her name and that of the Fridays for Future movement she founded in 2018, which has gone global and catapulted her to international fame.

The move would allow legal action against persons or companies trying to use her name or the movement’s which are not in line with its values, she said.

“I assure you, I and the

other school strikers have absolutely no interests in trademarks. But unfortunately it needs to be done,” she said on the social network.

Thunberg said she had also applied to trademark “Skolstrejk for klimatet”, school strike for the climate in Swedish - the wording on the placard she has held since she started her one-person protest outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, for which she missed school.

“My name and the #FridaysForFuture move-

ment are constantly being used for commercial purposes without any consent whatsoever. It happens for instance in marketing, selling of products and people collecting money in my and the movement’s name,” she wrote on her Instagram account.

Thunberg, who took centre stage at the Global Economic Forum in Davos this month, and her fellow young activists in the movement want politicians to listen to climate scientists and take action to curb global warming. (Reuters)

France to ban culling of unwanted male chicks by end of 2021

F

rance has pledged to outlaw the practice of culling unwanted male chicks by the end of 2021, as part of animal welfare reforms.

About seven billion male chicks - not wanted for meat or eggs - are killed around the world each year, usual-

ly in shredding machines or by gas.

The Government said new methods were emerging that would make it possible to test the sex of embryos inside the egg.

But some campaigners said the reforms did not go far enough.

French Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume announced the reforms at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday.

"From the end of 2021, nothing will be like it was before," he said.

Guillaume said he hoped a method would soon be de-

veloped that would allow the gender of a chick to be determined before it had hatched.

Researchers have been working on the issue for years, but are yet to come up with a solution that works on an industrial scale.

The 2021 ban will make France one of the first coun-

tries to outlaw the practice of culling male chicks. A ban in Switzerland came into effect earlier this year, while a top court in Germany has ruled that the practice can continue on a temporary basis until an alternative can be found.

France and Germany

last year said they would work together to put an end to mass chick culling.

Guillaume also announced on Tuesday that the practice of castrating piglets without anaesthesia would be banned by the end of 2021. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Make a move. Contact someone who can contribute to a project you are trying to finish. Gossiping or wasting time on trivial matters will lead to disappointment.

Romance is encouraged.

Socialize, network and plan to have fun, but don’t share personal information.

Use your charm to get what you want. Your friends will welcome your energetic input. Don’t fall for a hypedup pitch.

Look for the good in everyone and everything. Negativity will be your downfall, and productivity your key to success.

Rearrange your household to fit your lifestyle. Aim for convenience and comfort.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

If you listen to your subconscious, you’ll know what to do next. Making a lifestyle change or picking up new skills or qualifications is favored. It’s time to make a fresh start.

VIRGO

Take care of domestic matters. Ease stress by engaging in something that helps you relax. Consider downsizing or making personal adjustments to help manage your schedule.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

SUDOKU

Controversial topics should be avoided. Focus on doing something that will occupy your mind and challenge you physically. Maintaining balance and integrity will help you reach your goal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Keep the peace regardless of what others do or say.

Take the high road, but don’t neglect to follow your inner voice and satisfy your needs.

Go about your business.

SCORPIO

Listen carefully and do whatever it takes to counter negativity. What you observe will lead to a lifestyle change that will give you more time for creativity and loved ones.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Make plans that will imSAGITTARIUS prove how or where you live.

(Nov. 23Check out prospects and Dec. 21) brush up on what you need to know to take advantage of an offer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Keep life practical and straightforward. Be careful who you deal with; not everyone will have the tools to live up to your expectations. Be prepared to do the work yourself.

Say what’s on your mind.

Nurture what and who is important to you. Deal with an opportunity skillfully. If you are impulsive or hesitant, you’ll lose out. Timing is everything.

Evaluate your skills. A solid plan will help you tackle whatever comes your way. If you are active, innovative and positive, you will accomplish what you set out to do.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

19

NBA round-up: Middleton scores 51 as Giannis-less Bucks explode 3-pointers, and Gary Harris added 10 points for Denver.

Boston Celtics 109-Miami Heat 101

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) dunks against Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans (42) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

K

hris Middleton scored a career-high 51 points, Milwaukee recorded a franchise-record 88 first-half points, and the Bucks held off a second-half surge to beat the visiting Washington Wizards 151131 on Tuesday.

Despite playing without reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the contest to rest a sore right shoulder, Milwaukee burst to a season-best 42 first-quarter points.

The victory was the Bucks’ ninth straight, and Milwaukee improved the best record in the NBA to 41-6. Washington fell for the sixth time in eight games despite Bradley Beal scoring a season-high 47.

The 88 points smashed Milwaukee’s previous season high of 76 first-half points set just 12 days prior in a 128-123 defeat of the Boston Celtics, and it marked a league high dating back to Houston’s 90 at Phoenix on November 16, 2017.

Philadelphia 76ers 115-Golden State Warriors 104

Joel Embiid returned from a nine-game absence to score 24 points and grab 10 rebounds as hosts Philadelphia beat Golden State.

Embiid had been out with a dislocated ring finger on his left hand. He came out wearing No 24 in memory of Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

Embiid received permission from Bobby Jones, who

previously wore No 24 and had his jersey retired by the Sixers.

Raul Neto scored 19 points, Ben Simmons added 17, Tobias Harris contributed 14 and Al Horford had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists for the Sixers, who improved to 22-2 at home. D’Angelo Russell had 28 points and seven assists for the Warriors.

Toronto Raptors 130-Atlanta Hawks 114

Serge Ibaka had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Pascal Siakam added 24 points and nine rebounds, and Toronto defeated visiting Atlanta for their season-best eighth consecutive win.

Kyle Lowry had 12 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists to become Toronto’s all-time leader in assists with 3772, passing Jose Calderon (3770).

John Collins had 28 points and 12 rebounds and Trae Young added 18 points and 13 assists for Atlanta, which have lost 10 consecutive games against Toronto. Former Raptor Vince Carter, who received a video tribute and a standing ovation, scored 10.

Memphis Grizzlies 104-Denver Nuggets 96

Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Dillon Brooks scored 24 points, and hosts Memphis beat Denver.

Ja Morant scored 14 points, Brandon Clarke had 12, and Jaren Jackson Jr finished with 10 points and a career-high-tying seven blocked shots for the

Grizzlies, who never trailed.

Memphis have won 10 of 13 in January.

Nikola Jokic had 25 points and 13 rebounds, Jerami Grant scored 21 along with a career-best six

Gordon Hayward tallied a game-high 29 points to lead Boston to a win at Miami.

Jaylen Brown notched 25 points, Kemba Walker had 16, Marcus Smart scored 11, and Daniel Theis recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum (out with a groin injury), averaging 21.5 points per game, missed his third consecutive contest, but Boston won for the fourth time in five games.

Goran Dragic led Miami with 23 points. Jimmy Butler had 20 points, and Bam Adebayo contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who are 5-5 in their past 10 games and played their third game in five days. Miami fell to 21-3 at home.

New Orleans Pelicans 125-Cleveland Cavaliers 111

Jrue Holiday scored 28

points and Brandon Ingram added 24 as visiting New Orleans defeated Cleveland.

The Pelicans won for the seventh time in their past nine road games.

JJ Redick scored 15 while rookie Zion Williamson had 14 points and fell one rebound short of his second straight double-double while playing a season-high 30 minutes.

Collin Sexton scored 24 points, Kevin Porter Jr added 21, and Larry Nance Jr had 17 points and 11 rebounds as the Cavaliers lost their eighth consecutive home game.

Phoenix Suns 133-Dallas Mavericks 104

Devin Booker scored 32 points and Deandre Ayton added 31 as Phoenix got off to a hot start and then used a big third quarter to finish off a blowout road victory over Dallas.

Kelly Oubre Jr scored 19 points and Mikal Bridges added 13 as the Suns won

their fourth road game in their past five tries primarily owing to a 48-point third quarter.

Luka Doncic scored 21 points for the Mavericks, who lost for the third time in their past five games and dropped their second consecutive home game.

Charlotte Hornets 97New York Knicks 92

Terry Rozier scored 30 points, and hosts Charlotte broke an eight-game losing streak by defeating New York.

The Hornets used a 10-0 run that concluded early in the fourth quarter to jump ahead and grasp control of the game. Miles Bridges added 15 points, Malik Monk supplied 13 points, Willy Hernangomez had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Cody Zeller provided 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets.

The Knicks got 24 points from Julius Randle and 23 from Marcus Morris Sr. (Reuters)

Formula 1 monitoring coronavirus outbreak for Chinese Grand Prix F

ormula 1 says it is "monitoring" the effects of the coronavirus outbreak in China in the context of the country's Grand Prix in April.

The United Kingdom Foreign Office has adjusted its travel advice to warn against all non-essential travel to China.

F1 said it was "monitoring the situation in China closely" in tandem with the race promoter and motorsport's governing body, the FIA. The move comes "in light of [the] advice from the Foreign Office".

Protocols dictate that any request to cancel the race has to come first from the promoter.

The Chinese Grand Prix is due to take place in Shanghai, about 800 kilometres (497 miles) from Wuhan, April 17-19.

The last grand prix to be cancelled as a result of an emergency situation in the host country was the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix, af-

ter protests erupted in the Middle Eastern State as part of the Arab Spring.

British Airways has suspended all direct flights to and from mainland China because of the coronavirus outbreak, which has caused more than 130 deaths, spreading across China and at least 16 other countries.

The number of cases of the virus in China has reached nearly 6000, and Wuhan and the wider Hubei province are effectively in lockdown, with strict travel restrictions.

Hundreds of British citizens being flown back to the UK from Wuhan on Thursday will be put in quarantine for two weeks following their arrival.

Australia, Japan, the US, and European Union na-

Lewis Hamilton won last year's Chinese Grand Prix

tions are also repatriating citizens.

The Chinese Grand Prix is not the only sporting event under potential threat from the virus outbreak.

The World Indoor Athletics Championships, which were due to be held in Nanjing, 500km (311 miles) from Wuhan, March 13-15, have now been postponed.

In Australia, the Chinese women's football team have been put in quarantine before their planned World Cup qualifying matches next month.

G r e a t Britain's women's Olympic basketball qualifying tournament was moved from China to

Serbia.

Meanwhile, the all-electric Formula E series is due to hold a race in Sanya, southern China, on March 21.

Formula E says it is also "closely monitoring" the situation in China in tandem with local authorities. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

People’s Choice T20 cricket set for February 21

C

ricket fans have a reason to celebrate as a new feature – the People’s Choice T20 Cricket Match – has been added to

the Department of Social Cohesion’s Mashramani calendar of events.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Mash

Coordinator Andrew Tyndall disclosed that fans can go to the Department’s Republic Jubilee 2020 Facebook page and vote for

the Caribbean country they want Guyana to face.

“We will look forward to the entire Guyanese population coming out and rooting for the Guyana team as “One People, One Nation with One Destiny”,” he said.

The match will be held at the National Stadium on February 21.

Another huge sporting event Guyanese can look forward to is the Republic Track and Field Games to be held at Leonora Track and Field Stadium.

According to Tyndall, the budget for the games is $4.5 million and will see the Department collaborating with the Guyana Overseas Athletic Association and the Athletic Association of Guyana.

He noted that during the drafting of the Mashramani calendar of events, an important criterion was that there must be activities that allow Guyanese of every persuasion to participate in the celebrations.

(DPI)

Grand National 2020: Tiger Roll heads 105 entries for Aintree race

T

iger Roll is among 105 Grand National entries as trainer Gordon Elliott aims the horse at an unprecedented third successive win in the Aintree race.

The 2018 and 2019 victor is one of 18 entries for Elliott.

Last year, Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum in 1977 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals.

The 173rd running of the world’s richest steeplechase, which has prize money of £1 million, takes place at 17:15 BST on Saturday, April 4.

A maximum of 40 runners will line up on the day, with the weights for each contender announced on February 11.

Red Rum won the race three times, but was runner-up twice before his third triumph.

One For Arthur, winner in 2017, joins Tiger Roll among this year’s entries, as does 2019 runner-up Magic Of Light.

History-seeking Tiger Roll is due to begin his campaign at either the

Georgetown announce strong U-15 interassociation team

Guyana U-15 player Jonathan Van Lange has been named in the squad, but is nursing an injury (Brandon Corlette photo)

A

fter the arranged practice matches for Under-15 players in Georgetown, the following players were select-

Australian Open 2020: Majestic Thiem dumps out Nadal to reach semi-finals

T

Tiger Roll won the 2019 Grand National from Magic Of Light, Rathvinden and Walk in the Mill

Grade Two Boyne Hurdle at Navan on February 16 or the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham on March 10.

Trainer Elliott accounts for 18 of the 45 Irish-trained entries in total – the most of any handler – and is targeting a fourth triumph in the race that would see him join Fred Rimmell and Ginger McCain as the most successful trainer in Grand National history.

“Tiger Roll could be priceless for racing”

Nothing has been confirmed about Tiger Roll definitely lining up at Aintree, but assuming he’s 100 per cent in early April, he can be expected to be there.

For the sport, his participation is something people have been looking forward to since April 2019,

but Michael O’Leary clearly sees the possibility of a remarkable fifth success at the Cheltenham Festival as, at the very least, just as important.

But, on the basis that only the middle aged can recall seeing Red Rum in action, Tiger Roll rolling up and becoming a new Aintree icon would be priceless for racing. (BBC Sport)

ed to represent Georgetown in the upcoming 2020 Inter Association Competition in Demerara which is slated to bowl off on February 3.

The 15-member squad reads: John Persaud; Romeo Deonarain (Vice Captain); Riyad Latif; Silo Adams; Gabriel Rookham; Stephon Sankar (Captain); Malicai Hopkison; Ryan Latif; Jayden Dowlin; Temal Ramsamooj; Joshua Walcott; Wavell Allen; Dave Mohadir; Prem KumarPermaul and Jonathan Van Lange (Injured) On Monday, February 3, West Demerara will play Georgetown at Everest, and East Bank Demerara will come up against East Coast Demerara at Lusignan.

In the second round, on Wednesday, February 5, East Coast Demerara will play Georgetown at Lusignan, while West Demerara will do battle with East Bank Demerara at Everest.

In the third and final round on Friday, February 7, East Bank Demerara will play Georgetown at Everest, while East Coast Demerara will do battle with West Demerara at Lusignan. All matches will begin at 09:00h.

op seed Rafael Nadal was denied a place in the Australian Open semi-finals as Austria’s Dominic Thiem rattled the Spaniard with a powerful display to win a four-set thriller.

Fifth seed Thiem won 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (8-6) at Melbourne Park.

The 26-year-old, beaten by Nadal in the past two French Open finals, missed two match points before taking a third to win in four hours and 10 minutes.

He will now face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in Friday’s last-four match.

It will be a first semi-final in

Melbourne for both men and the winner will face either Serbia’s defending champion Novak Djokovic or Swiss third seed Roger Federer in Sunday’s final.

Thiem missed the chance to serve out the match at 5-4 in the fourth, becoming jittery with three unforced errors and a double fault as Nadal levelled despite doing little to earn it.

But Thiem regrouped to win the third tie-break of a thrilling contest against the 19-time Grand Slam champion.

“I was holding my serve great and then it came to 5-4,” Thiem said.

“That was a special situation for me, serving against Rafa for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time.

“It was a mentally tough situation, but I turned it around again in the tie-breaker.”

Thiem raised both arms in the air when Nadal hit a forehand into the net on the third match point, clutching and shaking his head in what was likely to be a mixture of relief and disbelief. (BBC Sport)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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Van Lange ecstatic after retaining U-18 and U-15 titles

…focused on Caribbean championship

By Timothy Jaikarran

A

fter a successful Junior National Table Tennis Championship, Jonathan Van Lange is elated that he was able to defend his U-18 and U-15 titles.

The 13-year-old is now focused on winning the Caribbean U-15 championship title.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport when asked how he felt after retaining his titles, Van Lange said, “I feel great you; all my hard

work has paid off coming in from last year. All my training has paid off as well as it assisted me with more critical thinking during my games.

I know a lot has been said about me and Kaysan (Ninvalle), to make it look as though we were feuding, but I blanked it out, I forgot about it and I just focused on the tennis and I came out successful thanks to God. I just want to thank my coach Dwain Dick of the Titans Tennis Club as he impacted me a lot; he has brought me to this level, as when I just started, I could have barely held my rac-

quet, so I have come a far way in three years. My main focus now is the Caribbean U-15 Championship as I believe once I can win that I can move on to the U-18.”

In his U-18 and U-15 journey, he made it through the preliminary rounds with ease; nevertheless, he knew that a young fiery Kaysan Ninvalle would be his opponent in both finals. When the two met, Van Lange was the eventual victor, as Ninvalle had no answer for him.

In the U-18 category, Van Lange flew past Ninvalle with ease, and

…hosted in honour of Coach Huburn Evans

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The Floodlights Under-15 team proudly displayed their tokens in Florida

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in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

Jonathan Van Lange cuts during the recently-concluded Juniors Championship

was able to win the first two rounds 11-8, 11-5. Despite losing 11-8 in the third set, Van Lange returned strong to win the last game 11-6.

The U-15 finale was nothing like the Under-18’s, as Van Lange did not allow Ninvalle to breath, cramping him and constantly applying the pressure with every serve. He was able to win all three matches 11-9, 11-8, 11-8, to reclaim both titles.

Floodlights Under-15 Joseph optimistic about Trojans to tackle DCC in 30over game this Friday making 2-Day semis

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L

Coach Hubern Evans

osing finalists in the recently-concluded Youth US Open Cricket Tournament played in Florida and organised

by Cricket Council USA, Floodlights Under-15 will take on the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Under-15 team in a feature 30-over game from 16:30h on Friday, January 31 at the DCC Ground.

The match, which will be contested under lights, is in honour of Huburn Evans, the Coach of the Floodlights Under-15 team that toured Florida. Evans, a former national senior cricketer

and former national youth coach, is currently visiting these shores and the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) saw fit to recognise his work with the kids on tour. He had as support former West Indies Captain, the prolific Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was the team manager. The Floodlights Under-15 are the first team from Guyana that ever participated in that tournament.

Friday evening’s contest promises to be a cracker with two evenly balanced teams.

The Floodlights Under-15 will be led by all-rounder Alvin Mohabir and will include the classy West Indies Under-15 player Mavendra Dindial, national Under-15 all-rounder Zachary Jodah, the consistent Dave Mohabir and new find Joash Persaud. National Under-15 player Jonathan Van Lange, Demerara Under-15 all-rounder Romeo Deonarain and Premkumar Permaul will turn up for their team, DCC. The DCC line-up also includes national Under-15 player Jaden

Campbell, Shaquan Walters, Wavel Allen, and Nick Raghunauth.

Teams: Floodlights Under-15: Alvin Mohabir (Captain); Mavendra Dindial; Zachary Jodah; Nicholas Shiopersaud; Arun Gainda; Gabriel Rookhum; Nityanand Mathura; Dave Mohabir; Joash Persaud; Ravindra Singh and John Persaud. Notable absentee is Stephon Sankar, who is out with injury.

DCC: Shaquan Walters (Captain); Romeo Deonarain; Jonathan Van Lange; Jaden Campbell; Nick Raghunauth; Wavel Allen; Mahiem Khan; Jeremiah Hohenkirk; Jayden Dowlin; Premkumar Permaul; Shilo Adams; Jashua Walcott; Kareem Caesar and Mark Seecharran.

Players are asked to report to the ground no later than 16:00h (4 pm). This match is sponsored by Ramchand Auto Spares, Trophy Stall, Ariel Enterprise, Tropical Spring Waters, Mike’s Pharmacy, Survival Group of Companies & 4R.

T

he GCA cricketing season has reopened and as such the UG Trojans are looking to book their spot in the Noble House Seafoods Two-Day Second-Division tournament.

As such, Trojans Coach Kenroy Joseph is optimistic that his side can make the cut, with the inclusion of fresh talent for the 2020 season.

When asked by Guyana Times his views on the performance of the Trojans this season, Joseph said, “Well, since the season has restarted, we have won two 40-overs matches and one Two-Day Second-Division match. We are positive of the season thus far; we just need to work on our fielding; since the season has started, we have put down at least 20 catches. I know we will be able to correct this issue, as we have a new ground we are

using. We are using the Queen’s College Ground; thus, we are getting the much-needed practice. We have two more two-day games remaining; it is our hope to win both, worstcase scenario is that we can win one and draw the other, this should secure us a spot in the semi-final.”

Joseph went on to state that the squad was now better than before as it was boosted by the experienced Damion Vantul, who gives them a better chance of qualifying. He also noted that there were also other players who give the squad that much-needed boost such as Yakini Favourite, Devon Paul, Omesh Danram, Oswald Benn, Ershaad Ali, (and) Keon Roberts, which is a good reflection on the team.

Joseph also declared: “I am extremely grateful to the University of Guyana for allowing me to complete my Level 2 coaching (certification), and I will be looking forward to a better partnership with the university, to foster more growth in cricket.”

Damion Vantul’s return has boosted the Trojans squad

22

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Immediate impact: Smith seeking to extend consistency in Regional 4-Day ꟷ sights set on bagging 45 wickets

By Brandon Corlette

"H

e is a tremendous find for us, especially losing some senior Guyana Jaguars players to West Indies duties; we've got to hug him up and keep him in this system to see how best we can support him.

He has a lot of good attributes

for a fast bowler, and we will put in those fine touches to make him better."

Those were the sentiments shared by Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon on fast bowling sensation Nial Smith.

The 24-year-old Tucber Park pacer has been living his dream in the ongoing Regional 4-Day tournament, having made an

immediate impact with wickets.

Since his debut he has played three matches and has picked up 16 wickets; along with Veerasammy Permaul, he is the leading wicket-taker thus far in the tournament. In his debut match in North Sound, Antigua, he finished with 6-55 and 2-41 against Leeward Islands. During his first match at home, at the National Stadium Providence, he rocked the Red Force team with 5-12, his second fifer in three matches.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Smith disclosed that he has his eyes set on taking 45 wickets if given the opportunity to play all the matches.

"That is the landmark I want to achieve, but with such a goal I need to keep working much harder at my skills and keep getting better each and every game", Smith explained.

Reflecting on his First-Class debut in Antigua, Smith had this to say: "I’d like to give all the praise to God, just believing in him and making me believe in myself has given me a lot of confidence; it’s really a dream start to take six wickets in my

maiden First-Class game. I couldn’t ask for a better start to my career than that and I hope I could keep performing on a consistent level and doing well for my country. Once I could keep doing well along with the team in every aspect, we certainly should be able to take away this title for the sixth consecutive time… I'm really happy with this start."

In unfamiliar territory, Smith extracted good bounce and pace on the pitches in Antigua and Barbados, but he demolished a strong Red Force team with some steaming fast bowling on a slower surface at Providence. Smith told this publication that his plan was to keep it simple at Providence.

"It takes a lot of skills to be able to take wickets as a fast bowler bowling at Providence, I think bowling wicket to wicket on these pitches is the key and that was my plan in the match against Red Force," Smith disclosed.

The right-arm fast bowler, who is hungry for success at this level, further added that he would be aiming to prove himself throughout this tournament while putting in the hard yards of work.

"Knowing these guys (Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul) were senior players and with

Nial Smith in action against Red Force (Brandon Corlette photos)

me being the new kid on the block had put me under some pressure to perform. But with this start, it’s not that much pressure anymore; however, I still wanna keep proving myself throughout this tournament and I’m going to keep working hard towards my game and personal skills to improve on a daily basis," the fit fast bowler

disclosed.

Jaguars Head Coach Crandon noted that once Smith was consistent, he had a long way to go. The five-time defending champions, Guyana Jaguars will meet Jamaica Scorpions in their fourth-round clash from February 6-9 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Magnum Mash Cup

Back Circle, Future Stars, Gold is Money bag wins

A

A snippet of the action on Tuesday evening

s the quest to make it into the knockout round continues, some entertaining games were witnessed on Tuesday evening as the Magnum Mash Cup futsal tournament continued.

The likes of Back Circle, Future Stars, Rio All-Stars, Sophia and Gold is Money were among the winners when the tournament resumed at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on Tuesday.

Back Circle whipped Bad-a-Yard 12-2. Stephon McLean smashed four goals in the second, eighth, 14th and 17th minute.

Adding hat-tricks were Meshach Barratt in the ninth, 12th and 16th minute and Selwyn Williams in

the fifth, 10th and 19th.

Assisting with goals in the 11th and 13th minute respectively were Jaleel Hamilton and Dellon Kelly.

For the losers, Jermaine Tinch and Wendell Austin scored in the seventh and 20th minute each.

Similarly, Sophia dismissed Island All-Stars 4-1. Dwayne Lowe recorded a helmet trick in the seventh, eighth, 15th and 16th minute. For the losers, Devon Hayman netted in the ninth minute.

On the other hand, Future Stars edged Mocha 3-2. Kenard Simon bagged a double in the fourth and eighth minute, while Shane Morris netted in the 14th minute. For the losers, Amos Ramsay and Kevin

Gordon scored in the fifth and 12th minute.

Likewise Gold is Money battled past Stabroek Ballers 4-3.

Randolph Wagner recorded a hattrick in the fifth, 14th and 16th minute, while Andrew Murray scored in the 13th minute. For the losers, Kemo Lawrence recorded a hat-trick in the ninth, 10th and 20th minute. Also, Rio All-Stars edged Melanie 1-0. Jermin Junior scored in the third minute to seal the win.

According to tournament coordinator and CoDirector of San Sports, Esan Griffith, in an official press release, “Once again the fans were treated to another drama-filled night of action. Several high-profile

teams were pushed to their respective limits while an upset result once again occurred. This bodes well for the event, as there is an element of unpredictability and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the matches. Once again, I would like to thank the fans and players for their continued support in making the tournament an overall success. It is only through this level of un-

wavering support can the competition continue to improve each edition.”

On tonight’s agenda, Future Stars will match skills with Spot-7 from 19:00h in the opening match while Alexander Village tackle Mocha from 19:30h and Leopold oppose Spartacus from 20:00h.

In the fourth encounter, North East La Penitence battle Avocado Ballers from 20:30h while Sparta

Boss tackle Ansa McAl All-Stars from 21:00h and Bent Street take aim at Showstoppers from 21:30h.

The winners of the event will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy, while the second-place side will collect $300,000 and the respective accolade.

The third- and fourth-place unit will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Point Standings Group-A

Team GP W L D GF GA Back Circle 2 2 1 0 12 3 Ansa McAl 1 1 0 0 2 0 Sparta Boss 1 1 0 0 1 0 Bad-A-Yard 2 0 2 0 2 14

GD Pts. +9 3 +2 3 +1 3 -12 0

Group-D

Team GP Showstoppers 1 Bent St 1 Avocado 1 N/East 1

Group-B

Group-E

Group-C

Group-F

Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts. Spartacus 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 3 Leopold St 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3 Rio All-Stars 2 1 1 0 3 3 0 3 Melanie 2 0 2 0 1 3 -2 0 Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts. Alex Village 1 1 0 0 6 1 +5 3 Future Stars 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 3 Mocha 1 0 1 0 2 3 -1 0 Spot-7 1 0 1 0 1 6 -5 0

Team GP Sophia 1 Broad St 1 Kingston 1 Island All-Stars

W 1 0 0 0

W 1 1 0 10

Team GP W Gold is Money 1 1 Belfield 1 1 Stabroek Ballers 1 0 Albouystown 1 0

L D 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0

GF GA GD Pts. 2 1 +1 3 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 -1 0

L 0 0 1 1

D GF GA GD Pts. 0 4 1 +3 3 0 2 1 +1 3 0 1 2 -1 0 0 1 4 -3 0

L 0 0 1 1

D GF GA GD Pts. 0 4 3 +1 3 0 2 1 +1 3 0 3 4 -1 0 0 1 2 -1 0

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

23

West Indies eliminated from U-19 WC after New Zealand miracle win N

ew Zealand's No 9 Joey Field and No 10 Kristian Clarke put on an unbeaten 86run ninth-wicket stand to take New Zealand through to the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup. They knocked out West Indies – who entered the game unbeaten throughout the competition – in a dramatic two-wicket win in Benoni to set up a semi-final clash against either South Africa or Bangladesh.

It seemed New Zealand's tournament was going to be over when they were reduced to 153 for 8

helped bowl West Indies out for 238.

It wasn't even the first time Clarke's heroics with the bat h a d

for 2. Kevlon A n d e r s o n (33) and Kirk McKenzie then a d d -

Ashmead Nedd was at his economical best

saved New Zealand.

In their must-win game against Sri Lanka in the

arm spinn e r and captain Jesse Tashkoff saw West Indies crumble from 183 for 3 to 205 for 8 in the space of 7.3 overs before they were bowled out for 238 in the 48th over. McKenzie, who had retired hurt earlier, returned to be dismissed for 99 as the last West Indies

Kirk McKenzie played a fighting innings of 99

New Zealand batsmen are all smiles after a thrilling win

in their chase of 239. Field and Clarke, however, put on a heroic stand and took the game to the last over to eventually win with two balls to spare. Clarke's contribution wasn't only with the bat; his 4 for 25 had

group stage, he had had struck a final-over six to secure New Zealand's spot in the knockouts.

The game had begun with West Indies opting to bat, but they lost their openers inside ten overs to be 32

ed 78 runs to take West Indies past 100, and a 73run fourth-wicket stand between McKenzie and Antonio Morris (31) set West Indies up for a solid total. However, a collapse triggered by Clarke and left-

batsman. Once he was dismissed, New Zealand's players carried McKenzie off the field since he was suffering from cramps.

In reply, New Zealand lost opener Ollie White for a duck early and Rhys Mariu, their top-scorer in the tournament, soon followed for 26. Fergus Lellman and Tashkoff fell within the space of four deliveries as New Zealand's score read 67 for 4 after 15.1 overs. A brief recovery from Quinn Sunde (32) and Simon Keene took them to 118, but once the former was trapped lbw, New Zealand crumbled again.

Ashmead Nedd, the leftarm spinner, was the architect of the middle-order collapse, taking three wickets in the space of 15 deliveries between overs 31 and 35.

At 153 for 8, West Indies were roaring and had one foot in the semi-final, but

SCOREBOARD

West Indies U-19s Innings KS Melius (c) c Lellman b Hancock 17 LJA Julien † c Ashok b Field 4 KA Anderson b Keene 33 KSA McKenzie b Clarke 99 ARD Morris lbw b Clarke 31 NRJ Young c Lellman b Tashkoff 1 MJS Patrick c Ashok b Clar ke 1 MW Forde c Ashok b Tashkoff 9 JM James lbw b Clarke 18 AR Nedd lbw b Field 0 JNT Seales not out 9 Extras 16 (b 1, lb 1, w 14) TOTAL 238 all out (47.5 Overs, RR: 4.97) Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Leonardo Julien, 3.6 ov), 2-32 (Kimani Melius, 9.1 ov), 3-110 (Kevlon Anderson, 23.6 ov), 4-183 (Antonio Morris, 35.4 ov), 5-184 (Nyeem Young, 36.2 ov), 6-191 (Matthew Patrick, 37.6 ov), 7-205 (Matthew Forde, 42.3 ov), 8-205 (Ashmead Nedd, 43.1 ov), 9-238 (Joshua James, 47.4 ov), 10238 (Kirk McKenzie, 47.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W KDC Clarke 7.5 2 25 4 JFA Field 8 0 52 2 DB Hancock 4 0 21 1 JM Tashkoff 10 2 35 2 A Ashok 8 0 60 0 B W Greenall 7 0 25 0 Field and Clarke then put on a show to take the game away from them. New Zealand needed 45 from the last four overs but two expensive overs – by Matthew Forde and Nyeem Young – brought the equation down to 17 off 12. The 49th over, delivered by Forde, lasted eight deliveries and went for 10 runs with the left-arm quick delivering

S Keene 3 0 18 1

• New Zealand Under19s Innings RA Mariu lbw b James 26 OJ White c Morris b Forde 0 FF Lellman c Forde b Jam es 29 JM Tashkoff (c) c †Julien b Young 6 QLM Sunde † lbw b Forde 32 S Keene c †Julien b Nedd 33 B Wheeler-Greenall b Nedd 16 A Ashok c & b Nedd 0 JFA Field not out 38 KDC Clarke not out 46 Extras 13 (lb 3, nb 1, w 9) TOTAL 239/8 (49.4 Overs, RR: 4.81) Yet to bat: DB Hancock Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Ollie White, 2.2 ov), 2-52 (Rhys Mariu, 12.1 ov), 3-66 (Fergus Lellman, 14.4 ov), 4-67 (Jesse Tashkoff, 15.1 ov), 5-118 (Quinn Sunde, 24.3 ov), 6-148 (Simon Keene, 30.3 ov), 7-150 (Adithya Ashok, 32.3 ov), 8-153 (Beckham WheelerGreenall, 34.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W MW Forde 9 0 64 2 JNT Seales 6 1 21 0 JM James 8 0 45 2 NRJ Young 7.4 0 55 1 AR Nedd 10 0 33 3 MJS Patrick 9 0 18 0 two wides. It meant New Zealand needed seven off the final over, and they got there after Field struck a four off the second ball of the last over. Clarke's 46 was the highest score by a No 10 in the Under-19 World Cup history while their partnership was the highest for the ninth wicket in a chase. (ESPNcricinfo)

BCB Lewison General Store U-15 cricket...

West Indies U-16 and Port Mourant batsman Rampertab Ramnauth (Brandon Corlette photo)

Rampertab Ramnauth slams double century ꟷ Blairmont duo in unbeaten 304-run partnership

W

est Indies U-16 batsman Rampertab Ramnauth continues to show his class above the rest, carving up a brilliant 265 against Number 73 Village at a relatively small Jai Hind Ground last weekend in the Ancient County.

Ramnauth's masterclass took his Port Mourant team to a record 447-run win.

The left-handed batting sensation had earlier scored a brilliant 179 against Rose

Hall Town (RHT) Farfan and Mendes, which led Port Mourant to a win over the RHT team.

In another match-up, Blairmount Cricket Club beat Bush Lot Cricket Club by 261 runs in their latest match, which was held last weekend. Led by an unbeaten 304-run partnership between Romeo Deonarain, who scored 156, and Rashaad Gaffur, who made 110, Blairmount reached 348-1 off 43 overs, with extras

contributing 67 to the total.

Bush Lot, in reply, catapulted to 88 with 27 extras. Sajaad Ishmael had 5-6 and Deonarain, who had three catches dropped off his bowling, supported with 3-18. Port Mourant Cricket Club, Albion Permaul Trading and Distribution, Rose Hall Canje and Blairmont have advanced to the play-off rounds of the tournament.

More scores will be published in a subsequent report.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies eliminated from U-19 WC after New Zealand miracle win

Page 22

Page 23

Magnum Mash Cup Page 22

Back Circle, Future Stars, Gold is Money bag wins

Immediate impact: Smith seeking to extend consistency in Regional 4-Day ꟷ sights set on bagging 45 wickets

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