Guyana Time October 3, 2019.

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P7 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4065

THE BEACON OF TRUTH thursday, OCTOber 3, 2019

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Tullow eyes constructing local shore base by next year

Page 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P11 30 cases completed as June Assizes wrap up

Man gets 3 years' imprisonment for robbing P8 septuagenarian

– will run 2020 drilling programme from Guyana Almost 1 year after passage of no-confidence resolution

Yesu Persaud criticises Guyana’s slow electoral system Page 7

Woman attempted to smuggle ganja to lover in Police P2 lock-ups Man remanded on attempted murder P8 charge

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali met with residents in several flood-affected villages across the country over the past few days. In this photo, Ali visited Columbia Village on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB), where he had a first-hand look at the damage caused as a result of a breach. According to Ali, although the current high tides are a major contributing factor, negligence by the Administration is also responsible for the severe flooding

Digicel employee Guyana celebrates robbed on way Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary home from work Page 13

Page 2

…2nd person robbed at Vreed-en-Hoop in 1 week

More work is needed to achieve gender parity — P14 First Lady

2 NEWS

thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Digicel employee robbed on way home from work

WCB man admits to killing businesswoman in 2016 …2nd person robbed at Vreed-en-Hoop in 1 week A

27-year-old Rosignol, West Coast Berbice (WCB) resident on Wednesday admitted to the 2016 killing of businesswoman Bibi Shairoon Ali, of Novar, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) when he appeared at the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon.

Davanand Rampersaud was initially charged jointly with his teen accomplice for the capital offence of murder back in 2016.

Nevertheless, during Wednesday’s court hearing, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Rampersaud admitted that between October 15, 2016 and October 17, 2016

Murdered: Bibi Shairoon Ali

at Lot 4 Novar, he killed the 56-year-old Shairoon Ali, during the course of a robbery.

According to reports, the East Coast businesswoman was discovered lying face down in her home by her nephew, who went to check on her after she was not seen for several days.

It was reported that Ali’s neck was broken and there were lacerations about her body. The woman’s house was also ransacked, as several items, including phone cards, were missing.

The sentencing of Rampersaud was deferred to October 15, 2019 to accommodate the preparation and presentation of a probation report.

A

23-year-old employee attached to Digicel Guyana is left traumatised after she was robbed of her valuables whilst sitting in a taxi to head home at Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, West Bank Demerara.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the incident occurred around 19:00h on Tuesday evening.

Bibi Mohammed told this publication that she was on her way home, when the lone bandit crept up to the taxi and snatched her handbag, which contained a quantity of cash and her cell phone.

“I was in the car waiting for it to load, I was in the front seat and there was this guy, he just come and snatch my bag and run away. I had

my phone valued $65,000 and $115,000 cash in my bag, I was heading home” she stated.

The Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) resident further related that a report was subsequently made to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station but when ranks surveyed the area, the suspect was not found.

“I didn’t suspect him, I was sitting calmly in the front seat looking ahead of me, and there was this voice saying ‘aye wam deh girl’ and the guy just snatch my bag and run…I went to Vreed-en-Hoop station and I gave a statement, and the Police, about four of them, went to the Stelling searching for him but they didn’t find him” Mohammed relat-

ed.

Only on Monday, 19-yearold Audriana Stoll was robbed on her way to work on after exiting a taxi at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction on West Bank Demerara.

The teen told that she boarded a taxi from Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and stopped off at the junction to board a bus en route to the WCD at about 07:20h.

However, she was approached by a man, who held a knife at her as he demanded her phone and money. She explained that the man was dressed in a black hoodie shirt with a bandana around his face. After making his demands, she handed over $4500 and a Samsung phone valued at $89,000.

Woman attempted to smuggle ganja to lover in Police lock-ups

T

he girlfriend of a prisoner who is presently on remand for murder was arrested after she attempted to smuggle a quantity of ganja to her lover in a pair of sneakers.

Reports are that around 13:00h on Wednesday, the 29-year-old female visited the Wales Police Station,

West Bank Demerara (WBD) where prisoners were being attended to.

She then approached Police Officers and handed a rank a pair of black sneakers requesting that the Policeman ensure that her boyfriend, Alexander La Cruz, received the footwear.

However, during the ini-

tial examination of the footwear, the rank became suspicious since the sole of each sneaker appeared to be fake.

He then proceeded to examine the sneakers further, and it was then a compressed plastic wrapper containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems were unearthed.

The woman was immedi-

ately notified of the discovery and she began to behave in a disorderly manner inside the station.

However, the ranks continued with their investigation and weighed the illicit substance in her presence before taking her into custody. Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

news

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 3 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Friday, October 4 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 3 –07:10h – 08:40h and Friday, October 4 – 08:00h – 09:30h.

Hold President accountable for election date – Foreign Affairs Minister -says agitation of int’l community “uncalled for”

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

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Winds: North-Easterly to South South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.9 metres.

High Tide: 07:27h and 19:38h reaching maximum heights of 2.54 metres and 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 13:13h reaching a minimum height of 0.75 metre.

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Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

hile many have expressed criticism for the Government’s delays before going to the polls, Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings is urging that President David Granger be held to his word that he will deliver elections on March 2, 2020.

Dr Cummings made this pronouncement on Wednesday, during her first ever press conference as Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Minister, the President ought to be held accountable by the public to follow through with elections.

“You would recall that our executive President would have said that he is going to, not dissolve Parliament, but he would stay in Government until another President is sworn in. We don’t want a headless chicken, who will run the country? There’s work to be done, public servants need to be paid and so on”.

“We’re all aware of the situation. We don’t want to aggravate the situation. So we have said, we (had) our right to take it to the different levels of the judicial system. We respect the rule of law, though there are various interpretations. But we recognise and the President has agreed to his (interim status). He has announced a date and whatever he says, you can hold him accountable to, that the date for elections will be March 2”.

Dr Cummings noted

that the March 2, 2020 date was set by the President after he would have consulted with GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh.

She called it the most plausible date for credible elections.

W

International pressure

It was only on Monday that the Commonwealth became the latest in a line of organisations to urge the President to call elections immediately. Similar calls also came from the United States, British and European Union diplomatic representatives. According to Dr Cummings, however, the pressure put on the Government by the international community for constitutional compliance was “uncalled for”.

She noted that having met with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland in New York during the General Assembly, the Government explained its side of the constitutional upheaval. According to Dr Cummings, there was no need for “agitation” or sanctions from the international

Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland

President David Granger

community.

“I spoke to the Secretary General of the UN and he said ok, I know you have hiccups and so on. But we were happy to say that in Guyana, there was no war.

We have hiccups here and there, but there’s no (upheavals), or lives being lost here and there. So I don’t think we need sanctions at this point in time. Because we’re very peaceful citizens”.

“We’re going along our business, who’s going to the market, who’s going to work.

So thank God we’ve maintained the peace… we met with all stakeholders and members of the diplomatic corps. And the President would have outlined the way forward. So all this agitation is uncalled for. We are a Government and we re-

main in power until another President is sworn in. March 2, wherever the chips fall, that is it”.

Before President Granger issued his elections proclamation on Monday, international pressure was continuing to mount on him and the Government. The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union, as well as the Commonwealth, all issued statements urging the naming of an election date.

Soon after, the UK High Commission took the step of advising that continued funding for two infrastructural projects were on pause.

Design work on the seawall rehabilitation project and the Linden to Mabura road were previously funded from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, october 3, 2019

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

Optimus obstructionists E

xaggeration has become a fixture in political rhetoric, just as the proverbial promises. Expectation for these becomes rife during the campaign period and, generally, they are either taken seriously or dismissed by the electorate. However, the solid and immovable base firmly holds on to them.

While that’s acceptable, what becomes unacceptable in the process is the overly glaring, deliberate and unashamed efforts to distort facts to create a new and desired “reality”.

Nowhere is this more evident in recent history as it has been from December 21, 2018, to the present. Since the historic No-Confidence Motion (NCM) on that day, it has become repetitive to state that simple and unambiguous language in the Constitution has been purposely misconstrued to create a belief of its invalidity among supporters of the APNU/AFC coalition.

To further develop and peddle that sense of doubt, APNU/AFC, in its blatant attempt to defy the Constitution, manufactured a most preposterous mathematical theory to claim that the majority of 65 is 34 rather than 33. In a desperate attempt to invalidate the NCM, it presented that laughable argument to the court. It was thrown out by the Chief Justice and eventually, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

What became even more laughable, was the sight of senior officials of APNU/AFC, including Attorneys, trying to convince Guyanese and the rest of the world that 33 is not a majority of 65. It became very embarrassing for Guyanese to explain that absurd and vehement argument. Many questioned if those officials were not aware of the personal embarrassment they brought upon themselves in the process.

That, sadly, was the price they were prepared to pay just to foist their imposition upon the Guyanese people so as to remain in office.

That’s not mere exaggeration, but blatant falsification of facts and total disregard for the rule of law. The art of spinning information, as expected and masterfully crafted by spin-doctors, cannot even be attributed to explain APNU/AFC’s illogical mathematical argument in light of what the Constitution clearly states.

While spinning generally infers infusing elasticity into the facts, what APNU/AFC did was to completely ignore them. With suppression of undeniable facts its main objective, the coalition never relented.

The June 2019 ruling of the CCJ upheld the validity of the NCM and the mandated constitutional process for elections within three months; no later than September 18 unless an extension was sought and agreed to by a two-thirds majority of Parliament.

It never sought that extension or engage the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for that purpose. September 18 came and went and elections, which should have already been held, are now slated for March 2020. Now an unconstitutional regime, APNU/AFC is touting the need for an extension and trying to pass blame to the PPP for the absence of one. It appears the intention is to have a budget passed.

Clearly, APNU/AFC knew that, without the extension, it would be illegal in office after September 18. Therefore, its attempt to deflect blame to the PPP, is nothing but a calculative move to deceive while illegally extending its hold on power. In doing so, it got what many believe to be its desires: a complete disregard for the NCM and elections in 2020.

That has been achieved at the expense of the welfare of the Guyana and Guyanese, democracy and the rule of law. While Guyanese and many members of the international community have readily pointed out APNU/AFC’s illegality following its blatant disrespect for the Constitution, through its leader, the coalition continues to adamantly boast of adhering to the said Constitution.

In reality, nothing could be further from the truth, unless adhering has a completely different meaning. This sustained disingenuous utterance is yet another conspicuous instance of APNU/AFC’s flagrant effort to create a different reality.

When such callous behaviour is examined over time, an unsurprising pattern is revealed. During the 2015 election campaign, the APNU/AFC coalition convinced, among others, that it will root out corruption, ensure transparency in government, and would allow the rule of law to prevail.

For every one of those utterances, the opposite has occurred and, more so, within an extremely short span of time.

The self-proclaimed APNU/AFC transformers, which could be termed “Optimus Obstructionists”, other than transforming from promisers to that of doing nothing, have failed abysmally on two counts: to institute any semblance of positive transformation in the country and to accept the rule of law.

This is undoubtedly characteristic of what the People’s National Congress (PNC), the government in reality, is famous for as evident from our history. It remains woefully unwilling to transform itself in the interest of a progressive Guyana.

Sadly, and unfortunately, this is what has become to be expected of the PNC, and given its history, it’s not an exaggeration of utterances in any form. What is also clear, is that Guyana appears to be the only country in which a government is defeated by a NCM, but stays in office on its own terms and a year and three months after it was defeated.

Those are the facts— unquestionable facts— that have been suppressed by APNU/AFC for its own self-interest. Again, that’s no exaggeration or politically charged rhetoric, just a reminder how Optimus Obstructionists operate.

Students of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre reflected on the life of Mahatma Gandhi as Guyana observed the 150th birth anniversary of the noble leader at the Promenade Gardens on Wednesday (Shaconeil Burnette photo)

In Ecuador, 1 woman has given shelter to over 8500 Venezuelans

E

Continued

dgar Soto and his wife Yennifer Peralta crossed the border just before the new visa restrictions went into effect.

Since it can take up to one or two days to reach Carcelen’s house by foot from the border, Venezuelans continued to trickle in in high numbers days after the restrictions were passed.

Soto and Peralta walked for more than 10 hours before a trucker finally brought them to Carcelen’s house. It was their 19th day on the road, which they spent mostly walking and occasionally hitching rides on the back of trucks through Colombia.

The night they spent in Carcelen’s home was the first time in six days they slept in an enclosed space with a roof over their head.

“I never imagined that I would arrive here, I thought I would be sleeping in the streets tonight, as we have been,” Soto said.

“When you live through bad moments, something good always happens,” he told Al Jazeera.

The young couple said that twice in Colombia they had to outrun violent hooligans who chased them with machetes and threw rocks at the vehicles they were in while trying to steal the little they had. They also heard horror stories of other Venezuelans falling off of the backs of trucks or being killed by traffic while walking along Colombia’s narrow, windy highways.

Since the end of 2018, more than 35 per cent of all Venezuelans who entered Ecuador travelled on foot.

These were mainly people who could not afford to take the bus, according to

Juan Pablo Terminiello, a protection officer with the United Nations Refugee Organization in Quito. This population is increasingly vulnerable, as they face a higher risk of theft, attacks, sexual assault and discrimination while on the open road.

Children are also among this more vulnerable population. More than half of all Venezuelans who arrived at the Ecuador border since the end of 2018 have been family members of Venezuelans already in the country, said Terminiello.

This means many more children are travelling to meet their parents, he added.

Ranmari Mendoza spent one night at Carcelen’s place with her husband and two daughters, ages four and 12. She was living in Peru but had to return to Venezuela to pick up her daughters after her mother became too ill to continue caring for them. Mendoza was now on her way back to Peru after walking the entire return trip. It was her 43rd day on the road.

Discrimination and border policies

Most people here say they have received an enormous amount of help by locals along their journey, but very few people have opened their homes like Carcelen.

A similar house existed in the nearby town of Peguche, run by a local priest. But in July, the shelter was forced to close after locals in the indigenous community caught three Venezuelan thieves in the town square. Videos show police standing by and

In the hostel, men and women are separated and sleep in different rooms, with no exceptions [Photo by: Jonatan Rosas/Al Jazeera]

watching “I don’t think people are up to creating spaces like this any more,” said Javier Arcentales Illescas, a human rights lawyer at the University Andina Simon Bolivar in Quito.

“It’s too risky, with the rising levels of xenophobia in the country, and the lack of policies to detain it,” he told Al Jazeera.

Terminiello said citizen and community initiatives like Carcelen’s are fundamental for migrants and refugees to feel protected and integrated into society.

But it is also questionable whether, or how, these can be sustained.

Carcelen runs her house mostly on the small income that her husband makes selling fruit and vegetables at the city market four days a week. She occasionally receives small private donations. Several international aid organisations have donated plastic chairs, blankets, portable showers and mattresses, but these do not meet Carcelen’s consistent needs of food and money to pay the high water and electricity bills.

Terminiello said UNHCR supports Carcelen, but it does not have enough

funds to contribute financially as the number of people needing assistance in Ecuador is higher than they anticipated.

Carcelen was not entirely sure if the new visa restrictions would affect the number of people that come through her home in the long run. Numbers have dropped over the past weeks, but she continues to receive up to 20 Venezuelans a day looking for temporary shelter. Most of them have entered the country through irregular routes, since they do not have money or the necessary papers for a visa. To apply for any visa, Venezuelans must now show a valid passport, a criminal record check and a $50 processing fee.

Arcentales warned that more people are likely to seek out these alternative ways into the country, which will lead to increased cases of human trafficking, and higher levels of insecurity for migrants and refugees.

Carcelen said she will keep her doors open to Venezuelans passing through, until “it all ends ... and they can finally go home to their things”. (Al

Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, october 3, 2019

5

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

The Opposition would have won the mind game/protest

Dear Editor, It would appear that the recent protest by the Opposition has had a serious effect on the minds of the Government leaders— His Excellency, President David Arthur Granger and officials of the Government, including the Guyana Police Force. The experience at the Pegasus, which was shocking to all citizens, sent vibrations of crisis into the hearts of most Guyanese which reverberated also around the world.

I am not a political soul and hence, I do not go easily for certain kinds of behaviour, I do not know if what they did was right or wrong but to behave in that manner at the Pegasus – with the nation’s diplomats, major manufacturers and industrialists— was not the right thing to do, in my opinion. Personally, I feel a bit confused. It would appear that the Opposition is using every opportunity to call out unto the conscience of the diplomats representing their Heads of State and their respective countries.

Notwithstanding, it is my view that while they raise their protest and their voices, the President is the President. And in respect, should have allowed the gentleman to speak. I know some main members of the Opposition would say that it is an illegal Government and therefore he had no right to speak.

My view is that whether it is a government in full power, or a caretaker government, the

President has his right to speak. You see, people of Guyana, I do not believe in nastiness and my parents trained me to respect leaders, Heads of State, etc etc. I do not have the compunction to be rude or pompous. Hence, I believe personally, that the President, David Arthur Granger, should have been allowed to speak after an initial protest. I also do not think that the President was in his right to say that “someone will pay”. That, to my opinion, sounds like a threat that could create terror and war in the country. Guyana is known to be a land of mostly peace, respectability for religions & ethnicities. We must, at all times, do the best we can to safeguard this gift of peace and goodwill that exist in the land of Guyana.

With the recent lockdown of the major parts of the city on Monday, September 16, 2019, which prevented the free flow of movement in these city parts; it created an enormous inconvenience, annoyance, shock and mental fatigue with the people of this country, especially when they want to have their work, business and lives uninterrupted.

It might have been that there was a threat to do this coming from some misguided persons to create some confusion— of course, with National Security and Heads of State needing to have maximum security, yet I think it was a bit too farfetched and heavy.

The protest at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, on the occasion

Not silly at all Dear Editor, In reference to a letter

by Rovin Singh published October 2 in the Chronicle titled “Why would a newspaper publish such silly views?”. I am surprised at how quickly the Chronicle published Rovin Singh and previous personal attacks without publishing the response provided. Maybe this time will be different.

Quite simply, Rovin Singh has not grasped the concept of leaving resources, in this case oil, in the ground and being compensated for doing so as in the case of our country’s arrangement with our Forestry Industry and the country of Norway.

Yes, a lack of basic understanding can lead to lack of clarity, as in this instance. Maybe a review of the 2009 US$250 million arrangement with Norway may shed some light on what is being pro-

posed. In the arrangement with Norway, it is called the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF) and was used to help slow deforestation of Guyana’s forests.

Also, in 2010, Denmark ($250 million) and Germany ($11 million) signed such agreements with Guyana to counter climate change. (Reference: The World Bank Financial Intermediary Funds website; reference: Political Handbook of the World 2012, pg 588 edited by Tom Lansford).

No one has suggested that Guyanese should stay poor. Happy reading and please look before you leap, especially if there is water in your way from a flood caused by the rising sea level due to climate change.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, hosted by His Excellency Cui Jianchun and Mrs Liang Huili, created an atmosphere of inconvenience and even fear. The security was so heavy, that it appeared to look as if fear persisted in the minds of the Leaders and that the Opposition protesters would have penetrated with placard and misbehaved. Riot squad was in full swing, along with the Police. You could even see undercover officers; it showed the ability of the Government and the Police Force to react to situations when necessary.

The Opposition protesters in the candle light vigil were kept locked away at a far distance, so to not be of any kind of nuisance to the Ambassador’s party.

Personally, I find it annoying that they would have chosen a diplomatic event hosted by a true and great friend of Guyana, that is, the People’s Republic of China, to create this ugly atmosphere of fear, and what appear to be even terroristic – though there was no violence. My view is that they should not have taken the protest to a location like this. However, in fairness I must say that some of my friends, who are journalists, seem to think that yes, they had the right, due to the fact that the Government is illegal and they needed to press their points unto the diplomats, particularly the diplomats that hosted the event. Because of the reac-

tion of the Police and other Government security forces, it would appear that the Opposition has created a fear factor in the minds of the Government. The concomitant result that inconveniences the citizens, to my opinion, displays the reality that the Opposition has won by putting the Government on a defence and fear of the Opposition.

It is truly unfortunate that these brilliant minds of the Government and Opposition cannot sit and talk as big people to solve whatever petty, and I mean petty matters, that divide them as it relates to Governance of Guyana and the development of our peoples and country.

I recall a previous letter I wrote that was published in all the newspapers a short few months back, which was captioned, “The PNC and the PPP/C were birth from the same womb, and therefore, as children of the same womb – even if they are step children— they can learn to love, kiss and make up and heal the nation”.

I will go to my grave panting for breath – if any is still there – believing in the goodness of the human conscience, to work for peace and goodwill. I, honest to God, believe that the PNC and PPP/C can truly save this country, save the resources of this country and together, be a strong negotiator to watch the resources of our country that will better our peoples and our generations to come.

Sincerely, Hajji Roshan Khan

Some things to consider on the issue of cash transfers Dear Editor, The ink is not even dry on President Granger’s signature confirming elections for March and already the idea of cash transfers has gained fresh life. The WPA is leading the charge for APNU/AFC to make a campaign promise of cash transfers, but none will be surprised if politicians are soon falling over one another to make the offer to voters.

Of course, the effectiveness of such a policy is fiercely debated by academics across the globe. Some see such disbursements as a means to provide relief to households and families that are in dire need of support. Others believe it amounts to simply handing out welfare checks, which does nothing to foster entrepreneurial spirit.

Here at home, advocates like Professor Clive Thomas are adamant that cash transfers can help alleviate poverty and be fairly applied to benefit all Guyanese. Yet Thomas’ support also sounds largely theoretical by nature.

Guyanese should care little for these academic, theoretical notions. For us, there are only a few practical questions to consider: 1) Will we have cash available to distribute in the first place?

2) Will our Government be able to implement the transfers equitably and fairly?

3) If we do not have cash transfers, how else will that money be used?

I ask the first question because of an interesting contradiction in the current public discussion. The transfers that Professor Thomas so ardently defends will be generated purely from oil revenues. Yet, Professor Thomas also leads SARA’s investiga-

tion of oil block awards and himself pushes for reopening contracts. But renegotiation means delays for the projects, and delays for the projects mean delays for revenues. I have not been able to make sense of this head-scratching contradiction, but it seems clear that if Guyanese want cash transfers by 2025, moving to revisit contracts now would slow down this process.

The second question is the most obvious issue: for cash transfers to work, a state must have the administrative ability and moral fibre to distribute the payments fairly and equally. Without that important prerequisite, cash payments are simply a tool to grab and maintain political power through bribery.

I must confess that on this I have my doubts, as we have never in our history seen efficient or incorruptible governance. Why would that change now?

This unfortunate fact also has consequences for the third question Guyanese must consider. If we expect our Government and institutions to be wasteful or corrupt with oil revenues, then why not favour a cash transfer?

Better to ensure that money is going to those in need, rather than padding the accounts of the corrupt and powerful.

The idea of cash transfers is not going away any time soon. It may provide an opportunity to provide relief for our fellow Guyanese and jumpstart our economies, but we must demand comprehensive and long-term plans for its implementation. We cannot be simply carried away by the shiny promises of a political campaign.

Yours sincerely, Donald Singh

Thursday, October 3, 2019

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thursday, OCTOber 3, 2019

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Foundation

T

he clothes you wear.

The food you eat.

The colour of your bedroom walls. Where you go and how you get there.

The people you hang with.

What time you go to bed.

What do these things have in common, you’re asking? They’re just a few examples of the many hundreds of things that your parents controlled for you when you were a child. As a kid, you didn’t have a say in very much that went on; your parents made decisions about everything from the cereal you ate in the morning to the pyjamas you wore at night.

And it’s a good thing, too – kids need this kind of protection and assistance because they aren’t mature enough to take care of themselves and make careful decisions on their own.

But eventually, kids

And more complicated issues – like the types of friends you have or your attitudes about sex and partying – can cause even bigger arguments, because your parents will always be intent on protecting you and keeping you safe, no matter how old you are.

The upside

grow up and become teens.

And part of being a teen is developing your own identity – one that is separate from your parents’. It’s totally normal for teens to create their own opinions, thoughts, and values about life; it’s what prepares them for adulthood.

But as you change and grow into this new person who makes his or her own decisions, your par-

ents may have a difficult time adjusting. They aren’t used to the new you yet – they only know you as the kid who had everything decided for you and didn’t mind.

In most families, it’s this adjustment that can cause a lot of fighting between teens and parents.

You want to cover your walls with posters; they don’t understand why you don’t like your kiddie wallpaper anymore. You think it’s OK to hang at the mall every day after school; they would rather that you play a sport.

Clashes like these are very common between teens and parents – teens get angry because they feel parents don’t respect them and aren’t giving them space to do what they like, and parents get angry because they aren’t used to not being in control or they disagree with the teens’ decisions.

It’s easy for feelings to get very hurt when there are conflicts like these.

The good news about fighting with your parents is that in many families the arguing will lessen as parents get more comfortable with the idea that their teen has a right to certain opinions and an identity that may be different from theirs.

It can take several years for parents and teens to adjust to their new roles, though. In the meantime, concentrate on communicating with your parents as best you can.

Sometimes this can feel impossible – like they just don’t see your point of view and never will. But talking and expressing your opinions can help you gain more respect from your parents, and you may be able to reach compromises that make everyone happy. For example, if you are willing to clean your room in order to stay out an hour later, both you and your parents walk away with a good deal.

Keep in mind, too, that your parents were teens once and that, in most cases, they can relate to what you’re going through. (kid-

K

ids in grades K through 2 can start to understand more complex content related to agriculture. Choose activities that help them connect to all the different aspects of the industry to their own lives.

Local Food Day

Challenge kids to eat only locally produced foods and drinks for an entire day. Visit local farms or farmer’s markets to find out what options you have and buy foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Grocery Store Detective

Take a field trip to your local grocery store. Choose to examine either fruits or vegetables. Have kids write down all the kinds of their chosen food group available in the store.

Then note what country each came from (this should be on the packaging somewhere). Make a graph of which countries supplied the most fruits or vegetables.

Simple soil science

Use an old clear, plastic egg carton to collect soil samples from several locations, the farther apart the better. Have kids write down observations about things like the colour and texture of each sample. Allow time for experimenting with water and heat then observe the differences between samples.

Activities for older kids

shealth.org)

Children in Grades Three through Five understand more about how plants and agriculture work. Challenge them with activities and experiments that test this knowledge.

Weed killer experiment

Test out homemade, organic, and chemical weed killers to see which actually works best. You can even have kids invent their own natural options to test out.

Dissect a plant

Before kids are old enough to start dissecting animals or animal parts, they can cut open plants to see what they’re made of. Opt for softer fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, or even flowers and try using a craft knife or kids’ paring knife so no one gets hurt. (Excerpt from kidslovetoknow.com)

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Almost 1 year after passage of no-confidence resolution

Yesu Persaud criticises Guyana’s slow electoral system

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o n g s t a n d i n g Guyanese tycoon and philanthropist, Dr Yesu Persaud believes that for Guyana’s small population, the electoral process should have been a much easier one.

According to Dr Persaud, the lack of this smooth polling process highlights the fact that the country is yet to ‘grow up’. His comments come as Guyana is only now getting ready for elections, after almost one year following the passage of the No-Confidence Motion last December.

“In Guyana here, we have land. A large land mass with a small population. There has been so much dithering over elections, which should

have been an easy process for a small population. That need not be. It shows us we’re not grown up. We have a long way to go, to grow up,” the businessman said.

President David Granger has officially declared March 2, 2020 as the date for General and Regional Elections. As such, the philanthropist called for peace and non-existent violence during this time.

During past elections, there have always been an escalation of violent acts among the people during and after the polls.

“Let’s learn to live together in peace, harmony and togetherness…Be a peaceful people. Have an election that is peaceful. No

Long-standing businessman Yesu Persaud

volume of violence be anywhere,” Persaud advised.

The elections will be held more than one year after the passage of a NoConfidence Motion against the Government – when the Constitution dictates that such elections ought to be held within a three-month period.

Just last June, former Indian High Commissioner V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam had posited that the country needs to have a better tabulation and compilation process so as to reduce the lengthy delays in delivering the poll results.

Having observed the 2015 General and Regional Elections as well as two Local Government Elections – 2016 and 2018 – during his five-year tenure here, the

former High Commissioner had explained during an interview with Guyana Times one thing that would ensure the timely delivery of election results was the fast-tracking of the tabulation process and the way in which the results from each polling station get to the elections body headquarters.

“I’ve seen definitively (the delays in declaring elections results here). It’s not desirable for the anxious voters to wait for a week to get to know their results because it can lead to other complications. So, therefore, it is advisable, and it is better, to have a better system of compilation of the votes from each polling cen-

tre to a centralised location in a secured way, which can be used for declaring the results in the fastest way possible,” the Indian Diplomat asserted.

He noted that while it was up to Guyana to decide on whether to pursue e-voting, finding a less time-consuming and efficient way of tabulating election results would be an “extremely useful step” for Guyana at this point in time in the absence of electronic voting here.

However, Mahalingam was not the only foreign diplomat to recommend faster tabulation of election results in Guyana. Last year, then United States Ambassador Perry Holloway had also touted the idea.

GTT promises faster mobile data with launch of 4G/LTE service – Minister Hughes urges expansion to unserved areas

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ocal telecommunication giant, GTT, has launched its 4G/LTE (Long-term Evolution) mobile network service – becoming the only company offering this enhanced data speed in Guyana.

The new mobile service, which was launched on Wednesday at GTT’s Fogarty’s Branch, will see customers now enjoying faster browsing as well as downloads and uploads, high definition with online gaming, improved app performances and much more.

According to GTT’s Product Development Executive Jamal Delph, the company’s enhanced data speed will cover users in Georgetown up to Diamond on East Bank Demerara (EBD) and up to Lusignan on the East Coast

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes getting her SIM upgraded to the 4G/LTE service

of Demerara (ECD).

In Berbice, the network extends from Rosignol to Blairmont as well as the New Amsterdam area. This enhanced data speed will not incur additional or in-

creases on the cost of data plans.

In brief remarks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd posited that this significant milestone comes just three years after

GTT rolled out its 3G service.

“That journey started way back in 2010 when launched our subsea fibre and we still are building on that subsea fibre network.

It’s a triple redundant network that ensures that you have 99.999 per cent of time on the internet to the country. So as we bring LTE to the public – and we certainly look forward to rolling out that more and more to Guyana as we get spectrum – I’m delighted to be here as the leader of GTT, bringing hundreds of thousands of people more advance services,” he contended.

GTT CEO Justin Nedd at the company’s launch of its 4G/LTE mobile network on Wednesday

According to Nedd, his company takes great pride in its role in moving the country forward and will continue to bring enhanced technology to Guyanese. To this end, he noted that GTT is looking to enhance the volume of its data plan – the highest currently being 10 gigabytes.

Moreover, the GTT CEO further outlined that the company is working on expanding its services to other areas.

“We’re working with the Government to ensure that we have all the appropriate licences and spectrum but we’re quite eager to get it done,” Nedd posited. turn to page 11

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen seen in video punching cop charged

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19-year-old biker, who was caught on video punching away on a peace officer who collected the keys to his motorcycle, was on Tuesday slapped with three charges.

Anthony Clarke, of B Field, Sophia, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The first charge stated that on September 28, 2019 at Robb and Wellington Streets, Georgetown, with intent to resist lawful apprehension, he assaulted Police Constable Joel Samuels.

The second charge stated that on the same day, he behaved in a disorderly

Anthony Clarke

manner. It was further alleged that on the same day and location, he made use of threatening language towards Constable Samuels.

While, the fourth charge

stated that he maliciously damaged one flash light valued $24,840 property of the Guyana Police Force.

The teen, in his address to the court, stated, “All I did was asked the Police for my key. Me and him start to ramp so I jump on pun the bike and he start fuh ride but the traffic was busy so we ain’t reach far”.

According to the video that went viral, Clarke and the officer was ensued in an argument, which resulted in him punching the officer. It

was then he jumped on to the Police bike and sped off.

The Prosecutor, Seon Blackman, objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds that a stern warning needs to be sent so that persons would stop assaulting members of the Force.

Magistrate McGusty fined Clarke $20,000 for the first two charges and was released on $20,000 bail for the other offences. He will make his next court appearance on November 1.

Man remanded on attempted murder Man gets 3 years’ charge imprisonment A for robbing septuagenarian

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38-year-old man was on Wednesday sentenced to three years imprisonment by Magistrate Faith McGusty when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he pleaded guilty to robbing a physically-challenged septuagenarian.

Michael Whyte was accused of robbing Compton Cater of $28,000 in cash on September 27, 2019 at Robb Street, Georgetown.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell told the court that on the day in question, the victim was in his wheelchair heading west along Robb Street to conduct business, while the defendant was walking his pitbull dog.

It was then the defendant let go of the dog and it viscously attacked the elderly man. The pensioner fell out his wheelchair and onto the roadway. Whyte then went into the man’s pocket and removed that cash and a pension book.

Michael Whyte

An alarm was subsequently raised and the defendant was apprehended by public-spirited citizens and handed over to the ranks at the Brickdam Police Station.

The court heard that while at the station, the defendant was positively identified by the victim as the person who robbed him. The Prosecutor notified the court that the septuagenarian is a double amputee.

After listening to the facts, the Magistrate handed down the three-year sentence.

44-year-old man who stabbed his neighbour with the intent of murdering him was remanded to prison when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate on Tuesday.

Brian Matheson, of Wortmanville, Georgetown, was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on September 27, 2019, at Wortmanville, Georgetown, he wounded Ronald Bettencourt with intent to commit murder.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers stated that on the day in question, the defendant went into the Bettencourt yard, while being armed with a knife and dealt the man several stabs about his body.

The victim was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was ad-

Brian Matheson

mitted.

Hence, the matter was reported and Matheson was arrested and charged for the offence. The Prosecutor further objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds that the victim is still hospitalised and is in a serious condition.

Matheson will make his next court appearance on October 16. A psychiatric evaluation was requested by the Chief Magistrate.

Barber charged for

exposing self, touching

customer’s thigh

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orty-one-year-old Ceon Cantzlaar appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after it was alleged that he exposed his reproductive organ and touched the thigh of a female customer at his barbershop.

The barber, of Henry Street, Lamaha Springs, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plea to the two charges.

The first charge stated that on September 24, 2019 at Aubrey Barker and Festival City Entrance, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he exposed his penis to a woman with intent for her to see the genitals and be alarmed or distressed.

The second charge stated that on the same day, he touched the thigh of the woman in a sexual way, with-

out her consent. The matters were held in-camera.

According to information received, on the day in question, the woman, who is known to the defendant, went to his barbershop to cut her hair.

However, it was while cutting her hair, the defendant played explicit music and took out his erected penis and showed the woman while he tried to kiss her and touch her thigh.

The woman quickly left the barber shop but the defendant sent several voice messages claiming that he was sorry for exposing himself to her.

The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested and charged for the offences.

The Magistrate, after listening to facts, released Cantzlaar on $75,000 bail and set November 5 as his next court appearance.

Make ye ready…

I

…the way to rigging

t might be useful to use a sporting analogy to describe what’s been going on politically in our dear, old mud land. Basically, since the game’s gonna be played on the PNC’s home turf, they’ve been preparing a pitch that would deliver them the game. Which, we’re now being told, will be played five months hence, March 2, 2020. Now don’t think for a moment that the preparations started after that NCM. Nah…it begun when the Cabinet was announced and a “Ministry of Citizenship” was hived off from the Ministry of Home Affairs (now renamed Ministry of Public Security). The PNC knew the purpose of winning a war was to begin preparations for the next one.

And in the game of politics, the war’s won by how many ballots you can claim for your side at the end of “Elections Day”. The Ministry of Citizenship was going to be in charge of all the records and certificates that decided who gets to be in the NRR. We’ve all been focusing on GECOM producing the Official List of Electors (OLE) but this comes out of the NRR!! By the time GECOM gets around to checking, the list is already fixed! If a seventeen-year-old shows up with a birth certificate that shows he’s eighteen, how would any GECOM official, or party scrutineer, say different to get him off??

And the same for foreigners who were handed out birth certificates? This padding of the list has been going on for almost five years and since the needed number to put the PNC over the wire is just about 5000, it went on below the radar.

The Plan B for winning the game, of course, will be the action at the polling stations in heavy PNCdominated areas. All hell will break loose after 6 pm and that’s when dodgy voters will come out of the woodwork. The PPP scrutineers and overseas observers? Don’t go by what happened during the PPP 23 years, be briefed by any oldster who lived through the “Burnham years”.

Within GECOM’s Secretariat, of course, the scoreboard has also been prepared for the big day.

Do you suppose that the skewed recruitment to staff the Secretariat – as exposed by the ERC – is a coincidence? Nah!! Any number of googlies can be bowled from inside the Secretariat in the week it’ll take to count less than 500,000 ballots. Why do you think Patterson nixed the appointment of the most experienced GECOM bureaucrat, Vishnu Persaud?

And there are still five months to tweak the pitch!!

…a new capital for Guyana

They say there’s a silver lining behind every dark cloud. And the Atlantic waves have been overtopping the seawalls we’ve thrown up so ferociously, even the dark clouds which produced the 2005 floods are pale in comparison. The entire coast is being inundated.

So where’s the silver lining? The buzz that Guyana needs a new capital on higher ground.

This had been mooted, of course, for decades and even though it may be apocryphal, Burnham is said to’ve suggested we create a new capital in the North West District. But as usual, while Burnham was full of ideas (among other stuff!) he just never could execute (the ideas that is!) to save his life!!

Opponents, he took care of!!

When climate change kicked in at the turn of the millennium with the promise (and reality) of rising seas, the topic became topical again. The UN even started a fund to assist countries that would’ve been adversely affected. So let’s turn this Atlantic fury into a positive, shall we??

Move the capital to higher ground!!

…the end of the border controversy

While we’re all fixated on the general elections in March 2020, in that month the World Court will be deciding whether it has the jurisdiction to hear the substantive case.

That’s a formality…and then the albatross will be removed!

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

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tullow eyes constructing local shore base by next year – will run 2020 drilling programme from Guyana

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By Jarryl Bryan

ritish oil company Tullow, fresh off two oil finds in Orinduik oil block, is eyeing the transfer of its shore base operations from Trinidad to Guyana by 2020, after which it will run all its drilling programmes for next year from its local base.

This was explained to this publication by Head of Communications in Tullow, George Cazenove, during an interview on Wednesday.

Cazenove noted that they are perusing various sites, though the eventual selection of one is dependent on various factors.

“We’re still looking for a shore base. We’re very confident that we will get a shore base IN Guyana for our 2020 drilling campaign, something we’re committed to. And I fully expect we’ll be running all our 2020 wells from Guyana,” Cazenove said.

“Effectively, you have to run marine operations from your shore base. That’s what

The drillship being used by Tullow in its local operations

you’re looking for. So its things like the water available, tidal conditions, some acreage to store equipment on the land.

So it’s a number of different requirements. We are looking at various sites and talking to various suppliers”.

He was also asked about what Guyana could expect from Tullow moving its operation to local shores, particularly regarding local content. Cazenove cited Tullow’s

track record in other countries where it has worked as an example of its potential local content commitment.

“Local content is a key part of what Tullow offers to the country’s it works in. We did operations in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana and over there we see in supply chains for our operations in those countries, that we try to get as many local nationals, small and medium-sized businesses involved

in the supply chain”.

Cazenove warned, however, that in the exploration phase such a supply chain will be limited. However, he noted that as Tullow moves closer to potential development and production, those opportunities will expand.

At present, Tullow has made at least two oil finds: in its Jethro and Joe wells. On September 16, the same day that Exxon Mobil announced its 14th oil find, Tullow also revealed that it had made its second oil find in just a matter of weeks; the discovery of 14 metres of oil reservoirs at the Joe well.

After the find, Tullow’s Exploration Director Angus McCoss had noted that the discovery increases the potential in the Orinduik block. He had also alluded to the block having multibillion barrel potential.

The Orinduik oil block is just a few kilometres from Exxon’s discoveries in the

Tullow’s Head Communications, Cazenove

of George

Liza and Payara fields. It is under the administration of Eco Guyana and Tullow, who signed a 10-year Petroleum Prospecting licence and Production Sharing Agreement with Guyana in 2016. French firm Total E&P Activities Petrolieres entered the fray in 2017, partnering with Eco with the option to get a 25 per cent share in the

block.

To service equipment, facilitate traffic and allow for the easy supply of necessities to its drill ships, however, a shore based facility is necessary. After reports that it initially planned to use a shore base facility in Trinidad, Exxon had subsequently begun constructing a warehouse and shore base of its own at Muneshwars’s Houston port.

In the case of Tullow, it already had a shore base on the twin island republic.

However, it was reported soon after its first oil discovery that Tullow was looking to switch its operations from Trinidad to Guyana.

Tullow, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom, operates in 15 countries, with 80 oil licences and 28 producing fields. CEO McDade had announced back in September that the company plans to drill at least three new wells in Guyana for 2020. There have also been reports of plans to drill in other countries next year, including Jamaica.

Several Corentyne villages under water due to high tides

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everal villages in close proximity of the No. 63 Beach on the Corentyne were battling with flood waters due to the high tides.

Villages between No. 64 Village to No. 50 Village were inundated on Wednesday evening as sea water gush into the farm lands.

The flood comes as several communities along Guyana’s Coast have been hit by flooding as a result of either breeches or over topping.

Sections of the Village became inundated after water was seen rushing across the Beach at Number 58

Water pouring across the beach entrance at Number 58 Village

Village and then through an opening on the Sea Dam

as it gushed its way down the street leading to the

farm lands.

High tides on Monday

had weakened the Sea Dam and on Wednesday. It was

the first time in recorded history that water had over topped the beaches.

Prime Ministerial Regional Representative Gobin Harbhajan told the Guyana times that villagers brought it to his attention on Wednesday evening.

He added that the matter will be raised at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Thursday to determine whether the Regional Administration will be able to have engineers visit the area to access the situation and implement measures to prevent further over topping.

10 news

thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Cancer spares no one but early detection can save lives – PAHO/WHO ...almost 100,000 women across the world die from breast cancer each year

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By Kristen Macklingam

very year in the Americas, more than 462,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and almost 100,000 women die from this disease.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, breast cancer ranks as the first cancer type among women regarding both new cases and deaths.

According to the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Resident Representative in Guyana, Dr William Adu-Krow, although breast cancer is thought to be a disease of the developed world, almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries.

He explained that in Latin America and the Caribbean, a greater proportion of breast cancer deaths occur in women under 65 years of age (56 %) as compared to North America (37%).

The PAHO/WHO Resident Representative also pointed out that if this current trend continues, by the year 2030, the number of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer is projected to increase by 34 per cent in the Americas.

Dr Adu-Krow, on Tuesday at a Cancer Awareness event, stated that in Guyana, breast cancer is the leading cancer among the various forms of cancer. It is also the “number one” cancer that affects females.

“It accounts for almost 17% of all cancers and 27 % of cancers in females. There were 1074 cases of breast cancers among females and 16 among men. Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates were highest in women older than 65 years, peaking in those aged 7074 years in 2012. In 2014, breast cancer accounted for 19.1% of all deaths from cancers”.

Low survival rates a result of multiple factors

He emphasised that the low survival rates in less developed countries can be explained mainly by the lack of early detection programmes, which result in a high proportion of women

According to Dr AduKrow, in December 2018, Guyana’s Public Health Ministry with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Austria and PAHO, conducted a national assessment that will guide the identification of strategic lines of actions to be included in a National Cancer Plan.

This National Cancer Plan, that is presently under development, calls for collaboration with all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), for the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, guidelines and

It touches the rich and poor, young and old, men, women and children. In addition to the financial cost of the disease, cancer has important psychosocial repercussions for patients and their families and remains, in many parts of the world, a stigmatising disease,” the PAHO/WHO Resident Representative added.

Meanwhile, the Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG), a non-profit organisation, has documented the diagnosis and treatment of over 1000 persons, including men and women in Guyana, with cancer, specifically of the breast between the years 2015 and 2018.

For this year, just over 100 women were diagnosed with breast cancer so far and they were being treated. This number is expected to increase as the Cancer Institute seeks to raise more awareness.

These statistics were presented by Oncologist and Medical Director of the Institute, Dr Sayan Chakraborty during a press briefing last week, at the Institute’s building located in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound.

“In 2015, there was about 267 patients who were treated … almost every year; in 2017, we saw

protocols on prevention and control, as well as capacity building for healthcare providers and community organisations to improve cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

“Cancer spares no one.

a spike, there were 300 patients who were treated at the Cancer Institute through radiation therapy.

The trend is always 266, 267, gradually creeping up, sometimes it’s been going down, so we cannot ignore

ed resource settings. Many low- and middle-income countries that face the double burden of cervical and breast cancer need to implement combined cost-effective and affordable interventions to tackle these highly preventable diseases.

PAHO/WHO continues to promote breast cancer control within the context of national cancer control programmes with strong recommendations for the integration of this programme into Noncommunicable diseases prevention and control”.

National Cancer Plan in the making for Guyana

Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Resident Representative in Guyana, Dr William Adu-Krow.

presenting with late-stage disease, as well as by the lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment facilities.

It was reiterated that cancer spares no one but that early detection can save many lives.

“Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.

Limited resource settings with weak health systems where breast cancer incidence is relatively high and the majority of women are diagnosed in late stages have the option to implement early diagnosis programmes based on awareness of early signs and symptoms and prompt referral to treatment”.

It was further explained that in high-income countries, organised screening programmes with mammography have led to earlier diagnosis, and coupled with effective treatment, have led to reductions in breast cancer mortality.

Challenges in implementing some effective screening initiatives However,

there

are

many challenges in implementing such effectively organised screening programmes in limited resource settings, such as Guyana, and regardless of how many agencies conduct free screening in this

Tips to reduce the risk of cancer.

regard, it is useless unless there is effective referral and quality management, Dr Adu-Krow noted.

“Low-cost screening approaches, such as clinical breast examination, could be implemented in limit-

this situation which we are dealing with,” he stated.

Dr Chakraborty emphasised the fact that men could also be victims of breast cancer, but, according to him, there is usually a misconception behind this.

“It’s a misconception that breast cancer can only happen in ladies. Breast cancer – a very small percentage – is found in men.

So, it’s not that breast cancer is exclusive to women; it is not so, but it can also be found in men,” the doctor had said.

Additionally, Cancer Institute Medical Outreach Director, Dr Syed Ghazi stressed the importance of bringing awareness to the various forms of cancer which account for a large number of deaths of women yearly.

“So, why is it important to make people aware of what’s going on? It is important because if you know, in South America, it is like 400,000 new cases every year of women and men together – 120,000 women die every year, 96,000 of those women died with breast cancer and the other 36,000 die from cervical cancer,” Dr Ghazi noted.

Breast cancer is one form of cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, and fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin. Both young and older women are being advised to get screened if these signs become visible.

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

30 cases completed as June Assizes wrap up T

he criminal backlog has been reduced by 30 cases which were disposed of during June 2019 Criminal Assizes, which wrapped up on Monday.

The June session commenced with Justice Reynolds, Justice Navindra Singh, Justice BovellDrakes and Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall presiding.

During this Assizes, 301 cases were listed to be heard but only 30 were disposed of.

However, only 24 cases received attention in the High Court of Demerara, while the other six matters were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Of the 24 cases that were presented in court, there were 11 murders and 13 sexual offences. These resulted in 12 guilty pleas, two formal verdicts of not guilty, six convictions, two acquittals and one aborted trial. Meanwhile, one matter remains in progress.

The June Assizes saw

Justice Singh disposing of eight murder cases presented by State Counsels Tuanna Hardy, Sarah Martin, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohammed.

In four of these murder cases, there were 9 accused who pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. In one case, two accused were indicted together and each sentenced to eight years imprisonment. In another one, there were five accused indicted together, three of them pleaded guilty resulting in one being sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, while the other two received 12 years each. The two other accused pleaded not guilty and will go to trial.

In the other two murder cases, one accused was sentence to 20 years imprisonment and in the other, the Judge made a sentence of the time the accused spent on remand. Two other separate murder trials ended with both accused being found guilty by jury verdicts resulting in a 25-year

sentence and a life imprisonment conditioned with 50 years served before parole eligibility.

In the other two cases, there were two accused each indicted together. In one case, the trial judge directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty for both accused. The other case saw the judge uphold-

GTT promises faster...

On this note, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes drew attention to the students, residents and business communities in outlining areas who are unable to benefiting from such services.

“We don’t want to forget those areas that are not connected. I hope GTT would be telling us soon how fast they would be getting to those unserved areas,” she stated.

The Telecommunications Minister specifically lobbied for communities on the upper East Coast, the Corentyne Coast and East Bank Berbice corridor among others.

Nevertheless, Minister Hughes lauded the company for introducing its 4G mobile service especially at a time when Guyana is on the brink

of major economic development from the impending oil and gas industry, which see the demand for such enhanced infrastructure peeking.

“Your Government is about to embark on what President [David] Granger refers to as the ‘decade of development’ which will see exponential growth in a number of areas across our beautiful country.

Connectivity and high-speed data availability will be a key driver to this aspect of our development,” she stated.

The Public Telecommunication Minister went on to applaud GTT for launching this mobile data service which brings Guyana in line with most of the Caribbean territories as well as other parts

from page 7

of the world that are already enjoying 4G network.

As part of its roll out, GTT is offering free SIM upgrades for customers but noted that they must have a mobile device compatible with the 4G/LTE network for the new service to be effective. Customers are assured that their number and information will not be affected with the SIM upgrade.

Additionally, the local telecoms giant is also giving free SIM cards to persons wanting to switch networks to experience its 4G mobile service.

Customers can upgrade their SIM cards at the following Retail store locations: GTT Giftland Mall, 55 Brickdam, GTT Camp and Robb, Fogarty’s Store and New Amsterdam.

ing a no case submission for the number one accused and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty, while the other accused was further remanded back to prison to await a new trial after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Also during the June Criminal session, State Counsels Seeta Bishundial, Abigail Gibbs and Lisa Cave presented seven cases – five sexual offences and two murders – before Justice Reynolds.

In three of the sexual offence cases, there was one accused who faced separate trials; he pleaded guilty in each one and was sentenced respectively to 15 years, 12 years and 35 years imprisonment. In the other two cases, both accused were convicted by jury verdicts resulting in one accused being sentence to 16 years imprisonment, while the other accused will be sentenced on October 4.

One of the two murder trials was aborted after the Court was informed that family members of the number one accused were seen speaking with a member of the jury. The other murder case is in progress before Justice Reynolds.

Meanwhile, Justice Bovell-Drakes heard one

murder case presented by State Counsels Tuanna Hardy and Teriq Mohammed. The accused in that matter pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced 30 years imprisonment.

On the other hand, State Counsels Teriq Mohammed, Sarah Martin and Tuanna Hardy completed eight matters before Justice MorrisRamlall in the Sexual Offences Court. Four of these cases saw the accused all pleading guilty resulting in two of them being sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each but must serve 15 years before being eligible for parole. While the other two accused who were each indicted on two counts of Sexual Activity with A Child Family Member were respectively sentenced to 43 and 18 years.

The other four cases resulted in the two accused being found guilty by jury verdicts and one was sentenced to 23 years, while the other will be sentenced today.

The two others were acquitted after the juries returned verdicts of not guilty.

With the June session coming to an end on Monday, the October Criminal Assizes in Demerara commenced the following day with Justice Morris-Ramlall, Justice

Sandil Kissoon and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow presiding.

A total of 322 cases have been listed to be heard during that session.

Meanwhile, in the six matters nolle prosequi by the DPP, four complainants submitted written statements in which they indicated they did not wish to proceed with the evidence, while two accused died.

Additionally, during the months of May and July, the DPP appeared six times in the Guyana Court of Appeal. The State was represented by Assistant DPP Diana O’Brien, Assistant DPP Teshana Lake, Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer and State Counsel Orenthia Schmidt.

There were two matters for sexual offences and one each for the offences of murder, manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving and wounding with intent.

Two of the appellants were allowed their appeals and had their conviction and sentences set aside, as they face new trials. While one appellant withdrew his application to appeal and another one had his application to appeal dismissed.

There were two applications for bail pending appeal and while the Court granted one, it refused the other.

12 news Demerara Bank Limited hands out 17 bursary awards thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…as it launches anniversary celebrations

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he official launch of Demerara Bank’s 25th anniversary celebrations was announced on Monday at a bursary award ceremony held by the Bank at its head office & corporate banking branch.

A total of 17 students from schools across Guyana received monetary awards along with a certificate of excellence for their successful performances at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

The first-time bursary award recipients were Anesh Haimnarine, Brihana Garnett,

Yogeshwar Roopnarine, Arianna Burnett, Nita Devi Jodhan, Hareshpaul Samai, Angelie Bishun, Ethan Lee, Chetram Harrinarine, Lemmia Cort, Avinash Ramkumar, Saifuddeen A Baksh, Davindra Bridgmohan, Yogeeta Lall, Sabeela Shafeek, Gesnaa S Ramkellawan and Zandon Rose.

The feature speakers were the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Pravinchandra S Dave and Attorney-at-Law Nirvana Singh. Other bank officials and parents of the awardees were also in attendance.

Dave lauded the success of the awardees and encouraged them to re-

main focused on their goals and not to be discouraged during their academic pursuits. He reiterated the importance of a sound education and encouraged the students to embrace the challenges, which will arise from time to time and to develop effective ways to overcome those challenges as greater success was achieved when one overcame challenges.

The bursary award programme marks the first of many activities planned to commemorate the Bank’s 25th anniversary and will continue across all branches during the remainder of 2019.

The awardees with officials of Demerara Bank

Demerara Bank Ltd will continue to be guided by its mission to support community development and will continue to create avenues for students to invest in

their future, attain higher education, and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required to secure gainful employment.

The Chairman, Board

of Directors, management and staff of Demerara Bank Ltd extended best wishes to all students who were successful at their recent examinations.

Nesha’s Flowerland opens 3rd branch in Parika

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esha’s Flowerland has been a long-standing member of the Guyanese community, providing fresh and artificial flowers for every occasion.

Starting off as a small fresh flower store in Washington DC more than 25 years ago, the business has endeavoured to provide only the best, with two locations in Georgetown (Church Street and Giftland Mall) and now a third lo-

Owners of Nesha’s Flowerland at the opening of the new branch in Parika

cation in The Lotus Mall, Parika.

Nesha’s is also debuting its first bridal store under the name Pritti’s Bridal boutique. With the

new branch at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, it will function in the same capacity as the main branch, offering all services which include but are not limited to

fresh flower bouquets, artificial arrangements, bridal bouquets, and wreaths.

The new location will make flowers readily available to regions of Guyana where flowers are a scarcity.

Customers no longer need to travel to the city to enjoy the beauty of flowers.

Customers may be inclined to travel to Parika to enjoy the luxury of Pritti’s Bridal boutique as the boutique offers streamlined wedding services; from dresses for the bride and bridesmaids, to event planning, interior decorating and so much more.

The bridal store creates the posh experience of sitting in the dressing room with your loved ones, sipping on champagne as the bride-to-be tries on dresses until she finds the perfect one.

All of this can be yours to enjoy simply by setting up an appointment.

News

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary

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ributes poured in at the Promenade Gardens on Wednesday morning, as Guyanese came out in their numbers in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

Organised by the Indian High Commission here in Guyana, the event was well

barked on a mission of nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British Rule. This in turn, inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Today, a monument bearing Gandhi’s statue proudly stands in the Promenade Gardens,

Officials gathered to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Wednesday

attended by former presidents, cabinet members and representatives from the diplomatic corp.

Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, he was an Indian lawyer and political leader who em-

flanked by a wide variety of flora.

High Commissioner from India to Guyana, K J Srinavasa recognsied this event as a globally celebrated one, as he reminded of some of Gandhi’s principles.

“Gandhiji used to frequently warn his followers of seven cardinal sins; wealth without work, pleasure without conscious, knowledge without character, business without ethics, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice and politics without principles. Whether it is the climate change or terrorism, corruption or selfish social life, these principles of Gandhi can still act as a guide to protect humanity,” the diplomat revealed.

Srinavasa went on to say that Mahatma was not just a political leader, but an extraordinary environmentalist and humanist.

“Today, we live in a world of how to impress but Gandhi’s vision was how to inspire. Gandhi was not only a political leader but also a great thinker and humanist.

Very few people know that he was one of the first environmentalists of the world,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Vickram Bharat emphasized that Gandhi will be remembered in the many years to come.

Students performing an item at the tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Wednesday

“Mahatma Gandhi will always be remembered for his selfless battle for democracy and independence through non-violence means, civil rights and freedoms - a true fighter for the poor and working class; and advocate for unity across religions, class and culture; and a staunch believer in nature and environment.”

His words followed those of Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, who lauded the in-

fluence of Gandhi on politics and humanity.

“His work was firstly directed to his people but reached the world. He advocated for non-violent protests, equality and justice for humanity…Gandhi fought for the right of his people and stood up for what he believed in. His selfless advocate for unity for all religions and made efforts to unite people along religious divides,” the Mayor said.

Postal stamps were also launched by the Guyana Post Office Corporation in commemoration of this anniversary. Adding to that, students who won the essay writing competition were awarded with prizes. This year’s winner was Dharshanie Mohabir of the Annadale Secondary School.

October 2 is also recognised by the United Nations as the international day of non-violence.

18 Guyanese companies to participate in FITCE 2019 E ighteen companies from Guyana will participate in next week’s Florida International Trade Conference and Expo (FITCE) to be held at the Broward County Convention Centre, Fort Lauderdale.

This is the fifth year of the event and the USbased Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) has facilitated the participation, free of cost, of all the companies from Guyana.

Additionally, the Ministry of Finance of Guyana and Suriname Airways have collaborated to provide for reduced cost of the tickets for those participating in FITCE. The majority of participants from Guyana are small and medium-sized entities (SME’s), with many of these women-owned businesses. The Government of Guyana has also been invited to be represented at the ministerial level.

Last week, The Guyanese American

Chamber of Commerce (GACC) hosted a reception for participants who will be attending the event.

In his remarks at the reception, President of the Chamber, Wesley Kirton said that the Chamber was pleased that it has been able, once again, to facilitate, free of cost, the participation of small and medium-sized businesses from Guyana in the Expo.

He encouraged them to make full use of the opportunity by attending the workshops that will focus

on how to export and import into the United States as well as address the various phytosanitary and other requirements for exporting food and food products.

Encouragement and advice were also offered to the participants in brief remarks by former Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia.

Among the other guests with whom the participants had an opportunity to interact, were former Trade

Minister in the PPP/C Government, Manniram Prashad; Guyana Revenue Authority Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, Special Political Adviser to the President, Dr Mark Kirton; Andrew Dilts of the US Embassy in Guyana; Desmond Sears, former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission; Hugh Todd of the PPP/Civic, and the consultant team from IOS Partners in the United States currently engaged on a project with Go-Invest .

A highlight of Guyana’s participation in the event is expected to be a “rum tasting” reception hosted on the final afternoon of the event

by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), blenders and bottlers of Guyana’s internationally acclaimed and award winning El Dorado rums.

The participants are due to leave Guyana this weekend. The GACC will have a booth at the event and its delegation will be headed by its Chairman, Mohammed Omar.

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thursday, october 3, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

More work is needed to achieve gender parity –First Lady

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irst Lady Sandra Granger on Tuesday said that while the public service is “not doing too badly” with achieving gender parity, there is still a lot more work to be done.

The First Lady was at the time delivering feature remarks at the opening ceremony of a one-day Gender and Development Workshop for Permanent Secretaries at the Herdmanston Lodge.

The workshop was organised by the Women and Gender Equality Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The First Lady suggested that a working environment which caters to the specific needs of women, provides equal pay for equal work and women’s involve-

and diverse needs of its employees,” Mrs Granger said, before questioning whether working women have enough access to facilities and services for their very young and/or school-aged children, elderly parents and children with disabilities.

She called for special consideration to be given to women where necessary, suggesting that they could have “flex time” or

First Lady Sandra Granger (centre) with newly-appointed Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Karen Vansluytman-Corbin (third from left) and other members of the Women and Gender Equality Commission at the Gender and Development Workshop for Permanent Secretaries, held at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Georgetown

ment in non-traditional sectors will set Guyana on the

right path.

“We need to consider

“work from home with specific tasks”. The First Lady applauded the Ministry of Public Health for “raising the issue of extended maternity leave for women who are breast feeding their babies”.

Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley in her remarks said that it should be noted that 12 out of the 17 Permanent Secretaries are women. turn to page 15

US Ambassador visits the NAMILCO, MV African Jacaranda

whether the work environment caters to the many

Bookland donates 200 potted plants to schools

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eorgetown Reading and Research Centre (GRRC) announced the return of its book sale at Bookland Gardens, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. In addition to the book sale, plants will also be available at the AgroCentre.

Moreover, at the announcement, Bookland made a major donation of two hundred potted

Receiving the donation on the behalf of the Education Ministry, was Curriculum Development Officer (acting) at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Sandra Persaud. She lauded the donation, recognising the importance of agriculture in the lives of the nation’s children.

She also noted that the promotion of agriculture is in keeping in line with the green state strategy.

US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, along with Bert Sukhai, MD of NAMILCO; Ralf Hemsing, Operations Manager and Fitzroy McLeod, Financial Controller posed for a photo during the tour

U Founder of Bookland, Rupert Hopkinson hands over the donation to Sandra Persaud

Some of the plants that were donated

palm trees to be distributed to public schools in Georgetown.

The official handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, coincided with the first day of Agriculture Month.

To celebrate the return of the Georgetown Reading and Research Centre, Bookland donated 200 books to the National Library.

Speaking at the ceremony, Manager of Bookland, George Gonsalves explained

that the advancement of literacy is crucial for the advancement of a nation.

“For knowledge is the most powerful tool to change one’s position in life. By pursuing and internaliszing information, one can develop the skills necessary to make a living. We also believe that knowledge is the most valuable resource in the world. Knowledge never rusts, knowledge does not spoil, and knowledge cannot

be stolen,” Gonsalves said.

Founder of Bookland, Rupert Hopkinson recounted the history of the Georgetown Reading and Research Centre, noting that since its founding in 1997, the GRRC has distributed books to students in communities from “Charity to Crabwood Creek”.

As such, the day’s donation is another action that furthers our mandate to improve literacy in Guyana.

nited States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, while on a tour of the flour milling operations of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO), also took the opportunity to join the Captain and crew on board the MV African Jacaranda.

This was the first time Ambassador Lynch has visited a vessel discharging wheat and she was impressed with the operations.

Captain of the vessel, Ernesto Aguila gave her a guided tour from the engine room below to the control bridge at the top. At the end of her tour, she savoured some of the delicacies prepared by the ship’s chef.

The impressive 20,000 dwt, 140 metre vessel, owned and operated by

NAMILCO’s US-based parent company, Seaboard Corporation, was in the process of discharging 9062 metric tons of wheat at NAMILCO’s wharf at the time of her visit.

The facility can discharge in excess of 2000 metric tons of wheat per day using grabs. NAMILCO imports three types of wheat which are blended to the specifications of consumers.

NAMILCO celebrated 50 years of operations in May this year. During this time, it has manufactured and sold some of the finest flours in the Caribbean, including the Thunderbolt and Maid Marian range of flour.

Both the hosts and guests were thrilled and appreciative of what turned out to be a very informative and enjoyable experience.

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thursday, october 3, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Agr-Ability Field School” slated for October …to offer agricultural training to persons living with disabilities

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s part of this year’s Agriculture Month activities, the Agriculture Ministry will host an ‘Agr-Ability Field School’ for persons living with disabilities.

The event is slated for the Guyana School of Agriculture’s Mon Repos campus on October 9, and will see the target group partaking in a number of agriculture-related activities designed specifically for persons living with disabilities.

During a meeting with members of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Minister AdamsYearwood said that it is important for persons with disabilities to be involved in agriculture.

“The logic behind this initiative is to ensure persons living with disabilities are empowered and can become self-sufficient.

Agriculture in Guyana is on an upward trajectory and it is Government’s intention to include every member of society with a genuine interest in agriculture to benefit,” Minister Adams-Yearwood

Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood meeting with representatives from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities

The field school will be equipped with demonstration plots suitable for persons who are visually impaired and physically disabled, among others.

Additionally, some of the activities for the day include training in hydroponics, drip-irrigation, container gardening and composting.

Ganish Singh, Programme Coordinator for Guyana Council of Organisation for PwDs, commended the Minister for her continued support to persons living with disabilities.

“I remember when you were at Housing and you

pushed for us (persons living with disabilities) to be allotted house lots. That was the first time we felt included in something of that nature. Now that you are here, I see that you have not forgotten us and I can already anticipate the success of this event,” Mr Singh said.

He also indicated that within the organisation, there are persons interested in agro-processing but are in need of financial and technical assistance to start their operations.

Minister AdamsYearwood said that she intends to develop a proposal to have Government set up a

grant that would allow persons with disabilities to access funds for agricultural purposes.

“I am working on putting forward recommendations for the development of a ‘Persons living with Disabilities’ Grant. This will provide start-up capital for persons living with disabilities who want to get into agriculture. The aim is for you to be able to earn from what you produce so that you can sustain yourself,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

Additionally, the group took the opportunity to commend Minister AdamYearwood for the work she did while serving as the Minister with responsibility for Housing at the Ministry of Communities, for the two disability houses that were built at Perseverance and Prospect Housing Schemes, as was promised, adding that the structures they visited were well constructed.

They were also encouraged to develop a Co-op for this group of persons so that they can formally have representation for different areas for development.

India celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

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ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the “father of the nation” Mahatma Gandhi on the 150th anniversary of his birth at his memorial in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Alongside political figures, schoolchildren and the public also assembled at the memorial to pay their respects.

India observes October 2 not only as Gandhi’s birthday but also as International Day of Non-Violence (as designated by the United Nations), the ideal that Gandhi fought for throughout his life.

Gandhi, who was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1869, played a key role in India’s fight for independence. He was assassinated by a Hindu radical on January 30, 1948, just a few months after he led India to freedom from British rule through a non-violent struggle.

India celebrated the

anniversary by organising cleanliness drives, film screenings and making a giant spinning wheel made out of plastic waste.

“The whole world is celebrating the birth anniversary of Gandhi,” Modi said.

Modi has often evoked Gandhi in his speeches, saying his ideas and philosophies are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Gandhi wasn't known as the title Mahatma, which translates to "Great Soul", until 1914. He was a lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer.

On the outskirts of the capital New Delhi, Government officials erected a 1650 kilogram spinning wheel, an important symbol associated with Gandhi, made entirely out of plastic waste. Gandhi used a spinning wheel to spin his own cloth in a gesture of independence and Indian self-sufficiency.

Officials told local media that the wheel was symbol-

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial on the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi, India, October 2, 2019

ic of the Modi regime’s commitment to moving away from the use of single-use plastic.

Further, according to CNN, this year, the Indian Government will commemorate Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary at the "national and international level to propagate his message," according to the India Ministry of Culture.

A "Fit India Plogging Run" will take place across India, where participants will clean up trash and litter while jogging to honour Gandhi's message of clean-

liness.

A film festival called Gandhi Panorama: International Festival of Films on Gandhiji and his principles will be held from October 2 to October 6 in Mumbai. The 11 films screened in the festival are based on Gandhi and his principles.

Gandhi inspired the thinking of many world leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandella and former President Barack Obama for his peaceful methods of protest. (Adapted from Reuters and CNN)

UK PM Johnson makes final Brexit offer, draws guarded welcome from EU

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ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday, pitching a possible compromise for a last-minute exit deal that was cautiously welcomed by the EU though the two sides still remain far apart.

In what Johnson’s supporters cast as a moment of truth after more than three years of Brexit crisis, Johnson urged Brussels

to compromise, but warned that if it did not, then Britain would leave the EU without a deal on October 31.

Johnson went further than many expected on the most contentious issue – the border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland – with a proposal for an all-island regulatory zone to cover all goods, replacing the so-called backstop arrangement he says he cannot accept.

Besides the concession though, Johnson proposed giving Northern Ireland institutions the ongoing power to abide by or exit the regulatory zone – a possible step too far for Ireland and the EU. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomed “positive advances” in Johnson’s proposals, such as the full regulatory alignment for all goods, but noted some problems.

“There are still some problematic points that will need further work in the coming days, notably with regards to the governance of the backstop,” the Commission said in a statement issued after Johnson and Juncker spoke on a call.

“The EU wants a deal.

We remain united and ready to work 24/7 to make this happen – as we have been for over three years now,” it said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Prince Harry attacks tabloid press as wife sues UK newspaper

The Duchess says people have the power to change a "dangerous" world

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he Duke and Duchess of Sussex have begun the final day of their overseas tour as the Mail on Sunday says it will "vigorously" defend itself in a court case launched by the couple.

Prince Harry's wife is suing the paper over a claim it unlawfully published a private letter Meghan sent to her father, Thomas Markle.

The Duke said the legal action was in response to "relentless propaganda".

A Mail on Sunday spokesman said the paper stood by the story it published.

Prince Harry said "positive" coverage of the couple's tour of Africa had exposed the "double standards" of "this specific press pack that has vilified [Meghan] almost daily for the past nine months".

The royal couple visited Tembisa township, near Johannesburg, to learn about a scheme to tackle youth unemployment, on the final day of their 10-day tour. They also met Nelson Mandela's widow, Graca Machel.

Meanwhile, law firm Schillings, acting for the duchess, filed a High Court claim against the paper and its parent company – Associated Newspapers – over the alleged misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.

The Duchess's action comes after the Mail on Sunday published a hand-

written letter she sent her father shortly after she and Prince Harry got married in 2018.

The paper is accused of an "intrusive and unlawful publication of a private letter" and of a campaign of publishing false and derogatory stories about the Duchess of Sussex.

Referring to his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry said his "deepest fear is history repeating itself".

In a lengthy personal statement on the couple's official website, he said the "painful" impact of intrusive media coverage had driven him and his wife to take action.

Prince Harry said: "I lost my mother, and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces."

"I've seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person," he added.

Diana was once described as the "most hunted person of the modern age".

She died in a car crash in 1997 after being pursued through Paris by a pack of paparazzi journalists.

The Duke accused the paper of misleading readers when it published the private letter, by strategically omitting paragraphs, sentences and specific words "to mask the lies they had perpetrated for over a year".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

First Lady...

“What is needed is a paradigm shift in the way both men and women in leadership see and understand their roles. There are too many stories where women in leadership positions use their positions to negatively affect the lives of other women,” Minister SaraboHalley said.

She used the occasion to congratulate the organisers of the workshop, adding that the Women and Gender Equality Commission has the Government’s full support in its quest to ensure pari-

from page 14

ty for women and girls.

In addition, UNESCO Secretary General Patrice La Fleur emphasised that gender equality is a top priority of all United Nations organisations. She opined that training and discussions regarding gender-related issues in the Public Service could have a significant impact on achieving gender parity.

“We are aware that gender issues and behaviours are learnt, but they can be unlearnt through information sharing and discussions”, La Fleur said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, october 3, 2019

Regional

Peru VP gives up claim to the presidency in blow to Opposition P eru’s Vice President renounced her claim to the presidency on Tuesday in a surprise twist to a constitutional crisis, dealing a fresh blow to a rebel band of former lawmakers resisting President Martin Vizcarra’s dissolution of Congress.

Mercedes Araoz had sworn the presidential oath a day earlier before dozens of dismissed lawmakers, who designated her to replace Vizcarra temporarily. The Opposition had suspended Vizcarra on the grounds he had violated the Constitution in his push to strong-arm

lawmakers into backing his anti-graft proposals.

But no state institution or foreign power has recognised Araoz as interim President.

Instead, the military and Police reaffirmed their loyalty to Vizcarra and politicians who support him formally accused her of trying to usurp his functions.

It was a stunning turn for Peru’s relatively young democracy, which just two decades ago saw the country’s authoritarian former President Alberto Fujimori resign as a mounting graft scandal paralysed his rightwing government.

In a late-night post on Twitter, Araoz said she had reconsidered her role at the centre of the dispute, pointing to a regional body that had appeared to back Vizcarra in the dispute earlier in the day.

Araoz announced her resignation from the vice presidency as well as the interim presidency. “I hope my resignation leads to...general elections as soon as possible for the good of the country,” she said.

The announcement took many by surprise. Pedro Olaeachea, the recently-dismissed President of

Peruvian Vice President Mercedes Araoz speaks to Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (not pictured) during their meeting at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, China [Photo by: Andrea Verdelli/Pool via REUTERS]

Congress, was in an interview with CNN Espanol when the broadcaster’s reporter read him Araoz’s resignation letter to him, appearing to leave him speechless for a moment.

With Araoz out, an influential former lawmaker, Rosa Maria Bartra, said that in the Opposition’s view Olaeachea should assume the interim presidency and oversee a transition to new general elections.

But that plan might come to naught if the country’s electoral authorities merely ignore any summons to organize an election. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: Husband in court for child Bahamas to deport undocumented rape, mom for failing to report it migrants living in shelters

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33-year-old husband and his wife appeared yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court in Trinidad on charges relating to rape of a 13-year-old girl. They were both remanded into custody.

The couple was arrested last Friday after investigations into allegations that the girl was raped in2015 but the matter was not reported to the Police.

Senior Magistrate JoAnne Connor read a charge to the husband that between December 2016 and October 2016, he sexually penetrated

the girl, who was under the age of 17.

Another charge was that between December 31, 2018 and September 29, he committed a similar act on the girl.

He was not called upon to plead to the charges, which were laid indictably by PC Shawn Mohammed of the Mon Repos Police Station.

Police then escorted the wife, who is 37, to the dock.

Connor read to her the charge that between December 31, 2018, and September 29, she failed to report the commission of an offence, in circumstances in which she ought to

have known that an adult associated with her was sexually abusing a child.

That charge was also laid indictably by PC Mohammed.

Police Prosecutor Cleyon Seedan told Connor that the computers from which Police track past criminal records of accused people had broken down on Monday. As a result, he said, a tracing could not be obtained and Police had to object to bail.

Connor remanded the couple into custody to reappear today when she is expected to decide the issue of bail. (T&T

Newsday)

UN says Haiti unrest harming humanitarian programmes

H

umanitarian programmes of United Nations agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Haiti have been impacted – in some cases severely – by roadblocks and several security incidents as violent mass protests continue.

The unrest has disrupted hospitals, orphanages and emergency services while keeping some two million children from school, the UN reported on Wednesday.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been liaising with humanitarian and development partners to assess the impact of the current situation.

In the beginning of the year, 2.6 million Haitians were food insecure. Should the current situation continue, thousands of people already facing the consequences of severe food insecurity could be further impacted,

with food assistance unable to reach them.

The sector is scaling up response efforts with the latest funds received from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) of about US$5 million in August 2019 to target about 65,000 people, and US$9 million from the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid for another 125,000 people. However, the current situation has forced a slowdown of the activities. (Excerpts from UN News and Reliefweb)

T

he Bahamas Government says it will deport undocumented migrants who survived the passage of Hurricane Dorian on September 1 and are now living in shelters.

Immigration Minister, Elsworth Johnson, says the shelters will not be used “to circumvent the law.

“If you’re in a shelter and you’re undocumented and you’re not here in the right way, you’re still subject to deportation and the enforcement of the immigration laws,” Johnson told The Nassau Guardian newspaper.

“Most certainly, those shelters will not be used as a mechanism to circumvent the law. The Government of The Bahamas fully appreciates that we are a country of laws.

We’re governed by the rule of law”.

“There’s an Immigration Act and the Immigration Act is in full effect and the director [of immigration] understands that he must enforce it,” he added.

The Category 5 storm, with winds in excess of 180 miles slammed into The Bahamas killing at least 56

people and causing widespread destruction mainly on Grand Bahama and Abacos islands.

The Governmentappointed coordinator of hurricane relief efforts in Abaco, Algernon Cargill, also warned undocumented migrants against any plans of returning to Abacos Islands.

“If you don’t have a purpose of being in Abaco, like to rebuild or relatives and you don’t have any legal status to be in The Bahamas, you should not go to Abaco”.

“For example, there are rumours that Haitians are returning to Abaco, correct? So they have no legal status to return to Abaco, so why are they returning to Abaco? So, when we say, ‘shouldn’t go back’, we’re actually referring

to that group of people”.

“They have no status or no reason to be there. You can’t tell Bahamians not to go to Abaco. But if persons who are illegally in The Bahamas, they should not be traveling to Abaco,” Cargill added.

Soon after the hurricane swept through the archipelago, Johnson had announced that the Government would not carry out immigration exercises at shelters for hurricane victims.

“Having regard that we’re now facing a humanitarian crisis, the Government is taking the decision that those immigration policies or enforcement measures be suspended forthwith in the affected areas – that’s the Abacos and Freeport, Grand Bahama,” he said then. (Excerpt from CMC)

Brazil Police investigate mysterious Climate change may slash some oil slicks polluting Northeast beaches fish catch rates in Mexico by B 30% over 30 years – study

I

f Mexican fisheries do not adapt to climate change, the number of fish caught is set to tumble, with catch numbers for Pacific abalone, jumbo squid and mahi-mahi possibly plunging more than 30% over the next 30 years in Mexico, according to a study published on Wednesday.

Co-authored by the New York-based Environmental Defence Fund (EDF), the study found that 84% of 25 species analysed will suffer as ocean waters grow warmer, hurting an industry that supports some 240,000 peo-

ple and their families in a country that ranks no. 16 among the world’s seafood producers.

“Any way you look at it, our oceans are changing,” said Laura Rodriguez, an EDF associate Vice President who co-authored the peer-reviewed report published in science journal PLOS ONE. “The single most important thing you can do is to implement sustainable fisheries management starting now”.

Left to their own devices, some species will migrate to escape hotter temperatures, while fish unable to do so are

likely to die, Rodriguez said.

Without sustainable management, Mexican fishers three decades from now would see their maximum potential catch drop as much as 44%, as in the case of pacific abalone. Pacific sardine, pelagic red crab, jumbo squid and mahi-mahi would all see their maximum catch decrease by more than 30%, the study found.

Rodriguez said a fourth of Mexico’s fisheries were certified sustainable, but others lacked the protocols to handle changing conditions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

razilian Police on Wednesday opened an investigation into possible criminal activity surrounding an apparent oil spill off beaches along the country’s Northeast coast, federal prosecutors said.

The probe aims to establish the origin of the oil slicks, which could represent “possible major environmental damage in the region,” the Police said in a statement.

Brazil’s Northeast coast is famed for its sandy beaches and is popular with tourists.

Environmental agency Ibama said last week that the mysterious spill had contaminated beach-

Representational image of oil spill on sea water

es and coastline across eight states, and that some oil-coated birds and sea turtles had been washed up and were being treated.

The Brazilian Navy

and State-run oil company Petrobras SA also said last week that analysis showed the oil was produced abroad, but they could not say where. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, october 3, 2019

17

Around the World

US set to impose tariffs on US$7.5B of EU exports in Airbus row

T

he United States has been given the goahead to impose tariffs on US$7.5 billion of goods it imports from the European Union.

It is the latest chapter in a 15-year battle between the US and the EU over illegal subsidies for planemakers Airbus and rival Boeing.

The ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) could mean tariffs on EU

goods ranging from aircraft parts to cheese and salmon fillets.

Brussels has threatened to retaliate similarly against US products.

The US first filed the case against Airbus in 2004, arguing that cheap European loans for Airbus amounted to illegal State subsidies.

The WTO decided in favour of the US, which subsequently complained that

Airbus’ A380 was unfairly subsidised, WTO says

the EU and certain member countries were not in compliance with the decision, prompting years of further wrangling.

While the US had wanted to impose tariffs on US$11 billion worth of EU imports in retaliation for the aid to Airbus, the WTO cut that figure to US$7.5 billion – still the largest penalty of its kind in WTO history.

The WTO’s dispute settlement body must formally adopt the ruling, but is not expected to overturn the decision.

The US, which has previously said it would move forward with tariffs, must decide which items it will hit with higher import duties. In April, it published a list of US$11 billion worth of potential targets. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Iraqi security forces open “My best friend”: Khashoggi fiancée fire as protests spread pays tribute year after murder

T

hree protesters and one Policeman have been killed in Iraq, according to a monitoring group, after renewed anti-Government protests in the capital, Baghdad, and several other cities devolved into violence.

The unrest on Wednesday came a day after at least two protesters – one in Baghdad and one in Nasiriyah – were killed and hundreds of people were wounded in clashes between Police and protesters demanding jobs and bet-

ter public services.

The nationwide protests are the largest display of public anger against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s year-old government.

Mustafa Saadoon, director of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, told Al Jazeera three protesters and one Policeman were killed in Nasiriyah during clashes.

At least 78 people were also wounded in the southern city, he said.

On Wednesday, the iconic Tahrir Square in Baghdad

where hundreds of protesters, including university graduates, had gathered the previous day was sealed off by heavily armed soldiers and dozens of Riot Policemen, with some demonstrators gathering around the edges.

Smaller crowds took to the streets in al-Shaab in north Baghdad and Zafaraniya in the south, with Riot Police attempting to disperse them with tear gas and live rounds fired in the air. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bernie Sanders cancels campaign events for artery blockage surgery

T

he 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, 78, has cancelled campaign events until further notice after undergoing surgery.

Sanders was treated in hospital for an arterial blockage after experiencing chest pain at an event in Nevada on Tuesday.

An adviser for the Vermont Senator said he was in “good spirits” and will be resting over the next few days.

Sanders had earlier announced his campaign has raised over US$25 million.

Senior adviser Jeff Weaver said in a statement: “Following medical

evaluation and testing he was found to have a blockage in one artery and two stents were successfully inserted.”

Weaver said Sanders is “conversing and in good spirits” and will be “resting up over the next few days”.

A stent is a small mesh tube used to help keep arteries open.

Receiving stents is “a minimally invasive procedure”, typically with a short recovery time, the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says.

It is unclear how long Sanders will need to re-

A

Mir Osman Ali Khan was once the world’s richest man

princely state, was annexed

by India in 1948 in a military operation – the cash transfer had been made

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a memorial stone for slain Journalist Jamal Khashoggi [Umit Bektas/Reuters]

the consulate; we wanted to go to dinner; we wanted to invite friends to our wedding.

“I stand here broken ...

I want to know what happened to his body,” Cengiz continued.

The anniversary vigil was attended by human rights and media

freedom activists, as well as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard and Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post, the US publication for which Khashoggi was a columnist. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Hong Kong office workers, schoolmates denounce Police shooting of teen

H Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is in the top tier of 2020 candidates

cover from his surgery, and whether it will affect his appearance in the next Democratic debate on October 15. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Family of Indian royals wins £35M court battle against Pakistan

London court has ruled that £35 million (US$42 million) held in a United Kingdom bank account must go to the descendants of an Indian royal, and not to Pakistan.

The dispute began in 1948 when the last Nizam (king) of Hyderabad deposited £1 million in the UK account, held by the then Pakistan High Commissioner. With interest, the sum has grown to £35 million.

The Judge ruled there was no evidence to back Pakistan’s claims to the money.

The origins of the dispute go back to the 1947 partitioning of British India.

Hyderabad, which was a

A

t 13:14h on Tuesday, a minute of silence was observed by Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée and close friends outside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

The time precisely marked the Journalist’s entry into the building on October 2 one year ago, where he was met by a team of Saudi agents who killed him and dismembered his body.

Khashoggi’s Turkish fiancée Hatice Cengiz was one of the speakers to address an audience of dozens heavily guarded by Police and military personnel.

“He was my best friend,” Cengiz said. “Last year today, I was standing here, I was a girl in love, waiting for my man to come out of

shortly before that.

The Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, had not been able to decide whether his state should be in Pakistan or India.

His descendants alleged that he had asked for the money to be returned weeks after the annexation by India took place, but then Pakistan refused to give it back.

The court case had been fought by his family together with the Indian state.

National Westminster Bank, in which the money had been deposited, refused to release the funds to either party until the case was resolved by the courts. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

ong Kong office workers and highschool students turned out in their hundreds under a sweltering midday sun on Wednesday to denounce a policeman for shooting and wounding a teenager during the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest.

During the clash, the officer shot an 18-year-old school student in the chest with a live round after coming under attack with a metal bar, video footage showed. The teen was in

stable condition in hospital on Wednesday.

Office workers marched to Chater Garden in the Central business district as the students, some in the same class as the wounded 18-year-old, demonstrated outside his New Territories school.

More than 100 people were wounded during Tuesday’s turmoil, the Hospital Authority said, as anti-China demonstrators took to the streets across the Chinese-ruled territory, throwing petrol bombs

and attacking Police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon. Five remained in serious condition with 35 stable.

Thirty Police Officers were injured, with five in hospital.

Protesters outside the wounded student’s school, the Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College, chanted “Free Hong Kong”, condemned the Police, and urged a thorough investigation.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

DR Congo: Illegal mine suffers deadly collapse in Kampene

A

t least 14 people have been killed in a collapse at an illegal gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an official says.

Government Minister Steve Mbikayi said a further three people had been taken to hospital with serious injuries. Search efforts are continuing.

The accident occurred at a mine in the town of Kampene on Wednesday.

Accidents are common

in DR Congo’s informal mining sector which has poor safety standards.

Mbikayi said in a tweet that the death toll from Wednesday’s accident was provisional.

Civil society campaigner Justin Kyanga Asumani said the accident happened at approximately 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT) at the illegal mine in the province of Maniema.

He said “dozens of people, including children and

pregnant women” were working on the site when the mine collapsed.

In June, dozens of miners were killed when a copper and cobalt mine in DR Congo’s Lualaba province collapsed.

Reserves of cobalt and other minerals like diamonds, copper and gold, should make DR Congo one of the richest countries in Africa, but its people are among the poorest.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, OCTOber 3, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Be careful how you handle situations that can affect both your personal and professional lives. An offer may sound good, but get what you want in writing before you sign on.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

You’ll thrive in diverse situations. A change will inspire you to take on new tasks and act with confidence. Observe experts and incorporate what you learn.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

A change someone makes will cause you to question their feelings.

Consider what you can do to reverse a situation or problem that could affect your status.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Carry out a change at home that will make your surroundings more inviting.

If you update your appearance, it will lift your spirits.

Getting together with someone upbeat will encourage romance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Keep the peace at home and when dealing with relationship issues.

Overreaction and indulgent behavior should be avoided.

Good results will be dependent on a positive attitude.

LIBRA

Listen and learn. An expert will offer a vast amount of information that can help you make wise choices. A personal change will help you diminish financial, legal or health issues.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

Look for an opportunity to spend time with motivational people. The discussions you have will help you see through someone who hasn’t been honest with you.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll be forced to make a judgment call that may not be liked by everyone.

Base your decision on the facts, with finances in mind.

Walk away from emotional, manipulative people.

Your colorful way of exSAGITTARIUS pressing your feelings, likes (Nov. 23and dislikes will draw all Dec. 21) sorts of attention. Before you engage in chatter, be sure you are sticking to the truth.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Don’t let a mistake that you made in the past be held over your head. Know what and who you are up against, and be truthful in all matters.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You’ll have a chance to move money around or make a change that will help lower your overhead. Don’t hesitate when the opportunity presents itself. Let experience be your guide.

Y’S WORD

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Work toward your goal.

Don’t worry about what others are doing. Stay focused on what will help you maintain the status quo, and avoid getting trapped in someone else’s drama.

thursday, october 3, 2019

19

Sharma hits authoritative century on opening debut before rain holds sway S

ix years after he scored a century on debut, Rohit Sharma resurrected his underwhelming Test career with a smooth and authoritative century in his first innings as an opener. In the company of Mayank Agarwal, he put together India's 13th 200run stand to quickly re-emphasise what a difficult assignment South Africa were on. Agarwal finished the rain-curtailed day 16 short of what could be a maiden Test hundred as, outside the first half-hour when the new hard ball moved a little, South Africa's attack lacked penetration and discipline to put these batsmen through any sustained period of examination.

Faf du Plessis' look at losing the toss said it all. Virat Kohli had turned to speak to the broadcasters, and du Plessis turned back to his camp with a wry, resigned look on his face. This was the eighth straight toss South Africa had lost in Asia, but it is in India specifically that you desperately want to win it. While winning the toss is no guarantee for success for visiting teams, so dominant have India been at home

SCOREBOARD India 1st Innings MA Agarwal not out 84 RG Sharma not out 115 Extras (lb 1, nb 2) 3 TOTAL (59.1 Overs, RR: 3.41) 202-0 Yet to bat: CA Pujara, V Kohli (c), AM Rahane, GH Vihari, WP

Rohit Sharma (left) and Mayank Agarwal were both left unbeaten when play ended on day one

since 2013 that you can pretty much kiss the Test goodbye if you don't get to do what you want at the start.

The despondence was not unfounded. The new ball moved around for about a few overs, and then the South African spinners three of them - showed neither the skills to trouble the batsmen nor the discipline to tie them down. On a slow, dry pitch, the odd edge produced by the quicks didn't carry, and the two batsmen quickly turned aggressive,

hitting seven sixes between them, rendering the in-out fields ineffective.

There was enough discipline at the start of each session before the batsmen capitalised on weary bowlers.

There will be debate around Vernon Philander's selection as one of the two quicks because he bowls mid-120s and doesn't move the ball much in the air. Du Plessis called him one of the two allrounders, which suggests his batting might have got him in ahead of Lungi Ngidi.

Korean golfer Bio Kim given 3-year ban for middle finger gesture

B

io Kim has been given a three-year ban from the Korean Tour after making an obscene gesture to a spectator.

The 29-year-old Korean won the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Open in his homeland but was disciplined after raising his middle finger towards the crowd after being distracted while teeing off.

He was also fined ÂŁ6,750 by the Korean Professional Golfers' Association.

It said he had "damaged the dignity of a golfer with an etiquette violation and inappropriate behaviour".

Kim, leading money earner on the Korea Tour, reacted on the 16th tee of his final round when a smartphone sounded during his swing, and his drive went just 100 yards.

He apologised afterwards, but the video clip went viral and he was ordered to attend a hearing in Seoul.

It is not certain if the golfer - who pleaded for leniency and even knelt in front of TV cameras will be allowed to play other tours around the world.

The PGA Tour said he would not be eligible pending its own review to determine whether to restrict his access to its tournaments. (BBC Sport)

Bio Kim

Philander, though, used his experience and Kagiso Rabada his pace to test the opening pair.

A leave sailed over the off stump, an lbw shout suffered because of extra bounce, an edge fell well short. But that was the extent of the trouble the duo went through. In the first half hour, South Africa managed to keep their control percentages down to 72 and 75, but this was not unusual, nor was the odd play and miss. As the precious little movement faded, the openers assumed control of the Test.

With little pace off the pitch, Philander was reduced to bowling with the wicketkeeper up to the stumps in his first spell itself. Rabada bowled a testing first spell of 6-3-14-0,

Philander returned for a tight spell immediately after, Keshav Maharaj got off to a decent start, but all that managed to do was keep India's run rate under three.

South Africa were playing the long game well until then but they needed depth in their bowling to do so.

Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy brought a visible drop in intensity and consistency, and India were quick to assert their dominance against them. Rohit hit two towering sixes down the ground in the first session, Agarwal got himself a flat one. Rabada came back for a burst before lunch, but the questions he asked now with the softer ball were not as searching as in the first spell. If Rohit was brutal against anything short of a length and good with his feet against spin, Agarwal showed a penchant for expansive cover drives, which he controlled with his wrists, much like his captain does.

Missing the consistency from their spinners, South Africa had to try and buy

Saha †, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, I Sharma, Mohammed Shami BOWLING VD Philander (11.1-2-34-0) K Rabada (13-5-35-0) KA Maharaj (23-4-66-0) DL Piedt (7-1-43-0) S Muthusamy (5-0-23-0)

wickets with smart field placements. They bowled with no point or fine leg, encouraging the sweep and cut, one of which brought a top edge just before lunch.

That, though, evaded square leg and brought Rohit his fifty. India ended the first session at 91 for no loss in 30 overs.

South Africa began with second session with renewed discipline. Philander bowled three overs for seven, Maharaj tied the other end up, but with Rabada not able to replicate the intensity of the morning spell, the flood gates opened. The second hour of the middle session was open season as Rohit went about hitting sixes for fun. The most incredible shot, though, was played

by Agarwal, who brought up his fifty with a wristily driven six wide of long-off.

India were looking to close out the second session and then make another strong start and accelerate in the final one when the rain arrived to put paid to their plans. (ESPNcricinfo)

Pogba out of Europa League Alkmaar tie M

anchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will miss Thursday's Europa League tie at AZ Alkmaar because of a foot injury.

Pogba, 26, played the full game against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup and Premier League game against Arsenal, but is troubled with an ongoing foot issue.

Winger Anthony Martial and defenders Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also miss the trip, but teenager Brandon Williams is included.

United opened their Group L campaign with a 1-0 victory over Astana.

Diogo Dalot and Angel Gomes are available but France World Cup winner Pogba is the big miss for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, although no timeframe was given for his return.

The club said: "Following a specialist's opinion, Paul Pogba requires a period of further rest and conservative treatment for the foot injury he sustained during the game against Southampton in August. Updates will follow in due course." (BBC Sport)

Paul Pogba has failed to score this season

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursday, october 3, 2019

Fitness Express throws support behind Clarke and Campbell – athletes confident ahead of tournament

O

nce again Fitness Express has come on board in support of two of its members, Kerwin Clarke and Emmerson Campbell, as they prepare for the upcoming 2019 Central America and Caribbean Championships (CAC) bodybuilding.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Campbell said, “I’m fully prepared mentally, physically and emotionally. I’m in a good mind state. I’ve circled this date on the calendar for months and I have been sharpening my iron to peak and fulfil my potential. I feel this is my time now. I’m in the best shape of my life, physique-wise. I’m more experienced and con-

fident and I’ll do my best to represent the country and bring the elusive gold back home. This’s my fourth time at CAC and the goal is to win the elusive gold since I’ve earned silver (2016) and bronze (last year) in my last two outings. In my debut in 2015, I placed fourth, so I’ve occupied the top positions except the highest.

The gold is my sole focus. I want to win now.”

Also echoing the same sentiments was Clarke, who stated, “2016 was the last time I was on this level as I attained a gold medal at the competition. In 2017, I suffered a major leg injury; in 2018, I got myself together, but could not have competed due to unforeseen

circumstances. However, it is imperative that I do the show as it is something long overdue. I have been preparing myself despite the challenges and I know that I have trained smartly. I am very confident and ready to go. I am not worried about what is there; I am only going to face what I am expected to face and that is good competition and that is what I am training for to be competitive and successful. I must say thanks to Xie Xie restaurant who have been doing my meal preparations, aiding me towards my success.”

The 46th edition of CAC will be staged from October 11 to October 14 in the Dominican Republic. The

Healy plunders T20I world record with 148*

A

lyssa Healy produced a batting masterclass at North Sydney Oval to set a new world record with the highest score in women’s T20Is with an unbeaten 148 off 61 balls.

Healy’s century came off 46 deliveries, the second-fastest in women’s T20Is, as she plundered 19 fours and seven sixes to carry Australia to 2 for 226 - equaling their highest total in T20Is. The eventual margin of victory was 132 runs to complete the 3-0 scoreline.

She struck the ball magnificently all around the wicket, but her straight driving - both along the ground and in the air - was the standout featured and it was fitting that a straight six took her to the new individual record, surpassing Meg Lanning’s 133 made earlier this year against England in a penultimate over that cost 28. This time Lanning was at the non-striker’s end to admire the innings.

Healy, whose batting has gone to a new level over the last two years, celebrated her 100th T20I two days ago and had looked in supreme form in the first two matches of the series without converting rapid starts but this time took the chance to fill her boots.

She survived two half chances early in her innings when she was missed at deep cover in the second over and then from a tough leg-side stumping in the fourth, but dominated throughout the innings.

There was an opening stand of 59 with Beth

Mooney and then a 109-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Rachael Haynes, also given a life on 2 from another missed stump, who was the latest batter to be given a chance at No. 3 in this series.

Really, though, Healy’s team-mates were mere spectators to the destruction that unfolded.

The only member of the Sri Lanka team who hasn’t looked out-classed in this series has been captain Chamari Atapattu. She escaped the carnage with the ball as she claimed 2 for 27 from her four overs then provided resistance, if not aggression, with the bat.

Having lit up the opening match of the series with 113 she made 31 off 39 balls, before being bowled by Nicola Carey, to take her series tally to 160. Lanning again used plenty of bowling options with seven players given the ball with Carey, who took 1 for 9 off her four overs in the previous match, make the most of her opportunity by nabbing 3 for 15 amid a late flurry of wickets.

Harshitha Madavi, who was tipped by Atapattu to have a bright future, stuck in to make 28 which against such a good attack will only benefit her.

The tour now moves into ODI mode with three matches in Brisbane with Australia’s next T20Is being a tri-series involving England and India at the end of January ahead of the T20 World Cup. (ESPNcricinfo)

team consist of Clarke, fivetime Mr Guyana and CAC gold and bronze medallist Campbell, and Yannick Grimes (Men’s Physique) who will be making his debut at the event. Franklin Luke-Brisport will also attend the event as a judge and manager.

Sponsors of Campbell are Fitness Express, GOA, NSC, Bounty Farm Ltd, and Space Gym. While Clarke is sponsored by Fitness Express, Xie Xie, Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, Innovative Mining, Global Health Care, Prem’s Electrical, Attorneyat-Law Sohan Poonai, and Guyana Olympic House Association.

Kerwin Clarke (left) and Emmerson Campbell (right) have been sponsored by Fitness Express proprietor Jamie MacDonald

Champions League: Liverpool let slip 3-goal lead before Salah hits winner

Mohamed Salah scores Liverpool’s winning goal against RB Salzburg. (Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA)

L

iverpool held off a stunning fightback by Red Bull Salzburg to get their Champions League defence up and running with victory in an incredible game at Anfield.

The visitors trailed 3-0 in the first half but battled back to 3-3 before Mohamed Salah grabbed the winner midway through the second half.

Liverpool lost their Group E opener to Napoli last month but got off to the ideal start in this game when former Salzburg player Sadio Mane struck inside 10 minutes, sweeping home at the near post.

Andrew Robertson turned in a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold before Salah poked a third under keeper Cican Stanokovic.

It seemed as though the game was over as a contest 10 minutes before half-time.

But Salzburg, like Liverpool, have scored goals for fun this season - 40 in nine league games - and began their fightback when Hwang Hee-chan got the better of Virgil van Dijk before scoring with a powerful strike.

The visitors reduced the deficit further when Takumi Minamino volleyed in and the away fans erupted when substitute Erling Braut Haaland tapped in an equaliser - his 18th goal of the season.

Salah finally got Liverpool over the line when he latched on to Roberto Firmino’s header and scored with a fierce strike.

Suarez scores twice in Barca comeback

Alyssa Healy celebrates her maiden T20I century (Getty Images)

Luis Suarez scored a fine double as Barcelona came from behind to beat Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Lautaro Martinez gave Antonio Conte’s Inter a deserved lead and went close to a second, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen expertly keeping out his header.

Suarez levelled with a wonderful volley from Arturo Vidal’s cross.

Then Lionel Messi, on his return from an injury, found Suarez - whose first touch took him past defender Diego Godin - and he

blasted in the winner.

Those were Suarez’s first two Champions League group goals in over three years.

Barcelona, who are unbeaten in 33 Champions League home games, are level on four points with Borussia Dortmund, whom they drew 0-0 with in their opening game, at the top of the table.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dortmund won 2-0 at Slavia Prague thanks to two excellent solo goals by Achraf Hakimi, the first two Champions League goals of the Real Madrid loanee’s career.

Willian volley gives Chelsea win at Lille

Willian’s excellent second-half volley gave Chelsea victory over Lille in their second Champions League group stage match in France.

The Brazilian put away substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross in the 77th minute after Victor Osimhen had cancelled out Tammy Abraham’s opener.

Chelsea sit third in Group H following Ajax’s 3-0 win over Valencia.

However, they have kept just one clean sheet in 11 games under manager Frank Lampard, and none away from home.

The Blues lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation as Lampard handed starts to 19-year-old Reece James and Fikayo Tomori, 21.

Both impressed but Lille were a threat throughout, and came close on several occasions in the second half.

Goalscorer Osimhen, bought as a summer replacement for Arsenal-bound Nicolas Pepe, caused problems in the air and it was his header which brought Lille level only 11 minutes after Abraham had given Chelsea the lead.

Benjamin Andre’s header was tipped past the post by Kepa Arrizabalaga, and the Chelsea keeper had a couple of nervous moments when he was forced to come out to the edge of the box to stop quick counter-attacks. (BBC Sport)

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thursday, october 3, 2019

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21

Guyana’s golfers aim to conquer in Suriname Invitational G

olf rivalry between neighbouring countries Guyana and Suriname will be at a peak this weekend as top golfers from Guyana will be hosted in the country’s annual Republic Bank International Invitational Golf tournament.

The event will commence on Friday, October 4 and run until Sunday, October 6.

The stage was set as Captain Chen Deo on Tuesday night submitted the final handicaps and names of players, who are all excited about representing Guyana.

Defending Suriname Open Ladies champion and former Guyana Open champion (2016), Dr Joaan Deo intends to repeat her win while 2015 Guyana Open Ladies champion and historic 2016 Suriname Ladies A Flight winner, Shanella London and first-time Suriname Open contestant, rookie Eureka Giddings also have their minds bent on winning their Flights.

The men's category will feature nine-time Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud and Guyana Open champion Avinda Kishore, along with Rakesh Harry, Lakram Ramsundar (Panko); George Bulkan; Robert Bulkan; PopeEmanuel London, ANSA McAL Head Troy Cadogan and Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) President Aleem

Some of Guyana’s representatives at the Suriname Invitational of October 2018: Pope-Emanuel London, Peton George, Troy Cadogan, Dr Joaan Deo, Brian Hackett, Videsh Persaud, Shanella London, Parmanand Persaud, Patrick Prashad and Lakram Ramsundar

Hussain.

Guyana performed creditably in 2018 when a team of 22 players represented the country and captured more than 50 per cent of the prizes. Several of the regular representatives of Guyana such as Patrick Prashad, Brian Hackett, Bridgelall Harry and Kalyan Tiwari are unavailable for the Suriname tournament this year, but are keeping in form for the mas-

sive Guyana Open tournament set for October 26-27.

"The main challenge of the Suriname Open will be the fact that the tournament is being played under the Stableford scoring system, which generally allows golfers with higher handicaps to score well," said LGC President Hussain. “But I believe our golfers will again adapt and perform very well."

Meanwhile, second-place

winner in the Men’s C Flight last year, Troy Cadogan said, “I plan to do even better this year, so I scheduled an early arrival to get accustomed to the course.”

Newcomer to the Suriname tour, Rakesh Harry, who is taking the challenge seriously, confessed that he was hoping to contribute to Guyana’s great performance. All the golfers have been practising for this tournament over sever-

al weeks.

The Suriname tournament is the tee-off for major golf tournaments for 2019 in the Caricom Region as annual Invitational Tournaments in Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados will follow in rapid order.

LGC President Hussain expects that Guyana’s golfers will not only perform well in Suriname, but will also claim titles in the other territories.

BCB New York Business Man City forward Group U-19 semi-finals charged by FA over Mendy tweet set for Sunday

T

op youth players in the Ancient County have been battling to claim the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) New York Business Group title.

Four teams will meet in the semis on Sunday, October 6. Rose Hall Town Pepsi will meet Rose Hall Canje at the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre while Tucber Park will play Albion at the Albion Community Centre Ground.

The star-studded Rose Hall Town Pepsi team are the defending champions of the tournament for two successive years. In 2018, they outplayed Blairmont at the Albion Community Centre Ground in a historic pink-ball affair played under lights across two days.

This time around, the Rose Hall Town Pepsi have a crop of national and even a West Indies player in Kevlon Anderson. The likes

of Junior Sinclair and Jonathan Rampersaud will lead the charge for Rose Hall Town. Rose Hall Canje will rely heavily on West Indies Under-15 player Isai Thorne.

Tucber Park will depend on national Under-19 batsman Garfield Benjamin and his Guyana Under-19 teammate Leon Swamy, the fast bowling all-rounder. The likes of Gevon Schultz and the Ramsammy brothers in Zeynul and Abdul will offer support. Albion Under-19s will be led by Guyana Under-19 left-arm spinner, Kelvin Umroa and the crop of promising spinners. Berbice Under-19 batsman Jitendra Outar will lead the Albion batting while wicketkeeper-batsman Antonio February will offer support.

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Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55 Flashback! Defending champions Rose Hall Town pose with their silver ware (Brandon Corlette photo)

M

anchester City's Bernardo Silva has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over a tweet he sent to team-mate Benjamin Mendy.

Silva compared Mendy to the character on a packet of Conguitos - a sweet brand available in Spain and Portugal.

The Portugal player, 25, is alleged to have committed an "aggravated breach" of FA rules as it included reference "expressed or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin".

Silva has until 9 October to respond.

The post was published at 12:44 BST on 22 September but was deleted at 13:30, although Silva later tweeted: "Can't even joke with a friend these days."

The FA subsequently contacted City for their observations, while Silva has written to the governing body to say he regrets the fact his social media post may have unintentionally caused offence.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out criticised the post and urged the FA to act, adding that "racist stereotypes are never acceptable as 'banter'".

In a statement on Wednesday, the FA said Silva's activity is alleged to have been "insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute".

Silva has been repeatedly

Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva also played together at Monaco (Getty Images)

defended by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who said it would be a "mistake" to punish his playmaker for the tweet.

England forward Raheem Sterling supported Silva against accusations of racism, saying it was "a situation between two friends".

Mendy has also written in support of Silva, saying he did not take offence at the tweet.

France defender Mendy and Silva are close friends and played together at Monaco before both joined City in 2017.

A previous video of Silva joking with Mendy has also been passed on to the FA. (BBC Sport)

22

thursday, october 3, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TKR slump to 5th loss as Tridents jump to 2nd B

arbados Tridents kept their hopes of a top-two 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finish alive with a sevenwicket victory over their rivals and defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders.

Having restricted TKR to just 134/8, the Tridents got home on the back of Johnson Charles’ 47-ball 55 to leapfrog their opponents and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Hero CPL table.

The Knight Riders, without a win in their last five after starting the season with four straight victories, now need to beat the runaway leaders Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final match of the league phase at Providence Stadium on Friday night to edge back above the Tridents and reclaim second place.

While both teams are safely through to the playoffs, second place is still a big prize. It brings a place in Qualifier 1 against the Warriors and two shots at a place in next weekend’s final.

The team that misses out faces going straight to the eliminator against the Patriots and no second chances.

Alex Hales showed some glimpses of his best form in a 54-run opening

Johnson Charles continues to lead the Tridents’ batting charts (CPL/Getty Images)

had raced to 31/0 after the first three overs a n d though the chase going right into the final over might not have been exactly the plan, JP Duminy and Ashley Nurse held their nerve to collect the seven runs they needed from Kieron Pollard’s closing over without much alarm.

With wickets in hand, the Tridents always seemed to be in control of a relatively small chase. Although Hales chipped Mark Deyal to cover and Shakib Al Hasan was caught behind, the required rate was always in hand. By the time Chris Jordan yorked Charles for 55, the target was just 25 from 25 balls. Nurse and Duminy used 23

partnership with Charles, hitting six crisp fours and making 33 to get the Tridents well ahead of the required rate early.

While the run-rate slowed after the Tridents

Team

Lendl Simmons continues his brilliant season with the bat

M

W L

T

P

NRR

8

8

0

0

16

1.598

10

5

5

0

10

0.518

ST KITTS & NEVIS PATRIOTS

10

5

5

0

10

-0.105

TRINBAGO KNIGH RIDERS

9

4

4

0

9

0.053

10

3

6

0

7

-0.74

9

2

7

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-1.205

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS BARBADOS TRIDENTS

ST LUCIA ZOUKS JAMAICA TALLAWAHS

of those balls but got the job done.

The Tridents’ star bowlers Shakib Al Hasan, Harry Gurney and Hayden Walsh Jr were all once again impressive as the Knight Riders were restricted on a sluggish pitch.

Shakib bowled the opening over and ensured the Knight Riders’ experiment of sending in Jimmy Neesham as a pinchhitting opener would not pay off. He made just a single before skying a slog-sweep to be caught and bowled.

Walsh Jr struck twice in quick succession to bag the key wickets of Colin Munro and Darren Bravo before Shakib returned to clean up Lendl Simmons, the mainstay of the TKR innings and the one TKR batsman to really come to grips with the pitch. He made

Harry Gurney has been economical in this tournament

SCOREBOARD TKR Innings JDS Neesham c & b Shakib Al Hasan 1 LMP Simmons b Shakib Al Hasan 60 C Munro c †Charles b Walsh 23 DM Bravo b Walsh 6 KA Pollard (c) c Holder b Gurney 20 D Ramdin † lbw b Gurney 18 JPR Scantlebury-Searles run out (Walsh) 0 M Deyal c Carter b Reifer 1 CJ Jordan not out 2 K Pierre not out 0 Extras 3 (lb 1, w 2) TOTAL 134/8 (20 Overs, RR: 6.7) Did not bat: Ali Khan Fall of wickets: 1-4 (James Neesham, 0.5 ov), 2-56 (Colin Munro, 8.1 ov), 3-74 (Darren Bravo, 10.6 ov), 4-104 (Lendl Simmons, 14.5 ov), 5-122 (Kieron Pollard, 17.1 ov), 6-122 (Javon Searles, 17.2 ov), 7-124 (Mark Deyal, 18.2 ov), 8-133 (Denesh Ramdin, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W Shakib Al Hasan 4 0 25 2 JO Holder 3 0 21 0 HF Gurney 4 0 14 2 JP Duminy 1 0 15 0

60 from 45 with three fours and four sixes, with none of his teammates able to pass 23.

Then it was over to Gurney, whose subtle changes of pace and control of line made him close to unhittable. He didn’t concede a single boundary in his four overs despite bowling both in the power play and then at the death. The Knight Riders scrambled just 14 runs from his four overs and lost

HR Walsh 4 0 34 2 RA Reifer 4 0 24 1 • Barbados Tridents Innings (target: 135 runs from 20 overs) J Charles † b Jordan 55 AD Hales c Scantlebury-Searles b Deyal 33 Shakib Al Hasan c †Ramdin b Neesham 13 JP Duminy not out 18 AR Nurse not out 10 Extras 6 (lb 1, w 5) TOTAL 135/3 (19.4 Overs, RR: 6.86) Yet to bat: JL Carter, JP Greaves, RA Reifer, JO Holder (c), HR Walsh, HF Gurney Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Alex Hales, 7.5 ov), 2-89 (Shakib Al Hasan, 12.6 ov), 3-110 (Johnson Charles, 15.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W K Pierre 4 0 18 0 Ali Khan 3 0 23 0 CJ Jordan 4 0 29 1 JDS Neesham 3 0 26 1 M Deyal 2 0 17 1 KA Pollard 2.4 0 17 0 C Munro 1 0 4 0

Kieron Pollard to a slower ball and Denesh Ramdin lbw in the process.

Walsh Jr added a direct hit run out to his night’s work as Javon Searles fell for a duck, while Raymon Reifer got in the wickets column, thanks to one of the stranger catches of the season as Duminy misjudged a Deyal Hoik as it swirled high in the air and fumbled the catch, only for Jonathan Carter to grab the rebound. (CPL)

Final 3 candidates shortlisted for men’s team full-time Head Coach

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) has today shortlisted three candidates for the final stage of the recruitment process for the role of full-time Head Coach for the West Indies Men’s team. The three (3) candidates shortlisted for the final interview stage who progressed from the initial interview stage concluded on October 1, 2019.

A total of six candidates participated in individual interviews lasting up to 90 minutes with the CWI interview panel. Critical areas discussed were applications of cricket specific experience, technical knowledge, performance planning process, performance measurement, performance-driven culture and also CWI’s core values of passion, accountability, respect, integrity and team excellence.

CWI Vice-President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, who is Chairman of CWI’s Human Resource Committee led the interview panel, which also included CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams; CWI HR Manager, Mrs. Oneka Martin-Bird; CWI Independent Director, Mrs. Debra CoryatPatton; and UK based Coaching Educator, Gordon Lord.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt, commented: “I am pleased to see such high quality West Indian talent and experience in the shortlisted candidates for the Head Coach position. I be-

lieve that any one of the three finalists would be an excellent choice as head coach, and I wish them every success at the final stage of interviews. On behalf of the Board and all stakeholders, I want to thank all of the applicants for coming forward to offer their services for this important leadership role. Vice President Shallow and his research and interview team have been most impressive with their efforts to date, and I want to say thank you to them as well.”

The next phase of the recruitment process for the Head Coach of the West Indies Men's team is the final interview, scheduled to be completed by October 11. CWI also confirmed the start of the recruitment process for selectors of the West Indies Men's team panel, the West Indies Women and Girls teams panel, and the West Indies Boys selection panel.

Twenty-one prospective candidates for the selection panels were identified by the Selection System Review Task Force, chaired by CWI Vice-President Dr. Shallow, and eighteen have since confirmed their interest.

The candidates have participated in a firstround exercise which will be used to determine a shortlist for follow-up interviews. The selection panel interview process is planned for comPhil Simmons

Floyd Reifer

pletion by October 18.

The new Selection Panels structure and mandate was approved at the quarterly CWI Board of Directors meeting in Tobago on September 7 and 8, 2019. (CWI) Desmond Haynes

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, october 3, 2019

23

Record-breaking GAW, jaded JT set to light up Providence – possible changes in hosts’ starting XI

By Brandon Corlette

I

t will be a clash of contrasting teams when the top-of-the-table Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and the wounded Jamaica Tallawahs (JT) meet at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

This match will bowl off today, Thursday, October 3 from 18:00h.

The JT are currently at the bottom of the table in what is their worst performance in CPL history. Heading into this match, they will be aiming to defy all odds that are against them. In the last five encounters between these two teams, GAW have defeated JT in four of those matches.

Earlier in this season, GAW entered the JT fortress at Sabina Park and won by 81 runs. The GAW team were at their dominant best, racking up 218-6 with Brandon King and Shoaib Malik scoring halfcenturies.

What they said…

On the eve of another mouth-watering clash between the JT and GAW, Head Coaches and players of both teams shared their sentiments at the press briefing at the Marriott Hotel.

Warriors Coach Johan Botha

was delighted with the team’s performance on the road, and was happy to return to their fortress at Providence.

Meanwhile, JT Head Coach Donovan Miller’s sentiments were the opposite, but his team are looking to finish on a winning note, to give the Jamaican f a n s something to cheer.

With GAW being the first team to win eight matches in a row, Botha

have to play it as we see it, but we have to play our best team on Sunday,” Botha highlighted. The South African highlighted that playing three matches in a short space of time was difficult and it w a s proven in the first

played the best cricket and losing had become a habit for the JT. However, JT have had some positives this season: Glenn Phillips is leading the run charts, but Miller added that the young players in Ramaal Lewis and Shamar Springer have also been a positive sign.

The leading run-scorer in the CPL with 353 runs, Phillips stated that he was trying to do his best and that was scoring runs. Despite the results for the Tallawahs, Phillips has been consistent. A win against GAW for the JT would mean a lot, Miller stated.

Jamaican lad Brandon King leading the batting charts for GAW (CPL/Getty Images)

stated that they would be looking to play good cricket, and the guys were looking forward to playing at home.

With crunch matches set for Friday and Sunday, GAW confirmed that Odean Smith would have a shot in the starting XI. “We just

Hetmyer on a different batting approach Odean Smith set to return to starting XI

leg of home matches.

“The guys had to dig deep against Barbados and we have to give the right guys

Banks DIH throws support behind 8th King Medas/PAF Junior Olympic Games

Triskits Crackers and Cookies Brand Manager Shenisa Fredericks hands over a cheque to founder/ promoter of the event, Andy Medas

O

Head Coaches of the respective teams with players Shimron Hetmyer and Glenn Phillips on the eve of the match (Jemima Holmes photo)

nce again, local beverage giant Banks DIH Limited has come on board as the main sponsor of the Eighth Annual King Medas/Pansy Adonis Foundation Junior Olympic Games.

The event will take place from Thursday to Sunday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

The company presented its sponsorship cheque during a simple ceremony on Wednesday at Thirst Park during which Shenisa Fredericks, Brand Manager of Triskits Crackers and Cookies, made the presentation to founder/promoter of the event, Andy Medas.

Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters said that the company was extremely delighted to be sponsoring the athletics showcase under the

following brands – Triskits Crackers and Cookies, Rain Forest Waters and Malta Supreme non-alcoholic beverage.

“This is a very wonderful programme organised by the King Medas Foundation and we are delighted to be on board once again in a big way as we remain committed to the development of athletics in Guyana,” he added.

Also present at the handing-over were Rain Forest Waters Brand Manager Colin King, and Shaquille Adonis and Ras Kent of the King Medas/Pansy Adonis Foundation.

Medas expressed gratitude to Banks for its continued support of the Games.

The four-day Games will feature track and field events, relays and a road race on Sunday for athletes from three years old to masters level.

Starting time each day is 09:45h.

a break at the right time,” Botha explained.

The Jamaica Head Coach stated that they have not

Guyana’s star batsman, Shimron Hetmyer revealed that he was trying to play for his team rather than for himself.

“Now, I am trying to open up and play more flexible – playing according to situation,

and if that can boost the team, I will continue on that way,” Hetmyer signalled. With 203 runs under his belt at an average of 29, Hetmyer is happy to return home.

“It’s always great to play in front of the home crowd, and with the qualification alongside our name, it’s going to be better for us, and the fans are the 12th man and we try to give our best efforts for the fans,” Hetmyer explained.

Reflecting on his season from a personal standpoint, Hetmyer shared some mixed emotions. “I have given away my wicket in a few games and I had a few scores as well.

I am trying to put my hand up and help the team win the title this year,” Hetmyer highlighted.

The last time Tallawahs visited Providence they won by eight wickets chasing down the GAW total of 174 with 11 balls to spare.

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Boxing

GDF to defend intermediate title this weekend

A glimpse of last year’s intermediate action

T

he National Gymnasium will this weekend become a battleground as it hosts the Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Competition.

The competition – which will run for three days from Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8 –will serve as the second statutory tournament on the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association’s calendar of events.

The competition will precede the Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Competition, which the GBA hopes to punch off at the end of this month.

This weekend’s intermediate competition is expected to feature boxers from all across the country, including the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF); Pocket Rocket; Young Achievers (YA); Harpy Eagles; Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ) and Winston Pompey Warriors Gym.

The tournament’s defending champions, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) boxing gym will also make an appearance this weekend. The likes of Jeremiah Jackman, Jermain Jones, Tamar Forester, Jermain Grant, and Winston Pompey are already well-oiled and ready to help the GDF retain their title. Meanwhile, Jamal Hazel and Emanuel Pompey are already enlisted for the Warriors Boxing Gym, while Shamar Halley and Isaiah Moore box in the Forgotten Youth Foundation’s corner.

The Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Competition was initially supposed to be hosted last weekend, but was pushed back to facilitate the now postponed “Not in My House” Pro Am Card that was scheduled for September 28 at D’Urban Park. The entrance fee this weekend will be $500 each night.

thursday, october 3, 2019

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

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Page 23

Record-breaking GAW, jaded JT set toꟷlight up Providence possible changes for hosts’ starting XI

TKR slump to 5th loss as Tridents jump to 2nd

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